Nurses are known as carers of the world. When you have sworn the oath to care for the people and wore the badge as a nurse, you become one of the essential workers of our society. Of course, along with this profession comes a myriad of responsibilities. And sometimes, we nurses become so indulged with caring for others that we lack the support we truly need – to be our advocate.
It’s funny because we take good care of everyone around us, but we often overlook ourselves. Sometimes the carer needs to be cared for too.
In this episode, we are joined by our guest, Cat Golden. She is the creator and owner of Nurses Inspire Nurses. Her career in the nursing field began as a pediatric nurse, where she worked as one for seven years.
Cat understood what it’s like for a nurse to feel exhausted and isolated, which prompted her to build one of the largest nursing communities in the country. And if you are a tired nurse like many of us, sit back, relax, and enjoy another awesome episode with your favorite Cup of Nurses!
Some of the questions that we asked Cat Golden:
Can you give us a background about yourself and your nursing experience?
What does it mean you support nurses as humans first and nurses second?
You always seem to be doing your own thing; what is your current mindset journey?
How has your community felt with everything that is currently happening in healthcare?
Has your community grown in the past years? Was it affected by the pandemic?
Why do you think your community has bonded so well and grown together?
How do you cultivate positivity and self-care in your life?
How do you manage your day-to-day life?
What are all the ways you stay healthy with all the travel you do?
Ready to learn how to inspire nurses? Check out our latest episode here 👇
You can also catch Cat on her personal Instagram account @catgolden.inspires and for business inquiries, you can click on her business page @nursesinspirenurses for more information.
SHOW NOTES:
0:00 Introduction 0:58 Cup of Nurses Introduction 2:19 Episode Introduction 2:55 Meet Cat Golden 3:32 What Cat’s Main Mission Means 4:55 What do you think nurses need most? 7:48 How Cat’s Life Has Changed 9:12 What’s the feedback of your community with healthcare? 10:52 Advice For Nursing Community 12:50 How To Build A Nursing Community 15:07 Why The Community Bonded So Well 17:51 What Shaped Cat Golden To Be The Best Version Of Herself 21:14 How To Cultivate Positivity 24:48 One Thing That Cat Cannot Live Without 29:19 How To Manage Time & Stay Organized 32:02 Hardships That Cat Went Through 38:14 What’s Next For Nurses Inspire Nurses 40:57 Where Can People Find Cat Golden
In this episode, we would like to talk about our experience with almost getting scammed on a Miami property. We are also going to share tips on how to avoid getting scammed in situations like this.
If you have no rental experience, entering the market for the first time it could become a real disaster. Having some basic knowledge about scammers and their techniques is a must for everyone looking for property. It is even more important for travel nurses.
Ways to Avoid Being Scammed on Property
There are many ways to avoid being hoodwinked on property rentals or properties that you want to buy. And it is essential that you have an idea about it. Here’s what you should know:
Verify the owner of the property
We love the convenience of having everything in one place, places like craigslist seems to be the most likely place to find a scammer. How it works is a scammer will copy and paste, a legitimate listing for a rental property, and repost it with their contact information.
They will also tell that it is at a very low price for monthly rent. And sometimes, they will even copy images with watermarks.
You want to cross-reference the listing to avoid getting scammed. If it’s a condo that has an association, call them to confirm the owner of that property unit you’re inquiring about.
You can also check the County’s Office of the Property Appraiser to make sure the owner is the same one on file. For extra measures, you can also ask for a photo ID to make sure things add up.
Avoid getting scammed by signing a written agreement
Regardless of whether you personally know the landlord or not, make sure there is a written agreement that you sign between the landlord and you.
If there are disputes or disagreements, it is difficult to work with oral agreements. Though they are legally allowed in many states, stick to written agreements in case of court.
Tip: Make sure you clearly read the agreement and agree to everything written out.
If it looks too good to be true it probably is
Look at it from a business perspective if your neighbor is renting out their property for 3000/month you wouldn’t charge someone for the same amount of space 2000/month. You would go down to about 2800 maybe even 2600.
That is because if you are dropping the price by 400/ month for the whole year you a losing 4,800 a year, why would you go down even lower if the person next to you is charging a lot more?
You need to look at other places around the property you are looking at. What does the average cost of rent actually cost? Keep in mind that it will vary from every neighborhood because location really matters.
Typically places in a major city or coastal locations cost more because of the accessibility to those things. Places outside of the city and suburbs usually cost less.
You shouldn’t feel pressured
Trust us, the first property you find that you like is not the only one you’ll enjoy. If someone ever tells you that they need the security deposit right now or after the phone call or tomorrow don’t trust them.
If the property owner has so many clients looking at their property why are they pressuring you into a deposit? The owner should win either way if you send the money or someone else does. It’s just a scheme of scarcity. You should not feel any pressure.
Ask the owner if anyone else is looking at the property. Inquire also about how many are looking into the said property, and when they plan on moving in. If they say there are a lot of people wanting to rent it and they want to move in now, it’s a scam. Why would the property owner just not give it to those people? Doesn’t make sense, right?
Avoid getting scammed if they refuse a video tour or pictures don’t add up
If the description of the property does not match up with the photos it is likely a scam. Every property owner knows how important it is to be accurate in the description and a proper way of showcasing a property.
If it says 3 bedroom 2 baths but the photos have 2 completely different looking rooms and one bathroom it would smell a little fishy. In that case, it is always good to reach out and get updated pictures or a video tour of the place.
Don’t be fooled by the owner saying he has tenants in and can’t do a video call or photos. The majority if not all short-term property leases include something that allows the owner to take photos or showcase the property. It must be given or submitted to future tenants with at least a 48 hr notice if not more.
There is absolutely no reason the owner can’t send you video images within a couple of days. We always ask for a video tour whenever we are about to rent a place. It is because that is the most accurate way of dictating the property listing. This way, you know it is legit because people can still fake images and videos.
Wire transferring money
It’s the 21st century not many people ask for wire transfers because you can’t get those refunded. Many people go through Venmo or Zelle for payments.
Many times when someone asks for a wire transfer it is to commit fraud because there is no way of you getting that money back. Ask to use a different payment method like Zelle or Venmo or even if you can pay them once you get to the property.
Your Takeaway
Getting scammed on a property is easy but avoiding them is a lot easier if you can figure out the red flags presented. Hopefully, these tips helped you so you can make better choices for your next property rental or investment.
Do you want to avoid property scammers? Check out our full episode here 👇
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 – Intro 0:46 – Plugs 2:14 – Episode Introduction 4:39 – 1. Verify the owner of the property 7:20 – 2. Always sign a written agreement 9:53 – 3. If it looks too good to be true it probably is 12:18 – 4. You shouldn’t feel pressured 15:10 – 5. Pictures don’t seem right or decline a video tour 19:12 – 6. Wire transferring money 19:12 – Practical Tips
Reading is a crucial skill that all of us must learn. A person who reads exercises their comprehension abilities and analytical abilities. Imagination and memory recall is stimulated through reading. It also helps in stabilizing your emotions too.
In this episode, we will discuss the three reasons why reading is essential and why we should make it a habit. Towards the end of the discussion, we will dive into a book that we have read in the past year that we enjoyed reading. Be prepared because we are going to dive into life and philosophy on this one.
History of Reading
The National Library Lover’s Month is in February. It’s dedicated to the people who love whole buildings devoted to reading, housing, organizing, categorizing, finding, studying, and otherwise loving books. Join us as we tackle another excellent episode of Cup of Nurses!
Where Did It All Start?
Around 4,000 to 6,000 BCE, Mesopotamia started the first known human civilization. This changed the course of history discovered in these city-states, the earliest known form of writing, cuneiform, and script.
It started with some squiggles on clay to represent a goat and an ox, this form was good to depict the list of goods. But, what exactly do human beings get from reading books? It is just a matter of reading for pleasure, or are there benefits behind the enjoyment of reading?
The 3 Benefits of Reading
Reading transports us to worlds we would never go to, and never see. It introduces us to people we would never meet and instills emotions we might never otherwise feel without reading. Are there other benefits? Reading books benefits both your physical and mental health as well.
1. Reading reduces stress
Put simply, by opening a book, you allow yourself to be invited into an artistic world that distracts you from your daily stressors. On a physical level, reading can even relax your body by lowering your heart rate and easing the tension in your muscles [1].
In a 2009 study from the consultancy Mindlab International at the University of Sussex, tests found that reading reduced stress levels by 68 percent. Thus making it a more effective means of relaxation than taking a walk (by 42%), drinking a cup of tea (54%), or listening to music (61%).
In another study in 2009 as well, a group of researchers measured the effects of yoga, humor, and reading on stress levels of health science program students in the United States.
The study found that 30 minutes of reading lowered blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress just as effectively as yoga and humor did. Lastly, 30 minutes devoted to reading is something that can easily be incorporated into your daily schedule [2].
2. Reading strengthens your brain
A small study in 2013 found that reading a novel increased communication between parts of the brain that control language processing [3].
These changes could be segregated into networks associated with short-term changes originating near the left angular gyrus (Langauge, reading & writing) and long-term changes dispersed bilaterally in the somatosensory cortex (receives and process sensory information across the body).
Reading creates new neural pathways in the brain, this process is known as neurogenesis. Neurogenesis creates neurons that send messages and transmit information to different parts of the brain. How is this possible?
Reading books require thoughts, consideration, and effort to metabolize what’s being described in the book, which leads to the creation of new neurons. The question remains for further research to study how lasting are these effects.
3. Reading percent age-related cognitive decline
Having an active life, mentally, is generally one of the best things you can do to protect yourself from Alzheimer’s. Cognition includes the ability to learn, remember, and make judgments.
A study published in 2020, a 14-year longitudinal study with a representative sample of 1,962 Taiwanese community-dwelling older persons aged 64 and above, followed up in four waves of surveys over 14 years [4].
Results showed that those who read one or more times a week were less likely to have cognitive decline at 6-year and 14-year intervals. After 14 years, older people who read more often had a reduced risk of cognitive decline compared to those who read less often.
Reading is even associated with a lower risk of dementia. In a very large 2018 study in China, 15,582 community-living Chinese individuals aged 65 years or older who were free of dementia were followed up for a median period of 5 years [5].
Daily participation in intellectual activities was associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia several years later independent of other health behaviors, physical health limitations, and sociodemographic factors.
How to Make Reading a Habit
The easiest way to start reading more is to schedule it in your daily life. If you assign it into your planner or schedule, it’ll be harder to miss, having that accountability.
If you are trying to take better care of yourself with activities such as – sleep, nutrition, & exercise, you will want to schedule it into your daily life.
Other tips:
Keep a book with you when traveling or commuting places
Reading books on topics you want to learn more about or are interested in
Reading a book when you wake up or before bed
Be patient – reading, like any skill/habit, takes time to develop
The Books We Like
We are avid readers and among the books that we’ve read, here are three of the best books that made us more conscious of ourselves and life in general.
1. Jordan Peterson – 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos
It provides life advice through essays on abstract ethical principles, psychology, mythology, religion, and personal anecdotes. The book pushes the idea that people are born with an instinct for ethics and meaning and should take the responsibility of searching for meaning beyond their own interests.
The critical idea of the book is that suffering is built into being. Being in the material and immaterial existence of a thing. With suffering people have a choice through life to either face it and transcend or withdraw which is almost a suicidal gesture.
He stresses that we live in a world of chaos and order and that everyone has a darkness that can turn them into the monster they are capable of being. However, when that darkness has a focus the impulse can be satisfied in the right situation.
Happiness Should Be a Byproduct
Another key point he brings up is happiness. Happiness should not be a goal of life it should be a byproduct or side effect of your life. Happiness should not be an aim because it’s not something that can stay there, it’s unpredictable and changing.
When you are unhappy does that mean you are a failure or failing? Happiness is based on perception and with perception, you don’t always realize what’s there.
The Gorilla Test does a good job of showing you how your perception changes based on what you are doing. Gorilla test conclusion: results indicate that the relationship between what is in one’s visual field and perception is based much more on attention than was previously thought.
2. 12 Rules for Life Proposed by Jordan B. Peterson
If you like self-help books, this one is a good read. There are plenty of lessons and virtues that you can get from this book. Here’s our take on this book:
“Stand up straight with your shoulders back.”
All animals including humans are governed by an internal hierarchy that is involuntary and biochemical. JBP talks about lobsters in this sense. When 2 lobsters square up for battle a winner is chosen before a fight occurs and many times it does not even lead to a physical battle.
Dominant lobsters have high serotonin to octopamine ratio leading to greater confidence, posture, and strength. That works in the human and nonaquatic world as well. In addition to that, stronger animals get more food, better homes, higher status, better mates, and cooperation from others.
There is a really harsh passage from the bible that goes: (Matthew 25:29) “to those who have everything, more will be given; from those who have nothing, everything will be taken.”
The recommendation JBP gives in this section is to always wake up at a similar time each day. You don’t have to go to bed at the same time each night but waking up is crucial.
Don’t slouch, fix your posture and give eye contact because when both of those are poor it signals weakness.
“Treat yourself like you are someone you are responsible for helping.”
JBP brings up another fundamental t chaos and order, that fundamental is to consciousness. Consciousness is how you bridge the gap between chaos and order and that consciousness allows you to function in whichever manner you choose.
What we should truly be doing for ourselves isn’t what we want and it is also something that doesn’t make us happy. No one understands us better than ourselves and no one can help us more than ourselves.
“Make friends with people who want the best for you.”
The environment around us shapes us. He asks the question if you have friends whose friendship you wouldn’t recommend to others why would you have that friend?
We become the average of the people we spend the most time with.
“Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today.”
No matter how competent and accomplished you are there is always someone out there better.
Life is not just a game it’s you playing many games at the same time. If we are always playing the same game and always winning there is no difficulty, there is no growth.
Pay attention, focus on your surroundings notice that something bothers you, concerns you, something that you just want to change.
What is it that is bothering me?
Is that something I can fix?
Will I actually be willing to fix it?
What could I do, that I would do, to make Life a little better?
“Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them.”
Children are constant learners trying to figure out where the boundary lies. They are always trying to figure out what the limit is, that is how they learn what they can and can not do.
If you want your children to talk more you need to communicate with them first.
Raising children is having the ability to properly create order in chaos. Giving the child the right amount of adventure while still enforcing good behaviors.
Studies show that if a child does not learn the basics of socialization and discipline it will be a lot harder for them to learn later in life.
Limit the rules
Use the least amount of force possible to enforce those rules
Don’t be a revengeful parent
As a parent, you are the proxy for the real world
“Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world.”
Many, perhaps even most, of the adults who abuse children were abused themselves as children. However, the majority of people who were abused as children do not abuse their own children.
Ask yourself, have you cleaned up your life?
Start with not doing what you know is wrong
Stop questioning the things you are doing wrong when you know they are wrong.
“Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).”
The successful delay gratification they bargain with the future. The successful sacrifice.
What are your values and do you follow them? Are they in your reality? You may have to sacrifice something you love best for you to become who you might become instead of saying who you are.
The one who wants to bring out the best of all possible futures will always make the greatest sacrifices.
No tree can grow to heaven if its roots don’t reach hell
Realize that thinking about life in a meaningful way is a difficult task for many individuals. Think about it this way CO2 emissions are relevant but are they relevant to someone that is hungry?
Always aim up fix what you can but don’t be willfully blind or arrogant of others and your surroundings.
“Tell the truth — or, at least, don’t lie.”
Nazi Germany was built on small lies.
What should you do when you don’t know what to do? Tell the truth. To accept truth mean to sacrifice.
Don’t lie to yourself. Are your goals really aligned with what you want to be doing or plan on doing?
“Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t.”
Memory isn’t only a tool for the past, it is something that guides your future. However, memory is there to stop you from doing the same thing.
For many listening is too dangerous, they have an impulse to evaluate. It takes courage to listen. But if you listen, people will talk.
“Be precise in your speech.”
The only way you can get your needs out is through speech. Furthermore, speech directs your actions and lets others know your wants and needs.
“Do not bother children when they are skateboarding.”
We are hard-wired to enjoy risk, but it’s the chaos that helps us develop.
People compete to rise to the top. There is no reward without risk.
“Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street.”
Maybe when you are going for a walk and your head is spinning a cat will show up. And if you pay attention to it then you will get a reminder for just fifteen seconds that the wonder of this being might make up for the ineradicable suffering that accompanies it.
3. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Meditations is a collection of 12 books written by Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who’ll introduce you to Stoic philosophy, the concept of logic, and self-discipline, and give you faith that the course the world runs is good. Aurelius called them “writings to myself.”
Book Chapters and Their Summary
Book 1
Marcus Aurelius thanks those to whom he is indebted. His father showed him to be humble, frugal, and calm; his mother for teaching him to be generous and non-materialistic; and his teachers taught him the value of hard work, self-discipline, equanimity, rationality, humor, and tolerance.
Book 2
Aurelius reminds us that each day we will meet some terrible people. He says death, is nothing to fear; it can’t hurt us. But what is most important about us is our minds.
We shouldn’t let them be slaves to selfish passions, argued with fate, or be anxious about the present or afraid of the future.
We can’t guarantee fame or fortune, but we can keep our minds calm and free from injury, a state superior to both pleasure and pain. Freedom is the control of our minds.
Book 3
Aurelius tells us to be mindful of little things like cracks in a loaf of bread, and the texture of figs and olives. He says to think and talk about things you would not be ashamed of if they were found out. There is nothing more valuable than a mind pursuing truth, justice, temperance, fortitude, rationality, and the like.
Book 4
Aurelius tells us that we can always find solitude in our own minds. If our minds are serene, we will find peace and happiness. As for how others view us, we have little control over this.
Book 5
Aurelius says to get up each day and do good work. We need to act naturally and contribute to society without expecting payment or gratitude for doing good deeds. Instead, be satisfied with being like a vine that bears good fruit. Virtue is its own reward.
Book 6
Aurelius disavows revenge, not to imitate injury. It is our duty to act righteously and not be disturbed by the rest. Think of good things and control your mind.
Book 7
Aurelius advocates patience and tolerance. Nature works like wax, continually transforming—so be patient. Evil people try our patience and tolerance, but we can remain happy by controlling our response to them.
Book 8
Aurelius argues that being disconnected from humanity is like cutting off one of your own limbs. Instead, live connected to nature and other people. No matter what you encounter maintain a moderate and controlled mind.
Last Chapters
Books 9, 10, 11
Aurelius argues that we should be moderate, sincere, honest, and calm. If someone reports that you are not virtuous, dispel such notions with your integrity, and use humor to disarm the worst people. Kill them with kindness essentially.
Book 12
Aurelius asks why we love ourselves best, but so often value the opinion of others over our own. This is a mistake. Remember too that the destiny of the greatest and worst of human beings is the same—they all turn to ashes.
One of the last things that Aurelius wrote in his tent, in modern-day Austria, “Life is warfare and a stranger’s sojourn (temporary stay), and after fame, oblivion.”
To watch the full Episode 88, click here for more:
TIME STAMPS:
0:00 – Intro 0:46 – Plugs 2:50 – Episode Introduction 7:56 – History of Reading 9:23 – Reading reduces stress 14:20 – Reading strengthens your brain 18:25 – Reading percent age-related cognitive decline 26:50 – How to make reading a habit 29:42 – Peter on “Jordan Peterson – 12 Rules For Life: An Antidote to Chaos” 33:22 – Rule 1: “Stand up straight with your shoulders back.” 36:00 – Rule 2: “Treat yourself like you are someone you are responsible for helping.” 36:53 – Rule 3: “Make friends with people who want the best for you.” 37:58 – Rule 5: “Do not let your children do anything that makes you dislike them.” 39:10 – Rule 6: “Set your house in perfect order before you criticize the world.” 41:07 – RUle 7: “Pursue what is meaningful (not what is expedient).” 42:15 – Rule 8: “Tell the truth — or, at least, don’t lie.” 45:46 – Rule 9: “Assume that the person you are listening to might know something you don’t.” 47:04 – Rule 10: “Be precise in your speech.” 48:43 – Rule 11: “Do not bother children when they are skateboarding.” 49:28 – Rule 12: “Pet a cat when you encounter one on the street.” 51:13 – Matt on “Meditations: by Marcus Aurelius” 51:57 – Meditations: Books 1 to 12
Are there actual steps to sobriety and recovery for good? How do you overcome addictions to substances like drugs and, in our today’s topic, alcoholism?
While many physicians recommend consuming a few milligrams of alcohol for our health, developing alcoholism is a growing problem. According to statistics, people in the United States alone who are the age range of 12 years old and older were reported to consume alcohol even with the strict laws that the country has implemented.
Over time, this alcohol experiment among young adults can develop into severe alcoholism and significant health problems, which are harder to overcome. Along with this, the growth rates of juvenile crimes committed by teenagers are also on the rise. It is why we must understand how a person develops alcoholism so we can also take the necessary steps needed to help them.
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Stephan Neff, anesthetist and author of the book My Steps to Sobriety. Dr. Neff is also an alcoholic in recovery. Besides talking about his work, we will also discuss his involvement with alcohol and the state of the healthcare system from a healthcare provider’s point of view. In addition to that, he also shares his experience dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and alcoholism – both from a patient’s and doctor’s perspective and the lessons he has learned the hard way.
The questions below are some that we tackled with Stephan:
Can you give us a background about yourself and your experience?
What can you tell us about the field of Anesthesia?
When in your life did you notice your drinking is becoming a problem?
Talk to us about the 12-step program
How do you deal with urges?
Why do you take consistent steps every day for yourself?
How do you become the best version of yourself?
Your current obsession with Krav Maga?
To learn all about alcoholism and how to recover from it, click here for the full episode 👇
TIMESTAMP:
0:00 Introduction 1:00 Cup of Nurses Introduction 2:17 Guest Introduction 2:37 Meet Dr. Stephan Neff 4:04 How Private Anesthetist Differs From Public Anesthetist 7:05 Healthcare System in Smaller Countries 10:27 Travel Nursing or Agency Nursing in Other Countries 14:21 The United States Response to the Pandemic 17:53 Trauma Experience Working in the Healthcare System 22:31 The Positive Aspect of Alcoholism 30:32 Exchanging Alcoholism to a New Lifestyle 33:10 What are the symptoms of PTSD? 35:18 Recognizing & Dealing with PTSD 39:35 Stephan’s Recovery Experience 44:17 The Journey After Rehabilitation 49:23 Steps to Sobriety By Stephan Neff
The pandemic has affected all of us; countries closed their borders, traveling is kept to a minimum, being in contact with people is limited, lockdowns, and most of all, the ever-increasing number of deaths. While the world struggles to hold on and survive, health care professionals and frontliners are situated in front, serving all of us.
Nurses, in particular, have been called to work, assigned to different places, worked tirelessly and diligently to give their best to patients suffering from Covid-19. But like their patients, the number of nurses dying from Covid and exhaustion has also become an alarming concern to the health care world. It is also among the reasons why there are nursing shortages in hospitals.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nurses represented the most significant number of healthcare workers involved in this pandemic. The year 2020 marks the 200th year since Florence Nightingale founded nursing, and it also became the year when nurses had to face the biggest challenge of their lives as the pandemic spread across the world.
What is Covid-19?
The World Health Organization defined Coronavirus (Covid-19) as an infectious disease where the infected people will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness. Older people and those with medical problems like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and others are more likely to develop serious infections. The transmission mode of Covid-19 is primarily through droplets of saliva or nose discharges of an infected person when they are coughing or sneezing.
To slow down the transmission of Covid-19, protect yourself and others by frequent handwashing, using an alcohol-based rub or sanitizers, and wearing facemasks. Practicing social distancing and getting vaccinated also helps in slowing down the spread of this disease.
9 Reasons for Nursing Shortages During Covid-19
Nursing shortages have always been an issue even before the pandemic set in. However, it’s been given more light during the pandemic. But what are the most common reasons why nurses are short-staffed these days? Here’s what we gathered [1].
1. Overworked and exhaustion
While nurses’ wages improved over the recent years, there are still nurses who struggle with lower pay. Add the long hours of work and dealing with covid cases, many nurses become burned out with work.
2. Older nurses are about to retire
As the years go by, more and more elderly nurses are retiring. Studies showed that about one-third of the nursing force ages 50 and above would quit in a couple of years.
3. Nurses are quitting their jobs
A study conducted in December 2020 by the NNA (National Nurses Association) showed that heavy workloads, stress, insufficient funds, and burnout are among the concerns of many nurses quitting and leaving their jobs. NNA also surveyed a 20% increase of nurses leaving their jobs because of the pandemic.
4. Nurses considering a career change
Many nurses considered working a different career besides nursing so as not to be involved with Covid patients. Others quit because handling Covid-19 cases has become too much for them.
5. The trauma of the pandemic
Another good reason why there are plenty of nursing shortages in hospitals these days is the trauma that the pandemic caused [2]. In January 2020, ICN (International Council of Nurses) raised their concern about the mass trauma experienced by nurses during the surge of Covid-19.
They also took note of the medium to long-term effects of this trauma on the nursing workforce. The issues and risks combined with the stress and overworked nurses threaten the already vulnerable nursing community.
6. Burned-out nurses
As the pandemic continues, the number of nurses reaching their point of burnout increases as well. Because of this, many nurses are considering the idea of leaving their jobs. If this happens, nurses leaving their jobs because of burnout could potentially damage the health care system in the years to come.
7. Depression and anxiety
Besides being burned out at work and working long hours handling covid patients, many nurses reported experiencing depression and anxiety. Research conducted in the Philippines shows that prolonged distress from the pandemic has developed stress among nurses.
On the other hand, Egypt and Pakistan showed that the pandemic threat has prompted that 95% of their nurses had intentions to leave their present jobs involving Covid-19 Triage Hospitals, and 25% want to leave the profession for good because of the stress, anxiety, and depression that they’re experiencing.
8. A limited supply of new nurses
There are plenty of new nurses graduating each year, and it’s not enough to cover up for the deficit caused by those who will be retiring soon. New nurses are helpful, but not so they can fill in for those who are already experts in the field. In short, they need time and experience to become fully capable of handling difficult situations like Covid patients.
9. Not enough pay
Another reason nurses leave their current jobs is to search for better opportunities. Nurses who have been on the front lines working in nursing homes are not making livable wages. So if they can find another hospital that offers higher incentives and better compensation, they will leave.
How Can Hospitals Avoid a Shortage in Nurses During Pandemic?
There are millions of registered nurses in the United States, yet there are still shortages in the workforce [3]. How can this be resolved?
Dr. Joanne Spetz, Ph.D., a professor at the Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies and associate director for research at the Healthforce Center at the University of California, San Francisco, suggested these tips to help our nurses get back into work:
Offer financial incentives. Higher salaries or student loan repayment programs will encourage nurses and future nurses to serve in different areas where the pandemic hit the hardest.
Create quicker ways of speeding up the license application for nurses living in other states and authorization of immediate license reactivation.
To expand their scope of practice and oversight rules. The best example of this is to loosen regulations that require physicians to oversee nurse practitioners. Allow nurses to do jobs that do not necessarily require the presence of a physician.
Create a law or rule that nursing students and those scheduled to graduate soon to help and provide support in hospitals during the pandemic.
Provide new child care options to nurses, especially pregnant or those who have small children.
Provide nurses with their personal needs like lodging. This way, they don’t put their families at risk of being exposed to the virus. Supporting their mental and emotional health are also important. Providing them with activities to de-stress can help reduce their anxieties as well.
Provide nurses with adequate access to personal protective equipment, especially those working in critical areas or handling Covid-19 patients.
Provide a flexible schedule for nurses so they can juggle their work and family life. Flexible schedules allow them to decompress between stressful and emotionally demanding shifts that can drain their energies. A flexible schedule keeps nurses happy and more positive in their working environment.
A chance to develop their careers through promotion also helps in retaining nurses. Hospitals must help their nurses to obtain the highest education possible. It will encourage nurses to stay within the organization and feel more satisfied with their accomplishments professionally.
Give your nurses a voice by listening to their concerns. Nurses who can voice their concerns to supervisors and managers are most likely to stay within the company. Implementing their suggestions and ideas also show nurses that the hospital managers are serious about their inputs and that they are also an essential part of the company.
Nurses Will Stay
Nurses are among the best workers globally, and they will stay working as long as they can handle the situation. However, the pandemic changed all that.
It’s not a secret that many of our nurses are exhausted these days, and there’s no certainty as to when this pandemic will end. The only certainty we can give is to protect our nurses by supporting them, providing them with their needs, and hearing them out.
If every nursing company provides their nurses with these, there will surely be no nursing shortages in hospitals. So support your nurses whenever you can; we still need them!
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