Since it was first identified in April, the 2009 H1N1 flu strain, also known as swine flu, has infected more than 1 million Americans and killed nearly 600, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates. 

So what does the economy mean for the nursing industry? It is interesting to consider the close tie between nurse staffing and the economy.

The Joint Commission introduced the National Patient Safety Goals in 2003.  As each year passed, standards were raised and became more challenging to meet. Additionally the number of goals and the sophistication of the goals have changed.  But are they meaningful to nursing and to patient care?

We read articles and hear speakers expounding on how everyone should look at these hard economic times as an “opportunity.” Then we listen closely for more sage advice and nothing seems to materialize. After much thought and soul searching, I’ve got something to offer. In the midst of being out of control of just about everything…your employment situation, your financial stability, your retirement plans, your spouse’s career…what can you control?