Reading Rainbow: 5 Must Reads for Nurses

1. Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life, and Everything in Between by Theresa Brown

I can't seem to keep a copy of this book. I recommend it to all of my preceptees (new RN grads in the Versant Residency) and have lent it out to more than one! 

2. On Death and Dying: What the Dying Have to Teach Doctors, Nurses, Clergy and Their Own Families by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, M.D.

One word: timeless

3. Becoming Nursey by Kati Kleber

I have followed the author Kati's blog since I was in nursing school. (We won't do the math on how long that has been.) Kati is smart, hilarious, and the kind of nurse we all want to work with. I also recommend this book to my preceptees.

4. I Wasn't Strong Like This When I Started Out: True Stories of Becoming a Nurse by Lee Gutkind 

This is an excellent read for all nurses, regardless of experience or specialty. It's also one that can be read over and over and over again.

5. The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder by Charles Graeber

This book is about Charlie "The Angel of Death" Cullen, the New Jersey nurse who killed over 300 of his patients. I have had this book on my reading list since it was first published. One of these days I will have some spare time to read for pleasure...

What is your favorite nursing book? What are you reading right now?

This is not a sponsored post.

State by State Legislative Happenings

You can find legislative updates for your state here. AANP (American Association of Nurse Practitioners), you rock. And not just because the images on the site are of the Texas state capital!

You can view AANP membership benefits (cough cough certification exam discount) and join here.

This is not a sponsored post.

IChooseNPs.com

The TNP (Texas Nurse Practitioners) recently started a petition campaign. The purpose? To illustrate to Texas legislators the state’s NEED for APRNs (advance practice registered nurses) to have the authority to practice to the full extent of their clinical ability (aka scope) and to do so without unreasoned barriers. If you have previously read this blog or are in any way connected to me via social media, you know ALL about this. (I should probably thank all of my non-nursing friends for not unfriending or blocking me. I have got to get around to finishing the blog's Facebook page...)

Well guess what, guys. The TNP campaign is working!

Over 200 NPs (nurse practitioners) gathered at the Capital earlier this month for the TNP Round the Capital on March 4th! The TNP Public Affairs Director (leads lobby efforts, handles press, etc.) reports we are making waves and that legislators are taking notice. We even made the news! You can watch the news story here.

The TNP will hold another Round the Capital Session on April the 8th. You can register here. And you can join the TNP here.

I encourage you to spread the petition’s website www.IChooseNPs.com near and far! You can learn more about the bills (SB 751 and HB 1885), sign the petition, and send an email to your legislator requesting their support.

It is so simple: If APRNs are able to practice to the full extent of their scope, Texans will have greater access to healthcare. Period.

Plus, all the cool states are doing it. Check out this map.

This is not a sponsored post.

Nurse Corps Scholarship

The 2015 NURSE Corps Scholarship application cycle is now open. The deadline is May 21st. You can apply here.

Highlights of the program include:

-Offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Health Resources and Services Administration

-As much as half of the award funds are reserved for students pursuing a master’s level nurse practitioner degree*******

-Participants receive:
tuition
eligible fees
other reasonable costs (books, clinical supplies, instruments, uniforms)
monthly stipend of $1,316

-Upon graduation, recipients work at a "Health Professional Shortage Area" facility for at least 2 years, earning the same competitive salary and benefits as any new hire

Hope this helps!

This is not a sponsored post.

Erin Go Bragh

Happy St. Patrick's Day from your favorite Irish nurse!

It's spring break here in Austin. SXSW is in full swing and I for one will be avoiding ALL of it. (I more than got my fix today at the airport.) I will be "busy" sleeping, spending time with my family, and (finally!) writing. I can't wait to share with you guys my summer plans! I also have some legislative updates. Good stuff is coming. I promise!

Legislative Update #348372

Wonderful news! HB 1885 and SB 751 have been filed! Thank you Representative Bell and Senators Rodriguez and Burton!

There is an electronic petition via the TNP (Texas Nurse Practitioners) that we must SPREAD LIKE WILDFIRE! Send it to your colleagues, family, friends, enemies, everyone! You can sign the petition here: http://www.texasnp.org/?page=ichoosenps You can also enter your mailing address and an email will be sent to your representative requesting their support. It takes less than 5 seconds. Seriously.

Don't forget you can stay up to date on legislative happenings here: https://texasnp.site-ym.com/?84LegSession

I apologize for the short post, but I am drowning in school work. Hope everyone's having a great week! I will leave you with a message from the fridge at school. It wasn't even me and I love it!