In celebration of Nurses Month, in this episode, recently retired Chief Nursing Officer AnnMarie Papa, DNP, RN, CEN, NE-BC, FAEN, FAAN discusses how nurse leaders can mitigate critical issues facing nurses today, such as burnout, staffing shortages, workplace violence, and a lack of meaningful support. Supporting nurses with compassion is essential to the future of the profession. Rather than placing the burden of resilience on nurses, she advocates for nurse leaders to be authentic, present, and empathetic, asking staff what they truly need. Strong leadership involves humility, mutual elevation between staff and leaders, and tailored approaches that consider generational differences in learning and work preferences. AnnMarie also notes the need for systemic changes including violence prevention through risk assessment and legislation, trauma-informed care, and improved incident reporting processes. She encourages nurses to get involved in policy advocacy and to use storytelling—drawing from their own impactful patient experiences—as a powerful tool to influence change and affirm their purpose.

After listening, visit our topical collection on Nurse Wellness for the latest in research and thought leadership promoting self-care for nurses.

Transcript

Recent measles outbreaks across the US have reignited the need for clinicians and the public to understand this highly contagious virus. Although measles was declared eliminated in 2020, declining vaccination rates have led to a resurgence of cases. In this episode, Dottie Borton, an experienced RN consultant and infection preventionist, provides vital information on how nurses can recognize, prevent, and manage measles. The discussion covers the virus’s symptoms, transmission, and contagiousness; populations vulnerable to disease; and vaccination and postexposure prophylaxis. Immunization is paramount, and this episode offers advice for healthcare providers on how to handle potential cases and protect themselves and their communities.

For more information, read the related article in the December 2024 issue of Nursing, “Measles: More than just a rash.”

Learn about ECRI’s 2025 Top 10 Health Technology Hazards report, with experts, Patricia Giuffrida, Senior Patient Safety Advisor and Consultant at ECRI and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Patient Safety Organization (PSO); Priyanka Shah, Principal Project Engineer at ECRI ; and, Dr. Jeremy Suggs, Engineering Manager and Sr. Investigator in ECRI’s Device Safety Group. This episode focuses on key concerns from this report: Unmet technology support needs for home care patients, Fire risk in areas where supplemental oxygen is in use, and Incomplete investigations of infusion system incidents.

Check out helpful resources mentioned in this episode:

• ISMP, a non-profit that promotes safe medication practices, research, education, advocacy, and error reporting
• Report a device problem to ECRI