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Category Archives: Staffing & Scheduling

Nursing Commission to begin paperless licensure renewal process April 1, 2009!

Posted by Sally Watkins, PhD, RN | Published: March 11, 2009

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission is moving towards a paperless system beginning April 1st, 2009, with a revised licensure renewal process. Nurses will continue to receive a courtesy renewal reminder card by mail 8-10 weeks before their birthday. Payment must be mailed back to the Nursing Commission recognizing that at least two weeks are needed to process the renewal. After receipt of payment, the Nursing Commission will update their “provider credential search” website for the individual nurse showing the license has been renewed. A paper license will NO LONGER automatically be mailed, unless specifically requested by the nurse.

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Long Shifts, Sleep Deficits Raise Nurses’ Risk for Drowsy Driving, Motor Vehicle Accidents

Posted by Sally Watkins, PhD, RN | Published: December 6, 2007

A study published December 1 in the journal Sleep suggests that nurses who work extended shifts, are tired on the job and obtain less sleep are more likely to drive drowsy, increasing their risk for motor vehicle accidents, United Press International reports.

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Hiring One Extra Nurse Might Help Hospitals Save Lives

Posted by Sally Watkins, PhD, RN | Published: December 4, 2007

If hospitals added one more full-time registered nurse on staff to care for patients, the number of hospital-related deaths in the United States could decrease significantly, according to a new review. However, cost concerns and a worsening nursing shortage might make this an unlikely scenario.

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Working Overnight Shift Is Linked to Cancer

Posted by Sally Watkins, PhD, RN | Published: November 27, 2007

Like UV rays and diesel exhaust fumes, working the graveyard shift will soon be listed as a ”probable” cause of cancer. It is a surprising step validating a concept once considered wacky. And it is based on research that finds higher rates of breast and prostate cancer among women and men whose work day starts after dark.

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