Alarm fatigue (aka alert fatigue) is an alarming problem. Nurses and healthcare workers are facing sensory overload that causes real patient harm. Let's discuss what it is, its root causes, the real-world consequences for patient care, and the most important step nurses can take to address this sensory overload issue before more patients are harmed.

Thank you for listening to Nothing But Nursing!

For more info: https://www.apsf.org/article/alarm-fatigue-and-patient-safety/

Listen to this short, 2 minute episode to learn the key facts about the blood-brain barrier (BBB) including what it is, what it's made of, and why it's important. We could talk for hours about this topic, but I condensed it into the most important facts for nursing students and nurses to keep in the back of their mind.

This is the start of my new series called "2 Minutes 2 Know" where we summarize topics into 2 minute overview episodes. Please subscribe if you want to hear more of this series. :)

Let's talk all about defense mechanisms, a concept you might remember from your general psychology and psychiatric mental health nursing courses. I cover the most high-yield, important defense mechanisms that tend to appear on exams.

For each mechanism, I explain it in simple terms, and talk through how a patient and nursing student might employ that defense mechanism, considering that defense mechanisms are something we all use, not just individuals with mental health concerns.

Stick around until the end of the episode for a quiz to test your knowledge!

You're likely familiar with the pop-culture term "Crazy Cat Lady Syndrome," often used humorously to describe individuals, mostly women, who are passionate about cats and have a substantial feline entourage. While it may conjure up visions of cat-filled homes and quirky behavior, it's worth exploring the origins and accuracy of this term, along with what nursing students should be aware of. This term originates from the potential connection between the parasite toxoplasma gondii, found in cat litter, and human behavior. In this conversational episode, we'll talk a little bit about the research that investigates toxoplasmosis and "crazy cat lady" phenomenon, shedding light on its real implications.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449589/

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-infection/article/review-of-toxoplasmosis-in-humans-and-animals-in-ethiopia/0541D17A01BA9ADB7F9E2E8C1B04179C

https://academic.oup.com/schizophreniabulletin/article/33/3/729/1881836

In today's episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mallori, who serves as a board member at Operation Happy Nurse. This is a fantastic free community dedicated to supporting the well-being of nurses. Mallori shares insights into the community's mission and all the different free resources they offer to bolster the mental and physical health of nurses. If you haven't already please subscribe and share this podcast with a friend. I hope you enjoy this interview!

In this episode, let's discuss how interactive challenges, games and virtual experiences have the power to motivate and excite nursing students. For example, I talk about the concept of educational escape rooms, virtual reality simulations and online "video game-like" programs. The gamification of nursing education aims to make learning enjoyable, foster active participation, and enhance knowledge retention.

In this episode, I had the amazing opportunity to interview Rob Oliver to explore patient care from a different angle. Rob is a speaker and the host of the podcast Perspectives on Healthcare. He shares his own experiences with nursing staff. Through the interview, learn how to be a better caregiver by listening to patients, lightening the mood, working with the patient to do discharge planning, and providing emotional support. Join us for a conversation that will help you become a more compassionate and attentive caregiver.

Rob's podcast: https://www.perspectivesonhealthcare.com/

Thinking about a career in nursing? Wondering what it's really like to be a nurse on the front lines of healthcare? Whether you're a pre-nursing student or already on your nursing journey, this episode is a must-listen. Learn why shadowing a nurse is beneficial, discover how to secure shadowing opportunities, prepare for your first shift, and understand what to take away from the experience.

In this interview episode, we dive deep into the world of psychiatric/mental-health nursing with Nurse Nikky. She takes us through a typical shift at her facility, shedding light on the role and responsibilities of an in-patient psychiatric nurse and highlighting the key differences from nurses in other healthcare settings. Nikky also addresses the vital role of families and caregivers in the treatment process within an in-patient psychiatric unit. She explains the delicate balance of involving family and loved ones while respecting patient privacy and autonomy. To prepare aspiring psychiatric nurses, she provides insights into the most commonly seen mental health conditions and medications, offering valuable knowledge for those looking to enter this specialized field.