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Articles by Payton Babb
Decoding Biotech Nursing with Genentech Nurse Leader Keith Dawson
Thinking about leaving the bedside and curious about biotech? Nurse.org interviewed Keith Dawson, DNP, MS, RN, Senior Director, Global Population Science, Genentech (A Member of the Roche Group), to demystify biotech nursing. Genentech is a South San Francisco biotechnology company and a member of the Roche Group. Get Breaking Nurse News and Exclusive Discounts Straight to Your Inbox! leave this field blank to prove your humanity Want to see more Nurse.org articles in your Google results?
Nurse Pivots: Inside the 538,000 Nursing Jobs With No Patient Care
Introducing Nurse Pivots, Nurse.org's new data series on non-bedside nursing, built on federal workforce data. This article establishes the baseline: how many nurses actually work beyond patient care, in which roles, and for which employers. The companion articles then cover what every pivot pays and what it takes to get there, and what the pivot does to burnout, satisfaction, and remote work.
Nurse Pivot Salaries: What Every Non-Bedside Role Pays, and What It Takes to Get There
This article is part of Nurse Pivots, Nurse.org's data series on non-bedside nursing, built on federal workforce data. Start with the overview for the full picture of who works beyond patient care, and see the companion article on burnout, satisfaction, and remote work. One of the most common questions nurses ask about a career pivot is: Will I have to take a pay cut? That’s partly because a desk job often sounds too good to be true for nurses.
Nurse Burnout by Role: Which Nursing Jobs Feel Better, and Which Just Pay Better
This article is part of Nurse Pivots, Nurse.org's data series on non-bedside nursing, built on federal workforce data. Start with the overview for the full picture of who works beyond patient care, and see the companion article on what every non-bedside role pays. Money is what nurses ask about first when the career pivot comes up. But what they might really mean is: Is the job worth it? Will I stop dreading my “Monday”? Will I get to see my kids' games?
Nursing Certification Index: The Credentials Behind the Non-Bedside Pivot
When Payton Babb, BSN, RN, was eight years old, she told her second-grade teacher she wanted to be a journalist. Her fascination with healthcare and biology led her down a different path into nursing, but ultimately, nursing brought her back to writing, driven by a desire to share the stories of powerful figures in the profession.
The Specific Staff Training to Look For in a Memory Care Team
Discover the specialized training, certifications and roles required in a memory care team – from nurses to kitchen and janitorial staff. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. It's crucial for care team members to remain observant and notice changes in behaviors. Dementia can change how a person communicates and responds to their everyday environment.
What Are Peptides? Benefits, Risks and What You Need to Know
Wondering about peptides for longevity and health? Learn what peptides are, their benefits and risks and what medical experts say before taking them. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. Despite current wellness hype, naturally occurring peptides have been used in medicine for decades. Key Takeaways Not all peptides are equal: Therapies like insulin and GLP-1s are FDA-approved, but many trendy biohacking peptides lack high-quality human clinical data.
What Is a Care Plan?
Discover what a comprehensive elder care plan includes, see real-world examples and learn the difference between an aging plan and a care plan to best support your loved one. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. Care plans should be updated with feedback from patients and family, whenever there are meaningful changes in health, medications, living situations or caregiving support.
14 Questions to Ask Before Leaving the Hospital to Avoid Readmission
Learn to manage post-care medications and spot red flag symptoms so you can recover safely at home or in a short-term care facility. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. Hospital readmissions carry serious risks, but asking questions before discharge can help prevent them. Key Takeaways Prevent 30-day readmissions: Asking targeted questions before you're discharged from the hospital is one of the most effective ways to avoid preventable returns to the hospital.
12 Nursing Home Red Flags: Warning Signs to Watch for on a Facility Tour
Key Takeaways Staffing shortages can drive care failures: Inadequate staff-to-resident ratios and high turnover are the primary causes behind issues such as neglect, long call-light response times and preventable injuries. Look out for operational workarounds: Take a closer look at administrative safety protocols, such as no lift policies that outsource mobility adjustments or fall rescues to local emergency services, which can delay care.
Medicare Special Needs Plans: 2026 Coverage & Eligibility Guide
Key Takeaways Specialized care: Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan designed to provide more coordinated, targeted coverage for individuals with chronic conditions, dual Medicare-Medicaid eligibility or institutional-level care needs. Three distinct types: SNPs are divided into C-SNPs, D-SNPs and I-SNPs, each with eligibility rules and benefits tailored to the populations they serve.
Home Health Care vs. Nursing Homes: Costs, Levels of Care and Comparison
Is home health care cheaper than a nursing home? Compare 24/7 costs, Medicare coverage and safety differences to find the right level of care for your family. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. The main difference between home health care and nursing home care lies in the scope of services.
What Are the Levels of Senior Living? A 2026 Family Guide
Learn more about the levels of senior living, types of care needed and how to tell where your loved one is personally. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. To fight the right senior living stage, you'll need to evaluate how much assistance you need with daily tasks and match that to a level of care. Key Takeaways Levels of care in senior living range from independent living to long-term care communities.
What Is Memory Care? Costs, Services & Comparison Guide 2026
Key Takeaways: Memory care is a specialized facility or unit for people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. These facilities are designed to keep residents safe, secure and stimulated, and memory care staff are trained to care for those with cognitive impairment. The cost of memory care varies, but it tends to be more expensive than assisted living care. Memory care is a specialized type of senior care designed for people who have Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
4 Groups of Risky Medications for Dementia Patients: 2026 Safety Guide
Key Takeaways Aging alters the way the body processes medications, making older adults, especially those with dementia, more vulnerable to side effects and interactions. Certain medications, particularly anticholinergics, benzodiazepines, sleep aids and some antipsychotics, can worsen confusion, falls and cognitive decline. Polypharmacy, or taking multiple medications routinely, increases risk of injury and confusion.
Does Medicaid Cover In-Home Care? A 2026 Guide to Benefits and Eligibility
Key Takeaways Understand Medicaid versus Medicare coverage: While Medicare typically focuses on short-term skilled nursing, Medicaid is a critical joint federal-state program that provides longer-term, state-specific waivers for necessary home healthcare and nonmedical personal care services.
What Is a Niche Retirement Community?
Key Takeaways Niche retirement communities focus on shared interests, such as art, fitness or identity, and offer curated events and amenities. Residents in specialized senior housing benefit from increased cognitive stimulation, social connection and physical activity. Choosing alternative senior housing involves weighing the pros and cons of niche retirement communities and following a senior living checklist tailored to your needs.
Understanding the Different Senior Care Options
Key Takeaways Start researching eldercare facilities in advance so you don't have to make a rushed decision during a health crisis. Home-based care, though preferred by many seniors, averages about $34 per hour. Medicare coverage is limited, so costs can add up quickly. Senior care options in residential settings are tiered based on the level of care a resident needs.
What Is Postpartum Family Planning?
Key Takeaways Do not delay family planning until after birth. Waiting risks you having to make critical decisions about contraceptives while you are recovering from childbirth. The best time to start this discussion with your provider is during prenatal care, ideally when you're around 20 weeks pregnant. Optimal birth spacing is 12 to 18 months from delivery to conception.
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Dementia
Key Takeaways Untreated age-related hearing loss significantly increases dementia risk and cognitive decline through increased cognitive strain from effortful listening and social isolation. Early intervention for hearing issues, such as using hearing aids, offers real benefits by reducing cognitive strain and improving crucial socialization.
How Do I Know When I’m Eligible for Medicare?
Key Takeaways The age 65 milestone: Medicare eligibility typically begins at age 65, though younger adults with specific disabilities, ALS or end-stage renal disease can qualify earlier. Automatic vs. manual rules: Enrollment in Medicare is only automatic if you already receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits; otherwise, you must sign up manually.
Medicare Advantage Initial Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Periods
Key Takeaways Each Medicare Advantage enrollment period has its own rules and timelines. Missing your Medicare Advantage enrollment means you have to wait until your next enrollment period, which could lead to gaps in your health care coverage. Planning ahead for Medicare Advantage enrollment ensures that you maintain uninterrupted coverage and have the best plan for your health situation. Navigating Medicare Advantage can feel like threading a needle.
What Qualifies a Patient for Skilled Nursing Care?
Key Takeaways Skilled nursing care includes short-term rehab services, such as therapy, nursing interventions and medication management, to help seniors recover after illness, injury or surgery. To qualify for skilled nursing care, seniors must need services that can’t be provided at a lower level of care, and they must show potential for improvement.
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Treatment?
Key Takeaways Comprehensive coverage options: Original Medicare covers both inpatient and outpatient behavioral healthcare, including psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluations, preventive care, wellness support and substance use treatment. Standard cost-sharing requirements: Beneficiaries pay a $1,736 Part A deductible per benefit period for inpatient stays and a $283 Part B deductible plus 20% coinsurance for outpatient therapy visits.
What Is the Medigap Birthday Rule? State Rules and Enrollment Windows
Key Takeaways No medical questions: The Medigap birthday rule lets current Medicare supplement policyholders switch plans yearly without having to undergo medical underwriting. State-specific regulations: Rules vary by state for enrollment window lengths (typically 30 to 63 days) and plan allowance (most restrict switches to equal or lesser benefits).
2026 Senior Living Tour Checklist: 75+ Expert Questions to Ask
Key Takeaways Prioritize financial transparency: Request an itemized breakdown of monthly costs and potential fee increases, and get sample contracts in writing to avoid unexpected financial surprises. Evaluate real-time staffing quality: During your tour, ask about specific RN vs. LPN coverage across both day and night shifts, and directly observe how quickly and respectfully caregivers respond to resident call lights.
Medicare Agents and Brokers: What Are They and How to Find a Good One
Key Takeaways Medicare agents and brokers assist consumers in choosing the best health insurance plan for their needs. A good Medicare agent or broker will take your personal preferences, financial situation and health conditions into account and recommend a plan tailored to your circumstances. While Medicare brokers and agents can provide value at no cost to you, be cautious of potential scams, biases and fraudulent practices.
How to Best Prepare for a Colonoscopy
Getty Images A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard when it comes to screening for colon polyps and colorectal cancer. Yet a colonoscopy – and the steps required to get one – can cause a spike of anxiety. But don't worry. Understanding the health benefits and the correct way to prepare for this routine procedure can assuage any apprehension. While people often dread the prep involved for a colonoscopy, the screening saves lives.
7 Signs It’s Time to Move to a Senior Living Facility
Key Takeaways Moving to a senior living facility earlier rather later allows you more autonomy and control in deciding the right one. You also have more time to consider your physical health, mental health and safety needs. Senior living offers many benefits, such as increased socialization and connection and a break from the business of life.
What Are the Levels of Senior Living?
Key Takeaways Levels of care in senior living range from independent living to long-term care communities. Choosing the right level of care prevents undercare, which can lead to injury, and overcare, which can diminish independence. To ensure the right level of senior living, talk to a medical professional about a geriatric assessment to determine the best living situation for your or your loved one's physical and mental health needs.
How to Pay for a Nursing Home With No Money
Key Takeaways Medicare covers short-term care only: Medicare Part A only pays for up to 100 days of post-hospital skilled nursing care and rehabilitation. Medicaid, however, acts as the primary government safety net for long-term custodial (nonmedical) care. Spend-down strategies require advance timing: You can legally qualify for Medicaid by turning excess cash into exempt assets, but you'll need to navigate the strict five-year look-back period on financial transfers.
A Patient's Guide to Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Key Takeaways High prevalence, high cure rate: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 Americans by age 70. Fortunately, most cases are highly curable when detected early. The three main types: The vast majority of diagnoses are basal cell carcinoma (most common, slow-growing) or squamous cell carcinoma. Melanoma is much rarer but highly aggressive and likely to spread.
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: Key Differences, Costs and Care Levels
Key Takeaways Medical needs: Nursing homes provide 24/7 medical supervision for chronic and complex conditions. Assisted living, on the other hand, focuses on preserving independence while providing support with activities of daily living. Cost: Nursing homes cost significantly more ($9,581 to $10,798 per month, depending on the room type), compared to assisted living ($6,200 per month).
Liver Disease: Symptoms, Causes, Stages and Treatment Guide
Key Takeaways Silent early symptoms: Early-stage liver disease often presents with subtle or no symptoms, making routine liver enzyme blood tests crucial for timely detection. Main causes and risk factors: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), excessive alcohol consumption and chronic viral hepatitis (hepatitis B and C) are the leading causes of liver inflammation worldwide.
A Patient’s Guide to Osteoporosis
Key Takeaways Understand your T-score and fracture risk: Osteoporosis is a silent condition that weakens bones. Because it may not have early symptoms, getting a DXA scan is essential. A T-score of -2.5 or lower indicates an osteoporosis diagnosis and helps your doctor assess your risk for fractures. Strengthen bones with nutrition and movement: Daily lifestyle habits play a major role in protecting your bones.
Pediatric Cancer Guide: Types, Early Signs, Treatment and Prognosis
Key Takeaways Pediatric cancer types and causes: Unlike adult cancers tied to lifestyle choices, childhood cancers – most commonly leukemias, brain tumors, neuroblastomas and lymphomas – typically stem from unknown causes or rare genetic changes. Diagnosis and warning signs: Symptoms like unexplained fevers, abnormal lumps, severe headaches with morning vomiting and persistent joint pain often mimic common illnesses, requiring thorough evaluations by primary care providers for proper diagnosis.
A Patient's Guide to Hyperkalemia
Key Takeaways: The safe zone: Normal blood potassium levels range between 3.5 and 5 mEq/L. Levels at or above 6 mEq/L indicate severe hyperkalemia and are a medical emergency. A silent threat: Mild to moderate hyperkalemia often doesn't have any symptoms. However, severe spikes can disrupt the heart's electrical system, triggering life-threatening arrhythmias and other serious symptoms.
Home Care vs. Assisted Living: 2026 Costs, Pros & How to Choose
Key Takeaways Surveys show that most seniors would prefer to age in their own homes, but many seniors also understand that ultimately that may not be possible. When the home care required amounts only to a few hours a day, it may be safe and financially viable to remain in your own home. When full-time help becomes necessary, that may be the time to move to an assisted living community.
A Patient's Guide to Heart Attacks
Key Takeaways A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart. Common heart attack symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating, but symptoms can vary in individuals. Other symptoms include pain radiating to the arms or jaw, nausea or vomiting. Preventing heart attacks involves lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep and stress management. Your arms are tingling. You have chest pain. You feel sweaty.
A Patient’s Guide to Heart Arrhythmias
We've all heard the phrase: "My heart skipped a beat." Usually, it's about excitement, love or nerves. But in medical terms, a skipped beat isn't romantic at all; it might be a sign that it's time to see a doctor. The most common example of an arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is someone who feels skipped beats, a racing heart or the sensation of their heart fluttering, says Dr. Jeremy S.
A Patient’s Guide to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Key Takeaways Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a distressing event, or series of events. Common PTSD symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks or difficulty with relationships or daily functioning. There is no blood test or imaging test to diagnose PTSD, but your mental health provider or medical provider will diagnose you through an assessment of your symptoms.
Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatments
Key Takeaways Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, profound fatigue, sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment (sometimes referred to as "fibro fog"). Researchers believe fibromyalgia stems from central nervous system sensitization, causing the brain and spinal cord to amplify normal pain signals.
How to Talk to Your Doctor: A Master Guide to Describing Symptoms and Being Heard
Key Takeaways Prepare for the 15-minute window: Tight clinical schedules require tracking and logging symptoms, sending medical records ahead of time and bringing your prescription medication bottles to make your visit more efficient. Use the OLD CARTS framework: Describe your symptoms by noting their onset, location, duration, character, aggravating/relieving factors, timing and severity (on a 1-10 scale).
Diabetes Guide: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Key Takeaways Diabetes encompasses several distinct conditions: Diabetes types range from autoimmune Type 1 to Type 2 (the most common), as well as gestational diabetes, prediabetes and rarer secondary types like Type 3c.
A Patient's Guide to Heart Disease
A middle-aged male, Mark, visited a cardiology clinic to complain about his worsening asthma. Dr. Tabitha Moe, a cardiologist at HonorHealth in Phoenix, probed him about his symptoms. He described shortness of breath that worsened during physical activity and noted his inhaler was making his heart race, but it wasn't relieving his difficulty breathing.
Best Memory Care Communities 2026
Living in a memory care facility costs $7,654 per month, according to U.S. News analysis. Prices vary based on geographic location, the size and privacy of your room and how much medical care or personal assistance you require. This monthly fee generally includes the room, food, basic housekeeping and laundry services, and recreational activities. For example, haircuts, bathing or more extensive housecleaning may cost extra. Community fees may also be an additional charge.
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