Issue 7
Issue 7 June 2011
Swimwear Tips for all sizes Grief for Caregivers
Yoga vs. Pilates
The Dish on Workplace Gossip
Unique
Wedding Proposals
Taming the
Autocratic Nurse!
Magnet Status and Its Impact on Recruitment
1
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
2
Issue 7
3
Writers Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Elsie Ekwa
Editor-in-Chief Founder of Lissie Harrington Publishers, Elsie, is the vision behind Fabulous Nurse Magazine. As a nurse, she saw the need for a lifestyle magazine that all at once serves as a celebration of nurses, a guide for better living, and a guilt-free escape from the sometimes grueling shifts nurses work. She is also the managing editor for the Pacific Writer’s Corner online magazine. Elsie writes as Sonya Justice and speaks on health and wellness issues, the business of writing, and entrepreneurship.
Zee Nickerson Writer
Zee Nickerson has a B. S. in Psychology and has owned several successful Businesses. She is currently a writer, fashion consultant, and public speaker. Ms. Nickerson has taught English in Japan, Communist China and state side. As a thrifty world traveler, she can travel for as little as a $1.00 a mile. Ms. Nickerson is pleased to announce she is just starting to twitter at HelloZee! A play on the French words for Let’s Go! Contact Zee via email at Zeechic2000@yahoo.com.
Olusegun Iselaiye Editor & Writer
Olusegun is a highly seasoned freelance writer and entrepreneur. He teaches nursing students Human Anatomy in his home country of Nigeria. Olusegun, whose mother happens to be a nurse, is also a huge fan of the nursing profession. His ambition is to offer a meaningful contribution to Africa and his home country. Contact Olusegun via email at isedot@yahoo.com.
Karen Kalis Writer
Karen Kalis has ten years of experience as a professional copywriter. She has worked in industries such as education, real estate, healthcare, technology, and with non-profit organizations. With an M.A. in Creative Writing, Karen’s clients include: Fabulous Nurse Magazine, RMS Technologies, Lincoln Electric, Multi-Care Management, and The EPIC Group.
Dylan Romero Writer
Dylan Romero is a freelance writer/marketer for the videogame industry and beyond. He is currently writing a memoir about his pilgrimage in Spain. For further information, do visit him at http://walkingthecamino.wordpress.com.
Judy H. Wright Writer
Ms. Wright writes on subjects related to the journey of life, death, & grieving. For a full listing of books, articles, and classes, please go to: http://www.artichokepress.com. You may also contact Ms. Wright by calling 406-549-9813. For written inquiry, her email address is judywright@artichokepress.com. 4
Masthead/Contributor Masthead/Contributor Publisher Lissie Harrington Publishers
Editorial Elsie Ekwa
Advertising & Marketing For advertising opportunities Email: ads@fabulousnurse.com Contact our Sales Director, Rod Vickery Tel: (503) 877 – 3617
Art & Graphic Design To submit artwork / ad creative Email: ads@fabulousnurse.com
Writers To submit articles for publication Email: editor@fabulousnurse.com
Reach Us By Post Lissie Harrington Publishers ATTN: Fabulous Nurse Magazine Department 29030 SW Town Center Loop E Ste. 202 Wilsonville, OR 97070-9490 info@fabulousnurse.com www.fabulousnurse.com
Editorial
Issue 7
June Contemplations I
n previous issues of Fabulous Nurse Magazine, we’ve addressed ways to get your ideal summer body. We provided these ideas so you can comfortably splash about in the pool or ocean, and we’ll continue to do so. Still, summer also rings in more than just vacations. This is a time when hundreds of nurses and their families also celebrate the union of loved ones. Yes, we are talking weddings. Sprinkled across different pages in this month’s issue we’ll address ideas that will make the day joyous and wonderful. Particularly, in the “Ideas to Boost Your Income” section, we introduce you to the art of wedding planning. From floral arrangements to choice of wedding dress, you, too, can learn to plan your very own wedding or the wedding of your grandchild.
round men in nursing. As we do so, we’ll take a drive down memory lane and bust many of the myths about men in nursing. Like most articles in Fabulous Nurse Magazine, this promises to be a fun and informative ride. I hope you will take it with us. Here is a big shout out to male nurses, everywhere. Nurses rock!
On another note, per usual, we’ll continue to address issues that are closest to the nurse’s heart; issues at home and at work. For example, one issue that stands out in my mind is the way society views male nurses. I was talking to a non-nursing friend across the kitchen table a few days ago and something they said stuck with me. He mentioned that as much as he admires what nurses do, he could not become a male nurse because of the stereotypes that are prevalent in today’s society. Of course, he was gently educated on the fact that these attitudes were changing. ☺. Still, it got me thinking about the journey male nurses have made. Who was the first male nurse? How long have men been in nursing? Is this a recent trend or have men been nurses for much longer than society gives credence? What are the facts? We’ll delve into some of the misconceptions that sur-
5
Table of Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Contents
cOVER ARTIcLEs
FEATUREs
P.46
The Dish on Workplace Gossip
P.13
Surviving the Sun’s Rays
P.18
Grief for Caregivers
P.11
Celebrities Caught in Clogs!
P.49
Taming the Autocratic Nurse!
P.29
Good Fat vs Bad Fat
P.35
The History of Men in Nursing
P.58
Saving Money on Higher Education
P.59
What will you collect in Social Security?
P.31
Yoga vs Pilates
P.22
Unique Wedding Proposals
P.10
Swimwear Tips for all sizes
P.51
Magnet Status and Its Impact on Recruitment
MEn In nURsInG
35
6
T
he Fabulous Male Nurse aka the fabulous nurse who just happens to be male. Seeing a male nurse working in a hospital, clinic or doctor’s offi ce may seem like a new trend in the healthcare fi eld, but it is far from that. Men have a long history of being involved in nursing. Though there can be bias about men nursing today, that is rapidly changing as more and more men see nursing as a challenging and rewarding fi eld of many opportunities.
Issue 7
June 2011
PARENTING P.38
HOME P.39
EDITORIAL
P.5
June Contemplations
FAshion watch
P.9
Pictorial Look at Wedding Dresses
ATTITUDE RE-DEFINED
P.16
Success Affirmations!
LIVING WELL
P.19
Laser Eye Surgery
FABULOUS FOODIE
P.26
Dealing With Picky Eaters
P.27
Fabulous Recipes
Managing Public Tantrums
Self Defense Tips
HOBBIES P.40
Playing Boogle!
Pets
P.41
Worms in Dogs
TRAVEL
P.43
Barefoot Ted Told Me To Do It!
THE NURSE’S STATION
P.48
Nursing Tools of Trade
Finance
P.54
Income Booster: Wedding Planner
POETIC VOICE
P.61
Nobody’s Friend
LAUGH OUT LOUD
P.63
Nursing Humor
P.63
General Humor
RESOURCES P.65
June Nursing Conferences Around The World
7
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
8
FASHION Watch
Issue Issue 77
Pictorial Look at
Wedding Dresses
99
Swimwear For all Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Body Shapes
It is the minimalist look. With muted earth tones being so subtle, you’ll often see ruffles, side ties, pleats and other accents to add style and flare.
50’s retro look. This is the 50s kind of look that includes splashy polka dots and gingham, thin straps and full coverage. This will include full boy-cut bottoms and built up bra tops. Picture Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like It Hot.” One shoulder. Show your glamorous side with one shoulder strap swimwear. Whether one-piece or two, holding everything up with one strap (thin or wide and stylish) seems to be the way to go. You’ve seen this style more and more in evening gowns this year and now it’s come to swimwear. What are you wearing this season? Can’t de-
F
ric openings in the fabric down the center, on
to lounge in and one style to frolic in. These
stands that nurses come in all shapes
the side, and in the back, feeling like you’re
seven fashion trends make swimsuit shop-
and sizes. We also understand how
wearing abstract art.
ping so exciting, you may have to choose
difficult it is to find the perfect swimsuit for your unique shape. If you are looking for that perfect swimsuit this
Ruffle accents. Ruffles add a bit of flirtacious style to swimwear. Big girls want to have a sexy look while still feeling all girly
Season, we’ve compiled fashion advice from
and cute, too. Ruffles on skirted bottoms
our celebrated stylists to guide you through
can give hips a little curvy fun while still of-
the sea of choices, as you pick out your best
fering some concealing tricks. Around the
beach statement. Uhm, we mean best swim-
neckline ruffles can enhance a smaller bust.
wear for your body type.
The plunging neckline. Remember old Hol-
Be bold and colorful. Bright colors are back
lywood and the bathing suits they wore by
in a big way. They draw attention to you and
the pool? They were more for beauty than
say “I am confident.” Whether choosing one-
swimming. Large hats, sunglasses and a hal-
piece swimwear or a bikini, go for a mix of
ter-type swimsuit that made the waist look
bright pinks, yellows, blues and the like.
smaller and the cleavage more noticeable
Patterns set the tone. How about Aztec
is the new look for this season. One-piece
print or geometric designs? Busy swimsuits
swimsuits with those long silhouettes are
place the emphasis everywhere and nowhere
making a comeback.
at the same time. Another pattern trend is cutout suits. These suits leave large geomet10
cide? Go ahead and pick one style swimsuit
abulous Nurse Magazine under-
Earth tones. Swimwear in muted tones that match skin tones are another trend this year.
all seven.
C
Issue 7
logs make a statement. Nurses
Gauguin. The famous artist loved his. He
Chanel lead the way with luxurious versions
know it. Nurses have been wear-
stated with relish, “When my clogs resonate
in high heels and stylized choices such as
ing clogs since time memorial.
on this granite ground, I hear the muffled,
colored, floral, jeweled, studded that are cool
Celebrities are now figuring it out. It is great
powerful thud that I’m looking for in paint-
and come in a variety price ranges for every
to see fashion trends catch up with our style.
ing.” The typical clog has made resurgence
pocket book.
We caught some celebrities in clogs and
in sandal and mule form. How does one keep
thought to share it with you! Catherine Zeta-
the clog modern and up to date? Favor those
Jones, the 40-year-old year actress, recently
that are light and lean looking, with more
sported a beautiful pair of clogs; one of this
softly rounded toes to avoid the squat look.
season’s hot items. She wore a head to toe
Squared-toe clogs are best suited for male
Celebrities cream outfit. Her ensemble includedan egg-
They can be worn with pants, capris, plain skirts, flowery skirts, and simple dresses. It is good to see celebrities join in the fun nursing clog craze. Nurses rule!
nurses.
By Zee Nickerson
Caught in Clogs! shell sheath with a summery lacey tunic the
length of her dress. Her accessories included Chanel bag, always classic with a pair of smooth, trendy, high heeled Chanel clogs. Clogs have been featured in the collections of designers Michael Kors, Vera Wang, A.P.C., Miu Miu, Zara, Chanel, Banana Republic, Louis Vuitton, and Marc Jacobs. Another fan of the Dutch created shoes, is Alexa Chung. Her version is a darker clog. She also wore the wooden soled Chanel shoes to the Fashion shows. Other A-list cloggers include Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen and Brooke Shields. One not so likely clog hopper was Paul
11
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Beauty Secrets
12
Surviving The Sun’s Rays
Issue 7
By Zee Nickerson
S
ince the 1930’s when the extremely
ing young. UVB rays causes burning. These
The AMA also states that, “You may get
handsome and popular Clark Gable
rays cause the stinging, peeling, and painful
sunburned in the winter, as well as, summer.
stood on the deck of HMS Bounty
blisters many nurses are familiar with. UVC
Vacationers are more susceptible, because
in the movie, Mutiny on the Bounty, with no
causes cancer. And there are different types
they may unwisely try to get a tan. Because
tee shirt under his long unbuttoned cotton
of cancer; basal cell carcinoma, squamous
cold temperatures do not block ultraviolet
top, a golden tan has been the rage; while the
cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma.
rays, and snow reflects them the same way
men’s tee shirt business went up in smoke, almost overnight. Unknown to most people, the rate of skin cancer went up about 10% a year with it. Following the 1960’s and the time when the lyrics from the popular song, “We’ll have fun in the California sun” became mainstream, skin cancer rose 50% a year for decades. Today, thankfully, we have the saving power of sunscreen. This magic potion is slowing this silent killer down, but only, if applied appropriately. What do you really know about UV rays?
The issue with sun burns. The American Medical Association (AMA) states that, “Sunburn is inflammation of the skin and the tissues just beneath it caused by overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun. The affected area becomes red, hot, tender, and swollen, and in severe cases blisters may form. You are much more likely to become sunburned if you have light skin. In addition, a few people are extraordinarily sensitive to the sun because they have a skin disease. Some diuretics, antibiotics, birth
Most people know about UVA rays and UVB
control pills, tranquilizers, and diabetes
rays. There is also UVBII or UVC rays. An
medications can make you sun sensitive. As
easy way to remember what the different
can some Alpha-Hydroxy lotions, Retin-A,
types of rays do is by the alphabet. UVA rays
perfumes, and medicated soaps. So use extra
cause aging. They penetrate deeper into the
care when playing in the sun.”
skin where they destroy collagen. Collagen is the magic ingredient that keeps skin look-
Sunburn can be experienced all year round.
that sand and water do, you can also get a severe sunburn while skiing. Repeated sunburn, or regular exposure to strong sun over many years, breaks down the elastic tissues in the skin and makes it look prematurely old and wrinkled. In addition, it can produce solar keratosis (roughened red patches) on exposed skin, especially in fair skinned people. Solar keratosis and/or long term exposure to strong sun - whether tanning or getting a sunburn - increases the risk of your getting skin cancer.” For those prone to sunburn, a sun block lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher will prevent it. The lotion should be applied to all uncovered areas of the body before prolonged exposure to the sun. “It is not advisable to seek a suntan. Try to avoid the sun at its height between 10 AM and 3 13
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
people mistakenly think, “Goop up once and you’re good to go.” Wear sunscreen all year long, at all times. Another thing many people don’t know is that sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before exposure so it can be absorbed and interact with your skin. This means that you should not jump into water within 20 minutes of applying sunscreen. It will simply wash off as it needs time to bond with your skin. A word about hydration. Keeping hydrated is triply important in the sun. If you’re in an extremely dry climate, PM,” per Dr. Stephen Kurtin, assistant pro-
For milder symptoms, my favorite source of
fessor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School
relief is Vaseline. Sure, the goop is gooey but
of medicine in New York City.
the skin is so thirsty, it’s quickly absorbed.
Tanning beds are as bad for you as sunbathing, if not worse. The ultraviolet rays from the tubes are closer to your skin and therefore believed to be worse for your skin and organs. “The synthetic sunshine found in tanning booths is just as bad as the real
According to Longevity magazine, “It is cheap, and effective plus unlike other substances it is able to bond with the skin in ways other moisturizer can’t.” It is also great for cracked dry lips and feet.
thing, wrinkle-wise,” says Jeffrey H. Bin-
Calculating how much sun-screen you
stock, M.D., assistant clinical professor of
need.
dermatologic surgery at the University of California. How to treat a sunburn. If you do get sunburned, use the following
sunscreen or sun block lotion, and use a
you can be outside before burning. Once you
soothing cream. Drink plenty of water. You
have this number, multiply it by the number
can take aspirin to relieve discomfort. How-
of your sun block.
purple blotches or discoloration, excessive blistering or intense itching get help immediately.”
know that you are already dehydrated. Do something fast; rehydrate. The best liquid to drink is cold water, not sodas or alcohol. Alcohol is only going to aggravate a sun burn because it dilates the blood vessels near the skin surface. Sodas
chemically balanced.
ply overflows and does you no good.
you need, determine the number of minutes
on Omaha. “If your burn is accompanied by
When your body tells you, you are thirsty,
in your already full gas tank. The tank sim-
ming, by wearing clothing or applying a
the University of Nebraska Medical Center
sorts because your electrolytes are now off.
making it harder for your body to keep itself
In order to figure out how much sunscreen
assistant professor of internal medicine at
fuses salt and you may start to feel out of
dump caffeine and sugar into your system
Protect sunburned skin, even while swim-
to a doctor,” warns Rodney Basler, M.D.,
climate, you sweat profusely. Sweating dif-
is worthless. It’s like trying to put more gas
The formula:
nausea, fever, or faintness, “Hustle yourself
out you feeling it. In an extremely humid
Sun block should be 30 or above. Above 50
self-help measures:
ever, should you experience fatigue, chills,
14
By morning, it cuts the sunburn pain in half.
moisture is released through your skin, with-
For example, if you start to burn after 20 minutes of exposure without sunscreen, multiply 20 times the SPF. Say it’s SPF 15. Then 15 X 20 = 300 minutes or 5 hours. This means that you are okay in the sun for 5 hours after applying SPF of 15; provided your sun block or sunscreen is not washed off and you reapply it every 2 hours. It’s imperative you reapply every 2 hours. Many
Protecting your skin goes beyond sunscreen, sunglasses are extremely important to your eyes to block the rays and help prevent cataracts later in life. They have the UVB tags on them so you know their potency. Hats with wide brims help protect your face where the first signs of aging show up. Fold up hats are available inexpensively and easy to pack. Much sunlight filtering clothing in pale reflecting colors is available now, with the SPF included on the labels. While “sun worshipping” is fun, it can become deadly. So, to maintain that fun in the sun appeal for a lifetime, take precautions, seek medical advice when in doubt, and enjoy your time in the sun!
Issue 7
Attitude
Re-defined 15
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
T
he life of a nurse is not paved in gold. There will be great
less options; I am not limited to only one way. A wrong turn may
times and there will be hard times. When things are rough,
lead me to find a new way. The opportunity to explore the unknown
these success affirmations are helpful in keeping your confi-
excites me.
dence constant and your thoughts positive. Here goes‌
Although it feels daring to get off the fast-paced highway of life and
There are many paths to success. Even if I take a wrong turn, I can
take the scenic route, detours can be worthwhile because they lead
find another route to success.
me to discover the beautiful things in life that I otherwise may have
If I steer my vessel in the wrong direction, I can find a map or turn
missed. The road less traveled is filled with the most stunning sights.
on my GPS and chart out a new course. Stopping is not an option. I
Flexibility allows me to prosper despite failure. Being flexible gives
will find my way, as long as, I keep my eyes on the prize. Success is
me the strength to keep going when I would rather stop.
a journey, not a destination. That is why I strive to make each step count. A positive attitude helps me move forward and, even when I am unsure of where I am, I am not lost. Instead, I choose to become a trailblazer. The generation coming behind me will have access to another route. Thanks to my resolve to stay the course and forge a new path.
Self-Reflection Questions: 1. What do I do when I reach a dead end? 2. How might I become less rigid and more flexible? 3. What changes can I make to ensure that I enjoy the journey just
When I come to a fork in the road, I trust my intuition to guide me. Being spontaneous in this way helps me release my inner self and experience success in a new way. Spontaneity gives me freedom. Missing a turn causes me no panic because I know that I have count-
as much as the end reward? The answers to the above questions will help in defining your alternate options. Believe in your dreams, stay positive; your friends at Fabulous Nurse wish you good luck!
Success
Affirmations!
16
Issue 7
Living
Well 17
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Anticipatory Grief for Caregivers By Judy Wright
I
n 1969, Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross published her famous book, “On Death and Dying” and later went on to launch
the Hospice movement in America. Even though her studies focused more on those who were dying than the caregivers that were left behind, her work has had enormous influence on the understanding of various stages of death and grief. She described five distinctive stages of the grief process: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Although not everyone progresses through these stages in the same order and not everyone experiences each stage, the
er has a sure knowledge that death will occur in our loved one or patient, sooner rather than later. In anticipation of eventual death, the caregiver changes their focus from the hopes of a miracle cure to ensuring comfort and quality, at life’s end.
feelings and emotions identified seem to be
Many of the caregivers I have
universal.
worked with not only mourn the anticipa-
At one time the diagnosis of cancer, AIDS
also the end of their role in life. They are
or COPD was a death sentence. Advances
afraid of who they will become when they
in medicine and treatment now sometimes
no longer bear the title of “spouse,” “child,”
place patients with these diseases in a chron-
“nurse” or “caregiver.” The overwhelming
ic rather than acute condition, leaving the
burden of caring, worrying, and dedication
caregiver with a sense of ongoing sadness,
will end with the death of a loved one or pa-
or “anticipatory grief.” Anticipation in this
tient. What will fill the void? Have they been
context refers to the anticipation of an event
strong for so long that when death does oc-
in the future. Barring a miracle, the caregiv-
cur, they will collapse?
tion of death of a loved one or patient, but
Nature demonstrates that almost everything occurs in cycles. Each individual experiences an endless flow of beginnings and endings. Much of our fear and grief stem from our uncertainty about the new beginning and if we will be able to handle it. The more we can trust that with every ending is a new be-
18
We have worked hard and with love, and we deserve to rest and regroup. Trust yourself and trust nature that you will be guided in your journey. Each one of us goes through the cycles of life in our own way. We can see
ginning, the less likely we are to resist let-
each ending as a tragedy because we will no
ting go of the old and sick. We play a part
longer have daily exposure and experiences
in choosing what the new beginning will be.
with our loved one or patient, or we can see
We do not need to rush into anything.
it as a new beginning for everyone.
Issue 7
A Look at
Laser Eye Surgery
T
he eyes are the windows to the soul.
optic nerve. Through your lens, the cornea
a flap in the cornea. The laser is then used
But, if you wear glasses or contact
focuses a picture that appears on the back of
to perform the procedure that will round the
lenses that window isn’t clear to see
the retina. The clarity of that picture depends
cornea into a certain shape for improved vi-
on the shape of the cornea.
sion. This procedure can also be further cus-
through without some help. A more perma-
nent solution is laser eye surgery.
So, the cornea is the main focus of laser eye
There are many types of eye surgery that fall
surgery. By reshaping the cornea, the picture
under the category of “laser eye surgery.”
can change and corrective lenses will most
The one that we are most familiar with these
likely no longer be needed to see. This is
days is LASIK which stands for “Laser As-
what the laser helps the surgeon to do for the
sisted in Situ Keratomileusis.” We’ll discuss
patient.
this one first. The goal of laser eye surgery is to reshape the cornea so that the eye sends a much clearer picture to the retina and then on to the
Types of Laser Surgery
tomized by the use of a computer-generated topographical image of your eye. This way, the laser can be programmed as to where to make the cut according to the image, for less variance. IntraLase – This laser eye procedure involves using the laser to create the flap instead of the surgeon doing it himself with a
LASIK – This procedure takes about five
knife. Using the laser allows the surgeon to
minutes to perform. It involves a small
customize to the needs of the individual for a
blade called a keratome being used to create
better outcome post-operatively. 19
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Conductive Keratoplasty – This is an option for older patients and those who do not qualify for the conventional LASIK procedure. Instead of a single beam of laser, radio frequencies are used to perform the procedure. A probe is used to create the desired pattern on the cornea. Laser eye surgery has come a long way and is being perfected even more each day. This procedure is usually done in a room at the doctor’s office that is dedicated to laser surgery. Patients are typically in and out in a few hours and home to recuperate from the surgery. The lasers used are technology approved by the FDA. Depending on the doctor’s office, he may have one or more different lasers for
Myopia refers to a person who can see things
a flap is cut into the cornea. This can be
these procedures.
close up but not far away. Astigmatism re-
accomplished with a keratome and the sur-
fers to the non-clarity of the image that is
geon’s hand. Or, in a more customized pro-
reflected onto the retina. The greater the
cedure, the laser makes the cuts to raise the
degree of distortion, the more pronounced
flap in the cornea.
If you are tired of dealing with glasses or contact lenses, consider laser eye surgery as an alternative.
What Vision Problems Are Corrected By Laser Eye Surgery? Laser eye surgery involves a series of cut-
guessed, hyperopia refers to people who can see things far away but lose focus when objects are close.
This flap is reflected back on the eye, exposing the stroma, or middle layer of the cornea. The position of the flap is based on the calculations done by the doctor and used to set the
ting-edge procedures designed to improve
The procedure is often straightforward when
laser. The laser then removes a portion of the
your vision. So with that said, “What vision
you are either far-sighted (hyperopia) or
stroma which causes the cornea to assume a
problems are actually corrected using laser
near-sighted (myopia). When you add in
certain shape. The flap is then put back into
surgeries?”
astigmatism it gets a little more complicated,
place. There is no need for sutures as the eye
but you are still in the running for laser eye
will heal back on itself.
When you walk into a laser eye surgeon’s office, this is probably going to be the first
surgery.
Eye drops are used to anesthetize the eye
question that you ask. Before you waste his
There is more to consider than the vision
during the procedure and also to prevent in-
time and yours, it will be good to find out if
issue. Other abnormalities with the eye, or
fections when the procedure is over. It basi-
you even have the right problem to have a
your medical history, can disqualify you for
cally takes no time at all - about five minutes
consultation.
laser eye surgery. It is important to consider
per eye. Your eyes are covered to keep them
this information as it can complicate your
protected.
Conventional laser eye surgery can improve the vision of those who have the following
20
will be the astigmatism. And, if you haven’t
procedure and increase your risk.
three issues:
How It Works
•
Myopia
This is how laser surgery works. First, the
•
Astigmatism
eye is held open with an eye speculum de-
•
Hyperopia
signed to prevent you from blinking. Then,
Laser eye surgery corrects three main types of eye vision problems. Even people with a combination of these types can qualify for the procedure. Discuss with your doctor all treatment options for your particular situation.
Issue 7
&Dating Marriage
21
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
abulous F
Wedding Proposals
M
arriage on your mind? Thinking about proposing? Here are some unique and fabulous ways to pop
the question. Read all 50 great marriage proposal ideas, or skip to the type of proposal you think fits best:
Best Public Marriage Proposal Ideas •
•
Go out for a night of dancing, and ask
the DJ or band leader to pass you the mic so that you can dedicate a song and propose on the dance floor. •
Have a friend or family member set up
a picnic -- complete with wine and cheese, or course -- for you in a park. Take your
Have a flair for the dramatic? Get in
girlfriend for a hike on a route where you’ll
touch with the stage manager of an appro-
stumble upon this surprise “Proposal Pic-
priately themed production and propose after
nic.”
the cast’s curtain call. •
Take out a full-page ad in a newspaper
you know your girlfriend reads daily. •
•
Hire a skywriter to spell your proposal
for everyone around to see. •
Flying anytime soon? Use the plane’s
Arrange a surprise proposal with a
loud-speaker system (of course, run your
street caricaturist. Have him sketch a picture
plan by the flight attendants first) and pro-
of you two with word bubbles. Yours will
pose at 35,000 feet.
read, “Will you Marry Me?”, and hers will say, “Yes!” •
Pay the divers at an aquarium to put
on a proposal show inside their biggest fish tank. Give them handwritten signs that say “Will You Marry Me?” to hold up against the glass. •
22
should be you on one knee.
•
Movie buffs? Ask your neighborhood
theater to run an ad featuring your proposal and make sure you get there in time for the previews. •
Gather a bunch of your friends and fam-
ily for a party. Have everyone in attendance put on a T-shirt bearing one of the letters in
Send your girlfriend on a treasure hunt.
the phrase “Will You Marry Me?” When you
Start with a clue at home, then send her on
walk in the room with your girlfriend, sug-
a tour of your favorite spots all over town.
gest a group picture and let the shirts speak
When she gets to the last hint, the prize
for themselves.
Issue 7
Best At-Home Marriage Proposal Ideas •
For a simple surprise, after she goes to
one in a different position. Then, let her know you borrowed her camera and ask if she will upload your photos.
bed, go to her jewelry box and replace her
•
everyday ring with the engagement ring.
Send your mate a text message leading her
She’ll be completely shocked in the morning
to a secret spot. Keep her engaged by text
when she goes to put on her regular ring.
messaging her sweet nothings along the way
•
Draw a bath and place a floating candle
or rubber ducky in the middle with a ring
Take the scavenger hunt high-tech:
(and directions of course), as you lead her to you, on bended knee.
tied around its neck. Make a path of roses
•
leading to the tub. (And make sure the drain
page declaring your love and intentions.
is well-plugged!)
Leave your sweetie a clue with the web ad-
•
Speaking of paths, turn off all the lights
in your apartment and make a trail of candles that leads to a circle of votives positioned around a ring. •
Slip the ring on her finger while she’s
We had to add this one: Create a web
dress written on it -- don’t say a word. After the proposal has been officially accepted (which, of course, it will be!), she can proudly send the page to friends and family. Best Foodie Marriage Proposal Ideas
sleeping and wake her with champagne and
•
strawberries. At first, the gesture will simply
on the dessert tray at your favorite restau-
seem romantic -- the real surprise comes
rant.
when she notices her new piece of jewelry.
•
Make the box with her ring a selection
Put together a gift basket of yummy
Tie a red velvet ribbon from one spot in
delicacies -- the best chocolate, caviar, cof-
your home to another. Attach little notes re-
fee -- and hide the ring among the presents
calling perfect moments in your relationship
(in its box, so it doesn’t get lost in the good-
along the way. You wait at the last stop, ring
ies).
•
in hand.
•
Best Tech Marriage Proposal Ideas •
Create your own podcast proposal and
sneak it onto her iPod. •
Upload a video of your proposal on
YouTube (tell her you have a hysterical home movie to show her). •
Steal her digital camera and head to her
Ask the pastry chef to write, “Will you
marry me?” in chocolate sauce around the rim of her dessert plate. •
Ask a baker to make a cake with the
proposal written in frosting. Have him display it in the storefront and suggest a little window-shopping to your girlfriend. •
Create a personalized fortune cookie
with your own proposal message.
favorite local outdoor spot. Bring a friend with you and have posters made with the words, “‘Will,’ ‘You,’ ‘Marry,’ ‘Me?’” Have your friend photograph you holding each
Most Playful Marriage Proposal Ideas •
Create your own crossword puzzle
23
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
(it’s easy with this site) and be prepared to
ocean!) and place the ring on the highest
When you open the hotel room door, have
help her work it out over breakfast.
turret. Then invite her to admire your handi-
roses, candles, and champagne all set up --
work.
everything for a perfect surprise proposal.
•
Spell your proposal out in glow-in-the-
dark star stickers on your ceiling. Get into
•
bed, turn the lights off, and wait for the in-
mer barbecue and make it a family affair.
evitable gasp. •
Spell out your proposal with refrigera-
tor magnets. •
Scratch your proposal into the frost on
her car’s windshield. •
If your girlfriend is a teacher, sneak into
her classroom before school starts and write
•
cuses you of ruining the surprise that you’re shopping for a ring, say, “Okay, try this one instead,” and show her that you’ve already shopped for a ring. •
During your annual Halloween prep,
challenge her to a pumpkin-carving contest and carve the words “Marry Me” in your pumpkin. •
Write “Will You Marry Me?” on the un-
derside of a kite and take flight one warm, breezy afternoon. •
Play Hangman and have the phrase be
“Marry Me.”
Best Summer Marriage Proposal Ideas •
If you love to hit the beach, head down
a few hours before her and write your proposal in the sand with large white rocks. •
24
Make a list of 10 reasons you’d like
write a love poem on a piece of parchment
front of a crowd, have them delivered via
paper, roll it into an antique bottle with a
singing telegram, or send them written on
cork, and bury it in a well-marked spot in the
individual note cards over the course of a
sand near your towels. Be sure you “find”
day (or 10!), with the last card arriving by
the bottle as you dig together -- and have the
personal messenger (you!).
ring at the ready.
Most Thoughtful Marriage Proposal Ideas
for the moment she arrives.
friend to look up her size. When she ac-
•
the night before a beach day you’ve planned,
in the coat closet or right outside the room
Get a ring size chart and ask your girl-
Make your own message in a bottle. On
to marry your beloved. Read them to her in
your proposal on the blackboard. Stay hiding
•
Cheesy (but Hilarious) Proposal Ideas
Gather your families together for a sum-
•
If you’re artistically inclined or just like
to make things with your own two hands, integrate something you’ve made into the
•
Want to really surprise your girlfriend?
Cut out the bottom of a huge box, wrap it with pretty paper and ribbon, and attach a card that says, “What’s inside the box is a gift to last a lifetime.” “Deliver” yourself to his or her office or front door.
proposal. For example, if you have wood-
•
working skills, present the ring in a special
Cracker Jack.
hand-carved jewelry box. •
Buy a pet that she has always wanted
(bunny, kitten, puppy) and loosely tie the ring around its neck. Or, substitute a stuffed animal -- still cute, but less maintenance!
•
Make her ring the surprise in a box of
Write your proposal in sunscreen on
your stomach, so that your tan will “stencil in” the words. •
Make her feel like a movie star and set
your proposal to the scene of her favorite ro-
Tell your girlfriend you want to make
mantic movie. You could arrange your own
a time capsule together to bury and dig up
Pretty Woman moment (the finale, of course)
years into the future. As you’re gathering the
-- rent a white limo and climb through the
items, say it wouldn’t be complete without a
moonroof with flowers in hand to proclaim
picture of the moment you two got engaged!
your love as you arrive at her place.
•
Have a Polaroid camera ready to take that shot right after you present her with the ring.
•
Another funny movie proposal? Steal
from that famous Say Anything scene -- park
Rent a Vespa scooter and invite your
yourself outside her house with a stereo blar-
girlfriend for a ride, but remind her to be safe
ing your favorite tune and propose on the
and wear a helmet. Put the ring in the helmet
front lawn
•
box and then zip around town to celebrate. •
Meet for a drink at a posh hotel bar.
Go to the beach and casually build
When it’s time to go, casually mention that
a sandcastle (at a safe distance from the
you’ve already reserved a room for the night.
Provided by The Knot. Read more: http://www.theknot.com/.
Fabulous oodie F Issue 7
25
5 Strategies for
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Dealing with
Picky Eaters R
emember the Life cereal commercials where Mikey ate everything? Some parents should be so lucky with their kids. Kids have their own rhyme and reason to
eating. While some will eat everything you put in front of them one week, they will fight you at each meal the next. The first thing to remember is not to over react. Kids will be kids as they say.
Your children are not testing you. Their food preferences change with moods and their age. Resist the urge to shove food in their mouth when they refuse. They may not be hungry at that particular moment. Use these five strategies to deal with mealtime issues.
1.
Introduce new foods slowly. Maybe they got used to eating macaroni and cheese for lunch. If you want them to eat a
jam sandwich this week, they may not want to break their routine. Instead, give them some macaroni and cheese and a quarter of a jam sandwich. They can see if they like it and still have something on their plate that they will eat if they don’t.
2.
Save drinks for last. It is a common practice to serve a drink with the meal. Smaller kids love to drink. Filling their stom-
ach with liquid will diminish their appetite. Later, when the drink fullness wears off, it is bedtime and they are whining for food. Let them eat when they are hungry and serve them something to drink after they have eaten at least half of their meal.
3.
Ask your child what they want to eat. If they choose to have breakfast at lunch or dinnertime, let them. The important thing
is that they are eating. Your choice of food selection will provide them with the nutrients that they need even if they eat only a little.
26
4.
Let kids help with meals. When they can see what you are fixing and participate, it can stimulate their appetite. It is not
recommended to snack while cooking but for your kids, a few celery or carrot sticks won’t hurt. Be aware though, that too much snacking will spoil their appetite.
5.
Have children sit at the table with you. With finger foods, kids are prone to walk around with their food if you let them. Also,
sitting in front of the television to eat distracts a child and can mess with his or her appetite. They would rather see the show than eat their food.
Fabulous Issue 7
Recipes Serving Up Mojitos Submitted by Esperanza This refreshing summer drink is an original Cuban recipe for mojito submitted to us by a Fabulous Foodie!
Yields:
Smoked Salmon Canapés Instructions:
Yields: 4 servings
18-24 canapés
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream
Prep time: 10 min
Prep time:
cheese, whipping cream, pepper, dill, chives,
Ingredients:
10 min
On a large serving platter place neatly torn
10 fresh mint leaves ½ lime, cut into 4 wedges 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste
Ingredients:
1 cup ice cubes
8-12 ounces thinly sliced smoked salmon in
1½ fluid ounces white rum
1-inch wide strips
½ cup club soda, preferred or tonic water
Preparation:
Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler to crush the mint and lime to release the mint oils and lime juice. Add 2 more lime wedges and the sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice. Pour the rum over the ice, and fill the glass with carbonated water. Stir, taste, and add more sugar if desired. Garnish with the remaining lime wedge.
shallot, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
½ cup cream cheese at room temperature ¼ cup heavy whipping cream ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives 1 tablespoon chopped fresh shallot 1 teaspoon lemon zest
pieces (approximately 2 inches x 2 inches) of lettuce leaves. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over one side of the salmon strips. Roll the strips in to tight pinwheels. Place each pinwheel between each torn lettuce leaves for garnish. Alternately, you may also place each pinwheel on top of the torn lettuce pieces. Top each salmon roll with additional cream cheese mixture and approximately ½ teaspoon salmon roe. Chill for at least one hour before serving. NOTE: The dill may be substituted with 2
This recipe can be modified to a full pitcher.
1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
NOTE: Substituting tonic water for club soda may make the taste slightly bitter, adjust for preference.
Fresh dill weed for garnish
casion.
Makes 1 glass (U.S).
Leaf lettuce leaves
Makes 18-24 canapés.
ounces salmon roe caviar, for a special oc-
27
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Yields:
Caprese Salad
4 servings
Prep time: 10 min
Ingredients: ½ pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ¼-inch thick 2 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
A
Good Fats vs
bout a decade ago, the low-fat diet was just the thing. Everyone talked about the evils of fat and the benefits of avoiding it. Then some studies came out about how some kinds of fat can be healthy and even essential (“essential fatty acids”), so people began to re-think the low-fat diet scheme. In order to decide how much fat to consume and what kind, it’s important to take a look at the different types of fats, the foods that contain them, and how they compare to each other.
1 cup fresh basil leaves Coarse salt to taste Freshly-ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons drained capers (optional) ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions: As shown in picture, place ingredients in a circular design around the side of a serving plate. Alternate fresh mozzarella slices on a large platter with sliced tomatoes, overlapping for effect. Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle liberally over the slices. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Sprinkle capers over the top, (optional). Immediately before serving, lightly dribble extra-virgin olive oil over the contents of the plate. This recipe can be modified to make individual plates for each guest. NOTE: Caprese should never be allowed to sit in oil for any length of time; it will become soggy. Do not add vinegar! Makes 4 servings. 28
Good Fats Unsaturated fats are a broad category of good fats that can be further divided into multiple categories. 1. Polyunsaturated fats Polyunsaturated fats are one type of unsaturated fat. They are considered less stable than monounsaturated fats due to their molecular structure. Polyunsaturated fats can be found in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils (safflower, corn, etc.), and cold water fish. Polyunsaturated fats are an important source of essential fatty acids, or EFAs, which the body cannot manufacture and must obtain through diet. Polyunsaturated fats have a reputation for reducing cholesterol. Omega-3 fats are a type of polyunsaturated fat that are said to reduce inflammation, which is why they are implicated in arthritis relief. They are also said to prevent heart disease and other chronic disorders. Because Omega-3s are concentrated in the brain, they are considered essential to cognitive function.
Clinical trials suggest Omega-3s are beneficial in managing ADHD, PMS, skin disorders such as eczema, and depression. Salmon, sardines, tuna, and clams are good sources of Omega-3 fats. Spinach, flax oil, and walnut oil are also rich in Omega-3s. Omega-6 fats are also a type of polyunsaturated fat, with many of the same benefits as Omega-3s. Sources suggest that these fats need to be consumed in balance, with more Omega-3s and fewer Omega-6s (a 2:1 ratio of Omega-3s to Omega-6s is said to be ideal). Evening primrose, flax, and olive oil are rich in Omega-6s, as are sunflower, pumpkin, and hemp seeds. 2. Monounsaturated fats Monounsaturated fats are also an important source of essential fatty acids. These are the fats that are implicated in lowering LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and even raising the good cholesterol, or HDL. Almonds, avocados, walnuts, olive oil and canola oils are sources of monounsaturated fats.
Bad Fats Bad Fats
Now for the bad fats. Saturated fats are a general category of bad fats, which can also be divided further. Saturated fats are solid at room temperature. Butter, lard, coconut oil, and palm kernel are examples of bad fats. Saturated fats are said to raise cholesterol and contribute to heart disease. There are other health risks that may be posed by trans fats. Trans fats are a type of fat that is considered especially damaging to the body. Trans fats are liquid (unsaturated) fats that have been hydrogenated, and thus made solid, like a saturated fat. This is accomplished by the
Issue 7
artificial addition of hydrogen atoms to the spaces in the molecular chain of unsaturated fats. Because hydrogenation leaves “free” hydrogen molecules sort of dangling off of the fat chain, they act as a “free radical” in the body, attracting oxygen molecules. You may have heard this described as “oxidation.” Oxidation is what makes oil rancid, and many theorize that it has a similar degenerative effect in the body. Hopefully, this has helped you get an understanding of the different types of fats, so that you can make a more informed choice about the fat which forms part of your diet.
29
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Fabulous
&Fit
30
Yoga vs. Pilates
Who wins the battle for your core? By Zee Nickerson
Issue 7
ing disease and building up his weak body.
During this period of self-improvement, he studied yoga, animal movements, and acrobatics among other forms of fitness. He also blended-in philosophies from east and west. “Pilates used to say his ideas were fifty years ahead of his time. Pilates extolled in the early 1920s -- to live a happy life, you need to take care of our body and mind through exercise and healthy living“, writes Erika Dillman in her tome The Little Pilates Book. Pilates focuses on mindfulness during practice, but the exercises are an end in themselves. Doing the exercises with control, precision, and flowing grace is the ultimate goal. Pilates is not concerned with the spiritual. However, you’ll probably feel your mood lift as you become fitter and stronger. Pilates moves the limbs through the full range of motion and lengthen muscles for an integrated strength that relates to graceful movement. You isolate different body parts during an exercise while stabilizing the body with your core muscles. First and foremost pilates is about strengthening and stabilizing the core or “base of power” from which all strength and movement come from. Physical therapist Joann Ritichie says, “I tried
B
both Yoga and Pilates. I definitely feel pilates builds my core and makes me walk
oth yoga and pilates are popular
tation. Like yoga, pilates is concerned with
forms of exercise. Many people have
connecting body and mind; improving tone,
taller and stronger.”
tried both. Given the nurses often
flexibility and muscle strength, developing
hectic lifestyle which program would benefit
good posture, and improving breathing.
them the most? What are the pros and cons
The main purpose of pilates is to restore
Origin and philosophy of Pilates
smooth functioning to the body. Pilates can
“Physical fitness is the first requisite to hap-
help accomplish many of these benefits:
of each exercises program? Understanding the similarities and differences between
Benefits of Pilates
piness.” --Joseph H. Pilates
•
Stronger abdominal muscles
you select the right one for yourself.
Few people have been as gung ho about ex-
•
Improved posture
Numerous people turn to yoga for its physi-
Pilates (1880-1967), a German fitness trainer
•
Reduced risk of lower back pain and
cal benefits. Others applaud the spiritual ele-
who, in the early 1900s, created “Control-
ments to the practice. Although primarily a
ogy” the exercise program we now know as
form of exercise in today’s western societies,
Pilates.
yoga and pilates can clarify some issues as
in its oldest and purest form, the goal of yoga exercises are to prepare the body for medi-
ercise or fervent in his beliefs as Joseph H.
After a childhood plagued by illness, Pilates determined to devote himself to overcom-
other injuries •
Increased total body strength without developing bulky muscles
•
Increased
flexibility
and
joint
mobility 31
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
•
Improved endurance
The word yoga ordinates from the Sanskrit
•
Improved concentration, coordination,
yuj. Yuj may be translated as “to center
and balance
or “to meditate deeply”. “Contrary to what
•
Increased mind-body awareness
•
Greater confidence
or a meditation technique. It is actually a
•
Increased energy
state of mind. Yoga is a tremendous tool for
•
Aid injury recovery
Since Pilates is mostly mat work it is believed to be easier on the joints. It is also considered well suited to coordinate with aerobic exercise such as swimming, biking and running. Jason Johnson said, “I like that pilates builds strength because it helps with
many believe, yoga is not a set of exercises
transformation,” claims Christina Brown in The Book of Yoga. Most nurses practice Hatha yoga which consists of eight limbs of practices or sun salutations. They are not steps to be worked one by one, but branches that can be explored many at a time. These are:
my mountain climbing more than yoga.”
1. The Yamas: consideration for all living
The goal of Pilates is to develop abdominal
things, right communication, non-covetous-
strength, endurance, and control to maintain
ness, moderation in our actions, non-greed-
excellent posture and for the body to perform
iness
all of its activities well. There are machines
2. The Niyamas: purity, contentment,
specifically designed to enhance your pilates
burning enthusiasm, self-study, celebration
experience.
of the spiritual
According to Pilates, core strength is essen-
3.
Asanas: postures
4.
Prannayame: control of breath
temperatures, checking blood pressure or
5.
Pratyahara: withdrawal of the senses
answering patient call buttons.
6.
Dharana: concentration
Origins and Philosophy of Yoga
7.
Dhyana: meditation
Through yoga, the body attains attractive-
8.
Samadhi: Bliss State
tial for every movement you make, no matter if it’s filling out nursing reports, taking
ness to others, beauty, firmness and unusual physical strength. -- Yoga-Sutra 111:46 Yoga originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. Its purpose is to help each of us achieve our highest potential and enduring happiness and health.
32
one’s thoughts”, “to concentrate oneself”
CNA Susan Cochran told us, “I prefer Yoga because I need the peace and inner calm that helps me deal with working with oncology patients. It lets me know everything will be okay.”
Issue 7
Benefits of Yoga
well as eye exercises. Yoga has a broader,
Yoga claims the same benefits as pilates but
whole body view.
adds self-knowledge and self-actualization.
Cons of Yoga & Pilates
•
Increased flexibility
Neither exercise programs are designed to
•
Greater strength
increases bulk muscle if that is what you
•
Improved posture
•
Deeper breathing
•
Less stress, more calm
sometimes 3 on, 2 off, 3 on, 6 days off, etc.
•
Better concentration, mood and vitality
it’s hard to have a regular routine. Also, some
•
Health benefits -- slower heart rate,
want. The biggest problem with both, nurses’ report, is time. Working 12 hours schedules
lower blood pressure, relieves symptoms
of
arthritis,
arteriosclerosis,
chronic fatigue, diabetes, and asthma •
Pain management
•
Less back pain
•
Weight reduction
•
Creates mental clarity, relaxes the mind, quiet’s the constant “mind chatter” that often underlies stress
•
people don’t want the spiritual side of yoga, so they just do the exercises for its benefits to the mind and body. Others say after a while the routines can get boring. Some of us here at Fabulous Nurse are yogis. It was tough starting an exercise routine, at first but once we got the hang of it, it has reaped many rewards. As one of my co-workers states, “For one, I don’t need to go through several exercise routines to calm my mind. I have been a yogi long enough that when I am experiencing a tough day at work, I mentally
Spiritual empowerment --you can begin
walk my body through a couple of exercises
knowing yourself at peace. Discovering
and the physiological changes are the same
one’s self and enjoying one’s self as is,
as when I actual do the physical exercises.
begins a journey of being rather valuing
I feel calmer and more focused, centered. It
one’s self only for doing
is amazing!”
Jeffrey Blaine stated, “I’m kind of hyper
While it may be cheaper just to do it at home
and yoga calms me down and allows me to
using DVDs, you lose the group camarade-
explore places in my head I’d never go oth-
rie that a fitness center offers. Many have
erwise. I mean I have to focus on breathing
tried both and it’s up to each individual to
and that alone is calming.” The main goal
decide which they benefit from most. With
of Yoga is to promote good health, long life
either exercise program nurses win. You win
and inner peace. Many researcher believe it
a healthier life mentally and physically. As
slows the aging process by keeping the body
you well know, it is always advisable to seek
clean, flexible and well lubricated. Yoga can
the advice of a health practitioner before
also include therapy in music and sound as
starting any exercise program.
33
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Walk inMy Clogs 34
Issue 7
The History of
Men in Nursing By Karen Kalis
t
he Fabulous Male Nurse aka the fabulous nurse who just happens to be male. Seeing a male nurse working in a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office may seem like a new trend in the healthcare field, but it is far from that. Men have a long history of being involved in nursing. Though there can be bias about men nursing today, that is rapidly changing as more and more men see nursing as a challenging and rewarding field of many opportunities.
ing to Allnursing.com, the first male nurses
years before the Pilgrims ever arrived. Male
were graduates of a school in India in 250
nurses took the lead in assisting those who
B.C. At that school, only men could become
were wounded in wars, as well. In the Civil
nurses because they had to be “pure” enough
War, military men worked as nurses on the
to do so. In Ancient Rome, men, called
front lines, assisting those who were injured
“nosocomial” offered nursing care, and in
and helping to stabilize them until they could
the Middle Ages, St. John of God and St.
be moved to the hospitals. Women were not
Camillius were noted nurses. St. John served
permitted to work on the front lines and were
those who were ill from 1495-1550. St. Ca-
relegated to work in the hospitals once the
millius, who lived from 1510-1614, not only
patients had been transported. In spite of
developed the first field ambulance, but was
men’s role in nursing through the ages, as
Historical Background
the first to use the red cross as a symbol of
late as 1982, men were prohibited to enter
healthcare.
state supported nursing schools. Unbeliev-
Most people don’t realize that men have long taken part in nursing – some of them much longer than we would imagine – in actuality, since the start of recorded history. Accord-
The very first nurse in the United States was a man named Friar Juan de Mena who was shipwrecked off the Texas coast seventy
able, isn’t it? As a result of that, the American Assembly for Men in Nursing was founded to encourage and educate men in participating in all forms of nursing service. 35
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Today’s Male Nurse Certainly, the number of men working in nursing is still small in comparison to how many women are employed as nurses. According to an article published by the Chicago Tribune, men currently make up about 6.6% of all American nurses. However, with a nursing shortage on the horizon, stable work, and good pay, more and more men are looking into nursing as a viable career option. Men are also exploring options outside of traditional nursing service. These options are varied. Many men are pursuing careers in critical care or in the military, working locally with veterans, or even abroad on those recently injured. Some may decide to work in research focusing on solving complex healthcare issues, and others may decide to complete an advanced degree, such as a joint MSN/MBA degree, that gives the practical side of nursing, as well as, the business orientation needed to improve patient care. One of the biggest hurdles to men becoming nurses is the notion of immersing themselves in a highly female educational system. As many male nurses can attest, that trend is beginning to change. Nursing schools are working hard to create an environment that encourages all people to participate and to work toward achieving their degree – and that includes men.
A Bright Future The trend of men as nurses is projected to continue. With the American Hospital Association reporting that nearly 75% of the job vacancies listed are for nurses, men are finding that nursing is an excellent choice for them and their families. With flexible work hours, and a variety of options, whether traditional nursing or non-traditional positions that incorporate business and medicine, nursing can be a great fit for men. These positions give men a wonderful opportunity to excel in leadership and healthcare administration, as well. While there has certainly been bias toward men in nursing, the good news is that things are changing. Men who are interested in nursing may enjoy expanded opportunities because there is a shortage of male nurses. 36
Despite having to endure a female-dominated education, according to the NIH, men may earn more overall and have more leadership opportunities throughout their career. Though nursing is still considered by some to be a “woman’s” job, more and more men are finding opportunities for themselves in nursing. Though it is not widely known now, men
have had a long and successful career in nursing for thousands of years. With the nursing shortage, men who consider nursing as a career will open themselves up to opportunities that include additional pay, stability, leadership options and satisfying work. For more information, contact: American Assembly for Men in Nursing. Web: www.aamn.org. Phone: 205.956.0146
Issue 7
Life style
37
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Managing
Public Tantrums
they’re feeling out of sorts. They might be hungry, tired, overstimulated or bored. If you can avoid it, don’t take your child shopping when they’re tired or hungry. If they’re overstimulated, find a way to engage them in one focused activity - singing for example. Give your child choices. One way to avoid public temper tantrums is to involve your child in the decision-making process. Give them decisions to make. For example, what color Jello do you want to make tomorrow? What kind of soup should we buy? Do you want hamburgers or chicken fingers for dinner tonight? Giving them decisions helps them feel like they’re part of the process. They’ll be less inclined to have a breakdown. Plan ahead. Before you get to the store, explain your expectations clearly. Let them
T
here comes a time in every parent’s
Speak in a calm, quiet voice. Raising your
life when their beloved child turns
voice accomplishes two unproductive things.
into a monster. Unfortunately, it
It draws more attention from people around
generally happens in public and at the worst
you. Additionally, it may trigger your child
possible moment. Oh, those public temper
to dig in even deeper into their temper tan-
tantrums. Embarrassing, frustrating, and so
trum. Your reaction is exactly what they’re
painful to watch, these outbursts don’t have
trying to get. Speaking in a calm, quiet voice
to ruin your day. Here’s are a few tips on
forces them to calm down to listen to you. It
how to manage you kids next public temper
helps get the message through to them and
tantrum and still stay sane enough to take
your words stay private between you and
care of patients.
your toddler.
Don’t overreact. Public temper tantrums
Don’t give in. It’s tempting to buy your
pull the spotlight on you and your parenting
child the item they’re having a fit over just
skills. At least that’s how it seems. However,
to quiet them down. However, taking this ac-
reacting to the spotlight and the pressure
tion will only reinforce the behavior and turn
to get your child under control can make
every public outing into a debacle.
things worse. Focus on helping your child
Avoid the tantrums in the first place. Chil-
and ignore the other shoppers or restaurant customers. 38
dren are prone to temper tantrums when
know that you’re not buying any extras today and to not ask. However, they can choose their breakfast cereal if they behave. Just say “NO.” Children like to test your limits. They’ll ask for something from the store even if you’ve told them in advance that you’re not going to buy anything today. Stick to your guns and tell them, “No.” Remind them of your expectations and the choice or reward they get if they behave. Public temper tantrums are embarrassing and pure torture when they’re happening. If you cannot get your child to calm down in the store, don’t hesitate to leave your cart behind, pick up the child and remove them from the environment. It sends a strong and powerful signal to your child that you’re not affected by their behavior and it’s not going to be tolerated.
Issue 7
Self Defense Tips 5 Ways to Avoid Being a Victim
O
ften, to and from work, nurses
characters when you are getting out of your
facing you, go for the eye gouge or the groin
have to walk across barely lit
car and walking back to your car. Robbers
kick if you are that close.
parking lots to get to their car or
are looking for people who are occupied
work. Safety is of utmost importance. When people think of self-defense, they imagine karate movies and swift kicks to the groin. In reality, self-defense is not as much about fighting back as it is about getting away and avoiding a confrontation. Here are a few things that you can do in an effort to not become an easy target for those who would seek to hurt you. Have you ever seen a person that just made your “spidey sense” tingle? Because of all you have learned in your life, you can sense when something is wrong. Don’t ignore that. It will save your life.
1.
with other things.
2.
Yell Your Head Off. If anyone is
4.
Be the “Bigger” Person in an Argument. Many attacks occur as the result
of an argument. Maybe someone cut in front
around (and they will come if they are
of you or said something that you didn’t like.
not) they will hear you. It scares criminals
Not knowing how the other person will re-
who don’t want to draw unnecessary atten-
act let the situation end there. If someone is
tion to themselves. Yell for help or just start
arguing with you agree with them and walk
rambling. Throw self-consciousness to the
away. Diffusing the situation can stop a con-
wind when your life is being threatened.
frontation.
3.
5.
ing a few basic self-defense techniques can
jacked or kidnapped, they usually don’t sur-
give you time to get away. You are not trying
vive. Do whatever you can to get away and
Learn a Few Basic Self Defense Techniques. Sometimes you can be caught
off guard by an attacker. In that case, know-
Never Leave the Primary Location. Statistics show that when a victim
leaves the location where they were car-
to “take him down” but free yourself from
not be carried away by the attacker.
Survey Your Surroundings. When you
his grasp. The technique that you use will
go shopping or even out to dinner, look
be based on the position you are in. For in-
Criminals don’t like victims who fight back.
is near oth-
stance, if the attacker grabs you from behind,
ers in a well-lit area. Watch for suspicious
step back into his foot with your heel. If he is
around for a place to park that
They also don’t approach people who are aware of their surroundings. Keep your wits about you and refuse to be a victim. 39
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Play
B
oggle is a wonderful and classic game that is played by more than just word geeks. This game help build your vocabulary as you build words on a 4x4 grid of blocks. Each block has a
different letter on each side. Things you will need:
Step Four Write down all the words you see. You can only use blocks that are directly touching. There are several ways to find words; diagonal, forwards, backwards, sideways or shaped like a snake. But all the blocks have to touch. Write as many words as you see, until the
1. The boggle game.
timer goes off!
2. A 3-minute timer.
Step Five
3. Paper and pencils. There are five steps to your game of Boggle that are really simple to follow.
Step One Each player receives a pencil and a piece of paper.
Step Two Place all 16 blocks on the grid and put on the cover. Shake the game
When the timer goes off, all every player stops writing. It is time to score the game and choose a winner. Each player reads their list of words. If someone else has that word on their list, nobody get points for the word, it is best to cross it off the list. 3-letter words are worth 1 point, 4-letter words are worth 2 points and 5 and more letter words are worth three points each. Names, slang and foreign words are not ok. The person with the most points wins. It is that simple to play boggle. Have fun!
so that the blocks get all mixed up. Set it down when all the blocks lie flat in the board.
Step Three Remove the cover and start the timer. 40
NOTE: Solitaire boggle works the same way except you are the solitary player.
U
nfortunately, dogs can develop worms quite early in life. Here are some ways to prevent them in your
dog.
1.
One of the major causes of tapeworms is attributed to fleas and lice. Brush your dog regularly with a flea comb and keep a watchful eye for any odd behavior exhibited by your dog. Dogs that ingest fleas, for example, can develop tapeworms. Thus, it is
necessary to determine whether or not your home or yard is infested with these parasites, which will require using a variety of methods to rid them from your premises.
2.
Feces are another contributing factor in developing worms. Ensure that all feces are picked up either in the back yard or, in the case of puppies, immediately after they eliminate in your home.
5.
Issue 7
If you acquire a new puppy, make an appointment with the vet as soon as possible so that vaccinations to prevent worms can be administered.
6.
When taking your dog for walks, try to avoid wooded areas where fleas and ticks reside. When bathing your dog, examine the undercoat thoroughly to ascertain if there are any bumps, lumps or scars that are indicative of parasite infestation.
Prevent Worms in Your Dog 7.
Certain breeds of dogs are likely to eat dead animals. This can cause the worms to infiltrate your dog’s intestines.
8.
Tapeworms can be easily spotted in the dog’s stool. They are white in color and look like rice and can sometimes be detected in the area of your dog’s rectum. Take your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.
9.
If you detect that something is wrong with your dog, vets advise you to bring a sample of their stool so they can determine if the dog has been exposed to worms.
3.
Do not give your dog raw meat. When preparing his meals, ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
4.
Most worms are transmitted through the digestion of feces. Dogs like to smell other dogs’ feces. When talking your dog for a walk, pull him aside if you find that he is sniffing or attempting to digest the feces. So too, removing your dog’s feces, either in the home or backyard, is essential in preventing worms.
10
. Your vet may also recommend heartworm prevention in the form of monthly treatments. What type of worms can inflict dogs? There are many: heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms, and whipworms. If you notice that your dog is showing signs of vomiting, diarrhea, or has lost his appetite, this could be the result of some form of worm condition. Worms can cause serious conditions in dogs. While parasites such as fleas, ticks, and other internal parasites can wreak a heavy toll on your pet, ensuring his safety requires constant observation and treatment. 41
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
42
Travel
Barefoot Ted told me to do it!
Issue 7
By Dylan Romero
“W
hy does my foot hurt?” That’s asked
the by
question Christoper
McDougall’s book, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Super Athletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen. But my foot doesn’t hurt: my knee does. Five months prior to walking a 500-mile pilgrimage through Spain, I had micro-fracture surgery on my right knee. My surgeon cleared me to walk, but warned me to wear good hiking boots with ¾ insoles to protect my freshly repaired appendage. Then I read, Born to Run. McDougall’s sim-
Best of all, Born to Run, provided the sci-
I emailed Barefoot Ted first, mentioning I
ple question of, “Why does my foot hurt?”
ence to explain how this was possible, and it
had just brought some swanky Solomon run-
leads him into Mexico’s Copper Canyon,
all boiled down to one thing: the human foot
ning shoes from REI (where I had practically
where a tribe of natives called the Tarahu-
is not broken.
been living over the summer as I gathered supplies for my long trek. Urrgh.
mara manages to run distances that make marathons look like a trip to your mailbox.
The book essentially pitted millions of years
Not only that, but they often do it after an
of evolution against a few decades of Nike
“Should I take them back?” I asked Barefoot
all-night drinking binge.
research and marketing, and declared evolu-
Ted.
tion the winner. “Take the shoes back!!!” he replied. Three
As far as I was concerned, the Tarahmara were the perfect role models for a twenty-
My mind was officially blown. I had to learn
exclamation points. You can’t get much
something male like myself.
more. There was no way I was going to walk
more adamant than three exclamation points.
across a country without the best footwear
“I would go with huarache sandals if I were
option available.
you. Or with FiveFingers... or barefoot... I
But more pertinent to my predicament was
know one Chilean doctor who did it bare-
that they did it next to barefoot, and they never got hurt. The arches of their feet didn’t
Unable to find the contact info for the book’s
implode, their shins didn’t splint, and their
author, Christopher MacDougall, I turned
knees… well, I’m pretty sure the average
my search to two of the prominent, and al-
But I’m not Chilean. Or a doctor. Or crazy.
Tarahumaran has no idea what micro-frac-
most mythical, figures from, Born to Run,
Caballo Blanco gave me much simpler ad-
ture surgery entails.
Caballo Blanco and Barefoot Ted.
vice, “Put one foot in front of the other and
foot!”
43
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
have fun - ☺.” The smiley face didn’t make the message any less cryptic, but maybe I was worrying too much. Maybe just going for it in a pair of sandals or FiveFingers would be fine. If a doctor walked the Camino sans sneakers, then doing so is practically doctor prescribed, right? One out of one doctors surveyed agrees! But I’ve never been much of a wraparound sandals kind of guy; too many years of seeing Birkenstocks paired with socks on the mean streets of Seattle and Eugene has permanently turned me off to the idea. So I went with the only remaining option given to me by Barefoot Ted, and one week later I was the proud owner of a pair of FiveFingers. The science of going barefoot may be compelling, but I wondered if it was sound to take that science and applying it to 500 miles of walking – post-knee surgery – after only a few weeks of training in my new barelythere shoes. At first, the FiveFingers were difficult just to put on. It felt strange having my toes separated into individual sheaths of “thin, abrasionresistant stretch polyamide fabric.” But one week later I was running comfortably for the first time since my surgery – and not just running, having fun running. I could feel every change of running surface
vinced; I would bring only the FiveFingers
kind of mileage doesn’t come without some
– dirt to grass to pavement – and my move-
and a pair of flip-flops. Three persuasive ex-
pain, no matter what’s on your feet.
ments adjusted accordingly. I could feel
clamation points backed up my decision.
what I was running on, without the pain of being entirely barefoot. I was lighter on my feet, something Born To
But after each and every mile I walked, one Did the shoes work? In short, yes. The
important question never once crossed my
long answer is a bit more complicated
mind,
(and painful).
Run had suggested would come naturally,
44
“Why does my knee hurt?”
and my knee could tell the difference. Two
During my trek, did I ever have to ask my-
weeks before the pilgrimage I was con-
self why my foot hurts? Most definitely. That
Issue 7
The
Nurse’s tation S
45
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
I
t seems so harmless; the little chitchat at the nurses’ satation, about so and so. The
Gossip hurts.
here’s the thing that most people don’t realize—as a listener, you are a co-narrator to
debate over someone’s relationship with
Gossip can have many adverse side effects
the gossip. In other words, the act of active
someone else. The speculation about so and
on an organization. It can increase conflict
listening actually supports and promotes
so. Is it chitchat or is it gossip? How can you
and decrease morale. It results in strained
gossiping. The more you listen, the more you
tell the difference? And who cares? There is
relationships. Gossip breaks down the trust
encourage it. If you don’t listen, the gossip
a very big difference, and it is an important
level within the group, which results in em-
has nowhere to go. Think about the last time
one, because gossip run amok can be danger-
ployees second-guessing each other and ul-
you told a story to someone who was clearly
ous and destructive in the workplace.
timately running to the supervisor to clarify
not interested. The story probably withered
Gossip or idle chit chat?
the directions or instructions, or to settle
on the vine.
So how does one tell the difference between idle chatter or gossip? While idle chit-chat and other light conversation can be value neutral, gossip is often negative, inflammatory and embarrassing to the person being spoken of. Here is a test: Consider the impact of what is being said. Does it cast negative aspersions? Does it create rifts? Does it exult in the misfortune of others? Does it
the differences that will arise. Gossip is the death of teamwork as the group breaks up
Here’s how to get out of the
into cliques and employees start refusing to
gossip pipeline:
work with others. Gossip results in the supervisor spending an enormous amount of time trying to figure out
1.
Be busy. Gossipmongers want attention. If you’re preoccupied with your
work, you can’t be available to listen to their
who said what to whom. Or, worse yet, the
latest story.
supervisor struggles to explain to the man-
2.
ager that the on-going conflicts and communication problems within the workgroup are
Don’t participate. Walk away from the story. Don’t give visual clues that you
Workplace Gossip
Not So Idle Chatter By Mary Abbajay
have a negative emotional charge? Does it serve to perpetuate conflict or negativity? Is
it hurtful or damaging? Is it something you would say in front of that person? Technically, any sharing of trivial or unsubstantiated information can be considered gossip. But you have to consider the sentiment. For example, if it were rumored that a co-worker is being promoted, and you discuss it with a co-worker, is that gossip? If the discussion is hurtful or damaging or negative, then yes, it is gossip. But if it’s value neutral then it’s not. If the story is told with negativity and without good will, then it is gossip. 46
the reason work doesn’t get done only to hear the manager comment, “Why can’t you manage your team better?” Productivity is lost, as are good employees who do not want to work in that toxic environment.
Breaking the gossip cycle. Let’s say you are not a gossiper. You simply listen to your coworkers so as not be rude. You’ve been taught to be a team player right? But
Issue 7
are interested in listening. If someone passes a juicy story on to you, don’t pass it any further. Take personal responsibility to act with
7.
Be direct. If you confront the gossiper
with gossip in the company handbook.
and confidently tell him or her that
Convey to your employees that such talk
such behavior is making it uncomfortable for
is injurious to morale and productiv-
integrity.
you and other coworkers, it’s likely to stop.
ity and will not be tolerated. Ask them not
3.
8.
to participate and not to tolerate it from
Turn it around by saying something positive. It isn’t nearly as much fun
to spread negative news if it’s spoiled by a
Don’t be afraid to go to a superior. Gossiping wastes a lot of company
time and hurts morale. A company interested
complimentary phrase about the person be-
in a healthy work environment will value the
ing attacked
opportunity to correct this type of situation.
4.
What the employer can do.
Avoid the gossiper. If you notice one
Gossip is as old as mankind. It is unrealistic
little interaction with that person as possible.
to think we could free the workplace of gos-
Avoid him/her.
sip. It’s also conducted through the free will
5.
of employees, and regulating that is very dif-
workers. Remember, if they are gossiping
ficult without creating a big brother climate. That being said, there are some things that
about others, they will gossip about you, too.
employers can do to minimize negative gos-
Don’t give them ammunition.
siping and rumormonger:
6.
• Communicate regularly and consistently
Choose your friends wisely at work. You spend a good deal of time at work
so it’s natural for friendships to develop. Share information sparingly until you are sure that you have built up a level of trust. Also, close association with gossipers will give the perception that you are a gossiper.
you complaining of gossip, or if you know the offender that you are aware of his behav-
ble, take the necessary actions to have as
trust personal information with co-
• Nip it in the bud. If an employee comes to an employee to be a gossip, be proactive. Tell
person who consistently makes trou-
Keep your private life private. Don’t
others.
with employees about what’s going on in the workplace. Regular communication minimizes the influence and need for gossip, because everyone is “in-the-know.” If employees don’t have good information from the supervisor about what is going on, they will make it up in the form of speculation and gossip. Consistent and authentic communication will work wonders in stopping the gossip.
ior. Describe how his behavior results in others not trusting them. For some, this single statement will be a realization that will result in immediate change. Furthermore, incorporate the impact the gossiping employee’s behavior has had on the workplace in his/her performance evaluations. This should be incentive to stop the behavior. • Incorporate employee driven group discussions and expectations about gossiping. This gives permission to coworkers to hold each other mutually accountable for having a “gossip-free” workplace. • As a supervisor or manager—do not engage in gossip yourself. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
What if the gossip is about you! If you are the target of gossip you have two choices. You can confront the source or make a public statement. Thankfully, gossip has
Discourage
a very short life span. Sometimes, the best
gossip in of-
thing to do is let it run its (hopefully) short
ficial
com-
course. Creating a stink sometimes causes
pany
policy.
•
Include a section that deals
more drama than just letting it go. Mary Abbajay is a partner in the Careerstone Group, a professional consulting company that specializes in leveraging generational diversity to support organizational success. She can be reached at mary@careerstonegroup.com. 47
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Nursing Tools
of Trade
W
e asked: What are your nurs-
ing tools of the trade? What equipment/tools do you carry
with you always to get your job done? Our Facebook friends answered: Trinai ChargeNurse Thomas: A good ink
Sheryl Trenfield: A good pen, a watch, and
Wendy Bywaters: Yes, a good pen, note
pen and alcohol wipes are always in my
paper.
pad, and watch.
Tara Brubaker Parmer: I like to always be
Shelley Wilbur Jones: Fortunately where I
Barbara Weatherly: Money for the coke
prepared. I carry a little bag with me that has
work, each pt care area has most of the essen-
machine and PK blue chewing gum‌for
scissors, markers, pencils, pill cutter, post it
tials needed. I do carry a black pen and usu-
those missed meal breaks.
notes, alcohol wipes, etc...
ally have alcohol preps in my pocket, even
Richard Buaben: I only need my blue and
Karen Southard: Scissors, tube-x, tape, al-
red ball pens, breast watch, and my pager. Lol.
cohol, gum and that’s just in my one pocket!
pocket.
though alcohol preps are readily available. Mary B. Snyder: I am working in a dialysis unit, so a majority of the direct care is given in full PPE, but in my pockets I always have a pen and alcohol preps.
48
Taming The
Issue 7
Autocratic Nurse! S
hakespeare had it right so many centuries ago. There are shrews amongst us. Some are mean-spirited, cranky, and spiteful. Some are manipulative and filled to the brim with their own inflated sense of self-importance.
Some derive much joy from humiliating others publicly and putting others “in their place.” Some are men and some are women. What if this is a physician you work with? What if one of these shrews was your team leader? What if your manager’s style of leadership made Libya’s dictator Gadhafi look like a harmless purring kitten? What if you work with a dictator? Uhmm, I mean autocratic nurse leader? How would you deal with them? How would you tame your autocratic boss? Research studies, specifically, the one done by famed author Harvey Hornstein, Ph.D., estimates that about 90% of workers today have had an autocrat as a leader at one time or another. No matter how minor the role they play, as long as, someone is in a position to tell us what to do and presumably when to do it, it is important to develop the skills necessary to remain productive and happy at work; in spite of this person. Fabulous Nurse Magazine understands that you or someone you know may currently be working for the autocratic leader. We have come up with some ideas on how you can skillfully navigate the workplace when you work with an autocrat. Proven Ways To Tame The Autocratic Leader The Pushback. If you do take the time to look around, you will notice that most autocratic leaders have a select group of nurses they target to show their outrage. This is what we call the “bully phenomenon.” Autocratic leaders sometimes act as bullies. Like most bullies, they seek the weakest members of the group to express the many failings they perceive in others and themselves. Your behavior matters. If you act meek, submissive, and hide in the background; your chances of being bul49
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
lied grows exponentially. So, you must push
are face to face with a wild creature in the
leader, privately. If there is no change in at-
back as soon as you recognize the early signs
Serengeti. Show no fear, lest you be eaten
titude or behavior, you may need to go up
of intimidation; this is known as the prod-
alive.
the administrative ladder. Resort to reporting your leaders only as a last ditch effort.
ding phase. By this we mean that you need to be assertive and stand up for yourself. Don’t
Counter action. Instead of antagonizing
let too many snide comments, inappropriate
the situation by pointing out what they did
Charm. Disarm with charm and courtesy.
work assignments, and unnecessary attitude
wrong directly, try expressing how those ac-
This may very well be the most effective
get past you. If you do so, you will become
tions/words make you feel. Counter their
technique you have against tyranny. Unfor-
overwhelmed and unhappy in no time at all.
statements and activity with “I feel” state-
tunately, it can very easily be misread when
ments. For example, “When you raise your
used inappropriately. For instance, when
Deflection. Deflect negativity. This can be
voice loudly and shout, I feel intimidated and
your leader raises their voice or chooses to
done in any number of ways. Your goal is
disrespected. I realize that is not your intent.
yell at you, it is never appropriate to smile
not to decry the behavior but to change its
You will find that I respond very well and
back through the entire tirade. Your smiling
direction. By this I mean that when some-
work harder when I am spoken to nicely.”
will come across as mockery and further in-
one is screaming or seems particularly upset
furiate the aggressor. Simply acknowledge
about something, you don’t want to start by
Journaling. There may come a time when
their concerns. They felt it was important
saying they are wrong, even if you believe
you have to prove that the incident you are
enough to share so by acknowledging this,
they are. Think of the difficult patients you
referring to actually happened. Journal each
you will de-escalate the situation. If your
have to deal with on occasion. It sometimes
incident. Include the date, time, and onlook-
actions are referred to as “hopeless” or “in-
requires all the psychosocial training you
ers. Don’t trust your memory to remember
competent,” it is very important to calmly
gleaned through your psych rotation to han-
crucial details when the time comes to show
remind them of the instances when you did
dle their behavior. Think of someone who is
a pattern of behavior, especially if you are let
shine and receive praise. The fact that you
very autocratic team leader as the very dif-
go without sufficient cause. I am not a fan of
have a job means that you are doing some-
ficult patient or a two year old that must have
litigation and almost never recommend it but
thing right. Try saying, “I realize that you
their way, now. Don’t talk down to them.
such is the world we live in. Actually, simply
feel very strongly about this and I appreci-
Don’t fight back. Try agreeing with them.
hinting that you are keeping a written record
ate the fact that you have brought it to my
You could say, “Wow, that’s disappointing.
will stop all the negative attention from your
attention. But I do not understand why you
I never thought my behavior would be seen
autocratic leader. They will simply avoid you
chose to use words like ‘incompetent.’ This
as that.” Then you can say what you really
or treat you with the respect you deserve. Ei-
one situation is not a reflection of my over-
want to say, “However, it was never my in-
ther way, your problem is solved in-house.
all input as a member of this team. Only last
tent to appear like I do not care about our
50
week, I was commended for going above
unit concerns. As you may recall, I was very
Peer Support. This can be handled in two
and beyond when…I do want to make this
involved in coming up with…That’s what I
ways. You can get a mentor or rally support
right. What do you suggest?” By so doing,
do. I am a team player. Thank you for bring-
from your peer group. Mentoring is ideal, es-
you change the tone of the conversation
ing this to my attention.”
pecially if you are new to the environment.
and disarm with charm and courtesy. Treat-
Reach out to your peers. Get advice from
ing others as we would like to be treated is
Non-Verbal Cues. Nothing speaks more
someone who knows the system and listen to
sometimes the only way to show them how
loudly and impresses upon another like si-
their sage advice on how to handle your dif-
to interact with us.
lent, non-verbal cues or body-language.
ficult situation. If this is not a viable option
When responding to statements or what you
for you, try gathering the support of your
When you stand firm, assertive, profession-
perceive as aggression, stand up and look
peers and discuss the phenomenon. I don’t
al, and respectful, you will elevate your im-
directly at your leader. This is no time to
mean that you should spread gossip. Gently
age in their mind. People are different. These
show weakness. If this person truly derives
prod others to see if they feel the same way
ideas to tame the autocratic leader will not
pleasure from intimidating others, by look-
you do with the intent of seeking a solution
work on everyone. Chances are that this new
ing down, you make yourself a target for
to the problem. The difference between your
found respect will lead to more productive
bullying. If you cannot meet their eyes, look
solution-seeking behavior and gossiping, is
interactions in the future. It is worth a try.
squarely at their face and acknowledge their
your intent. As a group, select a spokesper-
You deserve a happy, respectful, and produc-
grievance calmly. Think about this like you
son who will address the issues with your
tive work environment.
& Recruitment
Magnet Status
Issue 7
By Olusegun Iselaiye
A
hospital is regarded as Magnet Hospital if it has undergone an all-embracing review and methodical assessment of its nursing practice by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). It is compulsory that a hospital meets the rigid quantitative and qualitative standards set forth that define the highest level of quality in nursing practice as well as health care delivery. There are more than 65 conditions of such standards that have so far been developed by the ANCC. A hospital must demonstrate that it has fully met these standards otherwise, it will be impossible to get the Magnet Status.
I
n this era of nursing shortage that we are in, many hospitals want to recruit skilled nurses. Among these hospitals
How does “magnet status” impact recruitment?
• Spot and recognize distinction in the administration of nursing services to patients
ful facts about Magnet status. BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE
• Sponsor quality in an environment that encourages professional nursing practice
We all are already aware of the critical short-
quality nursing staff. As you may already
• Make available the machinery for disseminating best ethical practices in nursing
the explanation for this is multifaceted. Re-
know, Magnet Recognition remains the peak
services
are those that are seeking American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Magnet designation in order to enable them recruit and retain
status of quality that can be conferred upon any well-structured nursing services by the ANCC. The main objectives of the Magnet program are as follows:
Therefore, pulling off this award is an indication of distinction in nursing services, existence of ever progressive professional environment and development of nursing staff. In this article, you find the impacts of Magnet status on recruitment and other use-
age of registered nurses in this country. And search and studies reveal that approximately 25 percent of the working nurses in America are above the age of 50 years. Hence it is expected that huge numbers of nurses would retire in the next decade or less. In fact, according to some research, the job vacancy rate for registered nurses as at 2003 was 15-percent and projected to be 20-percent by 2020. 51
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
A major concern in the health care today is
hospital administrators and nursing execu-
IMPACT OF MAGNET HOSPITALS ON
the inability of nursing schools to graduate
tives have to be up and doing in seeking out
RECRUITMENT
enough hands to keep pace with industry’s
sustainable ways to preserve professional
demand. While this concern may not be too
staff in the hospital workplace. The manage-
correct or too wrong, a more likely reason
ment teams need to seek ways of making the
for nursing shortage is the unwillingness of
hospital environment more attractive to the
some hospitals to hire registered nurses in
registered nurses. A fundamental solution to
sufficient numbers. About two decades back,
today’s unrest in the health care is to reor-
there were very few nursing educators, and it appears the same is still obtainable till today. As a way of responding to the global meltdown, many hospitals have also downsized largely, which has caused nurses to do compulsory overtime and earn less pay—this tears the nurses apart emotionally, mentally and physically. The present shortage is particularly due to nurses opting out of the profession because of dissatisfaction and frustration. This increasing report of stress and job dissatisfaction in nursing is even becoming graver in America than anywhere else in the world. Out of every five nurses interviewed, according to some studies, one said she would leave the profession within the next five years, not because of anything else but stress. Yet this is not a profession that can be totally abandoned because human lives are involved here.
competent registered nurses and increasing job satisfaction for registered nurses. In a nutshell, most registered nurses who are prospecting to work in hospitals consider three things before any other: •
Autonomy
•
Flexibility in scheduling
•
Professional growth
The American Academy of Nurses conducted extensive research, visiting hospitals round the country to check what those that have been successful in recruiting and retaining nurses were doing. And the outcome of this research resulted in the development of the Magnet Model, and the hospitals that were studied are called Magnet Hospitals.
in this current nursing shortage and high patient acuity is a daunting task for the hospital administrative team. Recruiting new hands, however, may involve giving bonuses for referrals, liaison with schools of nursing to get clinical and internship sites, immediate recruitment of fresh graduate nurses after completing their internship, and increasing nursing awareness among high school students by having clinical nurses visit them. Registered nurses should start pushing for shared governance, participative scheduling, and employer provided training (continuing education) opportunities, sponsored professional leave, sabbaticals, and travel opportunities—these are all common qualities seen in Magnet Hospitals. If they push for all these, they may also be able to give referrals to the hospital management to encourage getting more good hands of registered nurses. CONCLUSION
Reports have revealed that organizational
The nursing scarcity is existent, and would
In order to avoid having things go worse in
common denominator for magnet hospitals
most likely grow worse than ever expected
the nursing profession, the ACNN has set a
consists of:
if more hospitals do not adopt more effec-
system by which hospitals are assessed and rated based on their efforts to create sustainable nursing services and quality health care delivery. The general belief that wage increment attracts more people to a profession may not be 100-percent applicable to nursing as
•
Staff nursing professional autonomy
•
Professional practice and development
will solve this crisis; however, a better way
•
more registered nurses—especially with re-
Continuing education and research ac-
tivities for staff nurses
physicians and the public as well for their
nurse executive
Supportive leadership qualities of the
With all these, turnover rate in magnet hos-
making as it relates patient care.
pitals was 9-percent and 18-percent in the
THE MAGNET HOSPITAL MODEL
hospitals are again and again contented with
All stakeholders in the health care especially
it does not seem there is a particular plan that out of this problem is for hospitals to utilize
•
Nurses deserve to participate in decision-
tual recruitment models. In the actual sense,
friendly environment
nurses desire to be more respected by the expertise, at least, if not for any other thing.
52
ganize the work environment by recruiting
Balancing staffing needs with patient needs
acute care hospital. The nurses in magnet their jobs than their counterparts in the acute care hospitals.
better recruitment plans that would admit spect to appreciating and rewarding nurses’ expertise and involving them in decision making course regarding patient care. Without pushing for these things, there may be continuation of nursing shortage, which ultimately will result in very poor patient care and loss of public confidence in the health care sector. Achieving the Magnet status seems to be one of the most viable ways of solving this critical nursing shortage.
Issue 7
Finance
53
Wedding Planner Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Ideas To Boost Your Income
M
uch like the detail oriented assistant to Jennifer Lopez
In our busy society today, couples and families want to relax and en-
in the movie, Wedding Planner, wedding consultants are
joy wedding festivities. The wedding planning industry is booming
people who are naturally organized and pay great attention
and the door is wide open for those who wish to become a wedding
to detail; much like nurses. It is a very competitive profession with great earning potential. So what does a wedding planner do? What does it take to become a wedding consultant? How much can one
Like most other professions, successful wedding planners have a
earn as a wedding planner?
number of traits in common. They are usually creative people with
Who can become a wedding planner?
these traits come naturally to many wedding planners, an important
Frankly, anybody can become a successful wedding event planner. In fact, if you are someone who is creative and has a special knack for planning, designing, and throwing parties, wedding planning can be the perfect lucrative boost to your nursing income.
54
planner and take the hassle of organizing away from them.
excellent interpersonal skills who love to plan events. While most of skill that some need to develop is organizational ability. To help you stay organized, you can create timeline schedules and checklists, and use organizational tools such as a day planner or binder to keep track of all the wedding details and paperwork.
Issue 7
Cool facts about wedding planners. • Well compensated. Wedding planners enjoy excellent pay, and they get to party for a living! • Job flexibility. Planning events allows you freedom to work as much or as little as you want and you have no set hours to be in an office and no boss to report to. • Personal fulfillment. For those who love planning and organizing, this career can be very fun, interesting and fulfilling as you see all of your work come together on happiest day of people’s lives. • Rewarding work. You will get to share some of life’s most important days. Weddings are wonderful affairs, and most wedding planners work with clients who are hosting big parties, so you may get to celebrate new babies, milestone birthdays and anniversaries, and graduations with your clients.
Do these cool facts remind you of something you already do?
55
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Job duties of a wedding consultant. Wedding planners have a variety of packages they can offer. From the traditional to ethnic or destination weddings, using the
gram is that you will get networking oppor-
customs. In addition to planning dream wed-
tunities that are otherwise close to someone
dings, wedding consultants also offer basic
who has no experience in this arena.
counseling to the bridal party, to assure a happy wedding day.
four phases of wedding planning, a consul-
Collaborating with vendors that provide mu-
tant can make just about anyone’s dream
sic for the ceremony, floral design, proper
wedding a reality. As such, wedding plan-
attire, catering & food service options, wed-
ners familiarize themselves with the order of
ding cake decorators, photographers and
religious ceremonies, special circumstance
videographers are all part of the wedding
weddings, direct wedding rehearsals, re-
consultant’s job description.
search the pros and cons of reception sites, finalize seating arrangements for ceremonies and receptions, offer assistance with invitations and announcements. A specialty wedding package may require prior knowledge of the correct etiquette for ethnic weddings, protocol for military weddings, information on Victorian and Renaissance weddings, gay marriages and unions,
56
and an understanding of ethnic and military
Certification and education. Although there are no formal education requirements or experience necessary to break into this career and succeed, many schools offer certification courses. These can last from several weeks to six months. Tuition ranges from $600 - $1,000 and usually includes registration fees, textbooks and all study materials. The benefit of a formal pro-
If a class setting is not your style, do not de-
Issue 7
sociation. Such as, An Association for Wed-
settings or room decorations you have cre-
ding/Event Professionals, Association for
ated in your home or pictures from your own
Certified Professional Wedding Consultants
wedding, if you planned it yourself.
(ACPWC), Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) or the Association for Wedding Professionals International.
spair. There are other ways to gain valuable knowledge and experience necessary to succeed. To teach yourself wedding planning, help out with as many weddings as possible; visit bridal shows, read wedding magazines, and books, and conduct informational inter-
industry first. These positions can be used as a stepping-stone to gain valuable experience
Setting up a wedding planning business is
hired by hotels, country clubs, and churches
similar to starting any home business. You’ll
across the country. Some exciting options
need to handle matters such as deciding
include working as a wedding coordinator at
whether to incorporate, setting up your of-
an attraction such as Disneyland or at a re-
fice, office location, charging clients and col-
sort in a location such as Banff, Hawaii, Las
lecting payments, bookkeeping and business
Vegas or the Caribbean. Many job opportu-
and contacts.
Wedding coordinators are
files, assembling a planning team, working
nities for bridal consultants are also avail-
with suppliers, conducting market research,
able with companies that supply products
and developing systems for getting paid.
and services for weddings including bridal
There are many excellent resources available to help you start your business including the U.S. Small Business Administration in the United States and the Government of Canada’s Canada Business. To market your services as a wedding con-
recently married brides, and others connect-
sultant, you will need a portfolio or collec-
ed to the wedding business such as florists
tion of photographs that show people your
and caterers to gain more perspective on the
skill at planning weddings. For starters, of-
collaborative processes involved.
fer your services to friends and family who
planners belong to a wedding consultant as-
own business, consider getting a job in the
Basics of a bridal business.
views. Also, talk to clergy of various faiths,
Wedding Associations. Reputable wedding
In addition, even if you plan to start your
are getting married in exchange for pictures for your portfolio. To show your creativity, you can also include photographs of table
shops, department stores with gift registries, florists, and caterers.
Income potential. As a wedding planner, you are involved in a growth industry. In a market research by the Bridal Association of America, it is estimated that 2.3 million weddings took place in 2009 and average wedding in 2009 cost $30,860. Wedding coordinators for event planning companies can expect to make from $26,000 to $34,000 per year to start. Once in a management role, that salary will increase to the $47,000 to $64,000 range. However, if you decide to become a wedding planner and work independently, expect to earn anywhere from $500 to $5,000 or more per event. Many wedding planners charge their fees as a percentage (15-20%) of the total cost of the wedding. Again, based on the estimates of $30,860 per wedding figures provided by the Bridal Association of America, your fee for organizing a single wedding is around $4629 per event. According to Payscale.com, self-employed wedding planners earn $17,000 - $79,000, per annum. Especially successful wedding planners make six figures. 57
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
up on your French conversational skills? Many healthcare facilities offer full or partial reimbursement for classes you take. Better still, some companies offer bonuses for skills than enhance your ability to do your job, such as foreign languages, leadership, and the like. Check to see if you’re eligible – that the trip you want to make to Mexico for a course in medical Spanish is reimbursable!
Saving Money on
Higher Education
3.
Take the Tax Deduction. If your classes aren’t covered by your employee’s continuing education plan, make sure to deduct eligible expenses from your taxes. Check with your tax preparer or accountant for all the details, but everything from your tuition and books to your campus parking pass may be deductible.
4.
Audit classes. If you want the skills but don’t need the college credit, think about auditing classes. Many schools and instructors allow non-students to sit in on the class for no credit. You may not be able to take part in classroom discussions or labs, but if all you want is to absorb the instructor’s brilliance and take advantage of all that knowledge, this might be a good option.
5.
H
igher education can lead to higher bills and debt. As precious as education is, you shouldn’t have to send yourself to the poor house to educate yourself or your kids. Read on for five tips on saving money at school for the whole family:
1.
Buy Textbooks Online. Each semester, most students shell out hundreds of dollars for required textbooks that they’ll use for only the next few months. While some of these books become valued reference materials, typically they’re more of sentimental than practical value. After all, pretty much everything you need to remember – from how to calculate the GNP to how many bones are in the human body – is available online for free. And speaking of online availability, buying
58
your textbooks online (and selling them back at the end of the semester) can provide a significant cost savings over buying them from the campus bookstore. Textbooks totaled over $400 new may be available online for less than $150. Check out big online textbook shopping centers like Amazon.com, Textbooks.com, Half.com and eCampus. com.
2.
Get Your Boss to Pay for It. Thinking about going back to school to get a management degree, or simply want to brush
Take classes online. Many schools, from Harvard and Stanford to the community college up the road, offer online classes to alums and the general public. Sometimes these classes are for credit, but often they’re just for enrichment. Checking out a few classes online can be a great way to test a new field, check out the offerings at different schools, and get a better sense for the course material before you (or your offspring) commit to a four-year plan. This is also an ideal way to bridge from ADN or LPN to BSN or MSN. Now that we’ve saved you a backpack full of money, you may be able to continue your education beyond what you had thought. Or, maybe your children will be able to put a little more effort into their schooling and a little less effort trying to make that extra buck to pay for their schooling. Save money on the things that you can so your education, or your child’s education, doesn’t have to be cut short.
S
ocial Security. Those two words hold promise and hope for some people, while others just endure the
mockery of limited funds that Social Security provides. With the Social Security system in America in shambles, it is even more important to understand how the current system works. What is Social Security and how did it get started? Even more importantly, how much will you be collecting in Social Securi-
Issue 7
ty on your nurse’s income, when you retire?
What Is Social Security?
You have been paying in for years now, but
Social Security was established and signed
you keep hearing a little voice in the back
into law in 1935 by President Franklin D.
of your head saying, “no matter how much I
Roosevelt. The first lump sum payment was
put in, there will not be any left by the time I
made, shortly after, in 1937 and on-going
retire.” Is this true? Will the Social Security
monthly payments first began in 1940. So-
funds dry up before you have a chance to tap
cial Security was originally meant to be a
into at least the amount you put in over all
retirement account during the Great Depres-
these years? Let’s take a quick look at Social
sion.
Security.
What will you collect in
Social
Security?
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Fabulous Nurse Magazine
All of the businesses that failed during the
immediately get paid out to the people cur-
by the government at a later date. So far, the
Great Depression had no funds to pay out
rently eligible for Social Security. The rea-
best way to figure out how much you will
the retirement accounts for their workers, so
son this has been so hard to swallow for
get back is to look at your annual statement.
the government stepped in to help. The idea
some people is due to the introduction of
There are also calculators that give a rough
at the time was to have the people currently
the 401(k) and personal retirement accounts.
approximation based on your age and cur-
working help out and pay the retirement for
With the 401(k), the same amount of money
rent income, but they are not exact.
those who were no longer able to provide for
put in will earn more interest than Social Se-
themselves.
curity and the personal retirement account
This was great until the baby boomer generation came. This extremely large generation put a lot of money in to help out the older generations, but now there are far fewer people working than are retiring.
How Social Security Works As you pay into Social Security, those funds
60
has your name on it, whereas there is no tra-
Since Social Security is a highly impersonal form of retirement and possibly soon to be
ditional account with Social Security.
bankrupt, if something drastic is not done
How Much Will You Get Back?
work with a financial planner to set up and
This question is rather difficult to answer because the Social Security system currently purchases U.S. Treasury Bonds from the government, which will have to be paid out
soon. For these reasons, it is always best to maintain a retirement account, of your own. Using additional methods of retirement planning, such as personal retirement accounts, there will be dependable income you can count on at your time of retirement.
Issue 7
Nobody’s Friend By Unknown Author
My name is Gossip. I have no respect for justice. I maim without killing. I break hearts and ruin lives. I am cunning and malicious and gather strength with age. The more I am quoted the more I am believed. My victims are helpless. They cannot protect themselves against me because I have no name and no face. To track me down is impossible. The harder you try, the more elusive I become. I am nobody’s friend. Once I tarnish a reputation, it is never the same. I topple governments and wreck marriages. I ruin careers and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion. I make innocent people cry in their pillows. Even my name hisses. I am called Gossip. I make headlines and headaches. Before you repeat a story, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it harmless? Is it necessary? If it isn’t, don’t repeat it.
61
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Laugh Out
Loud
62
Issue 7
General Humor Giving a Hand-up A bum comes up to the front door of a very expensive house and raps gently on the door. When the rich owner answers, the bum asks him, “Please, sir, could you give me something to eat? I haven’t had a good meal in several days.” The owner says, “I have made a fortune in my lifetime by supplying goods for people. I’ve never given anything away for nothing. However, if you go around the back, you will see a gallon of paint and a clean paint brush. If you will paint my porch, I will give you a good meal.” So the bum goes around back and a while later he again knocks on the door. The owner says, “Finished already? Good. Come on in. Sit down. The cook will bring your meal right in.” The bum says, “Thank you very much. But there’s something that I think you should know. It’s not a porch you got there. It’s a BMW.”
Nursing Humor Fruits & Vegetables A man walks into a hospital with a cucumber up his nose, a carrot in his left ear and a banana in his right ear. “What’s the matter with you?” a nurse asks. “I dunno,” the man replies. “I’m just not eating properly.”
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Fabulous Nurse Magazine
Resources
64
June Nursing Conferences
Issue 7
Around The World 3-4 June 2011 Sao Paulo, Brazil.
8-11 June 2011 Ontario, Canada.
Speaking the Same Language. This is an Interna-
The Canadian Gerontological Nursing Association
tional Initiative for Nursing Diagnosis by the Latin
(CGNA) and Gerontological Nursing Association of
American Biennial Symposia. During this two-day
Ontario (OGNA) are excited to host the 16th Biennial
event we’ll focus on taxonomy, research methods,
Scientific and Education Conference, “To Live is to
education and implementation of NANDA-I (North
Age...Raising the Bar for Excellence.” This confer-
American Nursing Diagnosis Association) and
ence offers a tremendous opportunity to market to
administrative applications of standardized nursing
one of the largest gatherings of nurses working with
languages within the electronic health record.
older adults.
Email: nanda@nanda.org.
Web: http://www.cgnaconference.ca/.
Web: http://www.nanda.org.
June 5-8, 2011 Washington, DC. USA.
10 June 2011 Seattle, WA. USA. Held on June 10, 2011 at the Shoreline Confer-
Nurses’ Values for Our Nation – National Nurses
ence Center in Seattle, the Neuropsychotropic Drug
United (NNU) - The National Voice for Direct-Care
Therapy - Clinical Pharmacology Series offers nurse
RNs. Join nurses from around the world and from
practitioners, nurses, and other health care profes-
throughout the US in bringing bring our values of
sionals, a pharmacology update at the advanced
caring and compassion to the U.S. Capitol to dem-
practice level. Presentations focus on current recom-
onstrate a different way to do politics. Learn from
mendations and controversies regarding drug therapy
speakers such as social critic and activist Barbara
for common outpatient problems and include appro-
Ehrenreich, AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka
priate pharmacotherapeutic principles for psychiatric
and Senator Barbara Boxer, as well as, others.
and neurologic health problems. Patients’ learning
During this event, we will do legislative visits to
needs in relation to drug therapy are incorporated as
our elected representatives to win safe patient care
appropriate.
through enforceable RN-to-patient ratios, and rally
E-mail: cne@uw.edu.
for our values and our patients.
Phone: 206-543-1047.
Web: http://www.nationalnursesunited.org.
Web: http://www.uwcne.net/secure/welcome.aspx.
65
Fabulous Nurse Magazine
15- 19 June 2011 Lake Buena Vista, FL. USA.
30 June- 2 July 2011 San Antonio, TX. USA.
Join us and experience the Magic of Simulation. The
2011 Improvement Science Summit & Summer Institute
International Nursing Simulation/ Learning Resource
on Evidence-Based Practice. Join us for the 10th Sum-
Centers Conference is celebrating 10 years of simula-
mer Institute on Evidence-Based Practice June 30 - July
tion/learning! This year we invite you to partner for a
2, 2011, Pre-Conferences June 29. Noted EBP leaders
leading forum for educators, researchers, managers,
guide participants in this unique coordinated-curriculum
and staff development professionals provides the ideal
conference to build capacity and shape quality and safe-
environment to disseminate and gain current knowledge
ty. Experience a full immersion in the latest advances
in the area of skills/simulation lab management and
in healthcare improvement research by attending. Build
simulation enhanced education. Nurses and other health-
the science and apply the science to improve care and
care professionals will network with colleagues and
patient outcomes. Pre-Conference takes place 28-29
exhibitors, discuss best practice research, safety-related
June 2011 in San Antonio, as well.
outcomes, competencies, and challenges. Reservations
Web: http://www.acestar.uthscsa.edu/institute/su11.asp.
must be made online. Registration: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FYVMPX3. Web: http://nursing.uthscsa.edu/ce/documents/INACSL%20 EXHIBITOR%20PROSPECTUS.pdf.
17 June 2011 Rochester, MN. USA. 18th Annual Brain Injury Conference. The 2011 one-day brain injury conference will feature a variety of dynamic keynote speakers who will discuss topics including ethical issues facing families and providers working with persons with traumatic brain injury, concussions in sports and the military, new approaches to treating executive dysfunction, and sexuality after brain injury. Concurrent sessions with topics including coping in children and families, assistive technology, music therapy, chemical dependency, and several other topics will be offered. Email: cne@mayo.edu. Phone: 800-545-0357. Web: http://calendar.cne-registration.com/events/18th-annualbrain-injury-conference/.
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Issue 7
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Fabulous Nurse Magazine
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