✅ The right way to display your nursing credentials

In nursing, there are various degrees, licenses, and certifications you can obtain through the lifespan of your career. And since multiple options for educational and professional development exist in nursing, the American Nursing Credentialing Center (ANCC), an entity under the American Nurses Association Enterprise, has created a standardized way for nurses to obtain and display their academic and professional credentials. Here's what you need to know about your professional title. Read more

Dr. Fauci applauds nurses for inspiring the next generation —

In November alone there were nearly a million searches on Google for questions like "How to become a nurse?" Between the fast-paced intensity and severe need for more medical professionals—and the higher-than-ever job demand and advertised wages—students across the country are developing a stronger interest in the field of nursing. Some have coined this increase as the "Fauci Effect" or the "Pandemic Effect," but either way, it's a welcome sight for the profession as a whole. Dr. Fauci, after hearing of this novel terminology, made it clear that these are not the results of the "Fauci Effect," but rather the hard work of nurses on the frontlines. Read more

Top nursing school loans of 2021 —

Nursing school students have access to student loans, like any other higher-education program, but they also have the opportunity to receive loan forgiveness based on their career in nursing (especially if they're based in high-need areas). For starters, a federal student loan is a good idea, which can be discharged tax-free after 120 monthly payments (10 years) through Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). To qualify, you must work full-time for nonprofits or government agencies. In addition to federal loans, there are some private loans you can also take advantage of if you need to borrow more money. Continue reading for more insights into these options. Read more

Born-O Uniforms nursing scrubs review —

Last time, we took a look at Poppy Scrubs. This time, we asked some of our most-trusted nurses to try out a fresh set of Born-O Uniforms scrubs for us so that we can help find the right scrubs for you. In this review, you’ll find two nurses' reviews of Borno-O Sweetheart Scrub Top and Ultimate Yoga Jogger Pants. Looking for a new pair of scrubs? See what our nurses thought about these! Read more

Travel nursing with Trusted for the first time —

"As a first-timer, I found working with Trusted to be easier and more straightforward than working with the other agencies I signed up with. It was almost too simple. When I was in the car on the way to Florida, I thought, 'Is there really a job waiting for me?' And of course there was!" – Kasandra Holmes, BSN, RNC-OB, C-EFM. Keep reading to follow Kasandra's experience travel nursing with Trusted for the first time! Read more

Coronavirus Updates

40% of Americans are living near max-capacity ICUs —

Due to the pressure incurred by COVID-19, hundreds of the country's ICUs are at capacity and are quickly running out of both supplies and staff. Since November, the number of nearly-saturated ICUs has doubled across the country, with almost half of Americans living near hospitals that have a mere 0-15% of beds still available. Patients are suffering but so are nurses: “You can’t push great people forever. Right? I mean, it just isn’t possible,” said Houston Methodist CEO Dr. Marc Boom. Concentrations of ICU strain are growing in the southern and western portions of the US, with more than 80,000 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in these areas. As vaccine distribution picks up, hopefully we'll see these numbers stabilize and eventually fall. Read more

Moderna confirms that vaccine protects against mutating strains —

This week, Moderna came forth stating that their COVID-19 vaccine does, indeed, protect against the mutating and emerging strains of the virus. However, they also found that the vaccine seems to be more effective against the virus variant originating from the UK versus the one discovered in South Africa. In response, Moderna will begin testing slightly altered boosters that may be better suited to combating these developing strains. Read more

President Biden reimposes travel ban to slow spread of COVID-19 —

President Biden has reimposed a travel ban on many non-US citizens from entering the country in an effort to limit, or at least slow, the spread of COVID-19 (particularly the newer variants being discovered outside the US). The ban began on Monday and prohibits travel from the UK, Ireland, and 26 other countries in Europe as well as from Brazil and South Africa. As White House press secretary Jen Psaki stated, "We plan to strengthen public health measures around international travel in order to further mitigate the spread of COVID-19." With a acceleration of vaccine distribution, these more stringent measures will hopefully help the US to stabilize its growing cases of COVID-19. Read more

Upcoming Events

Instagram (Recording): The Trauma of Nursing During COVID-19 —

Trusted Nurse Tayler Oakes and trauma-informed therapist Brittany Phillips chatted about what nurses are currently experiencing while faced with the trauma of working during the pandemic. Through a warm and relatable conversation, they discussed common emotional and physical effects of chronic stress, healthy coping mechanisms, and how to get help. If you are a new nurse, experienced nurse, or have someone in the medical field who you wish to support, then please give it a watch! Sending our love and support to all of our healthcare workers right now. Watch the recording️

Instagram (Live): Black Nurses Making History: Remembering Our Past, Prevailing in the Present, and Forging the Future —

As we celebrate Black History Month this February, we want to take time to highlight the accomplishments and contributions of Black pioneers. Even today, history is being made within the nursing community, and we are excited to announce a four-part Instagram Live series that features some of nursing's Black trailblazers. Join us for the first IG Live on February 4 at 5:30pm PST as Kimberly Ellis FNP-C interviews Dr. James Simmons, a Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, about the COVID-19 frontlines, being a passionate on-air medical contributor, and a leading voice at the intersection of the LGBTQ+ and Black communities. All are welcome!️