Technology...friend or foe??
Honestly, just the thought of having this conversation is a little crazy, in my opinion. Just ask yourself one question...where would we be without the telephone? I’m sure the implementation of the telephone, in its day, caused its share of controversy. The benefits of technology in health care can clearly be seen through the use of items in the last 50 years such as the fax machine and computer. Pause for a moment and think where we would be without something like a microscope? Going into the future, nanotechnology, robots, and smart computers will lead to new discoveries and exciting possibilities. Technology aside, one thing we all must remember as nurses--never lose sight of the human touch. Bye for now!

Have you had your flu shot yet?

'Tis the season for the annual flu shot debate. I must say, a few years back, I was a non-believer. I was relatively healthy and not at risk for getting the influenza virus. I didn’t see the point in adding ‘chemicals’ to my system that I didn’t need. I had a colleague put it to me straight. "It isn't about you", she said "it’s about our patients". Shortly thereafter, the light bulb illuminated above my head. My 'ah ha' moment came when I reflected upon the group of patients in my care. By getting the flu shot, I would be protecting the elderly and the immunocomprimised. That fall, off I trudged to the clinic to get my vaccination. In addition to getting my shot every year, I was committed to becoming a super hand washer! According to Health Canada, regular hand washing is another way to help minimize risk and spread of infection. So...wash up and get a shot—there is so much at risk!
For more information, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/flu-grippe-eng.php

Lest we forget...
I always get a little emotional this time of year. Remembrance day is special to me; not because I had a family member serve or have any familial links at all to any of the events this century. It is just a time of year when my heart swells with thanks; thanks to those that served in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam or any peacekeeping mission. This year I turn my thoughts to nurses that served. I think of films like Pearl Harbour and I couldn't imagine giving care to a young 19 year old soldier, planes landing and taking off, explosions...complete chaos. For these nurses, it was 'baptism by fire'. Many had no formal training, worked days on end without sleep, and cared for hundreds of soldiers a day. It was a learn as you go approach to education.
I only hope to have a fraction of their honour, courage, and commitment in my practice as a nurse.
Inspiration comes from many sources. Let the honour of these nurse war veterans be our inspiration this Remembrance Day.
Maggie