Author: Megan Weaver Culbertson, BSN, RN

Culbertson’s Go Tiny

The Dream To Travel

Traveling has been a dream for Bradley and I pretty much since we started dating over 7 years ago. We loved the idea of being able to see the country and have enough time to emerge ourselves in different cultures. We also knew if we did this, we wanted a home we could bring with us. A lot of travel nurses rent rooms, homes through Air BNB or Furnished Finders, or long term stays in hotels. These are great options but with a husband and 2 fur babies, we knew finding a place for all four of us could be tricky. We also like the idea of not having to pack up all our stuff and move every 3 months. So, we decided a home on wheels was right for us. If you haven’t read about our current adventure and big leap we took, check out my post about my My First 2 weeks as a Travel RN.

Tiny Home vs RV

We still really want to buy a tiny home and that is planned for the future. However, they are a lot bigger and a lot harder to move. An RV is built a little more to be easily mobile. We also paid about 1/3 of what we would have paid for a tiny home. Since we left for our travel adventure about a year earlier than we planned, we didn’t want to spend a ton on the place we would live right away. And you aren’t just making your tiny home/camper payment, you also have to pay for a space at the campground so you can park it. We do plan to make quite a few modifications to our camper over the next several months to give it more of a tiny home feel and will be sharing that transformation with you on the blog!

First Two Weeks

The first two weeks of living tiny have required a few slight adjustments but overall I am happy to say we are settling in to our new home quite nicely! We are still working to find a place for everything and get everything unpacked, but it is starting to feel like home. Living in the campground and being able to enjoy nights by the fire and cooking out (our camper even has an outdoor kitchen) has been so fun! Annabelle surprisingly adjusted very quickly and loves having all the windows. Declan is happy as long as he is with his people, and he too is loving having the windows to see all the happenings of the campground.

Declan loves having a nature trail in his back yard.

 

The Queen enjoying her daily sun bathing.

A few of the biggest changes from our home in Greenville have been:

  • TINY bathroom. We had a small bathroom at home, but we now have essentially a closet with a small walk in shower. I definitely miss my bathtub and the size of our water heater at home but it hasn’t been to bad!
  • Queen size bed. We had a king size bed before and Declan already took up half of that (he likes to sleep stretched out with his long legs.) So, you can imagine how that adjustment has been, ha!
  • The kitchen is considerably smaller, but surprisingly that has not been an issue so far! We have cooked several meals in our kitchen and grocery shopped for the week, and have managed to fit everything! Having a mini fridge and cabinet space in the outdoor kitchen definitely helps with storage.
  • The couch. Is. Also. Tiny. I love having a big comfy couch and a camper couch definitely isn’t comfy, big, or atheistically pleasing. It definitely is one of the first things we plan to change on our list! For now, we laid it flat and put pillows on the back which has made it a lot more comfortable.

Our first dinner we cooked in the kitchen inside the camper.

Overall tho, I am so happy to say we are adjusting really well and loving our new home! Thank you for all the love and support on this new adventure! We are so excited for this new chapter in our lives and look forward to sharing it on the blog. Look for an RV tour coming soon and some talk about our plans to make it more homey! 🙂

 

Happy CNA Week! 2020


Thank you to all the CNA, HHA, PCT, STNA, and PCAs out there!

Happy CNA (Certified Nursing Assistance) Week! Thank you for all you do for your fellow health care workers and patients. You all are AMAZING! I worked as a CNA before I became a nurse and I know that it is not an easy job. It is long hours on your feet turning, lifting, and pulling patients. You work hard, and I know often times that hard work goes unnoticed. I want you to know I see you and appreciate you and value the work you do as a healthcare professional!

Maslow Hierchary Of Needs

In nursing school, we learned about Maslow’s Hierchary of Needs. This is a theory of the five categories of human needs. The needs are listed in a pyramid, with the most important and basic needs at the bottom- physiological. This is air, food, clothing, shelter. This is the things that CNAs do! I never understood how people could look down at what the CNA does, because they are caring for the most important and basic human needs. I can run drips, doctors can perform procedures, we can do all the things medicine has to offer- but if the room isn’t clean, the patient isn’t clean, fed, cared for- the family and patient perception will be they didn’t receive good care. You help to ensure the patient feels safe and cared for. That is AMAZING.

CNA= Life Saver

CNAs save lives just like nurses, respiratory therapist, doctors, physical assistances, nurse practitioners, and all the other health care professionals. I have had many CNAs alert me to a life threatening change in a patient, a critical vital sign or blood sugar, find a patient unresponsive, etc. I have watch CNAs get snacks for low blood sugars, encourage patients to breath when they are short of breath, perform chest compressions, run and get critical supplies for codes. The list goes on, but please know, you save lives. And when it comes time for people to leave this world- you help them go with love and dignity. That is just as amazing.

Travel Nursing & PCTs

I recently worked some tough shifts. It can be hard not having anyone you know working on the unit with you. I had some tough patient assignments, admissions, sick patients who needed blood and a variety of medications and care, and I just felt like I was drowning at times. On these days, I had the most amazing PCTs. Working as a travel nurse has really reminded me how amazing techs can be and the large value they hold. One night, when I was behind, my PCT saw that I was struggling and jumped into help without asking. She would check in on my patients and report to me that they were okay. When my admission came, she set up the whole room, placed a Purewick, did vitals, and put the patient in a gown. When I came out of a room (I was giving 10pm medications still after midnight) and she came up to tell me all she had done, I could have cried. I appreciated it so much. It was the support and help I needed to make it through another 6 hours. I make sure to make a conscious effort to thank every PCT I work with personally by the end of the shift. Appreciation can go a long way.

THANK YOU!

Seriously, I cannot thank you enough for what you do for patients and staff. I hope you work with people who appreciate you, and if they don’t, know that I do. Your job is to care for the people in their most vulnerable times and in very vulnerable circumstances and you do so in a way that gives them dignity and respect.

Happy Juneteenth- 2020

I don’t think I had heard of Juneteenth until this year. I may have heard about it in passing, but I didn’t really know what it was. I decided it was past time for me to change that so I spent some time today reading & listening to learn more about this holiday and what it means. I encourage each of you to do your own research but I am writing a short blog post to give you a base knowledge and a place to start.

Emancipation Proclamation

On September 22, 1862, Lincoln announced the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. This called on the Confederate states to rejoin the Union within 100 days- by January 1, 1863, or their slaves would be declared “thenceforward, and forever free.” On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation into law. This was a time long before quick communication. Union soldiers went to confederate states and slave holders homes to read mini versions of the proclamation. However, the proclamation actually did little to actually free enslaved people. The border confederate states were not effected by the proclamation, and many slave holders in the confederacy did not abide by it either. However, it was a very symbolic moment that would lead to 13th amendment to the Constitution which abolished slavery in 1865.

June 19, 1865

“The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere.” – General Orders, Number 3; Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston. June 19, 1865

On June 19, 1865, over 2 years after the issue of the Emancipation Proclamation, Major General Gordon Granger issued the above order. 2,000 Union troops arrive in Galveston Bay, Texas to announce that more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state were freed by the executive decree. This day would later become known as “Juneteenth” by the freed people of Texas.

Juneteenth

Juneteenth marks the country’s second, and honestly more true Independence Day. In 1979, Texas became to the first state to make it an official holiday. Since then, 41 other states and the District of Columbia have recognized Juneteenth as a state holiday or holiday observance. Petitions are in place to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. It seems like it should be a day that is celebrated as much, if not more, than Independence Day. I hope someday that will happen.

Ways to Celebrate

I have spent time today on Instagram reading about Juneteenth from black people’s perspectives and listening to ways they suggest we celebrate this day.

Some ways to celebrate included:

  • Share your favorite Black influencers and businesses with friends and on social media.
  • Share Black social media pages that you enjoy and bring your happiness- not just pages that include education.
  • Educate yourself, your family and friends, and your children on Juneteenth.
  • Support Black businesses!
  • Donate to various organizations that support Black civil rights.

I encourage everyone to take some time to educate yourselves about this holiday, and find a way to celebrate. Happy Juneteenth, Friends. Let’s keep this as a reminder of the end of a dark past, and the light of a more hopeful and equal future. Love to all of you. <3

 

Resources

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/

https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/emancipation-proclamation

https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/historical-legacy-juneteenth

 

 

 

 

 

My First 2 weeks as a Travel RN

I have officially finished my first two weeks as a travel nurse! I realize I am very much in the “honeymoon” phase of travel nursing but I am so happy to say I am loving it so far! It is just what my heart and career needed. I was SO nervous to be starting as a travel nurse and to be a part of float pool at that! However, all the units are set up similar and this hospital has very clear policy and procedures/orders so that is making the transition a lot easier. The staff has also be kind and welcoming on all the units I have been too.

Adventure To Virginia

The week before I left we realized my husband was going to need to stay in Greenville for at least a week before he could join me in Virginia because we needed him to tie up some loose ends (exciting announcement coming soon about that!) My sister called Friday night and offered to drive 500 miles to a place neither of us have been in a pandemic with me! I took her up on the offer to be my co-pilot and Sunday we made our way to Arlington, Virginia. She spent 5 days with me here and we were able to see some sites in Washington D.C., explore Arlington (what is open, it’s still on lock down here), and just have some fun quality sister time. I’m so thankful she was willing to come with me and I loved having her here!

World War II Memorial

National Monument

Lincoln Memorial

Social Distancing Happy Hour in Arlington

Orientation

Orientation started out a little rough and definitely had me feeling nervous. I was so confused finding where I needed to go and ended up awkwardly sitting in the wrong class room. When I finally found my class, everyone was in scrubs, and I was in a suit. They also were all very experienced travelers and I was obviously new. Definitely an awkward situation. It seemed no one realized I was new- from management to HR to the EPIC trainer even though I was clear on my submission and interview I had never traveled before. I just tried to listen and absorb everything the best I could and it went fine!

The first day was a 3 hour computer class that was taught remote because of Covid-19. It usually was a full day class, but they fast tracked it due to Covid. The instructor was on speaker phone and able to show us things through a computer screen projection. Thankfully, the hospital uses EPIC, which I was use to using with my previous job. There are some things that are different, but generally it is the same. It was difficult because any time someone had a question we had to try to explain over the phone what they problem was. However, every one in the class had EPIC experience so we could also help each other navigate.

The next day I went to the hospital and did housekeeping type things- skill check offs, N-95 fit test, etc. I then shadowed a nurse on the floor for a few hours before leaving. The beginning was stressful because the schedule for the day was never very clear and we all had lots of questions as we tried to navigate the hospital. However, after I met my direct float pool nurse manager things became much smoother and more clear. I received my schedule for the first 6 weeks which was nice and she also gave me a full tour of the hospital.

Floor Orientation

Friday and Saturday night I was on the floor with another float nurse. She was so kind and helpful and took a little extra time with me since it was my first travel assignment. Learning new door codes, ways to contact the MD, how to know which MD to contact, etc are an obvious learning curve. However, nursing care generally does not change. I also was slow at most things just from not being familiar with omnicell (we used Pyxis), a different set up of the charting system, new supply room set ups, etc. but overall I felt like it really wasn’t all that different from my experience at my old hospital.

First Week Solo & Covid-19

After two days of orientation on the floor, I walked in and was assigned to the Covid Unit. It definitely was a little intimidating but I am happy to say it went well! I knew choosing to leave to travel when I did I would be helping on Covid units and honestly it was one of my reasons for starting when I did. I am thankful to say the hospital I am at is doing an amazing job at providing staff with the PPE we need to stay safe and care for our patients.

Family Arrives Saturday!

I have one more shift and I will officially be done with my third week of my assignment, which feels crazy! My husband, fur babies, and parents will be here Saturday and I am so excited to see them! We are so thankful to my parents for helping us move and I am so excited to see them. Covid-19 ruined our plans to visit this springs unfortunately. I have been staying at the Hilton in Arlington which has been a great experience, but I am so happy to have my family joining me. The Hilton, American Nurse Association, and American Express all partnered to give Covid-19 nurses a free place to stay. It has been wonderful to have a clean, comfortable, safe place to stay so close to the hospital while I learn how to navigate Covid-19 & travel nursing as well as an area I have never been before. Thank you!!!

 

4 year blog anniversary!

It’s hard to believe I have had this space on my little corner of the internet for 4 years! As we know, I haven’t always been the best at sticking with the regular blog post but never the less I love this space and all of you who are kind enough to visit it! I hope this space has been, and will continue to be, a source of support, knowledge, empowerment, or even just a light hearted read/laugh for my fellow nurses & other health care staff out there, as well as those non healthcare people who are willing to follow along!

I’m sharing 5 of my favorite blog post from the past year (it was hard to choose!) to celebrate this 4 year blogiversary!

  1. Burn Out & Journey to Recovery

This post I took leap of faith and talked about my current burn out at work and working to find my passion for nursing again. I still always had a love for my job and absolutely a love for my patients & fellow nurses, but hard days had lead to me feeling down and not excited to go to work. I am still on the journey but I am excited to announce a change soon that I am hoping will help me to continue to recover on my burn out journey!

2. When you don’t get the “dream job”

This is one of my favorite post because I think it’s something so important for us to discuss, especially in the nursing world. When you graduate nursing school, there are SO many options for where you can work. A lot of people also have an area they really fell in love with, and may have their heart set on working there. After my L&D practicum, I thought for sure that is where I would start my nursing journey. However, despite going above and beyond to make it happen, it just wasn’t meant to be for me at that time. I took a job on a cardiac unit and feel in love with both the nursing & the amazing nursing staff I worked with. I have learned so much in my three years on telemetry and I am so happy it is where I ended up. I wanted to share with other new nurses that you CAN find happiness in jobs other than your “dream job.”

3. Our Engagement Story

Photo Credit: The Talented Stephanie Culbertson

You know I had to include our Engagement Story when I saw I wrote this post in the past year. 🙂 Not nursing related, but by far one of my favorite post and memories of all time.

4. NCLEX 101: How to pass your NCLEX and earn your credentials

Nursing students and new graduate nurses will always be some of my favorite people & have such a special place in my heart. I really enjoyed looking back at my NCLEX study days to write this post and hope it helps out at least one nursing student as they prepare for the big test!

5. A look back at 2019

Photo Credit: Kylie Marie Photography

I had to include this post because it includes some of my favorite events from the past year including our wedding where our sweet Southpaw was the best dog of honor. It also was one of the saddest days, the day he crossed the rainbow bridge. A year full or ups and downs but still one of the best years yet.

Bonus: New in the life: Meet Declan!

I had to add a bonus post because it was the introduction of our newest family member, Declan! We love him and are so happy to have this energetic boy as a part of our family.

Thank you for being a part of this space and my journey!

I really want to thank everyone who takes the time to read my blog, like or share a social media post, and leave a comment. I can’t tell you how much all of those things mean to me! Some exciting changes are coming to the blog and my nursing journey so I hope you’ll stick around for another year of both nursey and non-nursing adventures!

Self Care & Support While Social Distancing

This is such a weird, sad, scary time, isn’t it? I go from feeling okay with social distancing and enjoying a nice introvert night, to overwhelming pain, fear, and sadness. I don’t think I have even began to comprehend the effect social distancing and Covid-19 are having on people. It is effecting every single person on so many different levels. People are out of work. People are scared to go to work. People can’t buy the food or toiletries we usually buy. No more lunch at your favorite restaurant. No more visiting family members in the hospital. No more visiting family, period. For an empathetic person who feels things so deeply, this all is just so overwhelming at times. And I know we all are having a lot of really hard feelings right now. So please know, I’m sending you a lot of love. And virtual hugs. And if you need to talk, or vent, I’m here. Message me.

Self care and support are SO important right now. For everyone. Obviously, I am a nurse, this is a nursing focused blog, and I have the perspective of a nurse. However, I think this information could be helpful to everyone. I know nurses, RTs, PCTs, Doctors on the front lines may feel they don’t have time or energy to practice self care, but even something as simple as listening to your favorite song while your brush your teeth and wash your face can provide a hint of normalcy and a little self care.

Friday, I woke up feeling the weight of the world. And it felt so heavy. It made my heart ache. I spent the first part of the day feeling sad, isolated, scared, stressed, anxious. Then, the second part of the day, I decided to care for myself. I went on a car ride with good music up and windows down. We went on a (social distance approved) hike with our pup. We had a fire on the deck. By then end of the day, some of the stress and anxiety had faded away. We need to care for ourselves, friends. Here’s some ways we can do that.

Declan’s first hike

Self Care & Support Activities While Social Distancing

Bubbles & Bubble Bath

I know, I know. It’s cliche. I can’t help it though, a bubble bath & a glass of champagne, wine, or even a sparkling water just feels so great. It relaxes and soothes aching feet and muscles. Brings a sense of calm. Feels like your truly pampering and relaxing. Bonus points if you add a face mask!

Get Outside

Sunshine + fresh air is just good for the soul, isn’t it? The CDC and state agencies are still saying it is okay to go outside for physical activity and wellness, but we need to be smart about it. My husband, Declan, and I went for a hike yesterday. We went at a time trails were not crowded, stayed 6 feet away from the few people we did pass on the trail, and did not use any public spaces (restrooms, picnic shelters.) We also have been utilizing time outdoors through walks in our neighborhood and time on our deck. Just be smart when you are outside, but get some fresh air! Note: If you are showing any signs of being sick however, STAY HOME. Go to your backyard if available but do not go into public- including trails and parks!

Make a Fun Meal

This quarantine has really forced Bradley and me to start getting a little more fun and creative with our food! We usually go out a couple times a week and quickly realized just our normal staples may get old. Steaks & chicken on the grill, nachos, & homemade stir fry have been some of the best things we have tried so far! I know it can be hard with food shortages but you can make some fun meals with what is available! It helps having to eat at home allll the time to be a little more fun.

Face Time/Zoom/Skype Get Together

I have not done this yet, but I have seen a lot of people get together for virtual happy hours, coffee dates, even board game nights! I think this is a fantastic idea and can really help those who are struggling with isolation and missing their people. I hope to incorporate this into my social distancing in the next couple weeks.

Limit Media Intake

Please, Please, PLEASE follow this one. I have fallen down the black hole so many times. To be honest, a couple weeks ago, I was not really reading about any of this, because it scared me. Finally, I realized I needed to educate myself before returning to the hospital. Then, I read TO much. I was laying awake at night, heart racing, obsessively reading everything I could. We need to be informed, but to much news and media intake of Covid-19 is NO GOOD. For anyone.

Talk to Someone

We have to have community and someone to talk to during this time! If not, we will find outselves even more isolated. Reach out to a trusted friend or colleague. Phone a family member. If you feel you need professional help, while many may not be seeing patients in person right now, there are online options. Better Help is an online therapy website that links you to a counselor you are able to see on video chat or over the phone. We all need someone to talk to and help us work through tough times right now, please don’t be afraid to reach out!

Journal

Getting your thoughts down on paper can be a great way to cope with tough times. Even writing a line or two a day can be beneficial.

Go for a Drive

A drive around your neighborhood/city can be a great way to decompress and get out of the house, while still practicing your social distancing. Roll the windows down, turn on your favorite music, and just enjoy a change of scenery and hopefully some sunshine. Bonus, gas prices are low most places right now!

Inspirational People to Follow

Nurses Inspire Nurses

Cat Golden, BSN, RN founded this company to be a place for nurses to find support and inspire each other. I absolutely love Cat and this entire movement! I feel like it is EXACTLY what the nursing world needs right now. Someone to support and care for the caretakers. Check out her awesome IG, site, & shop!

The Burnout Book

Anna Rodriguez, BSN, RN, PCCN, CCRN is a nurse who has held various nursing jobs, from med/surg to ICU to her current GI lab position. Her platform is to share her own personal story of nurse burn out and how she overcame it. Her website and IG are full of information on self care, burn out, and just so much nurse goodness.

Nurse Sonja

Sonja Schwarzbach, BSN, RN, SRNA is a nurse, CRNA student, and nurse advocate who is at the front line of the fight to get nurses the PPE they need. She was featured in a New York Times article about her private online document she has created, where she is documenting hundred of healthcare workers stories of lack of PPE & poor work conditions. She truly is an amazing advocate for the nurses, who spend so much of their time caring and advocating for others.

A Dose of Happy

Finally, I want to end this post with a little dose of happy. And what is happier than fur baby pics!?

Southpaw, our fur baby in heaven, walking down the aisle at our wedding (he was the ring bearer/dog of honor!)

Annabelle likes to practice her social distancing with lots & lots of naps

Declan, lounging in the sun after a social-distance approved run

Please take some time to take care of yourselves, friends. I am sending everyone lots of love and virtual hugs during this time. How are you practicing self care and support during this time?

New in the life: March 2020- Meet Declan!

Hey friends! It’s been a while! I’m not sure how time got away from me but it’s been a whole month since I published a new blog post. I’m sharing a quick life update before we get back to the regularly scheduled nursey post!

Week with the bestie

A selfie with two dogs at the dog beach is much easier said than done!

I spent an entire week with my friend, Raven. We drank margaritas and mimosas, had beach days, napped (we’re both night shifters, can you tell? lol), watched movies on the couch, went to the dog beach, made Target runs- just did all the fun things that you wish you could do when you live 500 miles apart. Thank you Raven for such a fun filled week and letting me stay twice as long as I was suppose too!

Time with my parents

Lunch outside at Squid Lips- Cocoa Beach

I unfortunately didn’t get quite as much time with my parents as I hoped but I did get to spend a few nights with them! We had beach time, checked out a new brewery, ate dinner on the water, made a Ron Jon & Toppers run- all of my favorite Florida activities! I’m already counting down the minutes until I can return for more fun in the sun.

Work Work Work

After 13 wonderful days off, it was time for me to head back to the #nurselife. And apparently I was feeling super nursey before vacation, because I signed myself up for FOUR shifts in a row upon my return. And the shifts were busy. I had sick patients, worried family members, we were short staffed some days. It’s times like these I am thankful for the awesome nurses, PCTs, and NPs I work with who help me make it through the hard days!

COVID-19 Uncertainty 

It seems like every day the world become more uncertain and concerned with the COVID-19 or corona virus. I would be lying if I didn’t say I am having some worries and anxiety myself. Our healthcare system is already short on resources, beds, and staff. Businesses are closing, and I worry how people will feed their families and pay their rent. Hospitals are restricting visitors, and I worry for patients who will be sick and alone. A quote I always find helpful in times like these, is one form Mr. Rogers.

I always find this quote so helpful during uncertain times. Focusing on the good can really help decrease your stress and anxiety and shine a positive light on bad situations. As a community, those of us who can need to be the helpers. Take a few extra minutes to sit with a scared and lonely patient. Give some words of encouragement to a nurse, doctor, RT, phlebotomist, housekeeper, any healthcare worker. Give a simple “thank you” to the retail workers who are dealing with the panic. Make sure people who are out of work, or kids are out of school, have food to eat. Small acts can make a big impact.

Meet the Newest Addition to our Family!

Declan Camp Culbertson

I brought Bradley home a much bigger souvenir from Florida than anticipated, ha! Bradley and I had been discussing adopting a puppy and he even had been looking at the Humane Society website. It hurt my heart every time we talked about it because I just couldn’t imagine another dog after the passing of my sweet Southpaw.

Then, I went to Raven’s in Florida, and met Declan. He was a surrender at her Emergency Vet clinic. His owner had broke his leg when throwing him outside and he also had contracted Parvo. 🙁 Raven kindly took over care to save Declan’s life. When a possible adoption fell through, she decided Declan would just stay with her. However, when I met Declan, I could just feel he was meant to be a part of our family. He needed us and we needed him. Raven encouraged me to take him (okay, she really sold the idea lol). Before I knew it, I was renting a car and my awesome Dad was making the 500 mile road trip back to SC with me and my new puppy! We are so thankful to Raven for caring for him and giving us this gift. We love him already and he fits in perfectly with our family!

Road Trip with Dad & Declan

 

This weekend, Bradley and I took Declan on a few different nature trail walks and just got use to being a family of four! I am heading back to the hospital tonight where we are now under visitor restrictions, so I am praying everyone practices grace and understanding. Share below something good that has happened to you in the past month, I would love to hear!

Happy Valentine’s Day! 10 reason I LOVE Nursing

Happy Valentine’s Day! I know some people think it’s corny or a “fake” holiday, but I always have had a soft spot for all the pink and love involved on February 14. This post is my virtual Valentines Day card to all you amazing nurses, nursing students, and PCT/CNAs out there (and you amazing non-nursing peeps who support my blog)! THANK YOU for all you do and the love you provide!

Ten Reasons I LOVE Nursing <3

1. Flexibility of Scheduling

There are so many scheduling options available for nurses! Day shift, night shift, M-F, 12 hour shifts, 10 hour shifts, 8 hour shifts, weekends. There are endless possibilities to find a schedule that works for you! I currently work 3 12 hour shifts and I love it! Yes, they are long shifts. Yes, sometime nights leaves me feeling exhausted (and it may not be the shift of choice for me forever.) However, I love having my four days off and being able to have 3-7 days off at a time without using PTO!

2. Find the Job You Love

There are SO many jobs and different specialties/facilities nurses can work in- it allows everyone to find their niche and a place where there are happy! It also allows for nurses to change jobs to allow for growth, you are not stuck in one exact job forever. Hospitals, doctor offices, clinics, home health, various specialties and jobs- so many opportunities!

3. Nurses are the BEST people

I LOVE nurses! They are some of the best people. Nurses are kind, caring, funny, resourceful, smart, and bad ass people. The nurses in my life have helped me to grow as a nurse and better care for my patients. There are also nurses in my life who have become family. They have shown me love and support in both my nurse life but also my personal life.

 

4. No Humor Like Nurse Humor

If you have ever worked as a part of the nursing staff, you know. Nurses have some of the most out there humor- but it is how we cope and get through the day! Laughing with you coworkers or patients is one of the best parts of the job.

5. You Become Resourceful

How much of our jobs is simply trying to make things work!? Even a job where you have allll the resources and the best equipment, you still have to be resourceful from time to time. It may taping blankets to side rails for seizure precautions or getting creative with how to keep a confused patient calm and content, nurses are resourceful and know how to get the job done!

6. Forever Learning

I love to learn, and the beautiful part about nursing is the learning never ends! College and nursing school is honestly just the beginning to a life long journey of learning. Every shift I work I see and learn about a new diagnosis, medication, procedures, nurse hack, or even culture/way of life.

7. Scrubs are like PJs

If you have to change out of your yoga pants or pajamas, at least you get to throw on a pair of scrubs! I love wearing scrubs because I don’t have to stress about what I’m going to wear to work, they are comfy, and make for all the bending, moving, and walking you do in a shift that much easier!

8. Opportunity for Growth

I think Grad School is the number one way people think about growing and moving up in their career as a nurse- but there is so many ways that you can grow in your nursing career! Becoming a preceptor, joining the leadership team, becoming charge nurse, obtaining certifications, the list goes on for ways you can grow in your career without even returning to school.

9. Life Lessons & Gratitude 

Through nursing, you get to meet people of all different ages and walks of life. I have learned so many life lessons from my patients, their families, and even my coworkers. Everyone has unique experiences and you can learn a lot through talking with your patients and coworkers. Through nursing you also are have the privelage to be there for the best and worst moments of people’s lives. Through these moments, you gain gratitiude for the things and people you have in your life.

10. Nurses are the Heart of Healthcare <3

Nurses are the heart of healthcare. Nurses coordinate the care of our patients and facilitate communications among all the specialties involved in the patient’s care. We give medications, assess, and intervene when we find life threatening changes. We save lives. But we also care for the whole person. Not just the body or the disease process. We are nurturers. We help someone to feel less scare and alone, or a family member to feel like they can rest because their loved one is well taken care of. It’s amazing and a privilege to care for the whole person.

 

Thank you again for all the hard work you do. Thank you for the love and care you show your patients, families, and fellow nurses. Send this post to a special nurse, nursing student, or PCT/CNA in your life and wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Influential Nurses- Celebrating Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, I am sharing three nurses who contributed greatly to the nursing profession. These nurses, along with countless others, overcame oppression and prejudice to break down barriers for nurses of all backgrounds. They lead the way to move our profession forward and for nursing to become inclusive of all people. Let us all take a moment this month to appreciate the amazing African-American nurses who came before us, and to continue to grow the nurse profession.

Harriet Tubman (1819(?)-1913)

Harriet Tubman is well known for her work in freeing slaves through the Underground Railroad, but Tubman also acted as a nurse for the Union in the Civil War. Tubman used home remedies she learned from her mother to treat dysentery, smallpox, and other diseases. In 1862, Tubman went to South Carolina to nurse and teach the Gullah people who had been abandoned. In 1865, she was appointed matron of a hospital in Virginia, where she cared for sick and wounded black soldiers.

Tubman never received pension for her time as a nurse. Despite the U.S. Secretary of State, William H. Seward, petitioning to Congress for Tubman to recieve a nurse’s pension for her work during the war- her claim was denied. Her widow’s pension was increased due to her personal service, but this was the extent of acknowledgment for her work as a nurse in the war. In 1908, the Harriet Tubman Home for the Elderly was built on property next to her farm in New York. Tubman cared for the residents until her death in 1913.

Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926)

Although there were many African-American nurses before Mary Mahoney, she was the first African-American to graduate from a nursing program and hold a professional nursing license. 42 students, including Mahoney, were admitted into the New England Hospital for Women and Children Training School for Nurses. Mahoney was one of only three people in her class to complete the 16 month program and graduate in 1878. Mahoney became a private nurse and also was an early member of what would later become the American Nurse Association (ANA.) In 1908, she co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses. Outside of nursing, she was a supporter of women’s suffrage and was one of the first woman to register to vote in Boston at the age of 76.

Goldie Brangman 

Goldie Brangman, CRNA, MBA was a pioneer of the Nurse Anesthesia profession. Brangman founded the Harlem School Center School of Anesthesia and was the program director for 34 years. While working as a Nurse Anesthetist at Harlem Hospital, she served on the surgical team and delivered anesthesia to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after he was stabbed in New York City. She later became the first African-American CRNA President of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists in 1973. In 2008, Brangman retired and was a volunteer for the American Red Cross for over 25 years. She also was a guest speaker for the Diversity CRNA Information session encouraging woman of color to be active in the state and national nurse anesthesia associations and to purse doctorate degrees.

 

References:

https://nursing.jnj.com/advancing-culturally-competent-care/african-american-nurses-who-paved-the-way

https://dreemcoalition.org/pioneers

https://www.nursing.virginia.edu/news/flashback-harriet-tubman-nurse/

Nurse Burn Out: Pt 2

In my bachelors program I did a lot of research papers and my final capstone on nurse burn out and retention. It is something that has interested me since I first became an LPN in 2012. Through my research in my BSN program (and career as a nurse), I quickly realized that nurse burn out and retention were even bigger issues that I could have imagined. The problem is a systemic one and there are many factors that need to be looked at and discussed to truly make nursing a sustainable career. In my little corner of the internet for the time being I want to focus on fostering community and self care to help nurses cope with burn out (myself included), although I will discuss other factors from time to time.

What is Nurse Burn Out?

Nurse burnout is a mental, emotional, and physical state cause by chronic overwork, lack of job fulfillments & support, and continued stress. A 2001 study showed that 43% of nurses working in hospitals reported symptoms of emotional exhaustion and burn out.

Signs & Symptoms of Burn Out

Constant Fatigue

Fatigue and exhaustion is expected when working long hours caring for patients. But when a nurse begins to live in a permanent state of emotional and physical exhaustion and it begins to effect their life outside of work, this can be a sign of professional burn out.

Feeling Overworked or Unappreciated

Feeling like your work is not appreciated or goes unnoticed can lead to feelings of burn out. We can help each other feel more appreciated in what we do by showing appreciation for our coworkers- both nurses and other staff.

Lack of Enthusiasm about Work

We all have days where we don’t feel like working, but a constant state of dread and anxiety surrounding work is not normal or healthy.

Irritability/Lack of Patience

Becoming easily annoyed, lacking patience, both inside and outside of work is a common effect of burn out.

Mentally “Checked Out”

Feeling “numb” or disengaged both in and out of work is a common sign of burn out.

Battling Burn Out

Say no to overtime

I have said yes to overtime plenty of times, both to help out my fellow nurses and to help out my bank account (just being honest.) However, I have seen and felt the toll constant overtime can take on people and the burn out that can follow. As nurses, we love to help and we know the struggle of working short. However, it is not your job to burn yourself out to staff the unit. No one will care about your mental health or well being as much as you. We HAVE to take care of ourselves to take care of others. This means saying no to overtime, switching shifts, or staying over when we need too.

Talk to Someone

Find a friend, fellow nurse, family member, or leader that you can talk to about your feelings. I have a nurse friend who has been a nurse longer than me, and talking to her has been so incredibly helpful. She has encouraged me to deal with my stress and take time for myself- through using PTO and saying no to overtime. You also can consider professional councilors, they can help you work through your emotions surrounding your burn out and help you decide what the best plan of action is for you to recover.

Self Care

We all have different ways we like to rest and recharge. Bubble baths, massages, time outdoors, time with loved ones, Netflix on the couch, are all ways you can practice self care. Find whatever works for you and make sure you take time every week to do it. Also, remember the basics of caring for yourself. Eating well, moving your body, and sleep are all important to being a happier, healthier, less stressed nurse.

Stress Reduction

Meditation, yoga, exercise, and journaling are all ways that we can work to reduce stress and deal with emotions that come with our job and life in general. It’s important that you find what works for you and again, do it regularly.

Burn out is something that is extremely prevalent among nurses (and nursing students) and is something we should be talking about- in nursing school, the workplace, and our nurse social circles. We should discuss recognizing signs of burn out so we can intervene and get help before we hit rock bottom. I recently wrote about my own Burn Out & Journey to Recovery . Just because you are burnt out, doesn’t mean you are a bad nurse or that you don’t care about your patients. We need to let people know they have a safe place to talk about their thoughts and feelings and offer the encouragement and support they need.

Are you currently dealing with burn out or have you in the past? What did you do to help yourself recover?

 

References: Avoiding Burnout as a Nurse- Nursing.org

How to Detect and Avoid Nurse Burnout- USF Health Online