Since the last time I wrote, I have had some really busy days. This past week, I worked 40 hours! Now I know what it is truly like to have a full-time job and other responsibilities (like classes!). It kind of puts things into perspective as to what I am going to be doing as a real adult. I was tired! Twelve-hour shifts make for long days, especially when you have to wake up and do it all again the next day. Let me tell you a bit more about my week: I had...  Read More »

This lesson will have us consider the medications used to treat cancer. Because this is such a specialized area and is rapidly changing, our conversation will be limited to a review of general cancer disease concepts and an introduction of the broad categories of antineoplastic medications. Considering cancers Let’s be precise for a minute: All cancers are neoplasms, but not all neoplasms are necessarily cancers. For example, the harmless raised mole...  Read More »

The spring semester is in full swing at nursing schools across the country. Students are working hard, trying to stay stress-free, and thinking about their futures. After a quick trip across that big graduation stage (yes, that day is coming soon), the NCLEX-RN® will be there waiting. How will you prepare? Questions, questions, and more questions? Try something different. Take the stress out of the exam with Stressed Out About the NCLEX-RN®. Here’s...  Read More »

Independent recruiters and human resource professionals both agree on what to look for in a potential candidate. Whether you are a new grad or an experienced nurse, always keep in mind that old adage, “First appearances are important.” Invest in a coordinated, neutral tone, business-like outfit that flatters your body type. Prepare a list of questions about the facility and the job. Take this list with you in a notebook and keep it handy for reference,...  Read More »

We need to pay just as much attention to our learning hygiene as we do to our physical hygiene. We keep our bodies clean (most of the time), and some of us work to keep in shape (sort of). Similar effort needs to be spent keeping our brain and body in condition to learn. You can’t learn anything if basic physiologic needs are unmet or compromised. Boot camp for your brain Most people need six to eight hours of sleep daily to effectively function. The...  Read More »

Thanks to the growing nursing shortage, nurse educators are in high demand. Several schools across the country are answering the call. Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) is the latest program to throw open some new doors for its graduate students. Starting this fall, master’s degree students can select individual tracks that will land them roles as nursing educators, adult health nurse practitioners, or women’s health nurse...  Read More »

Our friend Joye has been through a lot in her first few weeks on our Web site. She’s been rejected from nursing school, found out she actually got into nursing school, and had trouble waking up for her first class of the semester. Today, Joye is struggling to get up again. And she’s finding out that the reality of nursing school is more than textbooks and caring for patients. Let’s join her. It is two years ago on August 19. With her first...  Read More »

We need to pay just as much attention to our learning hygiene as we do to our physical hygiene. We keep our bodies clean (most of the time), and some of us work to keep in shape (sort of). Similar effort needs to be spent keeping our brain and body in condition to learn. You can’t learn anything if basic physiologic needs are unmet or compromised. Boot camp for your brain Most people need six to eight hours of sleep daily to effectively function. The...  Read More »

“It used to be that the paperwork would just pile up. But lately it has ‘attitude’ and slaps me in the face!” And the winner is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . Tami Huddleston! Congratulations, Tami! 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 »

WOW! What a great week I’ve had since I last wrote! I started working with my preceptor on the maternity floor at a prestigious Boston hospital. I spent three days there last week, and every day it seemed to just get better and better. First, here’s a bit of background on my preceptor: She works twelve-hour shifts, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (I was really happy to be working with someone that does days because I am definitely not a night nurse! I love my...  Read More »