Nurses the Heart of Health Care 2024

TULSA WORLD

ELIZABETH KRAMER ILLUSTRATION , LEE ENTERPRISES

Help for night shifters

Study suggests light exposure can have a huge impact on nurses who work evenings

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

According to a June 2023 study published in Sleep Health, a multidisciplinary journal of the National Sleep Foundation, nurses exposed to at least 40 minutes of bright light before beginning their night shifts feel less fatigued and make fewer errors on the job.

The bright light exposure also led to nurses having

better sleep after their night shifts.

To perform the study, 57 full-time nurses who work “rapidly rotating” shifts participated in a randomized control trial featuring evening light exposure and morning light avoidance. Every morning and evening for 30 days, the nurses measured their fatigue, work-related errors, sleepiness, moods, sleep duration and sleep quality.

“Health care workers are experiencing high levels of fatigue due to staffing shortages, difficult schedules and heavy workloads,” Jay Olson, an author of the study, told McGill University. “Further, the cost of medical errors has been estimated at tens of billions of dollars per year in North America. Our study shows that feasible changes, such as getting light exposure before the night shift, may help reduce fatigue and its effects on performance at work, something which

could benefit both the nurses and their patients.”

During initial observations, nurses working rotating shifts made a number of work-related errors including wrong medication dosages and accidental needle pricks.

The nurses who were exposed to at least 40 minutes of bright light before their night shifts experienced 67% fewer work-related errors, less fatigue, a small improvement in mood and a small increase in sleep duration.

“Interventions like the one we studied are relevant to a large population of workers, since between a quarter and a third of the world’s employees do some form of shift work,” Marieve Cyr, one of the study’s authors, told McGill University. “Although we focused on nurses working rotating schedules, our results may apply to other types of shift workers, as well.”

gratitude yearsof

AtOSUMedicalCenter,ourdedicated nurses aremakingadifference.

Fromwelcomingpatientsduringroutinevisitstomakingcriticaldecisionsinthe ER,theyhaveprovidedcompassionatecaretonortheastOklahomaformorethan 77years.Theirexpertiseandcommitmenttoservicemakeatremendousimpact.

Thankyou toournurseswhochooseto makeadifferenceinourcommunityeveryday.

Leaders PACK OF THE

4 lunchboxes that are perfect for nurses

EBONY WILLIAMS | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When it comes to working a long shift, having something tasty — and healthy — for lunch can make all the difference. And that means having a good lunch box to store it in. • According to Travel + Leisure, finding the perfect lunchbox is all about looking for durability, well-designed compartments and good insulation. • “Thanks to modern technologies, you can enjoy your lunch at noon as fresh as the moment you packed it,” said the outlet. • Here are four of the best lunchboxes for nurses, as recommended by Nurse Journal:

Yitote lunch bag

Yitote’s bags are made of water- and tear-resistant nylon, with heavy-duty metal zippers and bar tacks at major stress points. The bags are padded with EPE foam to keep items cold or hot, and are lined with leak-proof aluminum foil that is easy to clean. Comes with four ice packs. Available on Amazon. $25.98-$26.98

L.L. Bean Expandable Lunchbox

The main compartment expands up to 2 inches and features an easy-toclean lining. This lunchbox features an internal mesh pocket for an ice pack (not included), a zippered outside pocket and handle straps. Available in several colors at llbean.com. $19.95

PackIt Freezable Hampton lunch bag

Available in seven colors and patterns, and featuring a wide rectangular base, this PackIt bag is easy to clean and features built-in EcoFreeze technology so you don’t need separate ice packs. PackIt also sells bento containers that fit neatly into the bag (not included). Available on Amazon. $22.99-$26.99

Miycoo lunch bag

This double-decker bag has room for everything but the stethoscope. The thick interior liner insulates and prevents leaks while keeping contents warm or cold. Available on Amazon. $24.99-$26.99

MIYCOO

Thisiswhatbetterfeelslike.

PrimaryCareforTulsans60+

LookingforahigherlevelofhealthcareinTulsa? At ArchWellHealth,you’llenjoyacommunityofcaringthat’s totallyfocusedonyouandyourneedsasanolderadult.

Plus,we’re:

•Rightinyourneighborhood

•Onafirst-namebasiswithourmembers

•Planningfunactivitiesinouractivityroom

WAromatherapy candles

THAT WILL MAKE NURSES SMILE 3 GIFTS

EBONY WILLIAMS | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

hether it’s a nurse in your own family or one who’s gone above and beyond, it’s natural to want to show your admiration and gratitude with a gift. However, it can be challenging to find the perfect gift. • Stethoscopes and scrubs are popular gifts, but if you’d like to find something that’s a little more personal — that gives space for relaxation or brings a laugh — here are three great gift ideas for nurses.

Aromatherapy candles have essential oils that, when ignited, can release therapeutic properties. It’s a great way to start or end the day. From lavender and lemon to peppermint and eucalyptus, a candle can be a fantastic source of relaxation. On Amazon, they range from $10 to $100.

“When you inhale the sweet scents, your body secretes feel-good chemicals called endorphins. This helps restore balance to your hormones so that you can sleep better, and they can even ease headaches caused by stress,” noted Nourish and Love Co.

Journals

A journal is perfect for jotting down goals, troubles of the day and aspirations. Journaling can help nurses “release mental blockades and be more precise about your thoughts. Additionally, journaling helps to understand your desires, priorities and worries,” says Sinem Günel, on Medium.

Fun gifts

From mugs that say “I Found This Humerus” (with a humerus bone) to sarcastic T-shirts and pens, a fun gift can help bring a smile to a nurse’s face when they’re having a tough day. A prescription pill bottle mug ($15.95 on Amazon) is an excellent present if they need an energy boost.

According to DailyNurse.com, laughing “is a way for nurses to energize themselves and to unite with one another, and it is an especially powerful tool in letting go of the difficult emotions that accompany every day’s work.”

fingertips At your

4 of the best mobile apps for nurses

EBONY WILLIAMS | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Nurses stay busier than just about anyone. So it’s only natural that they turn to the many apps that offer a little help organizing and streamlining their duties. In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the development of mobile apps designed specifically for nurses. From apps that help improve accuracy in care to those that promise increased efficiency, there are plenty of apps to consider. Here are four of the most popular mobile apps for nurses. All are free and available in the Apple and Android stores.

Nurse.com app

This app is the only social networking app that’s exclusive to nurses. While using the app, fellow health care workers can build a community specifically designed by and for nurses. The app also provides an array of educational tools and resources.

Adni

The Adni app is perfect if you’re looking for community and where to get the latest gear in the marketplace. Used to sell and buy products, the Adni app is a digital resource for clinical tools, resources and shopping.

My Shift Planner

If you’re worried about your constantly changing schedule, the My Shift Planner app will send direct updates in real time, and allows you to see when your co-workers are working. It can also help with payroll issues and HR concerns.

MedScape

This app is designed to provide immediate clinical answers, the latest clinical news, tools, and information on diseases and drugs. The app offers step-by-step videos on procedures and safety information on more than 9,200 prescriptions.

KelseyJenkins,RN|St.JohnOwasso

Kelseyisanemergencyroomnurse,andsaysshechosenursingto serveGodthroughservingHispeople.Toher,nursingisaprivilege andhonor,andsheisgratefulGodhasgivenheramissioninher owncommunitythatsheenjoys.

CaitlinKing,RN|St.JohnMedicalCenter

Caitlinhasareputationforhelpingpatientsandco-workers inwhateversituationcomesherway.TheteamatSt.John MedicalCentersaystheyappreciatehertirelessdedicationand commitmenttopatientwell-being.Theysayshealwaysgoes aboveandbeyond,neverceasingtoputpatients’needsfirst.

AddisonRumley,RN|St.JohnSapulpa

Addisonisanemergencyroomnurse,andourteaminSapulpacalls heraleader,teacherandanamazingperson.Herpatientscallher compassionate,helpful,caringandwonderful.Onepatientnoted theywere“completelycalmandfreeofanxietybecauseofher.”

StephanieSimmons,RN,BSN|JanePhillipsMedicalCenter

Stephanieisdescribedbyhernursingcolleaguesassomeone whodemonstratesteamworktoitshighestdegree.Sheis proactive,alwayswillingtohelp,andsheconsistentlyputsthe needsofherpatientsaheadofherown.

AaronTuttle,RN|St.JohnBrokenArrow

Aaronsayshebecameanurseasaresultofthelovingcare hisfamilyreceivedwhilehisauntandgrandmotherwerein hospicecare.Hiscolleaguessayhepaysitforwardeveryday byextendingkindness,listeningtounderstand,andserving togetherwitheachofhisassociatesandpatients.

NancyWaggoner,RN,BSN|St.JohnNowata

Nancyenjoysbeinganursetoasmallercommunity.She constantlydiscusseshowsheworkswithanamazingteam,and shesaysthebestpartofherjobisgettinghugsfrompatients andtheirfamilies,whoaregratefulforthecaretheyreceived.

Thankyouto theseincredible nursesand tonurses everywhere. Yourkindness andcompassion areagiftandwe appreciateyou.

ascension.org|jobs.ascension.org

©Ascension2024.Allrightsreserved.

wısdom OF Words

For those new to nursing, here are 5 tips from the pros

EBONY WILLIAMS | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Becoming a nurse can be both exciting and daunting. There’s so much to remember from school and even more to learn on the job. The good news for new nurses is that they’re not alone; a big part in keeping one’s sanity in the health care field is having a community of experienced colleagues to help.

“Friendships at work are often the best source of emotional support. Nurses with strong connections to other nurses reported experiencing lower stress levels than those without these relationships,” noted Nurse Journal.

Scrubs Mag asked experienced nurses for advice and tips for their younger counterparts. Here are five of the best:

1 Take care of yourself

Aside from getting a good night’s rest — which everyone agreed was crucial — several nurses focused on the relationship between stress and poor eating habits. Stress causes the body to release a series of hormones that cause us to crave bad foods — especially salty foods. If you find yourself rushing to grab some salty snacks, consider something with a squeeze of lemon instead.

“Lemon juice reduces the need to salt food. This is particularly useful when somebody’s on a low-salt diet. Skip the Mrs. Dash and grab a slice of lemon,” advised Scrubs Mag.

2 Prioritize

Whether you’re working in a hospital or a smaller clinic, health care is always fast-paced. To help keep a busy schedule intact, it’s important to learn how to prioritize.

“As a nurse, you have many tasks to manage: taking vitals, doing assessments, performing nursing diagnoses, administering medications — and all for multiple patients. At the same time, some patients are more critical, and some tasks more pressing. It’s crucial to find an organizational technique that works for you,” noted Nightingale College.

3 Tip for finding a vein

Finding someone’s veins can be tricky — and can be made more difficult based on anything from what the patient has eaten recently to the temperature of the exam room. If tapping on the arm doesn’t make the vein come forward, hot patches can help.

“Heat will help dilate veins (dilation is where a vein gets bigger). Keeping warm before injecting will make them easier to find,” said Injecting Advice.

4 A matter of taste

If you have a patient who doesn’t like the taste of medicine, drinking water might not be enough to flush certain tastes out of the mouth.

“Potato chips eaten immediately after taking metronidazole will keep the nasty metallic taste of the medicine at bay,” noted Scrubs Mag.

5 Always ask questions

As a health care professional, you’ll never stop learning. Although your years of school, tests and exams are over, you’ll constantly learn new things. That’s why it’s so important to ask questions.

“Asking about tips and tricks to better manage your tasks can help you develop a routine that works for you,” said Nightingale College.

NATIONAL

NURSES WEEK: MAY 6-12, 2024

THANK YOU, NURSES!

Newpartnershipboostsstudentenrollment

SaintFrancisandRSU collaboratetotackle Oklahoma’snursingcrisis

TimStanley

Tulsa World

The factthat Oklahoma hasanongoing shortageof nurses wasnotreallya motivatingfactorin Diane Mbetsi’sdecision to becomeone

“Nurses havethis hands-onexperience withpatientsthatdoctorsdon’treally get That’s whatsolidifiedthe choice,” saidthe

Broken ArrowHigh School graduate,who considereddifferentoptions forentering themedical field

Atthesametime for Mbetsi, a RogersState

Universitynursing student, it’sa good feelingknowing thatshe won’tlackfor job opportunities

SaintFrancisRN,CherylSherill,holdsaninfantsimulator inthehallwayofademonstrationhospitalroom.The simulatorhashighlyrealisticanatomyandfeaturesto helptrainstudents.

In fact, there’sastrongchanceshealready knows where her firstnursingjobwill be

Mbetsiisoneof the firststudentstotake

advantageof anew extended campus partnershipbetween Claremore-based

RSU andSaint F rancis HospitalinTulsa, which officiallylaunchedlast fall

Among themany benefits for bothpartners,

the hospital will haveaready poolof nurses like Mbetsion hand from which to hire

Mbetsiisamong32 students currently

takingclassesonsiteatthe hospital, including a cohortof16 that juststarted thisspring semester

The RSU Saint F rancis campusislocated

atSaint F rancis’ main hospital,whereit

featurestheonly hospital-basedsimulation

centerintheregion

As partof the partnership, Saint F rancis hired five full-time facultymembers

Partof aSaint F rancisstrategic initiative torecruitregisterednursesthrough

academicpartnerships, the programis

being underwritten forthe firstthreeyears bya grant fromTheWilliam K. Warren Foundation.

Toaccount forretirementsand future

growth, the health systemneedsto hire over 600 nursesayear

Saint F rancis’goalisto hire 80% of the graduates fromits partnerships, including withRSU.

AJ Eagleton,SaintFrancismanagerofclinicaleducation,andKeri Gerkin,directorofeducationatSaintFrancis,are showninoneoffoursuitesthatsimulateinpatientroomsinmedical/surgicalnursing,criticalcare,laboranddelivery, traumaandpediatricssettings.

Photo credit: StephenPingryPhotos,TulsaWorld

SaintFrancisRNCherylSherillworkswithRSUstudentsMichaleLamontandDianeMbetsiinasimulationhospitalroom lastmonthinTulsa.ApartnershipbetweenClaremore-basedRogersStateUniversityandSaintFrancisHospitalinTulsa officiallylaunchedlastfallasdatashowthehealthsystemneedstohireover600nursesayear.

Carla Lynch, directorofhealth sciences at RSU, saidthe partnership allows RSU’s nursingprogramtotakeonmore qualified applicants,helping overcometheneed for spaceand faculty

“It’sallowedustoexpandour capacity solessstudents whoare qualifiedare outthere just waiting to getin,” shesaid “Everyadmission cycle,we have hadtoturn away qualifiedapplicants.”

The highfidelitysimulation center, also available foruse by hospitaldoctors andstaff, isstateof theartand provides students with real worldmedicalscenarios

Itincludes various patientmannequins, alongwithfoursuitesthatsimulate inpatientroomsinmedical/surgical nursing,critical care, laboranddelivery, traumaand pediatricssettings

Anotherstudenttaking advantageof the partnership,Michael Lamont,wantsto be a pediatric nurse.

“The hope wasthat Iwill getmy footinthe doorand Iwould bealittlemore familiar with aunitso whenit’stimeto geta job, Ican comeonandit’snotnew tome,”he said

ABakersville,California, native,Lamont movedtoTulsa,where hismotherlives, to attendnursing school

Like Mbetsi,he wantedamedical career, and chosenursingbecauseof the personal interaction withpatients

MbetsiisanativeofCameroon wholived severalyearsinSpain beforemoving to Oklahoma She wouldliketo beanintensive careor ER nurse, shesaid

Inadditionto her classes, she worksasa medicalassistantatSaint F rancis

TheoptiontoattendtheSaint F rancis campusisavailableto juniorsandseniors working towarda bachelor’sof science degreeinnursing at RSU.

Theultimate planistoserve 64 nursing students —32juniorsand 32 seniors at Saint F rancisannually. tim.stanley@tulsaworld.com

Formany,acareerinnursingisacalling.AtSaintFrancisHealthSystem,weareprofoundlygratefulforthe thousandsofnurseswhomakeourhealthsystemwhatitis—atrueteam,interconnectedandunitedinservingone mission:ToextendthepresenceandhealingministryofChristinallwedo.

Wecelebrateandthankallofournursesforfulfillingtheiruniquevocationandfortheirextraordinarydedicationto servingthepeopleofeasternOklahoma.

Stress relıevers

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Nurses combat a number of challenges on the job. Staffing shortages, overwhelming work loads and dauntingly long shifts are constant burdens for today’s health care heroes. There is one burden, perhaps above all, that modern nurses take home with them: stress.

According to a survey published by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing, roughly 100,000 nurses left the U.S. workforce during the pandemic due to stress, burnout and retirement. By 2027, 900,000 nurses are expected to leave the workforce. That’s a fifth of all nurses, and work-related burnout is a major factor.

With that in mind, here are some stress relieving hobbies that are perfect for nurses. 3 hobbies nurses can try to combat burnout

HUNTER BOYCE

ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS

Get crafty

The Semel Healthy Campus Initiative Center at UCLA reported the mental health benefits of knitting to be “remarkable.” According to the center, the activity can help calm both the body and the brain through soothing, repetitive motions.

It’s a hobby that registered nurse Chanda Kim stands by.

“I actually knit and crochet to relax. I make anything from jewelry to prayer shawls,” she told Scrubs Magazine. “I never keep any of it for myself. It’s always given as a present or donated to charity. I make baby booties for the local hospital. I even made a shawl for a resident recently. She was going home on pass to a family reunion, and was concerned because she didn’t have anything ‘nice’ to wear in the picture that would have her eight great-grandchildren in it. She was so happy when I gave it to her, she insisted on showing it off to everyone. I get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing people’s excitement when they get a handmade gift. Very relaxing after a day on the job where we don’t always get thanked!”

Get coloring

Adult coloring books have exploded in popularity over the past few years, and there is a scientific explanation to the craze. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, adult coloring books are good for your health.

Adult coloring books promote mindfulness by allowing participants to meditatively stay in the moment. As a noncompetitive activity, they also allow participants to embrace the imperfect and promote their creativity. It also calms the brain and allows the body to relax, relieving stress.

“Although coloring isn’t the ultimate cure for stress and anxiety, sitting down for a long coloring session holds great value,” the health system reported. “As you color, pay attention to your breathing rhythm, ensuring steady, full breaths from your diaphragm, and tune into your heart rate periodically if you can.”

Get outdoors for some gardening

According to The American Institute of Stress, gardening is a great stress reliever. By encouraging creativity, engaging mental focus, vitamin D exposure, healthy exposure to bacteria and promoting physical activity, gardening can reduce cortisol levels, improve your immune system and your overall health.

“When we spent time outside in our gardens, we regulate our emotions are more efficiently that we would if cooped up indoors,” the institute reported. “Part of that is down to the vitamin D that we have previously described, partly down to the fact that we are engaging in mindfulness and thus not allowing our minds to wander to unwelcome thoughts, and partly because we are engaging in a physical workout — whether we’re conscious of this or not.”

THANK YOU, NURSES!