Observations, Inspiration, and Advice from a Neonatal Nurse
We are nurses. We witness joy and sorrow and amid what is all in a day’s work, we thrive in the service of others. It fulfills us. Nursing teaches us how to be better human beings. In a world where selflessness has become a sign of weakness, it is now more than ever that we need to step up and model the art of compassion.
Thriving in the Service of Others
Whether you are a nurse or a nurse in training, you are likely a well-organized individual. It comes with the territory. It is important to have routines. One routine that is well worth having is a designated nursing bag that you can easily grab on your way out the door without thinking twice about its contents. I have been asked time and again by my coworkers what exactly is in my work bag. I thought, why not share with you? The following are just a few of my own personal essentials….
Nursing is a calling, not just a profession. Most nurses are innate caregivers. Perhaps you became a nurse after caring for a sick loved one or friend? Perhaps you are the mediator of your family? Are you the glue that brings people together? Or maybe you became a nurse because you like problem solving? While all of these attributes make for an excellent nurse, there is the risk of burnout, mistakes, and lack of necessary change in the profession when we never say no……
Why Every Nurse Should Learn to Say No
If there is one thing I have learned in my travels, it is to embrace minimalism. On my first assignment I tried to pack my entire apartment. It was like I was moving out entirely. I packed every photo, piece of clothing, pair of shoes, cleaning item, and on and on. With each subsequent assignment I realized that I did not need my vacuum, pots, pans, or dishes. I learned to use what I was given. That being said, there are a few musts that should be on every travel nurse’s packing list.
Packing Essentials for the First Time Travel Nurse
It is no secret that this country is facing a massive nursing shortage. In fact, it is a worldwide epidemic. Nurses are tasked with far more responsibility, sicker than ever patients, and an unsafe nurse to patient ratio. According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 1 million new nurses will be needed by 2022 in the U.S. alone. While we continue to strive to offer the best care, our minds and bodies are at the losing end. So how can we maintain while measures are being taken to improve our work environment?
Maintaining in a Nursing Shortage
Merriam-Webster defines a mentor as a trusted counselor or guide. Every nurse should have at least one nurse mentor regardless of the stage of his or her career. We are constantly in need of second opinions or advice. The day you think you have learned it all or know it all is the day you should retire 😉 In my latest for Mighty Nurse, I discuss some necessary qualities of a nurse mentor. Thanks for reading!!!
Qualities of a Good Nurse Mentor
Hello from sunny Florida ❤ Every winter, I head home for the warmth and light, embrace of family, and to remember where I come from. Since coming home, I have been a little lax in my posting. As a result, I will now be inundating you all with back posts 🙂
For me, being a nurse is so much more than having the skill to place an IV, the ability to detect subtle changes in a patient’s status, and the ability to deal with the multiple personalities one is confronted with on a daily basis. It is equally important to be a good listener, strive to continually learn, and take the time to educate and advocate for one’s patients. Our patients are not only those we treat at the bedside, but those we are surrounded by in every day life including friends, family, and community. A nurse is never truly off-duty.
In the last year, I have transitioned more and more away from my role as a bedside nurse to the role of maternal/infant health and education. Patient education has always been my passion and in the last year I have been honored and privileged to offer maternal and infant education courses to expectant parents living in Gothenburg, Sweden, through a fledgling maternal/infant and wellness company. My vow to each and every student is the same I offer my patients. I strive to leave my own struggles behind and greet them with undisturbed enthusiasm. I will learn from them as they learn from me and guide them with care and consideration on the journey to their baby.
The following is my vow to those I serve in my role as nurse whether through care at the bedside or through community outreach ❤
This week’s post is for all the new grads out there ❤ In my latest for Mighty Nurse, I share some simple steps for preparing for your first nursing interview.
Tips for Your First Nursing Interview
While the holidays are often a time of food, celebration, and reunion, they can also be a time of deep grief and loneliness. The holidays can represent the void of a loved one who has passed. A nurse knows this better than most. We witness people in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. We will all experience loss at some point in our lives and grief is individual. The following is my wish for those grieving this time of year….
A Nurse’s Wish for the Grieving During the Holidays
In my most recent post for Mighty Nurse, I share some gift ideas for the nurse in your family. The following are just a few of my favorite things ❤ Happy Holidays!!
10 Gift Ideas for the Nurse in Your Family
Postpartum Doula, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Birth & Postpartum Doula Support, Gothenburg Sweden
Postpartum Doula Support, New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Hakuna Matata
The stories and tips of upper year nursing students to guide you through your journey in nursing school
Nursing Documentation in the Age of Electronic Health Record
Author Professor Charlene Kirby MSN, RN, C-TTE
Check out my Instagram - myjourneythroughnnursing
Empowering India's Nurses with Expertise and Insight
"Nursing School: where I learn to save your life, while simultaneously wanting to die"
Marianna Crane
Observations, Inspiration, and Advice from a Neonatal Nurse
Inspire Enable Improve
ANS: Published by Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins
Relevant Nursing Information
Observations, Inspiration, and Advice from a Neonatal Nurse
Neonurse 