October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, but nurses are always central to improving awareness of cancer prevention, screening and treatment strategies. Breast cancer is still the most common cancer among women in the US. The good news is that the death rate from the disease is falling, according to a recent American Cancer Society report. Though there have been many wins, the fight is still far from over.
This month, as always, it is a key part of many nurse’s jobs to emphasize the benefits of healthy lifestyle changes and potentially life-saving procedures like self-exams and mammograms. There are many misconceptions in the general population about causes of cancer, treatment options and survival rates. Patients (and friends and family, too) should be encouraged to consult knowledgeable experts like their family physician, or even reliable online sources like WebMd or the Susan G Komen Foundation.
Nurses often deal with the physical and emotional consequences of cancer in their patients. Patients and their loved ones can feel helpless in the face of a frightening diagnosis. Volunteering is a great way to regain some personal control, and October is the month to do it. Many organizations sponsor walks, runs, and even special shopping nights. The American Cancer Society’s local event finder tool is a great place to start looking for one in your area: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PAR/PAR_9_Calendar_Of_Events.asp. (Especially useful if you’re a travel nurse and want to participate but are new to your location.)
Nurses — along with all health care workers — get a special boost out of participating in local breast cancer awareness events. Getting involved demonstrates your concern for the community as well as support for your own friends and family.
These days we’re hearing lots of news about the healthcare job market. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released a report showing that healthcare is one of the strongest economic sectors — with an increase of 20,000 jobs in July. Bearing those numbers out, travel nurse staffing company
A new law, 456.0635, Florida Statutes, now disqualifies health professionals from licensure or license renewal if they have been convicted of or plead guilty/nolo contendere to certain felonies involving drugs, abuse, violence, or fraud, unless the sentence and any subsequent period of probation for such conviction or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the date of the application.
SmartMoney.com recently released 
Records. Says one of the physicians involved in the transition, “If you want to practice medicine in the not-so-distant future and you don’t want to use the EMR, you will not be practicing medicine. That’s the way it is.” This means that 











