The Requirements To Work As A Travel Nurse

By Hina Kamadia


Typically, to work as a travel nurse, you need at least one year of work experience as a nurse in an acute care hospital setting. However, the more experience you have in a variety of areas, the more options you have in choosing the hospital and the city you may want to live in.

For example, if you like pediatrics, and you would like to do an assignment in Jacksonville, FL, it is possible that there may not be a position open in Jacksonville for Pediatrics. However, if you have some experience in pediatrics intensive care unit or neo-natal intensive care unit or even nursery, there is a higher chance that you will be able to find a job in those areas. If you have worked in only one area, you can still surely find a job, but it may not be the area you prefer. However, the more experience you have and the more familiar you are with other units, the easier is it to get the job most suitable for you because you will have more job opportunities to choose from.

In addition, often times, hospitals require travel nurses to float to other units when in need. Although they will provide the orientation to those units, it makes it easier for you to adjust when you have experience in more than one area. The more accommodating you are and the more comfortable you are in various areas, the more in demand you are by the hospital as well. Often times, after the first assignment, the hospital may even offer you another 13 week assignment, if you choose to stay.

Apart from the basic requirements to be a travel nurse, it is also important that you have the ability to adjust in a different environment and enjoy change. It is important that you are flexible, friendly and enjoy making new friends and trying new things. If you do not like constant change from city to city, you can also do local traveling where you stay in the same city but go to different hospitals for assignments.

In addition to having a positive attitude and the openness to change, there are few other things you will need to make sure your travel experience is all you want it to be.

1. Apply for the state license as soon you know where you want to go. That should be your first priority.

2. Pack lightly- take only what you need.

3. Be organized with all your documents: license, certifications, health records, and vaccinations, contracts with agencies, travel expenses and receipts you may need for travel reimbursements.

4. Have all the driving directions: to the apartment, to the hospital, etc.

5. Knowing what you want, where you want to go and how to negotiate with your recruiter and your hospital.

6. You will need a way for someone to take care of your stuff back home.

7. If you are planning on doing a few assignments, it might be a good idea to have mail forwarding service. This way you can have a permanent address and they will forward your mail wherever you go and you will not have to change your address every time you move.

Thinking About Your Goals As a Nurse

As the student nurse approaches graduation, thoughts of beginning a career in nursing come to mind. A new nurse should think very seriously about their career goals. These include long term as well as short term goals. As with any path of life that an individual takes, it is not random. Each person that seeks an education does so with a set of plans and directionality for their immediate goals and long term. The idea of graduating from a nursing program once again dictates to the graduate that plans once again must be laid for the road ahead. Nothing worthwhile doing is done haphazardly. All things require preparation. Even as one contemplated going into the nursing field, certain pre-requisites had to be completed before hand. Graduating from a nursing program is another transition phase that must be approached with the same dedication and planning as was first applied. The short synopsis below is a sample of a career goal paper. Everyone will have their own unique career goal paper. Now is a good time to start thinking about career goals.

INTRODUCTION

The field of nursing attracted me for several reasons. The first reason being, that a nurse is the front line person in caring for others and saving lives. The nurse will in many cases such as in the hospital or homecare environment discover the patient who needs emergency attention before the physician. It will be up to the nurse to respond accordingly within the scope of their practice and hospital procedures. Why does this facet of nursing attract me? Well, it is because that this type of responsibility is not too far off from the type of responsibility that a physician has, which is what I had hoped to become many years ago. Nurses did not have that crucial level of responsibility initially. Because of this, many patients died. For instance, a nurse from the past may not have known the therapeutic values of electrolytes and blood gases thereby putting the patient’s health in jeopardy. Now, in present times, the nurse must know all of the pertinent lab values and act upon any change immediately, either by calling the physician or implementing standing orders.

The other aspect of nursing that is also attractive to me in becoming a nurse, is that the nurse uses therapeutic communication and treats the patient's response to real or perceived illness. This is the corner stone of which nursing is based on. The holistic approach is so successful in helping patients to heal. I am a firm believer that for an individual to be able to heal from without, they must first heal from within. Therefore the nurse can help clients to adapt and grow in a positive way rather than negative. Since all of nursing is now based on evidenced practice, it is exciting to be able to put the scientific method to use. There are now logical and provable reasons that a nurse should take a particular course of action.

These are just some of the reasons which have attracted me to the profession of nursing.

SHORT-TERM CAREER GOALS

My short-term career goals consist of successfully passing Nursing 255, then passing the national board exam. Once this is accomplished, I hope to be work on a medical-surgical floor and hone my skills as a graduate nurse. I have chosen medical-surgical nursing as a starting point because this particular field will help me to develop my clinical skills.

LONG-TERM CAREER GOALS

I hope to be an active member in the profession of nursing, joining the American Nurses Association, attending seminars and lobbying for the advancement of nurses to prescribe medication independently. Hopefully within the next five years or so I will have a degree as an advanced practice nurse in the field of family healthcare and be working in an emergency room.

PERSONAL GOALS

My personal goals are humble. Money has never been a goal, rather doing that which enriches the soul. I am thankful to my Lord that I have been given the opportunity to have made it thus far. I take care of my mother and help my family as best I can. I am happiest when I am helping others, and owe a large debt of gratitude to my instructors, who have given of themselves their wealth of knowledge and experience to help produce competent nurses. I hope to make them proud.

A Friendly Reminder for ReLicensure

Below is a reposting of an article from Villanova University on relicensure as a friendly reminder. This article will be reposted from time to time as such a reminder.



Do You Need Mandatory Continuing Education for Re-Licensure?

…If you live in California, Kansas, Delaware and now Pennsylvania, you do. About 60 percent of the states in the United States have some kind of CE requirement. Each State Board has its own specific requirements on the number of hours, prescribed time periods, and mandated topics such as domestic violence and medication error reduction, as in Florida. The National Council of the State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is considering criteria for ensuring the continued competence of RNs. Nurses need to monitor the NCSBN Web site ( http://www.ncsbn.org/ ) for information about the development of recommendations based on a continued competence regulatory model.The Pennsylvania State Board is implementing this process in a cyclical manner (see table below). You do not need to submit CE certificates with your renewal form but must keep the documents for 5 years for auditing purposes. If you do not complete the 30 hours your license will be renewed but you will incur fines. You then have 6 months to complete the CE or be subject to disciplinary action from the Board. Note: Continuing education must meet accreditation standards and certain course content is not acceptable for re-licensure such as: mandatory annual institutional policies, basic life support and self improvement. See www.dos.state.pa.us/nurse for more information.

If your expiration date on your license is: October 31, 2010
Then you must obtain 30 hours of Board Approved CE from: 11/1/08 through 10/31/10

If your expiration date on your license is: April 30, 2011
Then you must obtain 30 hours of Board Approved CE from: 5/1/09 through 4/30/11

If your expiration date on your license is: October 31, 2011
Then you must obtain 30 hours of Board Approved CE from: 11/1/09 through 10/31/11

If your expiration date on your license is: April 30, 2012
Then you must obtain 30 hours of Board Approved CE from: 5/1/10 through 4/30/12

(source: www.dos.state.pa.us/nurse )

Villanova University College of Nursing offers accredited continuing education in a variety of approved areas of study. Day programs on topics like clinical research, nursing management, role excellence and I.V. catheter insertion are just a few of the courses offered in the new state-of-the art Driscoll Hall. Online CE is also available at www.villanova.edu/nursing/ce.


By Margaret “Peggy” Lyons MSN, CRNIProgram Coordinator, Continuing EducationVillanova University College of Nursing

Nursing Informatics

You can’t ignore the fact that we now live in a computer era, where almost everything is computerized for a more efficient and organized job. Just like in any other field that requires the use of a computer, nursing is greatly blown by the rapid growth of computer use. In response and to compete to the competitive world of health care, nursing informatics exist.

Nursing informatics is a wide-ranging field that brings together nursing skills and computer expertise. Now, this is a high-tech side of nursing that many people didn’t know about. If your interest has something to do with the computers and you like the job of a nurse, why choose either career when you can have both? In the field of nursing informatics, you can get jobs that include a nurse programmer, nurse communicator, informatics nurse manager and nurse vendor representative. To understand fully the concepts of the possible positions you can get in the field of nursing informatics, let us take a look at each of them.

A nurse programmer is someone who writes programs or modifies existing programs to be used by a nurse. The programs may vary depending on the nurse’s area of specialization. For example, if you work in a pediatric nursing station, you definitely use a different program from those working in a mental health nursing station.

Nurse communicator, on the other hand, works with other nurses to identify if there is other computer system needs or assist in the training and implementation of those systems. For example, there are new programs to be implemented or a certain nurse station needs another computer system in order to stay updated, the job of a nurse communicator is to see if there’s a need for a new system and to make sure that the system is properly utilized.

In the management position, the informatics nurse manager is responsible for managing or administering information systems. He or she is the one responsible for implementing new computer systems as well as conduct the training in introducing whatever new systems you’ll have.

Nurse vendor representatives do not necessarily work in a hospital or healthcare institution, but rather they work for certain vendors that sell various computer systems specializing in nursing systems. Demonstrating systems to potential customers is also a part of the job of a nurse vendor representative.

If you think that the positions available in the field of nursing informatics interest you, then there’s no reason why you should not pursue a career where you think you have a good shot at! Possible educational preparation that you can obtain in order to establish a position in the nursing informatics world can take you to different paths. Presently, nursing programs are demanding the use of computers as part of the curriculums, which means you can get basic information when it comes to the computer. Or, depending on how deeply you want to get into the high-tech side of the nursing profession, you may want to consider taking up bachelor and graduate level training whether a nursing program or outside of it just to get the position in nursing informatics you are interested in.


Article originally posted on Staff Quest

A Summary of Various Nursing Positions

By Shawn Thomas

Today it is clear that the old fashioned image of a nurse no longer holds true. Thanks to the popularity of new medical dramas and sitcoms, people are seeing the field of nursing in a whole new light. We will now look at a few nursing positions that have attracted people from all backgrounds into the field of nursing.

A nurse case manager is a nurse that specializes in tailoring and coordinating health resources and service to an individual’s specific illness or health concern. Though nurse case managers can work for various types of organizations, such as insurance companies, third party administrators, and vocational rehabilitation companies, their ultimate goal is the same. Nurse case managers are brought in to ensure that a patient gets the best care at a reasonable cost.

Nurse educators are the professors of the nursing field, and usually work as consultants. However, the position is primarily designed to teach clinical practices to new nurses and nursing students; and, ensures that practicing nurses maintain their competencies. Similar to other educators, nurse educators spend most of their time working on lesson plans, instructing, evaluating, researching, and helping others solve clinical problems. Though this is a rewarding career path, some nurse educators miss working directly with patients, and are overloaded with paperwork. Those in this position typically work for nursing programs at hospitals, colleges, universities, or staff development organizations.

Though probably not as exciting as it is portrayed on television, forensic nurses use clinical practices and training to help with investigations. Typically services are needed in cases that involve sexual assault, abuse, trauma, and accidental or unexplained deaths. The biggest drawback of this position is that it is new so there are not as many positions available as there are in other nursing fields. Forensic nurses will usually work for a medical examiner, coroner, municipality, or insurance company.

Rehabilitation nurses work exclusively with patients who have illnesses or disabilities that have altered their way of life. So, it is the task of the rehabilitation nurse to help these patients regain their normal way of life. These nurses become extremely close to their patients and share in all of their accomplishments. However, they are usually brought in for extreme cases; so, they deal with their patient’s emotional health, and may have to assistant patients with depression and grief in order for them to progress physically. Usually these nurses work for hospitals, long term care facilities, and special hospitals such as burn clinics.

Since productivity is directly linked to employee health, many employers have decided to retain their own nurses. Occupational or employee health nurses focus on preventing injury, administering non-surgical medical attention and consultation, and assisting in worker’s compensation claims. These nurses may also be responsible for making sure the organization maintains accurate OSHA records and standards, promoting health and wellness, and spotting health hazards within working conditions. The unique thing about occupational health nurses is that the type of health issues you handle will depend on the functions of your organization. For example, corporate occupational health nurses will give physicals and focus on keeping employees working. Those who work for municipalities may find themselves giving trainings, working closely with police and paramedics, or consulting on worker’s compensation claims.

A similar type of nurse as the occupational nurse is the school nurse. Nearly every school in America employs a school nurse, at least part time. This can be a rewarding career for those who love children. You will play a role in teaching and promoting general wellness and a healthy lifestyle as well as dealing with scrapes, tummy aches and the occasional serious emergency.

Trauma nurses treat patients in emergency situations. It is imperative that they use quick thinking and sound judgment to stabilize patients, typically using little or no background information or previous medical history. The biggest challenge to these nurses is that every situation and every day is filled with stress and pressure. Yet, they must overcome obstacles such as language barriers in a matter of minutes. Trauma nurses usually work in emergency centers and specialty hospitals.

Nurse practitioner is a specialty that requires an advanced level of nursing skills. These nurses perform tasks that involve diagnosing, ordering lab and other tests, prescribing medicine, and monitoring patient status. Although these nurses are similar to actual physicians they may face opposition from their colleagues and patients who are unaware of their level of skills. And, they are able to find work at almost any health related organization.

Understand that this is only a few of the career paths in the expanding world of nursing specialties. It is important to note that all of these positions will require a nursing degree and/or certification. If you are interested in any nursing specialty, you should talk to one or more people in that position and in the industry to get a realistic picture of what the position is like. Though there are several types of nursing specialties, not every path is right for everyone.

Nursing Scholarship Sources

There are many scholarships available to any and all people that are going into the nursing profession. Some people don't want to take the time to find out about scholarships for nursing school. Many believe that the monies that they receive from financial aid will be sufficient. Indeed, sometimes it is, that is if you also take the student loans that eventually have to be paid back.

The payback period usually begins approximately six months following graduation from nursing school. But be careful, if you drop out of nursing school for any reason, and do not apply for a hardship extension, you will be liable to begin paying back the student loan, in spite of your circumstances. With scholarships, you do not have to pay them back, period! This is true even if you have to drop out of nursing school for a short period of time. There is another false hood that is widely accepted. That is, that one has to have a 3.0 grade point average or greater to be eligible to apply for a nursing school scholarship. Not true.

There are many factors that allow an individual to apply for a nursing school scholarship. Maybe your are a single mother living on government aid, there is a scholarship for you. Maybe you are of a low income bracket and have a particular ethnicity, there is a nursing school scholarship for you, maybe you just live in an area that is considered economically challenged, there is a nursing school scholarship for you. The list goes on and on.

Where do you begin to find out if there is a nursing scholarship available for you. Other than the internet, the best other place to begin is in your home town, at your place of worship, your place of employment and the schools that offer a nursing program. You will be surprised to find that there are scholarships out there just for being you! Many places of employment or large companies have foundations and wealthy founders that put monies into funds for scholarships. Maybe your parents worked at a company for most of their lives that now makes you eligible to obtain a scholarship. Automotive company founders offer scholarships. Even large supermarket chains offer scholarships for nursing school.

The main idea behind scholarships is to promote education in the community. So don't ever feel that you are left out in the cold. It might be that you may run into a counselor that may not seem to have the time to do any research for you, but don't let that discourage you. Sometimes when you are going after something that you really want, like a career in the nursing field, you have to take the reigns and be assertive. That means finding someone to help you, if someone else won't.

The point is, that there are people that are hired to help you find the scholarships for nursing school that best fit your needs. That does not mean that you shouldn't do your own research as well. The chances of you finding some other scholarships for nursing school in addition to those found for you can only help not hurt.

Venango-Clarion County Residents Build Nursing Careers and Personal Success with Online BSN Program at Clarion University

By Professor Andrew Lingwall
Associate Professor of Public Relations
Clarion University

For Paula Scalise and Dawn Linn, it’s all about personal energy and faith.

Personal energy to return to college as adults, to hold down jobs and hold together their families while finishing college degrees. Faith to know that graduation and career success is just around the corner.

“I guess you could say that I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie,” says Scalise, who works as an emergency room nurse at Clarion Hospital. ‘I enjoy the buzz when a new patient comes in and needs attention. That’s how I’ve approached my coursework, too.”

The 43-year-old Fryburg resident is earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at Clarion University, with plans to graduate in 2010. Taking one or two courses each semester, she has worked full time while raising daughters Sarah, age 18, and Maria, age 13, with her husband Vince.

Linn is back in college for the third time. In 2005, the 31-year-old Franklin resident earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science from Slippery Rock University. In 2007, she completed her Associate of Nursing (ASN) degree from Clarion University. This time around, she plans to finish her BSN in 2010.

Clarion University’s BSN is a 60-credit degree program that builds upon the background and knowledge of registered nurses (RNs), and enables them to continue their education at a professional level. Founded at the Venango campus in 1962, Clarion’s Nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

All along, Linn says her academic journey has been one of faith. “I remember that when I started at Slippery Rock in 2004, I had to quit my job,” she recalls. “The very next day, my husband David was laid off from his job. We lost our health care, and I remember being so scared. But eventually it all worked out. I learned that you have to take a chance and have some faith. Now, I couldn’t be happier.”

Enter the Internet

However, beyond personal energy and faith, Scalise and Linn have drawn upon another powerful tool to finish their degrees: the Internet. Thanks to the availability of online programs at Clarion University, both women have been able to complete their BSN coursework while continuing to work and take care of their families back at home.

“Returning to college as an adult, I was concerned about what the online classes would be like,” notes Scalise. “I am a really a hands-on type of learner, and so I was apprehensive about how it would all work.”

Having earned her Associate of Nursing degree at Clarion in 2003, Scalise was more accustomed to classroom-based work. “But it took only about two weeks for everything to fall into place. I realized that online work is so convenient for adults who have a life outside of academia,” she adds. “You can adjust it according to your job and family demands, and do the work when you are available. A classmate might e-mail me at 11:30 one night, and I could get back to her at 10 the next morning. The flexibility has been unbeatable.”

If Scalise works a 3-11 p.m. shift, she can catch up on her class readings during the day while her daughters are at school. Or, if the girls need help with their homework in the evening, she can fit that in too and still be an active parent. “Also, if I happen to be at the hospital or somewhere else, I can sit down and access the class from anywhere with an Internet connection,” Scalise says.

As Linn completes her BSN degree, she is working as a health facility quality examiner with the Pennsylvania State Department of Health in Meadville. To supplement her family’s income, in 2004 she enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves, where she serves as a hospital corpsman. “I have to manage my time carefully, but Clarion’s BSN has been so much more doable because it is all online,” Linn notes. “For me, it’s been far easier to manage than a classroom-based program.”

Dr. Kathy Patterson, Clarion University’s Director of the School of Nursing and Allied Health, adds, “Students should consider online coursework as a unique way of fitting the pieces of their lives together. It enables them to plan their education around their lives, instead of the other way around. It’s like attending a university without walls.”

Online learning at Clarion

Patterson notes that nursing faculty at Clarion have worked hard to build an online BSN program that serves it students well. “Our instructors have made a concerted effort to use technology to engage students…to really pull them into the online learning environment and create a virtual learning community,” she says. “And they are always working to learn new technologies and the best techniques for online teaching. That’s a unique level of dedication that you don’t see in every faculty.”

By design, online coursework in the BSN program is “asynchronous,” meaning that students can complete assignments and discussion board postings at their own convenience, rather than being required to participate at specific times.

“I have been impressed with how organized the online coursework is at Clarion, Scalise says. “Everything is set up so clearly – it’s almost like being in the classroom in your own home. And if I need help, the professors are just a couple of clicks away.”

According to Linn, online coursework at Clarion has been an interactive and interesting experience. “It is much different from being in a classroom, but online learning can be just as interactive,” she says. “My professors always answered my questions and got back to me quickly when I encountered any issues. They kept office hours, so I could call them. One professor even invited me to visit during her office hours, which really helped.

“At Clarion, I don’t feel like a number,” she adds. “All of the faculty and staff know my name. People like (faculty secretary) Patti Shontz are always there to help me out with registration issues or any questions I encounter. They really go out of their way to recognize you and take care of you personally.”

A Bright Future in Nursing

So where does the BSN degree lead a nurse on his or her career path? Scalise says that she plans to use hers as a foothold to earning her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and to becoming a nurse practitioner. “I have researched the salaries, and it is worth earning that extra degree,” she says. “Also, in these scary economic times, I like the luxury of being more marketable and mobile.”

Before entering Clarion’s Nursing program, Linn worked as an accountant in the business sector. Here, she had to fight for every entry-level job she got. So far, her experience in the nursing profession has been very different. “It was a real eye-opener,” she says. “I had three different job offers right as I graduated with my ASN degree. I felt so blessed. I had never seen anything like it before. Also, nursing has enabled me to utilize my skills in accounting and business. That’s the great thing about medicine: you can use it to pursue a specialized interest.”

National trends indicate a bright outlook for the nursing profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that about 230,000 new jobs will open for registered nurses through 2016, on top of about 2.5 million existing positions. In 2007, registered nurses earned an average of $62,480, according to the bureau. Including overtime, the most experienced nurses can earn more than $100,000 annually.

In her own career, Scalise says that working with the elderly is the most rewarding aspect of her work. “They are so grateful and kind,” she notes. “You just need to sit with them and listen to them for a while. In nursing, it’s often the little things that mean the most.”

Patterson notes that although Clarion’s Nursing program is based on the Venango campus, its students and graduates are everywhere. “We are of high quality, yet we are very affordable,” she said. “In 2008, we awarded $350,000 in scholarships across all nursing programs through public channels and the Clarion University Foundation. If you want to earn your degree here, we can help make it attainable for you.”

Other Online Programs at Clarion

In addition to the BSN program, Clarion University offers online programs in fields including business administration, education, library science, radiologic technology, rehabilitative sciences, mass media and more. Here, students can earn a two-year associate degree, a four-year bachelor’s degree or an advanced certificate online while working full-time, without having to come to the Clarion campus. Online study can be an ideal choice for people who are unable to travel to campus due to distance, job commitments or family responsibilities. Financial aid is available. Clarion University is approved for the G.I. Bill, and offers in-state tuition to active-duty military personnel.

“Clarion University delivers online educational programs that are convenient and flexible, and which are held to the same quality standards as traditional on campus instruction,” said Dr. Art Acton, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. “These programs all meet or exceed the rigorous requirements for regional and national accreditation.”

Clarion professors draw upon a broad mix of academic expertise and field experience in their teaching and research. Most faculty hold doctorates, and have worked extensively in their fields.

For more information

Anyone interested in finding out more about online degree or certificate programs at Clarion University can call 1-866-272-5612, option 2, or via e-mail at distanceed@clarion.edu. They can also visit the university’s website at www.clarion.edu/distance/.

“To any adult student who is considering returning to college, I say go for it!” Linn concludes. “Whatever your aspirations are, just step out there and take that leap of faith. In the end, you will be so glad that you did. But first, you have to take that chance.”

The Omnipresent Resolution

Arguably, the most universal New Year’s vow is to lose weight. The article below focuses, not directly on losing weight, but to think, eat and be healthy. Eating healthy is the proper first step to approach a suitable diet in order to lose weight and it puts the horse in front of the cart. The following will provide a smart start to accomplishing the proverbial “weight-loss” resolution.

Never to Late to Start Healthy Eating
By Dave Parry

If you currently do not eat a healthy diet, it can be difficult to start such a plan. However, healthy eating is important for maintaining bodily function and living a disease-free life. If you struggle with healthy eating, than you know that breaking unhealthy habits can be the most difficult part of the process. However, if you truly want to live the best lifestyle possible, it is important to follow tips in order to start eating a more healthy diet. So…

A good beginning when you want to start eating more healthily is to rid your home of all foods that do not fall into healthy categories. Keep junk foods and beverages out of your house so that you will not be tempted to snack during the day. If you’re worried about getting hungry, keep healthy snacks like carrot sticks, yogurt, fresh fruit, or whole-wheat crackers on hand. If you find that you just cannot bear to toss out the sweets, try keeping something tiny on hand, like chocolate chips. Eating a few of these won’t ruin your diet but will also give you that small sugary fix you crave.

Another good step to healthy eating is when you are first starting the process take a few moments to learn about what foods are also the healthiest for you and how they work in your body. Most people understand that fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products are good for you, but few people understand why. The key is learning about nutrients. When you understand how specific nutrients work in the body, you will be more likely to make those healthy choices for your body. Knowledge really is power!

When detoxifying yourself to prepare for a new healthy diet, you should also take into account your schedule for meals. If you often eat in a hurry and at odd times of the day, you are probably not getting the best foods possible. Plan ahead! Instead of grabbing a fast food lunch, take a packed lunch to work, complete with some healthy fresh vegetables. Plan ahead for healthy meals in the evening by cooking the day before that is if you have very little time to cook when you get home every night.

Start with small steps. Even if you only replace one bad habit a day with a glass of water, you can really improve your calorie intake. If you eat fast food every day for lunch, try replacing some of the days with healthy food. When you start by taking small steps, it does not seem like you are cutting out all of the foods you love and you can take your time to learn about the healthy foods which you will come to love equally as well.

Getting Started in ‘09

OK, here we are. One week into the New Year and what steps have been taken toward New Year resolutions? The following may help:

First, commitment. There are various forms of commitment; one would be writing it down in the most conspicuous place. How about a pop-up reminder on your laptop or computer, the one you use daily and preferably for work? Say it out loud as you write it down, really! Isn’t this what you want for yourself and your family in the New Year? On an office bulletin board – first wipe it clean of all the tasks that have been on it since who knows when, and then list it at the top; a note on your refrigerator (you’ve done this before)? How about on a sheet of paper taped to the TV screen (probably the most effective because of the guilt factor)? Do this while you are thinking about it and then when you go to watch TV note how effective this method is!

Support your commitment by beginning your daily routine differently. A good idea is to set your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier, 30 minutes to be truly aggressive, and place the alarm across the room where you have to physically get out of bed to turn it off. That tells us, “today is different” and reminds us to act on the promise to ourselves. Further support could come in the way of getting organized and employing some form of time management (if needed).

Second, list the steps that need to be taken. Baby steps, e.g. gathering information (be serious here – find the information you are looking for, print it, read it, make notes and act on it), filling out an application and especially finding a source for education.

Third, act on your list; now is a good time.

Finally, how is your new attitude? Have you brought it with you everyday? Are you doing what you can to create change? You are not really still waiting for someone else to create the change you want to see in nursing, are you? If you are, please be sure not to complain! Now that it is one week into the New Year, ask yourself what you have done even on the smallest scale to make our profession better. Go one step further and write it down, every instance. Keep this simple as well -- more patience with co-workers particularly while correcting or seeking cooperation from them; smiling at the person you struggle to get along with; asking for the help needed even if you asked for it before. Invite friends to do the same. This is a great starting point and if you write these accomplishments down, you will notice how the accomplishments become greater as the year progresses.

A happy, healthy, prosperous, educated, progressive New Year to all!


By Jenn Foster