AJN1213.Cover.OnlineAJN’s December issue is now available on our Web site, just in time for some holiday reading. Here’s a selection of what not to miss.

Working during a pandemic. Flu season is in swing, but how do nurses feel about working during a flu pandemic? Researchers investigating terrorism and catastrophic events found that up to 96% of health care workers reported being unable or unwilling to work during some emergencies, with some infectious diseases associated with the highest rates of unwillingness. “Predictors of Nurses’ Intentions to Work During the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) Pandemic,” December’s original research CE, suggests that providing adequate resources during an emergency (such as personal protective equipment) will not only ensure the safety of patients, nurses, and nurses’ families, but may also increase nurses’ willingness to work in times of crisis. Earn 2.5 CE credits by reading this article and taking the test that follows. If you’re reading AJN on your iPad, you can listen to a podcast interview with the author by clicking on the podcast icon on the first page of the article. The podcast is also available on our Web site.

HIV foot care. Peripheral neuropathy, which causes debilitating symptoms such as burning pain and sensation loss in the foot, continues to be prevalent in people with HIV, but is often overlooked. “HIV Peripheral Neuropathy and Foot Care Management” reviews what is known about distal sensory peripheral neuropathy in HIV patients, and provides nurses with information on its assessment and management. You can earn 2.5 CE credits by reading this article and taking the test that follows.

Hospital noise reduction strategies. The importance of maintaining a quiet, restful environment for patients has long been recognized by nurses. Our Cultivating Quality article, “Quiet at Night: Implementing a Nightingale Principle,” describes how nurses implemented a noise-reducing strategy in their hospital to provide patients with an optimal environment for care. Listen to a podcast interview with the author by clicking on the podcast icon on the first page of the article or downloading the podcast from our Web site.

Family pets in hospitals. Animal therapy for hospital patients can reduce stress and depression, and may aid in the healing process. “Family Pet Visitation” describes how nurses at one hospital instituted a pet visitation program to help patients feel more comforted and supported. Don’t miss the podcast interview with the author (click on the podcast icon on the first page of the article if you’re using your iPad, or visit our podcasts page).

Spotlight on narrative. Last but not least, the December issue includes a special focus on narrative writing, with an extended Reflections department. The role of narrative in medicine and nursing has gained respect in recent years. Reflections exists to give a voice to those who have a story to tell about health care. This month, we’ve decided to highlight the column by publishing three new essays, each with a very different tone and subject matter from the next.

  • The Brat,” in which a woman recalls the nurse who helped her angry adolescent self through the first stages of a long recovery from a life-altering accident.
  • A Mind in Search of its Moorings,” in which a nurse and judge sketches out her own experience as a patient suffering postsurgical delirium.
  • Hiding a Tender Soul,” in which a nurse who works with homeless people describes a surprising reversal of roles between caregiver and patient.

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