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

New Year Resolutions

Once again we stand at the threshold of a new year, a juncture to straighten our paths and discard the bad habits for good ones. It also brings on a new outlook, one of invigoration and enthusiasm. As a visitor and participant to many blogs and forums there is no shortage of acrimony, all that warrant merit. It’s time to recommit to our convictions and address all that is amiss. As our President-elect is sworn into office this new year, it would behoove us to adopt his theme of change. It's time to act on what needs to be corrected. We can start by simply speaking up rather than being silent. Every moment we take to correct a situation is a step in the direction for improvement.

Let us become more cognizant of what is in our power to better our profession. Be mindful that every small effort toward change is the first step to whole and complete change. Approach each day with a positive and constructive attitude. As the critical mass, each one of us is responsible for the change we want in our profession. We are professionals in the most vital occupation that exists and this attitude, and its reality, is supported by the legacy and ideals of Florence Nightingale.

Together, we can make each professional resolution, a comprehensive advocacy. Suggested theme for change in 2009: The best is yet to come.


By Jenn Foster

New Year’s Resolution: Education

The road ahead always appears long and difficult; the terrain unmanageable. Looking back at the road traveled helps to assess our needs, wants and what is right; often we struggle to make the necessary changes. A new year triggers a time of renewal for our hearts and minds and brings us to that proverbial clean slate that makes us more energetic for making those changes.

There is so much to be done – where do we start?

We can not accomplish everything overnight. The question for each of us is what can we do now? Keep it simple. Simply put, once begun is half done. It is that simple! The thing that we can be sure of is that we need to do something. A few mouse clicks on the internet can take us anywhere.

Everything in our profession revolves around education. We can not stand still. Assess the knowledge and credentials in which you are in need and recommit to education. Are you in need of a degree or just simply some refresher courses? How about ReLicensure?! Please see October 31 article from Villanova University concerning ReLicensure.

As this blog continues to evolve, research the opportunities that are provided. Explore the schools of nursing that participate (and the many that are forthcoming) for the program and specialty they offer and take that first step.

Many of you maybe ready for your next step, a new beginning. Please examine the postings on CareerBuilder.com at left for the latest job openings and click on “Nursing Positions in Pennsylvania” and “Nurse Educator Postings in Pennsylvania” for a complete list.

Thank you for visiting this site in 2008. Your comments are not only welcomed here but encouraged. Your contributions will help make each one of us better, and in turn, better the healthcare industry. I look forward to hearing from you in 2009.


By Jenn Foster