Association of California Nurse Leaders (ACNL)

Dr. Claire Rezba is working diligently to document and profile the stories of each of the more than 1,200 healthcare workers who have died of COVID-19 so far. As cases continue to rise, it is incumbent on all of us to remember to keep wearing a mask, keep social distancing, and stop the spread.

The ACNL Health Policy Committee urges you to get informed and get out the vote! Your vote matters now more than ever! Research the issues that matter most to you. Read the voter information brochure mailed to your home, discuss the issues with friends and family you trust, and do your due diligence. Make sure your voter registration is up to date. When you’re ready to cast your ballot, find out where your local polling place is or request a mail-in ballot. If you have a mai...l-in ballot, you can also drop it off at a local drop box if you don’t wish to mail it in. Help others to vote by posting reminders on social media and if you’re healthy and able, volunteer to work at the polls. Remember, your vote matters! One out of every 44 registered voters is a Registered Nurse. We can make a difference! For more information on how nurses can get involved, visit nursesvote.org.

Anne Tanner is Executive Director, Acute Care Services at CHOC Children's. ACNL had the chance to talk with Anne recently about her journey as a nurse and her experience as a longtime member of ACNL.

Join us Wednesday for a special webinar with Abacus Wealth Partners on how nurses can protect their finances, even in the face of pandemic or natural disaster. More info at the link below: https://acnl.org/page/healthy-nurse-leaders-healthy-finances

Join Spencer Sherman for a special guided meditation session for nurses. These sessions will be offered Mondays and Fridays at 7:30 AM now through November 20. Visit the link below for more information. https://acnl.org/page/cultivating-calm

CLABSIs and HAPIs persist despite years of best-practice prevention efforts. ACNL's Quality, Safety, and Engagement Committee has some tips on how to standardize best practices within your system to lower these preventable patient safety issues. Photo taken February 2020.

Join us September 16 for an overview of the California legislative process and advocacy, with a focus on the Quadruple Aim, social justice, and diversity. Click here for registration and more info: https://acnl.org/events/eventdetails.aspx?id=1410137

The rationale behind mask-wearing is for asymptomatic individuals or those who have just started to show symptoms of COVID-19 to not spread the virus. For every one symptomatic COVID-19 case there are at least another 10 who are positive without symptoms. Changing the culture is difficult, people resist change! Let’s pause, care, and act in a manner that respects others' safety as well as our own. #PauseCareAct... The Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus (https://www.ucsf.edu//still-confused-about-masks-heres-sci)

Daily screening of all employees, patients, and visitors is critical at this time. The mild symptoms are the most important to screen for since fevers are present in less than half of COVID-19 symptomatic patients. According to the CDC, the most common symptoms to watch for are: Fever or chills; Cough; Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; Fatigue; Muscle or body aches; Headache; New loss of taste or smell; Sore throat; Congestion or runny nose; Nausea or vomiting; Diarrhea. #PauseCareAct