As a nurse practitioner student, I completed my clinical rotation in a rural and underserved clinic in the southeastern United States. Overwhelmingly, I treated patients that suffered from chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Initially, the volume of patients that suffered from mostly preventable conditions perplexed me because many of the patients verbalized the potential adverse effects and complications. Yet, they continued to eat an unhealthy diet. Infamously, the South is known for higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Certainly, I can attest to that statement since a majority of the patients that presented to the clinic experienced at least one of those conditions. So one day, I finally mustered up some courage and asked an older African American gentleman why he snubbed the idea of implementing healthier food choices. Amazingly, he admitted that he had no desire to change his diet because the food symbolized his heritage and doing away with soul food denounced his upbringing.
Because of his sentiments, I decided to research food and its subsequent influence on culture in African American communities. Through my investigation, I stumbled across a dynamic and enlightening documentary entitled Soul Food Junkies, and it explored the significance of traditional food within the African American community. Byron Hurt, director and principal actor, eloquently merged a multi-layered story that explored the significance of traditional food in the African American community and most importantly his family. After watching this short film, I gained incredible knowledge regarding the traditions of family and togetherness that are embodied in the preparation and consumption of soul food. So, as a clinician, I have expanded my cultural competence; as a result, I will cultivate and encourage new recipes that symbolize the traditions but utilizes healthier ingredients. If you are interested in discovering modified soul food recipes, click on the links below.
Also for your viewing pleasure, I have included a link to the full documentary Soul Food Junkies. Click the link below. Thanks for checking out this post! Check us out every day to gain the newest scoop in the nursing world. Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. I am looking forward to hearing from you!
Hi everyone, and thank you for checking out this post! I am so excited about discussing today’s tip of the day because it relates to the importance of personal safety within the nursing workforce. Often, hospitals and institutions mandate the color and style of nursing uniforms or scrubs. Consequently, nurses solely remain in control over the style and choice of their footwear. As a nurse working in an inpatient setting, nurses would express their personal style through their collection of colorful kicks. Some of the nurses would wear lightweight, cloth sneakers like Nike’s Free Style athletic shoes. Time and time again, they expressed great love for this brand because the shoes were breathable and lightweight, which are key while working long shifts. As a new graduate nurse, I must confess that I initially wore athletic shoes. But, I did not choose this style because of the rave reviews but as an act of unconventionality. Basically, I chose this style because I wanted to break free from the conformity of my nursing school dress code. Going into the job, I knew that I had no authority of my scrub’s color and style, but I wanted to make my mark through my colorful selection of shoes. The cost wasn’t the driving force. I just wanted to express my personality and be fashionable. Sadly, personal safety was not at the top of my list until an occurrence with a patient who developed a new and unforeseen case of Clostridium difficile. That experience changed my mind.
At the beginning of your shift, you start-off fresh and clean. In a matter of moments, you get bodily fluids all over your scrubs.
To say the least, this case of explosive diarrhea influenced me to adjust my shoe game quickly. Similarly, the downsides of cloth shoes are that it’s absorptive and difficult to clean, which pose immense dangers for the patient, the nurse, and their families because of the potential for bacterial transmission. Now, one does not want their shoes to be the harbinger of disease like Typhoid Mary. So, I recommend the use of leather-based footwear like Dansko’s clogs. Believe me, I know that they are heavy, clunky, and not the most appealing. However, if you encounter a similar situation, you can literally wipe down and disinfect the shoes in a matter of minutes. Let me be clear, I am not the poster child that disavows the use of cloth based shoes, but, keep in mind that you are making yourself susceptible to potential pathogens if a bodily fluid or chemical spills on your feet. All in all, heed my words, “Choose your nursing footwear wisely. You will never know when your time comes, and you may meet an explosive case of Clostridium difficile.”
Thanks for checking out this post! Check us out every day to gain the newest scoop in the nursing world. Share your thoughts in the comments section below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
Hi, everyone! Some readers may be familiar with the phrase, “Be kind, and please rewind”. But, for those that are not acquainted with that saying, during the ancient times of VHS usage, rental stores requested that customers rewound the VHS cassette prior to it being returned. Seemingly, I know that you are wondering how that saying relates to the topic of nursing. So, I will get straight to the point. At the winding down of your shift, please replace the maintenance IV fluid if it is low. Here is my spin on the popular catchphrase, “ Be kind, and please replace the maintenance fluid if it is almost empty. The oncoming nurse will greatly appreciate the gift.”
As a nurse working in an inpatient setting, you may encounter the opposite. For example, during a hand-off report, I may receive the page, “Ashley, room #732’s IV pump is beeping, and it is saying that the infusion is complete.” Of course, I will hurry down to the room to stop the beeping and determine which IV fluid has infused. Upon arrival, I will discover that it is the maintenance fluid, and the bag is completely barren. Like so dry, it should have been changed 30 minutes earlier. Although, I am now accountable for this patient’s care, the off-going nurse should have anticipated and prepared for this event. Not only is it courteous, but also it illustrates to the patient and your colleagues that you are attentive and a go-getter.
As a new nurse, my preceptor bestowed miniature trinkets of wisdom such as, “Ashley, strive to be early when providing all aspects of nursing care. So, if something unforeseen happens, the likelihood of you being late is low.” Also, she expressed that nursing care is ongoing. But, nurses must strive towards completing all of their duties and minimize the number of uncompleted tasks for the oncoming nurse. First, by doing this, you are limiting potential breakdowns in patient care. Second, you will make the oncoming nurse happy because you are not adding to their plate. All in all, every shift, strive to be a go-getter. Most importantly, before the end of your shift, heed these words, “Be kind, and please replace the maintenance fluid if it is almost empty. The oncoming nurse will greatly appreciate the gift.”
Thanks for checking out this post! Check us out every day to gain the newest scoop in the nursing world. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. I can’t wait to hear from you!
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