Injured by Hand Sanitizer?

(Portland, OR) Here's a sad but important news story from The Oregonian about a pediatric patient who was severely burned in her room and the culprit is hand sanitizer and static electricity.  While rare, it does suggest heightened awareness of the potential fire danger from hand sanitizer.

Eewww! What's that Smell?

It's not easy being a student nurse!  Students Alex Ruman, Santiago Tan and Cecilia Velasco are learning the "joys" of managing patient stomas.

You can read more about the Student experience in the hot-off-the-presses January 2013 edition of the Nursing Student newsletter VITAL SIGNS.  This month features Hispanic-American perspectives in Nursing, discussion of our 8-week course cycles, pain management, life as a Student OR Nurse and a collection of great pictures and other news.

If you'd like a copy contact Alma in the Nursing Office.  (Sorry, we're not posting contact info on the blog at this time.)

Dead Men Do Tell Tales

Ok.  This is a bit off the nursing topic but if you have any interest in forensic medical science, this is a great story.

Recently, the bones of King Richard III (no...not the "Lionhearted") were discovered under a parking lot in the central England town of Leicester (pronounced "Lester").  In case you don't remember your 15th century history, this was a nasty sort of time for the Monarchy.  Richard III was quite the wicked one and his reign lasted only a couple years when he was "killed" in battle.  What makes this an interesting medical story is how his bones were validated and the amazing detective work required. 

Richard III was definitely killed.  Rather horribly it turns out. Also explains why he was buried in such an unusual manner.  Read the BBC story and more.

BTW - Leicester is about an hour drive north from London up the M1 in case you are thinking about visiting. If you are inclined you might want to pop in for a draft at the old Globe pub, just walking distance from the archeological discovery.   The Steak and Tiger pie is fantastic!  Oh, if you're there after dark and feel a mysterious presence...it's just a few old ghosties.  Seems the place was once a waystation for folks awaiting execution at the nearby Gallowtree Gate.