NurseZone Newsletter | 10-3-2008

By Debra Wood, RN, contributor

In response to a recent number of high profile deaths involving anticoagulants, the Joint Commission issued a safety alert urging health care professionals to be more aware of the problems and mistakes that are associated with blood thinners. With anticoagulants, there is a fine line between life-saving and life-threatening doses.
 
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By Amanda Sounart, associate editor

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced a new infection control initiative aimed at hospitals across the country in an effort to curb the spread of hospital associated infections. The department estimated that these infections affect 1.7 million patients every year and cost almost $20 billion to treat.

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By Debra Wood, RN, contributor

Scientists are continuing to find genetic connections to common illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and asthma. Some treatments already vary depending on a patient's genetic makeup and research is now underway to further tailor care according to genetic profiles.

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By Christina Orlovsky, contributor

As hospitals prepare to face new regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which will no longer provide reimbursement for costs associated with hospital-acquired infections, the focus on infection prevention has been thrust into the forefront at facilities nationwide. One key process continues to receive attention as an easy, effective method of infection prevention: hand hygiene.

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By Susan Kreimer, MS, contributor

Even with metastatic breast cancer, a glimmer of hope can prevail. Just ask Ellen Moskowitz, president of the volunteer Metastatic Breast Cancer Network, which has 820 female members nationwide.

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