Your First Years

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When you don’t “click” with your nursing instructor

There are those instructors that we love, but what do you do when you have an instructor that doesn’t understand you? What happens when you don’t “click”?

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5 fun facts about nursing students

Find out some fun facts that will prove to be food for thought the next time you set foot in a classroom or think about the fact that YOU are a nursing student!

10 ways to spot a nursing student

10 ways to spot a nursing student

Here she comes…all dressed in white! No, not bride-zilla…worse. A Nursing Student! Me! And I find myself doing the same exact things that I thought were hilarious when my sister was in nursing school.

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“I can’t find a job as a nurse–do I have to start over?”

“I’ve been unable to get a nursing job since last July. This is wreaking havoc on me not only career-wise, but emotionally as well. What can I do?

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If I knew then what I know now: things I wish I’d known my first month on the job

Now that I’ve been a nurse for mrmph years, there are a few things that, looking back, I wish somebody had told me right off the bat.

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Tips for the introverted nurse

Don’t panic! Even the nerdiest, most introverted person can make it as a nurse. If all else fails, work in neuroscience. We’re all like that.

How do I deal with a weak stomach?

How do I deal with a weak stomach?

As a nurse, you’re bound to see and smell things that will grow hair on your hairs. You’ll gaze upon frightening wounds, scads of sick people, blood and your fair share of incontinence. Some of these things may turn your stomach. There’s no exact solution to this problem, but here are a few tips that may help.

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Love and work – the dish about dating coworkers

An “office romance” in nursing can present a serious set of challenges in an already challenging environment. Here are some tips should you decide to dive in.

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22 things I learned in my first year as an RN

#5. There is no “I” in nursing unless you are trying to win a spelling bee.
#6. The opposing shift is not your enemy (see #5)…

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A spiritual answer to “why patients die”

Although his time spent on earth was limited, it was fulfilled with love, happiness, optimism, wisdom beyond his years, and strength. And God decided that he could continue doing his good from heaven.

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Dear nursing students: Know your math

The basic nursing student must learn how to convert units of measurement, multiply fractions and calculate volume percentages. And it only gets more complex from there.

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Speak more assertively as a nurse

Let’s face it: Standing up to colleagues, patients and their families isn’t always easy. Let these simple tips teach you how to speak with confidence.

Choosing between “yes” and “no”

Choosing between “yes” and “no”

Nurses are professional nixers—in other words, we know how to say “No.” Of course, this isn’t how most nurses start out. Get tips on the science and art of NOT saying yes.

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8 true definitions for “RN”

Rescue Ninja? Rockstar Nanny? Whatever people may deem appropriate synonyms to Registered Nurse, I know it encompasses a working group of talented, empathetic, nurturing, important professionals that make a difference in our patients’ lives.

When I think of smoking: A nurse’s perspective

When I think of smoking: A nurse’s perspective

Smoking, like poor diet choices and lack of exercise are those things in your life you should either eliminate or whittle down to an “almost never” activity. Back when I was a green-behind-the-ears nurse, I learned exactly why.