Pandemic Information

I found a great blog with a lot of information about preparing for a pandemic: Pandemic Information News

On the right hand side is a list of links for preparation and even some of those links have more and more information. I continue to urge health care providers to get prepared now for any emergency or disaster since they are front line responders. We continue to hear about the flu gaining ground and that we are about to enter the prime time for flu, so preparation needs to happen now. Take the time to consider what you would do if a major outbreak occurred and make sure that you have all the items you need now.

Governor fires Nursing Board members

On July 14, 20009, the Los Angeles Times reported that "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger replaced most members of the state Board of Registered Nursing on Monday, citing the unacceptable time it takes to discipline nurses accused of egregious misconduct.

He fired three of six sitting board members -- including President Susanne Phillips -- in two-paragraph letters curtly thanking them for their service. Another member resigned Sunday. Late Monday, the governor's administration released a list of replacements.

The shake-up came a day after The Times and the nonprofit news organization ProPublica published an investigation finding that it takes the board, which oversees 350,000 licensees, an average of three years and five months to investigate and close complaints against nurses..."


We will have to watch for what the fallout/impact/repercussions will be at other nursing boards. I hope the other states do not overreact to the problems in California because there must be balance for regulation to be effective.

Camp Nurses

Sorry there have not been many postings, but summer is here and my husband (and I of course) volunteers to run the local Cub Scout camp. It takes up quite a bit of time which is why my blogging is scare this time of the year. Every year we are so grateful for all of the volunteers that take time off from work to sweat in over 100 degree weather and spend time with the kids. We are always grateful for the nurses that volunteer their time to staff the first aid office. This year kept them quite busy with several kids having heat exhaustion. It brings peace of mind to have trained and knowledgeable nurses available on site. So, to all of you nurses (and others as well) that take time to volunteer your time for Scouts, rescue groups, community services, etc. THANK YOU!!!

Tylenol and Soma

Just a little info in case you missed it: The FDA is proposing restrictions on acetaminophen (Tylenol) because it is the leading cause of liver failure in the US. Soma has also been made a scheduled medication instead of a dangerous drug.