International Nurses Association

Most nurses backpack for work, which includes the essentials that you will need during those long 12 hour shifts. One important thing to do if you are working back to back shifts is to gather 2 days work of supplies, pack one and leave the other convenient and ready to replace after the first shift.  Time is limited when you work 12-hour shifts, and having the next set of supplies readily available will save time and aggravation as you are getting ready to leave for work.  Types of Bags People select a different style of bags, depending on preference. The large open totes with no closure are not good for keeping items secure, it's best to avoid that type of bag. Some prefer backpacks, while others prefer a tote type bag. If you plan to carry several things with weight to them, you may be wise to purchase a tote bag that has a handle and wheels so that you can simply roll the bag to your destination. Bags that have side pockets for water bottles work great, the bottle do

Have you ever thought of continuing your education? Perhaps moving into the role of a nurse practitioner? Or maybe earn the title of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse? An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, often referred to as APRN, has 3-4 years of education beyond that of a registered nurse.  Roles of APRNs Most APRNs pursue an area of specialty- -           Clinical specialist- in this field, the APRN generally works in a medical clinic.  They see patients just as doctors do, and can diagnose and prescribe medications. As health care laws are undergoing major changes, many insurance companies now encourage patients to see APRNs rather than a physician, to help keep cost down. APRNs are allowed to work in a clinic without a physician on site, provided they still operate under the guidance of said physician. Many health departments now employ APRNs to oversee the needs of the public and supervise registered nurses within the department.  -           APRNs can specia

The best advice for any nurse just starting out checks, check and re-check.  Until you have become comfortable in your position, take your time and double check the things you do. Some facilities offer new nurses a buddy system that enables nurses to check one another’s work. If you are unsure of something, take a moment and consult with your supervisor. If you have not been told to hide your emotions, you will at some point. This can be pretty hard to do at times. Y ou become fond of your patients, and of course, you are sympathetic toward family members. There is one trick that may help you to avoid shedding tears, holding your head straight, aim your eyes upward toward the ceiling. This should close tear ducts and prevent unwanted crying for the moment. You can excuse yourself and take a short break if needed. Boundaries are a huge issue with most medical facilities. Patients can develop at the attachment to a nurse or care provider, it is not that uncommon.  In s

Currently, the diet industry is a 6 billion dollar a year combination of programs, products, and services. There are more obese people than ever before, so, despite all of the services, programs and products, it is still not working. It may be time to look behind the fast food establishments, and ordering food online, and then face the facts. There are obviously a lot of people that cannot control their food intake. More people have eating disorders today than ever before and yet help is not always available.There are substance abuse clinics, and gambling addiction support groups in great supply, and they are free for the most part. On the flip side, try to find a free or low-cost eating disorder clinic, and you would be searching for quite some time. Obesity is ignored, and often viewed as the lack of self-control by the overweight person. Many people consider an eating disorder that involves obesity as the addiction that is completely ignored and not recognized by most.However, if

Would you rather be beautiful/handsome, or have respect? That is a question Steve Jobs would ask perspective employees early in his career. The fact is, you do have to earn respect. It is not simply a natural attribute, so how do you earn it? Steps to Earning Coworkers’ Respect 1.     be honest. People will respect someone that is honest and does         not come across as untrusting.  2.     Defend yourself when necessary. No, you do not need to meet the world with an attitude ready to argue your case with everyone.  You should, however, stand up for yourself when necessary. If someone points a finger at you, and you know it is unjustified, speak up. If possible, make it one on one, and let them know that not only are they blaming the wrong person, but also that you do not appreciate the accusation. Then of course, move past it. 3.     Your opinion matters more than you know. This is a big one, and will earn you respect quickly. When asked your thoughts and opinion, giv

This is a personal story of grief told by Susan, a retired nurse. Grief is something almost everyone will experience in their lifetime. Grief can be over a loved one, a friend, or a pet among other things. As someone who has certainly had my share of grief, I would like to add a personal touch to this. 1993 The summer of 1993 was a long summer. After a battle with prostate cancer, my father passed away. I had to be there for my mom, so my grief had to be silenced while in her presence. What bothered me the most was that my fiancé and I had decided to get married well ahead of our planned October wedding, I did not think my dad would make it that long. We went away for the weekend and married, with intentions of surprising my parents on my dad’s birthday.  The problem was, he did not make it to his birthday, passing away a few days prior. Much of my grief was over the fact that I did not have the opportunity to share the good news with my father. My mother grieved, however my fa

Most people have no idea just how much of an impact non-verbal communication has on someone. If a person was walking toward you, saying “Hello, how very nice to meet you!”, it sounds quite pleasant. However, if that person came toward you with hands in the air and an aggressive stance with wide eyes and looking as though they are ready to attack, how would you feel?  Which would you base your reaction on: the kind words, or the intimidating gesture? Obviously, the physical communication prevails in this case. It goes to show that when you communicate with others, especially patients, you should learn to combine body language with what you are saying. Providing the Patient Information The attending physician often leaves orders with the nurses, who then must convey the information to the patient. Depending on the information to be delivered, basing your delivery method on the news itself is often the best way to advise the patient. If the patient is facing a test or procedure and

Odds are, wherever you practice nursing, it seems very comfortable to you, and perhaps you think you are in the best hospital in the best state. But are you really?   If you happen to live in the dairy state, Wisconsin, you are indeed in the number one state for nurses to be employed in. Much of this is based on the economy, which is good right now in most of Wisconsin. The demand for nurses makes for a higher pay rate, and all around more accommodations made available to hire and retain good nurses.  Colorado, Delaware, and Utah are ranked 6, 7, and 8 for nurses, th ey are fairly need the top as well. These states also have a fairly healthy economy, and health insurance is affordable and easy to obtain in these areas.  Have you always had a dream of living in beautiful Hawaii?  It may have beautiful scenery, however it in ranked at the bottom of the list for ideal hospitals to be employed with.  Louisiana was at one time, at the top of preferred stat

Antibiotics were a great discovery, and have been used to treat infections since the 1930s. Penicillin was discovered in 1928, and has been used since that time, originally referred to as a miracle drug. The fact is, as far back as Egyptian times, molded bread was used to treat wounds on skin, even at that time, they were on the correct road.  When antibiotics were actually discovered and produced as a pharmaceutical product, people thought this would be a cure-all for everything. Some people were simply taking a daily dose to remain healthy.  Antibiotics were certainly a great discovery, but has a good thing gone too far? Decades of Antibiotics During the 50’s and 60’s in particular, if a person had a runny nose or even a stomach ache, they would be prescribed that miracle wonder drug, penicillin.  It was considered a miracle cure, and utilized by physicians everywhere.  Now here we are decades later, and unfortunately that over-prescribing of antibiotics, has made them mu

My shift started at 7 am, and by 8 am, I'd seen 3 patients of varying conditions.  My favorite patient this week is a 91-year-old woman that weighs all of 90 lbs., but is feisty, and tells you just what she is thinking. For instance, as my coworker and I tried to put in a catheter, she proclaimed very sternly, if we tried to put that thing in her we would be sorry. Well, wouldn't you know, as soon as we began to insert the cath, my little friend had what she referred to as, a bad case of the vapors.  We stood up straight to catch our breath and the patient said, told you not to do it.  My next patient was less feisty, but determined he was not going to take his prescribed medication. Of course, it's within his right to refuse, however each time I left the room he would call me back and say he would take it. I'd get it and oh well, he would change his mind again.  The morning went on, I was vomited on, but otherwise things went pretty well.  I went to lunch at 1