My earliest thoughts of what I would be ‘when I grew up’ was always “a nurse of course”! Why, I do not know, I did not come from a family of health care professionals, I was not sickly as a child with multiple hospitalizations, I just always KNEW, I would be a nurse. First Attempt at Nursing School After high school I was accepted to the nursing program at Long Beach State. That was in 1971 and the dorms were co-ed and sadly, I spent that year growing up, away from my overbearing father and well, did not attend many classes, resulting in an academic dismissal. That sent me on…
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What Nobody Tells You About Nursing Until You’re Already In It
I didn’t go to nursing school to become an insurance appeals specialist. Here’s What Nobody Tells You About Nursing Until You’re Already In It… Nobody does that. You go to nursing school because you want to help people. Because something in you responds to the idea of being present with someone in their most vulnerable moment and actually making a difference. That’s the story we tell ourselves on the way in. And it’s true, for some part of every shift. But there’s another part nobody warns you about. I spent a decade working in the ER as a case management nurse. And while the patient bedside work was everything I…
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Healthcare Illiteracy: The Hidden Barrier in Patient Care
In modern healthcare, clinicians rely on advanced technology, innovative treatments, and evidence-based practice to improve patient outcomes. Yet one of the greatest barriers to effective care is far less visible: healthcare illiteracy. Many patients struggle to understand medical information, instructions, and even basic terminology used during clinical encounters. As a result, they may leave healthcare settings confused, overwhelmed, or unable to follow their care plan. Health literacy expert Helen Osborne has spent decades studying how communication affects patient understanding. Her work reminds healthcare professionals that the success of treatment plans depends not only on clinical expertise but also on the clarity of communication. What Is Healthcare Illiteracy? This is a…
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Burnout Can Affect Anyone
Burnout can affect anyone. It’s not exclusively related to nursing and healthcare professions, although it is probably most associated with this industry. Being overwhelmed, overworked, underpaid, micromanaged, underappreciated, while feeling STUCK in the situation lead to symptoms of resentment, depression, sadness, and can quickly turn to full on BURNOUT! Our educational backgrounds prepared us with the hard skills and knowledge base to safely and effectively perform our jobs, but did not prepare us for coping with and overcoming the feelings and symptoms that lead us to want to quit and, in many cases, leave our professions completely. Not many things can be as disappointing. In recent years, self-care has become…
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A FREE Virtual Event you won’t want to miss!
Subject: A message about A FREE Virtual Event you won’t want to miss! I’m so excited to share an incredible FREE event with you! If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or disconnected from the reason you entered healthcare in the first place, this is exactly what you need. Imagine walking away with expert insights, actionable strategies, and real conversations that will reignite your passion and restore your sense of purpose. 🎉 That’s why I’m thrilled to invite you to Reignite Your Passion in Healthcare, happening March 28 – April 1, 2025! This virtual Masterclass brings together 21 industry experts, including myself, to share powerful insights, strategies, and tools to help…