Tips for the Nurse to Ease the Holiday Blues

With the holidays fast approaching, it is hard not to feel a sense of magic in the air. The lights, the music, and the food give a sense of warmth this time of year. Unfortunately, anyone that works at the bedside full time has an obligatory holiday shift each year. While many become acclimated to this reality, there are those that could use a little cheering up. The following are just a few tips for making it through your holiday shift this year..

Tips for the Nurse to Ease the Holiday Blues

8 March, 2017

Tips for Surviving Nursing School

Nursing School Meme

Most nurses can recall the trials and tribulations of nursing school. The first day they attempt to weed out the weak ones by simply reviewing the syllabus. You are told to quit your job, forget any social life until you graduate, and prepare to study every waking moment of your life. They give every scenario that is a possible ground for expulsion from the program. You may go home feeling like a failure before even starting. Don’t!! Go home, cry if you need to, sleep it off, and wake up to the fact that you can do this. You will do this! How? Here are just a few tips….

Tips for Surviving Nursing School

26 April, 2016

April Nurse Feature: A Nurse Mentor & Friend

“Rest and take care of yourself. If you don’t, you can’t take care of others.”

FullSizeRender-71 Our April nurse feature takes us to my hometown, New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Meet Janet. Janet was one of my first mentors as a graduate nurse. She gave me daily pep talks and hugs when I would pass her in the halls at work. She took me under her wing, pushed me to follow my dream of working in NICU (neonatal intensive care), and trained me when it was my turn to orient. My hope is that any new graduate nurse has such a mentor. It was though her guidance and constant encouragement that I found my nursing legs and confidence.

Where are you from?

I am originally from North Carolina, but was raised in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

In what area of nursing do you work?

I worked primarily in NICU for over 30 years.

How long have you been a nurse?

I received my license in 1981 and retired in 2013, so for 32 years. I didn’t start my career until I was 41 years old.

What inspired you to be a nurse?

It was something I had always wanted to do since a very early age. I just wanted to be a nurse, wife, and, mother.

What advice would you give to a new nurse?

I have a granddaughter who wants to be a NICU nurse. She just received her RN and got a job in a children’s hospital. I tell her to get her foot in the door and get all the experience she can and watch for opening in NICU- to work and strive to accomplish your dreams.

What advice would you give to a tired nurse?

Rest and take care of yourself. If you don’t, you can’t take care of others.

What do you do in your spare time?

I try to spend time with my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and I love to sew.

Thanks so much for sharing, Janet ❤ You are the true definition of nurse! To read more about Janet and her mission trip to Haiti, check out my latest post with Mighty Nurse below. It will leave you with a sense of post-retirement inspiration.

Coffee Talk With a Mighty Nurse: Volunteering After Retirement