Finding calm in Chaos Nursing is often described as a calling, but let’s be honest—it’s also controlled chaos. From the constant beeping of monitors to the never-ending to-do list, finding even a moment of peace during a shift feels impossible. It’s no wonder burnout is so common. But what if there was a way to…
Let’s get one thing out of the way: I’m not a chef. I don’t wear a fancy apron, own a spiralizer, or know how to pronounce “vinaigrette” without overthinking it. I’m a nurse.
Nursing is a job where you’re constantly on your feet—literally and figuratively. From hauling IV poles to hoisting patients and dodging a suspiciously sticky spot on the floor, every shift is a workout in disguise.
Imagine you’re on a night shift—your third in a row. It’s 3 a.m., and the call lights seem to be synchronized to blink in unison. In moments like these, when coffee feels like a lifeline and your brain feels like it’s running on fumes, the thought of diving into a book on your next day off might sound laughable. But here’s the thing: the right books—ones that truly understand and speak to the challenges and triumphs of nursing—can be a lifeline of their own.
Because “Break” Doesn’t Always Mean Break We’ve all been there: it’s hour eight of a twelve-hour shift, and you’ve finally wrestled a moment to step away. You open the breakroom door, only to find a fluorescently lit battlefield—crumpled chip bags, abandoned coffee cups, and a mystery smell you don’t have the mental capacity to investigate….
You’ve been there: halfway through a 12-hour shift, one patient away from completely losing it, and your stomach starts growling louder than the call bell in Room 3.
It’s the start of 2025, and let’s be honest: New Year’s resolutions are tricky for nurses. Between juggling 12-hour shifts, caffeine-fueled charting marathons, and dodging call lights like a pro, the idea of carving out time for fitness feels… ambitious. But here’s the thing: staying active doesn’t have to mean dragging yourself to the gym before or after a shift (because, really, who has the energy for that?).
It’s the start of a brand-new year. You’ve survived the chaos of the holidays (and probably worked most of them). The patient call lights may have been flashing like Christmas tree lights, but now, with the calendar reset, you finally have a moment to breathe. It’s time to think about something other than charting.
Surviving the Holidays in the ED: Where “Festive” Feels Like a Four-Letter Word Let’s be honest — working in the emergency department during the holidays feels a little like being in the middle of a snowstorm with no coat. You’re cold, exhausted, and wondering why you didn’t just stay home. While the rest of the…