Character is doing the right thing when no one is looking. This is one of my favorite sayings. I was reminded of it last night when I saw it on the billboard of a local church in my neighborhood when I was driving home. This concept is so important to making this world go round that I think, without it, we would live in total chaos. We hope that people will do the right thing. We hope that they will help us, advise us, and be our advocate–all in our best...  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 »

Every week or two, a new poll pops up on the Stressed Out Nurses Web site. Some are serious. Some are goofy. All reveal interesting results. During the past few months, we’ve asked you questions about the nursing shortage, movies, summer vacation, the presidential election, and fast food. More often than not, your answers raised a few eyebrows. Wondering where your answers ranked among the rest? Or perhaps you’re just curious about who the nursing...  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 »

How you choose to handle yourself affects your state of mind. Being assertive allows you to communicate your feelings in a direct and honest manner. Next time you are confronted with an uncomfortable or emotionally charged situation, try using the following techniques to express yourself assertively-see if it doesn’t make an enormous difference. “When this happened, I felt . . .” Instead of saying, “You obviously don’t care...  Read More »

The University of Iowa, pegged as one of the top nursing schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report, will cut 75 spots from its undergraduate program to put more energy into advanced degrees. The hope is to address the shortage of nurse faculty and nurse leaders in the state and across the country. The school will add a doctor of nursing practice degree and improve its “second-degree” nursing program, which will allow those with bachelor’s...  Read More »

Have you heard the buzz about nursing portfolios? If you haven’t, this article will give you some ideas on how to begin putting yours together (and you should!) If you have, get ready for some insight on what hiring nurse managers think about them. Stressed Out columnist Heather Grondin, RN, gives us an introduction and some fantastic tips on how to sell yourself. Recently, I stumbled upon a Clinical Advancement Program and decided to look into it. One...  Read More »

You’re tired. You feel lazy. It’s been a long day on the unit or a long day of classes. The absolute last thing you want to do is work out. You know you should. Your brain is telling you to get up, but your legs just aren’t listening. Okay, you finally decide to go. On second thought, the couch is really, really comfortable. Sound familiar? From time to time, we all lack the motivation to get out and take care of our bodies. Here are 10 tips...  Read More »

Have you heard the buzz about nursing portfolios? If you haven’t, this article will give you some ideas on how to begin putting yours together (and you should!) If you have, get ready for some insight on what hiring nurse managers think about them. Stressed Out columnist Heather Grondin, RN, gives us an introduction and some fantastic tips on how to sell yourself. Recently, I stumbled upon a Clinical Advancement Program and decided to look into it. One...  Read More »

“Man, hospital collections can find you ANYWHERE!” And the winner is . . . (drum roll, please) . . . Brent Woodard! Congratulations, Brent! Thanks to everyone who submitted a caption. We received a record number of entries and they were all hilarious! And, we’ll be back next week with a brand new cartoon! Will YOU be the next winner?   Read More »