Clever Nurses

A Thought for Today

2011-07-28T09:10:00.011-04:00

Today a friend of mine posted an article on Facebook that inspired me. I imagined what the girl in the piece must have been like and I wish I could have known her. She was young but understood something so simple and profound...something I did not learn until my late twenties:

Helping others is one of the great avenues to happiness.

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/donations-pour-9-old-clean-water-cause-tragic-153811801.html

Have you helped someone lately?

Respecting Your Limit

2011-07-19T01:04:00.006-04:00

In 2007, I had my first panic attack. At the time, I thought I was dying such was the fear and psychosis that consumed me. My body went numb and my heart beat fast. I started fading in and out and couldn’t really stand, or sit, or do anything but run back and forth from my kitchen to my living room. When the episode had passed, and the paramedics had left (I really thought I was dying), I was exhausted beyond compare.
While in my home, the paramedic explained to me, in layman’s terms, the nature of a panic attack. Essentially what happens is that when your body is under an unreasonable amount of stress, your body creates adrenaline that doesn’t get used up. Later, and for whatever cause, the adrenaline kicks itself out and storms your entire body. Your heart rate accelerates, your breathing quickens, your brain jumps to a “flight or fight” mode, i.e. PANIC.
Sharing my experience with others, I realized a great number of people suffered from panic attacks and many had decided to medicate themselves, others meditated, still others exercised. Some did a combination of everything. Soon, I had another panic attack and began to notice what set them off (they usually occurred during moments of calm or when the chaos had died down), and I began to pay attention to my reaction to them. I no longer ran around in flight mode, and I never again called the paramedics. Instead, I consciously slowed my breathing, and chanted, “I am not really dying. I am not really dying. I am not really dying.” (My episodes do something to my vision that is akin to the “light at the end of the tunnel” and my panicked and addled brain truly believes death is imminent in that moment.)
I have learned to control and manage my panic attacks, and have realized how debilitating they are; when one occurs, I am entirely useless the rest of the day for sheer exhaustion.
It has taken me four years to completely respect and honor the level of stress I can tolerate, if only to manage the number of attacks I have.
Though I do not like my disorder, having it has made me live a bit more consciously, and in being conscious, I become calmer.

image by FlickrJunkie
www.nurseapplications.com

The Pain of Exercise

2011-07-11T09:37:00.005-04:00

Thinking the other night, I had an epiphany: If I just eat right and exercise, I’ll have a pretty great body.
Apparently, there are many fields devoted to my insight. I wish it were more complicated. I wish I could say, “Well, you know, in order to be healthy, I have to plant a tree, and then I have to feed it, and water it, and wait for it to bloom, and then I have to pick the fruit, and then I have to wash it, and cut it, and steam it, and then, THEN! I can eat it.” However, my world is such that all I pretty much have to do is go to the corner and buy a fruit, rinse it off and bite into it to get the nutritional values I need. I can also put on a pair of sneakers and walk outside to be healthier than I am.
But I tend to complicate things that make the idea of exercise so painful and cumbersome.
“I NEED the state of the art sneakers!”
“I NEED the yoga mat, and the music, and the video.”
“I NEED to purchase a gym membership for 19 bazillion dollars because, you know, it rains outside.”

I never think of gardening. Or painting my house. Or scrubbing my floors. I never think of walking to the store instead of driving.
I never think of eating carrots instead of chips—just as crunchy, but with nutrients instead of air.
I never think of using my own weight as a form of resistance.

I am thinking these things now that I’ve had my epiphany, and the strange thing is, I never finish a task that involves exercise and think to myself, “Man! What a waste of time that was!” Instead, I always feel refreshed and good. Whole.

image by dimnikolov

Eat your vegetables

2011-06-21T09:38:00.005-04:00

If you add only one vegetable to your plate, let it be broccoli.
The incredible nutritional density of broccoli includes:
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Folic Acid
Calcium
Fiber
Potassium
Zinc
Selenium
Magnesium
Beta-carotene
These things help your central nervous system, help you fight the common cold, aid in stress relief, and reduce cholesterol. The nutritional aspects of broccoli has also been linked to lowering, controlling, and/or preventing many medical issues such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimers, heart disease and arthritis.
Eat broccoli raw, steamed, boiled, or baked, but just eat it.

photo by Tassike.ee - Marju Randmer

The Importance of Sleep

2011-06-15T10:07:00.007-04:00

Seems like everyday there is something on the news talking about the dangers of inadequate sleep. We rage against the airline industry and pilots who log too many hours, we know of the countless mistakes doctors and nurses make when they are sleep deprived. We cite truck drivers when they do not rest properly, and many of us know that sleep deprivation has been used a form of torture for prisoners. Our minds and bodies begin to shut down when we do not sleep properly. Recently, Anna Huffington, the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post talked about the value of sleep. You can see TEDtalk here: http://www.ted.com/talks/arianna_huffington_how_to_succeed_get_more_sleep.html

When you research the effects of sleep, you might begin to wonder why you choose to stay up late? Here are a few benefits of sleep:

Neurons repair and attach in the brain. If you’ve spent some time studying, what you studied won’t nestle into your long-term memory without sleep. Neurons fire up when learning happens, without sleep, these fired-up neurons ember out without attaching. They only attach well during sleep and when they do attach properly, learning occurs.

Bones and muscles rebuild. An athlete spends hours training, but it is during rest that muscles repair themselves. Sleep allows for quicker repairs to muscles and bone.

Skin restores. The only time I’ve ever seen someone look absolutely awful is when they are sick, or when they’ve just had an all-nighter doing something. Skin gets dark, blotchy, and yellow.

Dreaming. Whether people remember their dreams or not, most people dream. Dreaming works as a stress reliever. High levels of stress have been linked to heart disease, hypertension, auto-immune disorders, digestive problems, and weight issues.

During a past conversation, a medical profession likened sleep to a housekeeper. A housekeeper is most efficient when the house is empty--same with your body and how it functions. It is very hard for your body to repair itself when you are still moving or thinking. Sleep allows you to “check out” so that you can repair itself—mind and body.

image By hansvandenberg30

Who is Interviewing Whom?

2011-05-17T19:54:00.002-04:00

As mentioned in the previous post, nurses have limitless career choices. A nurse can work in a hospital, a doctor’s office, a school district, a non-profit clinic, or as an in home-care provider. When interviewing for a specific employer, it is a good thing to remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.

It is best for all involved if you accept employment at a facility that works well with your own personality. For example, are you a natural socialite? Perhaps you should choose an employer where you get a strong sense of camaraderie and support. Do you prefer to work alone? You should find an employer that values this specific work trait.

To compare the job of a nurse to an actor, there is a lot that occurs “on the stage”, that is, with, and in front of, patients. But there is a greater amount of work that happens “behind the scenes”. Investigate what happens “behind the scenes” of the company you are interviewing. At the end of many interviews, the interviewee almost always asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” That is your time to find out about the company (above and beyond the research you did prior to the interview). Tailor your questions to find out if the company is a good fit for you.

Such questions might be:

1.) Can you tell me about how you engage in community affairs?

2.) How do you award/honor diligent nurses?

3.) What amount of time is spent doing (insert your favorite/least favorite task)?

To brainstorm your own list of questions, think about the things you enjoy (and loathe) in your current job, and compose them into questions. Then, ASK them during your interview. The key is to always stay positive and neutral.

Your prospective employer will appreciate your keen interest in their company, and you will have a greater understanding of what happens “behind the scenes”. The goal is to find a good fit for everyone: you and the employer.

Happy job hunting!

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF AS YOU CHOOSE YOUR CAREER PATH

2011-04-11T20:44:00.005-04:00

One of the primary reasons people choose nursing as a career is the numerous work options you can select. As you consider the many and varied opportunities available to you, it is a good idea to assess what you are looking for in a career now, and where you hope to be in the future. Each workplace has its own individual list of pros and cons, and asking some basic questions about your personal goals is a productive place to begin.

Perhaps the first question you should ask yourself is: What is most important to me? Do you seek community and friendships? Do you want a big paycheck and great benefits? Do you like change and excitement? Or, do you prefer security and routine? How you answer this question might influence your decision to apply at more hospitals versus smaller private practices.

Another question is: What are my career goals? Do you want to return to school? Are you satisfied with your level of education? Would you like to continue and advance in your profession, or are you content with staying where you are for the time being? If your goal is to return to school, or attend more conferences, it is important that you find employment that provides flexibility to do those things. Likewise, it is important to find employment that does not require you to go to school much if you have little interest in doing so.

A third question is: What are my immediate and long-term life goals? Do you need health insurance for your family, or are you saving up money for retirement? Would you prefer 12 hour shifts three days a week, or an 8 to 5 job five days of the week? Are you interested in working for non-profits, or do you want to work for a personal or commercial business?

A final question is: Why are you working? Have you always thought of yourself as a nurse? Or did you become a nurse to be available for your family? Do you have other dreams? Do you have a gift of healing? Does nursing fit your temperament? Are you naturally calm and patient with others? As you answer this question, think of what your heart can handle. I have a very good friend who said to me, “Pediatric nurses think they’ll be able to work with children all day, and they do, but most of the children are all sick children. Nurses who are initially interested in pediatrics have a difficult time with the reality of the job.” Ask yourself, WHY are you working and who do you want to help?

The most important thing is to recognize that there are no right or wrong answers to any of the above questions. Nursing is a career that is so varied, interesting, and necessary, that you should have quite a bit of control of where you want to work, and what you want to accomplish THROUGH your work. You will spend many hours of the day at your job. It will be to the benefit of all if you find a way to satisfy some of your own personal needs while you attend to the needs of others.

What do you think is important to consider when choosing work?

image by 姒儿喵喵

A Crossroad Becomes a Calling

2011-02-07T22:31:00.011-05:00

When interviewing Ronit, a telemetry RN in Los Angeles, we were struck by fact that nursing was not originally her calling. She was at a crossroad in her life and needed change. She explored possibilities and she chose nursing for what it offers: a great rewarding career. How clever!

When did you start your nursing career?

I graduated in December 2008 and started working in February 2009 at Providence St Joseph in Burbank CA.

Was it easy to find a job as a new grad?

No, I researched a hospital that had a new grad program and went to their open house. I talked to a recruiter and we went from there.

Did you have a specialty in mind?

I was lucky that St Joseph was hiring new grads for Telemetry and that’s what I wanted eventually I got the position.

How intimidated were you to start this new career?

As a new grad, you don’t really start on your own. The hospital has a preceptorship set up for 16 weeks so that a new grad is not overwhelmed. By the end I felt ready and eager to get started on my own.

What have you learned about yourself?

I was never an anxious person, I hardly ever felt uncomfortable to do anything but having to talk to doctors and family members made me uneasy. I had to learn how to deal with these new feelings. Eventually I got used to it and it dissipated.

What would you change about your job?

The stress!!! My days go by so fast; I jumped from one task to the next, one patient to the next and back. I would not mind enjoying a real break every now and then.

What fulfills you about your career?

As cliché as it sounds, making a difference in someone’s life that you’ll never see again is a pretty awesome feeling.

What do you do for fun and unwind from your days?

First I sleep it off and then I cook for my family and friends on my days off.

Do you see yourself doing anything else?

No, nursing is a great career choice. It’s never boring; it offers endless education, possibilities, specialties and opportunities. Plus you make great money! I just love it and I am glad that I put in the effort to get through nursing school; it’s a very rewarding career.

Confuscious said: "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." It seems Ronit has realized that secret. Have you?

Once Upon a Time There was a Nurse...

2011-01-29T18:24:00.012-05:00

I did not particularly enjoy middle school. While we are going through puberty and finding self esteem, it can also be a tumultuous time with our parents. I had the full blown "teenage crisis". Everything was so important, unfair, unnecessary, misunderstood...etc.! I recall the school nurse, Helen, helping me through this tough time. I met her at the school clnic, where visited frequently. I wasn't sickly as much as had some physical discomforts and the the dying hope to ditch P.E class.

Helen and I clicked. I am sure she offered the same comfort to every student, but I'd like to think we had a special relationship. She wasn't "just" a nurse with great knowledge. She became my confidant, my "go-to" person. Remember how everything is the "end of the world" when you're 14 years old? Helen always provided me with great advice. She was compassionate and really cared. She taught me how to take care of my body by respecting and understanding it. Even more importantly, she led me to nourish my self esteem and be positive in life. Thank you for being there for me nurse Helen!

Thank you to our guest blogger Jeromine Ehrlich for sharing her story with Clever Nurses, we invite you to share yours!

Photo by Elizabeth Albert

Great Cause, Great Fun!

2011-01-22T19:00:00.010-05:00

Check out how this hospital in Portland got its entire staff involved for breast cancer awareness

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

Photo provided by Hygiene Matters

How a Nurse Impacted a Patient's Life

2011-01-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

"In February of 06 I gave birth to my first son. My husband and I were overwhelmed with excitement and fear as we arrived at the hospital. As much as an expectant mother tries to prepare herself for the birth, it rarely unfolds as planned or imagined. I was scared and intimidated. All that changed when I met Carla, the night nurse. She was wonderful.

I had a complicated birth and was in labor for more than 30 hours! Carla was with me almost the whole time. I never had to ask her twice for anything. With knowledge and compassion, she anticipated my needs and addresed them. Above all Carla treated me as if I were the first woman to ever give birth. We had a lot of time talking and sharing our lives together. She told me that she knew it was important to acknowledge that even though it wasn't her first birth, it was mine. For that she stood out and connected with me as a person as well as her patient.

I remember asking Carla if she ever tired of doing her job. She told me that there was nothing else she'd rather do. Every day the shift is different. But there remains the possibility of meeting and helping people. She is and always has been grateful to do the work that she does.

Before this experience, I thought of nurses as medical helpers...not the medical front line. Then I realized how wrong I was. Carla truly made an impact on me and my perception of nurses. I will remember her forever."

Thanks to our Guest Blogger Jeromine Ehrlich for sharing her story with Clever Nurses, we invite you to share yours!

How Can Nurses Improve Communication and Provide Quality Care?

2010-11-19T16:29:00.015-05:00

There are numerous studies that prove the adverse impact of poor communication in a healthcare setting. For example, the Society for Health Systems in 2008 conducted an investigation on the effects of communication complexity on patients' perceived quality of care. The investigation consisted of a survey in which patients gave a summary about their expectations of a hospital visit and their actual experience of their hospital stay. The survey results showed specifically lower satisfaction rates for patients who talked to more nurses during their hospital visit. This suggests that patients feel better if they have to deal with fewer nurses, thus communicating better.

Better clinical communication has proven to lower patient complaints and reduce the incidence of lawsuits and adverse public opinion about an organization. Poor communication and unthoughtful behavior reflect negatively on the health care organizations which results in endangering both patients and the bottom line.

Communication is at the heart of every facet of healthcare, including patient transfers or change-of-shift hand-offs, administration of medications, sharing of lab or x-ray results, informed consent and discharge instructions.

Interviewing Tips To Advance in Your Nursing Career

2010-11-09T12:23:00.005-05:00

Are you trying to advance in your nursing career? Do you go on interviews, but still can't seem to get a higher paying job?

Here are some effective ways to better anticipate the questions that you will be asked and how to answer them.

1. Do all that you can to find out as much as you can about the facility where you are going to interview. You can do this by visiting their web site or picking up literature from your nursing school's career center. If you have any contacts that work at the facility, take the time to ask them questions about the staff, the corporate cultures and general procedures.

2. Develop an answer for the most commonly asked questions: "Tell me a little about yourself." This type of question is designed to evaluate your judgement. It doesn't mean that they are looking for you to give a chronological biography or any self-critical remarks. This is your opportunity to reveal key details about yourself to validate why you are the right one for the job. Emphasize your unique skills, talents and attitudes that you will bring to the nursing unit. Give specific examples. If you talk about your team leadership skills, give an example of a time when you demonstrated these qualities.

3. Always answer questions in a way that shows you are a problem-solver. Be a part of the solution. Provide examples of where you have picked up the slack, organized the workflow and how you have been efficient in various ways.

4. Develop answers to negative situations, but describe them in a positive light. Explain how you overcame adversity and gained new insights. Use the difficult situations from your last job to emphasize the positive and highlighting the challenges to help them to see that you are strong and can overcome obstacles.

Here are just a few more tips: Greet your interviewers with a smile and a firm handshake. Be sure to exude warmth, confidence and professionalism. Avoid the jitters by getting plenty of sleep the night before and you will be well on your way to advancing your nursing career! :)

For more information and help with getting that next, higher level nursing job, contact Nurse Applications at 1-877-888-5961 or email info@nurseapplications.com.

Afraid of Job Competition?

2010-04-29T14:37:00.010-04:00

How many nurses are worried about loosing their job in today's marketplace?

In its fact sheet of September 2009, The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) discussed the shortage of RN's in the healthcare industry and stated that "the insufficient staffing is raising the stress level of nurses, impacting job satisfaction, and driving many nurses to leave the profession."

The facts are that the industry is growing and nursing grads are not meeting the needs of the growth. In addition, many new nurses are not encountering a welcoming atmosphere at their workplace.

The good news is that we can all get along! We do not have to be competitive. Finding the ideal job and staying satisfied with your job is not only possible but can be easy. No matter what challenges arise during career transitions, there are plenty of tools and resources available to nurses everywhere.

One of the greatest resources for new nurses are the veteran nurses. The wisdom and skill that a nurse achieves over her career is invaluable. Nurses can support each other, share knowledge and mentor incoming coworkers. RN grads best learn from the seniors in the field and in return, they share new trends and technologies of the marketplace.

By creating an atmosphere of stewardship and camaraderie, nurses will reduce stress and dissatisfaction in the hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. It will improve the quality of life for the nursing staff and in turn all will be better able to do the job they love: caring for patients.

NurseApplications can provide additional information about job search, placement, career transition, and keeping current in the nursing marketplace.

photo by SarahMcD ॐ

The Staffing Industry Exposed.

2010-03-02T17:50:00.013-05:00

Are you thinking of working for a staffing or home health company?

Applying for work at a staffing agency can get highly competitive. Desirable shifts are fought over, ideal jobs get filled in a flash.

Here are the main points of which you should be aware to get hired:

Inconsistent Industry: Unless you are experienced in a specialty or prefer graveyard shift, many nurses will be vying for the same shifts.)
Full-time Not Guaranteed: Do not depend on getting full time work from a staffing company. Unless you sign a three month work contract, it is rare to get a steady schedule)
It's Easier To Find Floor Work: Private duty cases are harder to come by than staffing shifts. If you desire private hourly work, be prepared to prove yourself with a company and be available for new cases. Visit work is more common, but involves a great deal of driving.
Third Time is a Charm: You should apply to at least 3 agencies. Due to the instability of available jobs, it is a good strategy to be employed at several staffing companies to increase the amount of job offers. You can always say no to a shift.
A Plus but Not Required: Resume's are rarely required when applying at a staffing company. Staffing agencies require that you fill out an application and take their specific skills tests to verify your ability to perform under an unsupervised environment.

With the Clever Nurses Application, you can distribute your information to multiple local agencies with the push of a button. Are you ready to get hired?

photo by RLHyde

Nurses, who is looking out for you?

2010-02-05T17:51:00.008-05:00

I have had so much fun in the last decade working with nurses. I have assisted nurses in many capacities. Whether it was finding job opportunities, managing successful home health and medical staffing agencies, helping to prepare for state licensure compliance, supporting clinical directors, or organizing participation in charity events, it was an exciting experience that I looked forward to every day.

Because of my involvement in the nurse staffing industry, nurses have come to me with a wide variety of career questions. Through Clever Nurses, my objective is to share insight, information and news about the current job market to help nurses find their ideal job.

Nurses are always taking care of someone. It is time someone took care of nurses!

Photo by The National Guard

So what exactly is a Clever Nurse?

2010-02-05T17:34:00.006-05:00

So what exactly is a Clever Nurse?

You might be thinking to yourself, “all nurses have to be pretty smart to get through nursing school…. and they have to be savvy to survive in today’s professional climate.” I totally agree. A Clever Nurse is one who is in an ideal job, making their deserved compensation, and utilizing the tools and freedoms available to enjoy life both in and out of work.

My goal is to create a forum where nurses can discuss what is important in the nursing employment field. Clever Nurses is a place where nurses can talk about being healthy, able to control stress, find extra work, and find the perfect job. Through Clever Nurses, NurseApplications provides career counseling, career transition help, and communication coaching. You have questions and we have answers!

Photo by SarahMcD ॐ

Skinny Tastes Better

2009-10-20T22:30:00.008-04:00

I was not a skinny child. I loved to devour large portions of pizza, chocolate ice cream, fettuccine alfredo and most of all cake. In the fourth grade I remember a boy I had a crush on made fun of me because I was spilling out out of my pants. I was devastated. I had my "baby fat" until I was about 15. During my teen years I didn't really make a connection between what I was eating and my body shape.

It was in a college fitness course called Outward Bound that I discovered working out and conscious eating.
During my training, I discovered how good it felt to be skinny and strong. I loved it. That feeling became my most successful and prevailing weapon in my battle of the bulge.

My new found truth was put to the test shortly thereafter when I moved to France. I was a newly recovering "foodie" moving to the country with arguably the best food in the world. While surrounded by almond croissants, cream sauce, and wine, I still was able to make healthy choices, enjoy the wonderful food in moderation, say no to food when the time was right, and sustain a great figure.
Skinny tastes better!

I have stayed consistently in shape for the last 20 years without a great amount of work. I love eating healthily and exercising not because I am a "health-nut" or "gym rat", but because I am a happier person when I am physically fit.

What is your motivation in health and fitness? If you do not have one, would you like to borrow mine?

Lose the fat..feel better!

2009-10-09T20:57:00.018-04:00

Some friends tell me that they are baffled why they can't lose weight. They watch what they eat, work out four to five times a week and still can't drop the 10-30 pounds they have been trying to loose for years.

Here are 3 basic weight loss principles that have worked for me:

Expend more calories than you consume. Sample menus are all over the Internet. I have offered one in an earlier blog entry, or you can find great suggestions in a favorite book of mine: Body for Life.
Hire a trainer even if you think you don't need one. If you can't afford a trainer, get a workout buddy who will inspire you to go beyond your comfort zone.
Work out at 85% of your maximum heart rate using interval training for 40-60 min 5 times a week. (Check out with your doctor what heart rate is a safe level for you!) My trainer Nick Smith, has taught me to push it to the limit with cardio. He teaches an alternative to lifting and long 'fat-burning' workouts. Check him out at http://www.trainerplus.net/. His theory is the harder you work, the more fat you burn. It seems like common sense! I have loved the results. Is your workout getting you results you love?

What change are you going to make to get the body you want?

photo of fitness trainer Nick Smith

Are your vitamins doing anything for you?

2009-10-07T22:15:00.007-04:00

My friend asked me why I prefer chelated vitamins to standard isolate supplements. I have been told by many health-minded people and experts that chelated vitamins are better than regular ones. I know they cost more! So what is the big deal?

It's all about how your body can use whatever you are putting in it. A criticism of regular vitamins is that our bodies accept them like drugs. They might have some benefits, but not with the same level of absorption and not without unwanted side effects.

Indopedia states:
Chelation is the pharmaceutical process of bonding each mineral to an amino acid.This bonding makes it easier to digest and assimilate each nutritive mineral for proper utilization in the body.
I feel the better, more energetic and have better health when taking chelated or whole food vitamins.

Can you say that about your vitamins? What works for you?

picture by by bradley j

Thinning Things Out

2009-10-03T16:12:00.005-04:00

Many of my friends ask me for advice on how to slim down. There are many theories, fad diets, and exercise routines that you can find plastered all over the internet. So why do so many of us still have challenges reaching our weight goals?
Of course there always may be a medical issue (and if you think this might be the case, check not only your thyroid but your T3and T4 levels) . However, diet and exercise are the two factors that we can control that can make a huge difference NOW!

Here is a sample daily menu if you are trying to cut your fat:

Breakfast Options

One serving quality protein powder.
One container of your favorite non-flavored oatmeal. Packets are the best because the servings are made for you. You can add 1/3 cup raspberries or blueberries if you like. Sweeten with Xylitol or a teaspoon of agave.
One egg or egg whites and a piece of whole wheat toast with 1/3 cup berries.

Mid-morning or Mid-afternoon Snack Options

One serving protein powder or one stick of low fat mozzarella string cheese
A handful of raw almonds (about 12). This can also be used for a night time snack if you get hungry.
One apple, cup of grapes, one orange or a half of a grapefruit

Lunch Options

Chicken, turkey, or tuna wrap made with 3 oz of protein and one FlatOut bread, mustard, tomatoes and lettuce to taste. Add a bowl of broccoli with one tablespoon olive and spices or other green vegetable if you are hungry.
Spinach salad with one tablespoon olive oil and vinegar or lemon, chicken breast or fish and one piece of FlatOut bread or whole wheat.
A bowl of your favorite broth base soup, greens of any kind with one tablespoon olive oil and one piece of toast.

Dinner Options

3-6 oz of your favorite fish, broiled or baked. A large green salad with any vegetable you like and one tablespoon of olive oil and lemon or vinegar. You can add 1/2 cup brown rice or one piece of whole wheat toast if you like.
3-6 oz of chicken or two eggs, any cooked green vegetable; brussel sprouts, collard greens, spinach etc. with one tablespoon of olive oil and salt and pepper to taste.
One chicken or turkey sausage (or your favorite white meat), a large green salad with tomatoes and cucumbers or your favorite vegetables.

Meal Tips

Accompany any meal with any herbal tea, green tea or water.
Coffee is acceptable if you must, however, use skim milk and a sugar substitute.
Fiber35 Diet Chews are a great mid meal snack if you suffer from unbearable hunger pains.
Drink ice water throughout the day. It burns more calories than room temperature water.
Try to wait one hour after you wake up before your breakfast.
Try to wait one hour after a workout before you eat.
Consume a high quality chelated or whole-food multivitamin daily
Portions matter when weight-loss is your goal. One serving is roughly the size of your palm.
Don't eat after 8pm. If you must, try a Fiber35 Chew or a small apple.
If you are a night owl and become hungry, have one serving of protein powder. Try it blended with ice and a small amount of water to make a great "ice cream" treat.

If you follow these simple suggestions, you can make a big impact on getting a leaner body.
Let me know how it works @clevernurses.

photo by D Sharon Pruitt

5 steps to a happier day

2009-10-01T09:17:00.010-04:00

How are you feeling? If you have low energy or are in a "funk" that you can't seem to shake, what steps have you taken to get out of it?

In the past, I have tried the quick fix for this kind of problem. Give me a pill to make me feel different and I will be just fine!

When I ask myself if it really has worked, I can't honestly answer that I have been happy with the results.

What has made me happy?
Is there a universal formula for all of us? I wish it were that simple.

My experience has proven to me the age old adage of hard work and determination brings the greatest reward. So get off of whatever it is you are sitting on and make a plan! Follow it through and you will see great results.

My plan:

1. Eat healthily, portions matter
2. Exercise 5 days a week
3. Make a list of the 6 most important things I need to do every day and do them
4. Keep my word
5. Have goals and pursue them

What is your plan?

picture by Jo Peattie

How your resume can get you the interview

2009-09-21T21:13:00.018-04:00

Often, my friends come to me for advice on their resumes. When I worked for NurseCore, I went through thousands of resumes over the years. Although a cover letter and good presentation are important, I almost always made my hiring decisions from the facts found in 6 criteria:

1. Is the candidate currently employed?
2. Have they had longevity in previous positions?
3. Do they have pertinent experience to the position being filled?
4. Have they showed career advancement?
5. Does the job represent a promotion?
6. Does the compensation represent a raise?

A rule of thumb is that one needs to have a "yes" to 5 of the questions. If not, the job is probably not a good fit and the candidate will not last in the position. So, take a look and consider if these standards can help you in your job search.

photo by thisgirlangie

Do you feel like you work in a torture chamber?

2009-09-17T15:46:00.015-04:00

Does work seem like a punishment?

I have long professional relationship with a very special nurse, who I will call Judy. She has been the kind of co-worker that you just love to work with: funny, upbeat, personable, dedicated, and caring. She is a great employee and wonderful with clients.

Some time ago Judy was interested in advancing her career. She took a position that wasn’t necessarily what she liked to do, but she thought that it would get her the benefits she sought. To put it gently, Judy did not like the new job as much as she liked her previous one. She didn’t like doing the tasks involved in the new position and subsequently, wasn’t successful. Judy stopped being fun to work with. She became very unhappy and spread the unhappiness and stress to those all around her. She ended up leaving the company, where she had many happy years invested, in total dissatisfaction. The clients, employer, co-workers and Judy, all lost out in this situation.

How could there have been a better outcome?

Do you have a situation where workplace dissatisfaction is affecting you?

Picture by mattapictures