From the ANA Smartbrief--Interesting Articles

5 ways to ensure long-term commitment from new nurses
Fresh nursing graduates can find it hard to make the transition from school to practice, and hospitals that help them are rewarded with confidence and competence. This article recommends nurse residency programs, competency-based orientation and mentorships, as well as efforts to make sure nurses are in the hands of good managers and to recognize and support new nurses' achievements. HealthLeaders Media (7/5)

Ochsner uses eICU technology to expand care to rural hospitals
In an effort to expand access to critical care services to rural hospitals in Louisiana, Ochsner Health System in New Orleans will implement its eICU program using the Philips VISICU system. The technology monitors patients for changes in condition and allows two-way audio and video communications so off-site intensivists can interact with medical staff and families in making care decisions. Healthcare IT News (6/30)

Medical errors' lessons -- and pain -- can be powerful
Oncology nurse Theresa Brown writes that committing a medical error that could have harmed her patient made her realize that she is not a "Super Nurse." "As nurses, keeping our patients safe is always our most important priority. If my error endangered my patient in any way, I had completely failed in the most fundamental obligation of the job," Brown writes. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/Well blog (7/6)

Exercise strengthens the brain to reduce stress, study suggests
Exercise can improve mental health, studies show, and even moderate amounts of activity can have emotional benefits that fight stress. A new study using mice shows exercise triggered changes in the brain that helped smaller males deal with the stress of being bullied by their larger, more aggressive housemates. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/Well blog

Poll: Too much is spent keeping very sick patients alive
A poll of registered voters in Washington and Oregon found about half said the health care system spends too much money keeping seriously ill patients alive. The survey for the National Journal and The Regence Foundation also found that people supported the idea of palliative care but thought it was available only to those with the right insurance or resources. The Seattle Times (7/6)

Group wants nurses to assume leadership roles in informatics
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society released a position statement asking academic organizations, medical providers and IT vendors to adopt measures that would "ensure that nurses are well-positioned to lead and advance health care," such as establishing an informatics department and allowing nurse informatics specialists to take chief roles. "Nurses play a role that truly puts them in a pivotal and important position where they can both influence health care reform and manage patient-care needs across the continuum of care," said HIMSS Vice President Joyce Sensmeier. Modern Healthcare