15 things they didn't tell you in nursing school

In Part I of "Things They Didn't Tell You in Nursing School," we shared 25 things that you’d likely learn only after graduating nursing school. We told you that simply because nursing school might be over, it doesn’t mean that there’s not more to learn. In this new piece, we cover 15 more things that they didn’t tell you in nursing school, that we’re sharing with you now! One example? Go with your gut! If something doesn't feel right or seems off about a situation or patient, respect those feelings and act on them! How many times have you or someone you know acted quickly and caught something that was maybe even lifesaving? Read more

Thinking about APN credentials? —

There are seemingly endless career options for nurses, and advanced practice nursing is among the most popular avenues. Deciding to pursue an advanced nursing role can be confusing all the way down to the 20+ acronyms for nurse practitioners that exist. In this new piece, we discuss (1) how to decide which avenues you should consider, (2) the required steps to apply for an advanced practice nursing degree, and (3) your financial options for funding an advanced practice education. If you're considering going back to school and leveling up your nursing career, you should give this a read first! Read more

Increase in nonfatal ADHD ODs in children and young adults —

As ADHD and other stimulant medications are increasingly prescribed to youth, we're beginning to see an increase in nonfatal ODs. Over three years, the occurrence of nonfatal ODs grew among these three age groups: 0 to 10 (+3.3%), 11 to 14 (+4%), and 15 to 24 (+2.3%). The causes are assumed to be an over-reliance on these medications, weak efforts to identify children at risk of overdose, and a lack of education on safe storage of prescription drugs for parents and guardians. As Douglas Roehler, an epidemiologist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, states: "Stimulant prescribing has been on the rise among youth, and as more prescribed stimulants are in the public, there is greater potential for misuse among all populations." Time to be more mindful of when and what we prescribe. Read more

Smartwatch app used to prevent PTSD nightmares —

Tyler Skluzacek had been acutely aware of his father's ongoing fight with PTSD that began after his father served in Iraq. When Tyler heard about a hackathon focused on creating apps around PTSD support, he jumped at the opportunity. He created an app that—much like a support dog—will gently vibrate when it detects that the wearer's heart rate has gone too high while asleep (often indicating a nightmare). Doing so can help to calm the wearer or pull them out of a REM sleep cycle, often lessening the negative impacts of a PTSD nightmare. Recently, Tyler's app was approved by the FDA, as they believe it can help other people also suffering from PTSD. If you feel like a tool like this would be helpful in your own life, you can click here to learn more about the app. Read more

Please tell us what you need for your mental health —

Trusted is actively seeking more mental health and wellness resources for our nurses. Please take a few minutes and let us know in this survey which types of resources would best support you right now. Thank you and stay safe ❤️ Take survey

Coronavirus Updates

FDA approves the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine —

The FDA just completed their review of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, finding it to have a “favorable safety profile, with no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude issuance of an emergency use authorization.” This approval is a response to the November 20 emergency use authorization request from Pfizer-BioNTech to begin public distribution and usage of the vaccine. As you've likely heard, the vaccine was successfuly administered to its first public patient, a 90-year-old woman in the UK, earlier this week. Yesterday, the FDA's vaccine review committee voted to grant emergency use authorization of the vaccine in the US within days, if not sooner. This is hopefully a sign of good things to come. Read more

Need a nurse? Got $8,000? —

As the demand for nurses across the country increases even further, some nurses are leaving their staff positions to pursue more competitive travel nursing pay packages. Now, facilities everywhere are in a bidding war for these nurses, where hospitals are willing—or must—pay exorbitant amounts to secure bedside nurses. While the pay may range from $4,500–$8,000 per week (up to 900% above a normal weekly rate), this financial incentive is causing nurses to leave public hospitals in search of contracts in more affluent areas that are unable to care for their critically ill patients. While these nurses are making very difficult decisions for their, and their family's, wellbeing, the short-staffed facilities that are being left behind are also experiencing a serious struggle. Thanks, 2020. Read more

COVID-19 entering a darker place over the holidays —

As COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths hit record levels, the impact of holiday travel is already being felt across the country. New Mexico recently surpassed 103% ICU bed capacity, and California is again returning to state-at-home orders. A growing amount of medical experts are preparing frontline workers and hospitals to make a shift to "crisis-care mode," where hospitals are forced to make painful life-and-death decisions once overwhelmed. This means that too many patients and not enough staff will lead to an emphasis on triage care, a necessary but nonetheless difficult last resort. Read more

What if you test positive for COVID-19 this holiday season? —

So, what happens if you test positive for COVID-19 over the holidays?
1. You must isolate yourself from others as soon as you can.
2. Those that live with you as well as any other close contacts should quarantine and isolate themselves as well.
3. Assess and monitor the severity of your symptoms; know when and how to seek emergency care (if you experience any of these symptoms, consider calling your PCP right away: "trouble breathing, chest pain, blue lips, confusion, being unable to tolerate food or drink, weakness or feeling like you can't stay awake.")
4. If you haven't already, contact your PCP, but keep in mind that there is no "magic pill."
5. Don't forget your mental health (this is a tough time on everyone, regardless of how confident you feel in your own mental wellbeing).
6. If at 10 days your symptoms persist, continue isolating and reach out to your PCP again.
7. Make sure others understand what it's like, what you went through, and how they can avoid going through the same thing.
Stay safe out there ❤️ Read more

Upcoming Events

12/13, 11am PST: Instagram Live Discussion On Mental Health —

Our jobs have always been tough, but with COVID-19, nurses and other healthcare workers are experiencing burnout, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD in unprecedented numbers. Trusted Community Ambassador Lauren Rodriguez, a CVICU nurse, is no stranger to the physical and emotional toll that nursing can take. She will be chatting with therapist Meghan Watson this Sunday on our IG LIVE. They will discuss the current mental health crisis affecting nurses and other healthcare workers, concrete strategies to combat stress in the moment, and how you can get professional help if needed. Instagram page

💃 12/16, 3pm PST: Trusted Holiday Party ~ Sangria and Secrets with Drag Queens —

We're beyond excited to invite you to our first virtual holiday party... and this one is fit for a queen. If you're one of the lucky nurses who snags a spot to this experience, you'll be treated to AirBnB's top-rated virtual experience: Sangria and Secrets with Drag Queens. This 90-minute sangria-making and drag show phenomenon is chock full of joy, fun, and Portugal's best drink! RSVP