Looking for information on continuing education for nurses? First, read this guest blog post from Raelene Jessica and then check out the links below. 

As we enter the second year of restrictions and lockdowns, healthcare workers are still in high demand. Nurses are being spread thin and it has caused a critical shortage. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 1.1 million new nurses are needed by next year (2022).

Because they will continue to play such a significant role in the future, nurses can benefit by looking into continuing education (CE). Though it may seem difficult right now due to extra workload and restrictions, there are several options for busy nurses that provide long-term benefits.

How Nurses Can Pursue Continuing Education

Some colleges offer weekend and night classes for in-person learning. For instance, St. Catherine University offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program that limits daytime commitments. Such courses offer a hands-on teaching method that can be helpful for those who are hoping to refresh their skills.

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This past year, our nation’s healthcare workers have shown us what strength, courage and sacrifice really mean. To show our gratitude for all their hard work, we have compiled a list of healthcare worker discounts from some of our favorite merchants and vendors. Keep reading to find out all the places where you can make your dollar go farther.

Healthcare Worker Discounts: Bags & Blankets

Big Blanket Co
Big Blanket Co is offering military members, first responders, medical professionals and teachers a special promotion code. Professional verification via VerifyPass is required to redeem this offer.

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You have probably heard the expression that “you can’t pour water from an empty cup.” But what reservoirs of replenishment are available to healthcare workers battling a global pandemic? While there are no quick and easy fixes for this dilemma, one thing is certain: self-care for nurses has never been needed more.

What is self-care?

Self-care is defined as “anything you do to take care of yourself so you can stay physically, mentally and emotionally well” (Everyday Health). In essence, self-care is the sum of all the steps or actions you take to combat the negative effects of stress (e.g., anxiety, depression, lack of motivation, restlessness).

It is important to note that self-care is not the same as being selfish (lacking consideration for others) or self-indulgent (giving unrestrained gratification to one’s own desires). In fact, it is the complete opposite. Those who regularly practice self-care are better equipped to meet the demands of life and the needs of others on a consistent basis.

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“Patient advocacy” is a buzzword floating around every American healthcare system, but what does this catch phrase really mean? Beyond that, how can clinicians, especially nurses, best advocate for patients under their care? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and more.

What Is Patient Advocacy?

An advocate is “one who supports or promotes the interests of a cause or group” (Merriam-Webster). Therefore, patient advocacy is the act of “supporting” or “promoting” the interests of patients.

Regardless of their specialty, all nurses have an obligation to advocate for their patients. In essence, this means nurses have an obligation to protect their patients from harm, regardless of the harm’s source. While nurses never tell their patients what to do, they undertake actions to uphold the rights of those in their care.

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In 1987, President Ronald Reagan, at the request of the National Women’s History Project and Congress, designated March as Women’s History Month. Since that historic occasion 34 years ago, each March has been set apart to “reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women to United States history” (History.com).

In keeping with the spirit of the month and as a certified Women’s Business Enterprise, we thought it would be appropriate to ask our employees a series of questions about the women that have played a significant role in their lives. Below are some of their answers.

Who has been the most influential woman in your life and why?

“My mother has been the most influential woman in my life. She is strong, confident and very intelligent. She taught me what it means to work hard and enjoy life. She taught me how important it is to have a strong support system of female friends and how wonderful life can be with great girlfriends.” – Brianna H.

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And How to Improve It

Dealing with a global pandemic is challenging, but it is also an opportunity to acknowledge the miraculous work performed by our doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. These people keep saving lives day after day, and we need to do whatever we can to make their jobs easier and more bearable. That is why their superiors insist on the most functional hospital design they can create. So how does this factor affect the nurses in particular, since they are the ones who spend the majority of their time caring for the patients?

Less walking, more nursing

This is something the patients and the doctors probably do not notice, but the fact is that nurses spend most of their time walking. Not helping people, not caring for them, not saving their lives – but walking!

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In honor of Black History Month, we are taking a moment to commemorate Black leaders in healthcare. Join us as we examine the lives, work and achievements of four truly inspirational figures that changed the healthcare landscape for the better.

Black Leaders in Healthcare

Mary Eliza Mahoney, Professional Nurse

Mary Eliza Mahoney was born in the spring of 1845. Her parents were freed slaves that had moved to Boston, Massachusetts from North Carolina. During her early years, Mahoney attended the Phillips School in Boston, which after 1855, became one of the first integrated schools in the country.

As a teenager, Mahoney became interested in a career in nursing. She initially worked as an untrained practical nurse for several prominent white families before entering a formal training program. On March 23, 1878, Mahoney became the first Black woman to be admitted to the nursing program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children. The program ran for 16 months and was quite intensive. Students were required to attend lectures and work, resulting in 16-hour+ days.

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Do you dread going into work each day? Do you feel like you no longer have patience and empathy for your patients? You are not alone. Many nurses are feeling or have felt this way. Come along with us as we explore the nursing burnout phenomenon and address ways that you can rediscover your passion for nursing.

What is nursing burnout?

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines nursing burnout as “a widespread phenomenon characterized by a reduction in nurses’ energy that manifests in emotional exhaustion, lack of motivation and feelings of frustration and may lead to reductions in work efficacy.” In other words, nursing burnout is the emotional, mental and physical exhaustion that results from prolonged exposure to stress.  It affects the nurse’s well-being and their ability to provide exceptional patient care.

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