Related: Career, Nursing Jobs, Service Nursing

A few years ago a physician with whom I’ve worked approached me about using my skills on a service trip to Africa. I jumped at the chance, despite the $2800 price tag. After sending out 100 support letters to friends and family, urging them to help the people of Africa through me, I raised a little over $1000. Luckily, the deficit was met through my [...]

Related: Attitude, Compassion Fatigue, Humor, Morale, Nurse Relationships, Nurse Support, Support

Ever felt like you were stuck in a bad situation and could do nothing about it?

Sometimes it’s the little things that can really help to turn things around. While there are many things that may be outside of your control, sometimes all it takes is one person choosing to focus on creating positive change to really get the momentum going

A few ideas on how to [...]

Related: Attitude, Caregivers, Caring, Compassion Fatigue, Emotions, Energy, Feelings, Morale, Patients

I am drained: mentally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

One month at the PICU, I’m so tired. It's been the kind of month that keeps you up all night. If you finally get to sleep, you wake up from a disturbing dream.

You smile and joke the whole day at work, but subconsciously you're bleeding from the gut. And there are no sutures to keep the wound closed. [...]

Related: Anxiety, Attitude, Emotions, Expectations, Fear, Feelings, Mindset, New Grad, New Nurse, Seasoned Nurses, Stress, Student Nurse, Success

I do my best thinking in the shower. I should probably take more. Yesterday I was thinking about a friend who got married over the weekend and the new season of life she's entered. New nurse, new bride, new stress.

Here's the thing about seasons. They come and they go. That's important to remember. Especially the going part. Some [...]

Related: Attitude, Career, Interview, Job Search, New Nurse Tips, Professionalism, Resume

You’ve heard the stories about over-the-top interviewing gaffes. Like the applicant who smelled her armpits as she walked through the door. Or the applicant who answered a personal call and asked the interviewer to leave the room for a few moments. Or the applicant who asked the interviewer for a ride home after the interview.

Most of us have enough sense to not make these blunders. [...]

Related: Attitude, Balance, Career, Compassion Fatigue, Feelings, Gossip, Morale, Patience, Quitting

I have first-hand experience with “sticking it out” in a bad job situation. However, there are also benefits to seeking out change. If you can no longer thrive in the environment you are in, move on. But how do you know when to stick it out or start looking for a new job?
1. Gauge your feelings over a long period of time (six months or [...]

Related: Career, Job Search, New Nurse Tips

Recently, Jessica inquired about advice for new nurses seeking jobs.

I’d recommend a few steps:

1. Take a personal inventory of your needs, wants, and desires to determine the kind of community that’s going to be a fit for you. Quality-of-life should play a role in your career search. There are lots of ‘best-places-to-live’ lists on the Internet that can help narrow the field. Here are some [...]

Related: Delegation, Learning, Morale, Patience, Patients, Prioritizing, Quitting, Stress, Time

Sticking out that first job as a new nurse even when you feel like quitting can be one of the biggest challenges you’ll ever face.

As a new nurse grad you’re pumped up and ready to change the world. You’ve learned all about treating the whole patient; he’s a person not a room number or medical ID number; her family affects his condition, and her care [...]

Related: Attitude, Career, Doctor-Nurse Relationships, Education, Mindset, Patient Advocate, Stereotypes

I am an RN studying to be a Physician Assistant. I have been training in the medical model for PA school after my nursing school education. I’ve essentially sat in on the training of both MDs and RNs and can tell you stereotypes are ingrained on both sides.

Doctors are groomed to expect to have nurses “bugging” them for orders, calling them with useless and non-important [...]

Related: Career, Confidence, Fear, Feelings, Job Search, Quitting, Seasoned Nurses, Stress

So I have a question for you. When is the right time to quit your job? When do you just take a deep breath and start the process of moving on?

I was never one of those people who kept one eye on the want ads. Maybe you're one of those who do. I've always been content with where I am; I'm not fond [...]