By Angela Totora,MBA/HA, RN, CHP, LBBP Being a nurse of over 35 years in Southeast Louisiana, I have been faced with multiple situations that questioned standards of care. I’m not talking about being sure your patients are getting their medication within 30 minutes of the time it is ordered, or completing that admit assessment within 24 hours of his admission. I am talking about the hard, heartbreaking decisions of events that revolve around saving one

As we continue to battle with the unknown of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inevitable hurricane season is upon us. The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through November 30. An above-average 2020 Hurricane season is predicted according to forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service. Planning for hurricane season and other potential disasters can be stressful, and because the 2020 hurricane season comes during the COVID-19

While thinking about what to talk to you guys about, I was throwing around many ideas.  The holidays are coming – so what about recipes or craft ideas to make gift-giving easier.  The New Year is right around the corner – so what about recommendations on a good self-improvement book.   While tolling through my thoughts, one of our team members heard a nurse say something about a unit “eating their Young” – so what about

Clinician’s Corner Angela Totora, MBA/HA, RN Director of Nursing Marijuana for Therapeutic Use There is a lot of talk about medical marijuana.  Do you know what that means to you as a nurse?  Here are a few topics that might help you understand this complex issue.  Obtaining and using medical marijuana is a complex and somewhat uncertain environment that is created due to the conflict between state and federal laws.  Marijuana is considered a Schedule

Everyone has to start somewhere and when you’re new to travel nursing it can be a lot to take in. It’s smart to understand what’s realistic and unrealistic in the world of travel nursing. Most importantly you should know what is expected of you and what you should expect from your agency and hospital. It’s always better to be over prepared than under prepared when taking your first contract. Make sure to know what you’re

Have you heard the nurse manager say, “that nurse didn’t act professionally?”  What did that mean?  Isn’t it enough to do your job, and show up on time? What else should you do to be seen as acting professionally? Professionalism is demonstrated by you providing the care that you would give to your family, or would want to receive yourself.  We all know what it looks like to be seen as “unprofessional,” but how can