If you hesitate to approach your manager, ask yourself why. What is the fear or hesitation about? Did you have a bad past experience? Or is it just lack of experience? Understanding and acknowledging how you feel will set the tone for communication (which is the relationship). Feeling secure when speaking to your manager is all about your level of self-awareness. The confidence that arises when you take care of your own needs will keep you plugged into your...  Read More »

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) was described by Edmund Jacobson, MD, PhD, in the 1930s, and is based upon the premise that mental calmness is a natural result of physical relaxation. It is a deep relaxation technique that has been used to relieve insomnia, as well as aid in the reduction of stress, anxiety, and pain. Here’s how to start PMR: Inhale and contract all your facial muscles, squeezing your eyes together, puckering up your mouth, and...  Read More »

On one hand, we have a new graduate nurse. She grew up in the 1990s, had many material and educational advantages thanks to her affluent parents, and sends about 500 text messages to her friends each month. On the other hand, we have a seasoned nurse manager. She grew up in the 1960s, worked her way through nursing school, and still thinks the best way to reach someone is the telephone. And so the stage is set for a collision. “There’s puzzlement...  Read More »

If a patient is in need of a glass of water or an extra blanket at Community Health Network in Indianapolis, all he or she has to do is hit the call button. If a patient isn’t happy with his or her care, the answer is now just a phone call away. Last month, the five-hospital system rolled out a new communication initiative that allows patients and families to get a second opinion. The Call FIRST (Family Initiated Rapid Screening Team) program features...  Read More »

October is breast cancer awareness month, and many of us have been faced with this health challenge or know someone who has. I have had the privilege of walking with many women as they have moved through breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, which is not for the faint of heart, and is one of the most transformational journeys I have ever witnessed.  One of the most valuable tools I can offer to help women through this challenging time is meditation. It...  Read More »

There are a myriad of organizations and regulations instituted to establish, enforce, and apply policies related to the delivery and payment of healthcare in America. Their relevance to your patients, your place of work, and to your practice cannot be overstated. Here is a Quick-E overview on them: Medicaid: A medical insurance program that provides benefits to low income and disabled individuals. It is coordinated at the federal level through the Centers for...  Read More »

In search of a statistic that’s tough to wrap your head around? Here you go: According to Verizon Wireless, its customers sent more than 10 billion text messages in the month of June this year. Ten billion. Not 1 billion, but 10 billion. Put it this way: If you sent one text message every second of your life and lived to be 100 years old, you’d send just over 3.1 billion text messages. Pretty scary, isn’t it? Welcome to a world where phone...  Read More »

“I think you must have misunderstood me when I said we could really use a new (knight) night nurse!” And the winner is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . Libby Dorsey! Congratulations, Libby! Thanks to everyone who submitted a caption. They were all hilarious! And, we’ll be back next week with a brand new cartoon! Will YOU be the next winner?   Read More »

We grow up with the mistaken belief that listening is a “no-brainer,” when, in fact, listening is a learned skill you can practice and get better at with time. Studies show that immediately after listening to someone, we recall only 50% of what was said. Here are some techniques to practice that will improve your listening skills: Focus on what’s being said and not your response. Body language: Assess your body positioning for a listening...  Read More »

Hello everyone. My name is Diana Lang. I have been a writer and teacher of yoga and meditation since 1980 and have worked with thousands of people over the years to help them learn techniques and perspectives that help relax, rejuvenate, and enlighten. This column will offer tips and tools for stress reduction and deep relaxation in real life. I will present ideas and things you can apply immediately, on the job, in traffic, and at home-even if you don’t...  Read More »