A dramatic moment from a nurse's career, never forgotten.

Menstrual health is a fundamental component of well-being, yet it continues to be absent from public health policy. Period poverty is the inability to afford appropriate products to manage menstruation in a dignified and sanitary way. Gaps in access to affordable menstrual health products put menstruating individuals at risk for losses in education, income, and dignity. Environmental factors can influence the pricing of products, which can make them harder to access. The United States lacks unified menstrual health policies to support equity for menstruating individuals in schools, shelters, and prison settings. Nurses have direct contact with individuals impacted by period poverty and should be aware of policies at the state and federal level. The purpose of this article is to define period poverty and examine federal, state, and local policies addressing menstrual equity.

Knowledge and skills in applying QI tools, measurements, and analysis.

This is the 10th article in a new series designed to provide readers with insight into educating nurses about evidence-based decision-making (EBDM). It builds on AJN's award-winning previous series-Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step and EBP 2.0: Implementing and Sustaining Change (to access both series, go to https://links.lww.com/AJN/A133). This follow-up series on EBDM will address how to teach and facilitate learning about the evidence-based practice (EBP) and quality improvement (QI) processes and how they impact health care quality. This series is relevant for all nurses interested in EBP and QI, especially DNP faculty and students. The brief case scenario included in each article describes one DNP student's journey. To access previous articles in this EBDM series, go to https://links.lww.com/AJN/A256.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice worldwide. In 2024, the American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and Heart Rhythm Society released updated guidelines on the management of AF, offering comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations to support safe and effective care. This article highlights three core components of AF management: anticoagulation in nonvalvular AF, rate control, and rhythm control. The aim is to help RNs and NPs better understand the scientific rationale behind the most recent guideline updates. Practical considerations related to anticoagulation are addressed, including the use of the CHA2DS2-VASc score, the role of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) compared with vitamin K antagonists, and the agents used to reverse the anticoagulation effects of DOACs. The article also compares the effectiveness of rate control with that of rhythm control, with an overview of pharmacological and electrical cardioversion strategies. Finally, the article explores the importance of managing modifiable risk factors.

Nurses remain essential, but new challenges may transform their work.

Actions leaders can take to strengthen safety and equity.