10 Tips for Staying Healthy on Your Night Shift

10 Tips for Staying Healthy on Your Night Shift

by | Apr 22, 2023 | Nursing

10 Tips for Staying Healthy on Your Night Shift

Your night shift is one of the most challenging shifts you’ll experience. Not because it’s busy and patients are coming in but because you must stay awake. The struggle is real, as they say.

The hospital is often the busiest during the daytime, so working the night shift is exciting. Your first three days may be great, but it can be exhausting if you keep doing the same shift for months.

Sleeping during the day feels different than sleeping at night. You may feel extra exhausted and sluggish. It is vital to stay healthy even on your night shift. How can you do it? Here are helpful tips for doing that.

 

We Are Role Models

Staying healthy while on your night shift is possible. You have options on how you make healthy choices even while at work.

As nurses, we promote health and provide patients with quality care.

We must be good role models by showing them how we care for ourselves. And we can do that by doing the following: 

 

#1. Eating healthy 

While eating fast food at night is tempting, it’s not always a good idea to do so. Keep yourself healthy by eating healthy. Eating foods high in sugar and trans fat can destabilize blood sugar levels and may cause stomach upset.

Stay healthy on your night shift by packing healthy meals like fruits, veggies, salads, or trail mix. Doing meal prep at the start of the week is also a good idea. It will cut your time preparing your food each time you go to work.

You can also choose good and healthy options to eat for the whole week. 

 

#2. Set your sleeping schedule

A consistent sleeping routine is crucial in preparing your body for the night shift hours. If you have the time to sleep the moment you get home, try sleeping in two sessions.

Try resting from 7 am to 11 am, then another from 3 pm to 5 pm. But if you don’t like naps, you can always choose when you want to sleep. Make sure to set the mood of your room when sleeping at home.

Create an environment that’s convenient for you to take the snooze. Use black-out curtains and turn on the AC in your room.

Be sure to set your alarm too. While sleeping in this kind of room sounds fantastic, you don’t want to be late for work too! 

 

#3. Get plenty of exercises

It may be hard to incorporate exercises into your daily routine, especially if you just got off an exhausting shift. But to stay healthy, you must also put in the extra effort. Incorporate exercise into your weekly schedule.

You don’t have to go to the gym regularly if your body can’t make it. Simple activities like biking, walking, hiking, or jogging work well too. It will also help you get some fresh air and some cardio. 

 

#4. Keep yourself hydrated

Staying awake for a long time during the night shift is challenging. There will be moments when you want to go to sleep. But before you do, hydrate yourself by drinking enough water and other fluids.

It will also ensure that your body is functioning correctly, as water keeps your body’s organs running. 

 

#5. Reduce your caffeine

Night shift requires staying awake and alert at all times, even if the patients are asleep. It’s also the reason why many nurses have caffeine fixations.

While coffee and caffeine-packed drinks are lifesavers, it’s not always a good thing. It will give you a surge of energy for a few hours, but once it crashes, you end up exhausted and wanting more.

We cannot entirely remove caffeine, but we can reduce our intake. Avoid drinking caffeine once your shift hits 2-3 am. It will prevent you from being able to get sleep once you’re off duty. 

 

#6. Schedule your night shifts closely

Some nurses have weird night shift schedules. Some nurses would go on night duty for two days, have a rest day, then return to the night shift for a day. It ruins their body clock.

Asking your scheduler to put all your night shifts in one row will help you get the rest you need and not waste your days off catching up with sleep. 

 

#7. No alcohol

Drinking alcohol to help you fall asleep after your night shift is one of your biggest mistakes. Not only will it induce your sleep, but it also affects your REM and may develop into an alcohol addiction if you’re not careful about it.

So, it would be best to avoid drinking alcohol before sleep to be safe. 

 

#8. Naps are OK

Timed naps on your break are good. It will help you stay alert and focused all through the night. Find a dark space where you can rest for at least 20 or 30 minutes on lunch breaks. Power naps can help you get through without feeling too exhausted after the work shift. 

 

#9. Limit your screen time

You’re probably thinking if you keep staring at your phone, you’ll be okay through the night. It won’t help you. The blue light emitted on your phone harms your sleep hormones and melatonin. Minimizing your screen time at night or before bed maximizes rest and sleep. 

 

#10. You need to move 

Sitting all night will make you sleepy. Take time for short walks and do simple cardio exercises while on your night shift. It will keep your blood pumping.

Walking stretches your muscles and wakes up your legs. It’s a refreshing way to keep yourself awake. Plus, moving around feels good. It reduces your sleepiness. 

 

Your Night Shift is Going to Be Hard

The night shift is hard, especially if you’re a new nurse. Staying up all night for many days can take a toll on you, physically and mentally. And as nurses, we must take care of ourselves.

eople rely on us; we must remember self-care and get enough rest. It makes a real difference. Hopefully, these tips helped you out. 

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

5 Tips to Effectively Earn Your Patient’s Trust

5 Tips to Effectively Earn Your Patient’s Trust

by | Apr 15, 2023 | Nursing

5 Tips to Effectively Earn Your Patient’s Trust

How do you earn your patient’s trust? Earning our patient’s trust is vital to us nurses. We can provide them with the best nursing care if they trust us.

But how can we gain our patient’s trust? Is there a magic word to use? 

 

Every Patient is Different

Not all patients are the same. They all have different personalities, moods, and preferences. Sometimes, it’s hard to guess what kind of mood our patients are in, especially when they’re in pain for some time. 

As nurses, we must adjust our personalities to our patients. We cannot be angry or grumpy when the patient screams at us.

We have to be firm but gentle towards them at the same time. Seeing them beyond their pain and complaints is the first step to earning their trust. 

So how can we gain our patient’s trust? Here’s how

 

#1. Introduce yourself and address your patient by their name

The first thing you must do in building any relationship is to introduce yourself. An introduction is an obvious thing to do, especially in a healthcare setting where you care for different patients. Just like building a relationship, an introduction is the first step.

However, introducing yourself to your patient is sometimes forgotten in a busy healthcare unit or setting. But remember that you will be the patient’s first point of contact for their concerns, calls for help, or inquiries.

It is vital that they feel like they know you and are receiving personal care from you. We cannot always remember every patient’s name, so an initial introduction is crucial. 

Introduce yourself and shake your patient’s hand. Tell them your name and who you are. Ask them what they prefer to be called and take note of this on their chart.

It will ensure a consistent level of care even when staff changes. It will also help the patient feel at ease, knowing they have someone to call if needed. 

 

#2. Always dress professionally

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “First impressions always last.” This phrase is accurate, so how your patient sees you is essential. How you introduce yourself is one thing, but how you show up is another.

As nurses, we must dress appropriately. Wearing a nurse’s uniform is one way, as most people will think that a person wearing that uniform has the proper training and knows what they’re doing.

But make sure that your scrubs or uniform are clean and pressed. It will create the right impression. Avoid showing up in your patient’s room with blood-stained scrubs or drenched in puke or body fluids.

Your patients may not be comfortable with you and may not cooperate with you at all. Always keep your appearance as positive as possible. 

 

#3. Listen to your patients.

Going in and out of your patient’s room is easy, especially when you’re taking their vital signs. You can mutter a few words while writing information on their charts but earning your patient’s trust is more than that. If you want to build trust:

  1. Talk to them.
  2. Make eye contact and actively listen.
  3. Ask questions, and converse with them.
  4. Pay attention to your body language, sit in front of them, and make it clear that they have your attention. 

Sometimes, taking a break from your usual nurse routines and being present with the patient. Take time to hear them out and listen to them express themselves.

When a patient knows they’re being listened to will make them feel confident that their concerns are addressed. That makes them trust you as their nurse. 

 

#4. Keep your word

It’s tempting to comfort a distressed patient by telling them that things will be okay. However, you must make sure that you act with integrity and honesty at all times.

Patients and their families appreciate honesty even though your honesty can sometimes be hard to accept. Avoid making false promises. Keep your word by following through with what you tell your patient. It is one of the best ways to earn their trust. 

You don’t have to promise anything significant. Following through with simple acts can help your patient feel they can rely on you. If you say you’ll be back in an hour, then be back in an hour.

Again, keep your word. If you can’t guarantee this, tell them you’ll likely be called away to an emergency or other tasks. Again, don’t make any promises you can’t keep. 

Our work demands are unpredictable, especially in a busy healthcare setting. If this happens, ask someone to speak with your patient, maybe another colleague familiar with your patient, and keep them updated on what is happening. These are a few ways to earn your patient’s trust. 

 

#5. Be Trustworthy

To be trusted means you have to be trustworthy too. Being open and honest with your patient is one step. And even when the situation is unfavorable, keeping your honesty is a must.

Your honesty may not always be a comfortable place to be in, but your patients and their families will appreciate it. 

Always keep your word, and do not promise anything you can’t do. When your patients trust you, building a relationship with them can help improve their recovery time, making administering treatment more manageable.

Therefore for your patients to trust you, you must also put in the effort and show them that you’re genuine with your intentions to help them. 

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

EP 211: MICU and Becoming a CRNA with Jenny Finnell

EP 211: MICU and Becoming a CRNA with Jenny Finnell

by | Apr 14, 2023 | Podcast

EP 211: MICU and Becoming a CRNA with Jenny Finnell

Becoming a CRNA is possible for any nurse. It may take time and a lot of dedication, but you can become one too. In this episode, we would like to introduce you to Jenny Finnell. Jenny is a CRNA with experience in MICU, adult open heart, and pediatrics.

She spends most of her time mentoring and looking for ways to build community and resources for our nurses. 

Jenny launched Nurses Teach Nurses in August 2022, a mentorship marketplace for nurses by nurses. She helps nurses by empowering them to share knowledge, promote personal growth and create a culture of support.

She is also the creator of CRNA School Prep Academy, which helps people get into CRNA school and succeed on the job. 

We talk about the life of a CRNA and what it takes to become one and overcome self-doubt in school and on the field. 

Questions for Our Guest

The questions below are some we’d like to tackle. We often go off-topic, so we don’t expect to hit them all. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Looking forward to our conversation!

These are the questions you had in Calendly. We’ll go off your questions and wherever else our conversation goes.

  1. Can you give some background about yourself, your nursing experience, and how you decided to become a CRNA? 
  2. Why did you choose to jump into the MICU?
      • How was your experience in the MICU?
      • Any interesting cases? Common things you dealt with?
      • What were the expectations and some things you struggled with?
      • We often hear the phrase that nurses eat their young. Did you feel that way? Is this a good way to teach new nurses?
  3. What are the requirements for becoming a CRNA?
      • What experience is needed?
      • How is CRNA school?
      • CRNA school vs Nursing school?
      • Is there a certain “person” that gravitates to becoming a CRNA? 
      • Advice for future CRNAs?
      • With NP school, there isn’t a requirement to work as an RN. Do you think you really need that ICU experience to be successful as a CRNA?
  4. You’ve been married to your high school sweetheart. How important is having support?
      • Did you always get the support you needed? 
      • Work-life balance? 
  5. What made you start CRNA School Prep Academy?
      • Did you have a mentor in CRNA school? 
      • What can you expect to get and learn at the CRNA School Prep Academy?
  6. What made you start Nurses Teach Nurses?
      • How important is positive nursing culture?

Ending Questions

Before we end the show, we have one last question we like to ask all our guests. If you had the opportunity to have a Cup of coffee with anybody one last time, who would it be & why? 

Links: 

https://nursesteachnurses.com/#
https://www.instagram.com/crnaschoolprepacademy/
https://nursesteachnurses.com/#
https://www.instagram.com/nursesteachnurses/
https://www.cspaedu.com/steps

Here’s her journey from MICU and becoming a CRNA. Watch the full episode here 👇👇

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
01:58 About Jenny Finnell
03:13 The Incredible Benefits of Pursuing a Career as a CRNA
04:54 What is the Environment of an Open Heart Surgery look like
08:19 The real responsibilities of CRNA’s
11:09 What does a life of a CRNA look like
13:29 Patient Care Differences Between Adults and Children
15:34 Tips to becoming a CRNA
17:05 How to Boost Your Confidence and Conquer Your Insecurities
23:21 Experiences That Paved the Way to Becoming a CRNA
25:50 Reasons Why Nurses Leave Bedside Care
30:39 The Benefits of Seeking Professional Help from Experienced Healthcare Professionals
34:22 Who are the Nurses teach nurses for
37:28 What is “CRNA School Prep Academy” all about
41:12 Things that need improvement in nursing
43:36 Wrapping up the show

 

Be a Travel Nurse and Work in These Top 10 Best Places 

Be a Travel Nurse and Work in These Top 10 Best Places 

by | Mar 4, 2023 | Travel Nursing

Be a Travel Nurse and Work in These Top 10 Best Places 

So, you are a nurse who is looking for something new to do. You love your job set-up in the healthcare facility you currently work in, but your mind wanders. It would help if you had an adventure.

You need to fuel your passion! If this is your current mindset right now, sign up to be a travel nurse and get to choose ten of the best places for this job. 

Where Can Travel Nurses Work?

 

#1. Alaska

With stunning views and a vast space for fishing, Alaska is home to the largest hospital in the city, the Providence Alaska Medical Center. Travel nurses who enjoy activities like camping, fishing, and boating will surely enjoy Alaska.

The growing healthcare industry and great pay are why many travel nurses chose this destination for work [1].

With the city’s unique features and long sunny days, Alaska is ideal for those interested in working here as a nurse and enjoying the outdoors.

Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreens! 

 

#2. California

Cali is home to excellent teaching hospitals, including the UCLA Medical Center, UCSF Medical Center, and others. Not only that, but California also has one of the highest-paying nursing salaries in the country.

If you love the idea of learning and visiting California’s famous landmarks, this is an exciting place to choose!

If you love beaches, California has plenty, and if you are a wine enthusiast, you will surely enjoy the endless array of vineyards there too.

There are plenty of places to explore so you will surely love your time here. 

 

#3. Texas

If you want to work in Texas, Austin is the place to be. Ranked as one of the most popular locations for travel nurses, Austin is a fast-growing city with a high density of healthcare facilities to keep the flow of nurses constant.

Besides the booming healthcare industry, Austin is also a hub for entertainment. If you love food, music, and festivals, Austin is your next best destination.

 

#4. Florida

Another popular destination for travel nurses to work in is Florida – Miami, in particular, is a rather popular state to be in. If you are looking for warm weather and beaches, Florida is an excellent choice. It is a popular location for nurses who enjoy spending time at the beach after long working hours.

If you love exploring popular tourist attractions, Florida is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World. They also offer epic nightlife destinations like the Design District, Downtown, and many others.

All in all, it is a well-rounded city with many things to do after your shift.

 

#5. Hawaii

As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in different locations, even with the pandemic travel restrictions that we have now. If you are interested in working far from the usual continental U.S. sights, you can apply for work in Hawaii.

However, this may be steep competition as it takes time to get approval for a work permit. But with patience, you, too, can land an assignment here.

Just be reminded that Hawaii is not exactly the place for travel nurses who want to earn top dollar, but if you are longing for an experience of a lifetime, this is it. 

 

#6. Colorado

Colorado is a compact nursing state which means a license in one state allows you to work assignments in another, just like in Texas.

If you choose urban life, Denver is an excellent choice to work and be a travel nurse. After your work, you can enjoy the breathtaking views the Rocky Mountains have to offer.

If you love skiing, Colorado has plenty of winter sports activities that you will surely love. Not only that, but since Colorado is part of a compact nursing state, you can attain greater work mobility without complications. 

 

#7. New York City

When we talk about New York, we always think of tall skyscrapers and high-rise apartments. But when it comes to healthcare facilities, New York is one of the best.

They are known for medical centers like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Mount Sinai Hospital. As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to work in one of the best cities without a permanent commitment. In addition to that, New York is home to prestigious art galleries, museums, parks, and restaurants. This state is also one of those that offer nurses high salaries – which helps in the expensive nature of the city [2].

 

#8. Arizona

If you are looking for travel nursing opportunities that require low-cost living, then go to Arizona. Tucson City offers travel nursing opportunities that you might like.

Among the best features that this city has to offer include food scenes, music, a predominantly younger demographic of university students, and a good number of retirees.

So, if the desert life suits you, you might as well look into this location for travel nurse assignments.

 

#9. Washington

For coffee lovers who are also traveling nurses, working in Washington is a great choice. Seattle is one of the top cities in this state that offers good pay for nurses.

With the current nursing shortage in this city, it is an excellent opportunity for you to grab and find an assignment. As the coffee capital of the United States, you will surely enjoy this city.

If you love farmer’s markets, you can visit the Pike Place Market, considered the world’s oldest farmer’s market.

They also offer museums for you to check out – the Museum of Pop Culture and Museum of Flight are among the best tourist attractions you can find here. 

 

#10. Chicago

As the United State’s third-largest city, Chicago is home to some of the country’s largest and most prestigious healthcare facilities.

However, with the current pandemic, Chicago also faces nursing shortages, and the demand for nurses has pushed average salaries to $70,000 per year.

If you have plans to be a travel nurse in this state, do it. Not only will you enjoy working here, but you will also love the skyscrapers and their famous spot called Millenium Park. 

 

Pack Your Bags and Go!

If the location you would like to be a travel nurse in is not listed here, don’t worry. Many hospitals still need nurses out there, so you can choose wherever your passion takes you! And if your favorite destination is listed here, grab the chance to work today; good luck!

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!

EP 205: 9 Qualities of a Good Nurse

EP 205: 9 Qualities of a Good Nurse

by | Mar 3, 2023 | Podcast

9 Qualities of a Good Nurse

In this episode, we will discuss the nine qualities of a good overall nurse. It is undeniable that nursing is a noble profession that requires a unique set of skills and qualities.

It is not an easy job, and nurses must possess several qualities that make them stand out. In this podcast, we will discuss nine qualities that every aspiring nurse should strive to have.

1. Be a team player – hard work ethic.

One of the most important qualities of a good nurse is being a team player with a strong work ethic.  Nurses should be willing to work collaboratively with their colleagues and be proactive in helping them.

Even if your shift is difficult, can you still go out of your way to help another nurse? What if you’re busy and your co-worker wants a 15 min break? Will you say no? Do it for the squad! In some units, you know the team got you back.

2. Learn to communicate with everybody on the healthcare team

Communication is another critical skill that every good nurse should have. Nurses interact with several people, including patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Therefore, excellent communication skills are a must. Nurses should be able to convey information, listen actively, and respond appropriately. Effective communication ensures that patients receive quality care and that the healthcare team works together seamlessly.

3. Flexibility in your shift – going with the flow

Flexibility is also crucial in nursing. Nurses must work flexible hours, including night shifts, weekends, and holidays or even deal with floating multiple times a shift as we did in our travel nursing contract.

Flexibility helps ensure that patients receive the care they need and that the healthcare team is adequately staffed. Can you float as a nurse without negatively impacting your team?

4. Don’t be hyper-independent and not help others

While nurses need to be independent and resilient, they should also be careful not to be hyper-independent and not help others. Nurses work in teams, and every team member should be willing to help their colleagues.

Being a team player means being willing to lend a helping hand, ask for help when needed, and work collaboratively to achieve the best patient outcomes. This is what makes you a high-quality nurse to be around. 

5. Having empathy – compassionate 

Empathy is another crucial quality of a good nurse. Nurses should be empathetic and compassionate towards their patients.

They should be able to connect with their patients, show them kindness, and provide emotional support. Having empathy helps patients feel valued, understood, and cared for, which can positively impact their recovery.

6. Emotional Stability – Tempered 

Nursing is a challenging job that can be emotionally draining. Thus, a good nurse should be emotionally stable and tempered.

They should be able to manage their emotions, remain calm under pressure, and handle stressful situations effectively.

Emotional stability helps nurses provide quality care and maintain a positive work environment.

7. Attention to detail 

Attention to detail is another critical quality for nurses. Nurses are responsible for administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and providing treatments. Therefore, they should be meticulous and detail-oriented.

Paying attention to detail ensures that patients receive the right medication, dosage, and treatment, which can significantly impact their recovery or potentially cause harm.

8. Problem-solving skills – a Critical thinker 

Problem-solving skills are also essential for nurses. Nurses encounter complex problems daily and must be able to solve them effectively. A good nurse should be a critical thinker and possess problem-solving skills.

They should be able to assess a situation, identify the problem, and develop a plan to solve it. If you don’t know how to solve the problem, who can you escalate the situation to (chain of command)? 

Problem-solving skills help nurses provide quality care and improve patient outcomes.

9. Patient advocate 

The core of nursing is centered around being a patient advocate. They should speak up for their patients, protect their rights, and provide the best possible care.

Being a patient advocate requires nurses to be knowledgeable, assertive, and proactive in advocating for their patient’s needs.

In Closing

In conclusion, becoming a successful and effective nurse involves possessing several qualities. These qualities include being a team player, having excellent communication skills, being flexible, empathetic, emotionally stable, detail-oriented, possessing problem-solving skills, and being a patient advocate.

Every aspiring nurse should strive to possess these qualities to provide quality patient care, maintain a positive work environment, and achieve the best outcomes for patients.

Do you have all the qualities of a good nurse? Check out the full episode here 👇👇👇

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
02:09 1. Be a team player – hard work ethic
04:00 2. Learn to communicate with everybody on the healthcare team
06:03 3. Flexibility in your shift -going with the flow
09:50 4. Don’t be hyper-independent and not help others
13:32 5. Having Empathy – Compassionate
17:53 6. Emotional Stability – Tempered
23:47 7. Attention to detail
27:02 8.Problem-solving skills – Critical thinker
29:53 9. Patient Advocate
35:02 Wrapping up the show