New study makes business case: RNs save lives and increase quality The Commonwealth Fund-supported study, "Nurse Staffing in Hospitals: Is There A Business Case for Quality?" (Health Affairs, January/February 2006), explores different approaches to nurse staffing in hospitals that involve strategies like changing the mix of RNs and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs) or increasing the total number of licensed nursing hours per patient. Based on these models, the study finds that increasing the use of RNs and hours of nursing care per patient could help to avoid more than 6,700 patient deaths and 4 million days of care each year. Doing so can also help avoid negative outcomes, like urinary tract infections, cardiac arrest, or hospital-acquired pneumonia. Mercyhurst's Mandate in Geriatric Nursing Education Report The Hirtzel Institute on Health Education and Aging recently conducted an unprecedented study tracking workforce trends among nurses and their employers in an eight county region surrounding Erie County. Over 200 nurses responded to an electronic survey and focus groups to yield a “rich agenda in health and nursing education for the region,” according to researcher and author Dr. Linda Rhodes. The nursing faculty at Mercyhurst North East is using the study to identify educational opportunities for its students. To review the study in PDF format click here. “Nursing Notes” Student Corner To access a power list of scholarships, grants and loans, receive special news and events relevant to Mercyhurst North East nursing students click here. What Dying People Want powerpoint presentation to nursing students Dr. Linda Rhodes presented a lecture on What Dying People Want to nursing students at Mercyhurst College North East. The presentation identifies six statements from dying people of what they want validated by research followed by slides that offer action steps for nurses on “what this means to you.” You can view the powerpoint presentation by clicking here. The lecture was sponsored by the student nurse's association in response to a survey of Mercyhurst nursing graduates and current students indicating a desire for more education in the area of end of life care. Online Resources for Nurses Link to over 80 nursing-related web sites on nursing associations and organizations, online continuing education programs, online nursing journals, government nursing resources, evidence based nursing sites, nursing standards and general topic web sites relevant to the practice of nursing. These web site picks are brought to you by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. Click here to access online resources. Continuing Education Credits for Nurses, Physicians and Pharmacists on Medicare Part D available online now! This program is designed to educate physicians, nurses, and pharmacists on the new Medicare prescription drug coverage implementation procedures and explain how the healthcare practitioner is affected. Upon completion of this program, the participant should be able to: Explain the choices and benefits that the new Medicare prescription drug coverage offers to all people with Medicare. Review the extra help available to assist those with limited income and resources with the costs of Medicare prescription drugs. Assist patients in comparing Medicare prescription drug plans that will be available in their service area and in choosing the plan that will meet their needs. Counsel patients about how to seek answers to their questions, apply for extra help, and join a Medicare prescription drug plan. Check it out at www.learnmedicare.com Culture Change Movement in Nursing Homes -Why it Matters to Nurses Dr. Linda Rhodes, Hirtzel Institute Director recently presented a two-hour program on the Culture Change Movement in Nursing Homes - Why it Matters to Nurses for the practical nursing students at Mercyhurst North East. Learn about the culture change movement, Person Directed Care Plans, how you can tell a "culture change" nursing home, and how every nurse can make a difference humanizing their work and care environment. Websites and resources are cited for further study and action. You can view her powerpoint presentation by clicking here. State Health Improvement Plans In July 2001, the Department of Health issued the State Health Improvement Plan - SHIP 2001-2005, a model for health planning in Pennsylvania. SHIP emphasizes the prevention of disease and disability, the coordination of resources, interagency collaboration, and improved government responsiveness to community health planning priorities. The Department issues robust reports covering such topics as: SHIP and Healthy People 2010 Objectives State Health Improvement Plan 2001-2005 SHIP Health Care Work Force Reports SHIP Special Report on the Health Status of Minorities in Pennsylvania SHIP Special Report and Plan to Improve Rural Health Status SHIP Student Research Paper Competition SHIP Related Links To view any of these studies, Click here.