Relax Babe

I believe that we cannot know everything, yet. Human evolution is working towards building our minds, bodies, and environments to support understanding the universe, as weak as we understand the concept currently. I wonder if we should know everything, or if the constant search for knowledge is a circuit – that we feel purposeless without the pursuit so we created more to learn to continue to pursue?

When I started training with the third personal trainer in my life, it was the first time someone said he saw the passion in me and believed that I could look like Ronda Rousey. My first trainer never built the trust that I could, and perhaps it was because she did not know me before I started training. My second trainer never pushed me, and perhaps it was because I did not have the correct goal. When I started training and literally threw away any and all excuses, I was 175 pounds. I ate next to nothing, but made up for the calories in alcohol. I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve and I had watched this trainer as much as he said he watched me. When we entered into that contract, there were 3 rules: come with intensity, listen to his nutritionist, no alcohol for 3 months.    To be honest, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do (besides the work outs that followed, but short-term physical pain has always been easier to deal with than long...

What the Health is a new documentary that speaks on diabetes and the American diet. Well, did we really need this? If I told you "eat a Twinkie a day," you would probably think to yourself, how long will it take me to develop some sort of physical (I would also argue mental) health issue? You are smart. You are good. But sometimes the market and advertising can sway what you know to be true. Isn't that interesting? Advertising works? You must be smarter than the TV. It's much easier to avoid processed food, fast food restaurants, sugary candy --- when you don't ever see it. I know, it's impossible for most people to get away from the escapism that TV allows. It's hard for me to get away from the advertisements popping up in my email, my instagram, on my facebook stream. It's hard. But you need to be smarter. If you're not hungry, you're not hungry. If you are hungry, love yourself and take pride in your body. Give it nutrition...

Open communication is mandatory in today’s world. Employees will not follow leaders who work behind closed doors with no shared vision. But neither will patients. Strive to be ahead of the curve. You are getting paid to treat one patient at a time. Act like it. You may not like the idea that the hospital is a hotel, however in the OR, you should make your patient the king or queen of that room. When you open, get everything ready like you’re expecting the biggest celebrity of all time. Each time. Each patient. They deserve the best. When you go speak to your patient, look them in the eyes. Give them a handshake. Rest your hand on their side rail if you’re not sure touching is appropriate in their culture. Ask them how they are. You already know that they’re scared, anxious, tired, exhausted, worried, in pain. And that’s all because of their condition and plan of care. Honestly, they have no idea what’s in store for them on the other side. Even if t...

Recently I answered an email about fitness and I thought it might help others to see my side of the coin. Please let me know if you have any questions! I have a few questions. One water how much should I consume in one day?  Water consumption is based on weight. Definitely try for 16 ounces before and during your work out. It's a lot, and if you're not used to it you may need to pee during your work out (and all day). Your body will adapt and get used to the consumption and pee less over time. It's generally 8 ounces per body pound of weight, but some days I get even more just because I'm thirsty or I'm trying not to eat.   Is their anything else that is healthy to drink beside water? Water is the best because it has nothing added. If you drink something else, it technically does not count toward your overall water intake. If you need caffeine, tea and coffee (without anything added) are fine. Caffeine might make you less thirsty for water, so ...

Great! You got the call back and they want you. Whether or not you start before you take your NCLEX, there are a few guidelines for nursing residencies, especially in the OR. First, this is a real-life nursing job. Whether you’ve had a real job before, had a nursing job before, or never worked a day in your life besides school, this is completely different. Now that you’ve finished with school, you’re back in for more! This time there’s more at stake and there are a whole lot of relationships, connections, and bridges you need to harness. This is where life gets tricky. How many times did you procrastinate and do that assignment late because you knew you could? Now every day you have something due, and it is mostly mental and physical muscle memory, not a tangible paper essay. How many times did you sleep in a little, roll into class late, maybe talk to your professor once a month? Now every day you must be on time according to the clock, every day you...

I recently got asked to discuss interviews and residencies. For the sake of space and time, I’m going to split them up into two different posts. Interestly enough, I have interviewed a lot in my life. Generally speaking, the only time I wasn’t sure I would get the job was my first interview and my nursing school interviews. Also interesting, the only interviews I thought I bombed where the ones I was offered. Let’s start with prep. You’re going to need a resume and cover letter, you will be asked behavioral questions, and you will need to thank with whom you interview. Pretty straight-forward, no-fail ways to set yourself up for success for this interview on your part. Whether or not you get the job is surprisingly, most likely because the manager does not think you’re a right fit for the environment. Honestly, you should be thanking them for not making you truck through horrible training, debating staying for 2 years to get your experience, and allowing you t...