Dear Colleagues,
The warm days of summer are upon us and that’s my call to step away from my desk and find a relaxing spot to catch up on my reading. As I make plans to head to my own little corner of the world, I recognize that my summer reading recommendations are reflective of big social issues impacting the health of patients and populations. Nurses, globally, are being called on to learn about these issues and integrate interventions into practice that can improve health outcomes. My hope is that you will find that my shared readings and resources offer you that support. As I close this note to you, I can’t help thinking, nurses working together whether side by side or across the oceans, really do make the world more than a little better.
Kelly
Kelly Kruse Nelles MS RN APRN-BC
Executive Director
National RN Practice Development Center LLC
First Ever U.S. Surgeon Generals’ Report: Firearm Violence: A Public Health Crisis in America (Released June 2024)
Important implications for nursing practice. U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has issued a landmark Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, declaring firearm violence in America to be a public health crisis. This advisory is the first publication from the Office of the Surgeon General dedicated to this issue, and it outlines the devastating and far-reaching consequences that firearm violence poses to the health and well-being of the country. (Downloadable PDF) https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/firearm-violence-advisory.pdf
Insights into the U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison
(The Commonwealth Fund, June 2024) U.S. Maternal Mortality Crisis: An International Comparison | Commonwealth Fund
Important policy solutions. Black women continue to die from pregnancy and childbirth complications at unacceptably high rates, and U.S. women overall are more likely to die from maternal complications than women in other high-income countries. With policies and systems in place to support women during the perinatal period, several high-income countries report virtually no maternal deaths. These countries may offer viable solutions, as policymakers and health care delivery system leaders in the U.S. seek ways to end the nation’s maternal mortality crisis.
Reducing Bias Against People with Substance Use Disorders
(AJN, Jan 2024)
Population Specific Nursing Practice Recommendations. This article reviews the consequences of addiction stigma (labeling, stereotyping, or discrimination) and the steps nurses can take to reduce biases related to substance use. A case scenario is used to guide a discussion of opportunities for nurses to intervene and improve care. (2 Hours NCPD Available)
Inside India’s First Heat Stroke Emergency Room
(BBC, June 2024) India heat: Inside Delhi’s first emergency room to tackle crisis (bbc.com)
Extreme Heat News Report. India’s unprecedented heat (104°F) since May coupled with water shortages and power outages has resulted in a significant increase in deaths due to heat stroke. This report describes how one of Delhi’s largest hospitals has responded by opening a heat stoke emergency clinic to save heat stroke patients in response to the challenges of climate change and health emergencies.
NEW! Heat.gov
HEAT.gov – National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Bookmark this Practice Resource. Extreme heat events are also impacting the U.S. Heat related illnesses and death are largely preventable with proper planning, education, and action. Heat.gov serves as the premier source of heat and health information for the nation to reduce the health, economic, and infrastructural impacts of extreme heat. Daily updates on U.S. extreme heat events accompanied by actions nurses can take with patients and populations are provided in the orange toolbar located at the top of the page.