To complete ACLS, PALS, and BLS in one day, the AHA offers Heartcode courses online. After completing the Heartcode online course, you can complete your skills for all three classes in one day. Before you sign up for a Heartcode clas, read the Pros and Cons of Heartcode classes. Pros: The online exam offers convenience to take it from home, or during breaks at work. The skill sessions are abotu 2 hours long for each class. Cons: The online exam costs $135, and the skills are an additional $100 per class. The cost per class is approximately $235. That’s a lot more expensive than paying $155-$165 for a classroom based…

The NEW 7th Edition NRP Guidelines were published in May 2016. Jane and Helen have the AAP’s 7th edition NRP ready to launch. There are significant changes. You can schedule an Assisted NRP 7th Edition to learn these new changes, and pass the new exam. As before, you then will need to go to the AAP’s webpage and take the online test. The test includes multiple-choice answers plus E-Sim scenarios. The E-Sim scenarios are a bit tricky to navigate. Many of you may find that you need assistance with the E Sim portion. Helen and I are available to assist you. You may accomplish your NRP certification/recertification in 3 ways. 1.…

The Clinical Practice Council (CPC) develops, reviews, and disseminates clinical nursing policies, guidelines, and practice alerts. Staff nurse representatives from each unit in the maternal child cluster represent the needs of their specific unit. These nurses contribute toward shaping nursing practices at their unit level. The CPC ensures that nursing practice documents are based on the latest research and other levels of evidence. Moreover, the CPC representatives collaborate with unit leadership to educate the staff nurses about nursing practice changes. This unique council:   Provides a forum for clinical practice issues and solutions. Is represented by Clinical Nurse Specialists, Educators, and Unit Directors. Promotes active, exciting, and innovative sharing of ideas. Meets Magnet…

Postpartum Depression usually occurs within the first 3 months after delivery. The exact causes of postpartum depression are unknown.  Changes in hormone levels during and after pregnancy may affect a woman’s mood.  Many non-hormonal factors may also affect mood during pregnancy. Changes in work and social relationships: Having less time and freedom Lack of sleep Worries about your ability to be a good mother The chances of postpartum depression increase if the woman: Is under age 20 Currently abuses alcohol, illegal substances or smokes Did not plan the pregnancy or had mixed feeling about the pregnancy Had a stressful event during the pregnancy or delivery Has a close family member…

Water Birth Delivering in the water has recently become popular.  More hospitals now offer water births. However, water birth is still considered an alternative birthing method, and not every doctor is convinced that it’s safe and not every hospital provides water birth options. Just like it sounds, a water birth is giving birth in water.  You may choose to deliver in a bathtub, hot tub or other pool of water. You can a have a water delivery at home, in a birthing center or in some hospitals. You can labor and deliver in the water or move out of the water for the actual delivery.  If you deliver in the…