The transgender population faces several barriers to accessing quality medical care in the US healthcare system. This article examines the challenges that prevent this marginalized group from obtaining high-quality healthcare services and discusses how NP advocacy can help create a welcoming environment for transgender patients.

Providers treating low back pain must be confident and knowledgeable in evidence-based practice (EBP) to provide the best outcomes. An online education course was created in an effort to increase knowledge and confidence in EBP and clinical practice guidelines specific to low back pain in an occupational setting. There were 80 participants who completed the pre-test and post-test. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and confidence scores after completion of the course. An online education course was shown to be a cost-effective, accessible tool to increase knowledge and confidence of EBP for different health care providers.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women in the United States. To increase statewide CRC screening rates, the Alabama Department of Public Health (through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] Colorectal Cancer Control Program grant) partnered with The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and The University of South Alabama (USA) to provide free CRC screening opportunities to eligible University employees and dependents. Resources were invested at both universities to ensure participant education, tracking, and monitoring. In total, 86 fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) were distributed at the UAH campus and 62 were returned for testing; 146 FITs were distributed on the USA campus with 111 returned. Fecal immunochemical test return rates were over 70% at each site. Most notably, 21 positive FITs were identified among UAH participants and 25 at USA. Findings from both efforts suggest that employer-based screening initiatives are a systematic and replicable means of improving CRC screening.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is an emerging infectious disease that can present with flu-like symptoms. In individuals with comorbidities or who are immunosuppressed, it can be deadly. The disease is transmitted through contact with someone who has MERS-CoV. The occupational health nurse must be cognizant of and educate the workforce about MERS-CoV transmission, prevention, and treatment.