The ANA and Professionalism
The Social Policy Statement: Nursing's Wrong Turn?
An in-depth critique of the ANA's 1980 document and its consequences on bedside care and nurse management positions.
Whose 'Profession' Is It Anyway?: Diploma Nurses, You Have Been Undervalued
A passionate defense of diploma nurses and a rebuttal of claims that they aren't "professional" enough, highlighting the value of practical learning versus theory.
Beyond the Letters: Do Academic Credentials Guarantee Competence?
A call to move beyond paper qualifications and look to more relevant competencies such as bedside clinical practice and patient outcomes.
The Arrogance of 'Neo-Nurses': Is it All About Degrees or Patients?
A challenging essay criticizing the dismissive attitude towards diploma and LPN/LVN nurses, calling for respect regardless of job classifications.
The Myth of Self-Regulation: Who Watches the Watchers at the ANA?
A critique suggesting an independent investigation by multiple governmental and regulatory agencies, calling for greater accountability.
It Is About Care Not Social Work
An examination of how social and political ideology should not overshadow the primary focus of providing skilled healthcare.
Enough is Enough! Stop Labeling Staff Nurses!
A discussion highlighting the importance of respecting all bedside providers and eliminating demeaning labels within the profession.
The Loss of Hands-On Skills
Where Did 'Real' Nursing Go?
An overview of working in areas that focus on fundamentals and the solid basic core that makes every caregiver shine.
The Bedside is Not a Dirty Place
A reminder that caring and serving others through hands-on activities is the root to restoring wellness for the ill.
Charting and Notes do not Equate To Doing or Accomplishing
An examination of the balance between documentation and actual patient care, emphasizing the importance of hands-on care over paperwork.
Beyond Paper and Screens
A critique of checkbox healthcare and the importance of individual decision-making based on patient needs.
Intubation: Only If You Are at a Bedside
A discussion about the importance of practical skills training and mentorship in nursing education.
Patient is The Term to Remember
An exploration of terminology in healthcare and the importance of maintaining focus on the patient as a person.
Challenging Current Systems & Practices
Magnet Status: Who Benefits Most, Hospitals or Patients?
A challenge to programs that may prioritize institutional recognition over genuine patient care improvements.
Registered Care Technicians: A Band-Aid on a Systemic Wound?
An analysis of alternative solutions to nursing shortages and their implications for patient care.
Why I Will Never Use A Check-List
A critique of standardized healthcare approaches and the importance of individualized patient care.
The Nursing Shortage: Not an Act of God
Examining how policy failures and undervaluing certain aspects of nursing practice have contributed to staffing shortages.
How To Be Clinically Proficient Without Formal Academics
An exploration of the value of practical experience versus academic credentials in nursing.
Are Nurse Managers In a Position to be A Voice At All?
A critical examination of leadership roles and their connection to bedside nursing realities.
Stop Mandating Unrealistic Standards
An overview of how the public does not benefit from mandatory changes to viable processes, advocating for practical experience over paper policies.
Personal Reflections
My Encounters with Angels and Devils
Reflections on the mixed experiences throughout a nursing career, focusing on those who demonstrated genuine care.
What my Dad, a WWII Vet, Taught me about the American Spirit
A tribute to her father's patriotism and the principles that shaped her professional ethics.
Lessons from a Life Spent at the Bedside, a Memoir
Deep reflections on lessons learned throughout different levels and clinical care units.
My Own Near-Death Experience Was a Time to be Thankful
Personal insights gained from a near-death experience with bacteremia and its impact on her perspective of patient care.
And God is Good!
Reflections on faith's role in sustaining a long nursing career and guiding professional decisions.