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Welcome to my new favorite room of the house... our guest bathroom. While I hope to eventually re-do many rooms and corners of our home, this room sparked my motivation and creative juices! Creating and designing has always been a passion of mine, and I finally got enough creative spurts to re-design this space for something chic and moody. From the outside looking in, this bathroom is sophisticated and chic, but once inside it adds a moody, sassy, humorous experience. Let's take a dive into all the pieces and prints that brought the vision of this room to life! The simple one-toned towel had to go... so I brought in this Mackenzie child's dupe two-toned checkered towel to pair with the mix of light and dark tones in the room. Mackenzie Childs Dupe Hand Towels This gorgeous pink plant ties together the ode to the outdoors and is the perfect accent to pair with the green and gold. AMAZON MOODY BATHROOM LIST BATHROOM Paint Color: Behr Salamander (Dynasty Line) Home Depot Salamander is a rich, vivid green that embodies the diversity and dynamic energy of the great outdoors. This paint color adds depth that draws your eyes to the bright spots in the room. The prints collectively tie together wildlife, femininity, pops of color, and just a touch of sass, humor, and trends to keep things interesting. You can’t see this wall of art until you are in the room with the door shut, so it’s is the perfect spot for bold and fun prints that bring a little unexpected twist to our guests bathroom experience. The RGB values for Benjamin Moore 2050-10 Salamander are 47, 62, 60 and the HEX code is #2F3E3C (Matte, not semi gloss) Preppy Tiger Print Preppy Room Decor This preppy tiger print is a staple piece that draws your eye and brings to life the pops of accent colors that brighten up the space. This piece is symbolic to me. My dad's nickname growing up was "Tio Tiger," (Uncle Tiger). So I was on the hunt for something fun and playful, this just hit the spot. The tiger embodies the spirit of power, courage, and personal strength for me. These lights truly set the warm, moody feels. I found these and several variations at Home Depot. Light Linked in my LTK The gold faucet, mirror, and soap dispenser were all essentials to creating that perfect contrast to the green walls and leaving a timeless and elegant feeling to the room. I wanted all of the accent pieces gold or brushed gold/champagne colored. GOLD Soap Dispenser Matte Gold Glacier Bay Faucet A few of my favorite black and white prints embody the sass and humor I was looking for. The mix of frames and canvases provides funky, unique visuals. Nuns Smoking Print Moon Goddess Art Print Happy Elephant Print These prints are positioned on the strip of the wall right in front of the toilet for a quick laugh as you do your business. Noodles Print Retro Wall Art Bad B*tch Print Moody Victorian Wall Art The addition of this mirror provides a beautiful reflection of the prints on the opposite wall and ensures you're surrounded by moody vibes no matter where you stand. Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC (@nurse.tori_) is a Registered Nurse specializing in NICU care. She has worked bedside since 2013, specializing in neonatal and pediatric critical care. Tori graduated from The University of Arizona (#beardown) with a dual major in Nursing and Psychology. As a bedside nurse, she has worked for Children’s Hospitals and University Hospitals in Level IV NICU, Trauma I centers, and consulting centers. She is trained to work in specialized areas; Small Baby Unit, Body Cooling Team, & surgical NICU (Cardiothoracic, Gastrointestinal, Neurosurgical, & congenital anomalies etc.) Tori has grown and developed her platforms through Instagram, TikTok, and blog, where she has developed a community full of support, education, and provides a shift worker big sister personal sharing her nurse shift lifestyle, NICU nurse journey, nurse tips, and little life hacks. @nurse.tori_ www.tipsfromtori.com

Empowering Neonatal Care: Unleashing the Power of S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO Dive in with me today on the importance of consistent Neonatal Education and my favorite resources for empowering nurses with specialized Neonatal Expertise. HealthStream is a game changer for equipping all healthcare providers with the essential skills and knowledge to make a difference in NICU care and I am SO excited to share with you two of their amazing partner programs- S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO Imagine a world where the tiniest heroes among us receive the highest level of care from a team of dedicated healthcare providers. In the fast-paced realm of neonatal care, every second counts, and the well-being of these fragile infants relies on the synchronized efforts of a skilled and compassionate team. If you are a nurse, nursing student, nursing assistant or tech, respiratory therapist, pre-hospital provider or a physician, then you NEED to know about two groundbreaking programs—S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO—that are revolutionizing neonatal care and empowering nurses with the knowledge and skills to deliver exceptional care to our smallest patients in the nursery and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). S.T.A.B.L.E.: Building the Foundation for Safe and Stable Infant Care! S.T.A.B.L.E.’s mission is to provide evidence-based education to help reduce infant mortality and morbidity, improve neonatal outcomes and most importantly, improve the quality of life for infants and their families. S.T.A.B.L.E. targets the majority of problems that will be encountered when taking care of both well and sick infants, with a special emphasis on understanding the underlying pathophysiology of various neonatal conditions. Picture this: a neonatal care program that encompasses six essential components of infant stabilization, forming the bedrock of a holistic approach to caring for these tiny warriors. Let's go over the parts of care and the acronym: Sugar Module Infants require optimal glucose regulation and a nurturing environment to thrive. S.T.A.B.L.E. emphasizes the significance of monitoring and maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels to protect the vulnerable immature brain from hypoglycemia. . Temperature Module Preventing hypothermia and maintaining the perfect body temperature is vital for newborns who are unable to regulate it independently. S.T.A.B.L.E. equips healthcare providers by understanding how heat is lost and how vulnerable babies are to cold stress. These foundational concepts promote the infant’s well-being and reduce the risk of complications. Airway Module Superheroes need clear pathways to victory. Proper airway management is vital for stabilizing infants in need. S.T.A.B.L.E. empowers healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to assess respiratory distress and support breathing, thus, ensuring adequate oxygenation and ventilation for critically ill neonates. Blood Pressure Module Monitoring blood pressure and perfusion are the secret weapons for assessing neonatal circulatory status. S.T.A.B.L.E. emphasizes recognition of shock and how to treat shock, and guides healthcare providers in promptly recognizing and addressing abnormalities, helping our tiny heroes keep fighting. Lab Work Module Laboratory tests hold the keys to unlocking vital information. S.T.A.B.L.E. educates healthcare providers on interpreting laboratory results, enabling informed clinical decisions and appropriate interventions. With this knowledge, providers can make strategic decisions to help support infants in need. Emotional Support Module Every superhero needs emotional support to conquer challenges. S.T.A.B.L.E. explains the crisis that families face when their infant is sick and in need of care in an intensive care unit. Understanding the emotional impact on families helps underscore the need for compassionate care. Healthcare providers learn how to provide emotional support and guide parents through the challenges of having an infant in the NICU. ENCCO: Guiding Nurses to Neonatal Mastery Imagine a program designed to empower nurses with specialized knowledge and skills in the NICU, providing them with the tools they need to bridge the knowledge gap and provide top notch care in various Neonatal settings- hello, ENCCO! Benefiting from ENCCO: Empowering Nurses in Various Neonatal Settings Nursing is a dynamic profession that demands continuous learning and adaptation. ENCCO recognizes the gap between academic training and the care of critically ill neonates. It collaborates with clinical content specialists and Pediatric Learning Solutions to bridge this gap effectively, empowering nurses with the knowledge they need to succeed. ENCCO offers a tailored orientation program for nurses in the NICU, focusing on refining assessment, planning, and evidence-based implementation strategies. Nurses gain a profound understanding of the complexities associated with neonatal patients, enabling them to deliver optimal care and improve patient outcomes. Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Neonatal Care with ENCCO ENCCO's mission is to enable nurses to evaluate assessment data and develop effective care plans for neonates. Through evidence-based strategies, nurses learn to identify and address the unique needs of critically ill infants. This knowledge integration empowers them to anticipate potential complications and provide timely interventions, resulting in improved patient outcomes. ENCCO places significant emphasis on developing a comprehensive understanding of common conditions experienced by neonatal patients. Nurses acquire in-depth knowledge about prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, congenital anomalies, and other prevalent issues. Armed with this expertise, nurses can promptly recognize signs of distress and provide the best possible care for newborns. We love this for us! In the fast-paced environment of the NICU, evaluating the effectiveness of care interventions is crucial. ENCCO equips nurses with the skills to assess the impact of their care plans on critically ill neonates. By continuously monitoring and adapting their approach, nurses refine their strategies and improve patient outcomes, emerging as true superheroes of neonatal care. Join the Journey Towards Neonatal Excellence With Healthstream! I hope you feel invigorated and inspired after reading this blog about the impact of S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO in the world of neonatal care. These programs have provided standardized frameworks and comprehensive training to healthcare providers, empowering them to deliver safe, consistent, and exceptional care for vulnerable infants. I can’t recommend them enough for continued education! Working in the NICU we have an amazing opportunity to nurture a generation of tiny heroes who will thrive and flourish against all odds. Explore the power of S.T.A.B.L.E. and ENCCO programs, share this post with others passionate about neonatal care, and together, let's unleash the full potential of neonatal care and create a brighter future of care for our tiniest patients and their families. Will you join me in this mission to make a lasting impact on the lives of our smallest and most courageous warriors? By prioritizing continued education regarding Neonatal Care, we can be the start of change and advancement that our healthcare system desperately needs! More About HealthStream HealthStream understands the challenges that come with navigating an ever-evolving and intricate healthcare landscape. They are your trusted partner in maximizing resources and elevating the quality of care provided by your organization. With HealthStream, your organization gains access to the most innovative and proven applications, content and solutions available in the healthcare industry. They understand the importance of empowering staff to excel in their roles and have meticulously crafted solutions that facilitate operational improvement and efficiency. They shape a brighter future for healthcare, where resources are optimized, staff members are empowered, and the highest quality of care is delivered. Join HealthStream, where they are united with clinicians with passion to make a difference. HealthStream, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSTM) provides workforce and provider solutions for healthcare organizations in the United States. Find out about these programs and more on healthstream.com! To learn more about how ENCCO and S.T.A.B.L.E. can benefit your organization, please visit HealthStream's Child and Maternal page: https://hs.healthstream.com/Nurse-Tori-Child-Maternal To purchase S.T.A.B.L.E. for yourself at a 15% off discount, visit HealthStream's NurseGrid Learn page. https://hs.healthstream.com/Nurse-Tori-NurseGrid *Secure your 15% off S.T.A.B.L.E. discount on NurseGrid Learn with this code: TORI15 Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC (@nurse.tori_) is a Registered Nurse specializing in NICU care. She has worked bedside since 2013, specializing in neonatal and pediatric critical care. Tori graduated from The University of Arizona (#beardown) with a dual major in Nursing and Psychology. As a bedside nurse, she has worked for Children’s Hospitals and University Hospitals in Level IV NICU, Trauma I centers, and consulting centers. She is trained to work in specialized areas; Small Baby Unit, Body Cooling Team, & surgical NICU (Cardiothoracic, Gastrointestinal, Neurosurgical, & congenital anomalies etc.) Tori has grown and developed her platforms through Instagram, TikTok, and blog where she has developed a community full of support, education, and provides a shiftworker big sister personal sharing her nurse shift lifestyle, nicu nurse journey, nurse tips, and little life hacks. @nurse.tori_ www.tipsfromtori.com

Whether you are a new mama, future mama, or baby caretaker, this is an up-to-date baby basics blog to help guide you with the best newborn practices! These are a few basic hospital practices mixed with professional practice TIPS to help you in your newborn journey. 3 GOALS To Prepare Before Discharge Home: Research and choose a Pediatrician! Depending on your birth hospital/setting, they may have a list of Pediatricians in network. Create an emergency contacts list including a Pediatrician, Police/Fire Departments, you and your partners’ (if applicable) work/cell phone numbers, and the poison control center. Talk to your discharge planner (MD, Nurse or Midwife) for follow-up appointments. HOT TIP: It is never too early to start getting organized! You will most likely be exhausted and overwhelmed. Start creating a list and calendar to help stay on top of important things such as feeding and medication schedules, well-baby checks, immunizations, etc. You can create a note on your phone with important phone numbers, dates, doctors etc. SAFETY While you can’t anticipate every situation that could arise regarding your infants’ safety, there are some tips you should know and share with others who will be care taking for your baby. A FEW SAFETY BASICS ♡ Properly support your baby’s head and neck ♡ Do not heat breast milk directly on the stove or in the microwave Instead: Place the bottle or sealed container of milk into a bowl of warm water or hold it under warm, but not hot, running water for a few minutes. Test the milk's temperature before feeding it to your baby by putting a few drops on your wrist. ♡ Explain your baby’s needs to older siblings ♡ Lock away all medicine cabinets and household cleaners ♡ Practice crib safety by not using drop-down cribs or putting stuffed animals or pillows in the crib ♡ Practice toy safety (balloons are the leading cause of toy-related deaths) ♡ Maintain a smoke-free environment for baby and install smoke detectors BABY ESSENTIALS FOR FIRST 3 MONTHS Car seat Onesies, or other soft outfits Baby sleepers or sleep sacks Baby socks Newborn hats, depending on climate Disposable diapers or cloth diapers (and detergent for washing) Disposable wipes or 12 cloth wipes Diaper rash cream Waterproof pad for diaper changes Diaper pail or receptacle Baby washcloths Hooded towels Baby sponge Baby bath wash Baby lotion Baby bath tub Baby nail clippers Digital thermometer Medicine dropper Bulb syringe/nasal aspirator Crib, cradle, or bassinet Fitted sheets and mattress cover for crib, cradle, or bassinet Burp cloths Bottles, if you're bottle-feeding and bottle brush A variety of bottle nipples, in different sizes Breastfeeding pillow, nursing pads, and nipple cream Breast pump Newborn Essentials on Amazon SAFE SLEEP "DO'S AND DON'TS" Setting up a safe sleep area for your baby can be done before baby is home. It is recommended that the baby’s sleep area is in the same room, next to where parents sleep for observation. The sleep surface should be firm and flat, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib, covered by a fitted sheet. For the safest environment, babies should never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or in a chair alone, with you or anyone else. When putting your baby to bed, remember to keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of the sleep area and that nothing is covering the baby’s head. Do not use a loose blanket, (to avoid occluding baby's airway and be sure not to over-bundle. A wearable blanket (sleep sack) is great for sleepwear and swaddling is recommended for safe sleep. ALWAYS PLACE BABY ON THEIR BACK TO SLEEP FOR NAPS AND NIGHT SAFE SLEEPS DO'S TO REDUCE SIDS RISK ♡ Always place baby on their BACK to sleep. ♡ Use a firm and flat sleep surface. ♡ Share your room with baby but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for baby’s first year but at least for the first 6 months. ♡ Breastfeed your baby if possible for the many health benefits and to reduce the risk of SIDS. ♡ Give your baby a pacifier for naps and nighttime sleep. ♡ Give your baby plenty of tummy time when they are awake and someone is watching. SAFE SLEEP DONT'S TO REDUCE SIDS RISK ♡ Do not smoke during pregnancy or allow smoking around your baby or in their environment. ♡ Do not put soft objects, toys, crib bumpers or loose bedding under baby, over baby, or anywhere in baby’s sleep area. ♡ Avoid products that go against safe sleep recommendations and exercise special caution on products that claim to prevent or reduce the risk for SIDS. ♡Do not use heart or breathing monitors in the home as a way to reduce the risk of SIDS. ♡ Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep. HOW TO PERFORM CPR ON A BABY It is always good to feel prepared in case of an emergency. Here is a great video to help you understand and practice CPR in case you may need it for your baby. This is also a skill to share with other caretakers of your baby (grandparents, family members, sitter etc.) SWADDLING Swaddling is a traditional practice of wrapping a baby up gently in a light, breathable blanket to help them feel calm and sleepy. A swaddle helps your baby feel safe and secure as she adjusts to life outside the womb. Swaddling helps prevent her from flailing her arms and legs, which can trigger her startle reflex and potentially cause her to wake up. A swaddle keeps your baby cozy and warm until her internal thermostat kicks into gear. The idea is that being swaddled will help your little one feel snug and secure, just like in your womb. It’s true that swaddling isn’t entirely risk-free. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that swaddling can encourage your newborn to snooze better — as long as it’s done correctly and practiced in accordance with other safe sleep guidelines. To encourage healthy hip development, the bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough for your baby’s legs to stay bent up and out, like they naturally would in a newborn lying on her back without a swaddle. You'll also want to ensure the swaddle allows your baby to straighten and stretch her legs at will. Wrapping your baby the right way will encourage your little one to sleep more soundly while giving you peace of mind (so you can get some sleep yourself!). Some important swaddling safety tips to keep in mind: Swaddle snugly, but not too snugly. At the top of the swaddle, you should be able to fit two to three fingers between the blanket and your baby’s chest. The bottom of the swaddle should be loose enough so your baby’s legs stay bent and flared out. Always put your baby to sleep on her back. It’s the safest position, whether you’re swaddling or not. Be sure to tuck the bottom of the blanket underneath your baby too. Keep your baby normothermic. Swaddling could cause overheating, which can raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Keep the room at a comfortable temperature (between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round). And resist the urge to bundle your baby in extra layers — a pair of pajamas and the swaddle blanket are likely enough to keep her comfy. Sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing are all possible signs that your baby might be too hot. As a general rule of thumb, dress your baby in one more layer than you would wear. Swaddle for nighttime sleep and naps. Swaddling can help your baby sleep more soundly during the day and at night. If tucking her into a little burrito blanket for hours overnight makes you nervous, know that as long as you stick with safe swaddling and sleep guidelines, swaddling at bedtime isn’t any riskier than swaddling during naps. You’ll also have plenty of built-in opportunities to check on her, since she’s frequently waking to eat. But if checking her swaddle while she sleeps gives you extra peace of mind, feel free to peek more often. Here's a step-by-step guide below for how to swaddle a newborn like a pro, the keys for sticking with safe swaddling techniques. Day to Day Feedings Cues your baby is ready to feed: Rooting (baby turns his/her head when the side of the cheek or face is stroked) Baby demonstrates a good, strong suck on the pacifier Baby is calm and stable during care time Baby is awake or wakes up during care time Baby demonstrates appropriate strength in their body (tone) alone or with swaddling and support, and can remain awake for several minutes at a time. BREASTFEEDING (FIRST FEW WEEKS) Nurse until baby self-detaches (some babies will need to be time-limited due to diagnosis and overexertion). Nurse from one breast to ensure that your baby gets enough of the hind milk. If your baby is still hungry, offer the second breast but be sure to burp the baby when they switch breasts. The breast should feel softer following a feed. You may need to pump after breastfeeding until at least your baby’s due date (NICU) Breastfed babies will have at least 8-12 feeds in 24 hours (every 2-3 hours). TIPS FOR TRANSITIONING FROM BOTTLE TO BREAST The key to a successful transition is to give it time, patience and persistence! In fact, it takes some women several weeks to transition from bottle to breast. I can’t recommend a lactation consultant enough if you are transitioning from bottle feeding to exclusively breastfeeding. They are a great resource, as each situation is unique! BOTTLE Bottle-fed infants will feed every 3-4 hours (which is 6-8 feeds in 24 hours). Like breastfed infants, bottle-fed infants should sleep well between feeds and have 6-8 wet diapers daily. Burp your baby both during and after feeding (or every 1-2 ounces.) The air can cause gas and make the baby uncomfortable. If doing a combination of bottle and breast, breastfeed first, offer a bottle after breastfeeding and pump for 10 minutes (triple feeding protocol). If you are exclusively pumping, pump for 20 minutes both sides 8x in 24 hours. HOT TIP: use your phone. Place a timer on every 3 hours to help keep you on track TIPS FOR PROPER BREAST MILK STORAGE Before expressing or handling breast milk: Wash your hands well with soap and water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. Mothers can express breast milk by hand or with a manual or electric pump. If using a pump, inspect the pump kit and tubing to ensure it is clean. Discard and replace moldy tubing immediately. If using a shared pump, clean pump dials, power switch, and countertop with a disinfectant wipe. (NICU) BREAST MILK STORAGE TIPS Clearly label the breast milk with the date it was expressed. Do not store breast milk in the door of the refrigerator or freezer. This will help protect the breast milk from temperature changes from the door opening and closing. If you don’t think you will use freshly expressed breast milk within 4 days, freeze it right away. This will help to protect the quality of the breast milk. When freezing breast milk: Store small amounts to avoid wasting milk that might not be finished. Store in 2 to 4 ounces or the amount offered at one feeding. If you deliver breast milk to a child care provider, clearly label the container with the child’s name. Talk to your child care provider about any other requirements for labeling and storing breast milk. Breast milk can be stored in an insulated cooler with frozen ice packs for up to 24 hours when you are traveling. At your destination, use the milk right away, store it in the refrigerator, or freeze it. Safe Thawing of Breast Milk Always thaw the oldest breast milk first. Remember first in, first out. Over time, the quality of breast milk can decrease. There are several ways to thaw your breast milk: In the refrigerator overnight. Set in a container of warm or lukewarm water. Under lukewarm running water. Never thaw or heat breast milk in a microwave. Microwaving can destroy nutrients in breast milk and create hot spots, which can burn a baby’s mouth. If you thaw breast milk in the refrigerator, use it within 24 hours. Start counting the 24 hours when the breast milk is completely thawed, not from the time when you took it out of the freezer. Once breast milk is brought to room temperature or warmed, use it within 2 hours. Never refreeze breast milk after it has thawed. Swirl the breast milk to mix the fat, which may have separated. If your baby did not finish the bottle, use the leftover milk within 2 hours after the baby is finished feeding. After 2 hours, leftover breast milk should be discarded. TRANSITION TIPS FROM A LACTATION TEAM Massage your breasts or hand express to start milk flow before putting the infant to breast. Pay close attention to the position, especially supporting the baby’s head to your breast. Place your baby’s belly to your belly while holding them close for a great deep latch. Ensure your baby has an effective latch by listening for swallowing. Allow baby to self-detach. For example, if baby pulls away from breast after 10-15 minutes of sucking and appears to be content and satisfied. Log the baby’s output during this transition and get frequent weight checks by either your pediatrician or lactation consultant. After baby self-detaches, your baby may be given pumped breast milk if they show hunger cues. Pump after breastfeeding as you may not completely empty. You may need to do this the first few weeks or until the baby’s due date. As your baby matures and becomes more efficient, you will be able to increase the length of time at the breast and the number of feedings in 24 hours. SHOP NEWBORN ESSENTIALS ON AMAZON BURPING While feeding, if your baby doesn’t burp after several minutes, continue feeding, and don’t worry. When the feeding is finished, attempt again and keep the baby upright for 10-15 minutes to prevent spit up. Make sure you don’t bounce baby after feeding. If the baby cries a lot before the feeding, it may be beneficial to burp the baby before the feed or early in the feeding. DIAPERING Let’s talk about diapering your baby, diaper rash and elimination patterns. Start the habit early of checking your baby’s diaper with every feeding. When changing, clean genitals with a washcloth and warm water or fragrance-free baby wipes. For girls, remember to wipe baby from front to back (or TOP to BOTTOM) and for boys to start at the tip of the penis and then wipe the rectal area last. If the baby is uncircumcised, do not attempt to pull back from the foreskin of the penis. After cleaning, lift the scrotum and clean underneath. Keep the skin clean and dry with frequent changes to avoid diaper rash. If a rash does occur, wash with mild soap only after a bowel movement while avoiding wipes with alcohol or fragrances. Expose the bottom to air. (Oxygen can help heal the skin). WHAT ARE TYPICAL ELIMINATION PATTERNS WITH A NEWBORN? Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers daily, many stool with diapers but some once a day (or every few days). The color and consistency may vary from bright yellow (breast milk-fed infants) to light greenish-brown (formula-fed infants). Monitor the diaper for blood, pus, or diarrhea. Call your pediatrician if your baby has fewer than 6 wet diapers a day or has two dry diapers in a row, has diarrhea, or is constipated for 48 hours. BATHING TIPS Once the umbilical cord or circumcision site heals, you can give your baby a tub bath. Bathe baby 2-3 times a week. Avoid lotions and powders. Bath before a feed or at least one hour after bedtime. Gather all of the supplies you will need before beginning the bath. Never leave a baby alone in a bath, not even for a minute. Babies can drown quickly in a few inches of water. Make sure the room is warm as babies get cold easily. Fill the tub BEFORE you put the baby in it. Water should feel warm, not hot on the inside of your wrist. Ensure your water heater is set no higher than 120F (if you can control the temperature). Never put a Qtip in your baby’s ear. For preemies, bath time can be stressful. Swaddle and wash one area gently at a time. BATHING: WHAT YOU NEED 3-5 baby washcloths 1-2 towels (hooded if you have one) 1 baby sponge 1 bottle of baby bath wash 1 bottle of baby lotion A baby bathtub TEMPERATURE-TAKING AND SUCTIONING I encourage you to ask your bedside RN how to take your baby’s temperature and how to use a bulb syringe! They are there to support YOU and answer any care questions you may have. HOW DO I USE A THERMOMETER? Take temperature when the skin feels warmer or cooler than normal, when your baby is not acting like their usual self and before calling your doctor. (They will want to know the baby's current temperature) Place the tip in your baby’s armpit. Hold the arm in the position for 5 minutes or as long as the thermometer instructions say. For newborns, do not use the pacifier, forehead, or ear thermometers per AAP. HOT TIP! Bring your thermometer into the hospital to practice with the nurse. Practice with it at the bedside to get a feel for the device and how to properly use it. Normal temperature range for baby should be 97.6 - 99.6 TIP: Dress your baby according to how you feel! Use a bulb syringe to suction your baby’s mouth and nose when necessary (stuffy nose, baby vomits, spit up, etc). Sneezing is normal for a baby, but coughing is not. If your baby vomits, remember to suction the mouth then the nose. To prevent gagging place the tip of the bulb into the side of cheek to suction. Clean the bulb syringe after using warm water and mild detergents. BEDDING AND SLEEP NEEDS Whatever bed you choose for your newborn (crib, cradle, bassinet, co-sleeper), it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that your baby sleeps in the same room with you for the first 6-12 months of life. In addition, bumpers, blankets, pillows, and soft toys are no longer recommended in baby beds. Think minimalistic. BEDDING: WHAT YOU NEED Crib, cradle, bassinet, co-sleeper, or other safe sleep space for baby. If the crib has been used before, make sure it has all of its pieces and meets current safety standards Crib mattress, or a mattress that fits properly in the cradle or bassinet Fitted sheets for crib, cradle, bassinet, or co-sleeper Waterproof crib mattress cover, unless your crib mattress is already fully sealed, or a waterproof pad to lay under the crib sheet Baby monitor DEVELOPMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS There are three common terms when it comes to developmental age (especially for Preemies!) Gestational age is the fetus’ age (calculated as the first day of mom’s last period) Chronological age is counted from the day of birth (baby’s birthday) Corrected age is defined as the chronological age minus the number of weeks or months baby is born early. TO POSITION YOUR INFANT FOR OPTIMAL DEVELOPMENT: KEEP THESE IN MIND ♡ Hold baby with legs bent and arms forward ♡ Avoid leaving baby flat on back for long periods ♡ Wrap baby snugly with legs bent and hands placed close to face ♡ When awake, lay baby on their side rather than on their back with a large blanket roll for body support (only when supervised!) Your baby should start rolling anywhere between 2-6mos old corrected gestational age and sitting up without support between 5-7mos old (corrected age). Make time for tummy time! Tummy time should be when the baby is awake only, and should last 10-20 minutes once or twice a day. Start slowly and work your way up if baby dislikes it at first! You can use a rolled towel or blanket under the shoulders and upper chest to provide support. When should you schedule a time to talk to your doctor about your baby’s development? If your baby does not use one of their arms, legs or one side of body, their legs feel stiff when not actively stretching, they don't roll over or bear weight on legs, or if they don’t sit while supported or reach for objects-make an appointment with your pediatrician. WHEN TO SCHEDULE A DOCTOR'S VISIT Vomits repeatedly or forcefully two feedings in a row. Refuses to eat more than two feedings in a row. Has less than 4 wet diapers-24 hours in spite of frequent feedings. Goes 48 hours without a bowel movement. Has diarrhea or more than 12 large stools/day or has blood in stool. If abdomen is distended and does not go down. If difficulty breathing or makes unusual sounds when breathing. If baby is lethargic and doesn’t arouse with touching or handling. Excessive swelling or drainage around eyes. Blisters or pustules on body. Thrush or patches of white in mouth. Congested cough, running eyes or nose. Drastic behavior changes include extreme irritability, excessive crying without a known cause, extreme sleepiness, or floppy arms and legs. CALL MD: Temperature under 97.6 or over 99.6 and doesn’t change with adding or removing clothes or blankets. EMERGENTLY CALL FOR HELP CALL 911 if blue lips and tongue If you are uncertain or feel urgent care is necessary I hope these Baby Basics help you as you transition to caring for your baby at home! Share these tips with a caregiver who wants to see babies THRIVE through best practices :) REFERENCES: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Sudden unexpected infant death and sudden infant death syndrome: Data and statistics. Retrieved June 1, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/sids/data.htm. Shapiro-Mendoza, C. K., Camperlengo, L., Ludvigsen, R., Cottengim, C., Anderson, R. N., Andrew, T., et al. (2014). Classification system for the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry and its application. Pediatrics, 134(1), e210–e219. Retrieved May 3, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24913798/. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/recommendations/handling_breastmilk.htm#:~:text=Place%20the%20sealed%20container%20into,stove%20or%20in%20the%20microwave. Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, and Sponsored Capella University MSN student. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

NICU practice and Evidence-Based Research is constantly changing. Many of the practices I have seen over the past 9+ years have changed with updates, new technology, procedures, and treatments, with a movement to push our patient population forward with improved outcomes! Here are a few topics to consider when searching for a research project, paper, or developing an abstract for your project! Many of these are controversial with a lot of different research supporting various outcomes. NICU Research Project Ideas DOUBLE JEOPARDY. WHAT DO WE KNOW AND WHAT CAN WE DO? Common comorbidities of prematurity. Intraventricular hemorrhage Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Necrotizing Enertocolities Retinopathy of Prematurity Sepsis Congenital heart Disease (CHD) NEC! WHAT FACTORS INCREASE THE RISK OF NEC? Standardization of assessments and treatments, Pneumoatosis, Is Clonic Pneumotosis real?, Treatment and feeding decisions, Guidelines, Antibiotics, Parenteral Nutrition, Vascular Access, Imaging Modalities, Hemodynamics, disease entity, restriction of systemic blood flow, generalized cyanotic state, Congenital Heart Disease (CHD). https://www.nature.com/articles/pr2016215 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181543/ SMALL BABY STANDARDIZATION OF CARE The formation and focus on standardizing ELBW and VLBW care. Guidelines, standardization, and streamlined care. Feedings, humidity, positioning, weights, lab draws central line management, RDS management, guidelines for incubations/extubations, weaning from isolette to crib, developmental considerations by gestational age. https://engagegrowthrive.com/small-baby-care-specialist-program/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34330869/ PROBIOTICS! The use of probiotics in practice (to use or not to use them). Gut flora. The pros and cons. Latest research in preventing NEC. Is this a preventative measure? Which probiotic products to consider? Lactobacillus, dual strains, and possible side effects or contraindications. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378378219302932 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7303425/ https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/jpm-2019-0268/html https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6805101/ PDA TREATMENT Treatment of PDA. When to treat it and what modalities to treat it with…Indomethacin, PICCOLO PDA closure device, PEEP, etc). Risk vs Benefit. Clinical signs and symptoms. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347618309181 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146000518300326 SKIN TO SKIN Skin to skin (myth-busting nicu dynamics when parents can’t hold). Developmental considerations. How to support families during the initial times with inability to hold baby. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1751485118302356 https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrnn/37/6/343.abstract?implicit-login=true https://connect.springerpub.com/content/sgrnn/36/2/89?implicit-login=true PAIN MANAGEMENT IN THE NEONATE Anesthesia / Sedation! What is too much? What is not enough? Neurodevelopment perspectives with Gestational age & disease process. Nociceptive stimuli. Neuroapoptosis. Pain consequences with unrelieved pain, sleep, fatigue, and inflammatory response. Pre and Post-op considerations. The first line of pain relief modalities. Benzodiazepines, Opiates, Alpha 2 Agonists (Dexmedetomidine, Clonadine), Sweeties, Positioning etc. https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Abstract/2009/12000/Exploring_Barriers_to_Pain_Management_in_Newborn.10.aspx https://www.nature.com/articles/jp201788 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0146000516301161 BLOOD PRESSURE GOALS & STANDARDIZATION Lack of standardization within the NICU patient population. What is too low? What is too high? Treating symptoms. What line of hemodynamic modalities to turn to? (Epi / Vasopressin / Dopamine) https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-0041-1726123 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022347620302869 VENTILATOR STRATEGIES Specific considerations for Gestational age, disease-specific treatments. Optimal PEEP, Low peak inflation/TV. Use of surfactant. Surfactant deficiencies (RDS), Corticosteroids, Alkalosis etc. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41372-022-01399-1 SATURATION TARGET GOALS Optimizing neurodevelopment, Target pre ductal SpO2. Oxygen should be used like any other drug; with potential benefits and side effects. Positioning considerations. https://fn.bmj.com/content/96/2/F93.short https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/136/2/e496/33808/Balancing-the-Tension-Between-Hyperoxia-Prevention PALLIATIVE CARE Multidisciplinary approach. Women facing pregnancies with a diagnosis of complex congenital or life-threatening conditions. Limitations in choices. Support during pregnancy, delivery, post-partum, and beyond. https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Abstract/2020/04000/Preparing_Nurses_for_Palliative_Care_in_the_NICU.9.aspx?context=LatestArticles https://journals.lww.com/co-pediatrics/Abstract/2017/04000/Neonatal_palliative_care.3.aspx PRETERM INFANTS WITH CHD Congenital Heart Disease issues. Cyanosis (TOF & TGA), pulmonary venous obstruction, (TAPVD, MS), Preoperative care, Preoperative pulmonary vasculature/reactivity (Trisomy 21, post RSV, transitional circulation). Neurodevelopment risk associated with prematurity. Restricted oxygen and insufficient nutrient delivery in utero. https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-1741684/v1/9490f182-82ce-4cc9-b3f9-40689bd5b67c.pdf?c=1655971172 BREAST MILK PRODUCTION & BREASTFEEDING INITIATIVES The push for breast is best (doesn’t always work in the NICU). Breast milk production, the latest Evidence-Based Research to support mothers. Hope this list helps you in your NICU Research! These are all very relevant in our NICU care with continued improvements in Evidence-Based Research! The more minds and research we can put to these topics the better. Feel free to drop your suggestions and comments below! Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012 and works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey in married life & juggles work, school, and content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Modern-day NICU nursing...let's go! I took to Instagram to source the best bedside NICU apps nurses are using. Below I have listed a few of the apps I have used and have added to my bedside workflow. From medication references to cardiac anomalies and parent resources, these are the TOP most suggested and used apps in practice. BEST NICU NURSE APPS TO CHECK OUT AND USE IN YOUR PRACTICE MEDICATION REFERENCE APPS Lexicomp Lexicomp drug references on mobile apps are unique in the industry for being as extensive as our online drug reference offerings. No content is abridged. Users can view more than 20 databases featuring timely, in-depth information on drugs, natural products, interactions, medical calculations and more, whether in the hospital or on-the-go. Provides unique features other drug information apps don’t have, like a pharmacogenomics database, IV compatibility data, drug shortage information, patient education leaflets, and the ability to reorder databases and monograph fields to customize the display. Content is stored directly on the device – clinicians can quickly answer questions even if there is a weak mobile signal or no internet connection. Used and trusted by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, advanced practice nurses, dentists, and students. DOWNLOAD HERE Neofax Micromedex BM Micromedex NeoFax app is free to subscribers of IBM Micromedex NeoFax online. IBM Micromedex NeoFax app is a reliable resource for on-the-go access to evidence-based drug information to efficiently and safely manage drug therapy for neonatal patients. It allows clinicians to make accurate and more informed treatment decisions at the point of care, while minimizing errors in this vulnerable patient population. This neonatal-specific app has clinical value for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. An internet connection is not required, allowing you to make decisions with confidence at anytime, from anywhere. IBM Micromedex NeoFax is a trusted source for neonatal drug dosing, based on the strict editorial policies and practices that have guided IBM Micromedex NeoFax for more than 30 years. Evidence-based, fully referenced neonatal-specific drug information enables clinicians to make informed treatment decisions. The drug monographs cover information including: dose, administration, uses, contraindications/precautions, adverse effects, monitoring, pharmacology, special considerations/preparation, solution- and drug-drug compatibility/incompatibility information, and references. This mobile app also includes a comprehensive enteral formulas component providing nutritional information for approximately 60 different neonatal and infant formulas, and human milk fortifiers. IBM Micromedex NeoFax drug information is intended for full-term babies up to 28 days of age (PNA) and preterm babies up to 44 weeks postmenstrual age (GA + PNA). Do you work at a facility that subscribes to IBM Micromedex NeoFax? Check with your Chief of Pediatrics, Director of Pediatrics, Director of the NICU, Directory of Pharmacy, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Medical Librarian, or anyone else at your facility responsible for clinical reference information. DOWNLOAD HERE CARDIAC EDUCATIONAL APP HeartPedia Congenital heart defects can be difficult to visualize and explain. Heartpedia, created by Cincinnati Children's Hospital, allows you to interact with 3D models of pediatric heart anomalies and defects. Healthcare providers may use these anatomically-correct models as visual learning tools to help educate patients and families on specific defects and repairs. Heartpedia may also be helpful to patients and families who want to learn more on their own or to share the details of a defect with concerned friends and family. Cincinnati Children’s believes that supplying the right information and tools ultimately results in the highest level of care and the best outcomes. FEATURES Explore what a normal, defective and repaired heart looks like for these anomalies and defects: •Tetralogy of Fallot •Coarctation of the Aorta •Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome •Transposition of the Great Arteries •Ventricular Septal Defect •Patent Ductus Arteriosus •Atrioventricular Septal Defect •Atrial Septal Defect •Ebstein’s Anomaly Discover each defect through the following interactions: •Toggle between normal, defect and repair views •View exterior and various interior heart planes / slices •Pan, rotate and zoom •Watch video animation with audio description of each defect and repair •See labels of key heart structures •Read a detailed description of the defect ABOUT CINCINNATI CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER As one of the top three pediatric hospitals in the United States, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center is dedicated to improving child health locally, nationally and internationally. We relentlessly focus on improving outcomes, enhancing patient and family experience, and providing the best value for every visitor. DOWNLOAD HERE PARENT RESOURCE APPS My NICU Baby® You don't have to go it alone if you have a baby who is admitted to the newborn intensive care unit (NICU), a nursery in a hospital that provides around-the-clock specialized care to newborns. We've created the March of Dimes My NICU Baby® App to provide answers, tools and support, so you can focus on your baby during what is often a difficult time. Learn about NICU staff, policies, equipment and terminology on your own schedule. The app has been developed and designed by experts to help you advocate for the best care for your baby. ANSWERS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS Use My NICU Baby to do things like: Get tips and helpful videos to care for your baby in the NICU and at home Track breastfeeding sessions and baby's weight Track breast pumping and kangaroo care Take photos and add filters Connect with other families with similar experiences Create a customizable checklist to prepare to take your baby home SUPPORTING YOUR NICU JOURNEY March of Dimes helps moms and families through every stage of pregnancy and throughout the NICU journey. It's what we do. My NICU Baby App is available whenever you need it to provide peace of mind, support and information at your fingertips. It's been developed to help parents cope with a baby's early birth, complications like birth defects and other issues that may affect a baby in the NICU. On our site, you can also find more information about breastfeeding, caring for your baby and what to expect when your baby graduates from the NICU. View application flyer here. DOWNLOAD HERE MY NICU BABY APP™ IS AVAILABLE IN SPANISH! Having a baby in the NICU can bring a wave of mixed emotions. You may feel sad, angry and overwhelmed at the same time. Being around unfamiliar equipment, hearing the sound of machines beeping and seeing your baby in this space can be unsettling moments for a new mom. Most likely you have lots of questions and concerns. But you don’t have to go it alone. We’ve created the March of Dimes My NICU Baby App to provide answers, tools and support so you can focus on your baby. You can learn about NICU staff, policies, equipment and terminology at your own pace and on your own schedule. The app is developed and designed by experts to help you advocate for the best care for your baby. And now it’s available in Spanish: Mi Bebé en NICU. The answers and tools you’re looking for are now available at your fingertips: Get tips and helpful information to care for your baby in the NICU and at home Track breastfeeding sessions and baby’s weight. Track breast pumping and kangaroo care. Take photos and add filters. Connect with other families with similar experiences. Create a customizable checklist to prepare to take your baby home. We want to bring you support in your NICU journey. March of Dimes helps moms and families through every stage of pregnancy and throughout the NICU journey. It’s what we do. My NICU Baby App is available whenever you need it to provide peace of mind, support and information. It can help you cope with your baby’s early birth, complications like birth defects and other issues that may affect a baby in the NICU. See this flyer for more information. Download the App now in the App Store and Google Play. DOWNLOAD HERE BREASTMILK EDUCATION REFERRAL APPS Mommy Meds Don’t compromise your or your baby’s health. Get peace of mind by knowing which medications, vaccines, and supplements are safe for you to take without harming your baby...and which ones aren't! Pregnant or breastfeeding women are often told to choose between their baby’s health and their own treatment. Many times, there are safe medication options that shouldn’t be overlooked! With this app, Drs. Thomas Hale and Kaytlin Krutsch bring you the information healthcare providers use in their textbook ‘Medication and Mothers’ Milk’--straight into the hands of moms. They believe moms deserve to know this information; written at a level they can understand. Their InfantRisk Center team at Texas Tech University Health Science Center is known worldwide for 25+ years of research on maternal transfer of drugs to babies. Features: -Easy rating system from safest (1) to most hazardous (5) -Scan medication boxes for safety ratings -Search over 70,000 drugs and medications -Easy to use interface Are you a healthcare provider? Try our more in-depth app, InfantRisk HCP. Subscription: Price: $3.99 USD Duration: 1 Year Account will be charged for renewal unless canceled within 24 hours of the end date. Terms of Use: https://www.infantrisk.com/mommymeds-terms-use DOWNLOAD HERE HalesMeds Join 100,000+ Hale’s users worldwide who use this up-to-date drug reference guide to empower safe breastfeeding. Featuring over 1,300 drugs, diseases, vaccines and syndromes with LRC, you can quickly identify hazardous drugs when breastfeeding. Written by a world-renowned expert, Dr. Thomas W. Hale, and new PharmD author, Kaytlin Krutsch, this essential reference contains current, complete, and evidence-based information on the transmission of maternal drugs into human milk. Because so many women ingest medications while breastfeeding, now you can quickly answer the question, “can I take this drug and continue breastfeeding safely?”. Brought to you by Springer Publishing, this reference app is continuously revised, and now includes 72 completely new and 927 updated medications. Plus, state-of-the-art coverage of multiple diseases, vaccines, and syndromes. Key Features: Evidence-based, current information on 1,300+ drugs, diseases, vaccines and syndromes Dr. Hale’s renowned “Lactation Risk Categories” NEW TABLES on monoclonal antibodies and migraines New information on cannabis Quick search feature Adult concerns, adult dose, pediatric concerns, infant monitoring, and alternatives Key points and savvy tips about breastfeeding and medications for quick reference Succinct information about evaluation of the infant Common abbreviations and drugs listed in alphabetical order Get access to all drug entries when you subscribe: • Hale's Medications & Mothers' Milk - 1 Month: one auto-renewing payment of $5.99 • Hale's Medications & Mothers' Milk - 12 Months: one auto-renewing payment of $59.99 Medications & Mothers' Milk offers two auto-renewing subscription options to help keep you up to date with medical standards. DOWNLOAD HERE Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012 and works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey in married life & juggles work, school, and content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

My Amazon storefront just got a makeover. It is organized and updated with all of my latest faves! From my all time favorite scrub sets, skincare tools, latest lifestyle finds and everything in between I have some things you might want to check out! XO I am sharing some of my favorites from a few categories and I am continually updating my Amazon Storefront as I discover new products that make my life a little easier and add some spice to the Meskin household. STALK NURSE TORI’S AMAZON PICKS NURSE LIFE Barco Grey’s Anatomy Impact Scrubs As many of you know, Barco has been my go-to brand since I started working as a nurse and the Grey’s Anatomy Line is my absolute fave! Let’s match. Barco Grey's Anatomy Impact GIT033 Women's 3-Pocket Moto Scrub Top and the matching lively 6-Pocket Jogger Pant are what I have been LIVING in lately. I love the fit and durability of Barco Scrubs. XO Peepers by PeeperSpecs Peepers by PeeperSpecs Women's Showbiz Soft Square Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses is where it’s at when it comes to eye health! I live for these iconic glasses. These specs are designed to enhance your vision while helping protect your eyes from high-energy blue light. Peeper’s proprietary baked-in lens technology safeguards your eyes from up to 40% of blue light, while an anti-reflecting coating reduces glare when looking at a screen. Silicone Rings Yes, Silicone wedding rings. I wear these when I float to Peds or L&D, the barn, for workouts and beach days. They are ultra comfortable, breathable, and safe which makes them a great choice for those who are active with their hands! Jacob literally wears these (instead of his actual wedding ring) permanently and I love it for him. He likes to change it up from time to time too with colors and patterns etc. SEX IT UP XO Sunlite Red Light Bulbs Swapping your bedside lights with red light bulbs not only creates a sexy environment but also has great effects for your sleep and health! I learned this wellness hack on a podcast and will never go back! Red light therapy has so many amazing benefits and this is a great way to incorporate it easily into your daily life without breaking the bank! We LOVE this addition to our bedroom. Woo More Play Vibez Woo More Play has my heart. It started with their love oil and has gone into new territories. With all natural ingredients and zero parabens or nasty additives, Woo More Play candle will moisturize and hydrate and keep you and your partner smooth, soft, and satisfied. With notes of sandalwood, papyrus, cardamom, and more, this candle is sure to set the mood and boost intimacy and desire. Real friends also gift each other Woo More Play- just saying… The Body Source Himalayan Salt Lamp This Himalayan Salt Lamp is always on my nightstand. I love the warm glow it sets off and it’s therapeutic and relaxing properties. Bring life to your room day and night with the ambient glow while the pink salt releases negative ions to help purify and improve the air quality around you. BEAUTY/SKIN CARE Exfoliating Shower Gloves I swear by these! I keep a pair in the shower (change them out every few months). But these are what help keep my skin on point! Double Sided Exfoliating Bath Gloves Deep Clean Dead Skin for Spa Massage Beauty Skin Shower Scrubber. Scrub it head to toe daily to shed the dead skin and keep that top layer rejuvenated. Image Skincare Vital C IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Creme is like a fountain of youth. I use this daily and love the way it makes my skin glow. Image Skincare is physician formulated and this rich, reparative crème quenches dryness, soothes redness and comforts irritated skin. I started using this skin care line by Image 6 months ago. Not only are they great products, but the citrus smell is fabulous. Tinkle Women's Shaver Razors The secret to a flawless look (the secret behind every makeup artist) is shaving your face! Or nicely put it, dermaplaning! This is your at-home facial dermaplaning razor tool you need in your skincare routine! When you remove the peach fuzz your skincare products are able to penetrate more effectively and your makeup application is so much smoother. It’s a cheap way to stay looking your best without a splurge at the spa. FASHION Quay Australia Sunnies QUAY AUSTRALIA Women's After Hours Sunnies are the sexy, summer glasses you need. I love this versatile pair that goes with everything and for any occasion! They are made to last, are non-polarized and have UV protection. Boyfriend Corduroy Button Down Shirts This is a staple in my capsule wardrobe! Something I wear year round and the perfect button down for daily wear, outdoor activities, shopping, lounging, and any other occasions in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. It is durable but also lightweight. Obsessed with this find #offtheclock. Zesica Women’s Waffle Knit Lounge Wear LITERALLY OBSESSED. I have been wearing this non stop and shared it quite a few times over on IG. ZESICA Women's Waffle Knit Long Sleeve Top and Shorts Pullover Nightwear Lounge Pajama Set with Pockets is my favorite lounge wear! This is one of the best Amazon finds I have discovered in terms a quality, durability, and chic vibes. The material is so nice and the fit is true to size. You can’t go wrong with the basics and a cute lounge wear set is a MUST. NIGHT SHIFT SNACKS Like Air Baked Puffcorn (Pancake) Like Air Baked Puffcorn (Pancake) is my latest snack OBSESSION! These are seriously is SO good and I feel even better knowing it is a healthy snack option! Sam and mama Laurie (Capricorn Queens) are also obsessed with these and can't get enough. Don't know how they do it, but these taste just like pancakes, it's unreal! There are only 50 calories per cup and it is gluten free with no artificial ingredients. I love having snacks in my bag that fulfill the late night cravings without the guilt so this is a definite staple. LOKASS Lunch Bag Can a lunch box be sexy? The LOKASS Insulated Lunch Tote Bag is one I get so many compliments on at work. It is stylish and yet holds an incredible amount of snacks and drinks. It is well insulated and keeps my food the perfect chilled temperature throughout my shift. SmartSweets Smart Sweets are the best “adult” candy. I love this variety pack of sour melons and starburst chews that come in every flavor to mix it up! Feel good about candy with SmartSweets. Just 3g of sugar and 100 calories for the whole bag - that’s 91% less sugar than the other watermelon slice candies! Smartly sweetened with high-quality, natural sweeteners: monk fruit and allulose. Every ingredient is gluten free, non-GMO, always real, and never artificial. HOME Zulay Milk Frother Boujee coffee at home? Yes, please. I love this handheld brother whisk for foaming up my almond milk in my favorite coffee and night time wind-down drinks. It is so easy to use and blends your beverage to perfection. Globe Electric Leclair Lights Globe Electric 65311 Leclair, 12” in Dark Bronze with Clear Glass is such a stunning look for any design style. I love the modern, industrial take it gives my room and the fact that there is no annoying cord messing up the aesthetic. Swap the bulbs for the Sunlite Red Light bulbs for a spicy bedroom makeover! Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine Breville Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine was a splurge that has paid for itself! (Jacob and I bought this 2 years ago as our Christmas gift to each other, payment plan style lol and have never looked back!) I love being able to make coffee shop quality coffee at home with my favorite blends and add-ins. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you’re going to want to add this to your list. It is easy and fun to create your own drinks from the comfort of your home with Breville! I hope you discover something you LOVE off this list and that makes your life 100000x better. Be sure to check out the entire storefront for more inspo! All items I have linked are ones I have actually purchased and use! No B.S. ever when it comes to recs for my peeps! Happy Shopping!!! Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey in married life & juggles work, school, and content creation, & brings you top-notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Listen to this holy-grail list of episodes from all aspects of the NICU! These Cellfie Show episodes will give you insight into your most pressing NICU-related questions as well as a fresh perspective from the point of view of NICU providers, entrepreneurs, and parents. No matter your experience with the NICU so far, I hope you take away something new in these episodes that you can apply to your unique journey! For those of you new to The Cellfie Show we are two nurses talking "Off The Clock," about healthcare, self-care, & the down & dirty in between. You will hear from providers, innovators, brands, businesses, people of interest, health specialties, HOT TIPS, TABOO TOPICS, and a whole new side of the healthcare world you didn't even know existed. Love that for you! Together Tori Meskin & Sam Manassero are bringing you the unfiltered side of the medical world. We have unmatched chemistry with sassy banter & 18 years of combined nursing experience. Together we host the conversations you really want to hear, answer the questions you want to know, and bring our spicy energy to the show. Let's Jump into the Episodes! Nurse Tori's Biggest Secret Revealed! Nurse Blogging, Achieving Your Goals, NICU Nurse, Social Media, Grey's Anatomy #RealTea, Empowering Providers & Patients, Embracing Your Journey, Pushing Through Hardships. Listen to the OG episode of The Cellfie Show all about Nurse Tori’s NICU experiences. Nurse Tori BSN RNC-NIC talks her BIGGEST SECRET YET! Tori reveals her biggest NURSE secret, talks blogging, NICU nurse, NP student, social media, holding yourself accountable, pushing through hurdles, etc. You will want to start here if you’re new to The Cellfie Show! Listen here The Life of a NICU Nurse with Nurse Tori BSN RNC-NIC Hear from Nurse Tori on all things NICU Nursing on this episode. We get specific! Pull back the curtain and spill what it is REALLY like working with the most vulnerable and tiny mighty patient population. Tori drops some HOT TIPS on how to land a job in the NICU, interview tricks, overcoming roadblocks, requirements to become a NICU Nurse, experience, training, etc. If you’re considering becoming a NICU Nurse this podcast will shed some light for you on what it is really like! Listen Here The Nurse Nook! Alexis Nicole. The Nurse Nook! Alexis Nicole BSN, RN. Nurse, YouTuber, Social Media Curator. We talk nurse life. Switching specialties and starting her journey as a NICU Nurse! Alexis Nicole BSN, RN. She is also the founder of the “Nurse Nook,” and the largest Nurse Youtube content creator! We talk Pediatric, Emergency Dept, Mother/Baby, & NICU nursing! She recently made this transition, already announced it so no spoiler alert for you! Alexis holds a very strong presence in the social media space! Her YouTube has 267K subscribers, not to mention her Instagram presence, all while balancing working as a full-time nurse. She vlogs details in her life as a nurse and everything in between. Studying, getting ready for tests, morning routines, well-being. Today we get into all things Nurse life, tips & tricks, switching specialties, social media, taboo topics like CBD, self-care, a day in the life of a nurse… her YouTube channel is so relatable and fun to watch that she has more than ten million views! LISTEN HERE Dr. Amir Ashrafi. NeoHeart Co-Founder. Secrets to Navigating High-Stress Situations, Saving Tiny Lives + Unleashing the Medical Buzz. Cardiac Neonatologist. Entrepreneur. Speaker On this episode we are joined by Dr. Amir Ashrafi. Get ready for a spicy conversation! He is an expert in neonatology and neonatal-cardiac physiology. Dr. Ashrafi’s primary focus is treating newborns with congenital heart disease. He holds the national distinction of being one of the few physicians to receive formal training in both neonatal intensive care and cardiac intensive care. Dr. Ashrafi attended medical school at the University of Utah and completed pediatric residency training at Emory University in Atlanta. He spent time in the Emergency Dept at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles prior to completing his Neonatal Intensive Care Fellowship at UCLA, where he was recognized as the Chief Fellow. Dr. Ashrafi then completed a second fellowship in Cardiac Intensive Care at Boston Children’s Hospital at Harvard University. Dr. Ashrafi is the co-founder of the conference NeoHeart: Cardiovascular Management of the Neonate, an international collaboration dedicated to advancing the care of newborns with complex heart disease. From navigating high-stress clinical situations, sharpening leadership skills, the science behind saving tiny lives, and unleashing your medical buzz. Listen Here NICU Nurse 101. Taylor Ebner BSN RNC-NIC, NICU Nurse Life, Neonatal Insight, NP Grad School, Travel Nursing, Becoming a Nurse, Modern Day Healthcare Perspective. NICU Nurse 101. On this episode, I sit down with Taylor Ebner BSN RNC-NIC. We dive into NICU nurse life, #realtalk NICU nurse perspective, transitioning into the nursing role, and meaningful nurse tips. Taylor gives us a behind-the-scenes look into her unique journey in NICU with a modern take! Listen Here Dr. Kate Rubey NICU Attending. Infant Intensive Care Doctor. Scientist. Lifestyle. Female Dr. Energy! Take a behind-the-scenes look in the NICU with Dr. Kate, Neonatologist! She is an Attending Physician in the Division of Neonatology at a major facility in Philadelphia. In this episode, we get into her life both as a clinical and research-based MD caring for tiny lives. From her 14 years of training, her passion for NICU patients, to her life as an MD-we go all over learning about the ins and outs of Neonatology and Dr. Kate’s journey! Listen Here Phil Martie Founder & CEO of Nicolette. Nico Board! NICU Dad. App Developer. Entrepreneur. Patient Empowerment. Provider Partnership. Phil Martie founded Nicolette based on his experience with premature twins in 2014, with the goal of empowering patients fighting acute health battles to be their own competent advocates. Prior to founding Nicolette, Phil was VP of Operations at Canon’s Business Process Services division. Parents use NicoBoard to view updates and insights about their baby's health, receive curated education specific to their baby, and document their NICU journey with sharable media and journaling. This is Nicolette's first entry into the commercial market. CHOC Children's, a pediatric healthcare system in Orange County, California, is the first organization to implement the technology. Parent Empowerment. Provider Partnership. Listen Here It’s Your Birthday, I’ll Cry If I Want To. NICU Parent Perspective with Former Micro Preemie Mamas Julie + Carol (Part 1) NICU moms are the strongest women you will ever meet... and something we don't talk about nearly enough! So, buckle up… this is going to be a special episode! (Well, actually two episodes). Raw. Real. Wild. Bringing the "health,” back into healthcare. This is a personal episode full of perspectives from two moms who tackled the NICU head-on. This is the vulnerable, sincere, patient's side of the healthcare world. And we get personal today! Unpopular Opinion: as healthcare providers, we almost block out the reality of what this is like for our parents…we cope by moving forward. Well today, we are taking a step back. Really listening, and taking in the NICU perspective from the parent’s point of view. 1 in 9 babies are admitted to the NICU prematurely. That does not account for the surgical admissions, but specifically, prematurity. Babies born before 37 weeks. Listen Here NICU Parent Perspective (PART 2) with Former Micro Preemie NICU Mom’s Julie + Carol PART: 2 NICU moms are the strongest women you will ever meet... and something we don't talk about nearly enough! So, buckle up… this is going to be a special episode! (Well, actually two episodes). Raw. Real. Wild. Bringing the "health,” back into healthcare. This is a personal episode full of perspectives from two moms who tackled the NICU head-on. This is the vulnerable, sincere, patient's side of the healthcare world. And we get personal today! Unpopular Opinion: as healthcare providers, we almost block out the reality of what this is like for our parents…we cope by moving forward. Well today, we are taking a step back. Really listening, and taking in the NICU perspective from the parent’s point of view. 1 in 9 babies are admitted to the NICU prematurely. That does not account for the surgical admissions, but specifically, prematurity. Babies born before 37 weeks. This is a great episode for not only the experiences but for us as providers, future providers, families, etc. to gain insight, perspective, and resources. Listen Here NICU Dad Energy! Adam Wood. Former Military Leader. Author of "Our Preemie Adventure". NICU Meme Creator Adam is a husband, father, retired military leader, and author of 'Our Preemie Adventure.” Adam and his wife, Jenn, spent 135 days with their son, Brady, in the NICU at Connecticut Children’s Hospital. Brady was born at 1 pound 4 ounces, at just 25 weeks gestation, with complications from bronchopulmonary dysplasia, apnea of prematurity, pneumonia, and a variety of other respiratory issues. While their journey is far from over, their experiences have become https://amzn.to/3gyQQsP (a children’s book for preemie families), which takes a humorous and heartwarming look at the journey shared by so many. He brings humor into the preemie parent world and opens up about his experience being a father of a 25-week preemie. Adam is also the founder of the IG @preemie_adventures, where he shares NICU parent memes and gives a fun humorous side of NICU life. Moreover, we are thrilled to bring the NICU dad experience and masculine energy today! Like many NICU families, they had many ups and downs in their roller-coaster journey. We love the community he is building with the goal of helping to support NICU families by bringing humor into their lives. Listen Here Dr. Prem Fort, The NICU Doc. Neonatologist, Youtuber, Instagram Curator. A Neonatologist perspective. Overcoming challenges, stress, & saving some of the tiniest most vulnerable patient populations. NICU Attending. The thrill of saving lives for a living. On this episode, I am joined by Dr. Prem Fort Pediatrician/Neonatologist. Trilingual MD. Swiss Peruvian helping to save lives in the NICU. Doctor, YouTube, Instagram Curator and Fun Dad, Platforming topics near and dear to my heart. Health care provider and patient family care, bridging the gap. The NICU Doc talks about things such as NICU topics “Who is in the NICU.” “5 tips for going out safely with your baby” “NICU parents asking the tough questions” and so many awesome topics bridging the gap between provider and parent. We break down the role of a NICU attending, his journey to become a Neonatologist, and developing skills to care for medically complex patients. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best! It is NICU awareness month, and what better way to celebrate this week than to bring on an expert in the field, someone who lives this every day with me. Listen Here BEB ORGANIC Founder Kim Walls, Entrepreneur, NICU Skin Care, Health and Beauty Brands, Strong Female Figure, Starting a Business, Business Strategy, Product Development, Fair Trade Products BEB ORGANIC Founder Kim Walls @beborganic -We sit down with Entrepreneur, Innovator and Founder of the FIRST NICU skincare line BEB Organic. Daughter of a renowned skincare founder Kim originated a Bioactive complex designed mindfully for the most delicate patients in the world! Understanding the power of touch. Texture, consistency, aromas etc. How skincare can help your mind and overall health. Studying brands and understanding how to build a business from scratch. Creating fair trade products from the sourced ingredients to consumers. From brain and body development to improved sleep and a sense of calm, Kim’s NICU skincare line is working to provide a lifetime of great health for these preemies! I am a skincare buff. Specialty products for a very niche part of the world. Skin is in the forefront of our healthcare. Food for thought about skincare as a whole. Becoming an active and knowledgeable consumer. Listen Here Diaries of a NYC NICU COVID front lines nurse, Windy BSN RNC-NIC, COVID-19, NYC Experience, Travel Nursing, New Frontiers, Moving across the country during an unknown time, Emotional Journey Diaries of a NICU COVID front lines nurse, Windy BSN RNC-NIC - NYC perspective in the thick of it! Wendy is a NICU nurse, Travel Nurse, and worked front line during this pandemic in the sickest city in the nation. Love in a Time Corona. Learning to say “YES,” and take journeys as nurse. Exploring new frontiers. Hear her emotional account of being a NICU NYC pandemic RN. The beauty of New York City and its citizens. We dive into her experiences moving across the country, hearing her personal account of New York in its sickest moments. Special Time in history to be a nurse. Hear her positive message to the world about Windy’s experience. Listen Here Danielle Maltby RN, The Womed Podcast Founder, Bachelor in Paradise, Nurse Entrepreneur, Social media curator, We talk #realtea nurse experiences. A different side of the NICU. Modeling & taking opportunities , ups & downs of NICU, dynamics of NICU nurse The WoMed founder Danielle Maltby - Former NICU RN turned Nurse Entrepreneur, Podcaster, Social media curator, we talk #realtea nurse experiences, a different side of the NICU, modeling, ups, and downs of NICU, dynamics of NICU nursing, burnout and shifting into new roles. We talk about overcoming tragedy, crafting a life you love etc. Nursing role first. Leading with kindness and going the extra mile in your career. Trusting your gut. Taking care of ourselves as nurses, work-life balance. Creating a platform for the female representation…a space for women to talk about their stories through medicine. Talk about her experiences with Bachelor in Paradise. Taking opportunities, living your life for yourself, platforming the Woman’s voice and how social media can change your life for the good and bad is all discussed on this episode. Listen Here Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 101, Karen Rapoport, MSN, RNC, NNP-BC, Level IV NICU, Scope of Practice, Work Flow, Nursing Tips, Nursing Life. Keys to success, Bedside vs. Practitioner, working in a boutique patient population, the real deal. Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 101, Karen Rapoport, MSN, RNC, NNP-BC. We talk all things NNP life! Level IV NICU provider perspective. Qualities of a good NNP, scope of practice, workflow, Nursing Tips, Nursing Life. Keys to success, Bedside vs. Practitioner, working in a boutique patient population, the real deal. etc. We go micro on what it is like to be an NNP, saving tiny lives! Listen Here "Mommy Labor Nurse" Liesel Teen BSN-RN, Founder of "Birth it Up", Online Birth Courses, Podcast, Blog, Entrepreneur, & Brand Builder We get behind the mic with Liesel Teen BSN-RN, a labor and delivery nurse, mom of two, entrepreneur, brand builder, and founder of “Birth it Up,” (a series of online birth courses for expecting mothers). She is on a mission to help empower new moms to give birth and care for their newborns with confidence. Liesel started Mommy Labor Nurse in 2017 and currently holds a HUGE presence on IG with over 380K followers, has created an amazing brand, blog, and podcast as well. Over 20,000 expecting moms have taken her courses and transitioned into motherhood with her resources. She has been featured in BabyList, Verywell family, Happiest Baby, The Tot, and has truly created a community where the number one goal is to support women. You can use code CELLFIE10 for 10% off all MOMMY LABOR NURSE BIRTH COURSES. Listen Here Check out some of these additional episodes for bonus NICU content that I think you’ll find valuable! With every NICU experience being unique, there is truly no shortage to the amount of content you can find in the podcast world. I encourage you to keep listening to leaders in this space with an open heart and mind! XO Nurse Tori BONUS PODCASTS & EPISODES TO CHECK OUT HERE Welcome to The Incubator A platform dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in neonatal care Created by three NICU docs (Rune, Daphna and Ben), we have launched a series of initiatives aimed at disrupting the status quo in neonatology and improving access to evidence-based practices, creating connections within our community and providing frameworks for mental wellness for our colleagues and the families we serve. Listen Here Supporting Infant Mental Health in the NICU- Empowering NICU Parents Podcast Have you ever heard the term infant mental health? On this podcast episode, they discuss how you, as a parent or caregiver of an infant, can positively shape and support a baby’s early social and emotional skills so they are able to build long-lasting connections in the future! You will not want to miss this episode if you are a NICU parent or member of the NICU care team! Hear from Katie Ross, a Certified Neonatal Occupational Therapist. She is very passionate about positively fostering the development of our specialized NICU population from the earliest stage of life. They discuss infant mental health, what it actually means, and how it applies to our high-risk NICU population. We as NICU caregivers in close collaboration with the parents have the ability to positively change the trajectory of the developmental outcomes for our NICU babies. They discuss tips and offer words of encouragement for parents and NICU care team members on ways we can support, educate, and empower NICU parents to become actively engaged in their infant’s daily cares including skin-to-skin care! Plain and simple, parents of a NICU baby need to be involved, they are the therapy for their infant! Tune in to learn ways we can all work together to foster and encourage parental support and involvement! Studies have shown that parental engagement actually influences the neurobiology of the infant’s brain and promotes physiological changes in the parents as well - meaning, with parental contact during skin-to-skin care, levels of oxytocin increase which reduces stress and facilitates increased feelings of comfort and attachment, and leads to positive physiological stability in both the baby and the parents! So please, do not underestimate your role as parents, even if your baby is in the NICU! Continue listening as we educate, guide and empower you to work through your grief, trauma, and fear so you can simply love on your baby. Listen Here Safe Staffing in the NICU- NANNcast Understaffing puts patients at increased risk of missed or rationed care, medical incidents, disparities of care, and morbidity and mortality. In September 2021, NANN released the RN Staffing in the NICU position statement with staffing recommendations based on the acuity of the population served. Dr. Lori Armstrong and Karen Kopischke, the authors of the position statement, join Jill Beck on NANNcast to break down the position statement and share how nurses can advocate for safe staffing in their units. Listen Here How NICU Babies Communicate: Featuring Dr. Heidelise ALs PhD- NICU Care with NIDCAP NIDCAP is short for the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program. In each episode, we bring to you Healthcare Professionals, Parents, and others to discuss best practices to support the health and development of infants and their families, and those who care for them, in intensive care hospital settings and beyond. In this episode, Heidelise Als, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and Director of Neurobehavioral Infant and Child Studies at Boston Children's Hospital discusses all things health and development of infants in and out of the NICU. Listen here Let me know in the comments your favorite NICU episodes so I can check them out! XO Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top-notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

If you’re newly graduated and just getting started in your NICU nursing role, no fear. I vividly remember the mix of feelings you have right now. It can feel like you’re drowning in expectations, struggling to learn the ins and outs of the company and unit culture, and keeping up with a never-ending flow of patients while somehow trying to remember to take care of yourself and prevent burnout before it starts. The feelings of overwhelm and doubt of whether nursing is really your calling or not creep in but I can assure you that is NORMAL and something we all go through at different stages of our nursing career, but especially at the beginning. Let’s get into those realistic expectations every nurse should have when starting out and the things to always remember when those waves of doubt come over you of whether or not you’re actually where you're meant to be! This is the list of things I wish someone encouraged me with before diving into my first nursing job. Here we go... 1. Some people may NEVER appreciate what you do. This is something you are going to have to settle with right away. My thoughts, don't take this to heart. It’s not you, it’s them...BUT you must remain respectful to your patients, their family members & colleagues, even when you feel wrongfully questioned or have your input disregarded. It is going to be disheartening when you have an ungrateful and/or rude patient, co-worker, colleague, etc. but don’t let that change how you provide care. Also remember, respect is earned, not given. It may take some time to establish this with your colleagues when you’re first starting out. If you have a friend or family member that isn’t supporting you in your new role, bring it up to them. Self-advocate for yourself when you can and let go of the rest of the negativity. Don't let this one over-come you. Forward-thinking only. XO 2. Burnout and work fatigue. It’s not as simple as “self-care”. We all face burnout and work fatigue as nurses, but be wary of taking “self-care” advice from those outside of the healthcare field. Unless they’ve walked in your shoes, it’s hard for others to understand the fatigue of a 12-hour night shift, possibly several days in a row. It’s not only physically taxing but emotionally and mentally as you do your part to help your patients and witness both positive and negative outcomes. Prevent burnout before it starts and always leave work at work and truly live life "off the clock," on your days off. If you notice burnout creeping in, make some changes. Either professionally or personally. Try a new role on the unit, look into an educational opportunity, attend a conference, network, challenge yourself, apply for a new unit or hospital, etc. Nursing is far too expansive for you to live in burnout. Don't sink into it, get ahead of it. Listen to the Cellfie episode on burnout and lessons learned here! 3. You may love your job at first, or be in love with the idea of a certain specialty, then grow to dislike it. Yep! That can happen! Ultimately, life is all about growth and change, so don’t be afraid of it! It’s okay to start off in love with one specialty and then as time goes on, grow to dislike it for whatever reason. It doesn’t mean that you failed to identify your passion or that you’re in the wrong profession altogether. Make a list of the pros and cons of your unit/specialty and then work toward making a change if you feel that the cons outweigh the pros for you. Floating to different units and taking a travel nursing assignment helped solidify in my mind what I wanted to stick with as it gave me a broader perspective on how other hospitals, units and specialties operate. If you’re falling out of love with your job, I encourage you to make a BIG change and take a travel nursing assignment. A change of scenery and operations might help you determine where you feel led to be more long-term. 4. You will work with some very difficult personalities. All different people with all different backgrounds and aspirations work in healthcare. Not everyone thinks like you. This is not always a negative. In fact, I think this is something that can move you forward in your journey of professional growth. I have worked with plenty of nurses and doctors who I initially STRONGLY DISLIKED but grew to LOVE like no other. Remember, someone could just be having a bad day (or even a hard season of life) and bring that burden to their shift(s) with them. Or maybe you guys just don't jive. That's ok. Give yourself enough time to get to know each other before judging them and find ways to work better with them and not against them. 5. Work culture can affect you professionally AND personally. Work culture is HUGE and a big thing you should ask more about during your job interviews! Every place you will work at will have a different culture so having insight into it before you start will help you adapt and contribute more quickly. For example, if you have always preferred to work alone and problem solves quietly, a culture that embraces community discussion, bouncing ideas off one another, and problem-solving might feel intimidating to you at first. Instead of miserably cooperating, switch your mindset to thinking this may actually be the best thing for you to continue to grow as a well-rounded nurse both personally and professionally! Embrace what you want to see developed in your unit’s culture and showcase it on a daily basis with a leadership mindset. There is always room for improvement when it comes to healthy work culture. 6. Rome wasn’t built in a day (or a year). Work experience & professional development take time. Be ambitious and do those extra certificates, conferences, and classes but don’t get hung up on wanting to know it all from the start. It took me 3 years to feel "competent" in my Level IV NICU, and even after 9 years, I have moments when I make mistakes and learn something new. There will be things you don’t know, so get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Ask questions, be nosey, get involved, and take initiative. Every shift is an opportunity to dive deeper, become more confident, and make a lasting impact on your fellow shift workers and patients. I have been in my nursing role for over eight years and still seek out leadership and professional growth opportunities everywhere I can. A simple way to start is to seek out conferences that you can join or certificates that you can earn to solidify and expand your nursing knowledge! 7. Prioritize your own personal "work" so you can show up as your best self This is vital! If you’re struggling personally, it is hard to be 100% present during your shift and that space is where mistakes are bound to start happening. I wish someone had told me earlier that it is not only “ok” to go to therapy but therapy is actually extremely helpful to process what I am feeling and thinking as a healthcare provider- all of the struggles, disappointments, and fears that come with being a nurse. Therapy, meditation, and scheduling time to move my body and make fun plans with family & friends are all ways that I put my well-being first so that I can be the best version of myself and bring that good energy with me to my shifts. Research shows that unchecked mental fatigue results in an inability to concentrate, irritability, stress, depression, frustration, chronic diseases, forgetfulness, and an increase in simple mistakes. What's more, it spills over into your relationships including family, friends, co-workers, etc. If you’re not sure where to start or you’re struggling with mental fatigue specifically, check out my 10 Tips for Preventing Mental Fatigue episode on The Cellfie Show! Listen to Cellfie Episode "10 Tips for Preventing Mental Fatigue" here! 8. You will hit a professional plateau. Shift. Think about what’s next and how to challenge yourself in a new way. We all hit that plateau at different points in our careers. For some of us, it happens within a few months of starting in a nursing position and for others, it can be years before we start to feel stuck. You’re never stuck as a nurse! There are so many options for you to make big moves and changes in your career, whether that includes travel nursing, changing the unit you work in, switching hospitals or even taking your career to the next level by going back to school to get your masters or become an NP. One of the best parts about nursing is its flexibility of it and the varying job options you can have with your degree. So if you decide that bedside isn’t for you anymore, there are other nurse occupations to look into. Check out my blog 51 Nurse Jobs to Consider for some nursing job insp! 9. Doctors make mistakes too We are all human and make mistakes. There will be high-pressure situations that will require immediate decisions, but don’t blindly follow orders under pressure that you feel uneasy about for whatever reason. It truly takes a team to provide our patients with the care they deserve, so don’t be afraid to speak up when you think there might be a mistake. Listen to your gut and trust your teaching. Question orders (especially if you find yourself working in a teaching hospital with medical students, residents, fellows, etc.) when you feel like something isn’t right and double-check your information. It can be so easy to get caught up in emotion and blindly follow a process, but you have to be strong and speak up to best help your team and your patients as mistakes in healthcare can mean the difference between life and death for those we care for in our units. 10. You will inevitably face ethical dilemmas You may have times you disagree with the medical team you’re working with regarding a patient, a doctor’s specific order or plan of care. If you feel strongly one way on how to handle a patient’s care (and they feel another) it can become an ethical issue. One of the hardest ethical dilemmas in my opinion that can come to you as a nurse includes knowing how much or how little to share with a patient and their family. Do you continue care on a patient whose outcomes are detrimental despite family wants? Do you continue life-saving care on a patient per legal team's notions? Do you align with the medical team providing hope even when outcomes are questionable? Do you hold a secret a family member provided with pertinent medical care information? These questions and others are ethical issues that you will inevitably face in your career. Certain codes and medical mistakes also become those life and death scenarios that can quickly become an ethical issue. Use your chain of command. Charge nurse, manager, CNS, director of medical, etc. All hospitals offer ethical committees, so don’t be afraid to utilize them. 11. You are the coordinator of the party Yes, you! Think of yourself as the host of the patient party. As the nurse you’re the direct link from the patient to their family, MDs, NPs, surgeons, consults, RTs, therapists, social workers, etc. while they are under your care. This is the time to remember that you are your patient’s best advocate and help ensure that your patient is given all medical information, education and options so that they can have the autonomy to make the best decision that they feel the most comfortable with. This will obviously look different depending on your specialty/unit, but the overall point is the same. You are the one who is coordinating others that surround your patients and keep all the balls in the air. It’s a vital position as giving correct and timely information to the patient’s “party” will set the standard for their continued care. Real tea? You may form a huge love-hate relationship with your nursing career. You will have those hard days that leave you in tears on your commute home, but you will also have the days where you leave work feeling proud of yourself for helping to save someone’s life. On your hardest days, don’t forget the good days that you’ve had too and that have shaped you into the strong nurse and person you are today. Your talent and expertise that you bring to the table is needed in nursing more than ever before. Leave any other questions you have about starting your new nursing career in the comments below! XO Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Branding, marketing, and content creation aren’t just for mommy bloggers and the fashion industry! Today I am revealing why everyone should invest in their personal brand and share my latest tools, apps, tips, and strategies to create a personal brand. ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ Marketing and branding have been a part of every industry and are something that touches all points of our lives. Athletes, musicians, actors, artists, the food industry, pop stars, social media content creators, and of course, those of us in healthcare. For SO many reasons, we should be bringing our creative Medical presence to various platforms. This is how I see it... The BIGGEST MISTAKE many of us in healthcare do is say: This Isn't For Me. We become mentally typecast as healthcare providers and often miss the BIGGER picture. A Personal Brand is your Insurance Policy! An opportunity to grow, learn, network, build a community, and pivot in your life when you need to. Your personal brand is an extension of who you are, what you believe, what is important to you...even an extended resume! Investing in your personal brand can come in several forms! Social Media (Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook), Podcast, Pinterest, Linkedin, creating a blog/website/videos/audio landing page where you share who you are and what you are bringing to the world. If Not Me, Who? If Not Now, When? The world is rapidly changing, and I love it! There are so many opportunities to take ownership of your life in new ways. Branding is relevant to us in healthcare in more ways than you think! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ Key Note Speaking Developing a niche product/course/resource Cosmetic Surgery / Pediatricians / Dentists / Dermatologists RN. NP. PA Practices (Aesthetics, Holistic Care, Specialties) Becoming an Author Features in Media Creating a Start-Up Company Medical Pioneers Healthcare Social Media + Content Creation Conference Founders & Creators Job Applications Friends and Family with Small or Midsized Businesses Each of these benefits from a personal brand. To create credibility, opportunities to share education and knowledge, and utilize a community in your own personal adventure. Creating a community and developing your personal brand (BEFORE) you dive into new avenues is KEY!!! Community and consumers want to see the process, get to know you, and understand who it is we are supporting and WHY we should support you. This is becoming more and more important in today's society. It can be a little weird to move into this whole new world, but we are leaning into the discomfort!! Let’s dive into the secret sauce of how I handle my social media and digital brand building! Social media should be an extension of your personal brand and a place where you express yourself while providing value to your target audience. It doesn’t matter if you have a hundred followers or a million, you should show up for your followers just the same! Aesthetically pleasing content will only get you so far on Instagram, Websites, Podcasts, TikTok, Pinterest, etc., SOOO bring forth your best tips, resources, experiences & passion to build a strong connection with your audience. I know that the people I love to follow more intently are those I feel like I can relate to on a deeper level. I am sharing my BIGGEST TIPS, Apps, Photo Editing, & Social Media Strategies to help build my brand, blog, and podcast! TORI’S SOCIAL SECRETS ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ The Most Important Ingredient: PASSION Stick to what you are passionate about and develop content around that. I have 5 content pillars/topics that I work from when creating content for my niche. This allows me to speak to what I love and know and lets my community know what to expect from my page. Be Genuine Authenticity is how you will build real connections with your followers. Don’t just show a highlight reel of your life. Nobody can relate to that! Think about your content before you publish it… ask yourself if your content will bring value to someone’s life. Rome Wasn’t Built In a Day!! It takes time to build a brand on social media and everyone’s growth looks different. It may take one person a year to reach a certain milestone and another person two months. Celebrate the small wins and use them to fuel you to keep going! Success doesn’t happen overnight and is best earned not bought. It can be hard to be patient but you absolutely do not want to ruin your engagement by buying followers or utilizing engagement pods! Build a Website I decided to use a Wix template to build out my blog and other resources (www.tipsfromtori.com). I love how user friendly Wix is and how my website is a great connecting point to link back to from all of my different social channels (Instagram, Podcast, Facebook, Pinterest). I also utilize the Wix shop feature for my podcast merch. Email Signature Establish your credibility with a professional-looking email signature! Your signature should contain your full name, logo, website, and best way to contact you. I like to send out monthly email newsletters to stay in touch with my community and let them have an inside peak into what I have been working on, best discounts for products I love, and to link a helpful blog, podcast or other resource in it. BRAND IT UP!! Invest in a professional-looking logo for your brand and use that everywhere! You can use your logo for inspiration for your color palette as well. If you are creating a lot of original content, it is smart to watermark your photos with your logo so it can be traced back to you as the creator. Be consistent so your brand can be recognizable by sticking to a color palette, select font styles, and overall vibe of your content. If you want to get really fancy, you can purchase presets so your Instagram feed blends together aesthetically. I encourage you to be creative and stand out, don’t copy anyone else’s vibes and persona! Simply show up as your signature self. Recruit People Who Are Better Than You in Different Ways I had to bring help in to be able to continue to work and create content full-time. You can’t be good at everything! What are your weaknesses? How can you improve them? If you need to scale it back then stick to what you are good at! If you are a strong writer- then blog. If you are a talker- then start a podcast. You don’t have to do it all to be successful with social media. It is worth the investment. Find Your Niche Starting with a niche helps a lot! I started in NICU blogging and then it sparked from there to include more of a lifestyle focus. When creating educational content the number one thing to remember is to be sure that it is backed with verified sources! From there, I have expanded my content to lifestyle, sharing our podcast, expanding here on the blog, etc. If you used information from another creator or source it is not enough to just paraphrase what they said and push post. Make sure to site all of your sources, medical or not! Learn to Say No! My motto is that if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no. Don’t say yes to anything that isn’t a perfect fit for your brand and beliefs. When you get into this space you may find yourself approached by companies. Do these companies bring value to you? Is it worth sharing? f you believe in a product promote it. The money a brand wants to pay you to promote their product isn’t worth it unless you stand behind their brand and personally love to use it. Be selective! If you say yes to every brand and push products onto your audience all the time, they won’t respect your endorsements anymore. Know your brand. If you test and review products, then this may be a different rule of thumb for you. Always try out the products before agreeing to create content for a brand. Others Peoples’s Agenda For Your Life...Burn Out Make time for rest and prioritize unplugging! Taking a break from social media will help you feel more inspired and productive when you get back on. Don’t let the negativity of other’s affect how you show up. Restrict the haters on Instagram and move on! They aren't worth your time. I LOVE A GOOD BLOCK MOMENT. Very CHIC if you ask me. HIPPA COMPLIANCE If you are a medical provider (goes without saying), make sure you are HIPPA compliant. Be mindful of the pictures, information, & content you share. Make sure you are sharing information in your scope of practice and expertise. In addition, if you are using google pictures, make sure you have rights to share the picture. I see a lot of healthcare providers sharing these pictures, be mindful of this. If you re-share a picture from a family or patient, obtain their consent and add the sourcing information (with a tag or name). Be smart about your content. I get it, people want to see what we do. So, get creative with your content! Seek Out Knowledge From Others ♡ Success Leaves Clues! Nobody knows it all, and there is always something new to learn even if you consider yourself an expert in a certain field. Here are some ways to keep learning in order to develop your brand on social media and continue to provide meaningful content! ♡ Learn from those around you ♡ Follow inspiring accounts and blogs ♡ Read more books ♡ Study others in your field ♡ Listen to more podcasts ♡ Take online courses and earn certifications! (Our podcast team uses Skillshare) HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR PROMOTING YOUR CONTENT… Whatever you are trying to market/sell, make sure you are cross-promoting your content in creative ways for maximum exposure! Here is a list for a starting point for you! XO ♡ Write an informational blog post about it ♡ Promote through an email to your list ♡ Add your affiliate link to your email signature ♡ Pin to Pinterest using your affiliate link ♡ Tell your friends, family, and peers about it ♡ Add a banner to your website ♡ Promote it in the announcement bar on your website ♡ Create a roundup post of your “favorite items” and include it …GET CREATIVE! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ My Most Utilized Editing Websites & Apps WIX: Website Builder You know I am the BIGGEST advocate for creating content (THAT YOU CONTROL). I have created my website on WIX. Here you can create a professional website and curate your own professional web presence — exactly the way you want. You can choose a customizable designer-made template and add the features you need. This allows you to get online with a stunning, professional and functional web presence. Whether it’s your first time creating or you’re a long time expert, you’ll find the features and solutions you need to build a professional website with true creative freedom. Lightroom Photo Editing App My most utilized phone App! This is an amazing photo editing app to help you brand up all of your pictures. All the tools you need to curate and find your best photos. Lightroom is the cloud-based service that gives you everything you need to create, edit, organize, store, and share your photos across any device Canva Canva is a graphic design platform used to create social media graphics, presentations, posters, documents and other visual content. I use this for some of my Instagram posts with branded NICU posts, Pinterest posts, branded CELLFIE Nurse Products, etc. The app includes templates for users to use. Create with custom templates and design with a team. Share designs anywhere and get it professionally printed anytime. Splice Video Editing App This is the BEST video editing app for Instagram & TikTok. I was skeptical at first, but holy smokes this is the best app for video editing. Simple yet powerful, Splice makes it easy to create fully customized, professional-looking videos on your iPhone, iPad. Just tap to trim clips, adjust transitions, add slow-motion effects, and create beautiful videos you’ll love to share. It’s never been easier to edit like a pro on the go. FaceTune Yes, Facetune! No shame in the game, I use this app. However, I try to limit the "facial" editing, as I really like to keep this authentic. But, if I want to edit out backgrounds, smooth areas of the photo, etc. this is the app for me. This is a photo editing application used to edit, enhance, and retouch photos on a user’s iOS or Android device created by Lightricks. The app is often used for portrait and selfie editing. Whitagram Formating App This is the best hidden secret for formatting my instagram photos. This is the easiest way to use the original size photos to fit the instagram square. Landscape and portrait photos can be uploaded to instagram and I play around with sizing, and formatting photos to match my instagram feed. Email Marketing Klaviyo I send emails monthly and this is something I can control (WITH NO ALGORITHM). I create branded emails, sell products, and make it easy for people to find me from a single platform. Whether I am launching an email marketing campaign to engage my community, uploading merch to the Cellfie Show Shop, or generating awareness on social media, they have all the tools & guidance you need to achieve the results you want one place. Asana Scheduling App I discovered this app 7 months ago, and we are never turning back. This is the BEST app for project management. Whether it is just for you or a team of people, this is a great website and app to help you keep track of daily, weekly, monthly projects. We used to rely on texting, the iPhone Notes App and emails, BUT this is so much more streamlined. Asana is the easiest way to manage team projects and your individual tasks. From the small stuff to the big picture, Asana organizes work so you and your teams are clear on what to do, when to do it, and how to get it done. Asana is customizable, and allows users to break down projects into tasks and set clear goals for teams. Asana also has integration with hundreds of other apps that businesses use, like Google Drive and Outlook. Skill Share Skillshare! This is truly my newest favorite tool to help me (and my team) grow. This is an American online learning community for people who want to learn from educational videos. Here you can explore social media tips & tricks, create marketing skills, learn from experts in their field and get lost in creativity. We focus on social media and market branding but the skills are endless! The main course categories include creative arts, design, entrepreneurship, lifestyle and technology. Calendly Booking and Scheduling App Keeping track of schedules, podcast interviews, zoom or google meet meetings, etc. can be a nightmare. This app has helped streamline not only my calendar but also our little team, Cellfie Guests, Sam, husband etc. Calendly helps make scheduling faster and more efficient. Be notified when someone books, reschedules, or cancels, explore upcoming appointments, and review form responses so you feel prepared for your meeting. The best feature of Calendly for our use is having our team sync and coordinate multiple event types in my calendar. You can also set up automation around your events, such as emails and text notifications. It is seamless and we have been loving this one to help keep my GOOGLE CALENDAR schedule on point. MIND YOUR BUSINESS COURSE This is probably my most valuable tip to help put this all together! I recently took this course after discovering the founder on the Dream Bigger Podcast. I can not recommend this course enough. (I am not affiliated, just know this is a course you will love and learn soooo much from!) Not only did I confirm a lot of the things I already knew, but I also gained so many take aways that I will be implementing moving forward. So let me tell you a little about the course. Nitsan is the founder behind the creator crash course, Mind Your Business, which provides all the tools, secrets, and strategies to turn your social media into your business. She is the founder & CEO of Mind Your Business™, with over 7 years of social media industry experience and 3+ years working brand-side in the beauty industry. Nitsan has built a community of 500K+ followers across platforms and has turned her once “side hustle” into a 7-figure business. Nitsan created MYB to share all the information she wished was available when starting out as a content creator, taking the guesswork out of turning your social media into your business. This is the ultimate creator crash course revealing what everyone wants to know - but no one talks about, on securing brand partnerships, building your personal brand & becoming your own boss. She also talks on how to monetize content creation, strategies for enhancing content creation on multiple platforms, time management, tips for engaging and building a community, and so much more. Investment: US$267.00 How to reach out to brands & actually get PAID Step by step guidance to shooting content, establishing your personal brand & developing your aesthetic Specific tactics to organically grow your audience + increase engagement When & exactly how much to charge brands for Instagram partnerships Strategies to make every partnership a success & keep them coming back for more! If you are someone interested in the social media / content creation side of things, this is the best investment I can recommend! It is bite-sized, provides so much insight, and helps streamline the crazy world of becoming a content creator. When I first started creating content, I was deeply inspired by Lauryn Bosstick and her Skinny Confidential brand. Her strategy is to aim to be 1% better every single day and do bite size things so as to not get burned out. Her brand-building wisdom has always stuck with me and something I remind myself of daily! Throughout your social media journey, be sure to do just one thing better each time and before you know it you will have a flourishing brand and open opportunities you never knew were possible. Cheers to you and this Brand Building Energy! Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want… Let’s be real, so many years the holidays roll around and we get hung up on waiting to the very last minute for purchasing holiday gifts as we wait for inspiration to strike for the perfect combination of useful and unique to pop up. Then we wait too long and end up gifting or getting things that will end up being re-gifted or donated and promise ourselves we will do better next year…I know I’ve been guilty of this… I wanted to share with you my holiday gift guide with 10 of my personal favorites of 2021 to help make shopping for the holidays so much easier as you gift sh*t people actually want (HEALTHCARE EDITION!) Go ahead and spoil yourself while you win at holiday shopping this year. XO 10 HEALTHCARE HOLIDAY MUST HAVES RAD GIRL PINS Don’t conform to boring…Rad Girl Creations makes the best medical pins and anatomy swag. We all have to wear the standard scrubs uniforms in healthcare, so why not let your dark humor side shine through with some personality on your badge. I love their specialty pin packs that are great, personalized gifts to celebrate the dedication of the healthcare worker / work wife in your life. Shop Rad Girl Pins HERE! UP AT DAWN SOCKS Flip the narrative on boring socks as a staple gift. I love saving my feet while working long hours in my Up at Dawn Compression Socks. Up at Dawn socks are designed in Oahu and the tropical vibes are so on point. Supporting female-founded, nurse-owned businesses is something I am super passionate about. An Emergency Room Nurse for over ten years, Tesla has crafted compression socks that she is proud to wear and now share. With the endless inspiration of the flora and fauna of the Hawaiian Islands, and more specifically, her home on the North Shore of Oahu in the quaint hills of Pupukea, Tesla envisioned dynamic compression socks that would extend their use beyond the laborious long hours spent at work. Her mission was to create a sock others would wantto also wear for both functionality and style; from hiking/biking/running/skating, to the expectant mother, to travelers, and even lounging. https://www.upatdawn.co CODE BLUE MEME MERCH Support your local Memer! For those who work in heavy settings and have “seen some sh*t” it’s important to have a coping mechanism. (Aka Dark Humor) Healthcare memes and medical humor will always be top on the list of getting through the crushing times in life! Code Blue Memes on Instagram is a daily favorite of mine when I am scrolling through IG and their merch designs are always funny and relatable. If you don’t know the exact size of the person you’re shopping for-hats are my go-to gift! I love the Seroquel hat in particular by Code Blue. Link to shop Code Blue March here! SIMPLY TUESDAY HEALTHCARE HEADBANDS Looks like masks are here to stay for us in the healthcare setting! Save your ears with this amazing healthcare accessory. Support a nurse and woman-owned small business with your purchase of a headband + buttons for your mask! I have been wearing these headbands since the beginning of the pandemic and now this is a staple in my shift life. This genius headband style has made mask wearing for long hours during my shift comfortable and stylish. She has a variety of fun designs to choose from on her shop linked here. Healthcare Headbands Here: simplytues.com A STETHOSCOPE... OF COURSE! The most popular stethoscope that I always feature on IG is on Amazon! In terms of stethoscopes I use daily, I have used Littmann & MDF stethoscopes at the bedside. Typically, stethoscopes are provided bedside in the NICU (for infection control). However, I own one of each (Littman & MDF) for floating purposes. NICU / Pediatric Littmann for floating to Postpartum & this MDF white & rose gold stethoscope to work (in case of floating to the Pediatric units). This highly-rated Classic Cardiology is phenomenal for detecting hard-to-hear heart sounds. Physicians, nurses, EMT, and vets alike love the heavy-duty chest piece with its super-sensitive diaphragm, extra-thick dual lumen tubing with total sound insulation, adjustable headset, and silicone ComfortSeal ear tips (with three sizes to ensure the perfect fit!) Shop This Stunning Stethoscope on Amazon BARCO SCRUBS TIMELESS SCRUBS SET No secret here. I have been a BARCO Uniforms girl since day #1. I am obsessed with the fit, tailoring, color palate, and chic vibes of the brand. Specifically, I have been a fan of the "Greys Anatomy Lines" for years with a price point that is affordable for everyone! I have been partnered with Barco since 2018, and continue to love this brand, their mission, and the true quality they bring to us in the healthcare field. I have compiled a few of my favorite sets for you on my amazon shop list! (I always recommend to size down. Ex: I wear a small or x-small in their tops (size 4-6). Bottoms small (size 4-6 regular) in joggers & x-tall in the boot cut style scrub bottoms.) SHOP MY BARCO UNIFORM PICKS ON AMAZON COCKTAIL THERAPY Cocktail Therapy? Yes, please. We all deserve to celebrate an Alcoholiday. Spice up your holiday drinks with this boujee beverage set! This gift set box is so cute you can skip the wrapping and comes with everything you need for the perfect cocktail including 4 unique drink mixers with sprinkles, edible pearls & rose petal garnishes.- just add your favorite alcohol and enjoy! Shop the Cocktail Therapy Gift on Amazon HERE RYAN PORTER SASSY CANDLES & ACCESSORIES RyanPorter Creates Custom, Personalized Candles and Accessories for the sassy hot mess express divas we all are. Feed me cake and tell me I'm pretty! Girl, your holiday / birthday is gonna be so lit! These candles and accessories are such a fun addition to our home and the most perfect gift to give during the holiday season! Shop Ryan Porter HOT MESS ICE ROLLER We need all the help we can get! What we do daily is stressful and can cause extra puffiness, face bloat, lymphatic build up. I have been a long-time SKINNY CONFIDENTIAL fan and could not recommend this HOT MESS TOOL more! A preventative skin tool that uses the power of cold therapy to contour, tighten and de-puff your skin. THE HOT MESS ICE ROLLER’S all-aluminum roller gets cold fast, and stays cold longer than most other ice rollers. instantly reduce puffiness and redness (think how an ice-pack can reduce swelling and bruising!) boosts circulation, bringing blood to the skin surface - restoring radiance and encouraging optimum cell function helps shrink the size of pores, for smoother-looking skin helps with lymphatic drainage through the combination of a facial massage and ice therapy TRUST ME! YOUR FACE AND LYMPH WILL THANK YOU! ELLIOT YOUNG JEWLRY You can never go wrong with a timeless gift such as a piece of fine jewelry that will last through wear and tear, maintain their shine, and gives back to a meaningful cause. These 14k gold necklaces and earrings from Elliot Young can be paired together for a classic look or worn alone as a beautiful statement piece. What makes these pieces even more special is the fact that the charms represent balance, energy, and protection. All something us in healthcare could use a little more of in our lives! Elliot Young is a women owned business that donates a percentage of profits from my collection with them to Brave Beginnings, an organization that supports NICU’s by providing essential equipment to hospitals in need. Fine Jewelry Collection for A Cause: https://elliotyoungla.com/collections/nurse-tori-collection NURSETORI25 for 25% off Well there you have it. My favorite picks for the 2021 holiday season! I hope you find it helpful as you get a head start on holiday shopping. Would love to know your favorite gifts for 2021 in the comments below! Happy Holidays! Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Back to the Dark Side! Night Shift Life. Survival Guide. It's back to the dark side for me! Working night shift is not for the faint of heart. Many of us in the healthcare field work on "the dark side." No matter the shift, we must report for duty fully prepared to perform at our best. As much as we joke (we are UNWELL #facts), it is imperative for us working night shift to get sufficient sleep, eat healthy (or as healthy as we can), keep our physical activity up, and somehow maintain our mental health & relationships. (a TALL order if you ask me!) While some true night owls prefer this schedule, working through the night is challenging for most of us night shifters. If you are like me, you might find yourself spending a chunk of your time off recovering from your shifts. But there are ways you can work the night shift and stay healthy — and caring for your own health is imperative and will help you care more effectively for others. There are a few key things I have pulled together working as a night shifter over the years. 11 SURVIVAL TIPS FOR NIGHT SHIFT WORKERS (like myself!) 1. MAKE A ROUTINE Easier said than done, but important to consider! Try to maintain a consistent schedule for your work & sleep schedule. This varies week to week, but there are some nuances to making this happen. Set a clear schedule for when you will sleep after your shift and stick to it. Some nurses prefer to maintain their daytime sleep schedule on off days to keep their bodies and minds ready for work, while others prefer to adjust their schedule to match that of their families. Finding your own routine can help! Preparing for night shift, I ensure to sleep in as much as I can and do "low energy" tasks during the day preparing for my shift that night. (I don't nap well during the day, so SLEEPING IN (front loading my sleep) is the best option for me prior to night shift.) Others maintain a normal sleep pattern and nap prior to work. After working my shift: I typically try to sleep 4-5 hours and then try to get back to my sleep routine that night. Post-shift looks like: home, shower, eat a light breakfast (dinner), wind down with (a little) Netflix, and try to be asleep by 9:30-10AM. On days I am OFF, I aim for 8-9 hours of sleep. Whatever your body needs, keeping your routine can help! 2. SLEEP Learning how to adapt to a different sleep schedule is one of the hardest obstacles that a night shift worker must master – especially since our sleeping pattern is one that is in reverse to the majority of the population, including our family & friends. Fun Fact! The greatest threat to our health as night shifters relates to the effects of chronic sleep deprivation. Among the risks resulting from sleep deprivation are a doubling of the chances of being in an auto accident after getting less than 6 hours of sleep in the previous 24 hours and a quadrupling of the risk after getting fewer than 5 hours of sleep. Therefore, this is a HUGE piece of our lifestyle and a hard one at that. SLEEP OPTIMIZATION! INVEST IN YOUR BEDROOM SANCTUARY! This is a big piece of my schedule. Make sure your sleep space is conducive to rest. (Think dark, cold, cozy, room optimized with clean sheets and ready for you to fall into after a long shift). Our bodies and minds use light to determine whether we should be awake or asleep. Invest in shades, blackout curtains, an eye mask and earplugs to convince your mind it's dark and time for sleep. You can also use the CALM app, Headspace, AMSR on Youtube (yes, I'm obsessed and it helps me fall asleep) or a white noise machine. I'm telling you, invest in your sleep area! Many nurses (including myself) struggle with the "hangover" feeling commonly occurring the day or two after working a night shift. And proper sleep is a big piece of that. Adjusting back to activities can be difficult, but maximizing your sleep / bedroom environment is key! Make your bedroom a sanctuary. Best mattress, sheets, air purifier, salt rock lamp....best sleep ever vibes! 3. MEAL PREP Night-shift work may alter your eating patterns (which impact your body’s regulator responses to metabolism) and food choices. Good planning and preparation can go a long way to promoting and ensuring healthy and optimal eating for nurses working night shift. Do your grocery shopping with a list to help you focus on buying healthy foods and avoiding overly refined sugar snacks that provide quick energy but big swings. Or if you are like me, get your groceries delivered to your doorstep. Thank you Amazon and InstaCart. lol. (With the occasional Taco Bell post night shift breakfast sprinkled in there lol). 4. SHIFT PREP Preparing for night shift is a big piece of success. AKA scrubs laid out, lunch prepped, bag ready to go etc. Here are a few things I have added to my work bag when heading into work. Airpods Phone charger Blue Light Blocking Glasses Jacket / Vest Stethoscope Compression socks Hydroflask / Water bottle of sorts ibuprofen / Aspirin Chapstick Mouthwash (swish once a shift to decrease maskne bacteria build up in the mouth) Favorite Pens Badge Clogs :) 4. SNACKS OR HEALTHY “PICK ME UPS” All night shifters have that “hit the wall hour” (usually 2-4am) To help you combat the tired wave, a “PICK ME UP” can help. Here are a few suggestions with crowd sourcing and additions taken from IG question box! (Caffeine is something you will learn to balance throughout your shifts. Everyone is different. I usually stop caffeine around 2-3am). Snack Suggestions 1. Chocolate 2. Noka Superfood smoothie pouches 3. PB cups 4. Chocolate covered pretzels 5. COFFEE 6. MINI cucumbers and hummus 7. Tuna salad on rice cake (manage cravings) 8. Pirates Booty 9. Celcius 10. Smart Sweets 11. Boiled egg + avocado + sriracha sauce + toast 12. Baby Gold Fish 13. Dried figs trader joes 14. Froze balls from Traders Joes 15. Verb bars 16. Gushers 17. Chomps jalapeno jerky sticks. 18. Tea of any kind 19. Gum 20. Emergen-C packs 21 Pique tea (Sun Goddess Macha packets) 22 Apple + PB 23 Avocado Toast 24 Oatmeal 25 Soup (goes down a little easier) 26 Protein shake 27 Basically something to look forward to 5. TAKE BREAKS (YES, NAPS IF POSSIBLE) We work long shifts, this is essential to your work performance. You’ve heard it before: don’t skip breaks or meals during your shift, and take advantage of designated rest areas. If you are able to, get off your feet, nap, plug in the airpods, and take time to rejuvenate. You need to care for yourself, and your patients are counting on you to stay sharp. 6. BOND FRIENDSHIPS WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS Night shift people are the best breed of people! Dark lifestyle coupled with dark humor. Just our kind of people! In all seriousness, this is a HUGE piece of surviving night shift. Your people! One of the best ways to make it easier for you to serve your patients during the night is to have a smooth and friendly relationship with your colleagues. It definitely helps you to get less bored and tired. Moreover, you won’t feel hesitation to ask for help or to communicate about the patients. Besides all this, a good teamwork is required when it comes to healthcare and if you share a friendly bond with your co-workers, it will certainly reflect on your performance as a team. 7. STAY HYDRATED We often over look this. Coupled with eating healthy, staying hydrated will help keep you energized and alert. Avoid sugary sodas and fruit juices, which will make your blood sugar spike and then crash. Drinking enough water helps to regulate body temperature, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly.10 Experts recommend about 11 cups (88 oz.) of water per day for the average woman and 16 cups (128 oz.) for the average man. 8. DRIVE SAFELY At the end of your shift, you may be exhausted and drowsy. Make sure you take precautions to get home safely. Open your car windows and turn the radio up to keep yourself awake. If you do not feel you can safely drive, call someone to pick you up or enlist a car service to take you home. Please please be careful. I personally know night shifters who have landed in car accidents, so this is something you should not take lightly. 9. LOOK AFTER YOURSELF The key message, then, is look after yourself when you’re working night shifts and be aware of the likely impacts on your personal well-being. Recouping after night shifts is important! Consider using a time-management strategy to create a schedule for other aspects of your daily life. You can plan out the best time for self-care activities like exercising, yoga, meditation, and napping, as well as household tasks such as cooking and cleaning and yes, sex! Sleep being the most important! Consider sleep supplements if needed. Magnesium and our favorite BEAM DREAM (for me it is worth every penny) have become my "go to" pre bedtime routine. You can also consider Melatonin, Tylenol PM, etc. and speak to to your provider if needed. Regular exercise, time with family & friends and maintaining your lifestyle is still important etc. (My personal favorites: date nights with my hubby, getting a good pump, mani & pedicure, podcasting, blogging, facials, brunch, plant mom life, horse time, brunch with girlfriends etc.) xoxo 10. REALIZE THIS IS A LIFESTYLE CHANGE FOR YOU AND YOUR HOUSEHOLD. Your family members / partner / roommates will have to understand that working night shift is a lifestyle. They may be seeing less of you on certain days, and may need to work around your sleep and waking schedule etc. – (which will require communication). It is important to get everyone on board to make some adjustments. This will include holidays, weekends, and an overall understanding of your work / sleep / and relationship needs. This can be a hard adjustment. Jacob and I share a GOOGLE CALENDAR which is our life saver! We share our work schedule, plug in work outs, date night, future trips, family holidays, etc. We live by the calendar! 11.DON'T FORGET YOUR LIBIDO AND MENTAL HEATLH A big piece of night shift is the affect it can have on your libido, energy, and yes....sex life! This can be a hard one (tee hee) to maintain. But it is important for all of you in committed relationships. Don't neglect your sex life! Make time for date nights, possibly a quarterly get away (mini staycation or trip), and keep it fun. (Yes, this includes you with kids!) Unpopular Opinion, we choose this profession. Therefore, a piece of maintaining your personal relationships includes the romance. (Nothing is worth your family / personal life....I make this a priority.) Most days when I come home, I am exhausted and so worn down. But we make up for it! Catch my drift? Also, keep up with your mental health. If you catch yourself going into a dark, depressed, empty, hallow, numb place....seeek help (can you tell I have been there?). Working on the dark side, has a dark side. So, if you need a little extra help reach out to someone. (As a resource BETTER HELP: 10% off your first month, the best investment to make for yourself!) LISTEN TO FULL EPISODE OF "BACK TO THE DARK SIDE" HERE I hope you enjoyed this blog! Leave your thoughts in the comments below or suggestions for other night shift tips! Cheers to you in your night shift journey! Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Do you have any TIPS for starting in the NICU? The short answer is, yes. I have a bunch for you! This is such an exciting time! Starting in a new setting, getting to know a unique tiny but mighty patient population! Not to mention that NICU nurses have been in high demand, with most hospitals seeing an above-average flood of NICU admissions. Whether you have landed your job in the NICU, are a new grad or an experienced nurse, thinking about applying to nursing school, in the thick of school, or are a new grad considering where to apply - here are some hot tips for you if you’re considering starting out your career in the NICU! Quick intro, for those who don't know me! My name is Tori Meskin, better known as @nurse.tori_ on insta. As a NICU nurse, blogger, and podcaster this is one of the most common questions I receive! Let's dig into some of the basics when starting in the NICU! What are the special educational requirements to start working a NICU nurse? To become a neonatal intensive care nurse, you will first need to be a registered nurse (RN) with either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN). While some hospitals will hire those with an ADN background, many hospitals are giving priority to RN’s with a BSN (versus an ADN) so I highly recommend pursuing a BSN if you know you want to work in the NICU. I am currently working on my MSN Leadership through Capella University and highly recommend their specialized, flexible undergrad programs as well if you are looking to advance your degree in Leadership & Administration, Education, Informatics, or Care Coordination. Which certifications do I need to start working in NICU? Typically, these are the standard certifications required to start in a NICU. (Side note: Many organizations will have you take them during your orientation or preceptorship periods and others will require them upon hire.) BLS, NRP, STABLE, and or PALS. NRP is most commonly required by hospitals, although Children’s Hospitals typically require PALS as well, incase you are required to float to other Pediatric units. Working in any intensive care setting has its challenges, but also can feel extremely rewarding when you are able to impact a life positively at its most critical point. NRP = Neonatal Resuscitation Program. This certifies that you can safely give a baby life support whether it was just born and needs resuscitating at delivery or there is a code at the bedside. NRP MUST be renewed every two years to stay in compliance. (RQI with the American Heart Association are updating these requirements, you will stay up to date with your hospital organization). PALS = Pediatric Advanced Life Support. PALS is an in-depth guide of how to provide life support to pediatric patients 30 days-18 years old. PALS also MUST be renewed every two years. (RQI with the American Heart Association are updating these requirements, you will stay up to date with your hospital organization). STABLE = S.T.A.B.L.E. stands for the six assessment and care modules in the program: Sugar, Temperature, Airway, Blood pressure, Lab work, and Emotional support. A seventh module, Quality Improvement stresses the professional responsibility of improving and evaluating care provided to sick infants. If you accidentally let your certification expire without renewing it on time, you will not be permitted to work until you’re certified again. HOT TIP!!! To stay organized I suggest that you create a photo album or NOTES iphone page named “Nursing Compliance” or “Certifications / CEUs” in your phone with screenshots of each certification you have completed in order to best keep track of them! Where can I work as a NICU nurse? • Hospitals (Both Private and Public) • Neonatal Intensive Care Units (Levels 1-4) • Community Health Organizations (Consult or Board Member) • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Transport Services • Home Health Services (Less common) What are the types of things I would be doing and seeing as a NICU nurse? Average day in the life? The answer to this question really depends on what level NICU you are working! Here is a quick breakdown of the NICU levels. Level I NICUs (Basic Newborn Care): In these facilities, RNs help to maintain the stability of newborn infants at 35 to 37 weeks gestation who are physiologically stable. They help stabilize infants born at less than 35 weeks gestation and/or sick until they can be transferred to a healthcare facility that can provide an acceptable level of neonatal care. Level II NICUs (Advanced Neonatal Care): RNs working at this level care for less critically ill newborns who may require breathing, feeding support, or special medication. Level II NICU units are found in smaller healthcare facilities called special care nurseries. (Respiratory support, IV antibiotics, feeding issues, jaundice, etc). Level III NICUs (Sub-specialty Newborn Care): RNs working at these NICUs care for infants that have been born at less than 32 weeks' gestation and newborns suffering from severe afflictions at any gestational age. (Respiratory support, central line management, UAC / UVC / PICC lines, complex medical care, intubation, minor surgical repair, body cooling, prematurity, multiples, etc). Level IV NICUs (Regional NICU- Highest Level of Neonatal Care): These facilities (Children's Hospitals, University Hospitals, Consult Centers) provide care for infants who are born as young as 22 to 24 weeks of gestational age. Level IV NICUs provide mechanical ventilation, high-frequency ventilation, SIMV, NIMV, CPAP, and a wide range of advanced surgeries, including "open-heart" surgeries needed to correct congenital heart defects. (Life support, complex surgical repair, pre / post op care, iNO, ECMO, consult specialties, congenital anomalies, etc.) When I arrive at my level IV NICU I am met with my assignment, gather my report sheets and learn from the shift nurse before me which meds to give, labs to gather and tasks to perform. I do my safety checks, introduce myself to parents when applicable and then start hands-on care. During an average 12 hour shift you will focus your attention on 1 to 4 patients (this largely depends on your STATE and hospital ratios) depending on staffing and their acuity. Your role varies from day to day but overall as the NICU nurse you perform assessments, monitor / record vital signs, draw labs, administer medications, admit & discharge, pre-op and post op surgical care, assist with procedures, assist with diagnostic imaging, monitor your patient for any sudden changes, prepare feedings, change out IV fluids, perform blood draws, educate family members, and ultimately be your tiny patient’s advocate! Not to mention charting, uhhhhh (my least favorite part, but one of the most important). WHAT CAN I EXPECT WHEN I START MY NICU JOB? Every NICU orientation is different. You may be reading this as a new grad NICU nurse or experienced nurse transitioning into the NICU setting. Here are some general things you may experience in your transition and orientation period! 1. Review New Hire Expectations 2. LOTS of paperwork!! 3. Introduction to NICU Standards of Care 4. Scheduling expectations (online or paper. Holidays/Weekends/Requirements etc) 5. Mandatory Class Sign-Ups 6. Pyxis and Medication Access information 7. Seek and Find on the Unit (Get to know the ins and outs of unit supplies, safety etc). 8. Orientation Pathway Competencies 9. Preceptor Education & Evaluations 10. Review Professional Expectations (Dress code, Fingernails, Attendance & Punctuality) 11. Meet your Management & Educators (Director, Mangers, CNS, Charge Nurses) 12. Skills Validations SKILL VALIDATIONS MAY INCLUDE: 1. Blood Administration 2. Chest Tube Management 3. Medication Administration 4. Narcotic Continuous Infusion 5. NICU Central Vascular Access Devices (CVAD) Management 6. NICU Central Vascular Access Devices (CVAD) Blood Culture Draws 7. NICU Central Vascular Access Devices (CVAD) Blood Draw 8. NICU Line Change Procedures 9. Universal Protocol 10. Zoll Defibrillator 11. NICU Lactation ROUTINE NICU TESTING TO CONSIDER IN YOUR ORIENTATION PERIOD 1. Eye Exams 2. Head Ultrasounds 3. Car Seat Challenge (some NICUs require, others do not per hospital policy) 4. Congenital Heart Screening 5. Bili Light Measurements MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION EXPECTATIONS This one of the most important parts of our job as nurses. Medication administration and something we should not take lightly. (Especially in our NICU patient population where every decimal / ml counts. First things first, don't freak out. This will become second nature to you the more you are in NICU practice. It is nerving at first but the weight based medication administration gets easier with time. HINT: ALWAYS KNOW THE WEIGHT OF YOUR BABY! You will get to a point where you can literally eyeball an order and think to yourself "yep that's on point, OR NOPE!! Wayyy too much (Resident who is writing orders for the first time!)." You are the last line of defense, so when in doubt CLARIFY or ASK THE QUESTION. Refer to your Safe Medication Administration Policies, but here are some general ideas. NICU MEDICATION TIPS TO CONSIDER 1. Look up every medication! 2. You should know the following before administering safe dose ranges why you are giving the medication how fast to run the medication (IV route) 3. Take Medication bedside. With EMR and manual conduct review Medication Rights right patient - check ID band right medication right time right route right reason right dose right documentation 3. Barcode scan (and or second nurse verification) administer safely once all checks have been thoroughly completed 4. Ensure proper documentation GET TO KNOW YOUR TEAM! This is KEY! And something we don't talk about nearly enough. NICU care takes a village and the faster you get to know your team, the easier it will be for you to provide tip top care to your patients! 1. Neonatologists 2. Fellow NICU Nurses 3. NP / PA Advance Practice Providers 4. RTs!!!! THESE ARE YOUR BEST FRIENDS, GET TO KNOW THEM WELL! 5. Nutritionists / Registered Dietitians 6. Developmental Specialists (OT/PT, SLP) 7. Social Workers 8. Secretaries 9. Lactation Specialists 10. Translation Services The list goes on...but you get the idea! Get to know your resources and team members. NICU RN ORIENTATION PATHWAY 1. Tour the Unit/Orient to patient rooms 2. Review the dress code policy 3. Seek and Find crash carts intubation carts admission carts glucometers and strips medication rooms various departments (OR/Radiology/Lab/Blood bank/ED/Morgue) 4. Safety Checks (Oxygen, Suction, Code Sheets, Vital Sign parameters) 5. Code Sheets (critical care tables, how to print them, update them, DCW) 6. How to associate patients to the monitor 7. Give and receive report from ongoing / off going nurses 8. Physical assessment, head to toe 9. Care times (consider when you need to adjust them) 10. Documentation and time management 11. Blood draws (venipuncture and heel sticks etc) NICU RN ORIENTATION GOALS Here are a few things you can think about during your orientation periods! Identify 3 goals you would like to accomplish on your shift Identify 3 ways you took responsibility today Identify if your goals were met and how you accomplished them! What types of patients were you assigned? What skills / competencies did you learn? What are your goals on your next shift? Feedback from your preceptor. What did you do right, Where can you improve? NICU AMAZON BOOKS LIST Here is a compiled list of NICU books and resources for you. These are books you might often find in your NICU. If you are looking to read up a little these are great to look into. Keep in mind...you will learn so much on the job. So don't go crazy here! But, they are all great resources for you, credible books we actually use, and can help you deep-dive into the neonatal population. As with anything, it takes time to gain confidence and skill in practice. Don't be too hard on yourself. It took me several years to really feel comfortable working as a NICU nurse, and even after 8 years, these babies can throw me for a loop! I hope this blog was helpful for you! Every unit and hospital offers different orientations and cultures in terms of NICU nurse care. Be fearless and humble. Take the good with the bad. If you make a mistake, own it and learn from it! We are human, and we have all been there! Love you guys! Let me know what you thought about this blog below! I love your feedback and always try to give you nurse life on the pulse. If you are looking for a great listen, here is "Life of a NICU Nurse," where I breakdown my experiences as a NICU nurse over the past 8 years. It's a fun one full of the real real on being a NICU nurse! Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Summer glow up time is here! There are so many things that I am freshening up in my personal and professional life between creating healthier daily habits and starting my day off with affirmations that really get me going. I’ve learned that you are responsible for creating your own happiness, so keep it fresh, make some changes, and be proud of what you like and what works best for you. By now you know that I only share things that I actually LOVE and use on a regular basis, so I want to share with you some of my latest favorites that have helped me get my hot girl summer on in full swing. Set your day right and keep it that way with my ride or die summer products! Woo More Play If you listen to the Cellfie Show then you know that Woo is the BEST lube ever. The Woo Coconut Love Oil is the perfect gift to treat yourself. Not only does it make sex better, but it also tastes like a vanilla cupcake. It’s natural and organic, doesn’t mess with your natural PH, and can double as a massage oil. Woo takes it back to the basics with only 4 ingredients and no nasty chemicals that are found in traditional brand lubes. The base is unrefined coconut oil which is PH balancing and it is lightly sweetened with Stevia and vanilla essence to make it absolutely delicious if you eat it. This is something everyone should have sitting on their nightstand for a sexy summer! Keep it spicy!!! Check out Woo More Play Here! Vive Organic Simplicity is key for me this summer as well as saving time so bring on all the tasty organic shots from Vive! Vive Shots were formulated by a doctor and are all rooted in whole body wellness. We all know we need to be incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our daily diet but it can be hard when you’re always working or on the go. Vive Organic wellness shots are the ultimate immune system strengthener that I enjoy drinking daily during my lunch break. When I start to feel my body getting run down I will sometimes take multiple shots a day. Vive’s Energy + Focus Shot (the perfect brainpower and caffeine boost I need) and Immunity Boost are my absolute favorite to spice up my hydration and well-being. I also love the spicy and smooth orange undertones of their Turmeric flavor that makes me feel so good immediately after downing it. Each flavor is full of powerful, organic ingredients that boost your health and are great to keep on hand in the fridge or cooler this summer. Vive prides themselves in sustainable farming practices with no junky additives, dyes or sugars. I feel good knowing I am supporting sustainable farming and treating my body to the highest quality nutrients available. Simplified wellness and a great summer afternoon pick me up? Yes please!!! Beam A true staple in my life! I use all of Beam’s products to help me thrive both mentally and physically. I would have to say my absolute “can’t live without” product is their Beam Dream. Sleep is on top on that immune health list for me this summer as studies show adequate sleep helps T-cells fight off infection. With a constantly fluctuating schedule, it was hard form me to get into a good routine. These past several months, Beam Dream, has become an essential part of my nighttime routine. The Dream powder is a bedtime blend of sleep enhancing vitamins, minerals, nano cbd and more, and when mixed with warm plant based milk or hot water, it becomes the perfect guilt-free, sleep-inducing, delicious cup of cocoa-without any added calories or sugar. Think a hot chocolate treat to help your body and mind wind down for a better night’s sleep. I have also been upping my workout time and making it more of a priority this summer. I like to get my sweat on so it is important to me to refuel my hydration with something more than just water (also can we agree that water is boring...). Elevate Recovery from Beam is made for active recovery. The Elevate Recovery hydration packets work quickly to restore hydration with coconut water and Himalyan sea salt with a slightly sweet and refreshing lemon flavor. This hydrating powder brings your body non-gmo collagen peptides to support healthy joints, skin and hair at the same time, branched-chain amino acids restore tired muscles and help your body fight fatigue, so not only are the packets hydrating, but Elevate can target specific needs: digestive balance, enhanced energy and supportive recovery. Not only is it fantastic for recovering after a sweat session but also for recovering after a night out. Beam is offering subscriptions now and you’ll get 20% off the you subscribe. Code Tori15 at checkout, give you 35% OFF! Just Thrive Real tea? I have struggled with digestive issues for the longest time. I knew I needed to take back control of my gut health this summer which is why I have been taking Just Thrive Probiotics every day for the last several months. It only took 2 months of routinely taking Just Thrive Probiotics before I noticed an incredible difference in how I feel every day. I was intrigued to learn about spore based probiotics and how they are a completely different category of probiotics. The human microbiome project that launched in 2012 helped shift the unique focus of Just Thrive to be spore based rather than Lactobacillus based. In fact, their award winning probiotic is the ONLY product on the market with Bacillus Indicus HU36- a probiotic strain that turns your gut into an antioxidant factory! Most of those probiotics will die off by the time they reach the intestines because of harsh stomach acids making them ineffective. In fact, it has been shown that Just Thrive probiotics survives up to 1,000 times as much as other products on the market. When you swallow the Just Thrive probiotics they are protected and stay dormant until they get to the small intestines. They then stay there and do their magic for up to 21-28 days which is incredible! These probiotics truly work as a perfect tool to restore the gut microbiome’s health. Try out nature’s true probiotic, Just Thrive Probiotic for yourself and start feeling your best everyday. Use code CELLFIE15 for 15%! Lane Change Cute and comfy is the hot girl move this summer. Feel good and look good with Lane Change! They have seriously perfected classy athleisure with their line of loungewear. You know I love a day off where I can relax but still feel my best with clothing that lifts in all the right places (if you know, you know) as well as being extremely soft. I also enjoy putting on a cute loungewear set after my post shift showers. They have the cutest, minimalist packaging with a handwritten note in each order which I am here for! Super high quality for an affordable price. I could live in the white Laguna Tank Top and never want to take it off! I can’t wait to add more pieces to my collection because I am obsessed. I am all about advocating for small businesses, and love that Lane Change is a local business near me, women owned and gives a percentage of proceeds to help fight homelessness in L.A. 8% off all proceeds goes to employing women on Skid Row, making a difference in the future of fashion by empowering, employing and educating women transitioning out of hardship. Spice up your loungewear for a cause and save with my code Tori15! Don’t be shy- let me know what you have been loving lately. I love keeping a running list on the notes on my phone of products to try out and want to know which ones you are obsessed with! Stay tuned for my list of specific things on my Nurse Latest Favorites list! XO ​Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Ok be honest, when was the last time you thought about deep cleaning your rings? If you’re like me, you are already OCD about hand washing (comes with the healthcare profession) which does a basic job of keeping your rings clean but doesn’t keep them sparkling like they were when they were slipped on your hand on engagement day. I have tried just about every trick in the book to keep my ring looking shiny and new... toothpaste, vodka, generic store ring cleaners, ultrasonic machines, you name it - I've tried it. I was always discouraged when everything I tried was unsuccessfully in getting that glistening look back until I discovered the BEST homemade concoction for keeping your ring looking like you took it to the professionals at the jewelry store! Then, I discovered this "Bling Wash Tip," and my RINGS were saved. lol. Trust me, save the money on the "pre-made," store bought crap. Honestly, I was always frustrated with the cloudy looking film left on my diamond after cleaning with store bought solutions. Switching to making my own that works (100x) better and saves me money & time, makes me wish I would have been using it all along! I want to save you the frustration so you can keep your bling, bright and beautiful 24/7. Here’s what you need for your BLING WASH! ♡ Glass Cleaner (I prefer Windex but any works) ♡ 3 Drops of Dish Soap (Dawn, Palmolive etc) ♡ Soft Bristle Toothbrush (used is fine) ♡ Microwave ♡ Glass Container It’s really simple. Add about 1/4 cup glass cleaner and 3-6 drops of dish soap into your glass bowl. Stick the bowl in the microwave MINUS THE LID AND JEWELRY for one minute. (This gets HOT QUICKLY so be careful taking it out of the microwave). Then set it on the counter and drop in your precious jewelry to soak while you focus on something else such as laundry, shower & skincare, catching up on work, emails, etc. I like to let my rings sit for around for a few hours, but if you’re looking for a quick clean up wash such as after time in the gym or outside (sunscreen and sweat makes for some gross jewelry) you can leave them in there for as little as 5-10 minutes to see results. You’ll start to notice after awhile that loose residue will sink down to the bottom of the glass dish. It’s so gross but satisfying knowing that is all off your jewelry! The toothbrush is great for scrubbing in between those hard to clean prongs after you have left it to soak awhile. After you brush, rinse in a bowl of lukewarm water. I definitely don’t recommend ever rinsing over an open drain incase you drop it (my nightmare)! Dry your ring lightly with a paper towel and admire your sparkling brand new looking ring! I try to clean my ring at least once a month, sometimes more often depending on how hard I have been on it. It works like a charm and I get soooo many compliments on my bling after I do it!!! HOT TIP: I can't recommend this for faux jewelry. ONLY use on * DIAMONDS + GOLD + PLATINUM + MOISSANITE * Not sure how Faux metals will handle this solution. I have to say, I am still as in love with my ring as the day I found this TIP because I take the time to care for it properly! It’s worth it to give your bling the attention it deserves ;) XO Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

WHY I LITERALLY LOVE ALMOND COW One of the best presents I got from my husband was our Almond Cow! It has paid for itself time and time again as we go through plant-based milk products weekly. Since we use nut milk and nut milk creamer every day it was honestly the perfect kitchen gadget that I didn’t know I needed at the time. As I did more research into the traditional almond milk brands I bought at the store, I was disgusted by all of the additives, excess sugar, and harmful thickeners that are added. Not to mention store-bought almond milk typically contains just 6 almonds in the entire jug. After doing my own research, it made me feel even more motivated to never buy store- bought milk again and enjoy the health, sustainability, and cost benefits from Almond Cow! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ Plant-Based Nutrition 10 REASONS WHY YOU NEED AN ALMOND COW!!! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 1. You Control the Ingredients Let's start at the basics. Ingredients!!! No sugar, no additives. no xanthan gum and dairy free!! Yes please. You control every ingredient going into your body. Almonds, Oats, Cashews, Water, Salt, Vanilla, Dates, etc. No hidden junk. Ok so here is how I do it. I batch my almond milk and nut creamer weekly so I can keep up with a healthy diet while working full-time. Thankfully, I’ve found that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for the health benefits that come from making your own nut milk from scratch! My secret is to add a splash of vanilla, two pitted dates and/or maple syrup in my coffee creamer and almond milk recipes. One cup of ingredients can make 5-6 cups per batch, which is much more than you get with your average carton of shelf milk. 2. Sustainability Lower your carbon footprint by making the swap to plant-based milk! It’s been shown that plant- based milks are an environmentally friendly option because they use up less resources, like farmland and water, and produce fewer greenhouse gases during production than their alternatives. Homemade alt-milk is all about reducing and reusing. You only need a few simple things to make your own alt-milk, all of which will last you a long time and can be used over and over. Reusable bags for buying bulk ingredients Glass jugs or bottles for milk storage Almond Cow, the ultimate reusable plant-based milk maker - designed specifically to make the process simple, easy, and eco-friendly. Switching to plant-based milk with Almond Cow helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases entering the environment. You’re also saving energy to actually make your milk. The Almond Cow even uses a cold blend cycling system, which takes very little energy to make a cup of milk (0.01 kWh). That’s less energy than it takes to charge a regular smartphone! Sustainability Study 3. It's SOO Easy to Use It is so easy and quick to make with the Almond Cow Milk Maker and clean up afterward. There is no waste either, as even the leftover pulp can be made into tasty recipes such as muffins, cream cheese, a unique twist on oatmeal, or even a date-night burger! 4. Low in Sugar Let's be honest, we could all pull back on the sugar intake. You control all of the sugar added to your Almond Cow products. Side note: unknown to many consumers (this was me included) many almond milk brands add sugar to their products. And the sugar is most likely significantly MORE than you think. Check those seemingly healthy labels! ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 5. Versatility Let's go!!! Milk. Beverages. Pulp. Mocha Creamer. Shakes Soup The recipes are endless. You can make plant-based milk, get creative with the nut and seed pulp leftovers, make amazing cocktails, cozy hot drinks, a dd cashews and cacao powder in the filter basket, etc. My Custom Almond Milk Recipe: Almonds (1 Cup) Cashews (Sprinkle) Vanilla (Splash) Water (To fill line) Salt (Sprinkle) 2 dates (pitted) My Custom Coffee Creamer Recipe: Cashews (1 cup) Almonds (Sprinkle) Maple Syrup (Splash in Water Section) -Vanilla (Splash) 2 dates (Pitted) Salt (Pinch) I use cashews, a few almonds, two dates (without pits), pinch of salt, and put a splash of maple syrup in the section that holds water for my creamer. NO additives, stabilizers, gum or crazy crap like there is in the store-brought brands! You will loveeee the naturally slightly sweet taste that the dates provide. 6. Naturally Lactose-Free For anyone struggling with GI issues like your gal over here, this is literally a god send. Dairy + Tori is not a great equation. This has helped make plant-based products (lactose free) free and clear of gas / bloating / pain / I'll spare you the details here. 7. Vegan If you are vegan, this appliance is a MUST in your household. It is making all of your vegan recipes so much easier and rich. Not to mention the creativity Almond Cow offers in their Vegan recipe blog sections. Vegan: Shortbread Cookies. Herb cheese, Strawberry Shortcake, Butter, Eggnog, Ice cream, Blue Velvet Cupcakes, Alfredo Pasta. Mac N Cheese, Date Night burger, Chocolate Sandwich cookies, Stuffing, Sweet potato casserole, biscuits, broccoli cheddar soup, mashed potatoes, cinnamon rolls, cashew butter cookies, berry oat bars, cornbread, Bloody Mary, vanilla cookies, avocado cilantro dressing, etc. Almond Cow Vegan Recipes ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 8. Very Easy to Incorporate into Your Normal Diet Making the switch from store-bought to homemade plant-based milk used to be an intimidating process for me. Fortunately, Almond Cow is dedicated to making homemade plant-based milk hassle-free and provides everything you need to create it. With Almond Cow, you can make plant-based milk from any nut, seed, or grain in just minutes. Keep it classic or drink outside- the-box. Or just throw a combo of everything in there! The options are endless and the process stays the same. Simply choose and add your ingredients, push start, pour and enjoy your milk. No time-consuming straining or messy cleanup required. Get started with Almond Cow and take part in the fight for environmental change, one jug at a time. 9. Cheaper and More Sustainable in the Long Run! Our almond cow paid for itself in 3 months. Between milk, shakes, coffee creamer, and various recipes, we easily made our money back. And now, I think about the cartons we are saving, the plastic we aren't consuming or discarding, supporting farmers in their whole fruit production (almonds, cashews, oats, dates, etc). We purchase our nuts/seeds/oats in bulk at sprouts, whole foods, save mart etc. 10. Saving the Environment & Supporting Farmers The problem with plastic. Did you know...the average household uses 144 plastic cartons every year. That’s an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic polluting our oceans. What if there was a better way for the planet & your health? Not to mention, 1,500,000+ Estimated number of single use plastics that never went into production. Thousands of families have made our planet cleaner by switching to making homemade milk. In addition, purchasing whole fruits / seeds / nuts supports our farming industry. Speaking as a farmers daughter, I am very passionate about this. Unknown to many, juicing of produce lowers support to farmers! When you opt to purchase whole foods, you are supporting growers and the produce industry in a very meaningful way. Purchasing your foods in bulk at Sprouts, Whole Foods, Smart & Final, is HUGE for our farming community. ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ HOT MILK-MAKING TIPS! When you go to make your plant-based milk with the Almond Cow, make sure the basket is securely tightened. our basket has come apart when we didn’t fasten it securely. It’s no fun to clean up when that happens! Push the cute cow button on the top to start mixing your milk! Unplug the machine, and pop the top off for a quick peak at how frothy and delicious it looks in just a minute’s time. Seriously anyone can make consistently delicious milk with this machine! After being in the fridge for awhile, the water separates from the nuts since there are no crazy additives. Quickly shake to combine again and then pour! If you’ve been drinking plant-based milk for awhile or are considering making the swap - DO IT! You will be so glad you did! If you want more insp, check out Almond Cow’s website here to learn more, view recipes, and shop their product line! You can use my Almond Cow: Code: Tori at checkout for $15 off your order. Get ready for a glow up sustainable summer with me XO CLAIM YOUR ALMOND COW HERE! Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

The job application process can be daunting to say the least. From trying to find the job, applying to a job, creating a high-quality niche portfolio, mastering an interview, and hoping to land that dream job….whew! So, I thought I would give you the “real tea,” on all things New Grad Nurse Job application. Let's get into how to land your dream nursing job! Should I know anything specific about the organization I applied to for the interview? This is an often overlooked step, and the answer is yes. You need to spend time researching the organization you have applied to. (I get it, sometimes it is tough to find information, but do your best). It is always better to be overly prepared. Is the organization a magnet hospital? What are the core values of the organization? You can also impress your interviewer by asking them a question in your interview about the culture of the organization! Should I Obtain Certifications / PALS / BLS / ACLS / NRP? Always assume someone went the EXTRA MILE to land the job you want! Think of it this way, just as athletes put in extra hours & practice when no one is watching, nurses should operate with a similar mindset. If you made it through nursing school, you have GRIT, use it and go that extra mile. Find extra opportunities if possible in the specialty you seek, as anything you can do to land the job you want will be important when your resume is compared to others'. Certifications are a great way to boost the resume and prove to your future employers that you have what it takes! While it is possible that your employer may have you re-do the certification once you're hired…who cares! Repetition will only benefit you by building confidence and reinforcing the skill. It is absolutely worth it to have a certification(s) and hold an edge over your competition! CHECK OUT OUR E-BOOK COMPLETE WITH INTERVIEW TIPS & TRICKS. BONUS QUESTIONS, RESUME AND COVER LETTER RESOURCES, SOCIAL MEDIA CONSIDERATIONS AND MORE! Should I make a LinkedIn profile? No matter what career you want to be in, a LinkedIn profile is a must in 2021. Your LinkedIn profile will help a manager, HR rep, etc. put a face to a name and will make you more memorable. While it is true that not every employer will use this as a resource, you may want to utilize it for building a network of like-minded, professional connections and for possible job searches down the road in your career. Your profile should include a professional picture, along with your educational achievements (school, honors, projects, volunteer), certifications, etc. Social Media…does this really matter when I am applying to jobs? Yes. Clean it up! It doesn't matter if your profile is private either. Keep it classy and refrain from posting anything that could be perceived at all negatively. Possible employers will not waste their time on potential candidates that they believe have poor character and will not fit the organization's core values and professional culture. When you are applying to jobs, keep it all professional and think before you hit post! Should my Resume be 1 or 2 pages? The rule of thumb is to keep your resume at one page, as managers care less about the second page. All of the important information needs to be on the front page. In all honesty, my resume ended up being two pages when I applied to my new grad nurse position. If you have the extracurriculars, pertinent certificates and volunteer experience by all means include it on the second page if needed rather than leaving it out. If you go to two pages, make the highlight reel on the first page. You will want to make sure that your resume is also visually appealing and in an easy to read font and format. From a glance, the manager who is reviewing your resume should be able to determine your most important attributes front and center. How do I find the “actual” job listing? It is hard to know when to apply and the official name of the job. 1. Call HR! They are the gate keepers. Inquire when the New Grad Residency (Versant program, Clinical Nurse I) positions will open up and mark your calendar. 2. Ask HR what the official name of the job position will be. 3. Sign up for the job notifications so you don't miss your window. 4. Sign up & create a profile on the organization job application website. Should I call HR or manager to inquire about my job application status? Both management & HR are VERY busy. In due time, I promise they will get to you. I would suggest sending the manager a thank you note & or emailing him/her a thank you so that you are fresh in their mind. If you send a thank you, keep it brief and to the point and mention that you are looking forward to hearing back soon and are grateful for the opportunity. Sending a thank you a day or two after your interview is a nice idea to let them know how thankful you are for the opportunity & your desire to join their unit. (HINT: make sure to get the manager’s card or contact information at the end of the interview, or look through the emails they sent you to obtain the manager’s mailing address or email). You will not want to seem demanding or overbearing, so make sure to let them contact you after sending the initial thank you. Do you have tips on interviewing? (NICU, PICU, CVICU, ICU, Med Surge, Oncology, Clinic, etc.) Let’s talk about the entire reason for an interview. The bottom line is that they want to know if you will be a good fit for the unit/setting. Do they like you? How qualified are you (with your limited time as a nurse) to start on their unit? So, that being said, focus on why you want to be there in the first place! Communicate why you believe they should they hire you (over the person interviewing next) by sharing your key competencies. Also, Practice. Practice. Practice! Practice interviewing until you are blue in the face. Practice in the shower, on your drive, in front of your mom. Practice until your stories come so naturally that you can’t possibly forget them. You've got this! See full Blog post on Interviewing 101! Is it beneficial to communicate with someone I know on the unit prior? Ask them to vouch for me? (Family friend, Preceptor, Cousin, etc.) If you know someone on the unit, yes it can be beneficial to touch base, inquire about application dates, and ask about any highlights you should know about the unit. As far as “vouching for you,” to the management team, tread lightly, as that should only be suggested by the person you know. In addition, keep in mind, some people have a GREAT relationship with their management team and others do NOT. Therefore, the person you are in touch with may not be the best to “vouch.” It pays to be self-aware on this one. What do I include in a Portfolio? Let’s talk the purpose of a portfolio. A portfolio is the extended highlight reel and extension of your resume. A properly prepared portfolio will give you the “edge” over your competition. Honestly, I have only used my portfolio 3 times out of 8 different job interviews. For your first job, a portfolio is a MUST. Why? This is a supplemental tool for you to use in order to speak to and solidify your job application. Below is a bulleted list / outline of what to include in your portfolio. You create it. You practice with it. You speak to it. A portfolio is a TOOL to use in order to help you pull together stories and experiences, as well as ultimately ease the nerves for your interview. I suggest practicing your interviews with the portfolio. Due to current circumstances with virtual interviewing, you may not be able to share the portfolio with the management team as easily, however, use it as a tool to help you interview! What should I include in my Portfolio? Let me give you the deets! Professional Role Resume (Shop Resume Rx Templates code CELLFIE 20% OFF) Cover Letter (Shop Template) Professional Certifications National Certifications Education University (Copy of your Degree) Professional Activities Projects Volunteerism Professional References (Shop Template) Professional Recommendations I hope these tips help you as you work to land your dream job as a new grad nurse! I believe in you!!! Xo Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com​ Instagram @nurse.tori_

It’s never too early to start a strong skincare routine! I LOVE trying new things and most of my money actually goes to skincare. My skin is not perfect, and my maskne has been in full force this year, but these tools have helped me feel fab & keep my skin chic. As always all of these recommendations are tried and true- so let’s get to it. CYRx MD Medical Grade Skin Care I like my products to be effective and do what they're saying they are going to do! CYRx MD was formulated by a Mayo Clinic trained Orthopedic Spinal surgeon, Dr. Steven Cyr, who created these incredible medical grade products to help his patients with a wide spectrum of skin disorders. Dr. Cyr has partnered with chemists and skin specialists to formulate a proprietary blend of products ideally suited to inhibiting large, unsightly scars, skin discoloration, and damage from aging, and the effects of hormones and bacteria on skin. MY CYRx PRODUCT FAVES: Collagen Youth Serum feels like youth in a bottle with a formula that gives unequaled anti-aging benefits with high concentrations of key antioxidants to rejuvenate the skin, fight free radicals and provide maximum protection against environmental and UV induced skin damage. Ultra Recovery Cream goes on super silky with no scents! It soothes the skin, removes irritation & reduces redness. Ultra Recovery Cream is further enhanced with four different ceramides to restore skin barrier function which helps the skin maintain its natural structure. Retinol Eye Cream. This is my newest nightly MUST! This is a rich & restorative, all-in-one, anti-aging eye cream contains peptide complexes, a breakthrough Retinoid, and a form of Vitamin K, to reduce dark circles, promote collagen production to improve fine lines and wrinkles, and increase cellular turnover resulting in healthy, younger-looking skin in this delicate area. Tinted Sunblock SPF 44 is light weight and sheerly tinted. Formulated as a chemical-free alternative to sun protection, I am super picky with facial sunscreen because I don’t want to break out, and I have to say I am obsessed with this one. Find out all the juicy deets surrounding CYRx on the Cellfie Podcast- Episode #33. Listen here! Shop CYRx Products Vanity Planet Vanity Planet Forever Young Wand and Ultimate Skin Spa facial cleansing system are my day one ride or die tools. The Ultimate Skin Spa cleansing brush brings washing your face to a whole new level with three interchangeable brush heads to customize the perfect routine for your skin type. Save on the Forever Young Wand CODE: NurseTori gives you 70% off everything!!! I also love the Vanity Planet steamer that enhances the benefits of my skin care regimen, primes skin for exfoliation & product application and accelerates the absorption and effectiveness of applied products. I use these daily during my nighttime skin care routine! Curology Custom Skin Care As a medical professional myself, I truly appreciate expert advice on skin care! Curology is an easy way to clear up your top skin issues with 3 main active ingredients uniquely devised to treat your skin concerns. You start by taking their skin quiz before being matched with an expert who will draw up a customized formula that even has your name on the bottle. I love how hands on their company is throughout your entire journey to clear, healthy skin with routine check-ins by your matched skin care professional who will ask questions, and update your routine as your needs change. Skin is most definitely a long term commitment. Start your Curology Free Trial SDARA ROSE QUARTZ JADE ROLLER AND HYDRATING SHEET MASKS HOT TIP!!! Let yourself literally chill out by putting your Sdara Rose Quartz Jade Roller in the fridge to give yourself a mini refreshing massage to tone and sculpt your face. The cold helps decrease swelling and inflammation in your face and improves lymphatic drainage. Shop my Sdara Faves on Amazon... You can also use the roller to work products into the face. Accompany your facial massage with Sdara’s anti-aging eye masks or with their skin brightening and hydrating face masks that will leave your skin looking revitalized. I love how PETAL-SOFT and dewy my skin feels after using their botanically sourced face masks. It is truly a night and day difference with this intensely moisturizing and refreshing combo! Drunk Elephant Give your skin the total reset it needs with Drunk Elephant. What makes Drunk Elephant a unique beauty staple at my house is how they create all of their products at a skin-friendly PH level and that all ingredients are effective yet recognized by the skin and easily absorbed. I absolutely LOVE how Drunk Elephant’s cleansers and moisturizers leave my skin feeling so smooth and gives me the confidence to go out of my house without makeup. DRUNK ELEPHANT PRODUCT FAVES: -C-Firma Day Serum is a vitamin c serum to help firm and brighten your skin, but you do have to wear sunscreen with it! -Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser is a mild, foaming, gel cleanser that takes off makeup phenomenally. -T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum is a smooth gel that helps exfoliate, resurface, and clarify your skin making it smoother and brighter. -Protini Polypeptide Cream is a moisturizer formulated to nourish, strengthen and firm the skin while reducing fine lines and sun damage. -A-Passioni Retinol Cream is a clean, cutting edge formula that I put on last at night in my “nighttime skin care cocktail”. Find my Drunk Elephant Faves on Amazon... IS Clinical Active Serum! ACTIVE SERUM: AGE-DEFYING, CLEARING, BRIGHTENING By far, one of my MOST used products over the years. This serum is UNREAL. It feels spicy going on, you can really feel the "active," ingredients & moreover SEE the results. This product has helped my complection, brightness, and maskne from my long 12 hour shifts. This is their most popular product. This fast-acting, long-term, results-oriented formula decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, visibly evens skin tone, and is excellent for blemish-prone skin. Touted by physicians as “remarkable” and “phenomenal,” ACTIVE SERUM usually produces results within a couple of days. Potent activity will be noted upon application as evidenced by a cool tingling sensation. Excellent for all skin types and for all ages, this powerful botanical serum leaves the skin moist and smooth. Tinkle Razors These tiny razors work wonders for removing the un-necessary fine hairs on my face. You don’t need to be an experienced aesthetician to be able to safely use the blade and protect your sensitive skin. This razor makes your face soooooo smooth and is small enough to perfectly shape your eyebrows. For best results, I recommend the razor to be single use if used all over your face. Shop Tinkle Eyebrow Razor Sets on Amazon... There you have it! Skin Care Tools that once you start using, you’ll never be able to go without. I am obsessed with these and know you’ll be too. XO, Tori Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

TOP FEMALE MEDICAL BLOGGERS & INNOVATORS Whether you’re aspiring to dive into the medical world someday, seeking resources full of value, or looking for inspiration in new spaces, this is a list for you! Check out my list of my favorite women making waves in the social medial space. These are fabulous Medical bloggers & innovators to follow and learn from! I am excited to share these incredible women & their invaluable resources with YOU! Mommy Labor Nurse - Liesel Teen L&D RN Liesel is a labor and delivery nurse, mom, wife and business owner! Her goal is to educate other moms in hopes that more women feel empowered and educated about motherhood, instead of scared and anxious. She has amazing information and resources including birth courses, newborn sleep/care courses, and a helpful blog and Instagram full of tips on all things pregnancy, breastfeeding and postpartum. Educating New Parents On What's To Come She started Mommy Labor Nurse in February of 2018 as a way to educate more moms in the online space about birth and postpartum. After having such a fulfilling birth experience at her hospital, she felt that she wanted to educate other moms in hopes that more women feel empowered and educated about motherhood, instead of scared and anxious. She has always had a passion for educating women and thoroughly enjoy spreading knowledge and awareness about what's to come! Check our her pregnancy, postpartum, & newborn courses! Birth it Up: The Epidural Series Birth it Up: The Natural Series Newborn Basics 101 Katie Duke- Nurse Practitioner | Speaker| Maker of Bad Decisions Katie has been a very special part of my journey in the social media space. A personal mentor and dear friend of mine. Her podcast, Bad Decisions, is a must listen if you’re looking for the real sh** we all think but never talk about. She is a nurse practitioner, speaker, mentor and the host of Bad Decisions podcast! Katie is a Nurse Practitioner who pushes boundaries to explore the life decisions that don’t always turn out as you expect. I love how Katie shifts the conversation to prove the importance of owning your failures as a necessity for growth and success on each episode of Bad Decisions. Check out the "Concept to Creation Course" Have you ever thought about becoming an impactful influencer, blogger, author, public speaker, or starting your own brand or business online? Have you been overwhelmed with thoughts about “WHERE and HOW to start?” Then Concept to Creation: The Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Course is your starting point as your first investment in your future. Founded by Katie Duke and Nicole Thomas, two successful healthcare professionals who have launched second careers in the social media and public figure industries, the Concept to Creation Workshop will TEACH you the foundational strategies and guidelines to begin earning money by building your brand or business. Comfort, Butter and Bad Decisions A 68 page cookbook for people who “live to eat”. It contains a collection of memories, methods, and recipes, and highlights some important tools, gadgets, and ingredients to always have on hand in your kitchen. It’s a great book for any stage of learning and experience. Comfort, Butter and Bad Decisions Cat Golden - RN Nurse Mentor Cat Golden is a highly respected nurse mentor and the owner of the popular Instagram account,@nursesinspirenurses. Nurses Inspire Nurses is a community dedicated to inspiring and uplifting nurses. Her Nurse Mentorship program, @leaplandlive, helps nurses manage their time, take clear action on their goals and live a healthy life that they’re obsessed with. She is an incredible entrepreneur with a heart for teaching others how to form a business mindset and be successful in their nursing careers! Nurses Inspire Nurses ABOUT NURSES INSPIRE NURSES Nurses Inspire Nurses is a community of nurses created to inspire and uplift ourselves and each other. It all began when Cat Golden, our founder, was tired, burnt out, and sick of waiting for external circumstances to change to start feeling better. She started doing things to uplift her coworkers and created coffee talks, a safe space outside of work for nurses to come together, have real conversations, and find support. SHE PROVIDES NURSES WITH A CENTRALIZED COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT AND A VARIETY OF TOOLS THAT PROVIDE STRUCTURE TO THEIR DAY AND THEIR MINDSET. Ashley Kay, Vascular Surgery PA-C Ashley Munns is a Vascular Surgery Physician Assistant. From her ridiculously informative healthcare posts to her chic exquisite aesthetic, I can not recommend her enough. Both her blog & Instagram offer Education, Health, & Wellness. Do you want to learn the process of becoming a certified & licensed PA-C, or experience a day in the life: as a Vascular Surgery PA...look no further. WITH ASHLEY KAY BLOG "I will forever be captivated by the art of surgery. And medicine will be a hunger I crave to know more about. Even in the midst of sleepless delirium after being awake for too long, when a page is called needing undivided attention, Or in the OR gowned + sterile while the rest of the city sleeps... The high does not fade and I love it. The steep learning curve continues, but merely shaping me to be further competent." Follow Ashley as she navigates life as a Vascular Surgery Physician Assistant Lacey Magen - Nurse Mentor BSN, RN If you’re a new nurse, Lacey is your girl!!! She has a passion for helping new nurses build confidence and find joy and clarity in their new nurse life. Her Empower 90 Journal is an incredible resource along with her mentorship program. Her Instagram is full of helpful tips for preparing for the NCLEX, surviving night shifts, and relatable reels that are sure to encourage you in your nursing career. The Empowered Nurse Mentorship Program Lacey is a board certified BSN Registered Nurse with 3+ years experience working as a nurse in Cardiac Care. She also received the Novice Nurse of the Year Award at Morristown Medical Center for her decision making skills and nursing judgement. She is a new mom, former middle school teacher and Nurse Mentor. Are you a new graduate nurse within your first year on the job and you are just feeling a little… Lost? Unsupported? Unsure of yourself? DisEmpowered in Nursing? The Empowered Nurse Mentorship is a 10 week mentorship with a one-on-one and group component that is aimed at helping you build your clinical confidence, strengthen your nursing practice, grow relationships with others both within the profession and outside of it, and improve your happiness & joy through lifestyle balance. A 10 Week Mentorship Program for New Graduate Nurses with Nurse Mentor & Coach Lacey Magen Naematullah This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the American Holistic Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Danielle Maltby and The WoMed No surprise here, I am a BIG podcast fan and love listening to the incredible insight from women in a variety of healthcare positions. The Womed Podcast is hosted by Danielle Maltby, talking all things Women in Medicine and the badass things women are doing outside of the medical community too! Danielle Maltby is a Nurse, TV Personality, Instagrammer, Model and Actor. She best known for his appearances on the reality show The Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise. The Womed Podcast She brings valuable conversations, outstanding women in healthcare, and a serious passion for what she does. She discusses self-care, mental health, emerging healthcare trends, education and so much more. You can expect to hear many meaningful conversations Dani has with some of the industry’s biggest experts and thought-leaders. The Six Figure Travel Nurse- Sarah Gaines MSN, RNC-OB Sarah Gaines is a rockstar entrepreneur sharing travel nurse tips to empower RNs to get the freedom, autonomy, and pay they deserve! Her Instagram account, The Six Figure Travel Nurse, is a wealth of knowledge for current travel nurses and those interested in becoming one. If you’re an RN who loves to travel, you will want to check out her incredible Travel Nurse Course. If you’re looking to jump start your travel nursing career then you will want to check out her Travel Nurse Resume Kit to help you get started working less and traveling more! Travel Nurse Course The Travel Nurse Course is an online program designed to empower and educate nurses who want to become travel nurses so they can maximize their income, work less and travel more. Enroll in The Six Figure Travel Nurse Course today! Get instant access to the tools, resources and support you need to become a travel nurse the fastest and easiest way possible.The Travel Nurse Course will give you the answers you've been craving and the tools you need to accelerate your career, Six Figure Travel Nurse! Nurse Nat - Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I absolutely love following along with my sweet friend, Nat, on Instagram @natalie_pnp_. She shares quality PICU, PNP and travel nurse tips that are helpful to nursing students, new grads and seasoned nurses alike! If you’re passionate about pediatrics check out her blog and her Pediatric Resources Ebook. Her passion for nursing and learning is inspirational and I think you will find value in her content and resources just as much as I do! PNP Specialty Zoom Course Are you a PNP student who wants more insight on how she picked a specialty after graduating? Would you like insider knowledge of how she secured her first PNP job as a new grad? Join her Zoom class and she will reveal all of that and more! PedsDocTalk- Dr. Mona Pediatrician Need some motivation? Dr. Mona is a pediatrician with a mission to share common sense education for the modern parent. You can find helpful conversations and resources on all things medicine, motherhood and motivation on her Instagram page as well as her incredible podcast, The Pedsdoctalk. This podcast educates and empowers parents in their journey through parenthood Peds Doc Talk with Dr. Mona Amin Episodes include education regarding hot topics in pediatrics, interviews with experts in this field, conversations with fellow parents and insight into her experience as a mother and pediatrician. I love how her content is a mix between evidence-based and experienced "real life" mom tips & tricks. Caroline Pediatric Dietician- Baby Led Weaning Expert Carolina is a Pediatric Registered Dietician and a "baby led weaning" expert. Her Instagram is full of helpful advice for both moms and babies. She wrote an amazing ebook guide to Baby Led Weaning as well as a Starting Solids guide. Her online BLW academy is a fantastic resource for moms with babies under 10 months as well. Whether you work with babies, or have your own- you will love her amazing posts on feeding! Baby Lead Weaning & Making Meals Matter Baby led weaning is an alternative method to introducing solid foods to your baby that skips over purees entirely and allows for your baby to self-feed soft table foods. What you’ll find in this book: • Step by step guide on how to introduce first foods • How to assess your child’s developmental readiness for solid foods • Safe feeding guide – food allergy response plan • Dietitian approved supplements for your baby • Nutrition tips for the breastfeeding mom • Frequently asked questions • Over 50 example first foods and BLW recipes And more! Dr. Lindsay Butzer- DVM Calling all animal lovers...Dr. Lindsay Butzer is a DVM with a passion for creating educational and fun veterinary content. Both her Instagram and Youtube are an incredible resource for diving deeper into veterinary care for all types of animals. Seeing her smiling face and adorable furry friends on my newsfeed always brightens my day. I admire Lindsay not only for her incredible content and passion for medicine but also her overall most positive & uplifting spirit. Dr. Lindsay YouTube Channel Dr. Lindsay is a small-animal veterinarian working in Boca Raton, FL. She graduated from Colorado State University and followed that with a degree from the DVM program at Ross University. Dr. Lindsay did her clinical year at Tufts in 2016 and has been practicing at Clint Moore Animal Hospital since then. She is also a Cancer survivor & HUGE inspiration to me. Dr. Danielle Belardo, M.D. Dr. Danielle Belardo is a Cardiologist in Newport Beach, California. With a presence on Instagram & Twitter, she also hosts a podcast called "Nutritional Rounds". Her podcast is designed for anyone interested in learning about plant based nutrition through an evidence based approach. Whether you’ve been plant based for many years, or are still searching for the perfect diet, Nutrition Rounds will inspire and empower you to live your healthiest life, backed by science. She advocates for comprehensive lifestyle change including nutrition, exercise, stress management, in addition to traditional guideline directed cardiovascular care. Nutritional Rounds Podcast She is an advocate for accurate scientific communication on social media, including both evidence based medicine and evidence based nutrition science. Get personalized, comprehensive, and evidence based cardiovascular care with their team. I hope this list inspires you to get connected on social media with one or all of these amazing medical content creators and helps you expand your healthcare horizons. XO, Tori Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com

Nurses are more than scrubs & stethoscopes. And for those of us in the field, let's face it, BURNOUT IS REAL! There are so many roles nurses may take on. This is the beauty of Nursing. Along with the medical field in general, the role of a nurse underwent significant changes over the course of the 20th century. The nursing field professionalized and the duties of a nurse went from (essentially a limited skilled service) to a highly educated qualified, & licensed profession. Over that time, administering medications, checking vital signs, and simply following the directions of the doctor in charge shifted to collecting raw data, interpreting observations, and making diagnoses and treatment plans. And honestly, the profession continues to rise its standards & increase its roles in various patient populations. The most common thing I am seeing as an 8 year veteran Nurse is, BURNOUT. That deep sense of... burnt to your soul, crispy FRIED, numb & frustrated nurse sensation. That feeling of dread going into work, the impending doom & thinking, "is this really what I want to do the REST of my life?" The expectations at the bedside are rising. Organizations are increasing their nurse standards with higher degrees, certifications, research, education, furthering nurse practice, keeping up with patient & family demands etc. While these are all essential, YES, they can cause burnout. So what do you do? YOU SHIFT! You research, spruce up the portfolio, and dig deep to really find out what works for YOU! I actually find it quite FREEING to know there are so many options out there. The nurse role is expanding by leaps and bounds. Let's face it, the ONE thing everyone wants at the end of the day, is their health. And our holistic approach to learning the body can be used in SOO many ways. So much so, I am now platforming it on my Podcast! Here is a complied list (with Links to resources for you to check out!) In addition, check out my Podcast, filled with Nurses from all walks of life & specialties. 51 ROLES A NURSE CAN CONSIDER! We always talk about “the beauty of nursing” but I think we forget really how amazing it is. This is a post I did a while back and I’m bringing it back for Nurses are more than scrubs & stethoscopes. There are so many roles nurses may take on. If you are in a rut and need some INSP, I have curated a lengthy list of Nursing Jobs just for you! 1. Staff Nurse (ICU, CVICU, PICU, L&D, Peds, OR, ER, Surgical, Oncology, NICU, Clinic, etc) 2. Nurse Entrepreneurs Nurse entrepreneurs apply their nursing backgrounds and professional experiences to create businesses in the health care industry. Much like other entrepreneurs, they identify a need in the marketplace and conceptualize and build a business that fills that need. They may offer independent nursing services, such as patient care or consulting, or create and sell medical devices or home health care products. Others take on writing or coaching roles. 3. Transcultural Nurse Transcultural nursing is a distinct nursing specialty which focuses on global cultures and comparative cultural caring, health, and nursing phenomena. The transcultural nurse looks to respond to the imperative for developing a global perspective within the nursing field in an increasingly globalized world of interdependent and interconnected nations and individuals. 4. Health Policy Nurse Nurses have worked to influence healthcare laws and policies ever since the field of nursing began. Therefore, those who are interested in ways to create and facilitate change in healthcare may wish to pursue a rewarding career as a Health Policy Nurse. Health policy nurses work to review and revise healthcare laws, policies, and regulations. 5. Fertility Nurse Fertility nurses help facilitate the egg donation process, providing support and guidance to both couples and the matched donors. Reproductive nurses work with a team of specialized healthcare professionals in fertility clinics, obstetric/gynecology offices, or egg donor centers. 6. Substance Abuse Nurse A substance abuse nurse receives training both in general medicine and mental health, as handling patients suffering from substance abuse requires knowledge of both disciplines. Nurses will be needed to provide emotional support not just for their patients, but also for patients' family members and loved ones, who are also affected and suffering. 7. Genetic Nurse A genetics nurse is an RN with additional training and education in genetics. Genetic nurses care for patients who are at risk for, or are affected by, diseases with a genetic component including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease among others. In addition to providing direct patient care, genetics nurses also perform risk assessments, analyze the results and counsel patients on the ongoing management of their conditions or conditions they may be at risk for. 8. Pharmaceutical Research Nurse The Clinical Research Nurse - BSN is a Registered Nurse (RN) who works collaboratively with physicians, Clinical Research Associates (CRA) and pharmacists to coordinate care for an assigned population of patients who are enrolled in to IRB clinical research trials. The RN assists in the assessment, management and coordination of care across the continuum of care (outpatient, inpatient and home) including triage of phone calls and proactive patient communication. The Clinical Research Nurse - BSN serves to educate patients and families on the clinical trial treatments and required testing. 9. Occupational Health Nurse Occupational health nursing is the specialty practice of delivering health and safety programs and services to employees, worker populations, and association groups. Sometimes occupational health nurses are referred to as occupational and environmental health nurses (OHNs). Occupational health nurses focus on the promotion and re-establishment of health, the prevention of ailment and injury, and protecting workers from occupation-related and environmental hazards. 10. Nurse Health Coach Nurse coaches use a variety of health-promoting and evidence-based strategies to achieve growth, overall health, and well-being of their patients. 11. Informatics Nurse Specialist An informatics nurse specialist is someone at the forefront of changing technology in the medical world. Often, they act as liaisons between health care providers and technology people in order to allow better decisions to be made based on more accurate data. The paper records systems that have been used by healthcare providers for more than a century are quickly coming to an end. 12. Telemedicine Nurse Fifty years ago, it was common for doctors to make home visits to care for their patients. Fast-forward to today when home visits aren’t common anymore, but an ill patient can still receive medical treatment from the comfort of his or her own home virtually thanks to telemedicine. Health care has come a long way since the days of personalized home visits from physicians. The advancement of telemedicine has drastically changed the delivery of health care. 14. Infusion therapy Nurse Infusion nurses have a great deal of responsibility ensuring patients receive safe, quality infusion care. The infusion nurse is an integral member of the health care team and collaborates with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists to ensure the vascular access device and treatment used are best suited to the patient’s needs. 15. Military, Navy, Air Force Nurse The Nurse Corps has five Reserve components and, although similar, each branch has its own commitment requirements: Army Reserve Navy Reserve Air force Reserve Air National Guard Army National Guard 16. Nurse Executive A nurse executive often holds the most senior nursing position in their place of employment, and can even hold a title such as Director of Nursing. In order to be an effective nurse executive, RNs must clearly and effectively communicate with their nursing staff to help provide the best patient care possible. 17. Nurse Consultant Nurse consultants are nurses who usually identify problems and develop solutions. The business is usually operated from a home office and reports are sent to the customer. Some work may be required at the customer’s facility. The consultant must be a registered nurse. 18. Aesthetic Nurse ➢ A Beauty Nurse is not a generic career title; it is something you create yourself. You first become a Registered Nurse and then entered into the Aesthetic Industry. ➢ A RN doing injections can have many titles such as the following: Aesthetic Nurse, Cosmetic Nurse, Nurse Injector, Cosmetic Nurse Injector, Advanced Nurse Injector etc. This area of work is so grey.  There is no official title for this career! ➢ Being a nurse is far from glamorous; even a nurse in the aesthetic industry. I may not be coming off of 20-hour shifts caked in filth like I did in my early days as a RN, but being an injector is still really hard work. 19. Insurance Consulting RN Legal nurse consultants (LNCs) provide assistance to a variety of professionals in law firms, government offices, and insurance companies. A legal nurse consultant has training as a registered nurse, and through that strong educational and experiential background, provides an important service related to analyzing health care facts, issues, and outcomes for those in the legal and healthcare professions. 20. Quality Management RN A quality management position requires interaction/collaboration with individuals in numerous health care disciplines. All work together to solve problems affecting quality of care. You would be involved in data collection, seeking solutions to problems, collaboration, and whatever else the job entails. Every job has its own set of stressors; it is all relative. The only way to find about this job would be to apply for it. If you meet their qualifications, go for an interview and ASK many questions. 21. Correctional Nurse Correctional Nursing is a unique specialty.  It is a wonderful mix of public health, community health, occupational health, ambulatory care, emergency medicine and school nursing.  The standards of Correctional Nursing published by the American Nursing Association state that nurses working in corrections often care for individuals with complex health conditions or those with multiple health issues.  Correctional nursing activities include patient assessment, medication administration, treatments and evaluation of their effects, crisis intervention, patient education and patient advocacy. ~ANA, 2013 22. Postpartum Nurse The postpartum or mother-baby nurse is tasked with caring for both mother and newborn baby once a birth has taken place. This nurse utilizes a strong set of skills to recognize and act upon postpartum emergencies for both patients. The postpartum nurse appreciates a busy working environment and the challenge of quickly detecting complications from childbirth. A large part of this nurse's job is teaching new mothers how to properly care for herself as well as her newborn after the delivery. Lactation nurses are often postpartum nurses who have become certified. 23. Cruise Ship Nurse Cruise ships are pretty much small cities floating in the water with the average cruise ship holding around 3,000 guests, not counting the crew that works on the ship full-time. For nurses that want to escape busy ERs and clinics, working on a cruise ship could be a dream job. 24. Forensic Nurse Consultant Forensic nurses specialize in caring for patients who are the victims of trauma, violence, and abuse. They have a foundation in the criminal justice system as well as nursing. They are on the front lines when victims of crimes need help the most, providing sensitive, compassionate care while meticulously collecting relevant evidence that may be needed later in court. Some forensic nurses choose to specialize in sexual assault/trauma by becoming certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). 25. Logistics Specialist Logistics management specialists, because of their affiliation with the federal government, usually are paid good wages and enjoy competitive benefits. As with other government jobs, a measure of security is associated with the career. The work of a logistics management specialist is often time-sensitive and fast-paced, which can render it stressful. Logisticians usually work full-time during regular business hours; those that do work internationally may have more irregular hours to accommodate time changes with other nations. 26. Emergency Flight & Transport Nurse A flight nurse is a registered nurse who specialises in the field of providing comprehensive pre-hospital, emergency critical care, and hospital care to a vast scope of patients. The care of these patients is generally during aeromedical evacuation or rescue operations aboard helicopters, propeller aircraft or jet aircraft. Check out the Podcast, featuring Samantha Manassero, Episode #7 For all things Emergency Flight & Transport Nurse, FIRST HAND! 27. Triage Nurse A triage nurse is a clinical health care professional who assesses a patient to evaluate their symptoms. Triage nurses can work in a variety of settings, including remotely. If you are thinking about studying for a career in the nursing profession, you should consider the steps necessary to become a triage nurse. 28. Pain Management Nurse Pain management nurses are registered nurses who specialize in the care of patients with chronic, sometimes debilitating pain. They are experts on pain management interventions and techniques. 29. Transplant Coordinator Transplant Nurse Coordinator provides planning and coordination of all facets of clinical care for potential and actual transplant candidates and recipients. Manages referral, evaluation, and pre-transplant data for transplant patients and coordinates the clinical management of post-transplant patients. 30. Psychiatric Mental Health Psychiatric nursing or mental health nursing is the appointed position of a nurse that specialises in mental health, and cares for people of all ages experiencing mental illnesses or distress. These include: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, psychosis, paranoia, and self-harm. 31. Infectious Control Nurse Sometimes referred to as Infection Control Specialists or Nurse Infection Preventionists, Infection Control Nurses specialize in preventing, containing, and treating infectious diseases caused by agents like bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungus. This requires exceedingly advanced skills and a vast knowledge base. Infection control nurses must have an intimate understanding of anatomy and physiology, epidemiology, as well as extensive knowledge regarding the infectious disease process and infection prevention techniques. 32. Health Administration Nurse Healthcare administration. Healthcare administrators are more concerned with day-to-day operations. An administrator's focus is on daily staff management and administrative procedures within a department. Healthcare administrators usually report to healthcare managers, and work within individual departments as supervisors or manager support. 33. Disaster Management 34. Certified Nurse Midwife A midwife is a person who has successfully completed a midwifery education programme that is recognised in the country where it is located and that is based on the ICM Essential Competencies for Basic Midwifery Practice and the framework of the ICM Global Standards for Midwifery Education; who has acquired the requisite qualifications to be registered and/or legally licensed to practice midwifery and use the title ‘midwife’; and who demonstrates competency in the practice of midwifery. 35. Plastic Surgery Nurse The term plastic surgery nurse falls under an umbrella that's used to refer to aesthetic nurses and reconstructive surgery nurses. Although aesthetic nurses and reconstructive surgery nurses are both plastic surgery nurses, the two should be distinguished from one another. Reconstructive surgery nurses specialize is nursing care in the surgical specialty that involves the reconstruction or restoration of a patient's body. 36. Public Health Nurse The American Public Health Association defines public health nursing as, "the practice of promoting and protecting the health of populations using knowledge from nursing, social, and public health sciences". By working together, nurses can make a great impact on public health as a whole. The American Nurses Association (ANA) builds on individual nurse contributions to public health, by supporting policy, advocacy, and education at the highest levels. These areas of interest include, but are not limited to: Immunizations; Infection prevention; Environmental health; and Opioid crisis response. 37. Camp Nurse Camp nurses serve a community, typically children or teens, in a camp environment. This can include summer camps or other camps that last from days to weeks to even months at a time, but are usually temporary. These camps house children, staff, and administrators in a setting that may be in the wilderness or some distance from a hospital or health clinic, so camp nurses are crucial for these populations. 38. Nurse Practitioner (FNP, PNP, CRNA, CGNP, PMHNP, AGPCNP etc) Nurse practitioners (NPs) practice in nearly every health care setting including clinics, hospitals, Veterans Affairs and Indian Health Care facilities, emergency rooms, urgent care sites, private physician or NP practices (both managed and owned by NPs), nursing homes, schools, colleges, retail clinics, public health departments, nurse managed clinics, homeless clinics, etc. 39. Lactation Specialist (IBCLC) Nurse Registered nurses, who are also CLCs or IBCLCs, can earn advanced certification in lactation management. The Advanced NurseLactation Consultant possesses the insight, knowledge, and skills essential to the development and implementation of management strategies for complex problems related to breastfeeding and human lactation. 40. Hospice Nurse A hospice nurse cares for people who have been diagnosed with six months or less to live and have chosen hospice care at the end of life. As part of the hospice philosophy of care, a hospice nurse focuses on comfort and quality of life. They provide individualized care based on each person’s unique needs. 41. Transplant Coordinator Transplant Nurse Coordinator provides planning and coordination of all facets of clinical care for potential and actual transplant candidates and recipients. Manages referral, evaluation, and pre-transplant data for transplant patients and coordinates the clinical management of post-transplant patients. 42. Travel Nurse Travel nurses are registered nurses who work in short-term roles at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities around the world. Travel nurses help fill gaps in areas where there are nursing shortages. They are employed by an independent nursing staffing agency instead of a single hospital. 43. Vascular access nurse The Vascular Access Board Certification (VA-BC™) is designed for clinical professionals to include but not limited to; MD’s, PA’s, NP’s, RN’s, LPN/LVN’s, RT’s, RRT’s, Infection Control, Educators, EMS professionals, that actively work in the field of vascular access. Having a thorough and sound foundation of the knowledge and skills required for competent practice in vascular access is essential. Knowledge can be obtained through work experiences and independent learning, as well as through formal educational programs. These components afford the candidate exposure and professional development and education in the vascular access specialty. 44. Obstetrics Nurse An obstetric nurse might be known by many names, including OB nurses, OB/GYN nurses, and perinatal nurses. They specialize in the field of obstetrics or the branch of medicine that focuses on women and fetus during pregnancy and childbirth. These specialty nurses help care for pregnant women and their little ones during and after pregnancy and delivery. At times, obstetric nurses will also help counsel and advise women who are trying to get pregnant. 45. Nurse Concierge (Post-Op home care) Concierge nursing services provide patients personalized care without them having to visit a doctor or hospital. These services include consultation on medical issues, home health services after surgery and post-op travel care. While most associate concierge nursing services with in home care, non-emergency medical transport companies like Flying Angels provide medical travel with a registered nurse which makes travel safer and easier. With bedside to bedside care, clients and their families have peace of mind while they travel with a flight nurse throughout their journey. 46. Self-Employed Nurse Mentor Nurse entrepreneurs use their professional nursing experience and education to start their own business in the healthcare industry. Businesses established by nurse entrepreneurs may include developing and selling a home health product or medical device, or offering independent nursing services, such as patient care, nursing education, home health and/or consulting services. A nursing career path that offers independence and autonomy, becoming a nurse entrepreneur requires creativity, hard work and strong business skills. 47. Nurse Blogger or Content Creator Side GIG 49. Surgical First Assistant Nurse A Surgical First Assistant is usually the  surgical assistant with the highest level of expertise and training. While first assistants are expected to perform different tasks at different medical locations, they are generally trained and certified to perform and be proficient in the following tasks among others: Cauterizing wounds and vessels Packing sponges in body Positioning patient to maintain circulation and access for surgeon Placing clamps and sutures Closing skin with adhesives, sutures or staples etc. Applying direct pressure on veins and tissue Performing or aiding in patient suction, drainage and irrigation Hemostasis: The stopping of excess bleeding and blood flow Immobilizing patients on the operating table 49. Clinical Editor Scholarly journals, databases, and publishers hire advanced practice nurses to write, edit, and peer-review their content. As an expert in his or her specialty, the nurse practitioner editor is responsible for developing and maintaining proprietary clinical content as well as critically appraising the work of others. Generally these positions require a doctorate degree such as the Doctor of Nursing Practice or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. Consider looking at companies like Wolters Kluwer, EBSCO, Springer Publishing, and Jones & Bartlet. 50. Nursing Educator Corrdinator A nurse care coordinator is a nurse who specializes in organizing patient care and treatments by incorporating all members in the care team. They usually focus on patients with specific diagnoses such as diabetes, asthma, heart failure, etc. Care coordination helps prevent fragmented care and helps patients seamlessly transition from one care area to another. In today's complicated world of healthcare, patients need someone to help navigate them throughout the care continuum. Nurse care coordinators help to: Improve patient care outcomes Improve access to care Decrease healthcare cost Prevent hospital readmissions Promote continuity of care 51. Advanced Practice Nurse (Nurse Practitioner, CRNA, Certified Nurse Midwife) Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), must have at least a master's degree in their specialty role. APRNs also must be licensed registered nurses in their state, pass a national certification exam, and have a state APRN license. Types Of Nursing Jobs And Salaries: How They Relate The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for registered nurses to grow by 15% between 2016-2026. A nursing career can provide personal growth, solid earnings, and an increasing level of responsibility as you progress through your career. To really thrive, many RNs earn additional certifications, go for an advanced degree, and specialize in one particular area of nursing. This increases earning potential by helping them qualify for positions at more prestigious hospitals. Some advanced practice RNs can even open their own clinics. The savvy nurse will fully engage in the job search process, which can include making sure all of the tools in his or her nursing career toolbox are ready to be used at a moment’s notice. If you approach the job search process with an open mind and a sense of curiosity and adventure, there’s much to learn about both yourself and the nursing profession along the way. These amazing opportunities and so much more! I hope you enjoyed this read and found it helpful. I know how thankful I am for this amazing profession and love to share it with you! Tori's Tips on NICU NURSE 101: See Blog Post ​ Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com Instagram @nurse.tori_

So you want the “Real Tea” on Nursing in 2021. I’m spilling it all here for you! I am talking Degrees, Certifications, Modern Day Nursing Perspective, No filter here! Let me start at the beginning. My name is Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. I have worked bedside as a nurse since 2013. Since then, I have seen a large shift in healthcare as whole. I have worked bedside (Full time, part time, days/nights, staff & travel RN, as a NICU, Pediatric CC Float RN CVICU, Oncology, PICU, NICU RN) etc. I have met many nurses, MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, RTs, RDs, OTs, etc. along the way and have been gathering so much knowledge along the way. And I want to share it all here with YOU!! But I didn't want to do this alone, I wanted to bring along another expert in the field. Someone who has seen the Nurse world like I have, but in different ways. Therefore, I recruited my co-host / guest of the Cellfie Podcast Show & dear friend Samantha MSN RNC C-NPT, or better known on Instagram as @heysamanthaa! We collaborated to bring you guys nothing but the best of all things Nursing 101! She is a Nurse, Professor, and Blogger! She graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2011 and began working in a Level IV NICU. Collectively we decided to bring you the latest. The "Real Tea" and a Birds Eye view of the Nursing world, with a 2020 modern day perspective!! Raw, Real, Unfiltered! We are Servin it up real! I am joined by fellow nurse, professor, (Pediatric Flight Nurse) blogger, instagram curator, Samantha Manassero. We are giving all the juice on the current state of nursing, 2020 real tea nurse perspective, Degrees, Certifications, Mindset, Resources, Tips & Tricks to land that job, and much more! We discuss the who, what, how, & why with a Bird’s eye view of Nursing today. 20 Things to Know About Nursing in 2020 #1. 2020 Whelp that was a Sh*T Show.... "Year of the Nurse & Midwife." Not sure if that was what we had in mind! Proving our love of nursing via World Pandemic. Honestly guys, this past year has been nuts. ANYONE working in healthcare can attest to this. To this day, as I am writing this, things are changing. (August, 2020) (Policies, Evidenced-Based Research, standards, priorities, etc). And to be honest, this isn't going to stop anytime soon. We are going to keep learning, shifting, changing plans. Thus is healthcare. No fluff here my "Tipster" fam, healthcare is a BEAST! And apparently it took a pandemic to expose its true dragon size. #2 Good Things Are Actually Happening, Yes I said that. This might be hard to believe. I have spoken on the podcast about it a few times, but good things are happening. This pandemic has really forced the world to come together. For heatlh care to expose itself. One of the greatest things I was able to witness was a daily update from healthcare providers from around the world contributing to a private FB group. MDs, NPs, PAs, DOs, Internal Med, Surgeons, RNs, RTs, all collaborating to beat this virus. Ok long story short, it sparked something. Let's keep it going. Your innovation is needed here. #3 It is Overwhelming to Choose a Nurse Specialty Trust me, modern day Nursing is vast!!! AND No one who comes into Nursing knows (exactly) what they want to do! Even nurses who are "Die Hards" for a unit in the beginning part of their career might experience Burnout. Nursing is one of the few careers that offers an OVERWHELMING amount of options. It's ok, deep breaths. Hustle hard, move forward, and your career will unfold. Trust me, I have had opportunities I never thought of when I started my career 8 years ago. Also, It’s also ok to change your mind! If you try something and hate it, it's ok to change your mind. #4 I don't like Nursing, What Else Can I Do?! Thank God! There are so many different paths to consider. You guys nurses are literally taking over the world. Literally and figuratively. There are soooo many specialties to choose from in the Nursing world. Where can you find nursing jobs away from the bedside? Here are some places to look for alternative nursing careers, along with the non-bedside nursing jobs you may find yourself taking: Physician offices, if you’re looking for an administrative role with limited patient care responsibilities Research laboratories, if you want to study diseases, test new medicines, and work closely with scientists, physicians, and patients Nursing care facilities, hospitals, and clinics with open administrative and managerial positions Pharmaceutical companies, if you are looking for patient education or sales rep roles Private and public education institutions, if you want to become a nurse educator State, public and government institutions, if you’re looking for public health roles such as School Nurse, where you work to educate entire communities Insurance and law firms, if you want to specialize in medical laws and assist in legal claims related to malpractice, accidents and workers’ compensation Private companies, for occupational nursing roles Non-bedside Nursing Careers Options Nowadays there are increased opportunities for nurses to leave traditional patient care environments and work as informaticists, analysts, and consultants, as well as project management, implementation, sales, and leadership roles. Nurse Health Coach Nurse health coaches work one-on-one with clients to help them achieve wellness goals, maintain healthy lifestyles, and prevent future health conditions. Working in healthcare facilities, insurance companies, and social service agencies, their duties include developing diet plans, establishing safe exercise routines, and monitoring and motivating their clients. Depending on the employer, nurses may enter this field with an associate degree, although the best paying positions require a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and/or a certificate in nutrition. Median Salary: $47,000 Legal Nurse Consultant The field of legal nurse consulting offers well-paying alternative careers for registered nurses. These specialized nursing professionals research medical and disability cases, employment records and other relevant documents, prepare summaries, and make recommendations that inform legal proceedings, law enforcement investigations, and insurance cases.Licensed RNs who have completed at least an associate degree may enter this field. Employment options increase for RNs who hold a BSN and a record of clinical and case management experience, paralegal training, or specialized legal certification. Median Salary: $78,000 Occupational Nurse Employed primarily in businesses, occupational nurses work with executives and managers to ensure the health and safety of employees. They investigate and treat work-related injuries and illnesses and identify workplace hazards. Occupational nurses help management develop safety policies and provide workshops for employees on healthcare issues and prevention.Licensed RNs who have completed a BSN earn the most competitive salaries for this role, one the best nursing jobs outside hospital settings. Employers generally prefer to hire professionals holding specialized certifications from the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses. Median Salary: $69,000 Nurse Midwife Advanced practice registered nurses looking for unique nursing jobs with a specialized focus find rewarding opportunities and high salaries in nurse midwife positions. Employed in hospitals, obstetric clinics, and increasingly in private practice, nurse midwives specialize in prenatal care, labor and delivery reproductive health, and gynecological care.Although each state maintains its own licensing and certification regulations, nurse midwives typically hold an RN license, a graduate degree with a nurse midwife concentration, and certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board. Median Salary: $97,000 Nurse Educator The demand for nurse educators has expanded as more students enter nursing school and as working nurses seek out continuing education credits to fulfill licensing renewal requirements. Working in academic institutions and training hospitals, nurse educators design and teach curriculum for diploma, associate, bachelor’s, graduate, and continuing education programs.Careers in nursing education generally require a graduate degree, increasingly at the doctoral level. In addition to clinical experience and advanced graduate training, candidates for nurse education positions must obtain the certified nurse educator credential. Median Salary: $76,000 #5 You have JOB SECURITY (to a point) The projected need for nurses continues to rise. Our patient populations are getting sicker and sicker. There is always a need for nurses and pretty much anywhere you look (Indeed, Monster, Linkdin), you will see nurse jobs. Mk, well you know I give nothing but the real tea here. In my 8 year career, there were two times I experienced that stomach drop, where I knew my job was on the line. The first time was 6 months into my career. My hospital went through a house wide lay off due to budget cuts. The second time was actually during this pandemic. At the beginning of the pandemic the Pediatric population was not affected by this virus. While our friends in the adult world were running around like chickens with their heads cut off, Pediatric world was SLOW. So slow some of us (including Per Diem Nurses) were in jeopardy of loosing our jobs! Fortunately, things picked up and it turned around for our shifts. BUT I think it is silly to say we are untouchable. Anyone can loose a job! #6 Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage! I personally think this is one of the most under estimated tools you have. Spruce up that Linkdin account! Linkdin acts not only as a platform but also search engine. I think it is always a good idea to have that thing up to date! You never know the opportunties a recruiter want to offer you. After you get the year or two of experience, the world is your oyster. Head over to check out jobs, and network with people! #7 Nurses Make Money Honey! Yep we do! Not even guna lie about that one. Now, keep in mind, rates & salaries vary from state to state and even region. Every hospital organization is different. For example, I have worked two NICU per Diem jobs simultaneously & one job made $16 more than the other job. In addition, I must say this. As a bedside nurse, the way to increase pay is in "Lateral" moves. Meaning, I left my Clinical Nurse II job, and took another Clinical Nurse II job making $10 more an hour. Same position, but the organization viewed my experience and therefore my starting pay was valued higher. Hence why so many nurses move jobs nowadays. (For those who seek increased pay opportunities). 2020 Top Paying Nurse Jobs Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist - $167,950 General Nurse Practitioner - $107,030 Clinical Nurse Specialist - $106,028 Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner - $105,658 Certified Nurse Midwife - $103,770 Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse - $102,487 Pain Management Nurse - $101,916 Nursing Administrator - $99,730 Family Nurse Practitioner - $98,408 Registered Nurse First Assist - $96,418 Gerontological Nurse Practitioner - $89,637 Nurse Educator - $81,350 Informatics Nurse - $79,014 Critical Care Nurse - $74,588 Health Policy Nurse - $71,703 #8 COVID isn’t FUN! FULL SHADE here. You guys, its hard. No lie. Regardless of the setting we work, working throughout this pandemic is HARD. No lies here, this is the most difficult time so many nurses have ever (and fingers crossed) will ever see in our nursing career. Nurses have been asked to step up to a plate we never asked for...I am not shying away from this conversation. Nurses have quit their job. Yes, that has happened. Honestly, I don't blame them. I feel fortunate, I never felt that my care to a patient or family felt that it jeopardized my health. However, so many nurses around the country felt unsupported in protecting their health. This is where I caution you...make sure you feel safe and supported in your working environments! That includes PPE, patient ratios, pay, and overall work environment. COVID will pass....make sure your work supports you in each way. Trust me, if it doesn't, there are plenty of places to try!!! #9 Becoming A Nurse = Lifelong Learning For some reason, I never realized this while deep in my studies at U of A, #beardown! I guess I never realized this aspect of nursing. We are in the business of humans. Things have changed drastically since I started as a nurse 8 years ago. New practices, evidence based research, equipment, priorities of care, etc. Not to mention the fact that you must obtain 30 CEUs every 3 years to maintain your license. Trust me, it's not as bad as you think. (COVID aside), going to a conference with my friends for a weekend away from the hospital is actually kind of fun. Often times hospitals require classes for specialties (Cardiac, Surgery, ECMO, practice updates, etc) where you can also earn CEUs. #10 You Are Going to Battle “BURNOUT” For some reason, the modern day nurse is feeling this more and more. Whether it is the pressures of bedside care, patient ratios, human energy exchange, physical labor, long commutes, demands from management, working with humans at their best & worst, demands from families, working during a pandemic, okkk you get it. This is something you will face. And trust me, it is hard to overcome. Working as a nurse is honestly quite glorified. Like anything there is good with bad. Yes, we can work 3 days a week, but more than likely every nurse will tell you at least 1 or 2 of those days is recovery. Yes, we make good/decent money, but there are shifts you can’t even break to pee, sit down, or drink water. Yes, we have the gift of helping someone daily, but there are patients/families who cuss, spit, kick, yell, bite (yes bite). Yes, there are a lot of opportunities for us in the nursing world, but the expectations are also going up (certifications, patient satisfaction, outcomes, appeasing management). Yes, we are the most trusted professions, but we are often one of the least respected/valued. But, we still love it. We are still here showing up for our patients & families. We are still advocating for those orders, plans of care, the extra blanket, sneaking the cup of coffee, explaining that thing one more time, calling that MD for that “gut feeling,” speaking up for the parent who doesn’t understand, calling the lab one more time, catching an incorrect dose before it affects a patient, running to supply one more time for XYZ, paging the consult MD again to update patient bedside, comforting a family member who is helpless, precepting the new generation of nurses, advising the new generation of MDs, etc. You get the point. #11 Treat Yo Self. Self Care is Essential! It is really hard to explain the deep core exhaustion you feel coming home. Whether it is from clinicals or your crazy unit, I can truly speak to the pure fatigue you feel walking in the door. Heart pounding, slip the shoes off, deep breath as you walk in the door. Hand me a shower beer as you try to lift your leg over the bath tub in the shower kind of tired. You guys, I live it. I get it. Which is why I am a FIRM believer in fillin that cup. I get it, we all have stages of life. Maybe you are a mom, and you don't have an option for my favorite (pre-COVID massage or facial), maybe its a trip to target (without the kids!), a manicure, the burger you were craving, a hike, a picnic, a drink with a friend, etc. Bottom line, make sure you are feeling like a human. Because trust me! Nothing worse than a crusty nurse caring for patients. Doesn't go so well. #12 If You Hate Your Nurse Job, Change It! I talk about this all the time via Instagram (@nurse.tori_) & podcast (Nurse Tori Cellfie Show) If you hate your job, change it! There are wayyyy too many Nurse jobs & opportunities out there to complain, bitch, moan about a job. If you are unhappy, figure out a way to change that for yourself. I am very pro "Gary Vee" way filled with opportunity and the idea that YOU HAVE ONE LIFE TO LIVE! HOW DO YOU WANT TO SPEND IT?! #13 Get Nosey!!! Ask people around you....You guys I don't think this generation appreciates it enough! People around you are full of advice, life adventures, pieces of wisdom. I can not explain to you the amount of times I have learned something from someone just by asking "How is your day going," "Do you have kids," "Have you always worked here," ....the things that pop up in conversation always surprise me!!!! #14 Fun Nurse Jobs! Burned out? Whelp good news for you! There are plenty of jobs to consider. I did a little research & discovered these jobs in a search. Just had to show you that there is something out there for every nurse! Here we go........ Camp Nurse The Association of Camp Nurses (ACN) believes that there is a camp for everyone. As a nurse, determine what type of camp would benefit most from your expertise and background. Some camps focus on youths with cancer, adults with mental disabilities, or other special populations. Camps may also specialize in a type of activity (e.g. horsemanship, trip camping), offer high adventure programs (e.g. white-water canoeing), or provide a broad, general program with waterfront activities, archery, crafts, tenting experiences, and/or various sports. Camps are administered by churches, agencies (such as Girl/Boy Scouts or the YMCA/YWCA), and even private corporations or individuals. NASCAR Nurse It takes a lot of people to run the NASCAR races and that includes medical staff. As senior director of NASCAR’s Medical Liaison Department, Lori Sheppard, RN manages the day-to-day operations of her department and focuses on the medical needs of the racing series. “Our team provides a constant line of communication with race teams, monitors their progression through follow-up care and their return to competition. We also work with NASCAR’s Research and Development team in the never-ending effort to improve safety,” she says. She works with several other full-time nurses at the NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, FL. During the season, her duties also include visiting nearly 30 race tracks in 25 states and in Canada. Medical Script Nurse Have you seen how many new medical television shows are running on network and cable stations? And think of all of the movies you’ve watched which have dramatic scenes in hospitals. In order for these to look and feel authentic, nurses and other healthcare professionals are often consulted to make sure their usage of medical equipment, vocabulary, and procedures is correct. While this job is certainly glamorous, like most Hollywood jobs, it’s about who you know. Greg Spottiswood, creator and executive producer of the Canadian drama, Remedy explains. “What you do is you meet with that person, you talk about the show and you take their temperature in terms of their interest in doing this kind of work. It’s not like one puts an ad in the newspaper.” This is a great career if you can keep getting work, but you would probably be wise to keep your day job as well. Disney Nurse Can you think of any other type of nursing specialty where you can call on Mickey Mouse or a princess to make a patient feel better? Cheryl Talamantes, RN, BSN serves as the Guest Service Manager for the Disneyland Resort. She has been a nurse for 34 years and describes what it’s like to work at the theme park: “Guests come from all over the country and the world, and there are situations where we are working through language barriers as well as cultural traditions,” she says. “In addition to having First Aid locations in each of our parks, we have a response location for our hotel guests.” In the job as a Disney nurse, you may find yourself climbing down into a submarine or up the stairs to a treehouse to treat someone. “We work around the entertainment and also support four marathons a year. We have a large population of people in the resort on any given day which means we can see and respond to just about anything. So our nurses need to have strong assessment skills and be comfortable in the first responder roles while working with all age groups,” Talamantes adds. Yacht Nurse The staff on chartered luxury yachts must provide first-class service to all their guests. One of these services is on-demand medical care. The crew on a yacht is generally small, requiring nursing skills on a limited basis, so nurses choosing this career should be prepared to also act as a stew or deckhand. Most crew nurses live in very cramped quarters while on charter, but the money they make and the experiences they have on days off, more than make up for it. A similar specialty is being a Cruise Ship Nurse. Show Me Nursing Programs Flight Nurse Flight nurses accompany patients as they are being transported by aircraft. Most of these patients require advanced critical care and the flight nurses are ultimately responsible for all direct patient care during transportation. They often work with flight paramedics in rendering basic and advanced life support and treating acute trauma. Because of the unique setting (helicopters and airplanes), flight nurses are also required to complete Department of Transportation Air Medical Curriculum. There are also weight restrictions imposed in order to safely accommodate the rest of the crew and medical equipment. For further information on certification as a flight nurse, see the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN) website. Transgender Youth Nurse With a greater awareness and acceptance of the transgender population, more and more patients are seeking medical care and at younger ages. The Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles sees many of these young patients. Bianca Salvetti, a nurse practitioner there says,“We usually have a waiting list of 100 now, and have been adding 5-6 patients per week.” “Many young people have had these feelings for a long time and just didn’t know how to articulate them.” The hospital provides hormone treatments, pubertal blockers, chest binders and outpatient surgery. “The best part of this job is helping somebody become their authentic self. They usually don’t see happiness at the end of the tunnel. I like being part of the team that helps them get to a place where they can be who they really are,” she says. She helps educate her patients, making sure they understand how to give themselves their hormone injections, apply binders for their chests, or just deal with their day-to-day issues. Health Policy Nurse With the healthcare system getting increasingly complicated and expensive, some nurses are advocating for change to make it more accessible and affordable. Health policy nurses do not work with patients at a clinical level. Rather, they work to influence and create public policies that will ultimately lead to a healthier population. You can find them in research firms, government offices, and healthcare organizations. With this wide variety of work settings, an average salary for a health policy nurse is difficult to determine. However, one website estimates that average to be around $95,000 annually. In addition, because global health policy requires a broader view of the healthcare system, health policy nurses should hold advanced degrees. Nurse Health Coach Personal coaches have become increasingly sought after. From nutrition and fitness to careers and business, and even relationships and love, coaches can be found in almost any aspect of our lives. With a greater focus on the individual, personal health coaches can promote wellness, resiliency, and quality of life by guiding their patients to strategies for a healthier lifestyle. They serve to bridge the gap between your doctor visits and everyday life. These nurse health coaches work in a variety of settings, including insurance companies, corporations, consulting firms, and many are self-employed with their own practice. Aspiring coaches should complete some form of healthcare or medical degree. Afterward, they should seek additional certification from organizations such as the National Society of Health Coaches or complete a coaching program at an accredited college Cannabis Nurse As more states realize the benefits of medical marijuana and make it legal, desperate patients will need guidance on how to properly use these substances to treat their often life-limiting illnesses and conditions. That’s where the Cannabis Nurse comes in. Because of marijuana’s unique status of federal illegality, cannabis nurses must also assist their patients in navigating these gray areas and empower their patients with information to discuss with the rest of their healthcare team and loved ones. Any licensed nurse can become a cannabis nurse and the American Cannabis Nurses Association offers a thorough education on this emerging specialty #15 There are MANY TYPES of Nursing Degrees! Let’s Break it Down When it comes to nursing degrees, there are many different options to fit your career and income goals, timeframes, lifestyle, and budget. There are so many ways to become a Nurse. From education that takes a few months to several years, and includes fundamental nursing skills to advanced specialized practice, there are few professions that offer more varied opportunities than nursing. CNA LVN ADN BSN ABSN MSN Doctorate (DNP) PhD 1. Certified Nursing Assistant Common job titles at this level include: certified nursing assistant (CNA), registered nursing assistant (RNA), licensed nursing assistant (LNA), direct care worker, care assistant, home assistant or personal care assistant. Time to Completion: A few weeks to a few months, with a combination of schooling and hands-on clinical experience. After completion, students must take a state test to become certified; requirements vary widely from state to state. 2. Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Degree Of all the nursing certifications, LPN or LVN programs are the quickest and most convenient options. Because training can be completed at a hospital, vocational technical school, community college and even online, LPN/LVN programs are ideal for students who work or have other obligations. Time to Completion: About one year. Career Paths: This flexible, fast-paced program equips students with the most basic skills for becoming a nurse. Completion of an LPN/LVN program makes graduates eligible for licensure after they pass a state-administered nursing exam called the NCLEX-PN. 3. Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) An associate of science degree in nursing program (ASN) provides graduates with more technical skills and, for 30% of graduates, serves as the stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). This degree option is ideal for those who want to begin a career as an RN, but are not currently working as an LPN or LVN. Time to Completion: About two-three years. Night and weekend courses offered at community colleges or vocational schools make this degree another ideal option for students who are juggling other responsibilities. Although often longer due to pre recs prior to applying to the program. 4. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) (Most common Today) When considering the different types of nursing degrees it’s important to understand that a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree is preferred by most health care providers and offers a broader range of career opportunities in today’s health care field. Time to Completion: Four years. A BSN program involves an extensive amount of coursework and lab time. While some BSN degree programs include a mix of on-campus and online classes, clinical experiences are always completed onsite at a college campus or hospital. 5. Second Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing A Second Degree BSN, sometimes called an ABSN, is designed for adults with a non-nursing bachelor’s degree who wish to transition their career into the nursing field. Time to Completion: A Second Degree BSN typically takes two years or less, since these programs will give credit for previously completed liberal arts requirements. Online programs are available for students who need more flexibility, and some schools offer an accelerated BSN (ABSN) programs that can be completed as quickly as 12 to 20 months. In addition to challenging coursework, students need to account for time spent completing clinical rotations. 6. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program enables a nurse to specialize in different types of nursing through advanced clinical training and research. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for nurses to further their education. Time to Completion: Typically 18-24 months. MSN programs—offered online or in a more traditional on-campus format—are very rigorous, as students are learning about an advanced specialty. Most programs require students to complete a final thesis or project. 7. Doctorate Nursing Degree Programs While all levels of nursing are expected to see high growth, nurses with doctoral degrees are projected to have tremendous job demand over the next decade. These programs prepare nurses for careers in health care administration, clinical research and advanced clinical practice. Time to Completion: Three to five years, full-time including summers. Career Paths: A Doctorate of Nursing Education program develops advanced practice nurse specialist skills. A Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) program emphasizes clinical practice-oriented leadership development. 8. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs prepare nurse scholars and researchers to make a meaningful impact on the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and health care delivery as a whole. Time to Completion: Four to five years full time, with part-time options available. While students won’t complete clinical hours, they will be required to complete extensive research and a final dissertation. In general, PhD programs are not suited for juggling coursework with a job.Nurses with a PhD are qualified for many facets of professional and scholarly roles, from research to public policy formation to leadership in health care delivery and education. #16 Advanced Nurse Degrees What is Advanced Practice Nursing? So, for whatever reason. This concept really confused me. Basically what it boils down to is...NOT ALL MSN DEGREES ARE MADE EQUAL. Meaning some MSN degrees are geared towards Leadership/Education/Management and others are in ADVANCING YOUR SCOPE OF PRACTICE. APN Degrees that INCREASE you SCOPE of PRACTICE as a NURSE. And how do you become an advanced practice nurse? A nurse with a master’s degree is called an advanced practice nurse (APN), and they come in four varieties: Nurse Practitioner (NP) – Nurse practitioner’s provide basic care focused on a specific population or health need, with the ability to write prescriptions. Family nurse practitioners are an example of this. Certified Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) – Certified nurse anesthetist’s administer anesthesia for all types of surgery. Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) – Clinical nurse specialists provide specialist care in a number of areas: cardiology, oncology, neonatology, OB/GYN, pediatrics, neurology, and mental health. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) – Nurse-midwives provide prenatal care, delivers babies, and provide postpartum care to normal healthy women. Advanced practice nursing is thriving in today’s health care industry with the nursing shortage. APNs deliver services that were previously delivered by physicians. Nurse Practice Acts vary widely among states, and they define just what advanced practice nurses can do. #17 Know Your Intention to Advance the Nurse Degree For those of you unfamiliar, it is very "in vogue" to advance one's nursing degree. (NP, CRNA, Midwife etc). Hospital organizations are encouraging degree advancements, roles in education/leadership etc. require higher degrees. The "anti" keeps going up. Before you go back to school or make the decision to increase that degree I want to get in your ear. I am here to really encourage you to do what is right for YOU! (Not your employer, not your friends or family, not outside voices). Here's what I want you to do: Tune it out! What do you want? Here are things I think are very important to consider when you are thinking of advancing your degree. What Setting You Want Clinic, hospital, outpatient, acute care What is Your $$ Financial Gain $$ Considering loans for school and payoff long term. Will your employer kick in for education? The STATE you Live in CA vs TX (very different dynamics) Are you independent or under an MD/DO supervision How much $ will you make in the role you desire? Time of Your Life AKA Family Planning Time studying/in school Lifestyle You Want 3 shifts/week 5 days a week, 40 hours. Per Diem vs Full time The Setting You Want to Work Office vs. hospital Telehealth vs. home health Private Practice vs. Union Organization Change in the Nurse Role Prescribing, Diagnostics, Reviewing Labs Procedures (Chest Tubes, Intubating, Central Lines etc). Internist role Out patient role Grad School Application Requirements Grades start to expire after 5-7 years. May have to retake classes to apply for school #18 Keep Options Open - Be Open to New Opportunities ! My basic concept here is, be open to ideas! I guess I think, never say never and I am not one for turning down opportunities. If something lands in your lap, go for it! You never know where something may lead. I have had several opportunities come from sought roles, and others presented by management or outside providers/companies. I love this world of healthcare and where we are going...more access to people who need it, more education to the people who need it, in the places (internet, phone, apps) they need it. Our roles as nurses are constantly changing and evolving. Be open to the change and opportunities ahead. #19 Social Media 101 I have so many opinions about this topic. Far bigger than this blog. So much so that I have decided to bring on an expert in the social media field with me!! Oct 2020 I am bringing on a Nurse, Youtube sensation, Instagram curator, and social media expert to help me talk ALL things social media / healthcare 101. #20 You Do You Boo! The bottom line here is you need to do what is right for you! The big world of nursing can be very intimidating and overwhelming. My hope it that this blog, my podcast, and instagram can give you a little insight into the world of nursing! I have multiple episodes featuring the many aspects of nursing (Bedside, NP, NICU, CVICU, CRNA, NNP, Flight Nursing, Cosmetic Nursing etc.) Head over to check it out to learn more.... #21 BONUS Check out PICMONIC if you are in Nursing, NP, PA, Med School! This has been my go to study tool for the past year and WISH I had this during Nursing school (back in my day this wasn't an option). Picmonic was established in 2011 by two medical students to help students retain and recall the large amount of facts studied in medical school. Picmonic name is a portmanteau of Picture and mnemonic. As for 2017, the website contains more than 1000 audiovisual picmonics. Better than flashcards, Picmonic is the study tool of choice for learning thousands of the most difficult to remember and most frequently tested topics, board exam prep and more. Our research-proven methodology incorporates the best study techniques by: Transforming forgettable facts into memorable stories and characters Covering an extensive library of study aids featuring need-to-know facts Providing a comprehensive learn-review-quiz study app system Don’t let anyone sway your decisions. It’s your life Tori Meskin BSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Podcaster. Tori has been a clinician since 2012, works in acute care/inpatient NICU & Pediatric settings in southern California. She is a blogger, podcaster, NICU & Pediatric Critical Care RN, Sponsored Capella University MSN student, a Barco Uniforms Ambassador & Brave beginnings Ambassador. She has obtained her National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) & has previously worked as a travel nurse, pursuing bedside experiences in several NICU settings. Follow her as she shares her NICU journey married life & juggles work, school, content creation, & brings you top notch Tips & Tricks along the way. Find her at www.tipsfromtori.com or info@tipsfromtori.com