Tag Archives: scrubs

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;)

Not Just a Cup of Coffee

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They say that coffee fuels the nation. I couldn’t agree more! And if you’re a tired, scrubs clad medical professional reading this, I’m sure you’re nodding your head in agreement while trying not to burn your tongue on- what is it?- your 4th cup of coffee? My, my…do you even know what goes into each cup? Just kidding, I’m not going to lecture you on the good, the bad, and the ugly. After all, what kind of a medical professional would you be if I forced you to give up your daily dose (doses?) of caffeine. But since coffee IS a major part of your life, I am going to offer you some coffee fun facts. Get your energy on!

1. Oil is the number one sold commodity in the world. And guess what comes in second place: you got it- COFFEE.

2. The average American, (and no, that probably doesn’t include the overworked medical professional,)  consumes approximately 3.1 nine ounce capacity cups of coffee a day. Don’t even bother trying to get your tired brain to do the math, I’ll do it for you…that’s a whopping 1,132 cups of coffee per drinker per year. And it’s probably more for you!

3. Good news: A recent study found that drinking coffee midlife leads to lower chances of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s. Uh-oh, I think I may have misplaced my stethoscope…time for another hot java!

4. Hesitant about adding that creamer to your cup of joe for fear of it getting cold too soon! Don’t be; it’ll keep your coffee hotter for a longer period of time. What?? Yup, thicker liquids (like coffee with cream) evaporate at a slower rate than thinner liquids. So if your shift is particularly crazy, it would serve you well to add a bit of creamer!

5. Drinking coffee before doing exercise will give your workout routine an extra jolt. And if you consider running around during a shift to be an exercise routine (which I obviously do!) then don’t even think about giving up that pre-shift coffee.

There you have it; now you have a conversation piece to share with the 83% of Americans who drink coffee, and, of course, your sleep deprived colleagues!

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….

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!

Nurse Must-Haves

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If you were stranded on a remote island somewhere halfway across the world, and you were allowed 5 personal items of your choice, what would they be?? Just kidding, I’m not going to play this game with you. I will, however, tell you the five must-haves every nurse needs to get through her shift. And I mean NEED; as in you can’t get through your shift without them. So just keep a mental list in your mind, and run through it before each shift. You’ll be thanking me soon enough!

Scrubs:

You can’t do your job if you don’t have scrubs. The end. Having a few sets of durable, stain resistant scrubs that can withstand all that goes on in a hospital setting; i.e. germs, blood, and a slew of other ‘not-too-pretty’ stuff, as well as rigorous washings, is a necessity. In fact, I can recommend the perfect set: the Cherokee Workwear 4801 mock wrap along with the Cherokee Workwear 4101 flare leg pant will serve you well, and both pieces are quite chic, to boot. Here’s a helpful hint: Keep a freshly laundered set of scrubs in your car or locker in the event that you need an emergency spare set!

Stethoscope:

People talk about ‘tools of the trade,’ and the tool of YOUR trade is none other than the stethoscope. Regardless of the setting you work in, you need a good, solid stethoscope; nothing cheap or disposable.  Listening to your patient’s lungs and heart is the ABC’s of a proper physical assessment, so make sure you’re doing it right!

Shoes:

You will be on your feet for a solid 12 hours, which warrants only the best footwear has to offer. Your shoes must be comfortable, durable, and supportive. What you can’t control is the fact that your feet will hurt when you get home; what you can control is how badly they’ll hurt. You may have to make a bit of an investment for a quality pair of nursing shoes, but it’ll be an expense well worth it.

Pens, Pencils and More:

Writing may be archaic these days, but you still need a functioning pen, pencil, Sharpie, and dry erase marker on hand at all times. The worst feeling ever is having to write something down and not having the proper writing tool. Even worse is having to run from station to station looking for that elusive pen, pencil or whatnot. The scrubs manufacturers make it easy for you these days, as most scrub tops and bottoms come equipped with multiple pen slots. So no more excuses!

Alcohol Swabs:

You work in a hospital setting, which means there are germs literally everywhere. Having a stash of alcohol pads on hand, to wipe down items like your stethoscope or an IV port, will help keep the environment as sterile as possible.

Here you have it: If you were stranded in a hospital and were told you must cover a shift, these are the 5 must-have items you would request!

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.

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!

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!

Success Through Social Media Is Totally A Thing

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For many of you nurses out there the world is vastly different from when you first entered your noble profession. Back then, Twitter, Facebook, and the likes did not exist, and people had real friends and liked real pictures. Alas, times have changed, and the virtual world has practically taken over our lives. But who says it’s got to be a bad thing? In fact, if I may say so myself, social media can be a wonderful thing. And here’s a little secret: If you use it correctly it can in fact contribute to career success. So here goes a list of ways you can use social media to advance your nursing career. #GOODLUCK

Build A Community

Support is crucial in any career, particularly so when it comes to nursing. Rough days are aplenty and the fact that you can build a community of nurse friends who understand what you’re going through and can provide the appropriate support, is vital to your well being. Plus, you can ask for advice, befriend nurses in specialties you are interested in, and if you just want to chill out you can sit back and laugh at funny nurse memes and jokes. Best of all, social media breaks down geographic barriers, and allows otherwise unlikely friendships to blossom.

Never Stop Learning

No one said you have to go back to school to learn new things. And no one said learning means hard-core, textbook studying. Learning just means staying on top of your game and keeping up to date with advances in your career. In this instance, social media is the perfect way to access relevant articles about nursing and medicine. Another aspect of learning is just picking up useful tips and tricks; for example, how to best care for your medical scrubs. In fact, I can give you a tip right now. Want the best in wrinkle free and stain resistant scrubs? Check out this bold Cherokee Luxe v-neck top.  See you just ‘learned’ something new by reading this blog!

Let Me Introduce You…

Perhaps the hardest part of any job is moving forward and finding a special niche. In nursing in particular, there are so many fascinating fields, and so many areas you can get involved in. But who’s going to help you figure out what exactly you want to focus on, and even if you do have that part figured out, who’s going to help you get your foot in the door? That’s right, social media will! Get yourself a LinkedIn account and work it! Find people who specialize in the areas you’re interested in and connect with them. Most of them will be willing to talk and will even give you useful suggestions. You can even connect with recruiters who can help you revamp your resume, find you job openings, and get you interviews.

See, social media is a modern marvel. So get yourself involved, even if it’s just for fun!

I Need The Whole Truth and Nothing But The Truth!

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Yes, it’s true, people lie. In fact some of the biggest liars out there are, surprise, surprise…our wonderful patients. If you’re a nurse reading this I have no doubt you’re rolling your eyes, sighing, muttering under your breath, and wishing me to give you a solution. Sorry, but unfortunately  I do not have the answer to your prayers. However, if you’re the newbie on the floor here’s a quick list of some of the top things patients will lie about, no matter what! And give it a few days, before you know it you’ll be just like all the seasoned pros, sniffing out those fibs before the patient finishes getting it out.  So here it is; your patient by all means will not tell you…

…How Much It Hurts

There you are, all professional looking in your spanking new nursing scrubs, and instead of the loving care you planned on dispensing, you’re standing open mouthed as your patient puts on the performance of his life trying to convince you that his pain is waaaay past the 10 you told him was the highest number on the scale. Never fall for it. All he wants is that extra dose of Vicodin. You know how it goes though, no pain no gain!

…How They Got Sick or Injured

You’d think that once they landed themselves in the hospital or doctor’s office, they’d give you all the petty details leading up to the visit. Think again! Despite the fact that logic dictates telling the truth so that they can get the proper treatment, you’d be surprised to see how creative patients can get when describing just how exactly they got that nasty gash. And get this; some patients will even fake their symptoms so that the doctor will squeeze them in to their already tight schedule. Then of course, they’ve got to run with that story.

….About Bad Habits

For some reason, patients are always on the defense when it comes to their bad habits. Drinking, exercise, diet, smoking etc.; these are all vices the patient would rather hide then admit to, even though it can make all the difference in helping them get better. Everyone wants to seem healthier than they actually are, even if it’ll harm them in the long run. And it’s your job as the nurse to convince them otherwise.

The list goes on. They won’t tell you their entire medical history, and they won’t tell you if they’ve been taking their meds or even which meds they are taking. Whatever it may be, you’ll find yourself catching these patients in the act before you even manage to whip out your shiny new stethoscope, and hopefully you’ll be able to set them straight. Here’s to the truth!

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