Hospital Costs Associated with Sepsis Compared with Other Medical Conditions.

Sepsis is a condition that has become a main focus for health care organizations owing to the alarming cost of caring for patients, as well as the disturbing mortality rates, that accompany this condition. Sepsis is one of the costliest conditions billed to all payer groups: Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and uninsured patients. Health care organizations have implemented multiple strategies and best practices to improve the outcomes of patients with a diagnosis of sepsis.

Educating nurses to provide culturally competent care during disasters.

Health disparities are exacerbated during times of disasters. To decrease health disparities, it is essential that health care providers understand the specific needs, culture, and norms of individuals, groups, and populations in a disaster. Survivors respond and recover from disaster events within the context of their culture and beliefs; therefore, implementing cultural competent interventions for disaster victims is central to providing services and care. This article describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a continuing education program and academic courses for nurses and nursing students.