Interesting news stories related to nursing I found today:

Bangalore, March 29 : The fledgling health sector in India is facing a 50 percent shortage of nursing staff due to demand outstripping supply and many female nurses preferring to work overseas for higher compensation, a senior health official said Thursday….More at 'India faces 50 percent nursing shortage'

This is a GREAT article on 10 things all NP's MUST have. A great read.

1. Smartphone– I’m sure most of you know this by now but I can’t stress it enough. Whether is the Apple iPhone, Motorola Android, or Blackberry, smartphones just may be the most valuable tool a nurse practitioner student can have. They are light, portable, and can free you from all those printed books!

2. E-Reader or iPad – Another reason to replace those printed textbooks. Download them for a fraction of the cost, from an e-reader store instead!

3. Littmann Cardiology III Stethoscope  or Littmann Master Classic II Stethoscope depending on your budget. Littman is the leader in stethoscope sound quality and durability.

4. Dr. Mom Professional LED Fiberoptic Otoscope  – My favorite otoscope! Uses Full Spectrum white LED Light Similar to Sunshine, allowing you to see more clearly.  Pus, the LED bulb is virtually indestructible and is warranted for life to never go out.

5. White, Pressed Lab Coat– You are representing nurse practitioners, always look professional. When you graduate, have your name, NP embroidered on it.

6. Omron’s Aneroid Sphygmomanometer – Whether you’re working in the office or out in the field, always be prepared to take a manual blood pressure by carrying your own sphygmomanometer.

7.  Student NP Association Membership – Join a local and/or national NP group or association such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP). It is their mission to promote excellence in NP practice, education and research.

8. Monthly Subscription to The Nurse Practitioner – Written by and for NPs. Stay up to date and earn CEUs with the American Journal of Primary Healthcare.

9. Medical Tote Bag – To help you carry all those books and papers. Check out different styles at Hopkins Medical Products.

10. Malpractice Insurance – Although reported NP malpractice is extremely low, you may still want to consider malpractice insurance to protect you and your family in the event of a lawsuit….More at 10 Things All Nurse Practitioner Students Should Have

Cute video.

Below is a press release issued today by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) about the new Academic Progression in Nursing (APIN) initiative being led by AACN and our colleagues on the Tri-Council for Nursing (American Nurses Association, American Organization of Nurse Executives, and National League for Nursing).  This ground-breaking national initiative was launched by the Foundation to take decisive action toward achieving the IOM report recommendation that at least 80% of the Registered Nurse workforce hold at least a baccalaureate degree by 2020.

“The IOM’s recognition that nurses must achieve higher levels of education to meet the demands placed on today’s nurse is consistent with AACN’s call to prepare a more highly educated nursing workforce,” said AACN President Kathleen Potempa. “AACN stands ready to work with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Tri-Council organizations to ensure the seamless progression of nurses into baccalaureate and higher degree programs in the interest of enhancing patient safety and preparing nurses for safe practice. Realizing the goals set forth in the IOM report related to the educational preparation of nurses will propel the profession forward and better position nurses to become full partners in reforming our healthcare delivery system.”…More at RWJF Launches Initiative to Support Academic Progression in Nursing

This is something I was impressed with by Johnson & Johnson.

Washington, D.C., March 6, 2012 — Today, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) announced that the Johnson & Johnson Campaign for Nursing’s Future has renewed its support for the Minority Nurse Scholars Program. Designed to address the shortage of nurse faculty and enhance diversity among nurse educators, this collaborative effort provides generous financial support, mentoring, and leadership development to graduate students from minority backgrounds with aspirations to teach in our nation’s schools of nursing….More at Johnson & Johnson Campaign and AACN Extend Minority Nurse Faculty Scholarship

Another nice read I wanted to share.

WASHINGTON, D.C., February 21, 2012 — Dedicated to enhancing end-of-life care through nursing education, the ELNEC Consortium has reached a new milestone by hosting its 100th train-the-trainer program in Los Angeles on January 26 and 27, 2012. Over 200 nurses, physicians, social workers, and chaplains attended this landmark event, which attracted participants from 28 states and 4 countries (Canada, Mexico, South Korea, and Taiwan). Four ELNEC courses (Core, Pediatric Palliative Care, Geriatric, and Critical Care) were held simultaneously to meet the unique needs of those working in acute care hospitals, hospices, homecare agencies, long-term care/skilled nursing facilities, clinics, and schools of nursing….More at Groundbreaking ELNEC Program Reaches New Milestone

A nice video to watch.