Tag: nursing
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Nursing Burnout and “Quiet Quitting”
I had the opportunity to go to a nursing conference recently where one of the speakers discussed burnout and the importance of re-charging our batteries. He also talked about “quiet quitting” and signs that someone has done so (or is getting close). Have you ever noticed these in a coworker? Becoming quiet at work– not…
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Same Salary/Same Job/Same Life
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do/with your one wild and precious life?” (Mary Oliver, The Summer Day) I’ve been on a Mary Oliver kick, especially since watching this documentary from PBS that popped up on YouTube. And I’m thinking about the prompt, if the salary was the same, what job would you…
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Life Changer
One life-changing tip: Small amounts add up. Whether that’s writing, studying, doing yoga, saving money, eating a little healthier, or going for a walk. Five minutes walking is better than none. One carrot stick is better than none! Five dollars saved is better than none. I used this tip a lot during nursing school. I’d…
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Infusion Center Questions: “What If I React?”
It’s a question I hear pretty often. “What if I react to my infusion?” Whether it’s an iron infusion, a chemotherapy infusion, or one of the other infusions we give, it’s a valid question. What happens next? Here’s a brief overview of what your nurse will do if you react to your infusion: There are…
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“Smart Chemo”/Antibody Drug Conjugates and Breast Cancer
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are transforming oncology treatment for breast cancer patients (and other patients, too! They can be used in different cancer treatment regimens.) ADCs are founded in the concept of a “magic bullet,” which was developed by Paul Ehrlich, the founder of chemotherapy treatment. Paul Ehrlich’s work was done over 100 years ago- he…
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Things Your Oncology Nurse Says Daily-Outpatient Edition!
“Let’s check your labs.” We check labs a lot! We want to make sure your “counts” are good for chemo. Or, we might check them if you come in for a triage visit to make sure that your hemoglobin, white blood cells, and platelets are okay. Sometimes, the problem is electrolytes like potassium, calcium, or…
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Why Small Meals Help During Cancer: A Nursing Perspective
“Everything tastes funny.” I hear this from patients all the time. When you’re going through cancer treatment, one of the most frustrating challenges can be eating. Food might not taste the same. “Everything tastes like cardboard” is something I hear on an almost weekly basis. Between nausea, fatigue, and low appetite, full meals can feel…
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3 Cancer Breakthroughs Everyone’s Talking About in 2026
There are actually some exciting things happening in the research world of oncology right now, even if you’re not a scientist! There are developments in not only treating, but monitoring, detecting, and preventing cancers, including some of the deadliest. These aren’t magic cures, but are gaining serious momentum. Here are three that experts are especially…
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Nurses Week and How Things are Going For Nurses (Hint: Not Great)
Nurses week is coming soon! In the U.S. It runs from May 6 (National Nurse’s Day) to May 12 (Florence Nightingale’s birthday and International Nurses Day). My hospital system will be celebrating from the 4th to the 8th or so. Interestingly (and in a rather timely manner if you ask me) a recent report came…
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Preventing Burnout-RN Edition
Nurses, I see you out there. I know that your job can be a lot. Some days are better than others, but sometimes it feels overwhelming. Certain fields such as ER nursing, ICU nursing, and oncology nursing can be particularly stressful. What is burnout? What are the signs of burnout? Is it avoidable? Let’s explore…