Iowa news
Report shows Great River Health Systems’ impact on Southeast Iowa
A recent Iowa Hospital Association study, compiled using data from the American Hospital Association’s annual survey, highlights the impact Great River Health System has on Southeast Iowa. In 2022, Great River Health System generated 5,106 total jobs, representing 27.99% of all jobs in Des Moines, Henry and Lee counties. For these jobs, employees were paid $235,763,719 in wages, which accounted for 28.41% of all wages in the three-county region. The 5,106 jobs generated an economic impact of $592,111,468 or 34.99% of the total gross domestic product of the area. (Fort Madison Daily Democrat)
Projects in Pocahontas, Decorah, Centerville, Hawarden getting rural development funds
The USDA is sending rural development loans and grants to four projects in Appanoose, Pocahontas, Sioux and Winneshiek counties. State Rural Development Director Theresa Greenfield says they work with the local rural electric cooperatives, or the city municipal cooperative or the telecoms. The Corn Belt Power Cooperative received a loan of more than $1.2 million for the Pocahontas Community Hospital. The hospital plans to renovate 12 patient exam rooms, the pharmacy, reception areas and build an addition for a new public restroom and reception room. (Iowa Public Radio)
Allen Hospital intensive care unit receives Silver Beacon Award
The intensive care unit at UnityPoint Health – Allen Hospital has received the silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence from the American Association of Critical Care Nurses. The three-year distinction is applicable for 2023-2026 and marks nine-straight years that Allen Hospital has achieved silver-level recognition. Beacon awardees set the standard for excellence in patient care environments by collecting and using evidence-based information to improve outcomes, patient and staff satisfaction and credibility. For creating a positive and supportive work environment, fostering collaboration between colleagues and leaders, and producing higher morale and lower turnover, Allen Hospital is the only ICU in Iowa to be recognized with the silver-level Beacon Award. (UnityPoint Health)
National news
CDC announces flu shot recommendations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made its annual flu shot recommendations for health professionals ahead of flu season. They again underscore the importance of flu shots: Preliminary estimates show that last season, people vaccinated against the flu were about 40% to 70% less likely to be hospitalized because of flu illness or related complications, according to the CDC. September and October remain the best times for most people to get their flu vaccine, according to the CDC. It is safe to get a flu and COVID-19 shot at the same time, experts say. The two were often administered simultaneously during the last two flu seasons. (USA Today)
Can nursing schools graduate enough NPs to meet skyrocketing demands?
Nursing schools are trying to keep pace with the continued popularity of the nurse practitioner specialty, despite faculty and clinical site shortages. A fresh influx of government funding aims to help schools overcome those barriers, offering incentives to nursing students to pursue advanced practice and nurse educator roles while easing the nursing pipeline bottleneck. (Medscape)
Microsoft is teaming up with Epic Systems, the health care software company, to integrate generative AI tools — which scour data to generate answers to questions or create other content — into Epic’s electronic health records system. That means there’s a good chance artificial intelligence is coming soon to doctors’ offices — if it’s not already there. (Time)