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20 Things to Know About Nursing in 2021

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


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.


  1. What Setting You Want

    1. Clinic, hospital, outpatient, acute care

  2. What is Your $$ Financial Gain $$

    1. Considering loans for school and payoff long term.

    2. Will your employer kick in for education?

  3. The STATE you Live in

    1. CA vs TX (very different dynamics)

    2. Are you independent or under an MD/DO supervision

    3. How much $ will you make in the role you desire?

  4. Time of Your Life

    1. AKA Family Planning

    2. Time studying/in school

  5. Lifestyle You Want

    1. 3 shifts/week

    2. 5 days a week, 40 hours.

    3. Per Diem vs Full time

  6. The Setting You Want to Work

    1. Office vs. hospital

    2. Telehealth vs. home health

    3. Private Practice vs. Union Organization

  7. Change in the Nurse Role

    1. Prescribing, Diagnostics, Reviewing Labs

    2. Procedures (Chest Tubes, Intubating, Central Lines etc).

    3. Internist role

    4. Out patient role

  8. Grad School Application Requirements

    1. Grades start to expire after 5-7 years.

    2. 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....


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.

  • 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

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Oct 06, 2020

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