Paranormal Witness Wants Your Nursing Stories 29Nov2011 Author: Mother Jones, RN

I believe in things that go bump in the night. I’ve been a nurse too long not to believe. Are you a nurse who has had a paranormal experience? If you are, the producers at Paranormal Witness want to hear from you.
I received an email from Helen, one of the Story Producers on the SyFy Show, Paranormal Witness after she found a post I wrote a couple of years ago about nurses and ghosts. Helen is working on finding stories for the next television season, and since I think most nurses have had some sort of experience with the unexplained, Helen called me from London, England and asked me to post a shout out for stories from the nursing community. Here’s Helen’s message:

Dear Nurses,
The successful show Paranormal Witness that goes out on the SyFy channel is looking for stories for season two. The story team behind the show are particularly keen to hear from nurses who have experienced events they can’t explain while caring for patients. Nurses are often dealing with events that lie at the very edge of human experience and it is these types of stories that we want to hear about. We feature the very best and the most credible stories that defy rational explanation. Those that nurses talk freely about but that are not out there in the public domain. We would love to tell such a story from a nurses point of view. If you have experienced something that you would like to talk about with the story team, please email your contacts and a brief description of what happened to:helen.lambourne@rawtelevision.co.uk or
paranormal.witness@rawtelevision.co.uk
We are in the research stage which means we would like a chat on the phone initially, in complete confidence.
Thank You
Helen
Story Producer


I don’t have cable or satellite TV at my house (yes, I’m a throwback to another time), so I watched a couple of episodes of Paranormal Witness over the internet. The shows aren’t creepy. They tell inspiring stories that give hope and meaning to life. Contact Helen if you have a story you want to share. She’s waiting to hear from you.

A nurse in search of a doctor to marry

by Nurse Rene • January 25, 2012

I actually read a post a while back from some nurse who wanted to know “the best place to work so that I can find a doctor to marry.” Seriously?
Those of us who have worked with doctors wonder WHY? After all, doctors are “on call” and, especially when in residency, often see more of the hospital than their own apartments. Women are always around and temptation is everywhere. A single male MD, for whatever reason, is a prime target in any town.
And nothing is worse than seeing someone go after a doctor who is already married. If he will leave his wife for YOU, the day may very well come when you find yourself on the other side of the fence, being traded in for a “newer” model.
The societal prestige held by MDs is widely perpetuated by the medical associations and local communities. A doctor can build a fine home in the “right” neighborhood and belong to the local country club the minute he sets up shop, especially in the Deep South. Naturally, his wife is accorded the same considerations. What woman wouldn’t want a piece of THAT?
Unfortunately, these girls are easy to spot. Eternally “stalking” their doctor target, always with makeup and hairdo “just so,” and flirting shamelessly. She most likely will stop working as soon as possible after the wedding, or will work part time in his office. And the poor “mark” never seems to know what hit him!
I have painted a very ugly picture of behavior stemming from a comment that I, frankly, could not believe I was reading.
In my opinion, the whole purpose of going to college is to prepare oneself for a CAREER, and not simply a means by which to marry well. For such a person to take up a nursing school space which might have gone to someone who really DID want to make it his/her life’s work is wasteful at best.
My daughter calls it “seeking an MRS degree.”
This article is by no means intended to convey that all doctors’ wives do these things, but it is a bit of an “expose” on the ones who DO.
What are your thoughts on this, working nurses?

A woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself (Susan B. Anthony).

The dark side of the shift

I’ve always envied those who can flip flop back and forth between day shift and night shift. How do they do it?
I think I’ve nailed down some of their secrets, and in so doing have been able to work both day shifts and night shifts in succession. Happily! Nights are often a more peaceful time in the hospital and it’s definitely a nice change in my routine.
So, need some tips on how to survive the “dark side”?
Surviving the night shift.
Here are steps to jumpstart your circadian rhythm and allow for easier transitions from the normalcy of day shift to the non-so-routine night shift.
(1) If you are strictly a night shift nurse and you are having problems adjusting to the schedule, try a couple weeks of grouping all of the shifts together, three in a row. That way you can completely convert to night owl status for half of the week and then have four days to recover back to normalcy (that being if you indeed do work three 12-hr shifts).
For those who rotate and really cannot stand working three nights a week, ask your scheduling manager if you can split up your weeks into day and nights (be sure to work your days towards the beginning of the week and allow ample time for recovery after night shifts). For example, you would work Monday day shift and Wednesday and Thursday night shifts.
Wake up early on the day of your first night shift and take a nap in the afternoon. This strategy allows you to have a bulk of the morning to get stuff done and having some decent sleep prior to going into the long shift. I have heard people that just sleep in late (until like noon or 1 in the afternoon) crash around 3 or 4am because they have been up for so long.
My technique for the last day is to return home post last night shift, sleep for about four hours, then force yourself to wake up! You’ll be so tired by that night that you will be able to sleep during the night and be back on a somewhat normal day routine by the next morning.
(2) Right before a night shift, eat a substantial dinner prior to going into work (even if it is “breakfast-like”). That will hold you over for hours and give you a boost of energy to get the shift started. Try your best to avoid the comfort foods of night shift and bring a light meal full of protein and complex carbs that will fulfill your midnight munchies.
(3) Exercise! This not only applies to those working normal business hours. It becomes extremely important for those on night shifts because working out allows you to have more energy and creates for more sound sleep. I have friends that exercise after they get off their shift in the morning (I’ve always been too tired for that). If that is your preference, be sure to take time to wind down and drink a warm, non-caffeinated drink prior to going to sleep. I tend to exercise after I wake up – the beauty of that being that as opposed to working out early in the morning like a “normal” shift worker may do, you will be inundated with daylight hours for a nice run, pleasant early evening temperatures, and you will most likely beat the post 6pm rush at the gym. Hitting a wall at 4am? Run the stairs, it will most certainly wake you up
(4) Isolate yourself! Be sure to tell your loved ones, your neighbors, and your kids that just like they don’t like being woken up at 2am, you don’t like to be disturbed during your “night”. Turn your phone off, buy dark curtains that will keep the daylight out of your room, wear an eye mask, lock the dog out of your room, tie up the children (kidding), and for goodness sake don’t drink coffee within four hours of going to sleep. If you “need” coffee to get through the shift, drink it early in the shift and combine water with a stair run later in the shift as an energy boost.
You mind is a powerful tool. Keep in mind all of the positives of night shift. It can be extremely conducive to family life if you are a working parent. The shift differential is an added bonus in the bank account. You typically have more autonomy as a nurse on the night shift and have ample time to develop skills and master your assessments. With the pace of the shift usually being slower, you have more time to develop close relationships with your coworkers because you are relying on each other for second opinions, assistance with tasks, and camaraderie in staying awake when everyone else is snug in their beds.

by Nicole Lehr • February 3, 2012

Nursing Figure in USA

Here is a chart let you know the largest number of healthcare professions which is 2.6 million registered nurses in USA also show how much they earn in different levels.
Nurses have always played a first-rate role in people’s lives. They perform a wide range of clinical and non-clinical functions that are necessary in the delivery of health care
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist salary around $135,000
Nurse Researcher salary around $95,000
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner salary around $95,000
Nurse Practitioner salary around $78,000
Clinical Nurse Specialist salary around $76,000
Gerontological Nurse Practitioner salary around $75,000

nursing-stats

nursing-amount

nursing-level

nursing-level

nursing-level

Nursing Specialties

    

• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
• Ambulatory Care Nurse
• Camp Nurse
• Cardiac Care Nurse
• Cardiac Cath Lab Nurse
• Case Management Nurse
• Clinical Nurse Leader
• Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Correctional Facility Nurse
• Critical Care Nurse
• Dermatology Nurse
• Developmental Disability Nurse
• Diabetes Nurse
• Domestic Violence Nurse
• Emergency Nurse
• Family Nurse Practitioner
• Flight/Transport Nurse
• Forensic Nurse
• Gastroenterology Nurse
• Geriatrics Nurse
• Gynecology/Obstetrics Nurse
• Hematology Nurse
• HIV/AIDS Nurse
• Holistic Nurse
• Home Health Care Nurse
• Hospice Nurse
• Independent Nurse Contractor
• Infection Control Nurse
• Informatics Nurse
• Labor & Delivery Nurse
• Lactation Consultant
• Legal Nurse Consultant
• Licensed Practice Nurse
• Long-Term Care Nurse
• Managed Care Nurse
• Military Nurse
• Missionary Nurse
• Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse
• Nephrology Nurse
• Neuroscience Nurse
• Nurse Advocate
• Nurse Anesthetist
• Nurse Attorney
• Nurse Educator
• Nurse Entrepreneur
• Nurse Executive
• Nurse Manager
• Nurse Midwife
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nurse Researcher
• Occupational Health Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Operating Room Nurse
• Ophthalmic Nurse
• Orthopaedic Nurse
• Otorhinolaryngology Nurse
• Pain Management Nurse
• Parish Nurse
• Pediatric Endocrinology Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse
• Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
• Perianesthesia Nurse
• Perinatal Nurse
• Plastic Surgery Nurse
• Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
• Public Health Nurse
• Pulmonary Care Nurse
• Pychiatric Nurse
• Radiology Nurse
• Rehabilitation Nurse
• Reproductive Nurse
• Rheumotology Nurse
• School Nurse
• Substance Abuse Nurse
• Surgical Nurse
• Toxicology Nurse
• Transplant Nurse
• Trauma Nurse
• Travel Nurse
• Urologic Nurse
• Wound Care Nurse         

Nursing Career Resources

Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) Career Resource Center

Nurse anesthetists are some of the highest paid nursing professionals. Learn about certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) careers:

– Nurse Anesthetist Schools
– Nurse Anesthetist Salary
– How to Become a Nurse Anesthetist

Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Resource Center

Learn about the nursing specialties, work settings, salaries, education and opportunities available for clinical nurse specialists:

– Clinical Nurse Specialist Schools
– Clinical Nurse Specialist Careers
– Become a Clinical Nurse Specialist

Nurse Practitioner (NP) Career Resource Center

Get a nurse practitioner career and school overview and learn about nurse practitioner programs and opportunities:

– Nurse Practitioner Schools
– Nurse Practitioner Programs
– Become a Nurse Practitioner

Registered Nurse (RN) Career Resource Center

The nursing shortage and the increasing number of older Americans have played key roles in the high demand for qualified RNs:

– Registered Nurse Career and Salary
– RN Schools and Training
– Registered Nurse Career Paths

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Career Resource Center

Training as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) is the fastest way to enter a career in nursing. Learn how you can become an LPN in a year:

– LPN Careers and Salary
– LPN Schools and Training
– LPN Career Paths

Nursing Continuing Education Resource Center

Beyond career advancement and pay raises, continuing nursing education will provide you with updated knowledge and technology advances. Learn more about nursing continuing education:

– Nursing Continuing Education Online
– Upgrading Your Nursing Degree

Online Nursing Education Resource Center

Advance your career in nursing with an online BSN, MSN or post-master’s certificate. Learn about the differences between on-campus and online nursing courses today:

– Nursing Online Programs and Flexibility
– Online Nursing Degree Guide

Entry to Nursing Education

Learn how to prepare yourself for a successful nursing career by making an informed nursing school and degree decision:

– Choosing a Nursing Degree
– Different Kinds of Nursing Jobs
– Types of Nursing Degree Programs
– Nursing School Accreditation

The nurse video that will make you laugh out loud

If you’re a fan of “American Idol”, you’ll remember this catchy tune! Now here’s the patient’s performance you’ll never forget!

How to create focus in the chaos

While driving home today, I was distracted by the commotion outside my car. Tractor trailers were banging and clanging quickly past me. On the sidewalk, construction workers were shouting to one another. Radios and car horns were invading my quiet space. I was having a hard time concentrating and my mind was racing. Then I realized it: This reminded me of a busy day on a nursing unit!
We’ve all had experiences like these: getting interrupted while calculating medication dosages, being called to the telephone during patient teaching, or hearing a bed alarm and rushing away from talking to a family member about a loved one. And it can get a bit chaotic and stressful!
One way to decrease distraction is through positive affirmations. Stating positive declarations can create greater focus and concentration, and give you a sense of balance. Taking time out each day to sit quietly, breathe and state mantras to yourself can have a deep impact on your happiness, peace of mind and health.
Research has shown that stating mantras has positive effects on stress reduction. In a 2007 study conducted at Duke Medical Center, researchers found significant reductions in stress and negative emotions in participants who used meditation techniques that focused on mantras.
When you do this, you quiet the mind. You create a space that is free from disruption. And then, with practice, you can call upon this state of mind at any point during a busy shift.
Picture this: You have been running all day. Patient after patient needs you. The older gentleman in 312A fell down. Your chronic pain patient in 316B will not lay off the call bell. Any time you think you have five minutes to sit down and chart, another person is calling your name. This has been the longest shift of your life.
Instead of creating more stress, anxiety and disappointment by focusing on the hours ahead, try something different. Take a deep breath and say to yourself: “I have the strength and energy to see this through. I enjoy helping others.” Repeat this until you stand up, ready to give that final medication and discharge that last patient—feeling revitalized and ready to go!
Make time each day, either in the morning or the evening, to quietly state affirmations. Take a slow and deep breath in and out through your nose between each of the affirmations. Become aware of how you feel and start to notice any shifts in energy, mood or stress levels.
Here are some statements I use that can help you get started:

• I am exactly where I need to be as my journey in life reveals itself to me.
• I honor my mind, body and soul and treat each aspect of my being with respect.
• I am a confident, knowledgeable and successful role model as I inspire others to be the same.
• I know great joy and peace and therefore have wonderful energy.
• My speech is a form of love.
• I am limitless in my capacity for joy, healing and happiness.
• I will achieve perfect balance and be successful in all that I take on.

You can add some of your own affirmations as you become comfortable with the process.
Taking the time to sit quietly with your own positive thoughts will greatly affect your life. You’ll create a way to cope with distraction during your busy days. You’ll generate a calmer presence by slowing down and breathing with yourself. You deserve great happiness, peace and love in your life. Make room for yourself!

Elizabeth Scala, MSN/MBA, RN, is a health and wellness coach who owns Living Sublime Wellness, a company that provides holistic coaching for mind, body and spirit. She coaches nurses and caregivers who are stressed, burned out and overwhelmed to make time for self-care and healthy balance in their busy lives. Scala offers a holistic newsletter and supportive monthly calls. Visit livingsublimewellness.com for more details.

5 things a male nurse should never say to a female nurse

Have you ever uttered one of these phrases to a female nurse before? I’m not going to say I did…but you won’t be hearing me say them any time in the future. This is all fun and games, of course (except for maybe #1, let’s be honest)!

1. Bad hair day today?
This is not just because yours truly has no hair (although it doesn’t help). It’s all fun and games until the ‘hair’ card is pulled – then it’s a no-holds-barred war over why you think their hair looks bad. Did it always look bad? Is it the color? Is it too short? Is it too long? Should it be pulled up?… (this list is endless)
2. Is it that time of the month?
This should only be said from afar. If you’re close enough to be hit- you will be. ‘Nuff said.
3. Oh! Hey? Do you have makeup on?
This comment ranks up there with the hair comment. The fact that you have noticed something about their complexion will start a river of questions concerning whether or not they have always looked bad and why haven’t you said something before.
4. Do those match?
I always love the ‘void of knowledge’ most male nurses – heck, most men – have when it comes to matching. Oh – wait, maybe this is just me?
5. There’s no crying in nursing.
Yes this is stolen – have you seen the movie “A League of Their Own?” You gotta love Tom Hanks. And this can be quite debilitating. Be careful.
Of course this is all in fun. Don’t take any of this seriously, nor think for one second I or other male nurses would actually these mean and horrible things. It’s just fun knowing that we men working in an obviously female-dominated profession have a good grasp on our co-workers sensitivities.
It’s kind of like a married man knowing what to say and what NOT to say to his loving wife.
Right?