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Hand washing, hand washing, hand washing! Sound familiar? If you’re like me, your hands probably look as if someone has taken a piece of sandpaper and massaged your skin with it! Ouch!

The continual hand washing we nurses do can take quite the toll on our hands and skin. Here are a few of my favorite hand moisturizers and lotions to help repair dry and cracked hands.

1) Eucerin Hand Cream

I always love to use Eucerin during the winter months. This lotion feels great on the hands without having that really greasy feel afterwards. The best part about this product is that it works great for dry skin on babies. I actually tried Eucerin for the first time after it was used on my son in the local children’s hospital.

2) Vaseline Intensive Care

This is what I call “The Old Stand By.” Vaseline products have been around for years and I think that speaks volumes when it comes to product reliability.  I like this lotion because it is inexpensive for a large pump size and a little bit goes a long way. This product is good for maintaining healthy skin and nails.  This lotion also has a nice, but light fragrance.

3) Neutrogena Norwegian Formula

This is a great lotion that in my opinion, penetrates really well into the skin.  By this, I mean that after I wash my hands, I still feel as if they are somewhat moisturized and that I haven’t washed off all the lotion that I applied. I really like this for when my hands are feeling chapped and sore after a day at the hospital.

4) Philosophy Pure Grace Lotion

This lotion is one of my favorites. I first saw the Philosophy products on one of Oprah’s Favorite Things episodes a few years back.  Not only does this lotion feel wonderful on my hands, but it smells amazing! I know we really shouldn’t use “smelly” fragrances in the hospital, but this has a nice clean scent. By no means does it smell like a perfume. This lotion is a little pricier than the others, but it is a nice treat for your hands. While the other products can be found at local drug stores, Philosophy Pure Grace can be found at Macy’s and Ulta.

5) Johnson’s Baby Lotion

Who doesn’t love the smell of a clean baby? If it is gentle enough for our babies it must be good for our hands right? With its trademark pink bottle and baby powder scent, there is just something about Johnson’s Baby Lotion that is both nostalgic and sweet.

What are your favorite hand lotions?

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You can spot me from a mile a way. All in white. Standing tall and proud with my stethoscope strategically draped behind my neck.

Oh yeah, I’m a professional…can’t you tell? Just feast your eyes on my fancy clipboard. I know, you wish you had one, too. Nope, gotta be part of my club. Only the very elite get to be part of this club. Watch out, future nurse coming through!

I stop sometimes and think how ridiculous I may look to people. I remember rolling my eyes when my younger sister was in nursing school….I thought she was nuts.

Well, here I am some few years later. I am doing the same exact things that I thought were hilarious back then. Sometimes I feel like I have learned so much, other days I know I haven’t even learned a fraction of what it takes to become a nurse.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Know I Am A Nursing Student:

1) I am constantly diagnosing people.

2) I think I have certain diseases we are learning about in school.

3) I get excited over putting in Foleys!

4) I am constantly using medical jargon whether it is necessary or not.

5) I am using proper aseptic technique just to apply a band-aid to a cut on my finger.

6) I feel the need to whip out my stethoscope when my kids have a cough.

7) I have more books than I do shoes.

8) I think it is so fun to flush a saline lock!!

9) I don’t have a social life anymore.

10) I am guilty of practicing writing my name Megan Gilbert, RN

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Do you ever wonder where some of your fellow nurses find the time or energy to look so put together? Chances are they probably don’t have the time or the energy either, but it makes them feel better about themselves.

I am one of these people. Rarely do I leave the house without makeup. In a pinch, there are two items that must always be applied: mascara and, most importantly, lipstick. Mascara can make any sleepy eye look at least half opened. It gives a bright-eyed look that usually can last all day long. Lipstick takes only seconds to apply, and while it does make for a pretty face, it also enhances our smiles, which are a big part of who we are.

I feel better about myself if I look at least halfway presentable. I always keep my lipstick in the pocket of my scrubs and reapply it throughout the day. It just makes me feel good! Nothing is more frightening than a nurse who actually looks as if her intentions are to hurt you! Lipstick stat!!!

One day when I was working in the hospital, I was bathing a patient and his nurse came in to introduce herself. She was as sweet as could be and I didn’t think twice about her until the patient made a comment to me: “She could have at least dried her hair before she came to work!” Apparently the nurse’s hair was still wet from her morning shower.

This is just is example of how attentive patients are as to how we present ourselves. Some people may argue that beauty lies within. Very true, but our faces are the physical focal point for the patients we’re treating. If we can’t take time out to care for ourselves, how can we care for our patients?

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Who has time to volunteer? Well, you should. No, really. You should!

Here’s are five reasons why you, busy nurse that you are, should take some of your precious spare time and use it for the greater good.

And once you commit to it, you’ll find that volunteering can be personally beneficial as well as rewarding to your career.


1. It makes us feel great.
Not only will we be helping our fellow citizens, but we’ll also be helping ourselves become better nurses!

2. We can make a difference.
Even the smallest of deeds can go a long way. What may seem to be a simple task could make a huge impact on someone’s life.

3. It looks terrific on a resume.
Employers love to see that a nurse is active in volunteering. It proves that the nurse isn’t afraid to get her hands dirty and rise to the occasion!

4. We can serve as role models!
Try to get your peers involved. Do-gooding is contagious and others will want to help, too!

5. It shows people what nursing is all about.
Set an example. Show everyone around you what it means to be a nurse. Nursing should apply to all aspects of our lives, not just at the bedside!

Where do I volunteer?

• Local food pantry
• Health fairs
• Halfway homes for the abused
• Blood drives
• Children’s hospitals (always in need of volunteers!)
• Coach a sports team for underprivileged kids

These are just a few examples of places you can get your feet wet for volunteer work. There are many more opportunities and avenues to explore. Find an area of interest and seek out ways to help. It can be a fun, exciting and altogether rewarding experience!

What’s your favorite cause or volunteering opportunity?

Image: Thomas Northcut | Photodisc | Thinkstock + Scrubs

It’s no secret that the average nurse leads a demanding and stressful life.  After working a 12-hour shift providing bedside care, it may be difficult to go home and care for a spouse. With the stress of raising a family and bringing home a paycheck, and with divorce rates at an all-time high, keeping a healthy relationship is a juggling act to say the least.

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I’ve often wondered what nurses think of plastic surgery as an option to enhance one’s looks. I think that anything can be fine—in moderation, that is. Today, we live in a world where we can go into a surgical suite and come out looking like a completely different person. We also live in a world where there is so much pressure to look “perfect.” We’re either too fat or too thin, too tall or too short, or too wrinkly and pale. We live in a world where we can fix anything—for a price. So what do we do? Should we be happy with what the cards have dealt us? Do we tweak what Mother Nature has in store for us?

In my opinion, looks do matter in some instances. Is it fair? No, but that’s the type of world we live in. Let’s say, for example, you’re interviewing people for a potential job, and one candidate is completely put together and gorgeous, and the second candidate is not so attractive and looks quite disheveled. Who do you think is going to make the best first impression?

Do I think nurses should pursue some sort of plastic surgery? If they are truly unhappy with something and it can be fixed, I say why not? I think if you’re a nurse in the plastic surgery field, a little work wouldn’t hurt. Nothing sells more than the product itself! The New York Times recently ran an article about hospitals in Prague offering their nurses free plastic surgery. The article argues that the nurses who opted for plastic surgery offered an ideal body image. In addition, the article stated that the surgery could have a negative influence, and the nurses could appear incompetent and would hold less value at the bedside.

I have to admit that since turning 30, I’ve started to dabble in injections and laser facials. I’ve been really happy with the results, too! I can see how people can go overboard. I often come out of the office wondering, “What else can I do to look better?” If you pick up any gossip magazine, you’re sure to see someone almost unrecognizable from various procedures. I wonder what they see when they look in the mirror. Is it deeper than just wanting to change the way they look?

Some people say I should just be happy with myself, and that’s true. But if you ask me, I am happy! I just want to enhance some of my features, not completely change them. I love the beauty industry and what it has to offer. My curiosity has even momentarily sparked an interest in working in an office like this when I’m a nurse! Oh, the possibilities of an RN!

What do you think about the plastic surgery debate? Have you indulged? Would you do it again?

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Eyebrows. We all have them, but the question for many is what do we do with them? For many nurses, time is of the essence and getting to a salon is not always an option. Do you fear you’re sporting a mean unibrow like Bert from Sesame Street? Don’t fret! Here are some great tips for keeping those brows under control!

First, if you’re guilty of over-plucking or shaving your eyebrows, now is the time to quit. Super-thin eyebrows are usually not flattering, nor are they in style, so the best thing to do is grow them out completely. Yes, you may look a little “bushy” for a while, but it’s a necessary step for a fresh start.

Tips for finding your natural arch

• Once your eyebrows are ready for grooming, brush them with a toothbrush or brow comb and study them closely. Do you notice a natural arch? If you have really thick brows, it may be difficult to see the natural arch, and that’s okay.
• Brush the brows straight down. If they are really long, go ahead and give them a little trim. Then brush brows back to their natural shape. Remember: The one thing to remember before starting is that less is more! You can always take away, but you can’t put hair back!
• Your eyebrows should be aligned with the inner eye and stop at the end of your eye.
• Typically your arch should be aligned with the center of your eyes.
• If you’re confused as to how this looks, feel free to Google “celebrity eyebrows.” This will give you a great idea of where the eyebrow should start and end.

The 4-step guide to painless and perfectly tweezed brows

1. First, cleanse the brow area with a mild soap and warm water. Pat dry and try not to irritate the skin or mess with the natural flow of the brow. This may make it difficult to work with the eyebrow.
2. Next, if you’re sensitive to pain, a little tooth-numbing gel such as Anbesol works wonders.
3. After the skin is numb, be sure to wipe the residue off the skin. The gel makes the hair slippery and hard to work with.
4. Start tweezing from the inside, working your way to the outer eye. The inside should be slightly fuller. Work around your natural arch and try not to change the shape of your natural brow.

If you have trouble shaping, beauty stores sell brow stencils that work well and act as a great guide!

Finishing touch
Finish by placing a cold cloth on the tweezed areas to reduce redness and swelling of the skin. To make brows pop, brush a clear mascara along them, and voila! Brows that wow!

Do you have a 10-minute beauty secret to a flawless face?

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Now that school is out for the summer, it’s time for some much needed R&R. My guess is that although you’re loving your time off, you may be trying to fill the void in your life that was once consumed by mounds of books and endless study sessions. Here are a few ways to make this summer the best one yet!

Get a glow!
If you’re like me, you’re looking pretty pasty and your skin hasn’t seen the sun since last summer. I love getting a nice spray tan. Not the kind where you stand in a booth and orange dust is blown into your face at 30 mph, but an airbrush tan. An airbrush tan gives the skin a nice glow and the person who’s airbrushing can control the amount of product being dispersed. This is a safe alternative for a healthy looking glow without the harm of UV sun exposure. Many tanning salons are offering airbrush tans at discounted prices (as low as $25!) now that summer is in session.  And the gorgeous tan lasts seven to ten days.

Day at the beach
A day at the beach reconnecting with my civilian friends is one of the best ways to spend a summer day without breaking the bank. It also helps me remember that there IS life outside of nursing school. Pack up the cooler with some sandwiches, drinks and snacks, and grab the towels and suits. Bring the volleyball or Frisbee! Nothing says summer like the scenery of sand and waves. Don’t forget the sunblock!

Night on the town
Do you live near a big city? You wouldn’t believe all the free things that a city has to offer! I live 40 minutes outside of Chicago, and there are always free things to do in the city. From outdoor concerts to free admission days at the museums, the possibilities are endless. Looking to shop but not spend a ton? Hit up the city flea markets and shops around town. Ask the locals where to get the great deals. You won’t be disappointed!

Girls’ night in
No matter what your age, a girls’ night in or a “sleepover” never gets old! Invite your closest buddies over for a night of indulgent food, pedicures and bad made-for-TV movies. These are some of the best times I’ve had with my sisters and friends. Oh yeah, don’t forget the camera!

Throw a luau
Invite your friends to a Hawaiian-themed barbecue at your place. If you’re like me, you love hosting a good party! Decorate with tiki torches, grass skirts and leis, and don’t forget the umbrellas in the drinks. Fresh-cut pineapple, coconut and savory shish kebabs on the menu are sure to be a hit. Hawaiian-themed music is a nice added touch and sets the stage for a great luau!

How will you be spending your summer off?

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We nurses tend to spend most of our long shifts running around, and that can take its toll. In fact, our abused feet can end up looking downright atrocious.

During the colder months, we’ve been able to slip on our socks and Crocs and hide our poor little piggies, but when it gets warm our toes are exposed in sandals and flip-flops (when we’re off-duty that is)!

What to do? Spa visits are time consuming and expensive. And you’re certainly not going to open a makeshift spa in your hospital like these hospital staffers allegedly did.

Instead, I recommend that after your next shift you go home, get your soak on, and give yourself a great DIY pedicure that’ll make your feet sparkle.

What You Need

• ¼ cup Epsom salt
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup olive oil or vegetable oil
• Nail clippers
• Nail file
• Large basin (to soak feet)
• 2 hand towels
• Deep moisturizing lotion
• Nail polish
• Toe separators

I find it easiest to do this at-home pedicure in the bathroom so the faucet is close by for wetting and rinsing the towels.

First, fill the basin with warm water and mix in the Epsom salt. This will help to soften your feet. Soak for about 10 minutes.

Next, remove your feet from the water, and trim and file toenails to your liking. Apply a bit of the oil to the cuticles and work into cuticles while gently pushing them back. Soak feet again for about two minutes.

Mix the remaining oil with the sugar until a nice exfoliator is created. Rub onto feet, concentrating on rough areas such as heels and calluses. You may also exfoliate your legs to get rid of any dry and damaged skin.

Wet the two hand towels with hot water and wrap your exfoliated hands and feet entirely. Keep hot towels on until they are completely cooled. Remove towels while working off the remaining exfoliator.

Apply the deep conditioning lotion of your choice to legs and feet. Remember to focus on the rough areas.

Wipe any lotion from your nails so the polish will properly adhere, and you’re ready to paint! Be sure to use toe separators or cotton between the toes so the polish doesn’t rub from one toe onto the next.

Enjoy your new beautiful and soft feet! (And if you have any more tips for self pampering on a budget, share them here!)

“What do you see when you look at me?”

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