What's the real cause of burnout?

Complex cases with often emotionally draining ups and downs are definitely a tough part of working in healthcare, nursing in particular. Especially on oncology units, caring for the seriously ill and dying might seem like the main threat to nurses' mental health. However, Betty Ferrell, PhD, FAAN, FPCN argues that this is not entirely the case; it's her patients who keep her coming back day after day, but the challenges of hospital administrations and workflows cause the most frustration and duress. The next step? Understanding the difference between burnout and compassion fatigue, and how both can be addressed. Read more

FDA gives nod to less cumbersome COVID-19 saliva test —

This past weekend, the FDA granted emergency approval to a COVID-19 saliva test run by the Yale School of Public Health. The test lacks a separated nucleic acid extraction step, and thus eliminates the needs for an invasive swab and collection device. The test will soon be provided at Yale's clinical laboratory, where successful provision could open the test up to other facilities very quickly. While there are still some hurdles (i.e. pricey equipment needed to read the tests), the FDA commissioner is optimistic about the results. Read more

Easing the effects of COVID-19 (and your hangover) may require fewer... shots

When bars open, infections tend the follow. Bars, among some of the worst offenders in terms of the spread of COVID-19—cruise ships, jails, prisons, and factories—are found to be the most conducive to the spread of the virus. Close quarters, often small, stuffy establishments, and the need to remove your mask in order to drink (not to mention to disinhibiting effects of alcohol) are all reasons for the effectiveness of spreading infection. Numerous outbreaks have been linked to bars and nightclubs, and while the owners of these establishments are struggling to make bottom line, the perceived (and apparent) health risks are seemingly too great until we see an improvement in the current situation. Read more

Poop, there it is! —

Historically, fecal transplants (transferring stool from a healthy donor to the patient's gastrointestinal tract to restore a healthy bacterial balance) have been used to treat severe gastrointestinal infections, typically caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria. Recently, however, doctors have—for the first time—used a fecal transplant to treat a rare condition that causes the body to brew its own alcohol. Also used to treat other chronic gut conditions, fecal transplant came to the mind of Dr. Danny De Looze: "Knowing the success of (fecal transplant) in C. diff, I thought it would be a good idea to treat him [our "home brewer"] the same way." Thus far, it looks like the transplant has successfully treated his patient's auto-brewery syndrome. Read more

WHO: We are far from reaching herd immunity —

Keep your masks on, friends. Maria Van Kerkhove, technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic at WHO, says that research thus far estimates that less than 10% of the global population actually shows signs of effective antibodies against the virus. However, it's possible that regions that have seen greater bouts of infection may actually see a higher rate of antibodies in healthy individuals (think 20-25%). This means that the global population at large (upwards of 90% of us) are still incredibly susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Mike Ryan, the executive director of WHO's Health Emergencies Program, believes that until we have a widespread and effective vaccine, we've got a ways to go before we see herd immunity numbers rise. Read more

Overcoming fear during a pandemic —

Let's be real, with the chaos of life today, fear tends to feel ever-present. Should I go to the grocery store? Is it ok to visit my friends and family? Will my kids be able to go to school? How will that play out? While there is nothing wrong with the feeling of fear, allowing it to influence our decisions may be an unintended net-result. This article brings a new awareness to this reality and provides a framework for navigating thoughts and feelings of fear! You are not alone. Read more

Upcoming Events —

Nursing In The Wild - August 27 at 3pm PDT / 6pm EDT
Trusted Health and the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) are proud to present: Nursing In The Wild — a virtual event dedicated to wilderness nursing. From saving lives on the slopes to providing care on remote expeditions, wilderness nursing is a growing field dedicated to providing care in the most unique of circumstances.

If you are wondering how to combine your love of nursing with the great outdoors, then we welcome you to join our hour long chat with three wilderness nursing experts! You’ll hear from three nurses who have forged career paths that are sure to inspire: Linda Laskowski-Jones, Megan Cassidy, and Jason Muise. All nurses are welcome to this event, just make sure you RSVP!