5 ways to advance your nursing career

We recently hosted a nursing event focused on how you, as a nurse, can advance your career (watch a recording of the event here). Whether it’s through continued education, mentorship, or networking, there are numerous routes you can take to get to that next stage in your career. What were some of the takeaways? Go back to school or seek out various forms of continued education to upgrade your professional title, leverage your past and current experiences for your next role, find a consistent mentor, don't be afraid of networking, and make sure to create a concrete plan for yourself. Read more

Participate in a new study on nurses' health and wellness —

Nurses across the nation are being asked to participate in a new study on the health and wellbeing of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early on in the pandemic, we shared that 30% of nurses reported a decline in their mental health. This new study, led by top nursing researchers at The Ohio State University of Nursing and Trusted Health, is intended to gather further insight into how the nursing industry as a whole has handled this pandemic as well as to understand where there may be opportunities to improve. To read more about this new study and be a part of it, click here: Read more

What is wilderness nursing? —

You are hiking with a friend through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, heading toward a nearby campsite (and at 9600’ feet elevation). Dark clouds have developed in the east, hinting at a possible thunderstorm. Your friend is momentarily disoriented and slips in the mud, his knee bending awkwardly as it strikes a rock when he hits the ground. Do you assess his injuries here or make a dash for the campsite? Medical care in austere environments; yes, it’s a thing. It’s called wilderness medicine, or sometimes referred to as adventure or expedition medicine, and it incorporates a vast list of unique topics, specialties, and perspectives. Are you ready to incorporate your love of the outdoors with your professional abilities? Read on to find out how to get started! Read more

Strategies to best support your kids going back to school

The start of a new school year can be stressful for children in normal times, and now, in the midst of a global pandemic, it's not any easier. David FitzGerald, a child psychologist at UConn Health, says "We need to model calm for the kids at all times, and provide as much structure as possible, especially during these unpredictable times." So, what are some things you can do for your kids? Keep calm and lead by example, even if that means getting up a little earlier to start the day on the right foot. Additionally, do your best to maintain a healthy routine, including a healthful diet, exercise, and sleep routine. Be sure to stay informed about your city and state's current response to COVID-19, and don't rely on social media alone. It's important to be sensitive to your children's thoughts and concerns — let them know that it's ok to discuss their feelings about everything going on. It's important to keep in contact with your child's teacher(s) where possible, and avoid pushing your child too hard, as it could add more acute stress. And overall, look for warning signs or changes in your child's behavior, habits, and eating or sleeping schedules. Read more

Coronavirus Updates

Outbreak in South Korea Starbucks, masked employees unaffected —

A recent COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea occurred at Starbucks, where an infected individual purportedly sat near the establishment's air conditioner. 56 new cases were linked to this event, but none of the employees, who were all wearing masks and gloves during their shifts, were infected. Ultimately, health officials attribute the outbreak to customers not wearing masks as well as a lack of proper ventilation in the store, possibly to do with the air conditioning unit. The takeaway? Masks work, keep wearing them! Read more

First documented case of COVID-19 reinfection —

A 33-year-old man in Hong Kong was confirmed infected with COVID-19 for the second time in less than six months. While his body mounted an immune response, and he did indeed test positive, he appeared to be asymptomatic during the second infection. Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale who reviewed the report, said “The second infection was completely asymptomatic — his immune response prevented the disease from getting worse." The finding is not unsurprising, however, and is rather a textbook example of how the immune system should work. That said, just because the second infection is asymptotic, it doesn't mean that it can't still be passed on to others, underscoring the importance of vaccines. Read more

Nurses missing from the federal COVID-19 task force —

Nurses play an integral role in the public health system, from specialized clinical care to education, are the largest healthcare profession in the US, and have been the most trusted profession for nearly two decades. Yet, nurses are often missing from important decision-making tables and processes that directly affect their own lives and work. Even amidst a global pandemic, many city and state COVID-19 response teams—including the White House's own Coronavirus Task Force—do not include any nurses. If we want to see more solutions to this pandemic, and any number of potential emergencies in the future, nurses must be better represented in decision-making circles. Read more

Airbnb bans parties at its public listings —

Last week, Airbnb announced a "Global Party Ban" on all of its rental properties that will indefinitely cap the number of occupants allowed at one time on a given property to 16 guests. A statement released by Airbnb said, "Some have chosen to take bar and club behavior to homes, sometimes rented through our platform [...] and anyone engaged in or allowing that behavior does not belong on our platform." While upwards of 73% of Airbnb properties already prohibit large gatherings according to individual house rules, smaller events such as baby showers and birthday parties have been allowed at the discretion of the properties' hosts. However, given the current public health climate, as well as evidenced failure of renters to adhere to existing guidelines, this universal ban has become the new norm for the safety of guests as well as hosts. Read more

Upcoming Events

Miss an event? Relive the memories —

We’d love to have you join us at any and all of our virtual events, but we understand that not all events will work with your schedule. Check out some of our past events that you can explore on your own time!