Fabulous Nurse Magazine

Issue 4

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Strikes! Nurses Flex Their Muscle

Getting Over Your Ex

Get Fit With Wii Or Zumba Aerobics

Depression Fighting Foods

Ace Any jobInterview

Issue 4 March 2011

Workplace Romance Diet Plan

Paleo

Financial Emergency! Rescue Plan

Work To Play Fashion

Fabulous Nurse Magazine

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Masthead/ContributorWRITERSPublisher

Lissie Harrington Publishers

Editorial

Elsie Ekwa

Art & Graphic Design

C/O Art Department Fabulous Nurse MagazineLissie Harrington Publishers

Advertising & Marketing

C/O Marketing Department Fabulous Nurse Magazine Lissie Harrington Publishers

How to reach us:

Lissie Harrington Publishers

ATTN: Fabulous Nurse Magazine

Department 29030 SW Town Center Loop E Ste. # 202-143 Wilsonville, OR 97070-9490

[email protected]

www.fabulousnurse.com

Elsie EkwaEditor-in-Chief Founder of Lissie Harrington Publishers, Elsie, is the vision behind Fabulous Nurse Magazine. As a nurse, she saw the need for a life-style 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 NickersonWriterZee Nickerson has a B. S. in Psychology and has owned several suc-cessful Businesses. She is currently a writer, fashion consultant, and public speaker. Ms. Nickerson has taught English in Japan, Com-munist China and state side. As a thrifty world traveler, she can travel for as little as a $1.00 a mile. Along the way, she taught herself spo-ken and written French, German, and Japanese. She has traveled in all 49 states and would like to add Alaska to her collection. Her watercolor paintings are currently displayed at the Creator’s Gallery in Jacksonville, Oregon. 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 [email protected]

Olusegun IselaiyeEditor & Writer Olusegun is a highly seasoned freelance writer and entrepre-neur. 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 ambi-tion is to offer a meaningful contribution to Africa and his home country. When some give his country a bad reputation, it is good to see that there are many who live by higher standards. Contact Olusegun via email at [email protected]

Karen KalisWriterKaren Kalis has ten years of experience as a professional copywriter.She has worked in industries such as education, real estate, health-care, technology, and with non-profit organizations. With an M.A. inCreative Writing, Karen’s clients include: Fabulous Nurse Magazine, RMS Technologies, Lincoln Electric, Multi-Care Management, and The EPIC Group. An entrepreneur at heart, Karen focuses on help-ing businesses communicate what they have to offer with precision.

Dylan Romero WriterDylan Romero is a freelance writer/marketer for the videogame in-dustry and beyond. He is currently writing a memoir about his pil-grimage in Spain. For further information, do visit him at http://walk-ingth ecamino.wordpress.com

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Alongside Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most celebrated events this time of the year. As my mind drifts down the line of Saints of yester years and Feast Day celebrations, I wonder about the patron saint of nurses. So, in the place of a traditional editorial, I will relate the story of the patron saint of nurses. I’ve often wondered if there are comparable characteristics between the patron saint of nurses and today’s working nurse.

By definition, patron saints are martyrs or confessors who are chosen to be the guardians of a specific population of people or country. Most causes, special interests, countries, and professions have a representative patron saint or an equivalent. In some religions, patrons intercede when a prayer is offered on behalf of the individual.

So, who is the patron saint of nurses? What do we know about the patron saint of nurses? Why was this person chosen to be the patron saint of nurses? Are there any parallels between the patron saint’s life and the nursing profession? You may already know the story but as you read this, ask yourself if there are lessons we as nurses can draw from her life.

It seems reasonable to explain the difference between a martyr and a confessor at this point. Christians define martyrs as individuals who are killed because of their Christian faith, beliefs, and practices. Confessors, on the other hand, die a natural death. This begs another question. Is the patron saint of nurses a martyr or confessor?

Born to a rich and very important family in Sicily, St. Agatha was known for her virtuous beauty and her dedica-tion to her faith. She had many opportunities to get married but declined every proposal. During the time when Christian’s were being persecuted, she refused to deny her belief in God and was eventually sent to a brothel as punishment and subsequently to a prison. In prison, her breasts were crushed and cut off. Eventually, because she

continued to stand firm in her beliefs, she was burned on hot coals and later removed to another location so she would die in agony. An earthquake struck the city and only when

a procession was held asking for her intercession did the wrath of nature stop. It is said that she was visited by St. Peter who act-ing as God’s messenger, healed all her wounds.

For the above stated reasons, St. Agatha is the patron saint of many things. She is the patron saint against fire, earthquakes, natural disasters, rape victims, single lay women, nursing

mothers, sterility, torture victims, breast cancer, breast dis-orders, burns, pulmonary diseases, wet nurses, and more. Most importantly, St. Agatha is the patron saint of nurses.

Comparisons between the Saint and Nurses:

Nurses abide by a strict code of conduct and ethics and of-ten experience things that would shake one’s faith in self and profession. St. Agatha held herself up to a higher code of ethics. Her life is a testimony of resolute belief in right and wrong in the presence of immense pressure. Nurs-es work in the service of others. St. Agatha spent her years of freedom working in the service of God. Nurs-es practice the art of healing. St. Agatha’s life reflects the miracle of healing. Nurses advocate for their pa-tients. St. Agatha intercedes on the behalf of others. Nursing has come a very long way from its simple be-

ginnings. St. Agatha’s life was one of many transitions. As nurses, it is important to know the people and sym-

bols that represent our profession. From this perspective, it is fitting that St. Agatha is the chosen patron of all nurses.

Nurses rule!

Patron Saint Of Nurses Editorial


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TABLE OF CONTENTSP.29 Workplace Romance

P.66 Strikes! Nurses Flex Their Muscle

P.31 Getting Over Your Ex

P.9 Work To Play Fashion

P.61 Ace Any Job Interview

P.41 Get Fit With Wii Or Zumba Aerobics

P.16 Depression Fighting Foods

P.37 Paleo Diet Plan

P.73 Financial Emergency Rescue Plan

P.45 Famous Nurses Colonel John Murray

P.75 The Nurse’s Prayer

P.12 Hooked On Eyelash Extensions

P.19 Depression Advice From The Expert – Author Julie Fast Dishes

P.50 Green Parenting

P.55 Mardi Gras In New Orleans

P.48 Improve Communication With Your Teen

P.52 Bead Bracelets & Caribbean Foot Jewelry

COVER ARTICLES FEATURES

DEALING WITH PESSIMISTIC NURSES

16Winston Churchill said, “A pessimist

sees difficulty in every opportunity.” Roderick Kramer who is regarded

as one of the foremost experts on organi-zational behavior states that because many pessimists are entrenched in their particu-lar world outlook, expressing a negative thought or response to suggestions is a natural reflex.

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March 2011 EDITORIAL P.5 Patron Saint Of Nurses

ATTITUDE RE-DEFINEDP.16 Dealing With Pessimistic Nurses

LIVING WELL P.22 Nurse With Diabetes – 4 Habits To Get You Through The shift

P.26 Sage – A Wise & Useful Herb

FABULOUS FOODIEP.36 Fabulous Recipes

HOME ORGANIZATION P.51 Choosing A Home Security System

PETSP.53 Micro-chipping Your Pet

THE NURSE’S STATIONP.65 6 Ways To Boost Your Brain Power

FINANCE P.70 Income Booster: Commercial Modeling

P.73 Financial Emergency! Rescue Plan

P.74 Types Of Retirement Plans

LAUGH OUT LOUD P.77 Nursing Humor

P.77 General Humor

RESOURCESP.79 Interview Questions You May Be Asked

P.80 Interview Questions To Ask The Employer

P.81 Thank You Letter After A Job Interview

P.82 Thank You Letter After A Group Interview

P.83 Thank You Letter To A Prospective Co-Worker

P.84 Nursing Conferences Around The World


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FASHIONWatch

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Fabulous After Work

Transitions TransitionsTransitionsTransitionsTransitionsFrom scrubs to uber fabu-lous. Need we say anymore? Whether you are upgrad-ing your biker chic look or giving in to your love of horses, heads will turn from New York to Milan, as you make your way to brunch or dinner.

Combine your love of jeans and leg-gings with this super cute jeggings that is sure to complement almost anything in your wardrobe. Transi-

tion from winter to Spring with one solo move; take off your jacket and reveal the goddess within.

Step into this cool, conservative, and timeless look, anytime. Guar-antee your place amongst the timeless beauties that embrace the classic style.

After Work TransitionsTransitionsAfter Work

TransitionsAfter Work After Work

TransitionsTransitions


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This gorg little dress is a flirty, feminine alternative to the little black dress. Who said frills are for little girls only? Kick off your heels and dance the night away. Or, better yet, tempt your better half from across the dining table. Allow your inner diva to sing.

With a look this modern and cool, you stamp the male

into nurse with brilliance and flair. Looking this good is not

for the faint hearted. Be sure you can withstand the

“ohhs” and “ahhs” that will trail your every move. Oh, là, là. Nurses really do have all the luck!

With a look this modern and cool, you stamp the male

into nurse with brilliance and flair. Looking this good is not

for the faint hearted. Be sure

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BEAUTY SECRETS


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Hooked On Fabulous Eyelash ExtensionsW

omen the world over want long, dark, lus-cious lashes.

Thick full lashes make eyes look shinier, bolder and brighter. Plus they give the face a more youth-ful and healthy appearance. But not all women are blessed with long, thick lashes. Some are born with blonde lashes, which can barely show at all. Others are born with short ones. The ravages of time, harsh beauty products, environmental dam-age, and their own prepro-

grammed genetic code lashes can become thin and sparse. Eye lashes like your eyebrows are hair. They are made of the same protein molecules as your hair. They grow at the roots, push outward and after a season fall out. Numerous conditions such as the sun, UV damage, chlorine from swimming, sleep-ing with your mascara still on (a big no-no by the way) can accel-erate fall off.

Today’s newest and hottest beauty trend is eye lash exten-sions. What is it and how does

it work? Basically, it works like this: A single synthetic eye lash is glued to an individual real one of your own. It’s not a strip. Nothing touches your skin. It won’t damage you unless you-pull on them. The synthetic eyelash is glued 2/3rds the way down your lash. When your natural lash falls off your exten-sion also falls off with it. It’s that simple.

Xtreme Lashes is the number one brand in the industry. The Australian franchise says, “Beau-ty, Science and Safety is the key

By Zee Nickerson

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message of our brand.”

Benefits:

“The number one benefit is that you will no longer need mas-cara. Sometimes no eyeliner either. The lashes come in differ-ent colors. Crystals and glitter can be added. Thick, full lashes make a huge difference to the look of your face.”

Application:

1. Clean and air dry your lashes.

2. Apply a plastic membrane to keep your top and bot-

tom lashes separate.

3. Separate your lashes with a fine-tooth comb.

4. Select the most natural looking eyelashes.

5. Use tweezers to separate before applying. Using the

tweezers, pick up one eyelash extension at a time and dip it in the adhesive. Attach the lash extension 2/3rds of the way down onto your real eyelash.

6. Keep 0.55 to 1 mm be-tween each hair when

grafting.

7. Blow adhesive dry.

Repeat this process until all ex-tensions are applied. Wait 5-10 minutes before opening eyes.

Maintenance:

First 24 Hours:

• Allow 24 hours before ex-ercise; sweat could get into your eyes.

• Don’t shower.

• Don’t apply makeup.

• No swimming.

After 24 hours:

• Remove makeup carefully.

• Don’t wash face harshly or pull at lashes.

• You may apply mascara. (Why would you want to? Isn’t that the whole point?)

• Never apply water proof mascara as it may break down the adhesive that’s keeping your fabulous lash extensions on.

One burning question kept popping into my mind. Janine Goldsby of Classic Hair & Day Spa in Salem, Oregon answered it. “The literature recommends sleeping on your back, but my clients report any position is fine, with the exception of sleeping on your stomach. The lash extensions get a little bent when you sleep on your side but they’ll straighten right away when combed”.

Julia Trigilia of Scottsdale, AZ on YouTube for Expert Village explained in detail about lash extensions. “These are semi-permanent extensions. Training

and hygiene are important.

“Make sure the adhesive is US pharmaceutical grade glue. Asian adhesive is formulated with automotive adhesives. Ask to see the bottle and read the ingredients. Xtreme lashes which I use are FDA approved!”

“It lasts 2 month but needs maintaining. You know you need a touch up when about half of your lashes have fallen out. You’ll learn on an individual ba-sis. It’s best to book two weeks out and if you don’t need it then book another week out until you know.”

Testimonies

One bride gushed on YouTube that she was “just thrilled about her lash extensions.” Although she had been concerned that if she cried during the wedding, her mascara might run and ruin her look. As it turned out, she had nothing to worry about. Her lashes held through her wed-ding and she never felt more beautiful.

On the other hand, someone else mentioned on YouTube that, “I had mine done before and the glue is what kills your natural lashes since it is kind of toxic. After my extensions had fallen off, my natural lashes were half the original length and half as thick. I also noticed my lash color was significantly lighter too. And since the extension is attached near the roots of your lashes sometimes your real


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lashed will fall out along with your extensions if you rub your eyes.”

Cost:

The procedure takes about 2½ hours, and it costs $350. Touch-ups are every 2-4 weeks, takes 30 minutes, and costs $75.” Prices differ. The Purple Flower Spa in Colorado says, “People naturally lose between 1-5 lash-es a day. A basic set of exten-sions cost $260 - $480 depend-ing upon how many lashes are attached. Touch ups are every 2-4 weeks and cost $75 - $200.

Janine Goldsby of Classic Hair & Day Spa in Salem, Oregon states, “I tried other products to see if I could do it, but Xtreme lash is more expensive but it’s an amazing top of the line product and company.” She revealed that, “65% of my clients are in the nursing/medical field be-cause they just want to get up and go and look good.”

With an initial set of lashes for $350 plus 12 touch-ups, the cost would be $1,250 a year. If you needed touch up every two weeks, the cost skyrockets to $2,150. That’s a lot of mascara

you could buy or an off season trip to Maui. Who knew it cost so much to get the lush lash look? Who knew cash was the real back lash of fabulous eye-lash extensions?

If you don’t mind the expense and the time investment, it might be worth it to you to invest in lash extensions; or perhaps, for a one time special occasion. It all depends on what is important to you and what your priorities are. If you wish, you too can have long beautiful lashes, but for a price.

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ATTITUDE RE-DEFINED


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Winston Churchill said, “A pessi-mist sees dif-ficulty in every opportunity.”

Roderick Kramer who is re-garded as one of the foremost experts on organizational be-havior states that because many pessimists are entrenched in their particular world outlook, expressing a negative thought or response to suggestions is a natural reflex.

Have you ever had one of those very difficult weeks when things are not going well at home and it becomes increasingly tough to maintain your objectivity and remain cool at work? On such weeks, isn’t it refreshing to work with someone who has a bright outlook? What if you are paired up with someone whose nega-tivity seems to be draining you of your last reservoir of strength and perseverance? How would you handle their pessimistic out-look? What if this was a friend or your significant other? Will that change how you handle the situation? Ideally, it shouldn’t. We’ll explore the different things that experts have suggested to counter negative behavior and pessimism, in this article.

The experts say that it works out better if you address specific

behaviors instead of trying to change someone’s long held beliefs. First, don’t ignore the behavior. Your non-reaction can actually encourage more negative behavior. Instead, be pro-active. Here are the dos and don’ts of dealing with pes-simisms.

What not to do

1. When you take the leading role and decide to address

this behavior, under no circum-stances should you admonish the nurse in front of others. Not only is this unprofessional, it undermines your fellow nurse and in many ways undercuts your position as a leader. Un-derstandably, this may be espe-cially hard to remember when you are having a bad day and are at your wits end. Remember that the end result will be well worth it, if you can impact the negativity in a positive way.

2. As tempting as this may be, do not ignore negative

comments or spiteful remarks. When left unchecked, these pessimistic comments can cre-ate a toxic environment. As we know all too well, toxic environ-ments impact productivity and happiness in a very negative way.

Dealing With Pessimistic Nurses

3.Don’t assume that all nega-tive comments are counter-

productive. Sometimes, the pes-simist is the only one who sees something in somebody’s be-havior (yours included) and the organizational culture that oth-ers do not. Though expressed in a way that may offend you and others, look past the negativity and listen to figure out if there is any truth to the negative com-ments.

Now that we are familiar with the things we should not do, what can we do when faced with another’s pessimism?

What to do

1.Encourage other nurses to come up with expected

team behavior for your unit. This way when someone deviates, peer pressure will take care of the negative behavior. Encour-age nurses to say and do things that will benefit team members, the unit, patients, and the orga-nization, as a whole. What is the point of a snide comment? Does it empower others in any way? Does it advance the unit’s com-mon goals? If you are not the team leader, you can broach this topic in the next unit meeting and see what others think. Do not point fingers.

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2.Encourage the person to verbalize their thought

and follow through with a solu-tion. So if they say something is impossible, encourage them to mention possible solutions. In a perfect world, what can we do to fix this problem? What has been tried before? What do you think we should try that has not been done? By doing this, you change the focus of the conversation from a negative or pessimistic tone which will bring down morale to a more positive and productive conversation.

3.Of course, you want to let your fellow nurse know that

their words and behavior come across as very negative. Take them to the side and discuss this with them. If this is a seasoned nurse, invoke the seniority card. A seasoned nurse should be more aware of their environ-ment. The seasoned nurse may need to be reminded that their behavior affects the newer nurses and the team as a whole. New nurses can be told that their behavior is not reflective of unit practices. Do remember to do so respectfully, even if their words or behavior offended you.

Sometimes, people are nega-tive because they don’t see the global picture. If you were intro-ducing a new topic of conversa-tion, chances are that the resis-tance you experience may be the result of limited knowledge and understanding. The nurse may simply not comprehend your concept or point of view. We each have different frames of references. Dialogue can go a long way towards breaching the gap between those who see the glass as half empty and those who see it as half full.


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Living Well

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Nurse are no-torious for taking care of others, often at the expense of their own self care. Fluctuat-ing work

shifts, expectations from family and friends, as well as, erratic sleeping and eating patterns can all affect a nurse’s ability to take care of personal mental and physical health. Nurses are notorious for taking care of oth-ers, often at the expense of their own self care… Julie A. Fast, a mental health expert and author of “Get It Done When You Are Depressed: 50 Strategies For Keeping Your Life On Track”, really understands the impor-tance of self-care at work and in home life as she battles her own depression due to bipolar dis-order. Julie notes that her daily commitment to self-care is what keeps her mentally healthy. Like Julie, nurses can also strive to make self care a priority when faced with the daily stresses of life and a high-pressured job. But, even with the best inten-

Author Julie Fast Dishes

Depression Advice From The Expert

tions, nurses often face their own experiences of depression and this needs to be addressed within the community.

According to Fast, depression can be situational and physi-ological. If you are feeling de-pressed, it helps to define your particular depression. If you love your life and work and yet just can’t seem to lift your mood even with therapy and life changes, there is a good chance you are faced with physi-

ological depression that needs to be treated medically. If your mood was stable in the past and you are now faced with a job change, work hour changes or find your working environment difficult, there is a good chance your depression is situational and can be helped with direct changes to your working life.

Signs of Depression in Nurses

Fast suggests you look for two types of depression: weepy depression and irritated depres-sion. If you feel overwhelmed and weepy and turn your de-pression inward, you may doubt your nursing abilities and even your choice of a career. Working with ill patients can feel overly sad and the professional dis-tance you need to be an effec-tive nurse is blurred. This type of depression also includes anxiety

and negative thoughts such as “What is wrong with me?” As well as, a lack of hope that the system will never change.

Irritated depression is different as it faces outward and is taken out on those around you. This depression is hard to catch and you often get the reputation as being negative and hard to work with. Fast notes that nurses are especially sensitive to the feel-ings of others and depression can truly undermine their ability to work successfully. One way to look at it, Fast says, is to “com-pare how you are feeling now

to how you were feeling in the past about your nursing career. If you once were able to handle what was going on, but you are now crying, irritated or helpless, then you have to examine if you are depressed.”

On a serious note, Fast notes that you need immediate medi-cal help if you are feeling sui-cidal. This is a physiological sign of depression and cannot be ignored. According to Fast, suicidal thoughts and behaviors may range from, “I don’t want to be here,” to “I can’t do this,” to “I want to die” and a desire to just end the pain by doing harm to yourself. Suicidal thoughts are nothing to be ashamed of, but they always need immediate attention.

A Note About Julie A. Fast

Fast knows all about depres-

By Karen Kalis


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She says, “Creating a nurse-free zone will give you an opportu-nity to think clearly about your life outside of nursing. This means that you can’t take your work home with you especially mentally. There has to be a time when your life is about you and not about nursing.”

You Can be a Great Nurse Through Tough Times

If you are depressed and seek-ing treatment, Fast believes you can continue being an excel-lent nurse no matter what your mood. She says, “You don’t have to feel good to help oth-ers. You can still be a fantastic nurse even when you are going through tough times. The key is turn off your personal self and turn on your nurse self when you go to work.” This ability to create a nursing side that can operate no matter how you are feeling is critical to managing depression on the job. How do you do this? Fast says she does it every day when she coaches parents and partners of people with bipolar disorder. “The depressed me has to go into the background and the profes-sional me takes over..” She says, “Act as though you would when you are not depressed and often your work will be fine. I always tell myself to think like an ath-lete. You never see a profes-sional athlete miss a game and yet the pressures on them are enormous. Money, contracts, the media – yet they perform every single time. How do they do it? They have learned to separate the personal from the professional. You can do the same. Remember, you don’t have to be motivated or feel

the people in your life. Are you happy with your relationships at work? Have they noticed that your mood has changed?” Fast continues that if you are show-ing signs of depression, it’s es-sential that you don’t take them out on those around you, espe-cially if you are weepy and needy and others find it worrisome or bothersome. It’s very important that you get help if you are in this kind of situation as it may negatively affect your job.

Once you do recognize that depression may be an issue, Fast suggests making a list of the symptoms you see in your-self and how they are affecting your nursing life. This is a good time to find a therapist who has experience with the struggles faced by nurses and those in a high pressure job. Ask around. Fast also notes that if you do feel your depression is physi-ological, medication is the first line of treatment. She says,”I fully believe in a combination of medication and therapy.”

As a nurse, you are obviously up on medications used to treat depression. In Fast’s mind, tak-ing an anti-depressant is just like treating any other illness, “An anti-depressant can sepa-rate the physical and brain side of depression which allows you to examine what you truly feel about your nursing career. It’s like taking insulin.” Fast believes that once you get treatment, you’ll be able to make choices that better fit your life. And then, you’ll be able to separate what you do from who you are. Fast suggests creating a ‘nurse free zone’ in your life as you fig-ure out what works best for you.

sion as she was diagnosed with Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder II in 1995. About her own condi-tion, she says, “I, unfortunately, am depressed about 75% of the time. I have chronic depres-sion. By being with people and with the other steps I take, I can alleviate much of my depres-sion, but it is always a struggle, especially with work. When I wake up crying, depression has a hold on me, so I have to say to myself. ‘Get out of bed and get on with your life, Julie. The day will work itself forward from there.’ That’s my first step. I have things in place to buffer the depression so that I can get my work done. If I’m not careful with this, my brain shuts down and then I get more depressed. But I have found a way to enjoy my work despite the depres-sion.”

First Steps to Healing

The first step to getting help for depression involves recognition of how you interact with others. Fast says, “You have to honestly examine your behavior towards

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problems is caffeine. Fast notes, “Caffeine is a way nurses try to manage their sleep. Un-fortunately, caffeine is a huge problem for depression. Ninety percent of people who have depression have anxiety and caf-feine only makes it worse.” In addition, she suggests avoiding energy drinks and to replace as much caffeine as possible with exercise. A quick walk can boost your energy especially if you can walk with others. Walking during a break can be more effective than caffeine during a break. It’s often hard to change old habits, but when it comes to depres-sion, it’s all about choices

You are a Fabulous Nurse!

When all is said and done, Fast says, “Always remember that your role as a nurse is essential to the health care system. It simply can’t run without you. You may feel unsure of your future or where you want to go with your career. It may be that you want to move forward and get help with depression. Or maybe you simply want to be-come a better nurse. What mat-ters is that you keep going no matter how you feel and make the changes you want to make to ensure a productive, stable and rewarding nursing career. You are fabulous!

Bio: Julie A. Fast is the author of three bestselling books on mood disorders including “Get It Done When You’re Depressed: 50 Strategies For Keeping Your Life On Track”. Julie works as a radio host, columnist, speaker and coach- even while de-pressed. You can read more about Julie at www.JulieFast.com.

job for you? You’ve got to be honest with yourself. Maybe you weren’t made to work with AIDS patients, or children who are dying. Is it possible that working various hours without a set schedule is not possible for you physically or mentally? Is your nursing career a wonderful choice and yet it’s the ‘system’ that causes problems? There are many questions to answer.”

One area that may need a change if you have depression is the shift you work. For many nurses, working nights is just part of the job. It’s hard enough for people who don’t have depression, but for nurses who do, it can be extremely difficult as there are several documented studies that claim that changes in sleep patterns can lead direct-ly to depression… The first step is getting enough sleep. Once again, this may sound impos-sible, but there are changes that have to be if you want to suc-cessfully manage depression.

One of the culprits of sleep

good, or even feel compassion-ate towards your clients at every minute in order to be a success-ful nurse.”

The Glass Wall

Fast acknowledges the enor-mous pressure that nurses face in their work and day to day lives. “Nurses are everything,” she said and added, “Nurses often do double the work of a regular employee. In a hospital setting for example, it’s pos-sible that a patient from every room needs you all day long!” Knowing how to care for oth-ers without getting dragged down is key to managing your own emotions. Fast explains, “When I work with parents or partners who are going through extreme and dangerous crises, I listen with a glass shield over my heart. I still feel love, compas-sion, and caring when we talk, but my glass shield protects me. Otherwise the stories would be devastating and I would not be able to do my job. In the mo-ment, I’m going to be there for them 100% .This is differ-ent from boundaries-- it’s about turning your working skills on and off. The ability to work within a challenging system and being able to truly care without getting dragged down is para-mount.”

Examining Your Working Life

After recognizing that you may be depressed and then seek-ing help, it’s then a good time to ask the hard questions about your life, your priorities, and your mental health. Fast says, “Is it your job that isn’t work-ing for you? What if it really is your job and it’s not the right


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As it turns out cer-tain jobs do not hire people with diabetes. Jobs such as driving

HGVs, buses & taxis, armed forces, fire service, ambulance service, prison service, airline pilots & cabin crew, air traffic control, and offshore work– on oil rigs and ships. We are proud to point out that thankfully nurs-ing is not on this list.

Meet Suong. Suong is a 28 year old nurse who was diagnosed with diabetes at age 10. Suong always wanted to be a nurse. She fell in love with trauma nurs-ing during her clinical rotations.

Today, Suong boasts seven years of neuro-trauma ICU expe-rience. She works in a very busy unit and on occasion has issues with her glucose management, but Suong will not change a day of her life for anything else in the world. Are there others like Suong in nursing?

Although we may all not hold the title, Diabetes Educator, as nurses it is our jobs to treat, support, & educate the patients who are suffering from diabetes. We are very knowledgeable and work seamless with the patient’s interdisciplinary team for the

•Thereare17.9millionAmeri-cans diagnosed with diabetes, 7.8% of the entire population.

•Another5.7millionundiag-nosed diabetics.

•Thecalculatedcostwasabout$174 billion in services in 2007.

•Type2DMaffectsprimarilyadults over the age of 20 but is increasingly diagnosed in younger age groups, including adolescents.

•ADATREATMENTBENCH-MARK FOR T2DM: HbA1c decreased by 1-2% after initial treatment.

It is estimated by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) that about 7.8% of the entire popu-lation of the United States is

best possible results. Almost never do we speak of our fellow nurses who are diabetic them-selves.

Nurses with diabetes work in the shadows dealing with what can be a very debilitating disease. They are either too shy to share their struggle, afraid of what others will think, or they feel anxious about taking the spot-light away from the competent patient care they provide. Either way, nurses who suffer from dia-betes work with us, laugh with us, and when a shift becomes too hard to bear, they cry with us.

Latest Data from the ADA’s 2007 National Diabetes Fact Sheet:

•Diabetesisthe7thleadingcause of all deaths in the United States.

The Nurse With Diabetes 4 Habits To Get You

Through The Shift

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currently diagnosed with Dia-betes, and an additional 57 million more people have pre-diabetic conditions. Many nurses fall within this group.

How nursing shifts af-fect diabetes:

•Thenurse’seatingschedule is erratic, at best. Night shift nurses, especially, eat at odd times of the day.

•Naturally,thebody’s glucose levels fluctuate throughout a 24 hour period, and during the long hours of shift work.

•Nurse’sactivitylevelsdif-fer drastically between the periods they are at work and when they are away from work.

•Theincreasedlevelofstress nursing jobs bring af-fect blood glucose levels.

•Itisnotalwayspossibleto inject insulin at work, when it is required.

•Nurseshaveerraticsleeping schedules.

What can you do?

So how can these dis-ruptions and uncer-tainties be mitigat-ed? How can these nurses manage to make it through

each shift? How can they deal with the ups and downs of

fluctuating glucose levels? How compliant can they be with their glucose checks and insulin administration? How compliant can they be

on a very busy nursing unit? What steps can they take to

maintain a stable if not normal glycemic range?

Since

Fabulous Nurse Magazine is about promoting the health and happiness of all nurses, we have endeavored to come up with some simple solutions that will make it easier for diabetic nurses to stay compliant during their shift. Here are 4 healthy ideas that are supported by the American Diabetes Association.

1. Eating Healthy.

The ADA recommends four diet specific behaviors.

a) Be consistent with a meal plan.

b) Treat hypoglycemia appro-priately.

c) Respond to hyperglycemia by administering more in-sulin and/or ingesting less food.

d) Be consistent with an evening snack, as pre-scribed.

This means that when nurses like Suong are working, it is

imperative that they maintain a reg-

ular intake of calories which is consistent with their ADA diet. More often than not, we miss bathroom opportunities. Can you see how these recommendations could be particularly difficult for a nurse to follow on a regular basis? While it is always advisable to make a plan with your physi-


24

ing.

(d) Monitor your blood glucose level even when at work. Do not guess. Treat appropriately.

(d) If you are required to have an evening snack, don’t skip it.

2. Being Active

Exercise is the magic bullet that is often not used. Primar-ily efficient in the management of T2DM, several studies have shown the efficacy of exercise in lowering BMIs, abdominal girth, and HbA1c. An additional caveat is that regular exercise is impor-tant for overall weight manage-ment, health, & well-being.

In addition to reducing your HbA1c, expect enhanced blood pressure control, improved lipid levels, and stress reduction.Walking up and down the unit as you go about your job duties does not count as exercise but the increased activity is better than being sedentary. You can opt to take the stairs instead of using the elevator. If you have a moment, run your test samples down to the lab instead of send-ing them through the tube sys-tem, as policy allows, of course.

Little modifications in behavior such as parking a little further from your work building forces you to take a brisk walk to and from work. When at home, walk to the corner store instead of driving. Unless contraindicated by your specific health issues, exercise will go a long way towards increasing your energy,

cian or diabetic educator, FN mag nurses have some simple solutions you might want to try:

(a) Taking your mandatory break that is required by law is a good start. (b) Plan your breaks around the periods when you normally would eat, if not at work.

Yes, you might be busy but you are of no use to your patients, if you get sick. Take care of your health needs so you can take care of others.

(c) When hypoglycemic, drink orange juice. You can also have glucose tablets in your pocket for use when you feel your blood glucose may be plummet-

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and concerns.

Join a diabetes support group if you have to. Your physician may also recommend anti-depres-sants. Do whatever it takes to stay focused on the things that give you the most joy in your life. Moreover, the healthy cop-ing habits you pick up from your support system will translate into other parts of your life. This should go a long way in aiding you as you make it through each shift.

In addition to the above, consis-tent blood glucose monitoring, taking medication as ordered, and astute problem solving skills are needed to stay on top of glucose levels while at work or off the unit. As a nurse, you know that diabetes is a chronic and debilitating disease. You also know that many of the late developments in disease pro-gression can be warded off with consistent blood glucose man-agement. Even nurses need help. See a diabetic educator

and come up with a plan that is customized for your specific

health needs and co-mor-bidities, if any. Be good to

yourself. Take care

of you.

also know that many of the late developments in disease pro-gression can be warded off with consistent blood glucose man-agement. Even nurses need help. See a diabetic educator

and come up with a plan that is customized for your specific

health needs and co-mor-bidities, if any. Be good to

yourself. Take care

of you.

endurance, health, and toler-ance of long working hours.

3. Reducing Risks

There are many things a diabetic nurse has control over. Some of these are actions they can take in order to reduce the risks which affect long term health of the diabetic nurse. These in-clude some of the following:

a) Daily foot checks and regular visits to the podiatrist.

b) Annual eye exams.

c) Routine medical follow-up ap-pointments.

d) Regular dental exams and treatment, as indicated.

e) Smoking cessation.

f) Vaccination against common health issues including flu, and pneumonia.

Ownership of an automobile requires routine maintenance which include, oil chang-es, tune-ups, tire rotations, etc.The human body is the same way; requir-

ing consistent maintenance. This is especially true for the diabetic nurse. As the age old adage goes, prevention is always bet-ter than a cure. Effective risk management behaviors will go a long way towards a healthy life-style. Hopefully, with your new found autonomy and directed management of your care, you will feel more in control of your diabetes.

4. Healthy Coping

As one would expect, the rate of depression amongst diabet-ics is especially high. Depression will affect your motivation and self-care habits. It is important to keep depressive symptoms in check. Doing things that make you feel in control of your dis-ease process should improve your overall outlook. Moreover, it is advisable to seek the sup-port of friends and family. Talk about your fears


26

ments. Most notably, however, sage does reduce perspira-tion. Thus, its efficacy has been utilized in most deodorants. Known to have compounds that help kill bacteria, sage can function in the treatment of gin-givitis; canker sores; bleeding gums; tonsillitis; and laryngitis. Recommendations to soothe sore throats and laryngitis include gargling with sage by boiling it in water; strain after ten minutes, and let it become tepid. Tea sage can also be used as a mouthwash. To make sage tea, use one to two tea-spoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water; steep for ten minutes; then strain.

Sage also increases brain func-tion. A combination of sage, rosemary and ginkgo biloba may also prevent or slow down the onset of Alzheimer’s dis-ease. Sage has long been

used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. It relaxes muscle spasms in the digestive tract, and

has been used in the treatment of indigestion.

It also reduces

You may not realize it, but you are using sage every day. It is the ingredient in de-odorant products!

What is sage? What are other health benefits of sage? Here are some answers.

Sage is a plant with leaves which leave a lasting impres-sion. Surely you have seen food TV shows extolling the virtues and the exquisite aroma of sage. Well, it happens to be true. Although mostly used in cuisine, sage does have me-dicinal qualities. It has been used to aid in swelling, sprains, ulcers, and bleeding. Utilized in tea, sage helps with sore throats

A Wise & Useful Herband coughs. Sage has been promoted by herbalists in the treatment of rheumatism, men-strual bleeding, improving the nervous system, and honing one’s senses. Used for thou-sands of years, this is consid-ered to be one effective herb.

Medicinally, sage treats inflam-mation of the mouth and gums. Studies also reveal that the ingredient in sage oil may act as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treat-

Sage

26

used to treat gastrointestinal disorders. It relaxes muscle spasms in the digestive tract, and

has been used in the treatment of indigestion.

It also reduces

virtues and the exquisite aroma of sage. Well, it happens to be true. Although mostly used in cuisine, sage does have me-dicinal qualities. It has been used to aid in swelling, sprains, ulcers, and bleeding. Utilized in tea, sage helps with sore throats

as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral treat-

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blood sugar levels in individuals who have diabetes.

Although sage is available in liquid form, you can easily grow it in your herbal garden.

Because it is a perennial, you will have the luxury of using this plant’s medicinal proper-ties year after year. Very few side effects have been reported from the consumption of sage leaves; however, sage should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your doctor. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in

two weeks.

For culinary benefits, use sage to stuff chicken and tur-key. Sage also pairs well with cheese. Freshly chopped sage complements potato dishes as well as split-pea and bean soups, and

should be added near the end of cooking so as not to give too strong a taste.


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&MarriageDATING

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Nurses work in very intimate settings. Our jobs are of such a unique nature that dat-

ing someone who understands what we go through becomes a priority. After hours of work-ing and laughing together, it is only natural that you may feel a special bond begin to form with a colleague. Relationships will happen. Whether this person is the love of your life or your next hook up, it is paramount that when making intimate connec-tions with the people we meet at work, nurses need to be aware of the rules of etiquette that govern workplace romanc-es.

Employer’s policy. By far the most important thing to con-sider before making the move towards romance is your em-ployer’s policy on personnel relationships. Many healthcare

employers recognize that work-place romance is inevitable and their policies reflect this under-standing. There are rules about dating your subordinates and there are rules about misplaced or misguided affections. Read your employer’s policy manual. Should you become serious with your partner, getting married will affect your benefits, your decision to continue employ-ment on your current status – full time versus part time, and possible change of commute time. Although these decisions affect you directly, be aware that your ability to maintain your job status affects your employer.

Exercise discretion. First and foremost, you are a nursing professional and should act with professional decorum. If you feel like French kissing your partner, pinching your partner’s butt publicly or making out with your partner anywhere on your em-

ployer’s property, please resist the temptation. Nothing reflects more poorly on you than inap-propriate sexual behavior. This also means that you do not want to gain a reputation for being the nurse that is easy, chases anyone at work or the nurse that does it in the janitor’s closet or call room. Please use discretion. Our profession is counting on you to set a good example.

No histrionics. Whereas drama drives the ratings of TV shows such as HawthoRNe and Nurse Jackie, drama has no place in the workplace. Keep a lid on your romantic entanglements. If you had a fight, a disagree-ment or break-up, resist the urge to enact your dispute while at work. There is a difference between the Jerry Springer show and the workplace. To use an example from pop culture, tell yourself that if it is not ap-propriate to say or do on the

Workplace Romance


30

Oprah show, it probably will be frowned upon at work. This is your time to show your in-ner strength of character. Cus-tomizing your behavior to fall within the accepted workplace guidelines will serve you in the long run. It will not matter if the relationship works out or not, you will retain your dignity and the respect of your co-workers and employer.

Be wary of gossip. Before dat-ing someone you work with, it is always a great idea to discuss the following:

•Howdoesyouremployer’spolicy affect you?

•Howwillyouhandleyourco-worker’s questions?

•Howwillyoustaveoffrumorsthat may negatively impact your professional image?

•Howwillyouhandlepublicdisplays of affection (PDA)?

•Howwillyouhandleabreak-up? If you work in different departments, this will not be as much of an issue. However, if you do share the same work space, think long and hard be-fore proceeding.

Caveat. When in doubt, keep the friendship platonic or none existent. You cannot get into trouble if you do not engage in workplace relationships. How-ever, if you are like most adults who spend a great deal of their life at work, chances are that the people you meet at work will also become your primary social outlet. In this case, romance will probably bloom given the right circumstances for the two of you. Tread carefully. Be thank-ful you have met someone who does care about you. Respect yourself and your work environ-ment.

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The promise of bliss, companionship, and security drives many people into relation-ships. It is always

better to share your hopes, dreams, and struggles with someone who gives a hoot. Being in love is one of the most enchanting and genuine emo-tions we, as nurses, can pos-sibly feel. However, with deep felt emotions comes the risk of a major heartbreak if things don’t work out as hoped. It would be nice to go through life and completely avoid knowing what it feels like to get your heart broken. As ap-pealing as that might be, never getting your heart broken means that you have never felt the butterfly in the pits of your stomach as you anticipate a call, a note, or a text from your loved one.

Never getting your heart bro-ken means that you will not

experience the sheer joy and satisfaction of be-

ing the reason why your partner smiles so broadly. You will never know the feeling of walking on clouds. As it turns out, we do not choose the

people we fall in love with. This means that you are guaranteed to fall truly, wholly, madly in love at some point in your life; perhaps, even more than once. If it works out, all is well with the world. But what if it does not? What do you do about the heart wrenching, mind numb-ing pain? How do you move on from something that most likely had a lot of promise with your dignity in tact?

Almost any nurse recognizes these words, “breaking up is hard to do.” Relationships don’t come with a “how to guide.” Nothing in life does. Most especially, there is no hard fast rule on how to get over an ex. What works for one nurse may not work for you. Still, you can expect that over time the sear-ing pangs of pain will subside. How long should you expect to grief? It will take you a matter of moments to days to get over a casual relationship. However, the healing time for a relation-ship that had a deep impact on you or changed your life in some way varies greatly. It can take months to years. Some people never get over that per-son but find myriads of ways to cope and keep on living, hap-pily even. It seems a contradic-

tion in terms but it is reality.

If you find yourself hurting from the loss of someone you care about and acknowledge your need for additional assistance to get out of your current state of funk and disillusion, this arti-cle shares ideas on how you can deal with the ex factor. These tips can serve as a guide as you transition from hopelessness to hopeful, once more. So, here are a few guidelines on how to get over a relationship with your dignity intact. We know it is easier said than done, believe me! Your best shot is all anyone can ask of you.

Tips & Tricks To Conquer The Ex Factor

Mourn. Don’t fight the pain. Don’t block out the temporary feelings of loss and sorrow. Grief is a normal part of the hu-man existence. Try as you may, you cannot postpone the inevi-table. If you don’t grief today, sooner or later, it will manifest in your actions and negatively impact future relationships. So be kind to your body, mind, and soul. Allow yourself the opportunity to go through the grieving process. Allow your-

The ExFactor Getting Over A Relationship


32

self to grief so your heart will be open to a new love. Perhaps this person will be “the one.”

Take up a hobby. Ever wanted to build model airplanes? Want to take a cooking class? Ever wondered if you could make your own wine? How about pottery or knitting? Does taking up drawing or painting sound good to you? Do you want to play jazz trombone? Here’s your chance to start with a new proj-ect. Learning something new and practicing the new skills you acquire will help take your mind off your current romantic woes. Time will pass faster and with each passing day, your pain will lessen.

Hang out with friends. Human beings are social creatures. By communing with your friends, you will be exchanging those unpleasant feelings for joy and laughter. Perhaps you lost touch with your friends while you were in a relationship. This is the perfect time to recon-nect with estranged friends and rebuild your friendships. Being around the people who care about you and wish you well will help you regain your confi-dence and sense of humor.

Work. The choice of picking up more hours at work or finding an additional source of income is an especially good one. The benefits are three folds. The obvious benefit is that you will get paid. Secondly, working will keep you from binge shop-ping which happens when you are feeling down or depressed.

Moreover, doing something that is both physically and men-tally demanding will be a nice change of pace and focus.

Volunteer. It can be very in-vigorating to do something for someone else. By help-ing out the less fortunate, you will be reminded of the things you have to be thankful for in your life. Replace the sleepless nights and tears on your pillow with the smiles of gratitude and acceptance from people who need and appreciate what you have to offer. Go on a local or international mission. Be the difference in someone’s life.

Vacation. Go on a long awaited vacation. This is the perfect opportunity to take that dream vacation. Be sure to plan a lot of fun activities so that you don’t spend your time mopping around. Dance the nights away in a cruise. Walk barefoot on the beach. Trade the tanning bed for a beach towel. Take a guided tour of the Amazons. Climb Mount Everest. Go on an African safari. Your choices are limited by your imagination, alone.

Date other people. Yes, even if you feel that you are not ready, allow your friends to set you up. Give yourself a break. Go out on dates. You never know whom you are going to meet. The next person you go out with may just be the one you have been waiting for.

Spa treatments. Treat yourself to something decadent. My fa-vorite is spending an entire day

in the spa getting pampered. Get the full treatments for men and women. Make it a group event with your friends or go solo. Either way, for one trium-phant moment in time, you will feel pampered and spoiled. Go ahead. You deserve it.

Learn. Change your perspec-tive and view the relationship not as the end of the world but as a teachable moment. Life offers many learning opportuni-ties. This is one more event that will teach you to become the best “you” you can be. How can this experience benefit you? What have you learned about yourself and your dating habits? What would you do dif-ferently the next time you are in a relationship?

Vengeance. Ahhh, sweet re-venge. It is best served cold. It is hard to keep your thoughts about the person who broke your heart positive. Truthfully, you might need to indulge on occasion and fantasize. As long as you remember that it is only a fantasy and should have no place in reality. It is not in your best interest to hurt an-other human being, physically or otherwise. Still, you can get sweet tasting revenge for ev-ery minute that you hurt. How, you might ask? The best way is to remake yourself. Reach for the stars and do the things you always dreamed about. Trek the universe and do the things you always wanted to do. Get ven-geance the best way possible. Be absolutely and unforgettably happy. Do the things that bring

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to free sources of assistance. Many jobs offer an Employee Assistance Program. There are support groups for people who are grieving in your neighbor-hood. Reach out and get the additional help you need. You deserve to be happy. You are worth the effort.

As you can see, there are many things you can do to ease the transition from pain to happi-ness. Be nice and treat your-self exactly as you would want someone else to treat you, always. I’ll leave you with this; “True love will always find the right time.” Stay optimistic. Love will find you. If not today, tomorrow. I wish you the best of luck in your next relationship.

you joy and happiness. Focus on being jubilant. It may take time. Be patient with yourself. Remember that when you reach the pinnacle of your success at being happy, you will under-stand why vengeance is best served cold.

Find yourself. Most impor-tantly, use this time to figure out who you are. Unless you know yourself, you will repeat the same patterns that eventu-ally lead to heart break. What do you want from life? What makes you tick? What are your values and belief systems? How did these impact the relation-ship? What makes you happy? What kind of person will make you happy? What do you have to offer in a relationship? How

best can you present who you truly are in the future?

Therapy. Talking to friends can be very therapeutic. However, there are times when after do-ing everything on this list, you still find yourself pining and hoping and wishing; worse, you may still find yourself feeling the sting of rejection. If all else fails you and you find that you have reached your breaking point, seek professional assis-tance. Speak to a therapist or counselor; someone who offers grief therapy. They will have ad-ditional ideas on how to change your thought pattern and be-havior. If one on one therapy is not your thing or if you find that your insurance won’t cover the sessions you need, reach out


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FABULOUS FOODIE

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Depression Fighting FoodsT

he sky gets darker. The days get shorter. It’s cold outside and you’re feeling cooped up. It’s no wonder that

so many nurses suffer from win-ter blues. Worse, when you’re cooped up inside and feeling down, you may turn to foods that simply don’t help. The good news is that there are tasty food alternatives to help you beat depression.

Vitamins and Nutrients to Look For

When you’re at the supermar-ket and looking at your options, choose foods that contain:

Vitamin D Vitamin D has been shown to prevent and reduce depression in some individuals. A deficiency in this vitamin is also linked to a number of illnesses and condi-tions including diabetes.

Vitamin B The vitamin B complex helps your body manage stress op-timally. It also boosts your im-mune system.

Folate Folic acid helps regulate your blood flow. It also assists with sleep. Better sleep means a bet-ter ability to manage stress and control emotions. It means bet-ter physical and mental health.

Omega Fatty Acids Fatty acids reduce inflammation in your body and your brain.

35

in this vitamin is also linked to a

sleep. Better sleep means a bet-ter ability to manage stress and control emotions. It means bet-

Fatty acids reduce inflammation

Studies have shown that people who experience winter depres-sion are often low in omega fatty acids.

Protein Protein helps keep your blood sugar levels even. This means consistent energy throughout the day. Try to eat protein at every meal.

Foods to Add to Your Winter Shopping Cart

1. Salmon. Salmon is rich in vi-tamin D and omega fatty acids. It’s also protein. And salmon isn’t the only fish that contains these blues-busting nutrients. Mackerel and other cold-water fish do, too. If you don’t like fish, eat plenty of nuts and seeds. They’re rich in protein.

2. Lentils and legumes. Lentils are rich in folate. They also have a number of B vitamins which help you manage stress.

3. Brown rice. Brown rice is packed with B vitamins and it’s a great source of fiber. It’ll keep your body feeling full and your blood sugar even.

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale. Dark leafy greens contain a multitude of vitamins. They’re also a good source of fiber. Try to include at least one serving of dark leafy greens every day.

Also consider:

• Dark chocolate

• Vitamin D enriched milk or soymilk

• Whole grain enriched break-fast cereals

• Green tea

Steer clear of a diet that con-tains a lot of starchy carbs, white flour, and sugar. These can cause inflammation, blood sugar spikes, and low energy. Take care of your body and your mind this winter. Beat the blues by providing your body with the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. Plan ahead and

pack your cup-boards and

refrigera-tor with blues-

busting foods.


36

Shrimp Etouffee Recipe

Ingredients:•6tablespoonsbutter•3tablespoonsflour•1cupchoppedonion•6greenonionsandtops,chopped•1/2cupchoppedbellpepper•1/2cupchoppedcelery•2cupswater•3poundsshrimp,peeled,deveined•1/4cupchoppedparsley•saltandpepper,totaste•1smallbayleaf•tabascosauce,totaste•hotcookedrice

Preparation:In a skillet, melt the butter; add flour, stirring to blend. Cook, stirring con-stantly, until flour mixture is deep golden brown. Add the vegetables and cook until tender. Stir in the water, shrimp, parsley and seasonings. Sim-mer, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked. Serve over hot rice. Serves 4 to 6.

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Fabulous Recipes

Tips:Use liquid food coloring instead of the gel because the liquid will disperse into the beer instantly. Be careful with the food coloring. When you’re adding it to the beer, it’s easy to get some of it on your hands. It’s water-soluble, but the green does linger on your fingers a while. It will probably stain tablecloths and clothing as well.

We did quite a bit of sampling to see if we could (1) taste the food color-ing or (2) if it turned our lips green. No on both counts. We did not, how-ever, test what the results might be after a whole evening of green beer drink-ing. Here’s to the drinking of the green!

Green Beer Recipe

What You’ll Need:Liquid green food coloringBeerGlasses or mugs

Blue or Green Food Coloring? We had heard that you can make green beer using either green food coloring or blue (since the blue, when mixed with the golden color of the beer, will turn green). We tried it both ways but preferred using green. We did get a nice green shade of beer with 2 drops of blue coloring, but we did not like the blueish tint of the foam.

Instructions:Place 2 drops of green liquid food coloring in the bottom of a beer mug or glass. Add the beer. No stirring needed. Voila. Green beer. Two drops seemed to be the right amount to get a nice olive-green sort of color. Three drops resulted in more of a kelly green shade.

Dark Beer vs. Light Beer:We experimented with a light lager and a dark brown lager and got good results with each. Obviously, the darker beer was a slightly darker green, but it was still a nice olive green color. We used the same amount of food color-ing (2 drops) for each, and got good results.

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Q: Describe how The Paleo Diet works.

A: With readily available modern foods, The Pa-

leo Diet mimics the types of foods every single person on the planet ate prior to the Agri-cultural Revolution (a mere 500 generations ago). These foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and seafood) are high in the beneficial nutrients (soluble fiber, antioxidant vitamins, phytochemicals, omega-3 and monounsaturated fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates) that promote good health and are low in the foods and nutrients (refined sugars and grains, satu-rated and trans fats, salt, high-glycemic carbohydrates, and processed foods) that frequently may cause weight gain, cardio-vascular disease, diabetes, and numerous other health prob-lems. The Paleo Diet encourag-es dieters to replace dairy and grain products with fresh fruits and vegetables -- foods that are more nutritious than whole grains or dairy products.

Q: Since hunter-gatherers lived a “nasty, short, and

brutal life,” how can we know if their diets were healthful or not? Don’t their short life spans sug-gest a poor diet?

A: It is certainly true that hunter-gatherers stud-

ied during modern times did not have as great an average lifespan as those values found in fully westernized, industrial

37

nations. However, most deaths in hunter-gatherer societies were related to the accidents and trauma of a life spent living out-doors without modern medical care, as opposed to the chronic degenerative diseases that afflict modern societies. In most hunt-er-gatherer populations today, approximately 10-20% of the population is 60 years of age or older. These elderly people have been shown to be generally free of the signs and symptoms of chronic disease (obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels) that universally afflict the elderly in western societies. When these people adopt west-ern diets, their health declines and they begin to exhibit signs and symptoms of “diseases of civilization.”

Q: How can the lean meat and seafood-dominated

Paleo Diet help me lose weight compared to a high-carbohy-drate, low-fat diet?

A: Convention-al wisdom

tells us that to lose weight we must burn more calo-

ries than we take in and that the best way to accomplish this is to eat a plant-dominated, low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet. The first part of this equation is still true -- a net caloric deficit must occur in order for weight to be lost. However, the experience for most people on low-calorie, high-carbohydrate diets is unpleasant. They are hungry all the time, and for the vast major-ity, any weight lost is regained rapidly or within a few months of the initial loss. The diet doc-tors with their low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets offer us an al-ternative, but this nutritional gambit is nothing more than a short term ploy to lose weight that in the long run is unhealthy because of its reliance upon fats (bacon, butter, fatty meats, cheeses, etc.) at the expense of healthful fruits and vegetables.

There is an alternative -- a diet that emulates what our hunter-

The Paleo Diet Plan


38

which the eggs and meat come from are fed a natural organic diet. As such, chickens have access to greens, insects, etc., as well as grain. Cattle eat grass and other pasture greenery. Fish should come from the wild, or if farmed, fish should be fed what wild fish eat.

When cooked, meat should be free of breading.

Vegetables

Vegetables are encouraged, although some versions of the diet insist on a legume free (green beans and peas) diet. Vegetables are to be eaten raw preferentially. Starchy vegeta-bles like potatoes and starchy tubers like cassava are prohib-ited.

Fruits

Fruits can be consumed in limited forms. Cordain suggests avoiding juices altogether and limiting dried fruits.

Nuts and Seeds

When using The Paleo Diet as a weight-loss plan, Cordain sug-gests limiting nuts and seeds to four ounces per day. Note that since peanuts are legumes, they cannot be eaten while on this diet. Unsweetened almond milk and coconut milk are often used as substitutes for dairy.

Oils

Though authors of this diet vary on recommended oils, the gen-eral consensus is that oils from plants that can be eaten may

gatherer ancestors ate -- a high-protein, high-fruit and veggie diet with moderate amounts of fat, but with high quantities of healthful omega-3 and monoun-saturated fats. Protein has two to three times the thermic effect of either fat or carbohydrate, meaning that it revs up your metabolism, speeding weight loss. Additionally, protein has a much greater satiety value than either fat or carbohydrate, so it puts the brakes on your appe-tite. Finally, three recent clinical trials have shown high-protein diets to be more effective than low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets in promoting weight loss.

Q: Most of the shrimp we eat come from Asia and

South America where the shrimp are farmed. I was just wonder-ing if the levels of omega-3 in these farmed-raised shrimp are comparable to shrimp harvested from the ocean?

A: To date, virtually all stud-ies of farmed vs. wild

show a slight reduction in the ratio (which is different than amounts per serving) of ome-ga-3 fatty acids to other fatty acids within a species. Having said that, there is no doubt that farmed shrimp and other farmed fisheries products contain gen-erous amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. For example, because farmed Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout contain a higher percentage of fatty acids than their wild counterparts, the farmed varieties actually con-tain more grams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving! There is also no doubt that lean farmed

shrimp and fish are far better for you than fatty feedlot beef.

Today, steps are being taken by shrimp feed and fish feed manu-facturers to rectify any dispar-ity between omega-3 levels in farm-raised and wild fish and shellfish. Recent research has shown that late-stage feeding with feeds containing high con-centrations of omega-3 allows the receiving muscle tissues to quickly “catch up.” The result is a farmed product that, overall, requires less omega-3 in its diet over its lifetime, and an ome-ga-3 concentration in the tissue at harvest that is on par with or higher than wild product.

This strategy will (1) help to minimize the amount of expen-sive fish meals and fish oils used by the aquaculture industry, (2) still provide us with abundant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids in our diet, and (3) spare valu-able wild populations of fish and shellfish from unnecessary and destructive over-harvest. The aquaculture industry un-derstands and appreciates this issue, and is taking steps now to correct real and perceived disparities. Source: Loren Cordain http://www.thepaleodiet.com/

Foods You Can Eat

Meats and Eggs

Meats, seafood, and eggs are perhaps the most important components of the Paleolithic Diet. Ideally, the animals from

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diet books include a list of oils that may be ingested.

Salt

Limit intake of salty foods and never add salt to food.

Other

Pickled products and yeast containing products are also off limits. Lemon or lime juice is preferred over vinegar.

More information at http://www.thepaleodiet.com/

be consumed. Cordain recom-mends canola oil, but not coco-nut oil. Fish oil supplements are often recommended.

Beverages

Water is a primary part of the diet and highly recommended. Any beverages that are not plain water should be drunk in mod-eration. Serving sizes are listed below:

Wine – two 4 oz glasses

Beer – one 12 oz serving

Spirits - 4 ounces max

Avoid: Diet soda, coffee, and tea.

Forbidden Food Items

Starchy Tubers

No starchy vegetables or starchy tubers, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, manioc, and some say beets.

Refined Sugars

Paleo diet books enumerate the list of refined sugar and sugar related items that must be avoided. On occasion, small amounts of honey or pure maple syrup are allowed.

Grains

Grains are not allowed. Corn is considered a grain. All grain containing products are forbid-den.

Legumes

Since vegetables must be eaten raw, beans, peas, and peanuts are forbidden. Some paleo diet practitioners insist that lectins in legumes are unhealthy but the jury is still out on that; research into lectins is in its infancy.

Dairy Products

Paleolithic people did not eat dairy products because animals were not yet domesticated. This means that all dairy prod-ucts are ruled out of The Paleo Diet. These include milk, butter, cream, yogurt, ice cream, and cheese, etc.

Some Meats

Processed meats are not al-lowed because many contain ni-trites and addi-tives. These are hot dogs, ba-con, sau-sage, and lunch meats. Cordain does not allow fatty cuts of meat, including poultry skin, and dark meat.

Oils

The following oils must be avoided; corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, rice bran oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and wheat germ oil. Products like mayonnaise which contain oils must also be avoided. Paleo


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FABULOUS & FIT

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and videos of broken TVs, bro-ken noses, and more from flying Wii remotes. Do yourself a favor and get your set-up right from the get-go. Make sure you have ample space to perform the required movements, and AL-WAYS wear the wrist leash when using the handheld remote.

Set-up.

When you first start playing the Wii Fit, you will be asked to cre-ate a “mii,” an on-screen profile complete with graphic that you can customize with hairstyle, height, etc. You’ll also be asked to go through a series of di-

agnostic tests to gauge your fitness level. It’s a great

way to track your progress, so don’t skip this step!

Games.

The basic Wii Fit software includes a number of activities in different fitness ar-eas, from balance to yoga to cardio. Most can be played either against other people or individually. The system automatically starts you at lower levels, and you can “unlock” higher-level activities after a certain score or amount of times played. If you’re already in pretty good shape, many of these entry-level games may seem too easy, but use them as a chance to refine your technique.

“Woman Loses 50 Pounds Playing Vid-eo Games!”

It sounds like something you’d see on the cover of a tabloid in the grocery store checkout line, right under the story of the baby with three heads claiming Elvis as his father. Sure, it sounds too good to be true, but it is! You can lose weight, tone your muscles, and get more fit by playing video games. Not just any games, mind you – but the interactive, highly physical Nintendo Wii. The Wii Fit has even been endorsed by the American Heart Association.

Wii Fit Basics

If you aren’t familiar with the Wii, it’s the latest video game console sweeping the nation. The Wii Fit is a special bun-dle of games and accessories to turn your TV into a per-sonal trainer, with on-screen workouts that include yoga, skiing, boxing, step aero-bics, and more. Here’s what you need to know to get started working out with a Wii:

Equipment.

There are now lots of add-on components and other game op-tions like Wii Fit Plus, but at a minimum, you’ll need a television, Wii console, at least one handheld controller, and the Wii Fit bun-dle (including balance board

and Wii Fit games).

Placement.

All you have to do is Google “Wii acci-dent” to be treated to

dozens of re-ports

Introducing Wii FitnessFun For The Nurse's Family


42

Routine.

Schedule a routine Wii event. Like any exercise routine, the Wii Fit requires you to put consistent effort into it before you can ex-pect to see any results. Set aside one night a week when instead of watching a movie, you get out the Wii Fit and get moving. If it’s a regular event, it won’t be long before it becomes a tradition. The great thing about the Wii Fit is that it will nag you if you haven’t used it for a while! Com-mit to a regular exercise time, and you’ll soon find you’re hav-ing fun while getting in shape.

Safety first.

While the Wii is in general quite safe, it can be dangerous if participants stand too close together, if they overexert them-selves, if they trip on the carpet or furniture, or if they perform exercises using poor or incor-rect form. Emphasize safety first! Make sure the wrist strap is al-ways used with the hand remote,

and clear the area before start-ing. Help kids with their posture and form, and ask them to check yours out, too.

Start slow.

Some of the activities can be pretty complicated – and there-fore frustrating – for smaller kids (or uncoordinated adults!). Start with easy-to-learn activities like skiing and running, and then move on to some of the more advanced options.

Compete!

A little friendly competition is great motivation. Hold your fam-ily’s own Wii Olympics. Compete against each other individually, or choose teams. The Wii Fit automatically tracks high scores and personal bests. You might even want to have medals and awards; even an awards ban-quet!

Keep it fun.

No matter how fun the activity starts out being, if it’s mandated,

criticized, or pressured, it will soon be a chore. Don’t turn the Wii Fit into drudgery. Keep it fun by not taking the competition too seriously, by letting your kids beat you every once in a while, and by being willing to look like a complete buffoon. The more you get into it, the more fun it will be!

Get outside.

While the Wii Fit is better for your body than sitting at the computer playing Solitaire, it still can’t match playing a rousing game of tag on the playground or riding your bike around town. Balance indoor activities with more vigorous outdoor, “real” physical activities to optimize your family’s health.

Everybody gets to be a kid again when you join in a Wii Fit sporting event. Get set up properly, learn the basic forms and techniques, and you’ll be a Wii Fit fanatic before you know it. Get fit and have fun!

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Circle, the Wall Street Journal, on CNN and now, Fabulous Nurse Magazine.

“As of October 2010, the Zum-ba ® program is being taught at over 90,000 locations in 110 countries, has sold millions of DVDs.” (Source: http://www.zumba.com/us/about/)

Starting Zumba

You can find Zumba classes just about anywhere. They’re all around the world. You can find them at your local YMCA or at a fancy fitness gym. You can also Zumba in your home. There are a wide variety of Zumba fitness CDs and DVDs. You can Zumba in your kitchen, living room, bedroom or home gym.

Getting started is easy. Simply find a class and sign up. You don’t need any extra equipment or gear. All you need is a pair of fitness shoes and you are ready to work out. Zumba promises to combine superior fat-burning fitness with a dance party atmo-sphere. If you love Latin music, salsa and meringue, then you’ll love Zumba.

Ready to Zumba?

If you’re ready to Zumba, grab your shorts and t-shirt and get ready to sweat. Hop online and grab an at-home Zumba work-out DVD or visit their “Find a Class” tool. Chances are there are dozens of Zumba classes being held right in your commu-nity. Grab a friend and get ready to sweat and have fun.

If you want to lose weight and would like to have fun doing it, consider trying Zumba. Millions of people around the world have reaped the benefits. You can too.

backpack full of tapes of the mu-sic he loved – traditional Latin music. Beto used the music, im-provised the moves as he went along and the Zumba craze was born.

The program caught on so well he was approached by entre-preneurs who licensed Zumba. You can now see classes around the world. Kellogg’s has even used the Zumba class to mar-ket their Special K cereal. It has been features in just about every major magazine, including Self, Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Family

All around the coun-try, people are trying Zumba and loving it. It’s the newest fit-ness craze. If you are

a nurse who loves to dance and wants to get in the best shape of your life, consider Zumba.

The Zumba Discovery

The creation of Zumba was a happy accident. In 1999, celeb-rity fitness trainer “Beto” Perez walked into his aerobics class having forgotten his music. Be-ing from Columbia, he had a

ZumbaLatin Dance Craze


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Walk In

My Clogs

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Colonel (Dr.) John Murray has had an extraordinary career as a United States Air Force

nurse. Since joining the USAF in 1984, Colonel Murray has held a variety of positions including working in chronic care, clinical research, serving as a squadron commander, and various clinical leadership positions in pediat-rics. Colonel Murray was the first DOD nurse to be appointed to a full professorship at the Graduate School of Nursing at the Uniformed Services Univer-sity. According to his office, he has recently retired as the Direc-tor of Education, Training & Re-search, Joint Task Force National Capital Region Medical. Colo-nel Murray’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northeastern University, followed by a master’s degree in pediatric acute and chronic care

nursing from Boston College. In addition, he has earned a post-master’s degree in pediatric primary care from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and finally, a PhD in Nursing from the University of Texas at Austin.

Nursing has pro-vided fulfilment for Colonel Mur-ray; he stated, “I became a nurse out of an inter-est to be able to provide care for pa-

tients and families, teach, con-duct research, and provide lead-

ership in the healthcare profession. Nursing

gives you the opportunity to do all these.” Becoming an Air Force nurse, in particular, afforded Colo-

nel Murray many opportunities that

he may have not been able to experience

in the civilian world because of the USAF’s global reach and national security concerns. He comments, “During my nursing career, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as the Consultant to the Surgeon General for Pediatrics and Research, represent the Department of Defense on the National Advisory Council for Research at the National Insti-tutes of Health, work with the State Department and Ameri-can Academy of Pediatrics to develop a healthcare plan for

Colonel John Murray USAF, NC, PhD, RN, CPNP, CS, FAAN, Associate Dean and Pro-

fessor, Consultant to the Surgeon General for Research

Famous Nurses


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children affected by the Tsunami Disaster in Asia, and

participate in humanitarian work in developing countries around the world.”

One of the focuses of Colonel Murray’s career has been in re-

search, particularly in the area of pediatric cancer and the

care of siblings and also for children affected

by chronic illness and their families. Colonel Murray was involved in a $3.2 million dollar gov-ernment funded grant as the lead investigator and has

been responsible for overseeing more

than $15 million dol-lars in grants during his

career. Through his practice and research, Colonel Murray’s

commitment to assisting siblings of children with cancer led him to

authoring the book, “Cancer Affects Me Too: A Workbook for Siblings of Children with Cancer”. A prolific researcher, Colonel Murray has com-pleted more than forty peer-reviewed

journal articles including “Pediatric Nursing Health Care Delivery Plan for Humanitarian Missions in Developing Countries.”

Nursing has been the core of his life and has provided many occasions to serve oth-ers. He said, “Being a nurse gives a per-son unlimited opportunities and potential to make a difference in so many aspects of healthcare around the world. Air Force nursing in particular gives you the chance to endeavor in many specialty and leader-ship areas of nursing.”

While many times we think of nurses as living a life based on routine, nursing has offered Colonel John Murray options that he wouldn’t have had without his training – opportunities to travel the world, help oth-ers and work with children. An Air Force nurse with a passion for research, educa-tion and clinical service, Colonel John Mur-ray epitomizes the qualities of a “Fabulous Nurse.”

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Life

styl

e


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Improve Communication With Your TeenA

ny nurse with children knows that raising a child doesn’t come with a

book of instructions. If it did, the task would be much easier. Facing the teen-age years with your son or daughter is not something most nurses look forward to. This article will help you take the experience one day at a time and learn how to bridge the communication gap.

As your child goes from tod-dler to youngster to tween to teenager, something in what you say gets lost in translation. They can give you that blank stare as if the words that are coming out of your mouth sound like the unseen teacher in the Char-lie Brown cartoons.

It’s not easy to improve the communication bridges with a teen but it’s important to try to get through as these years and the choices they make now will have a vital impact on their future.

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. Watch your body language. How you move says a lot about you.

When a person is tired, they tend

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6. Allow them their privacy. This one is tricky and since you know your child better than anyone else, you can draw the line. Teens value their time alone. While the policy in your home may be that there are no locks on the doors, always show respect by knocking before entering. If they don’t want to be pressed about a situation in school, wait until they are ready (if it’s not urgent) and then talk about it.

Parenting a teenager takes a tough skin, a willingness to be vulnerable, and lots of love. You will make mistakes but whatever you do, don’t ever stop talking.

to slump. When angered, your jaw muscles tighten and your eyes narrow into slits. Believe it or not, teenagers are good at interpreting body language. Yours will betray you when you are talking to them. Keep it open and honest. Avoid sit-ting with your arms crossed, eyes looking away from them or squirming in your seat.

2. Make eye contact. When you don’t look at the person you are talking to it says that you are either hid-ing something or you are not at all interested in what they have to say. Your teenager will shut down emotionally when they suspect that you are not “tuned in” to them. Sit comfortably and give your teen undivided attention with consistent eye contact. It lets them know that you care.

3. Keep your emotions in check. Remember back to when you were a teenager. Some of the things you said to your parents were aimed at freaking them out. Teenagers will push your buttons if they can. Don’t go overboard and get upset. Their target is the situations they know make you mad. Instead, take a deep breath and ignore the taunt. Do the opposite of what they expect because really, they want you to see through their ploy and find out the real problem.

4. Ask them about their day. This technique works with spouses also. Even if your teen only grunts or says the obliga-tory, “It was okay,” ask anyway. Your show of caring will go a long way to convince them that you are interested in the things that they do and how they feel.

5. Be honest with them. If you don’t understand the situation they are talking about then say so. Kids know when you are being insincere. Dis-cuss the situation until you get an idea of where they are com-ing from. Your teen won’t mind explaining as long as they know you are listening.


50

sionable? What might be a fun time for them now, might be a future hobby, career, or world saving invention.

It’s fun. While it’s easy to forget, childhood isn’t just for learning about how to be an adult, it’s also about having fun. Nature gives kids a chance to use their imagination and be free to just be kids.

While unstructured play out-side is great for kids, you can also find a lot of places offering structured classes and learning sessions for kids that focus on the natural world. Check your local park, zoo, or museum. There’s a good chance they have classes you can sign up for, and since many of these places are not for profit, they’re usually affordable, as well as, informa-tive.

Across the world, there are mil-lions of dollars being spent to help promote sending your kids outside to learn from nature. That’s because spending time in the outside world is so impor-tant for developing minds. It can also be a great es-cape for you as well.

As parents, every year nurses spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars on toys and activi-

ties for their kids. While many of these things are great for keep-ing young minds and bodies ac-tive, many of them are unneces-sary. Sure, kids need structured play, but they also need “free” plan and this is easy to do when the world’s largest playground is right outside your back door. Why not let them play outside?

Every toy, book, and TV show that comes out has been de-signed and redesigned several times in order to make it edu-cational and entertaining for children. The great thing about nature is that, while being en-tertaining and stimulating to the imagination, it’s also education-al. Nature can teach children the basics of science, economics, and creativity.

It’s cheap. Depending on where you live, exploring nature is usually pretty inexpensive, if not free. It may mean going out in your backyard, local park, or perhaps going to the lo-

cal nature center or state park (which usually have low cost fees or memberships). This way, you don’t have to pay for expensive toys, jungle gyms, or member-ships to expensive entertain-ment centers, but you still get the benefit of stimulating and educational play.

It makes them think. Lately there’s been a trend in educa-tion towards inquiry based learning. Researchers have found that if students explore and experiment to figure out answers on their own, they’re going to learn better, and retain more information. It also helps them develop skills to be able to learn things on their own later. What better environment to learn things than out in na-ture. There are lessons for kids of all ages to discover about the world around them.

It may help the world. Every-one these days is trying to be more green and more environ-mentally conscious. What better way to help do your part than to get your children interested in their own planet than right now when they’re young and impres-

Green Parenting Tips Nature's Playground For Kids

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ChoosingA Home Security System

Protecting your fam-ily and all of the things that you have worked hard for is important to you. A

home security system is almost a must in this day and age. There are several on the mar-ket but all are not the same. Choose the one that best fits your situation and gives the most features for your money.

Here are some of the top things to consider when pur-chasing a home security sys-tem.

Size of Your Home

Alarm systems have varying ranges especially if they are wireless. With a large home or one with lots of door and win-dows, a wired system might re-

quire a lot of holes to be drilled just to connect the system up.

Features Included with the System

The basic system will secure doors (and windows if appli-cable) so that you can feel safe. But, other things can happen that an alarm system can help with. Alarm keypads with fire, police and emergency buttons are coming standard with most alarm systems. Also, check to see if they offer carbon mon-oxide sensors, fire alarms and radon gas sensors for a start.

What Type of Motion Sen-sors You’ll Need

The security system will be used when you are at home and away. Some activate the

motion sensors at night. If you have small children that get up frequently to go to the bath-room or tiptoe to the kitchen for water, you don’t want to scare the bejesus out of them with the alarm going off as soon as they step into the hall. Will the system include motion lighting outside?

How Many Keypads Should You Have?

Home security systems give you at least one keypad and most people place it near the door. If they offer a free second keypad, you can place it in the bedroom area of the house for quick access in an emergency. Ask about additional keypads.

What Type of Monitoring Does the Company Offer?

What is ideal is 24-hour moni-toring from a central monitor-ing station. When the alarm sounds, they will call you im-mediately. They also call local authorities if you hit the fire, police or emergency buttons from the keypad. Is the moni-toring station automated or are there live people on the other end? In an emergency you want live people.

Are you interested in a home security system? You’ll get a discount on your homeowner policy for taking the initiative to secure your home, family and property. Choose wisely so you get the top of the line and not the bottom of the heap.


52

This will create a loop around your toe. You may want to posi-tion the elastic around your toe as you create the jewelry to make sure it sits where you want it and fits how you want it to.

Step #4 String about 1” of beads on each end of the elas-tic. Make sure they mirror each other and are the same length.

Step #5 Again, push both ends of the elastic through a 4mm bead. Repeat this process a few times until you’re up next to your foot. Then slide your beads on in a pattern until you’ve reached the back of your ankle. You should now have a circle of beads around your ankle and a chain extending down to your toe. Tie off the back of the bracelet with a double knot and trim the loose ends.

Beading is fun and easy when you have the right tools and a plan. Go ahead, visit that bead store and let your creative side come out. Imagine what you can create and then make it happen.

If you’ve ever walked into a bead store, it’s an amazing experience. Shelves line the walls and each shelf is filled with hundreds of different

types of beads. Metal beads, shells, glass beads, colorful beads, simple beads, a bead for every taste, personality and jew-elry type. You almost cannot help but buy a bag of beads with no plan for them.

Well, we have a plan! Whether you have a bag of beads at home waiting for in-spiration or you are interested in creating custom jewelry, here are two projects you can do yourself:

1. Beaded Bracelet

You’ll need:

• Wire or nylon thread. Wire is more durable; however, it is less flexible. If you want a lot of movement in your brace-let, you may prefer nylon thread

• Crimp beads – the little beads you place on the end to keep the other beads from falling off

• Crimp pliers

• Beads of your choice

• Clasp

Step #1 Plan your design. Lay out your beads the way you’re going to place them on your bracelet.

Step #2 Cut your wire or thread. Add a few inches on the ends so you have enough room to work with.

Step #3 Slide a crimp bead on one end of the wire and slide

it through one end of your clasp. Then slide the

end of your wire back through the crimp bead so you’ve cre-ated a loop with the clasp in the loop.

Step #4 String your beads.

Step #5 Add your crimp bead and the

other end of your clasp and you’re done. You now have a custom piece of jewelry you created yourself.

2. Caribbean Foot Jewelry

If you have a lot of smaller beads or you’re ready for a more difficult beading project, you can make foot jewelry. In addi-tion to about 50 - 75 small glass beads you’ll need:

• Elastic, about two and a half feet

• White glue

• Four silver or gold 4 mm beads

Step #1 Stiffen the ends of your elastic with white glue and let it dry.

Step #2 String 12 glass beads on the elastic to the center of the cord. Make sure you have enough to go around your toe (the long one next to your big toe).

Step #3 Slide both ends of the elastic through a 4mm bead.

Beading Bracelets & Caribbean Foot Jewelry

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can pinpoint its exact location through the radio waves which are transmitted by the RFID.

Types of chips. Transponders typically come in two forms, an ISO or Non-ISO type chip. The ISO is an International Stan-dardization Organization. Your local super market scanner can read the Non-ISO chip which is predominantly used in the US. However, if you plan to travel outside the US with your pet, you may want to consider get-ting an ISO chip. ISO chips can be read by global scanners. Popular brands include 24Pet-watch, Avid and Home Again.

Cost. The cost of registering your pet. You really may not have a choice. Some cities, such as Oakland, CA or Yakima, WA require that you have your pet micro-chipped. Also, many animal shelters automatically mi-crochip each new arrival to their facilities. The pet you adopt may already be micro-chipped. While getting an RFID chip embedded at the Vets may cost you about $50 bucks, the actual dividends you receive from keeping your pet safe makes the device priceless.

Micro-chipping Your Pet

“lost” signs. Save your reward money. Ever heard of Micro-chip RFID technology? It is the 21st century way to locate/find your pet. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Device.

In the US, the RFID is 64 kilobytes just large enough to store serial numbers & biometric informa-tion.

How it works

A small life-saving transmitter, about the size of a grain of rice, is embedded just under the skin of your pet using a small intro-ducer. The most preferred loca-tion is near the shoulder blades. Each device or transponder has a serial number. Length of procedure is less usually than 15 minutes. The transponder is activated when the area is

scanned. The serial number is entered into a database, usually the

Petwatch registry. This data-

base can be accessed by any one of the recovery services that are located worldwide. When your pet is missing, the recov-ery service

Fact. Pets get lost. Fact. Pets get stolen. Fact. Some pets are geneti-cally prone to running away. Fact. Your pet

does not have to be lost to

you forever. Fact. The National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy surveyed a thousand shelters and found that over 572,320 cats and 840,000 dogs die needless each year as strays. Fact. Technology can help you bring your pet home.

Your pet may also be missing because of a natural disaster such as the floods, earthquakes, fire, and mudslides. Collars are wonderful. Unfortunately, a col-lar is only helpful if it is still on when your pet is discovered. Say good-bye to “missing” and


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TRavel

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midwinter party.

A couple of centuries later, the early Christian Church cleverly consolidated and converted these pagan feasts to a Christian holiday, declaring December 25 the birthday of Jesus, Son of God, and called it “Christ Mass” or Christmas.

The Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the three kings to

the Christ child, was then celebrated on January 6, the twelfth day after Christmas. In medieval Europe, the Twelve Days of Christmas became a series of celebrations presided over by an im-promptu king of the fes-tivities, called “The Lord of Misrule.”

Mardi Gras Good Times In New Orleans

It is perfectly understood and long accepted that to leave the U.S without actually crossing its bor-ders, one should visit New

Orleans. New Orleanians them-selves claim that New Orleans is “Euorpe on a Po-boy budget.” This most unique city in the US is also famous for its cuisine. During Mardi Gras, New Orleans is indeed a treat for the jaded traveler. Our friends at the New Orleans Metropolitan Conven-tion and Visitors Bureau share the origins of this long stand-ing tradition that makes New Orleans a center of pomp and celebration during the dreary winter season.

Origins and History of Mardi Gras

Where and when the madness began. Long before the Chris-tian era, young men in disguise would roam the streets of Rome carousing during the winter Saturnalia. In the third century, A.D., the em-per-or

Aurelius fixed December 25 – the winter solstice under the Julian calendar – as the birthday of the Invincible Sun, which the Romans worshipped. The dates of the Saturnalia and the Sun

Festival roughly col-lided, making for

a week-long


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New Orleans Quick Facts

• Population: 484,674

• Birthplace of Jazz

• Motto: Laisse Le Bon Temps Rouler

• 7 miles long

• Annual Celebrations: Mardi Gras and New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

City of New Orleans Healthcare Facilities

• Memorial Medical Center

• Children’s Hospital

• Charity Hospital

• Kindred Hospital

• Medical Center of Lousiana at New Orleans

• Tulane University Hospital and Clinic

• River Oaks Hospital

• Touro Infirmary

• Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center

• US Veterans Medical Center

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ning. The cake, bean and pea are ancient symbols of fertility.

Later, the masked balls and en-tertainment continued through Shrove Tuesday, a day the French called Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday and celebrated the day before Lent.

Ironically, the solemn, austere period of Lent actually created Carnival, which means, literally, “farewell to meat.” All carnival revelries began with the fren-

During the revelry, small tokens were distributed, suggesting the gifts brought by the three kings. Thus, the origin of current day ‘throws’ which are dispensed to parade goers from the scores of floats which comprise the twen-ty-first century Mardi Gras.

Masked balls would become the pinnacle of Twelfth Night first in Renaissance Italy and then to France and England. Early New Orleans Creoles called them les bals des rois, for the kings who presided over the masked mer-rymaking.

A mock king for the night was chosen by chance. Whoever found a coin or a bean in a piece of special “king cake” (named for the Three Kings) was crowned monarch of Twelfth Night. His Majesty could then choose his Queen or she was also selected by Luck of the draw. The young lady who found a pea in her piece of cake was the chosen consort for the eve-

zied over indulgence of people about to bid a temporary, but very fond adieu to the pleasure of the flesh.

Another irony, the date for Eas-ter (which determines Lent and therefore Mardi Gras) was deter-mined by the Spring Equinox, a major pagan festival of ancient Rome, which the early Church characteristically morphed into a major feast day.

Mardi Gras falls between Febru-ary 3 and March 9, always 46 days before Easter Sunday – the total of the 40 days of Lent plus the six Sundays in that period. Faithful Christians will abstain from meat products on the Fridays of Lent and will routinely ‘give up’ a favored food or bev-erage in Lent.

Carnival comes to the crescent city. When the French explorer, Pierre le Moyne, the Sieur de la Iberville, set up a camp about 60 miles south of the future La


58

Nouvelle Orleans, he named the site Pointe du Mardi Gras. It was apropos since the date was March 3, 1699, Mardi Gras Day back home.

The Europeans brought their Carnival customs and Creole society was soon masking and danc-ing at private balls while revelers in disguise roamed the old streets.

The year 1837 marked the first known procession of masked revelers in the city. By the mid 1840s, the carous-ing and drunken escapades had grown so wild, relatively sober citizens lobbied to ban all public carnival celebrations.

Six men from Mobile, where Mardi Gras celebrations had been held as early as 1708 and parades since 1831, stepped in. Together with thirteen New Or-leanians, they founded the first Mardi Gras organi-zation and named it for a reference to “Comus with his Crew” from John Milton’s poem, “A Mask Presented at Ludlow-Castle.” In Roman mythology, Comus was the God of mirth and revelry. A follower of Dionysius, he was repre-sented as a drunken youth

bearing a torch. In Milton’s poetic masque, Comus is a rascal, the son of wine God Baachus and Circe, daugh-ter of the Sun.

With a little whimsy and archaic spelling, the

Mobile Six formed the Mystick

Krewe


Nouvelle Orleans, he named the site Pointe du Mardi Gras. It was apropos since the date was March 3, 1699, Mardi Gras Day back home.

The Europeans brought their Carnival customs and Creole society was soon masking and danc-ing at private balls while revelers in disguise roamed the old streets.

The year 1837 marked the first known procession of masked revelers in the city. By the mid 1840s, the carous-ing and drunken escapades had grown so wild, relatively sober citizens lobbied to ban all public carnival celebrations.

Six men from Mobile, where Mardi Gras celebrations had been held as early as 1708 and parades since 1831, stepped in. Together with thirteen New Or-leanians, they founded the first Mardi Gras organi-zation and named it for a reference to “Comus with his Crew” from John Milton’s poem, “A Mask Presented at Ludlow-Castle.” In Roman mythology, Comus was the God of mirth and revelry. A follower of Dionysius, he was repre-sented as a drunken youth

bearing a torch. In Milton’s poetic masque, Comus is a rascal, the son of wine God Baachus and Circe, daugh-ter of the Sun.

With a little whimsy and archaic spelling, the

Mobile Six formed the Mystick

Krewe

of Comus, and in 1857 they paraded by torchlight on Mardi Gras evening on two mule-drawn floats.

They decided the parade wasn’t enough. Comus wanted some-

thing grander to celebrate Mardi

Gras, so they formed a secret society in

keeping with their Masonic origins and is-

sued 3,000 invitations to a Ball which

became the event of the year for New

Orleans society. The first Queen of

Comus was Mildred Lee, Daughter of Confederate

General Robert E. Lee (whose exploits are still ven-

erated with a grand statue

at the circle in-tersecting St. Charles and How-ard Av-enues.)

The parade and ball, with themes from mythol-ogy and lit-erature, were so successful

that party-minded

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The Cake of Kings

King cakes came to New Or-leans with the French, who sub-stituted a tiny baby Jesus doll in place of the medieval bean. The cakes began as round, custard filled pastries decorated with crowns. King Cakes remain ex-tremely popular throughout the city during the carnival season.

At the Twelfth Night Revelers Ball each year, either a bean or a plastic baby is baked with a large King Cake. The Court gathers around the cake and each young debutante is given a slice. The maid whose slice contains the bean is crowned Queen.

For decades, the king cake set off a round of parties in the teen crowd. Whoever got the baby or the bean at the first party had to give a king cake party the fol-lowing weekend.

New Orleanians decided more was better. The Krewes of Twelfth Night Revelers, Proteus and Momus were quickly formed and their parades rolled through dusky evenings and dark nights lit only by torches.

REX Rules the Day

By sheer chance, Alexis Ro-manov, Grand Duke of Russia, would visit New Orleans during the Mardi Gras of 1872, as he pursued his latest amour, actress Lydia Thompson.

To celebrate his visit, a group of 40 businessmen funded a day-time parade for Mardi Gras Day and called it “Rex,” Latin for ‘king.’ The formation of the crew was first told to the citizens on Lundi Gras (the day before Mar-di Gras) through an announce-ment in the daily newspapers. Businesses were asked to shut down the next day to greet Rex

and honor the Duke.

In the Duke’s honor, the men of Rex adopted the Romanov family colors of purple, green and gold (representing justice, fidelity and power). They com-missioned a band to play the Duke’s favorite love song, “If Ever I Cease to Love,” from the play Bluebeard. The lovely Lydia Thompson had a starring role.

After Alexis left, the colors stuck (to this very day), the parade continued and a masked ball was added the next year, l873. The song became the anthem of the Mardi Gras and the theme of Rex. Each year he mounts his throne with a motto: Pro Bono Publico…“for the common good.”

Rex first arrived via riverboat at the foot of Canal Street. It’s a custom on Lundi Gras and con-tinues to this date.

Provided by the New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau. 2020 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130 504-566-5019. www.neworleanscvb.com. Revised 2009.


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THE NURSE'S STATION

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Seasoned nurses and new nurses, alike, benefit from proper interviewing skills. It does not matter

if the nursing job of inter-est is a lateral move in your organization. As long as you seek a new opportunity and need to “speak” formally or informally with a hiring manager, it behooves you to follow Janet and Cori’s example and learn every-thing you can about the inter-viewing process.

Congratu-lations. You are almost done with the dream job series. Some of you may stop here after you land that dream job. Others may need to read

through the fifth and final part of this series as they explore alternative options. In parts 1

through 3, we dis-cussed effective

job hunting techniques, explored networking ideas, and learned to

write a nurse’s resume/cover

letter. This month’s

article, fo-

cus on the all-important inter-view. We will discuss what you need to know as an interviewee and as the interviewer. Like most professional interactions, there are rules of engagement to mas-ter. Let’s get started.

Tips For Mastering InterviewsInterviewing is a tough time in a person’s life. You want to give a good first impression while at the same time you want to learn more about the potential op-portunity and the people you might be working with. It’s also a time when you have to keep some information close to the vest, like how much money you want, and be completely upfront about other information. All this while still trying to impress can be a tall order. There are a variety of interview formats: in-formal, structured, individualized or group sessions. The typical, initial job interview is approxi-mately thirty minutes in length.

Here are 10 tips for mas-tering any interview:

1. Research the company. There are many resources

available for you to find as much information about the company and the opportunity as possible. Research them online, review periodicals and network to find out what there is to know about the company. This will make you look educated and interested in the position and will help you with the next tip.

2. Prepare a list of ques-tions to ask. What do

you want to know about the company and the opportu-nity? Make sure to come

Master TheJob InterviewDream Job SeriesPart 4 of 5


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with a few questions. This helps give the interviewer something to talk about and it makes you seem more interested in the position and proactive.

3. Practice & prepare your answers. You know many

of the questions you’re going to be asked. Prepare your answers in advance and practice them. If you have a friend or family member that can help, enlist them and hold mock interviews.

4. Dress ap-propriate-

ly. Dress for the company, the opportunity and the inter-viewer. If you’re interviewing

with a fash-ion com-

pany or a

creative position then it’s im-portant to dress for the role. If you’re interviewing for manage-ment or an accountant position then traditional suits are appro-priate. When in doubt, over-dress.

5. Know who you’re inter-viewing with. You know

the company you’re interview-ing with and the opportunity you’re interviewing for. Do you know the interviewer? Find out as much as you can about the people you’re going to be meeting with. This may help you prepare some appropriate and relevant questions.

6. Stay positive. People are attracted to positive and

optimistic people. When you’re interacting with the interviewer and responding to their ques-tions, stay positive.

7. Relax. Yes, interviewing is stressful. However, the

more relaxed you are the more productive the entire experience will be for everyone. You relax and everyone else will relax, too.

8. Come prepared with the proper information. Come

prepared with business cards, a notebook and pen for taking notes and a few resumes and references.

9. Take notes. If you have any questions, write them

down as you make your way through the interview. That way, you don’t have to interrupt the interviewer and can ask the questions when it’s appropri-ate to do so. Also, taking notes will help you communicate with the company during follow-up conversations.

10. Thank everyone for their time and consid-

eration. Always be gracious.Interviewing is a skill that can be improved with practice. Be yourself. Do your best and fol-low these ten tips for a great interview.

Dress For SuccessInterviews are often your first opportunity to make an impres-sion and get the job. How you dress is incredibly important. Your interviewer will make a snap judgment based on how you’re dressed so you want the outside of you to be as fantastic as the inside.

Here are three tips to dress for success for your next interview.

#1 Dress for the role.If you’re interviewing for a managerial or advanced practice position, wear of the traditional suit. If you’re dressing for a non-managerial role then you may be able to go without the suit coat – a pair of slacks, a button up shirt and a tie (for guys) are likely acceptable. However, it’s always a good idea, if you’re undecided to overdress for your interview rather than under dress. A suit will always look better than jeans. As a matter of fact, NEVER wear jeans to an in-terview. Wear comfortable and presentable shoes. No sneakers or flip flops.

Traditional interview wear in-cludes suit pants or a skirt in a neutral color, a button down blouse or shirt, a tie if you’re a male, and a suit coat.

#2 Remove piercings and hide your body art.Body art like tattoos, piercings

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may be asked and sample ques-tions you can ask are located in the Resources section of this issue.

When you are the interviewerAs an interviewer, you need to be aware of the rules that gov-ern the employer – employee relationship. Many rules have been put in place to prevent discrimination. Specifically, you need to be aware that in the US, some questions are con-sidered illegal to ask during the interview process. Unless an interviewee volunteers the information, you should never ask the following questions. Many of these questions will be answered through the requisite background checks that you will do once a candidate is hired.

•Howoldareyou?

•AreyouaU.S.citizen?

and other items are how people express themselves. Many companies understand this and it may be appropriate to wear once you have the job. Howev-er, when you’re interviewing for a job you don’t want to give an unprofessional first impression. Remove your piercings and cov-er your tattoos if possible. That is unless you’re applying for a position at a tattoo shop. It may also be a good idea to review the company policy on body art so if you do get the job, you show up for work dressed ap-propriately.

#3 Personal Hygiene.Always take the time to shower, shave and present yourself to the interviewer at your personal best. Clean nails, brushed teeth and hair and clean clothes are imperative. It’s also important to make sure you don’t have any body odor. Skip the perfume

and cologne as well. Or if you must wear it, use it sparingly. Some people are sensitive to fragrances and too much can make them feel ill. Certainly not what you want them to rammer you for.

Less is more when you’re wear-ing jewelry, makeup or doing your hair, too. You want to look, clean, groomed and profes-sional for your job interview. Save the personal expression for other times.

Looking your best and dressing for success helps you position yourself positively in your inter-viewers mind. Make sure your first impression represents you in the best light. To your suc-cess!

Note: Remember to smile, smile, and smile again through the entire interview process.

Sample interview questions you


64

•Areyoumarried?

•Doyouhavekids?

•Howlonghaveyoubeendi-vorced?

•Howreliableareyourchildcare arrangements you have?

•Areyoulivingwithanyone?Engaged?

•Whatisyourreligiousprefer-ence?

•Doyouplantohavemorechildren?

•Howoldareyourchildren?

•Doyouownorrent?

•Haveyoueverbeenarrested?

The Importance Of Follow-UpWhen interviewing for a job, many people neglect this all im-portant step - follow-up. In fact, the simple act of following up correctly after an interview may be the difference maker you need to get the job.

What is Follow-Up?

Follow up is the series of com-munications that occur after an interview. The follow-up proto-

col includes:

•Athankyounotebypostorvia email

•Afollow-upphonecall

•Afinalconfirmationorac-ceptance call. (Depending on the acceptance and negotiation process there may actually be several communications once you’ve been offered a job.)

Follow-Up Protocol

Generally, before an interview concludes, it is important to ask how you should follow-up. Your interviewer will generally let you know their process and how long they anticipate the decision making to take. This is your cue. If they say it will take a week be-fore they make a decision, you know to call in one week and a day if you haven’t heard from them.

Your Thank You LetterThe first thing you should do when you get home from an interview is send everyone you met with a thank you letter. A thank you email may also be

appropriate depending on the nature of the company and the person you met with. Some people still prefer a handwritten note. Do what feels right.

Your thank you letter should be:

•Addressedtotheinterviewerwith their name spelled cor-rectly.

•Succinctandfriendly.

•Relevanttotheconversationyou had with the interviewer – address something you dis-cussed specifically.

•Clearthatyou’reinterestedinthe position.

Your thank you phone call:

•Becourteousandfriendly–you want to continue to make a positive impression.

•Onlycalloncetoseeifthey’vemade a decision. You don’t want to scare or annoy them.

•Keeptheconversationshorttorespect their time.

•It’sokaytoremindthemthatyou’re very excited about the opportunity and thank them for their time.

Follow-up is an important part of the complete interviewing process. Many hiring managers will give your profile a second look after receiving your follow up call or note. Neglecting it is like handing the job to someone else.

NOTE: Sample follow up/thank you letters are located in the Resources section of this issue. Thank you letters for the single interviewer, group interview, peer review, and second inter-views are included.

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4. Reduce high-carbohy-drate meals. Feel sleepy

after certain meals, too many carbs are producing serotonin.

5. Cut the caffeine. The right amount perks us up.

Too much reduces absorption of memory-enhancing iron and lessens concentration.

6. Exercise. Real exercise increases

memory function, ana-lytical ability and con-

centration.

6 Ways To Boost your Brain Power E

mergency room nurse Ethel Nicodemus knows lives depend on her knowing what to do and when. Sav-

ing lives is her job and those lives count on her staying sharp and focused.

These brain boosters help her stay on her toes.

1. Avoid fatty foods. Sorry McDonald’s fans. Fatty

foods take all afternoon to di-gest and make you sluggish. Your blood is in your stomach not in your head.

2. Dump the sugar snacks. It gives you that quick

energy burst but after the high comes the low. The low leaves you feeling tired and mentally drained.

3. Eat breakfast. This will give you energy. Glucose

stores become depleted when meals are skipped.

By Zee Nickerson


66

the number of patients under its care a day before the strike. And its officials said normalcy would be restored a week after.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

As reported by the AFLCIO, “The nurses were able to beat back management’s demands to slash their pension fund by one-third, which would have moved it back to 1968 economic levels, and other concessions. But the issue of patient-staff ratios was not settled in the contract. Both sides agreed to continue work-ing on the issue through the existing committee system at each hospital.”

The Minnesota Nurses Associa-tion posted this statement on its website, “Just because we ultimately could not get the safe

In the past year, nurses around the world have stood up for their rights through strikes. Collective action is almost always the

consequence of failed negotia-tions between hospital manage-ment and nursing unions. When nurses go on strike, hospitals hire contingent workers – strike nurses to manage patient care until a mutual understanding is reached. This article reports on two historic nursing strike ac-tions in the USA and Australia; and examines the patients, em-ployers, strike nurses, & replace-ment nurses view on strikes.

The American Nursing Strike 2010

On June 10, 2010, in what is re-ferred to by reporters as “a his-toric nursing industrial action,” about 12,000 members of the Minnesota Nurses Association went on strike. The news media and nursing union organizers both agree that this was by far the largest nursing strike in the history of the United States. In a single day, an outstanding 14 different hospital employers in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul were affected by the nurses’ call to collective ac-tion.

THE GRIEVANCE

(1) Optimal nurse-to-patient staffing ratios.

(2) Adequate nursing staff per shift.

(3) Better compensation.

(3) A limit on frequent floats to units outside a nurse’s depart-ment.

In a nutshell, union organizers demanded improved nursing staffing plans for best patient care.

CONSEQUENCES

As reported by StarTribune.com, “Union accuses 3 hospi-tals of locking out some nurses. Even though the historic strike is technically over, the acrimony, and emotional fallout are, if anything, worse.” To defend its “fight back” action, Allina Hospitals & Clinics, which also owns Abbott Northwestern and United Hospitals, claimed its ca-pacity had dropped to 30 - 40% following its decision to reduce

By Olusegun Iselaiye

Strikes! When Nurses Flex Their Muscle

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threaten to stage a one-day strike Thursday, the Twin Cities hospitals where they work are lining up temporary replace-ments. The 14 hospitals said Tuesday they plan to hire more than 2,800 replacement nurses to make sure patient needs are met during the walkout. The hospitals said the low number would be sufficient because not all of the striking nurses are scheduled to work Thursday. One of the replacements, Paula Mercer from Louisiana, told KARE 11 she sympathizes with the striking workers, who say they’re overworked at hospitals that are understaffed. But Mer-cer is happy to fill in while they walk out.”

Paula, a replacement nurse whose comments were broad-casted by the news media, saw the whole thing differently. She expressed frustration at the fact that while she searched in des-peration for a full time job, some nurses were walking out on theirs; albeit temporarily. So, if she is offered a permanent job, she would gladly do so.

FALLOUT

Sharon Millar, 47, who was a day shift recovery-room nurse until she lost the position the day before the strike, stated that, “It’s very, very upsetting. I think it’s retaliation. I feel I was named because I am a union officer [treasurer] and on the bargaining team.”

staffing language we wanted in this particular contract does not mean this was a failure or that it can’t happen in the near future. The staffing issue has been something MNA nurses have been fighting for since the early 1990s. Remember this is a long road and the past three to four months we made major progress on the unsafe staffing issue. If we stay united and fired up about staffing, we will get there!”

The StarTribune.com quoted from a letter addressed to the employees of Allina Hospitals & Clinics, by CEO Ken Paulus; a day after the strike: “Today, we wake up to a new reality.”

The Australian Nursing Strike 2010

As if the Minnesota nursing strike was child’s play, on No-vember 24, 2010, a more epic nursing strike ensued in Austra-lia in which about 35,000 nurses participated. The International Committee of the Fourth In-ternational (ICFI) reported it as follows:

“Nurses and midwives struck to-day across New South Wales in their first state-wide action since 2001. More than 180 NSWNA branches voted for the strike, which proceeded in defiance of appeals by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and state Labor government that it be called off. Throughout the state, as many as 35,000 nurses par-ticipated, with thousands taking

part in a mass meeting at Syd-ney’s Olympic Park.”

THE GRIEVANCE

(1) Institution of compulsory nurse-to-patient ratios.

(2) Annoyance at the increas-ingly malfunctioning Australian public hospital system.

(3) Overburdened nurses.

(4) Job security.

Mitigating factors. Per the Health Services Union, it was not unusual for nurses in New South Wales to work twenty four-hour shifts and, as many as, 100 hours per week. Hospital emergency rooms turned into venues for everyday scenes of pandemoni-um and dissatisfaction because workers would need to wrestle in order to secure beds for incoming patients. NSW public hospitals were generally working at max capacity of 89% to 95%.

The ICFI report further says that, “During its 15 years in office, the Labor Party government in NSW has presided over the slashing of as many as 2,500 public hospital beds. Accord-ing to the most recent survey by the Australian Medical Associa-tion (AMA), the number of beds available in NSW fell again in 2008-2009, to just 2.6 per 1,000 people.”

REPLACEMENT NURSES’ VIEW

A local Minnesota newspaper reports thus: “As 12,000 nurses


68

DOES THE END JUSTIFY THE MEANS?

Dr. Archelle Georgiou, Fox Med-ical Expert, says her perspective is based on a paper published by the National Bureau of Eco-nomic Research that provided some evidence that nurses’ strikes have harmful effects on patients. The authors analyzed strikes in New York State over

a 20-year period and found that inpatient hospital mortality increased by 19.4 percent and that readmission within 30 days increased by 6.5 percent.

THE PATIENT’S VIEW

Erin Height of the Sacramento Press shares her view from a patient’s unique vantage point. She says, nurses “are wonderful

people working to ensure not only our safety, but our quality of care should we be sick in the hospital. I commend them for speaking out, and standing up for us and themselves.”

The San Francisco Chronicle had this to report during an unre-lated strike in California. “Some visitors to the San Pablo Hospi-tal said they found it hard to tell the difference between the new and old nurses. One patient, who had X-rays taken of his back, said he was impressed by the temporary workers. He said he feels sorry for the nurses still on strike and hopes the dispute can be resolved soon.”

In summary, unmet expectations ultimately lead to dissatisfaction. While employers rally to keep hospitals afloat and nursing jobs available, nursing unions also advocate for nurses to keep their job-specific concerns from falling through the cracks. It is a high wire, balancing act that both nurse advocacy organiza-tions and healthcare employers must achieve to avoid strikes. Nurses need a place of em-ployment and hospitals cannot function without more than 25% of its workforce. It is ultimately in both sides interest to reach mutually acceptable solutions to grievances.

Save the Date: June 5-8, 2011.

Nurses’ Values for Our Nation. Join

thousands of nurses from around the

world and the United States as they

gather in Washington, DC, to advocate

for patients and the nursing profession.

Finance

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Finance


70

Practically, anyone can work as a commercial model and earn extra income. Many types of commercial modeling

are open to people of varying heights and weight groups. Per-fection is not always a require-ment. However, if you are inter-ested in fashion modeling, some figure restrictions will apply. This article concentrates predomi-

nantly on the types of modeling that can be done by anyone.

Modeling Opportunities

Restrictive. High fashion model-ing, runway & print commercial modeling, event & tradeshows modeling, radio & television commercial – spokesperson. Some of these are more restric-tive than others. For example, if you are not 5’10” or taller and Twiggy thin, your chances of making it big as a high fashion model drops exponentially for every pound you are “over-weight” and every inch below 5’10.”

Nonrestrictive. Live modeling for the arts. Employers include video game designers, sculp-tors, prosthetic limb manufac-turers, photographers, furniture designers, body painters, man-nequin designers, art classes, clubs, etc. Most employers/art-ists in this category prefer natu-ral looking men and women.

Also, models who have atypi-cal measurements can find work modeling different parts

of the body such as eyes, teeth, hair, feet/shoes, ears, face, and hands.

Qualifications

No specific skills or pre-qualifi-cations are required to become a commercial model for the arts. Still, there are some personal characteristics that will make this source of side income a success.

Helpful attributes:

•Becomfortableinyourown body.

•Mustnotbeshy.

•Thecapacitytobesi-lent and sit still for long periods of time.

•Abilitytoignorepersonal needs (e.g. scratching) and sit through boredom.

•Capableoffollow-ing instructions without complaint.

Print, TV, & Radio

Requirements

Fashion model-ing requires experience on the runway. A back-ground in theatre and/or

voice lessons will go a long way towards securing your next TV or radio commercial. Some agencies offer training for print, catwalk, radio, and TV model-ing, as well as, model represen-tation.

Portfolio. A model’s portfolio is their calling card and resume. It features images of jobs that the model has done. Also, this is

Commercial Modeling Ideas To Boost Your Income

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the model’s opportunity to show a potential employer or agent their diverse modeling capability by including professional images of themselves with different looks. A portfolio is not required when modeling for the arts.

Comp card. A comp card has a headshot of the model on one side and also includes 3-4 differ-ent looks; e.g. business, lifestyle, swimsuit, etc. This card lists the model’s measurements – height, weight, bust size, hip size, and dress size. A professional model needs a comp card and a port-folio. As with portfolios, comp cards are not needed for art modeling.

To get started with a comp card or portfolio, you will need to find some fashion magazines that have the looks you wish to emulate. Find a photographer. Before selecting a photogra-pher, make sure they understand your specific needs. You may need to do your own hair & make-up and provide your ward-robe. If retouch or brush up your images employers will expect someone who does not look like you thus limiting your chances of getting hired. Update your looks every six months.

What To Expect On the Job

Job times. Job times vary great-ly. While some may last several minutes only, others may take several hours.

Locations. Location also var-ies, too. Expect both indoor and outdoor locations. Some artists may prefer a highly cho-reographed or pre-determined set. While others may be more free spirited. Some jobs may last

only a few minutes while others may take much longer. Loca-tions can be both outdoors and indoors though most tutors and artists will try to ensure maxi-mum comfort for the subject.

Break times. Many employ-ers will work with the model to ensure comfort. Break times may be scheduled. Don’t be sur-prised if an employer requests permission to photograph you in order to have a photographic depiction of your exact position on the set. You may say no to being photographed, especially if you are an undraped model. Other artists use chalk or mask-ing tape to mark position so that your exact pose & position can be regained.

Etiquette. This applies mostly to live models who may be undraped. Etiquette forbids students and artists to touch an undraped model. Expect to be asked permission before

anyone comes close. This hap-pens when the artist is working on contours and shading. If this is an art class, the instructor is the only person that usually ad-dresses the model so you can stay in position without being distracted. These rules do not apply outside the class setting.

Benefits. Being a live or un-draped model can be quite empowering! Also, you are helping others advance in their professed careers by posing for students and artists. Art stu-dents are given the opportunity to study the living human body, the contours, muscle groups, skin tone, skin texture, bone structure, etc.

How To Get Modeling Jobs

Local commercial modeling agencies can be readily found in the yellow pages. An online search will also reveal a list of


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modeling agencies in your area. Contact the agencies and share your interests in modeling. Ask what they have that may suit your particular body type.

Check “models wanted” listings on Craig’s List. Make sure these are from reputable sources. Also, many schools advertise their modeling opportunities. However, you may have to go on campus to see these. Fill out an application form and wait to be called for jobs. Many ap-plication forms request pictures and physical description of the model. Most will need to know of any disabilities or scars you may have. Mention any previous art or modeling experience.

Pay. Rates of pay vary from $10 to $16 an hour. Pay is higher for undraped work, if specialty make up is applied or if the model is required to have hair-cut. Models who do print work and catwalk can expect about $75 - $300 per modeling en-gagement. Of course, success-ful high fashion models make exceedingly more. Gisele Bund-chen makes millions every year.

Alternate Modeling Options

An alternative to modeling is to wear a temporary tattoo that displays an advertisement. Cos-metic firms have been known to employ people to wear a temporary tattoo on the eyelid displaying a small message such as a website or product name. The model is then asked to wink at people and provide eye con-tact long enough for the ad to be read.

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One phone call to your insur-ance agent and you can save a chunk of change – sometimes in the form of a rebate if you’ve pre-paid your insurance for the quarter or year. When you add up the difference between the cost of a repair and the premium you’re being charged to cover a low deductible, you’ll most likely see that you can quickly save the difference. In short, you’re paying for that possible repair month after month in the form of the low deductible. Raise the deductible and put the savings aside in your emergency fund. You’ll come out ahead every time.

5. Reduce your childcare hours.Childcare can be one of the big-gest line items in your budget outside of housing and car pay-ments. In fact, it can easily out-pace your car payments. Cutting your childcare hours even by a few afternoons a week can make a huge impact on your budget. If you’ve lost your job, you most likely will assume these extra hours, but if you still need cover-age, work out a swap with friends or family members for a short time.

If you did each one of these items this month, you would very quickly see a reduction in your expenses. They say “Des-perate times call for desperate measures.” Take these steps this month and maybe next month won’t feel so desperate.

Batten down the hatches fellow nurses! If

you’ve just suffered a reduc-tion in income, gotten a huge medical bill, or otherwise have a desperate need to tighten the financial belt IMMEDIATELY, read on.

Now, if you’re looking for ways to just get a little extra spending money, these suggestions may seem a bit harsh, even painful. But, if you’re facing tough eco-nomic times, these cuts could be your first line of defense to stop the hemorrhage of funds from your budget. These are changes you can make TODAY to add to your bottom line and save your financial well-being fast:

1. Downgrade or cancel your cable and/or Netflix subscription.It’s not going to save

you from going bankrupt, but canceling your monthly cable bill or DVD subscription plan can help

put gro-ceries on the

ta-ble.

While you’re at it, take a look at any other monthly recurring

charges for en-tertainment, such as magazines, golf club mem-berships, and any other charges simply for fun.

2. Cancel your gym membership.Wait. I know what you’re say-ing; “Doesn’t exercise help with stress management?” Well, yes it does. But if you’re stressed about finances, adding to that stress isn’t going to help. Con-sider instead of a gym member-ship taking up a regular walking, running, or other home exercise routine. These are simple fit-ness programs and are perfect for combating stress – and they don’t require a membership fee!

3. Cancel your home phone line.You may be wondering why I’m suggesting that you cancel your home phone instead of your cell phone. Here’s why: Most cell phone plans have cancellation fees that far outweigh the sav-ings you’d get from canceling your service. Not so with your home phone. Go ahead and cancel your home phone and rely on your cell only. When you think about it, when was the last time you picked up the home phone? Chances are you use your cell most of the time anyway. Even having a stripped down land line of $20 a month adds up to $240 a year. Can you think of some-thing you could buy for $240?

4. Increase the deductible on your car insurance.

FinancialEmergency!

Quick Cuts to Put More Money in Your Pocket


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Knowing that you should be contribut-ing to a retirement plan is one thing; picking out the right

retirement plan for you is an-other. Many employers of nurses offer 401ks. How familiar are you with the concept of 401k? How much do you know about IRAs. This article should not be used as a substitute for talking to a financial planner. We are writing this because we know that as an informed consumer you will make the right choice for your family. You may be well aware that there are numer-ous retirement plans to choose from today, so let’s look at a few of them and what they are all about, shall we?

IRAsThere are two different types of Individual Retirement Accounts, Basic IRAs and Roth IRAs. Nei-ther of these two retirement accounts is started through an employer, but is the responsi-bility of the individual. These retirement accounts are often used to roll company retirement accounts into, so the transfer is not taxed.

Basic IRAs allow the taxpayer to contribute up to $6,000 per IRA year. Henceforth, beginning this year - 2011, the maximum cap goes up in $500 increments each year to account for infla-tion. These contributions are tax deferred until the individual withdraws the money at retire-ment.

Roth IRAs were started in 1998 as a result of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The main differ-ence between a Roth IRA and a Basic IRA is when the money

is taxed. Where Basic IRAs are taxed when the money is pulled out of the account, a Roth IRA is taxed when the money is put in. This allows for the taxpayer to withdraw all of the funds at retirement without being taxed on the lump sum of money.

Defined Benefit PlansDefined Benefit plans, (DB) are employer-sponsored retirement plans that hold monthly benefits for the taxpayer at retirement and can only be contributed by the employer. These benefits can be set at a specific dol-lar amount each month or can be calculated with a formula based on years of service and retirement salary. Since ERISA in 1974, many employers have moved from Defined Benefit plans to Defined Contribution plans.

Defined Contribu-tion PlansUnlike Defined Benefits plans, Defined Contribution plans (DC) allow the employer, employee, or both, to contribute to the em-

ployee’s account. These invest-ments usually come in the form of mutual funds or stock in the company and as a result, your retirement account is usually di-rectly linked to the performance of the mutual funds or how well your company stock does.

There are numerous types of Defined Contribution plans that your employer can contribute to on your behalf, including a 401(k), profit sharing, Saving Incentive Match Plan for Em-ployees (SIMPLE), ESOP plans, and SEPs. These plans all have different stipulations on what an employer can add and how often it can be changed, but they all must be employer spon-sored.

No matter what route you de-cide to go to plan for your retirement, whether it is an individual retirement plan of an employer sponsored retire-ment plan, the biggest thing is that you are planning. There is a different plan or set of plans for every person in every situation, so work with your local retire-ment planner to figure out what will be best for you in the end.

Types Of Retirement Plans

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A Nurse’s PrayerBy Unknown Author

I dedicate myself to thee, 0 Lord, my God, this work I undertake Alone in thy great name, and for thy sake. In ministering to suffering I would learn The sympathy that in thy heart did burn. Take, then, mine eyes, and teach them to perceive The ablest way each sick one to relieve. Guide thou my hands, that e’en their touch may prove The gentleness and aptness born of love. Bless thou my feet, and while they softly tread May faces smile on many a sufferer’s bed. Touch thou my lips, guide thou my tongue, Give me a work in sermon for each one. Clothe me with patience, strength all tasks to bear, Crown me with hope and love, which know no fear, And faith, that coming face to face with death Shall e’en inspire with joy the dying breath. All through the arduous day my actions guide, All through the lonely night watch by my side, So I shall wake refreshed, with strength to pray, Work in me, through me, with me, Lord, this day.


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General HumorThe Cuckoo ClockAt about 3AM, I was drunk as a skunk. I came home just in time to hear the cuckoo clock cuckoo three times. Quickly coming up with a plan, I cuckooed nine more times, hoping my wife would think it was midnight. I was very proud of myself.

The next day, my wife asked what time I got home, and I replied, “Mid-night, just like I said.”

She said that was good, and for some reason she said we needed a new cuckoo clock. When I asked why, she answered, “Last night when it cuck-ooed midnight, it cuckooed three times, said ‘Shit!,’ cuckooed four more times, farted, cuckooed three times, cleared its throat, cuckooed two more times and then started giggling.”

Nursing HumorAn Irishman named O’MalleyAn Irishman named O’Malley went to his doctor after a long illness.

The doctor, after a lengthy examination, sighed and looked O’Malley in the eye, and said, “I’ve some bad news for you.

You have cancer, and it can’t be cured. I’d give you two weeks to a month to live.”

O’Malley was shocked and saddened by the news, but of solid character. He managed to compose himself and walk from the doctor’s office into the waiting room. There, he saw his son who had been waiting. O’Malley said, “Well son, we Irish

celebrate when things are good, and we celebrate when things don’t go so well. In this case, things aren’t so well. I have cancer, and I’ve been given a short time to live. Let’s head for the pub and have a few pints.”

After three or four pints, the two were feeling a little less somber. There were some laughs and more beers. They were eventually approached by some of O’Malley’s old friends who asked what the two were celebrating. O’Malley told them that the Irish celebrate the good and the bad. He went on to tell them that they were drinking to his impending end. He told his friends, “I’ve only got a few weeks to live as I have been diag-nosed with AIDS.”

The friends gave O’Malley their condolences, and they had a couple more beers.

After his friends left, O’Malley’s son leaned over and whispered his confu-sion. “Dad. I thought you said that you were dying from cancer??? You just told your friends that you were dying from AIDS!”

O’Malley said, “I am dying of cancer, son. I just don’t want any of them sleeping with your mother after I’m gone.”

General Humor Jesus and the RobberOne night a robber broke into a home and heard a voice say, “Jesus is watching you!” while he rum-maged through the desk.

He replied, “Who said that?!”

Once again he heard the same thing, “Jesus is watching you!”

The robber looked around the room only to see a parrot. He asked the parrot what its name was. The par-rot replied, “Cornelius.”

The robber said, “What kind of a name is that?! Who names a parrot that?!”

The parrot said, “The same person who named that Rottweiler behind you, Jesus!”

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1. Why do you want to work for us?

2. Tell me about yourself.

3. Why should I hire you over another nurse?

4. What do you consider to be your greatest strength?

5. What are your weaknesses?

6. Why did you decide to become a nurse?

7. What kind of nursing activities/organiza-tions are you involved with?

8. What characteristics do you possess that would make you an asset to our organiza-tion?

9. What qualities do you admire most in others?

10. How would the people who know you best describe you?

11. If you saw a nurse doing something that is against policy, what will you do?

12. How will you handle a belligerent patient?

13. How will you handle an aggressive family member?

14. Which of your jobs did you like best?

15. What accomplishments have given you the greatest satisfaction?

16. What are your career goals?

17. Howdoesthispositionfitinwithyourcareer goals?

18. Describe how your education or experi-ence relates to this position.

19. Do you prefer a teaching hospital or com-munity hospital? Why?

Sample Interview Questions You May Be Asked

20. If you were very busy and a new nurse came to you for assistance, what would you do?

21. How do you relate to other people at work?

22. In what type of work environment do you feel most comfortable?

23. Describe your ideal nursing job.

24. What motivates you to put forth your best effort?

25. Are you willing to travel/relocate?

26. Describe a problem you have encountered as a nurse or student. How did you solve it?

27. What is your management philosophy?

28. What do you look for in a supervisor?

29. How do you work under pressure? Give me an example.

30. Do you have plans to further your educa-tion?

31.Whatdoyouseeyourselfdoinginfiveyears? Ten years?

32. How can you contribute to our organiza-tion?

33. What do you know about our organization?

34. What is your learning curve?

35. How much time will you need to be com-fortable enough to work on your own?

36. What criteria do you consider when evalu-ating potential employers?

37. Why should I hire you?


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Sample Interview Questions To Ask Employers

1. What are your expectations of an ideal candidate?

2. What is the nurse to patient ratio?

3. Do you have mandatory overtime?

4. What type of scheduling process do you have?

5. Is the charge nurse counted as part of staffing?

6. Do you typically have a resource nurse?

7. Do you use electronic charts? If yes, which one? If no, do you plan to?

8. Is this a union hospital?

9. What opportunities for advancement ex-ist?

10. Do you have a clinical ladder? How does it work?

11. What is your recognition system for ex-emplary nursing?

12. How much time do you set aside for the orientation & training of new staff?

13. What type of orientation/training program is offered?

14. How would my performance be evalu-ated?

15. What are the opportunities for personal and professional growth?

16. What is your interview follow-up process?

17. Do you encourage community involve-ment?

18. What types of charities do you champion?

19. Could you describe a “typical” day of work?

20. How long was the previous person in this position? Was he/she promoted?

21. Who would I report to?

22. What is the nursing organizational struc-ture?

23. DoyoupayforCEUsandCertifications?

24. Do you have tuition reimbursement?

25. Do you offer relocation assistance? What is your policy on this?

26. How much authority would I have in order to carry out my responsibilities?

27. What characteristics does a successful nurse have at your company?

28. What objectives would you like to see ac-complishedduringmyfirstyear?

29. How would you describe your management style?

30. What makes your organization different from your competitors?

31. How long have you worked here?

32. What do you like best about working here?

33. What advice would you give someone who is interested in working for your organiza-tion?

34.Whatdoyoufindmostchallengingaboutworking here?

35. Do I have the job?

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Thank You LetterAfter The Job Interview

Fabulous Nurse29030 SW Town Center Loop E.

Suite 202-143 Wilsonville, OR 97070

(503) 877-3617Date: January 1st, 2011

Ridley Scot Director of Infusion ServicesUniversity Medical Hospital2000 Paramount WayCharbonneau, OR 97070 (214) 555-555

JOB ID: 1234

Dear Mr. Scot:

Thank you for the opportunity to interview with you today. I especially enjoyed the tour of your Infusion Center. Both the interview and the tour made for an exciting and informative day.

I am very impressed with exemplary standards of nursing care that define University Medical Hospital. As discussed during the interview, I share a similar zeal for excellence and hope to assist you as you implement the wave of changes which will make your Infusion Center a leader in the field.

Alongside my IV certifications and education, years of working as part of various dynamic healthcare teams across the country make me particularly suited for the Registered Nurse position you advertised.

It was a pleasure meeting with you today. Please feel free to contact me with your decision. In the meantime, I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have. I look forward to learning more about how I can become a member of your dynamic healthcare team.

Yours truly,

Fabulous Nurse Fabulous Nurse


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Thank You LetterAfter A Group Interview



(503) 877-3617Date: January 1st, 2011

Date: January 1st, 2011 Mary Jetson Nurse Recruiter Community Hospital2000 Paramount WayDallas, TX 75206(214) 555-555

JOB ID: 1234

Dear Ms. Jetson:

I will like to thank you for the opportunity to meet with you and the members of your leadership community about the Licensed Vocational Nurse position that is available in your Hospice Care Unit.

I found the questions asked during today’s interview to be very forthright and revealing. As discussed during the group interview, I have as yet to gain working experience as a Registered Nurse. However, my firsthand experience while caring for my mother terminally ill mother makes me particularly suited to handle the needs and sensibilities of the hospice care patient population.

Today’s interview served to reinforce my interest in becoming part of your friendly and compassionate team of healthcare providers. If there is any other information I can provide to help expedite the decision making, please let me know.

Again, I appreciate the time you and the rest of the team took to talk with me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours truly,


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Thank You LetterTo A Prospective Co-Worker



(503) 877-3617Date: March 1st, 2011

Miranda Gables Charge Nurse - CCU University Hospital2000 Paramount WayCharbonneau, OR 97070 (214) 555-555

JOB ID: 1234

Dear Ms. Gables:

I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for taking time away from your busy shift to do a peer review while I was being interviewed by Ms. Hendersen.

I have given much thought to the possibility of joining your workforce and I am very encouraged by the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that every member brings to the team. In addition to the many contributions I could offer, I know I would learn a lot from you and benefit greatly from your skills and personal experience on the Cardiovascular Care Unit at University Hospital.

I am very interested in working for your organization and look forward to hearing about the night shift Registered Nurse position, soon. If there is any other information I can provide to help expedite the decision making, please let me know.

Again, I appreciate the time you took to talk with me.

Yours truly,



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March Nursing Conferences Around The World

3 MARCH 2011 ROCHESTER, MN. USA.

Twentieth Annual Nursing Research Conference Health Promotion: “The Significance of Nursing Research.” The Twentieth Annual Nursing Re-search Conference will focus on research related to health promotion. Topics will include nutri-tion, exercise, obesity, resilience, motivation, and disease prevention. Nursing care strategies will be discussed.

Phone: 1-800-545-0357Email: [email protected]: http://calendar.cne-registration.com

4 MARCH 2011 SEATTLE, WA. USA.

Annual Neuroscience Nursing Symposium 2011. Hosted by the University of Washington, the Annual Neuroscience Nursing Symposium 2011 will be held on March 4, 2011. Location: Shoreline Conference Center in Seattle, WA. Topics include managing fluid and electrolytes, recovery in the neurologically injured patient, management of hydrocephalus, palliative care in neurology, Parkinson’s disease, neuroanesthe-sia, and delirium.

Phone: 206-543-1047E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.uwcne.net/secure/welcome.aspx

16 MARCH 2011 ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA, USA.

Twenty-Eighth Annual Minnesota Geriatric Care Conference. This year’s conference themes include updates to clinical knowledge and skills for nurses who work with geriatric patients in settings that include out-patient community facilities, LTC, hospitals, and more.

Phone: 800-545-0357Email: [email protected] Web: http://calendar.cne-registration.com

17 -20 MARCH 2011 SAN DIEGO, CA. USA.

Dermatology Nurses’ Association’s 29th Annual Convention, “Celebrating Excellence in Derma-tology Nursing Education!” The Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) is a professional nurs-ing organization which promotes excellence in dermatologic care. Members include nurse prac-titioners, registered nurses, licensed practical and vocational nurses, medical assistants, and others associated with dermatology nursing in both in-patient & outpatient settings for private & public institutions. Conference pre-registration deadline is 6 March 2011. Please note: All registrations received thereafter will be processed on site.

Web: http://dna.annualmeeting2011.org

18-19 MARCH 2011 TAMWORTH, AUSTRALIA.

Cutting Edge North West Surgical Conference. Conference involves a mixture of lectures and workshop. Anesthetic and Recovery Room pro-grams will run concurrently. The conference features an extensive trade show to keep you up to date with products in your field. Endorsed by the Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA), attendants will receive 8 CNE points.

Contact: Kevin Attard by phone at 02 67677600E-mail: [email protected] Web:http://www.cuttingedgeconference.com.au/de-fault.html

22 MARCH 2011 SEATTLE, WA. USA.

Annual Nurse Educators Conference 2011, “The Art of Precepting”. The University of Washington is pleased to announce its Annual Nurse Educa-tors Conference 2011, “The Art of Precepting,” which will be held on March 22, 2011 at the Shoreline Conference Center in Seattle, Wash-ington. Nurse educators, preceptors, and other interested health care professionals, including faculty in academic programs, staff development

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educators, clinical nurse specialists, nurse man-agers, staff nurses, and administrators are in-troduced to practical approaches to precepting and the role of experienced nurses in enhancing the skills of new colleagues.

Phone: 206-543-1047 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.uwcne.net/secure/welcome.aspx

23 MARCH 2011 DAVIE, FL. USA.

The Lambda Chi Chapter of Barry University, Miami, Annual Research Conference, “Trail Blazing in Healthcare: Opportunities for Nursing education, practice and research.” The goal of this conference is to stimulate interest, provide insight, and initiate research among students, faculty, and practicing nursing professionals.

Contact: Dr. Indra Hershorin via email: [email protected].

24-25 MARCH 2011 LOS ANGELES, CA. USA.

The Ethics of Caring National Nursing Confer-ence: Advocacy - Making a Difference for Pa-tients. Attend the first Ethics of Caring National Nursing Conference to address ethical issues relevant to nurses in clinical practice. Clinicians face many challenges in caring for others. These include addressing major ethical concerns. This year’s conference theme is “The Power of One and the Obligation to Act.” In keeping with our professional Codes of Ethics this mandate serves not only patients and their families, but also healthcare providers. Ultimately, account-ability for our practice is embodied in our val-ues, character, and virtues.

Phone: 310.794.6219 E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.ethicsofcaring.org/home.html

26-29 MARCH 2011 TORONTO, CANADA.

26th International Conference of Alzheimer’s Dis-ease International. Offered annually, this unique conference brings together professionals in de-mentia care, medical professionals, researchers, family caregivers, people living with dementia, and national Alzheimer associations, for a truly multidisciplinary conference.

Web: www.adi2011.org

27-29 MARCH 2011 NEW ORLEANS, LA. USA.

The Fourth Health Disparities Conference, “Utiliz-ing Interdisciplinary Strategies to Advance from Disparity to Reform.” Come prepared to review and learn innovative strategies about healthcare delivery system approaches aimed at prevent-ing and treating chronic diseases. Current bodies of knowledge and best practice which influence outcomes through interdisciplinary comprehen-sive healthcare provider models will be examined through learning sessions.

Web: http://xula.the1joshuagroup.com/

27-30 MARCH 2011 BOSTON, MA. USA.

American Nephrology Nurses’ Association (ANNA), 42nd National Symposium. The fore-most experts on nephrology discuss the newest clinical treatments in areas such as transplanta-tion, dialysis, pediatrics, and acute care. The annual symposium is also directed at those who concentrate on nephrology research, advocacy, health policy and administration.

Contact: Janet D’Alesandro. Phone: 856-256-2422 Email: [email protected] Web: www.annanurse.org


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