Nursing is challenging, demanding, and rewarding, but working the night shift as a nurse presents a unique set of challenges that many nurses struggle to overcome. Navigating these obstacles requires a strategic approach to maintain physical and mental well-being. Working nocturnal hours sees you constantly juggle energy levels amid the silence of the hospital corridors, struggle with disrupted sleep patterns, and face difficulties in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If you look forward to a night shift with a sense of dread or frequently work unsociable hours, this article could be just what you are looking for. We’ll delve into […]
For many of us outside nursing, taking a break in the workday—to grab a bite, go for a walk, or catch up with a coworker—is a practiced habit. It’s something we take for granted. Not so for nurses. Our VP of Nursing recalls the predicament he faced on most shifts: He was unable to take an uninterrupted break, but there was also no permissible place to drink water at the nurses’ station. It’s ironic that those entrusted to keep the rest of us comfortable, rested, and fed aren’t afforded the same courtesy—especially in a field where nurse fatigue and patient […]
We’ve heard the expression “nurses eat their young,” but things have arguably gotten even worse over the last couple years. Nurses are being asked to do more with fewer resources and less time than they were previously, which has led to unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout. A recent study shows more nurses are thinking about leaving the profession than ever before with the U.S. headed for a shortfall of half a million providers in just three years. All of this is putting added pressure on nurses, which can lead to a toxic working environment. So, has nursing permanently […]
It’s like walking a tightrope with your hands in your pockets.
Countries all over the world are facing record-high inflation. Just like the U.S., the U.K. has seen the cost-of-living increase by more than 8% year-over-year, according to the latest figures from the Consumer Price Index. Food, housing, and transportation have all gone up considerably in price in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and nurses are feeling the pain. The National Health Service has been criticized for not paying healthcare workers enough for their time, and now some providers are skipping meals just to make sure they have enough money to feed and clothe their children, according to a survey […]
Do you talk about wounds and drainage during a nice sit down dinner at a fancy restaurant? Yep, you’re a nurse.
Imagine your first day on the job. Your scrubs are neatly pressed, stethoscope around your neck, and all the butterflies in your stomach are getting you ready for the rest of your life. Getting started as a nurse comes with a steep learning curve. From responding to a crisis to dealing with unruly patients, there’s always something new to learn. The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the nursing profession. For months, providers have been waking up to the painful reality that comes with being a nurse, including long hours, limited PPE, and putting their lives in danger in order to […]
We turned to the nurses on the Men in Nursing Facebook page for some tips on treating patients with rare conditions, and here’s the advice they shared.
Suicide is on the rise in the U.S. Rates in 25 states have increased by more than 30% since 1999, and is now the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. But it doesn’t just affect those that take their own lives; it can lead to a trail of depression and grief for those they leave behind. It’s estimated that every person that dies by suicide leaves behind at least six or more “suicide survivors”: people that’ve lost someone they care about deeply and are left grieving and struggling to understand why they took their own lives in the […]
When you first start out as a nurse, you tend to be in awe of all the little tricks that more experienced nurses have up their sleeves. Here are a few you can take advantage of right away!