"You have to find out what their strong point or their passion is and then help them to build upon that." — Heidi Clark, RN, BSN, chief nursing officer, Cox Barton County Hospital, Lamar, Missouri.

Studies indicate that nurse engagement results in such outcomes as safety, decreased mortality rates, decreased falls, quality, and patient experience.

For this week's lead story, Heidi Clark, RN, BSN, chief nursing officer (CNO) at Cox Barton County Hospital in Lamar, Missouri, spoke with me about how cultivating strong engagement in a nursing staff requires nurse leaders to listen, ask questions, and walk in their nurses' shoes.

Developing Nurse Engagement Begins With Simply Listening, CNO Says

An engaged nursing staff increases safety, decreases mortality rates, and saves money.

White House Urged to Investigate Pandemic Price Gouging by Nurse Staffing Agencies

Wages paid to traveling nurses during the pandemic have been 'vastly' inflated, lawmakers say.

Baylor-led Study Examines COVID-19's Effects on Pediatric Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

The pandemic has fundamentally altered pediatric care delivery across the United States, new study says.

The ER Charged Him $6,500 for Six Stitches. No Wonder His Critically Ill Wife Avoided the ER.

Couple snagged by major problems in American health care: very high billing, obscure pricing, high-deductible insurance plans, and few care options in rural areas.

Survey: Patients Favor a Hybrid Model of Care

More than 1,000 patients and 600 providers were surveyed about their telehealth experiences earlier this year.

U.S. Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Widespread, New Report Shows

A report from The Commonwealth Fund finds disparities in health outcomes, healthcare access, and quality and use of healthcare services.

Rural Health Organizations Voice Support For Rural Health Equity Act

The bill would establish the "Office of Rural Health" within the office of the Director of the CDC and would address the unique needs and challenges of rural healthcare.

Must Reads

OR nurse advice line plagued by understaffing — Public News Service
Kentucky needs more nurses. Here's how to resuscitate our health care workforce: Opinion — Louisville Courier-Journal
Providence nurse recognized for treating first US COVID patient — The Missoulian
Highland Park nursing student hopes anatomy drawings relieve stress for colleagues — Chicago Tribune
Scientists mystified, wary, as Africa avoids COVID disaster — Associated Press
NICU nurse keeps little patients cute and comfortable to make hospital feel like home — CBS2 Iowa

That's all for this Monday. Thank you for turning to HealthLeaders for your healthcare nursing news.

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Please email me at CDavis@HealthLeadersmedia.com with any ideas or suggestions. Have a good week and stay safe!

Carol Davis
Nursing Editor