Editor’s Letter

This is my first newsletter for Nurse-Recruiter.com. I am looking forward to writing articles which can provide you with knowledge and useful information. Mostly, I am looking forward to hearing from the nurses themselves; hearing your news, your hopes, your dreams and even your fears. I think about my own experiences and the role that nurses have played in my life. As a mother of four, I clearly remember that when my children were born it was a nurse who held my hand, who helped me breathe, who helped me push and cheered me on. Smart, funny, caring nurses who later consoled my children when they were sick or scared.

And now I embrace the patient nurses who have helped me deal with middle-age health woes. I salute all of you wonderful nurses who make a difference in our world!

H1N1

By Sarah Rowell Nurse-Recruiter.com

It seems that every time the news is on, H1N1 is being mentioned. A short recap will put the H1N1 news in perspective and help nurses prepare for the upcoming flu season. The H1N1 influenza first appeared in early 2009 and it quickly generated a public uproar. It resulted in countless hospitalizations, closed schools and a general feeling of panic. According to the CDC, the 2009 H1N1 is a new influenza virus that has been spreading from person-to-person worldwide. It was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June of 2009. Originally, the virus was referred to as "swine flu" because laboratory testing showed that there were similarities to the viruses that occur in pigs in North America. Further studies show that this virus is very different. The 2009 H1N1 spreads in the same way that seasonal flu spreads which is from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people who are infected. People can also become infected by touching something that has the flu viruses on it and then consequently touching their mouth or nose.

The symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A large number of people with the virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting. Illness from the H1N1 has ranged from mild to severe. Although most people have recovered without needing medical treatment, hospitalizations and deaths have occurred.

So what can nurses do about the H1N1 virus? It is important for nurses to become an educated voice of reassurance for their patients, their families and the community in which they serve. Situations such as a pandemic can produce much anxiety. The constant barrage of information in the news and on the internet can invoke more sense of a threat than actually exists. Nurses should take the initiative to educate themselves in the recent public health data released by the CDC or other reputable public health organizations. By following their employer's guide to infection control, nurses can help prevent the spreading of germs. In addition, nurses should educate their patients on proper infection control.

Finally, the best way nurses can protect themselves is by getting vaccinated. The American Nurses Association recommends that nurses get vaccinated against both H1N1 and the seasonal flu. The CDC's director, Thomas Frieden, M.D. agreed and said that protecting health care workers is critically important. They are the first line of defense, he says, and we need to make sure we do everything we can to reduce their risk of becoming ill. Early data indicate that a single dose is likely to produce a protective immune response in a healthy adult, an NIH official said on September 11, 2009. Once the dosing schedules are finalized, the vaccine will be ready by late October. The latest news is that the vaccines will come in shipments over the next few months. For further details and to keep up on the latest H1N1 information, please visit the CDC's H1N1 web site. www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/swineflu_you.htm

 

Remember Days

By Rashmi Sharma submitted for Nurses On The Go Oct 2009

As a usual night shift, I was taking handover from my co-worker from previous shift. She continued her patient reporting, and I was being attentive throughout that. She mentioned about a new patient admitted during her shift. After receiving report from her, I headed to see my patients. I happened to know other patients since they were there for a while. When I moved toward the new one I saw a cute little boy caressing his doll in his bed. When I approached him by calling his name, he smiled and said "Hi, I am fine. Are you here to play with me?" I smiled back and replied. I was so pleased to see that little wonder until I remembered his diagnosis. I asked to myself, Is this the one who is battling Leukemia? At the same time, I asked god about the little one's fault to be cursed that way. I got no answer and feel like crying. But soon I maintained my composure and involved in the routine work. Later that night I could not talk to him because he was on a sound sleep. At the morning, when I went for the routine assessment he asked me what his vitals are and I told him the findings. I was surprised when a 4 year old kid behaved that way. I was shocked again when he asked me about his treatment plans and his role. He also took my breath away when he asked me not to be surprised by his actions because he knows that he has Acute lymphoblastic leukemia( he even know the type) and wants to involve in the treatment process. I was completely wordless to see a 4 year old child speaking like that. After a while, my shift was over and I had to leave. It was also my last night that week so I was kind of excited for up coming day off.

That day at home I tried to get rest but couldn't. I was thinking about that smart kid and his nice smiling face. It was not the first time I saw a kid in that situation, but surely it was the very first time I saw a kid acting like an adult. I tried to distract myself from thinking of him and started to watch movie. It helped me a lot when my friend asked me to go for a shopping. We went to a beautiful shopping mall, and bought some fancy dresses. The other day passed the same way.

Again, it was time for my day duty. Once I entered the ward, I was looking forward to see that wonderful child. After the nursing reporting, I came to know that he is on Induction therapy of treatment. My co-worker also mentioned that he helped to select the vein for IV insertion. I could not be more stunned. Later when I went to see him, he screamed, "Oh you were the night nurse the other day, I recognized you, did you take enough rest?" My heart melted after hearing that. I knew I was being emotional and weak too. I could not resist and cried in the bathroom. At that day, I got chance to talk with his parents. I was so cheerless to know that he is their only kid. The father seemed to be brave but the mother could not hold her tears. I actively listened to them, whatever they had to say and also answered some queries they had. They were so proud of him.

Days passed watching his magical ways of handling his problem. Each day with him was a learning day for me. His braveness, courage, hopes taught me a lot. After 14 days of hospitalization he was discharged. He was so happy to go home and had a plan about things he wanted to do. We were also glad to send him home with improved condition. After some time we heard that he is receiving further treatment at nearby hospital from his home. His father used to call us at times.

After a year and half, when I was visiting one of my relatives at the same city, I ran into his parents. I saw a newborn baby with them, but I did not see him. I was so terrified so ask about him, but I did. His father replied, "He is with us". I was so relieved until I found out the truth. When we further talked, I came to know that he did not survive from the Consolidation therapy. It was so hard for me to hear that during his last moments he asked a promise from his parents that they will have another baby soon.

I still remember when he said this "If I die, you all should remember my days before I die, not the day I die". He was brave, courageous, hopeful, hilarious, funny, amusing, adorable, charming and so on. I could not be more inspired by anybody else.

 

 

 

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