"A fertilizer plant explosion or a train derailment with chemicals or a vehicle that crashes into a building or a shooting. These things are happening everywhere, and you can't predict it." – Eric Alberts, corporate manager, emergency preparedness, Orlando Health.

Coronavirus is the germ du jour right now. And, while there have been just six cases in the United States as of January 31, the situation serves as a reminder that in healthcare, we must be ready for anything. In this week's feature article, we've compiled stories that will help you identify how you can prepare your hospital or health system for the unexpected and support your nursing staff if a disaster or emergency occurs.

Also, in this issue:

• Improve your professional networking
  
• Open communication and medical errors
  
• The rise of workplace violence

Must Reads

• 'It's getting worse every year': Workplace violence inside hospitals on the rise — WBNS

• Opinion: One way to make healthcare more affordable? Give California nurse practitioners autonomy — Los Angeles Times

• Several 'best' U.S. hospitals penalized over too-high rates of infection, injury — NPR

• Seattle hospital giant threatens to lock out thousands of striking nurses and caregivers — The Intercept

That's it for today. As always, send any tips, thoughts or advice my way at jthew@healthleadersmedia.com or Tweet @jen_NurseEditor.

Jennifer Thew, RN
Senior Editor, Nursing