Thanksgiving brought about the creation of T.V. Dinners
Part of the reason that Swanson started creating T.V. Dinners in 1953 was because they needed to find something to do with 260 tons of frozen turkeys that were left over from Thanksgiving. Talk about a lot of Turkey dinners!

Think you have it rough imagine feeding 140 people for 3 days!
The first thanksgiving was comprised of the surviving 50 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag Indians. This was definitely an endeavor because there were only 5 surviving women. Just imagine the amount of food that would involve and cooking trying to keep that many men well-fed for three straight days.

Turkeys in Space
Turkeys as food have become such an important staple and comfort food of Americans that Turkey has even been served in space. The first meal in space was a Turkey dinner and Thanksgiving has been celebrated on a number of space shuttles including the Columbia and the Mir.

Americans eat the weight of Singapore in Turkey every Thanksgiving
According to a study done by the National Turkey Association Americans ate 690 million pounds of turkey during Thanksgiving 2007. That is equal to the weight of the entire population of Singapore. If that isn’t enough to make you feel stuffed then nothing will.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

- Brett Lazansky, Account Manager

Benjamin Franklin wanted the Turkey to be the national bird of the United States
Luckily for those of us who prefer the Eagle, Thomas Jefferson was opposed to this idea and fought Benjamin Franklin on it. It has been rumored that Benjamin Franklin named the male Turkey “Tom” in retaliation. Franklin’s reasoning was that the turkey has a much greater significance to the American people (being the main food source for the Pilgrims) and he claimed that the Eagle had “bad moral character.”

The best way to check if a Cranberry is ripe is to bounce it
If you want to know if a cranberry is ripe then all you need to do it throw it at the ground and measure how high it bounces. As long as it bounces higher than four inches it is ready to be picked. Who knew that is what it takes to make the perfect cranberry sauce for your Thanksgiving. The cranberry is actually one of only three fruits that are native to North America and it is served at 94% of Thanksgiving dinners.

Thanksgiving has not always been the fourth Thursday of November
It was Abraham Lincoln that slated Thanksgiving as the fourth Thanksgiving of November. In 1939 President Franklin Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week in the hope that it would move up the Christmas shopping season and be fruitful to retailers. The move was proven to be very unpopular and it was changed back two years later.

- Brett Lazansky, Account Manager

The First Thanksgiving was only eaten with Spoons and Knives
Forks are something that most people take for granted but imagine eating your turkey with a spoon instead of a fork this year. The reason for the fork being absent was because it was not brought by the pilgrims in 1620. It was introduced ten years later by Governor Winthrop of Massachusetts but it was not brought into popular use until the 18th century.

Thanksgiving is not only celebrated in the United States
For those of you who don’t know, the Canadians also celebrate their own form of Thanksgiving. They however celebrate it on the second Monday of October. Throughout their history the Canadians have been known to celebrate days of thanks but it was after the American Revolution, when Americans who were still loyal to Britain moved to Canada. They brought their traditions of Thanksgiving with them and the Canadians began celebrating Thanksgiving as an end to the Harvest. And they Canadians actually refer to our Thanksgiving as “Yanksgiving” in order to differentiate it from their own Thanksgiving.

It is a Presidential Tradition to pardon one turkey each year
President Truman started this tradition in 1947. He handpicked a turkey and then sent it off to live the rest of its days at Frying Pan Park in Herndon, Virginia. It has become tradition that two turkeys be pardoned (in case the first turkey become unavailable). The people of the United States actually get to vote on the name of the turkey. This year President Obama pardoned a turkey named Courage and had it sent to Disneyland.

- Brett Lazansky, Account Manager

I’m sure all of your other recruiters, friends, politicians, and other relatively important acquaintances are sending you their favorite recipe for Green Bean Casserole… so here is mine:

Green beans with garlic, onion, and a little basil.

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound green beans, washed and trimmed (about 3 cups trimmed)
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 clove garlic, cut in half
• 1 tablespoon chopped onion
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon dried leaf basil, crumbled
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup boiling water

Preparation:
Cut green beans in halves. Heat oil and butter in a skillet; sauté onion and garlic until softened. Remove garlic from the skillet. Add green beans, salt, basil, sugar, pepper, and boiling water. Cover and cook over medium heat until tender, about 20 minutes. Add a little more water, if necessary. Green bean recipe serves 4.

Have a Fantastic Turkey Day to you and yours!!!

- Sonia Coers, Account Manager

Below is information from the CDC on the 2010-2011 flu season and vaccine. At ADEX Medical we strive to keep you informed. Call ADEX at 866.341.2339 to hear about exciting Registered Nurse travel opportunities throughout the country.

Vaccine Availability
Where can I find seasonal influenza vaccine?
2010-11 flu vaccine shipments have begun. Doctors and nurses are encouraged to begin vaccinating their patients as soon as flu vaccine is available in their area, even as early as August. See your doctor or nurse to get the flu vaccine, or seek out other locations where vaccine is being offered. The following flu clinic locator is a useful tool for finding vaccine in your area.
http://www.flu.gov/widgets/vaccinelocator.html

Vaccination Protection
Will this year’s vaccine protect me against the flu?
The flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season. This year’s influenza vaccine contains three new influenza virus strains.
They are:
•    A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus (the same strain as was used for 2009 H1N1 monovalent vaccines);
•    A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus;
•    B/Brisbane 60/2008-like antigens.
The 2010-11 influenza vaccine can protect you from getting sick from these three viruses, or it can make your illness milder if you get a related but different influenza virus strain.
For more information about the effectiveness of flu vaccine, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/vaccineeffect.htm
For more information about how the viruses in the vaccine are selected, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/virusqa.htm

Who should get vaccinated this season?
On February 24, 2010 vaccine experts voted that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year starting with the 2010-2011 influenza season. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.
While everyone should get a flu vaccine each flu season, it’s especially important that the following groups get vaccinated either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications:
•    Pregnant women
•    Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
•    People 50 years of age and older
•    People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
•    People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
•    People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
o    Health care workers
o    Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
o    Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

CDC Contact Info:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
24 Hours/Every Day
cdcinfo@cdc.gov

- Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services

Many occupations have their own stressors that employees deal with on a daily basis. Very few, however, match that of the Registered Nurse. Here are just a few of the most common stressors reported by nurses:

• Inadequate staff
• Coworker relationships
• Lack of recognition
• Providing emotional support for patients and families with poor prognosis
• Lack of rest due to changing schedules
• Physical demands caused by lifting and pulling
• Psychological tolls from losing patients that the nurse has grown attached
• Exposure to infectious disease
• Rotating to areas in which the nurse is not familiar

These  many stressors take a toll on the R.N. Results of these stressors may lead to burnout, physical illness, family issues, chemical dependency, and even the nurse leaving the profession altogether. Several techniques may be utilized to alleviate the stress factors. These techniques are extremely important to protect the psychological as well as physical well being of the nurse.

1. Understand the relationship between positive thinking and well being
2. Take care of your body- assure breaks and meal time are observed (if there are issues,  work with your supervisor to come up with solutions on achieving this for all of the staff)
3. Note positive stories that you have experienced as a nurse on a daily basis
4. Find ways to incorporate exercise into your schedule on a daily basis and stick to it
5. Develop a support group to encourage positive thoughts and actions
6. Make time for meditation and prayer
7. Make sure you are getting 7-8 hours of sleep each day
8. Limit overtime (excessive work schedules such as double shifts leads to stress as well as clinical errors)
9. Recognize fellow nurses for their work and remind them that they are appreciated
10. Be assertive and do not put yourself into an unfamiliar work environment in which you are not comfortable or familiar

The nurse is responsible for developing care plans for their patients and it is just as important for you to make a care plan for yourself. Try to organize a group to support each other in this endeavor and hold each other accountable. ADEX Medical Staffing is committed to assisting our medical professionals to achieve a healthy lifestyle in their search for professional fulfillment. Please call ADEX Medical Staffing at 866-341-2339 to hear about exciting opportunities.

- Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services

To mark the anniversary of the bombing of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in 2001, President Bush proclaimed that September 11 be named Patriot Day. Americans are encouraged to fly their flags at half mast and engage in a moment of silence.  We should also remember the survivors of this attack, not only those who were present but also the family and friends of those lost.

Have a safe and happy weekend.

- Sonia Coers, Account Manager

Friday before a holiday… nothing better than that.. except TAKING AN ASSIGNMENT WITH YOUR FRIEND BRETT at ADEX MEDICAL STAFFING!  Fall needs are really starting to pop, and winter needs are just around the corner.  Weekly reminder – please keep me informed as to what’s going on with you.  Send me some referrals- $500 bonus!!!!  Don’t forget, we are on Facebook and Twitter.  We are like VISA – everywhere you want to be!

So I was going to write something deep and meaningful for a Friday e-mail, but I figured with a 3 day weekend coming up, you fantastic folks could use more light and fluffy.. so without further adieu… part 2 of what does September mean to you (part 1 of course was two weeks ago – people are still talking about that e-mail)  Have a great (and safe) holiday weekend!!!

SEPTEMBER IS:

AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Month
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Month
Apple Month Link
Atrial Fibrillation Month
Baby Safety Month Link
Backpack Safety America Month
Be Kind To Editors & Writers Month
Childrens’ Good Manners Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Link
College Savings Month
Fall Hat Month
Go Wild During California Wild Rice Month
Great American Low-Cholesterol, Low-fat Pizza Bake Month  (MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!)
Gynecology Cancer Awareness Month
International People Skills Month
International Self-Awareness Month
International Strategic Thinking Month
Library Card Sign-up Month
(World) Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month Link
National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month
Million Minute Family Challenge (Sept.-Dec.)
Mold Awareness Month
National Chicken Month
National Childhood Injury Prevention Month
National DNA, Geonomics & Stem Cell Education Month
National Coupon Month
National Head Lice Prevention Month
National Honey Month
National Mushroom Monthtional Mushroom Mo
National Organic Harvest Month Link
National Osteopathic Medicine Month Link
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (Gov’t)
National Prime Beef Month Link
National Sickle Cell Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (
National Pediculosis Prevention Month
National Piano Month
National Preparedness Month
National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month Link
National Rice Month
National Skin Care Awareness Month
One-on-One Month
Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month Link
Reunion Planning Month
Schoolhouse Triangle Project Month
Sea Cadet Month
Self Improvement Month Link
September Is Healthy Aging Month
Shameless Promotion Month
Sports and Home Eye Health & Safety Month
Subliminal Communications Month
Update Your Resume Month (HINT HINT)
Women’s Friendship Month
World Animal Remembrance Month

- Brett Lazansky, Account Manager

Hospitals throughout the U.S. continuously attempt to understand their challenges in retaining employees. There have been numerous studies concerning the financial cost of bringing on a Registered Nurse. Estimates vary anywhere from $22,000 to as high as $60,000 to replace a general R.N. (Advisory Board, 1999; Jones 2005; Obrien-Pallas et al., 2006 Stone et al., 2003; Waldman et al., 2004).Cost are even higher for a critical care R.N. It is believed as much of 5% of a hospital’s budget is spent on nursing turnover. Turnover rates in hospitals throughout the country have been a major issue with hospitals reporting on average a 19-25% turnover rate.

Studies have been conducted to identify issues causing the high turnover rates in nursing. It has also been noted that increased patient satisfaction appears to have a direct correlation with nursing turnover in hospitals. Causes have varied from a shortage of nurses working, frustration with the work environment, weak leadership, and a balance between seasoned nurses and new graduates. The nursing shortage shows no signs of improvement in the near future. Currently the average age of today’s nurse is in the mid 40s.

Nurse/patient ratio has been identified as one of the top issues with nurses today. Many nurses feel this impacts their ability to provide adequate care for their patients. In turn, many nurses experience stress burnout and eventually leave the facility or nursing all together. The result is extremely high turnover cost for the hospital. High turnover can also lead to compromised care resulting in added legal cost for the facility.

One possible solution to resolving the turnover issue is to stabilize the work force at the facility with highly trained and seasoned nurses. A traditional travel nurse has multiple years of experience within a particular setting. They are very versatile and used to change. The seasoned travel nurse can stabilize a unit within the hospital while a full time employee is brought on board and brought up to speed. They can assist in providing a lower nurse patient ratio leading to higher employee and patient satisfaction. Travel nurses can also be utilized as mentors due to their typical experience.

Partnering with an excellent Travel company can assist hospitals in their battle to reduce turnover. ADEX Medical Staffing brings the comfort of providing compassionate, highly experienced nurses capable of stepping into a position at a moment’s notice. ADEX Medical Staffing prides itself in not only meeting the standards of “The Joint Commission”, but exceeding the standards. Whether you are in the market for a new travel nursing job or you are a facility looking for assistance in the stabilization of your workforce call ADEX Medical Staffing at 866-341-2339.

- Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services

Operating Room (O.R.) nurses have seen a tremendous increase in demand throughout the country. Elective surgeries and general surgeries are up in most regions of the U.S.

O.R. nurses have a set of characteristics that are constantly called upon including:

• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Organization
• Educator
• Tremendous communication skills
• Calm demeanor during stressful situations

O.R. nurses typically fall into one of three categories.

1. Scrub nurse-The nurse is responsible for maintaining inventory during surgery as well as selecting and handling instruments. They are typically responsible for all supplies and counts of supplies used.
2. Circulating nurse- The nurse is responsible for maintaining the patient’s environment. They oversee the safety of the patient as well as making sure the patient is comfortable.  The Circulating nurse manages the overall nursing care during the patient’s visit to the O.R.
3. R.N. First Assistant- Works with the surgeon in providing direct patient care. The First Assistant may assist the surgeon in wound management as well as suturing.

The O.R. nurse works closely with the surgical patient, the patient’s family members, and other members of the healthcare team.  Surgery is a very stressful time for the patient and their family members. The O.R. nurse can play a vital role in alleviating that stress.

O.R. Nurses can obtain a voluntary certification. This can be achieved after two years and 2,400 hours of perioperative nursing experience. To become a certified operating room nurse (CNOR) you may visit the following website: http://www.cc-institute.org/cert_cnor.aspx

AORN is a professional association that empowers the O.R. nurse with education, standards of practice and peer networking. For more information go to http://www.aorn.org/

Currently ADEX Medical Staffing has tremendous opportunities for the Operating Room nurse. Call ADEX Medical Staffing at 866.341.2339 to hear more about our open positions.

- Jim Shoemaker, RN, Director of Clinical Services