Local healthcare experts are warning about a continuing nursing shortage across the country.

Preparing to welcome a new baby is an exciting time, often filled with baby showers, nesting galore, as you ready for your bundle of joy and the all-important process of contemplating baby names. What’s not likely to be top of mind, however, is the nursing staffing levels in the labor and delivery unit where you’ll give birth (if you’re planning to deliver in a hospital).

Jahna Jackson is in her third trimester of pregnancy. When the time comes to welcome her daughter, she’ll drive an hour to Las Vegas from her home in Pahrump, Nevada, because there are no obstetricians in the city.

Jahna Jackson is in her third trimester of pregnancy. When the time comes to welcome her daughter, she’ll drive an hour to Las Vegas from her home in Pahrump, Nevada, because there are no obstetricians in the city.

Dr. Imelda Reyes and Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan discuss the bill currently up for discussion on bringing the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) to the State of Nevada, AB 108. The benefits to both nurses and the residents of the state are explored, including increased access to care.

The number one spot in our top 10 monthly most-read chart has been retained by Zemedikun and colleagues. The authors’ analysis of chronic conditions that are associated with periodontal disease has impressively placed top of the most-read chart for the last four months. However, we also have four new entries into the top 10 most read during November.

Nurse-midwives are an essential part of maternal health, but there is often confusion about the role and who can do it. UNLV Nursing professors Jennifer Vanderlaan and Kate Woeber explain the differences between a nurse midwife and registered nurse; why midwives have had trouble with representation in Nevada; and common misconceptions about the position.

What is water immersion, and how could this process help more women through labor and delivery? Dr. Jennifer Vanderlaan, UNLV Nursing professor and maternal health expert, explains the benefits of water births and what expecting families should know if they choose this method.