Category Archives: How To’s

How To's

Will Work for Cash

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We can all use a little extra cash. I mean, who can’t?? Maybe you need the cash for that summer getaway you’ve been fantasizing about, or maybe you want to buy your man a little something special in honor of his upcoming birthday. Or maybe (I should say probably!) you just need more money to get by day to day! Here are a few ways you nurses can pull in some extra cash. Happy spending!

Extra Shifts:

Need extra cash? Work an extra shift. Yup, it’s as simple as that! Just inform your supervisor that you’re interested in taking on additional shifts, and you’re good to go! In some hospitals, you can sign up for those extra shifts through a web based system. Best. Thing. Ever! Another option? Work ‘per diem’ shifts, which means on a day by day basis. Go through a nursing staff agency, and once again you can generally manage your schedule through a web based system.

Medical Transcription:

Medical transcription involves transcribing the digital voice recordings of dictated medical reports. There’s a catch, though: You will have to invest a little upfront as you need the proper certification in order to take such a job. But figure out all the technicalities and you’re all set to work from the comfort of your own home! I’d tell you that you can work in your pajamas, buuuut between me and you, those medical scrubs you wear everyday fall into the sleepwear category…just saying!

Clinics:

You might just come to love flu season, thanks to the cash flow it can generate for you. Before flu season hits try and get yourself a job administering flu shots at the local schools, a senior home etc. Do your research, check with nurse staffing agencies, or with your local health agency. Something might turn up that’ll send you straight on that mid-winter vacation you were hoping to take!

Call Center Nursing:

Call center nursing is exactly what it sounds like! You sit at a desk, answer phone calls, and offer your expert advice on medical issues people may have. Most private health clinics, as well as insurance companies offer advice lines for their clients. That’s your lead; go make your phone calls now!

Surveys and Focus Groups:

Paid, of course! It does require a little effort on your part, though; namely signing yourself up with as many websites as possible. Done? Okay. Now sit back and watch as those emails start flooding your inbox. Don’t complain, you asked for it! You’ll be invited to complete surveys and join focus groups. You really can earn a pretty penny from such a hobby, and the initial legwork involved won’t cost you a thing. Hey, why not give it a try??

The options are endless. And you can even take a job that’s (gasp!) not medical related. Hey, summer’s approaching; why not open up a lemonade stand;)

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April Showers Bring…FLOWERS!!

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April is almost behind us, which mean it’s time to usher in those gorgeous May flowers. Quick heads up: I’m not just talking about the flowers in your garden, but in your wardrobe as well! Say what? Yup, floral is all the rage this spring, and you, my dear nurses, will NOT be left behind as this fashion trend sweeps the runway. That’s right; you can purchase your nursing scrubs in fun, vibrant, and beautiful floral patterns, and here’s how to wear them.  Bring on that FLOWER POWER!

Prints Please:

Think all florals are the same? Well, think again! There are many, and I mean MANY floral prints to choose from. So step 1: Choose the print that best suits you. Is simple and sophisticated your thing? Then you want a fine print scrub featuring dainty flowers. And you there; you look like you’re looking to make a statement. In that case, I suggest you go with a vibrant piece featuring big, bold, eye catching flowers. Let your medical scrubs speak for you!

Work That Palette:

You’ve chosen a print, I gather. Now comes the big, ‘what do I pair it with?’ The goal is to create a cohesive look, so once you’ve chosen your print, you’ll want to pick out a color from the pattern and stick with it. Not sure what I’m getting at? Take the Dickies Everday Scrubs mock wrap scrub top. Notice it’s got that nice burst of hot pink going on? Good; now run with it. Pair it with hot pink medical scrub pants and a bright pink lip. Voila, you are looking très très chic and ready to strut your stuff down the catwalk! Tip: If you’re not sure which color to choose in order to pull your killer ensemble together, then go for a neutral. These colors include black, white, grey, beige etc. Think of it as a safety net; you can’t go wrong!

Accessorize:

It’s totally okay if you’re scared to go full on floral right away; baby steps are good too. So what can you do to ease your way into this trend? Accessories! Wear those flowers on your bag, wallet, hair accessory, jewelry….you name it, it has got to have flowers! Remember accessories can make or break your look, and a great accessory will go a very long way!

Flowers are fun! And pretty! And statement making! And all over the fashion scene! In other words, I want to see all you fabulous nurses in flowers. Cheers to May!

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Dressed for Success

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Resume. Check! Interview. Uhhhh….Don’t worry, the same way I showed you how to write up the perfect resume, I’m going to show you how to dress the part for that interview you are bound to get. Yup, I’m that confident in you! It’s not rocket science, it’s getting dressed; but while your amazing resume (ahem!) may have opened the door for you, the way you dress will either let you pass through that door, or promptly slam it in your face. Listen well, you nurses to be!

Clothing:

Rule #1: Leave the nursing scrubs at home. Yes, even if you just bought yourself that adorable, printed scrub top. If you’re serious about getting the job, you have to take your appearance seriously, because the potential employer most certainly will. A nice pair of dress pants with a collared shirt will do the trick, or even a structured suit. Word of advice: If you choose to wear a skirt, make sure it’s no shorter than one inch above your knee cap. Modesty is a virtue that your employer will look out for.

Shoes:

The dress code in most healthcare settings calls for closed toe nursing shoes. They’re considered more sanitary and come across as a lot more professional than open toe shoes. What does this mean for your interview? Wear closed toe shoes. You want to send the right vibe.

Accessories:

Less is more when it comes to accessories for interviews. And once again, think about the dress code. If dangling earrings are not allowed, make sure to leave those at home for the interview as well. Choose nice studs instead. Be sure to wear a watch as well. Aside for providing you with the time without having to look at your phone, (which, mind you, should be on silent and stashed away,) it also tells the potential employer that you’re well prepared for the job. Watches with second hands are used to check different vitals such as pulse and respiration.

Hair and Nails:

As with closed toe shoes, hair that is pulled back is considered more sanitary and more professional in most healthcare settings, because you don’t want it getting in the way while you work with patients. You know what that means for the interview, don’t you? If you have long hair, keep it pulled back; it’ll make you seem more credible. The same goes for nails. Keep them short, clean, and polish free for that all too important interview.

Ok, now that we’re through, let’s do this again. Resume. Check! Interview. Check! Job offer. Hope so….

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Spruce Up That Resume

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It’s a tough job market today. Shocker? I think not. Job opportunities are few and far between, with layoffs and budget cuts more prevalent than ever. Scary part is, the health industry is no exception; I’m talking to you, nurses. You can get through the crisis, though! If you have the right qualifications and can get yourself noticed, then you have a better chance at landing the job you want. In other words, you need a GREAT resume. And here’s how to make yours stand out from the rest!

Cover Letters ARE Important:

Yup, it’s the good old cover letter. Seems simple, huh? Yet you wouldn’t believe how many people send in resumes without a cover letter. This is your first impression, so to speak. It tells the potential employer why he/she should even take time out of his/her precious schedule to look through your resume. If you can draw them in, you already have an advantage.

What Are Your Qualifications?:
Tell them about yourself. Tell them why they should give you the position over the next applicant. This is the goal in summarizing your qualifications. And give it your all; from your  educational and professional background, to your short and long term objectives. You have to make them want YOU! Having a new set of nursing scrubs hanging in your closet waiting for your first day of work just won’t cut it.

Be YOU:

Yes, you may have patched up a friend while on vacation out in who knows where. Guess what, though? That absolutely does not count as international nursing experience. (I know, I know…you wish it did.) You don’t want to mislead anyone by twisting the truth even just a teeny, tiny bit. Nursing is serious business and whatever you put on your resume has got to be real! Bottom line is: be YOU, and just play up and highlight the skills you know for a fact you have.

Flow Is Everything:

Applying for a job, particularly one as serious as a nursing job, is in essence a competition. Which means you’ve got to be on top of your game. Make sure your resume is neat, organized, chronologically correct, and understandable. If it’s not, it’ll be chucked to the side and the potential employer will move on to the next one.

Research As Much As You Can:

It’s not one resume fits all. Find out about your potential employer, and see what he/she is looking for in an applicant. Like this you’ll know if it’s important to highlight certain areas over others, or whether to leave out certain information.

No one said it will be easy. You’ll probably have to keep a few different versions of your resume. Once you land that coveted job, though, and can proudly flaunt your spanking, new medical scrubs, you’ll realize that all the resume hassle was well worth it. Sending love to all you job hunting nurses!

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The Pregnant Nurse

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You’ve got that amazing pregnancy glow, the adorable baby bump, you’ve been taking it easy and – oh, you’re a nurse? Then forget the last part. I’m sure you’ve got the glow and the cute belly, but working as a nurse involves time on your feet; lots of time on your feet. And the world of nursing is quite the busy one. How then, can you care for yourself properly so that those all important nine months go by smoothly and comfortably? Read on to find out!

Pamper Your Feet

Carrying a baby is no small ‘feet’ (I had to!) and coupled with the typical nursing shift, you’re bound to have even more aches and pains than your average mama-to-be. You can take steps (pun intended!) though, to reduce the pressure you exert on your feet, by having the dad give you a gentle massage every day after work. A 10-20 minute foot massage can really make all the difference. In fact, according to the Journal of Nursing Practice, women in late pregnancy who received daily 20-minute foot massages had a smaller leg circumference. So bye-bye bloated ankles and hello dainty flats. (Just kidding, you should try and wear supportive shoes throughout.) Another great idea- compression stockings. They really help prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis which pregnant women are 4-5 times more likely to develop.

Bring On The Water

No, I do not mean the tears, even though that too is a normal part of pregnancy. What I mean is for you to drink up. Drink, drink, drink; it’s good for you. Even if it means constantly running to the bathroom. Another spin on this? Go for a swim! Floating around in a swimming pool can do wonders for you! It’s the only place you’ll feel weightless, and besides, it’s a non-jarring workout routine. Take a morning swim and you’ll find that you’re energized and ready to tackle your day with full confidence!

Take a Whiff

What’s the biggest pregnancy gripe? Nausea and vomiting of course! There is relief, though. By regularly inhaling the essential peppermint and lavender oils, you can drastically reduce the level of nausea and vomiting you may experience in early pregnancy. A good idea is to inhale these oils twice a day, preferably before napping or sleeping.

Comfort Is Key

Gone are the days where you’re forced to figure out how to squeeze your pregnant self into regular fit scrubs. Times have changed and there are now maternity scrubs to accommodate your growing baby bump. Made with super comfy stretch panels so that they grow along with you, and available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and prints, you’ll forget that you’re wearing a maternity medical uniform.

Be Your Own Advocate

Take control of your body and your baby, and speak up! While pregnancy isn’t a free pass to neglect your responsibilities, you are entitled to be as comfortable as possible. So if anything makes you uncomfortable, or if you are concerned about the well being of your pregnant self or your unborn baby, you have every right to let your voice be heard.

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, and being a nurse is no contradiction to that, as long as you make the most of it.

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Is It National Ask A Question Day?

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Who? What? Where? When? How? Yup, today, March 14th, is the official day for asking questions; all sorts of questions. And remember, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. ( I know you may be  thinking otherwise, but in honor of the day, let’s roll with the ‘no such thing as a stupid question’ thing!) In fact, asking is the best way to learn and grow. Questions, though, are not just about satisfying your own inner desire to be in the know, it can also be a means for helping others, particularly if you’re in the business of wearing medical scrubs. Yes, all you nurses know just how important question asking is when it comes to dealing with patients. Believe it or not, sometimes it’s the questions that offer the best sort of medicine, not the answers. So what sort of questions should you be asking? The four P’s!

Personal Hygiene Needs:

One of the worst aspects of being confined to a hospital bed is the diminishing lack of a sense of self. And a major cause for this, is the neglect of personal hygiene. The problem, though,  is that it doesn’t happen because the patient doesn’t care; it happens because the staff doesn’t care to help him/her fulfill those needs. So what does this mean for you? (Wow, I’m really getting into the spirit here!) Ask the patient: Do you need to use the restroom? Would you like to take a shower (if he/she is capable of showering)? Basically, make sure your patient doesn’t have to live without whatever personal hygiene you find sacred in your own life.

Positioning:

Ever woke up with a stiff neck? Or had your foot fall asleep because it was stuck in the same position for waaaay too long. Not too comfortable, huh? Well guess what? A bedridden patient feels this way almost all the time. Which is why it is so important to ask your patient if he/she wants his bed adjusted, his pillows fluffed, or maybe even ask if they want to sit in a real chair at the window for a little while. The monotony of being stuck in a single position is mind-numbingly exhausting. But remember, you’ve got to ask, because there’s a good chance the patient won’t!

Pain:

Asking about pain is pretty standard. But you can make a difference by saying it with meaning and showing that you really, truly care. Another simple way to address your patient’s pain is by asking, “What is one thing that will make your day easier and make the pain just a tad more manageable?” You’d be surprised by what your patients will say. They might just want an extra blanket, or even some juice. Little things can make all the difference!

Personal Items:

You know how important personal items are. You even love all those pockets in your Everyday Scrubs by Dickies 82156 drawstring pants, because they’re a great place to store those personal accessories. For a patient, any reminder of normal, home life is a major welcome in the sterile hospital environment, which is why it’s so important to take note of the personal items the patient brings in. Ask your patient if all his/her personal items, such as a cell phone, picture frame etc. are in the right place. You wouldn’t want your patient reaching out to get something that is in fact out of reach and then subsequently falling. Besides, by asking about personal items it gives the patient the sense that you see them as a person outside of the hospital’s four walls.

Bottom line is, you’ve got to ask, ask, ask! You can make all the difference in the life of someone else, just by asking a few simple questions!

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Getting Through the Graveyard Shift

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So you’re fresh out of nursing school and about to take on your very first job. You know what that means, don’t you? The dreaded graveyard shift! You’re not alone though; according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 3% of the country’s full time employees work this same shift. (I know, you were hoping to see a larger number. Misery loooooves company!) It’s not too bad though. Looking on the bright side, you get to wear comfy pajama-like scrubs, like the Dickies Everyday Scrubs 85755. Like this you won’t feel too out of touch with the rest of the world! Anyhow, by creating and maintaining a new kind of schedule, one which involves sleeping by day and staying awake by night, you’ll see that it is possible to properly function this way. Go ahead, implement these ‘survival tips’ and see for yourself!

Sleep, sleep, sleep:

Ever tried sleeping during the day while the rest of the world is awake? It’s hard, huh? To help the situation, make sure your room is cool and quiet. Also, be sure to block out all sunlight, either by using room darkeners or even a night mask. To help you get in the zone and put you in sleep mode you can read a book or listen to some relaxing music. Don’t, however, watch any TV because that will stimulate your mind and make falling asleep harder for you. And you don’t need me to tell you that twisting and turning when you know you need to sleep is no fun!

Be Disciplined:

The key to successfully resetting your biological clock is making sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day; EVEN when you have an off day! I know, I know, it’s hard. Really hard. Throwing off your schedule completely, though, will just make it a whole lot harder to jump back into the job when you go return. Just a friendly tip: Make sure your friends and family know about your new sleep schedule so that they know not to call or visit while you’re sleeping.

Eat and Drink:

It’s important to eat while working the night shift, but don’t sit down to a 3-course meal. Instead, try and eat a few small portions throughout the course of your shift. This helps your body maintain its normal sugar level. Also, try eating complex carbohydrates like bread, pasta, vegetables, etc., to keep your body energized, and avoid eating refined sugars which can be found in candy and the likes. Why, you ask? These sugars will induce a  ‘sugar high,’ which gives you instant energy but causes you to crash and burn later on. Another great idea: Have a cup-a-joe or a Coke right before your shift or as early on in your shift as possible. Caffeine gives you a boost of energy by stimulating your central nervous system.

Stay Active:

Keep yourself busy; move around to help keep your mind active and awake, and don’t sit around idly because no good can come of that. In fact, doing nothing will result in a decreased blood flow, causing you to become lethargic and sluggish. Part of staying active is chatting with your coworkers. Once again, it’ll keep you alert and on the ball. Besides, who knows, maybe they have some more advice for getting through the graveyard shift!

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Brand Name Nursing Shoes: Yay or Nay?

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Nurses are on their feet all day, every day. Walking, running, standing, lifting, bending and more; you name it, they do it. The problem, you ask? Tired, sore, and terribly achy feet. While you can’t avoid the situation entirely, you can do yourself a favor and purchase the most comfortable and most appropriate nursing shoes for the situation you are in. And while it is true that your shoes need not have a specific label on the inside to be comfortable, there are advantages to buying brand name shoes. Companies like Cherokee and Skechers have created nursing shoes with the busy nurse in mind, so why not spend a few extra dollars if it means a few extra hours of comfort! Regardless of the shoes you decide to purchase there are certain guidelines you would be wise to take into consideration.

Fit Is Everything:

I know you’re a big girl and have been wearing the same shoe size since forever, but go get your feet measured because yes, your shoe size may change. And even if it’s just a slight change, it can mean all the difference between comfort and agonizing pain. Oh, and here’s a great tip: Measure your feet at the very end of the day, like this, any swelling which is likely to occur will be taken into account.

Weights Will Weigh You Down:

Would you tie a bunch of heavy weights around your ankles and then try to go about your day? I think not! But guess what, that’s exactly what some of you nurses do by wearing certain shoes. Where nursing shoes are involved, lighter is ALWAYS better. Obviously it should provide ample support, particularly at the arch, but if you feel like you’re dragging your feet because your shoes are too heavy, know that something is quite wrong! Take the Skechers Step In sneaker; it’s super light, incredibly comfortable, and gives you maximum support. So go ahead and give it a try.

Practicality Is Key:

If you’re in the nursing industry then you already know how messy things can get, and I mean like realllly messy! Which is why it is so important to have shoes with easy to clean surfaces. Fabrics which will stain will look unprofessional, and last only half as long. You’re making the investment now, so why not go all the way? Another preference many nurses have is Velcro closures  as opposed to laces. Laces tend to untie and get dirty, whereas Velcro is neater, easier to put on, and won’t get nearly as dirty. Or just go with a good old fashioned slip on, like the Dickies Prestige Step In. Plus, it’s made of leather which means one swipe of a wipe and dirt, be gone! The options are endless, you just have to find what’s right for you.

You’re a nurse. You probably take more steps in one day then most regular people. And if my humble opinion counts for anything, then go all out and get yourself some brand name kicks; it’ll be well worth the price!

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Dry Skin? Nurses (Unfortunately) Win!

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“Feel how smooth my hands are,” said no nurse EVER! That’s because the constant, (and I mean constant!) washing and rewashing of your hands, which is just a part of the nurse’s life, has probably worn out your skin to the point that it’s rough, chapped, and in some really bad cases, bleeding.  All is not lost though; there IS hope. All you need to do is give your hard working hands a little TLC, and voila; watch as your hands slowly but surely regenerate its beautiful skin- the same skin you thought would forever remain but an echo of your childhood. So let’s get cracking (no pun intended!) and get you through this great list of tips for restoring your skin to its ultimate smoothness!

Stay Covered:

I know we may all be in denial, but winter is still here, and that means bundling up. Exposing your hands to the elements, particularly the cold wind, is not doing your already rough hands any favors. On the contrary, you’ll just be making it worse.  So invest in a great pair of gloves, and if you already have, then wear them; even if you’re running out for just a minute! It’s your first line of defense. It goes a step farther as well. Wear your gloves indoors! No not your winter gloves, silly; but the thin cotton gloves which can be found at your local drug store and slipped under the irritant inducing latex gloves.

Pamper Yourself:

You’ve got to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! The moisturizing product you use should have a super thick consistency because those lightweight moisturizers are a joke for you nurses. How thick, you ask? Thick enough that you when you put a dollop on your hand and turn it over, it will not budge! Yup, that thick! And it’s not enough to do this once a day or even twice. For optimal results, you have to aim to moisturize after every single washing. Therefore, I’d suggest purchasing a travel size, and keeping it in your pocket. The Perfect Stretch 1946 v-neck scrub top by Cherokee is stylish, and features great patch pockets which will inconspicuously store your much needed moisturizer.

Learn the Rules:

When you wash your hands, use warm or cold water, and NEVER hot water. Make sure to avoid hand soaps which contain alcohol, because alcohol can sting your already chapped skin, not to mention, further dry out your hands. And when drying your hands, never ever rub them, just gently blot with a cotton towel as opposed to a paper towel. It’s the little things that matter!

Call it ‘Project Skin Restoration’ or any other name you’d like. But whatever you call it, stick to the above regimen! It’ll be well worth it when you can flaunt those great looking hands, and even get a manicure. Yup, a manicure will become a reality!

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So You’re Spending Your Valentine’s Day In Scrubs

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red heartI know you all have February the 14th circled in bright red pen on your calendars. For most of you, it’s because you’ve been counting down the days till you get to spend a whole 24 hours with your loved one in romantic bliss. However, for those of you covering the Valentine’s Day shift, it’s probably because you’ve been frantically trying to figure out how to make this day meaningful from the confines of sterile halls, and that not so small circle is a reminder that time is running out! Not to fear, though! I’ve got a couple of great tips to help you pull off the perfect Valentine’s Day; even if it’s from the hospital, clad in your nursing scrubs.  So here it is: Roses are red, violets are blue. Here are some great ideas, to say ‘I love you!’

Get Creative

Just handing over a bouquet of red roses and some chocolate hearts is way too cliché! You have to think outside of the ‘chocolate’ box. (Sorry, I had to!) By avoiding the traditional route and getting your loved one something they will actually value, you’re showing that you really appreciate their presence in your life. If they are a collector, buy them an item of interest, or perhaps you’d like to create a handmade gift certificate that says something along the lines of, ‘Redeemable for 2 hiking trips with the guys, no questions asked!’ Don’t tell them this, but you can then just turn it into a girls night out; so it’s win-win for everyone!

The Perfect Lunch

Wake up just a few minutes earlier and pack the perfect lunch for your partner. Include all his or her favorite foods and some heart shaped sugar cookies for dessert. Oh, and maybe include a recent photo of the two of you, with a personalized note on the back.  It’s a simple yet great way to remind your love that even though you have to work today, you are still thinking of them!

Make a Video

Nothing says ‘I love you’ like…actually saying ‘I love you!’ So give over a short Valentine’s Day message through video! Your partner will really appreciate such a gesture because it’s personal, they get to see your face, and it’ll be a surprise. Who doesn’t love a good surprise? Upload the video onto your computer and email it to your loved one. Like this, the first thing he/she will see when they open their email is YOU!

Take a Rain Check:

Who said February 14th has to be Valentine’s Day? Make a little switcheroo in your calendar, and turn, let’s say, February 18th, into Valentine’s Day; or whichever later date works for you! Then go and do whatever you would normally do on Valentine’s Day. Have a romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant, rent a movie to watch etc. Regardless of what you decide to do, go all out as if it were actually Valentine’s Day, because guess what? For you and your partner it is!

Valentine’s Day away from the one you love can be hard, but you’ll get through it! And to keep your spirits up, make sure to be wearing a set of medical scrubs from the brand new HeartSoul collection. They’re young, on-trend,  and fun to wear. Not to mention, you’ll be cheering up your patients stuck in the hospital over Valentine’s Day as well!

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