Debra Savage, DNP, RN, MSN, BSN, has a nursing background that truly runs the gamut. Savage began her career as a staff nurse before spending some time in travel nursing and home health. Moving back into the hospital environment, she worked as a Maternal Clinical Coordinator for several different facilities. Eventually, Savage was named the…
Our Voice: Julio Santiago challenges the status quo in vascular access
Julio Santiago, DNP, R.N., MSN, CCRN, VA-BC, grew up in a high crime area of Brooklyn before making a move to Illinois with his father following his parents’ divorce. He knew he wanted to help others, particularly those from underserved communities, and felt a solid education could help him do just that. In 1990, he…
Our Voice: Molly Moran on the value of health and personal wellness among nurses
Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation of Illinois (HNHN-IL) state lead, Molly Moran, MSN, RN, CCRN, has been passionate about healthy and holistic living for the better part of ten years. But major life changes, professional and personal, have often required she adapt her approach. She finds, “Like everybody else, it has been a journey. And that…
Our Voice: Tamara Bland talks about diversity in nursing education and practice
“You will never make it through this program.” Tamara Bland, RN, MSN, Ed.D. is a Southside Chicago girl and proud of it. Her passion for diversity started as a student while attending Concordia University’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. One of four students of color in her cohort, Bland expressly remembers walking into…
Our Voice: Nurse staffing based on patient needs means better care and safety
It is Thursday afternoon and in my medical intensive care unit there are twelve critically ill patients. I am one of six nurses scheduled for duty that day. Normally we would have a 2:1 ratio, a nurse for every two patients. However, like most days, this is not a normal day. Difficult decisions will need…
Our Voice: Atoya Troy Brewster, new BSN grad, on NCLEX
Why, amid a pandemic, do we not have new nurses hitting the floors and providing care? Testing, testing, testing. We have heard about the desperate need for COVID-19 testing. There is another type of testing that we also need to increase: Nurse licensure testing for new graduates to become registered nurses. Currently, many nurses cannot…
Our voice: Amanda Buechel talks about empowering nurses in staffing decisions
Do you know who first pushed for hand washing to prevent infection? Florence Nightingale, one of the most important nursing pioneers. Outspoken and forward thinking, she changed the face of nursing by teaching that hand washing prevents infection. Her knowledge and attitude created a cascading effect, empowering nurses to advocate for more sanitary conditions. As…