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Do you want to become a nurse but not sure what type of job you’re looking for?  Are you an experienced nurse facing burnout and looking for a fresh start? Let me tell you, there’s more to nursing than just scrubs and stethoscopes. The beauty of nursing is that there are so many fulfilling roles to take on. This is the reason many of us became nurses in the first place. Nursing has gone through significant changes over the course of the 20th century. The role of the nurse was relatively limited in decades past. Previously, typical duties included administering medications, checking vital signs , and simply following the directions of the physician in charge.  Now, clinicians collect raw data, interpret findings, make diagnoses, and establish treatment plans. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the profession has continued to elevate its standards and offers the professional opportunities many of us are looking for.  So — What Does This Mean? As a veteran nurse, I’ve seen that the most common reason for individuals leaving the profession is burnout and emotional fatigue. We’ve all gone through tough shifts that leave us fried, numb, and frustrated. We’ve all had feelings of deep dread going into work, impending doom after a rough shift & thoughts like, "Is this really what I want to do the REST of my life?" The expectations seem to keep going up and up for bedside nurses, and people are leaving the profession altogether. So what can you do if you’re looking for a change? I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again — SHIFT AND PIVOT! Research new jobs, spruce up your portfolio, and dig deep to find out the move that makes the most sense for YOU! Once you realize how many options are out there, you may even feel a sense of freedom and excitement! One principle that will always exist in society is the necessity for those who care for physical and mental health. As a nurse, our holistic approach to caring for the body is appreciated by so many people and is being integrated into all sorts of new roles.  Curious what types of opportunities  are available? Check out these 51 nursing roles to spice up your career and make a change for the better! 51 ROLES A NURSE CAN CONSIDER! 1. Staff Nurse (ICU, NICU, PICU, L&D, pediatrics, med-surg, oncology, OR, ED, outpatient, you name it!) Most of us start here in our careers! While you may be burned out from being a bedside nurse there are so many different specialties you can transition to depending on where you have experience. Switching hospitals or departments is probably the easiest move to make as a nurse, as jobs are always available and facilities are always looking for new, excited staff to join their team! 2. Nurse Entrepreneurs Nurse entrepreneurs apply their nursing backgrounds and professional experiences to create a healthcare business. Much like entrepreneurs in other industries, they identify a need in the marketplace, conceptualize how to solve current problems, and build a business that meets these needs. They may offe r independent nursing services, such as private home care or consulting, or create and sell medical devices or hygiene products. 3. Transcultural Nurse Transcultural  nursing is a distinct specialty that focuses on celebrating cultural differences and incorporating culturally competent principles and values into care practices. These nurses often treat patients who are new to an area due to migration, immigration, or are refugees from an area of war or violence. As the world becomes more ethnically and culturally diverse, these nurses are always in high demand, especially in cities and urban areas.   4. Health Policy Nurse Health policy nurses  work to review and revise healthcare laws, policies, and regulations. Their goal is to improve care access and quality by enhancing care guidelines. They can work at the facility, region, state, federal, or global level — the opportunities are endless!  5. Fertility Nurse Fertility nurses help  facilitate the egg donation and implantation process, providing support and guidance to couples looking to conceive. Reproductive nurses  work with a team of specialized healthcare professionals in fertility  clinics, obstetric/gynecology offices, or egg donor centers. 6. Substance Abuse Nurse Substance abuse nurses provide emotional support and rehabilitative care to individuals who struggle with substance use. Because caring for patients requires knowledge of general medicine and psychology, substance abuse nurses receive training in both disciplines.  7. Genetic Nurse A genetics nurse is an RN with additional training and education in genetics. Genetic nurses care for patients who are at risk for or are affected by hereditary diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. In addition to providing direct patient care, genetics nurses also perform risk assessments, analyze the results and counsel patients on the ongoing management of their conditions or conditions they may be at risk for. 8. Research Nurse Research nurses   work collaboratively with physicians, research assistants, pharmacists, and data analysts to coordinate care for patients who are enrolled in IRB clinical research trials. These nurses assist in the assessment, management and coordination of care across the continuum (outpatient, inpatient and home health), including triage and proactive patient communication. 9. Occupational Health Nurse Occupational health nurses provide care to employees and workers of a particular company or organization. They focus on promoting health, preventing ailments and injuries, and protecting workers from occupation-related and environmental hazards. They also help ensure that employees who are injured on the job get the care they need and assist with disability forms and other insurance paperwork.  10. Nurse Health Coach Nurse  coaches use a variety of health -promotion and illness-prevention strategies to help their patients improve their overall health and well-being. They can work independently or through a health agency and may practice virtually (phone calls or telehealth video platforms) or provide in-person care. 11. Nurse Informaticist A nurse informaticist is someone skilled at identifying care deficiencies and innovating technological advancements to meet the needs of the changing healthcare environment. They act as liaisons between healthcare providers and technology companies to design products, tools, and charting platforms that improve the care delivery process. 12. Telemedicine Nurse Telehealth nurses, sometimes referred to as virtual care nurses, provide support and care to patients from a remote location. These nurses often work through email, video, or telephone platforms to triage patient needs and help find the care they need. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, this specialty has exploded, so there’s always an array of jobs available! 1 3. Nurse Writer A nurse writer creates informative content for nurses, patients and healthcare administrators to learn about healthcare specific news and policy changes. Sometimes these writers create clinical content, while others specialize in subjects like healthcare law or healthcare finance. This is a great path for someone who wants to step away from patient care and live with a more flexible lifestyle and schedule. 14. Infusion Therapy Nurse Infusion nurses provide medications through IVs, ports, and PICC lines. They often work in oncology offices, blood donation centers, or wellness clinics but can also provide home-based care to those that aren’t able to leave home. An infusion nurse is an integral member of the health care team and collaborates with physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists to ensure the vascular access device and medication being infused are the best options for the patient’s unique needs.  15.  Military, Navy, Air Force Reserve Nurse The Nurse Corps has five Reserve components and, although similar, each branch has its own commitment requirements: Army Reserve Navy Reserve Air force Reserve Air National Guard Army National Guard This is a great opportunity for nurses looking to gain leadership skills, travel the world, and serve their country. 16. Nurse Executive A nurse executive  often holds the most senior nursing position in their place of employment, and can even hold a title such as Director of Nursing. In order to be an effective nurse executive , RNs must clearly and effectively communicate with their nursing staff to help provide the best patient care possible.  This is obviously a role for those with clinical experience, but anyone can become an administrator after working for a few years. A good way to get started on this career path is to get involved in your organization’s nursing councils or committees. 17. Nurse Consultant Nurse consultants identify care delivery problems and develop solutions to improve patient outcomes. They usually work remotely but may also be asked to attend meetings and inspections at a hospital or care facility.  18. Aesthetic Nurse Aesthetic nurses provide cosmetic treatments and beauty services  to patients. While most work in private health clinics or offices, some work in plastic surgery centers. Common tasks include providing facials, injectables (fillers), Botox, and waxing services to patients. 19. Insurance Nurse Insurance nurses, formally known as legal nurse consultants (LNCs), provide assistance to law firms, government offices, and insurance companies. A legal nurse consultant has training as a registered nurse and provides an important service related to analyzing health care facts, issues, and outcomes for those in the legal and healthcare professions. Many nurses I know who work in this specialty do this in addition to their bedside jobs as supplemental income as the hours may fluctuate. 20. Quality Management Nurse A quality management nurse collaborates with a variety of healthcare professionals to improve care safety and quality. They investigate safety events and work to minimize future harm by collecting data and educating bedside clinicians. 21. Correctional Nurse Correctional nurses work in prisons, jails, and state penitentiaries, providing care to inmates and staff. Correctional nursing activities include patient assessment, medication administration, treatments and evaluation of their effects, crisis intervention, patient education and patient advocacy. This specialty is not for the faint of heart and comes with safety risks, but is known for being incredibly rewarding. 22. Postpartum Nurse A postpartum nurse cares for a mother and their newborn baby after the birthing period. These nurses utilize a strong set of skills to recognize and act upon postpartum emergencies for both patients. A large part of this nurse's job is teaching new mothers how to properly care for herself and their newborn after the delivery. 23. Cruise Ship Nurse Cruise ships are pretty much small cities floating in the water with the average cruise ship holding around 3,000 guests and crew members. Medical emergencies don’t stop on vacation, and as a cruise ship nurse you’d be there to get travellers back on their feet. Nurses who are looking to escape busy EDs and hospitals might find working on a cruise ship to be a dream job. 24. Forensic Nurse Consultant Forensic nurses care for patients who have been victimized by trauma, violence, and abuse. They often have experience working in the criminal justice system and are on the front lines when victims of crimes need help the most. They provide sensitive, compassionate care while meticulously collecting relevant evidence that may be needed later in court. Some forensic nurses choose to specialize in sexual assault/trauma by becoming certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE). 25. School Nurse School nurses care for children who fall ill or get injured while at school. They assist with medication distribution and communicate health concerns to parents and guardians. One of the major perks of being a school nurse is that you would follow the school calendar and usually wouldn’t have to work during school breaks and the summer holidays. 26. Emergency Flight & Transport Nurse A flight nurse is an RN  who provides emergency critical care to patients prior to arriving at the hospital. They usually work in helicopters, airplanes, and ambulances and are either employed by a healthcare facility or a third-party transport company. Check out the Podcast, featuring Samantha Manassero, Episode # 7  For all things Emergency Flight & Transport Nurse, FIRST HAND! 27. Triage Nurse A triage nurse  is a clinical health care professional who assesses patients and evaluates their symptoms to determine the level of care they need. They can work in emergency departments, with transport teams, with community health agencies, or may even work remotely. 28. Pain Management Nurse Pain management nurses are clinicians who specialize in the care of patients with chronic or acute pain. They are experts on pain management interventions and techniques and collaborate with doctors and surgeons to optimize a patient’s pain control to get them back to normal functioning as soon as possible. 29. Transplant Coordinator A transplant coordinator plans and coordinates all facets of care for potential and active transplant candidates and recipients. They manage referrals and evaluations, collect pre-transplant data, and coordinate the post-operative care delivery for patients after they have their surgery. While transplant coordinators don’t necessarily need to have a nursing background, many facilities look to hire nurses who have worked in transplant units for their high level of experience.   30. Psychiatric Nurse Psychiatric nurses specialize in mental health and care for individuals of all ages experiencing mental illnesses or distress. Common diagnoses you’d be expected to treat include schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts or ideation, psychosis, paranoia, and self-harm. 31. Infectious Control Nurse Sometimes referred to as infection control specialists or nurse infection preventionists, infection control nurses work to prevent, contain, and treat infectious diseases caused by agents like bacteria, parasites, viruses, and fungi. These clinicians must demonstrate a thorough understanding of anatomy, epidemiology, and pathophysiology. They also need to stay up-to-date on the latest infection prevention techniques to ensure patients receive the safest care possible. 32. Health Administration Nurse Healthcare administrators are concerned with day-to-day operations at a care facility. Their primary focus is to optimize staff management and administrative procedures to streamline care delivery. They usually report to healthcare managers or executives, and work within individual departments as supervisors or managerial support. 33. Disaster Management Disaster management nurses specialize in preparing facilities and clinical teams for emergency events like natural disasters, pandemics, and mass injury situations. Their primary duties include creating emergency preparedness protocols and educating clinicians on how to execute these plans in the event of a disaster.  34. Certified Nurse Midwife A midwife is a nurse who provides care to pregnant women and their families, assisting with all stages of the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum process. They provide lactation support, manage pain, and educate mothers and their partners how to provide safe infant care. In the U.S., certified nurse midwives (CNMs) have earned an advanced degree in addition to their traditional nursing education. 35. Plastic Surgery Nurse A plastic surgery nurse specializes in the reconstruction or restoration of a patient’s body. These nurses provide two types of treatment: Essential, critical treatment after motor vehicle accidents, burns, and other major traumas Aesthetic treatment to enhance the features of a patient at their request These clinicians can work in acute care hospitals, surgical centers, aesthetic clinics, and med spas. 36. Public Health Nurse Public health nurses help to develop health policies, advocate for health access, and educate policymakers on community health needs. They work at the local, regional, state, and federal levels to improve care quality and health outcomes of the population they care for. Topics of interest include:  Immunizations Infection prevention Environmental health  Opioid crisis response Sexual health promotion 37. Camp Nurse Camp nurses care for children and teens in a camp environment. These roles are usually temporary and can include seasonal work or contract work that lasts from days to months at a time. These camps house children, staff, and administrators in a setting that may be in the wilderness or some distance from a hospital or health clinic, so camp nurses are crucial for these populations. Common duties include administering medication, providing first aid, and intervening during emergencies. 38. N urse Coder A nurse coder is a clinician who translates diagnoses, procedures, and treatments into medical codes. They work to ensure the providers they work for get paid correctly for the services they provide. They also assist with billing and insurance claims. This is a non-clinical role. 39. Advanced nurse lactation consultant (ANLC) An advanced nurse lactation consultant (ANLC) is a nurse who has also earned their CLC or IBCLC in lactation management. They work to manage complex issues related to breastfeeding and human lactation. They often work in labor and delivery units or NICUs, but can also work privately, consulting in patient homes. 40. Hospice Nurse A hospice nurse cares for people who have been diagnosed with six months or less to live and have chosen hospice care at the end of life. Hospice nurses focus on providing comfort and enhancing quality of life rather than on curing disease or promoting healing.  They provide individualized care based on each person’s unique needs and work closely with each patient’s family members to establish a plan of care that meets the patient’s wishes. 41. Dialysis Nurse Dialysis nurses manage patients who are undergoing dialysis treatments. They have a thorough understanding of kidney functioning and are familiar wi th the signs and symptoms of fluid imbalance. They must know how to work the dialysis machine and troubleshoot in the event of a malfunction or emergency. These nurses work in acute care centers, dialysis clinics, or in a private health environment, administering dialysis in patient’s homes. 42. Travel Nurse Travel nurses  are registered nurses  who work in short-term roles at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities around the world. Travel nurses  help fill gaps in areas where there are nursing shortages and are usually employed by a third-party staffing agency instead of the hospital that they work in. Contract lengths can last from a single week to months at a time, depending on the needs of the hospital and the preferences of the travel nurse. This is a great opportunity for nurses who have worked for a few years and are looking to make a better salary while traveling around the country. 43. Vascular Access Nurse Vascular access nurses help insert IV catheters, PICC lines, port devices, and central line catheters. They generally work in acute care hospitals but can also work in specialty clinics or can provide care in patient homes. 44. Case Manager Case managers are registered nurses who work to coordinate the plan of care for patients. They ensure that patients get prompt and cost-effective treatment, prepare for discharge and have the supplies they need, and reduce the need for hospital readmission by following up with patients after they’ve gone home. They collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and insurance providers to resolve barriers to care and ensure appropriate interventions are made.  45. Concierge Nurse Concierge nurses provide individualized, non-emergency care to patients in their homes. They can provide a variety of specialty services, including wound care treatment, orthopedic rehab, infusion treatments, and medication administration. These nurses can work independently or can partner with an agency. This is a great option for nurses looking to set their own schedule and pay rate. 46. Wound Care Nurse Wound care nurses care for burns, wounds, sores, and incisions. They focus on assessing wounds, choosing the medication or ointment best suited to heal each injury, and dressing wounds with the proper bandages. These hospitals tend to work in acute care hospitals or long-term care facilities, but can also work for home health agencies. 47. Nurse Content Creator Nurse content creators share their nursing knowledge and experience on social media or in a blog, helping to empower those looking to become nurses or those just looking for a bit more insight into what goes on in the healthcare industry.  This is a rapidly growing profession, and nurses share their insights across platforms  like Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest, Lemonade, and Youtube. In this role, nurses generally work for themselves and are able to release content on their time. Many clinicians form partnerships with big companies and make money promoting their goods or services. 48. Nurse Coroner Nurse coroners work with law enforcement representatives, autopsy specialists, and other forensic investigators to shed light on the causes and circumstances surrounding an individual’s death. Usually, these clinicians work to identify the cause of death for people involved in accidents, homicides, suicides, or those that died under suspicious or unexplained circumstances. Their work helps to influence the development of laws, policies, and risk prevention strategies to prevent future incidents. 49. Clinical Editor Nurses are often hired by scholarly journals, databases, publishers, and healthcare organizations to edit and peer-review their content. As an expert in his or her specialty, a nurse editor is responsible for developing and maintaining proprietary clinical content as well as critically appraising the work of others. Most nurse editors work from home in a remote capacity. It’s important to note that these positions sometimes require an advanced degree, so be sure to check the job requirements for a position you’re interested in before applying to ensure you’re qualified.  50. Nursing Educator Nurse educators teach prospective nurses and those working at the bedside how to perform clinical skills. They can work for universities or health systems and can serve as clinical instructors, professors, or unit educators. 51 . Fitness Nurse Fitness nurses, sometimes called health coaches, work to promote patient health and wellness through fitness, mobility, and lifestyle education. They empower individuals and communities to adopt healthier habits to live more robust, fulfilling lives. Tori's Tips on NICU NURSE 101: See Blog Post ​ Tori Meskin MSN RNC-NIC. Nurse. Blogger. Content Creator. 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, S ponsored 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 Instagram @nurse.tori_

Back to the Dark Side! Night Shift Life. Survival Guide. Working the night shift is not for the faint of heart. Many of us in the healthcare field work on "the dark side," whether we want to or not. No matter what time you’re expected to show up for work, we all have to report for duty fully rested and prepared to give our best.  It’s imperative for those of us who work the night shift to get sufficient sleep, eat healthy meals, exercise, prioritize our mental health, and sustain close relationships. These things are hard enough to do on a normal schedule, and even more difficult for those of use with nontraditional work schedules.   While some true night owls prefer working while the world sleeps, most of us find it challenging to work through the night. If you are like me, you might find yourself spending a large chunk of time off recovering from the “jet lag” you feel after working a night shift.  Still, there are ways to prioritize your health and wellbeing  while working at night. You may even find ways to enjoy the night shift lifestyle! Here, I share a few key tips I have learned from working as a night shifter over the years that have helped me get through the work week. Hopefully, they’ll help you as much as they’ve helped me! 11 TIPS FOR NIGHT SHIFT WORKERS 1. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE This is easier said than done, but is always important to consider! Try to maintain a consistent schedule for working, sleeping, and recovering. This will obviously vary as you can’t predict every detail life will throw at you, but there are some things you can do to help yourself establish a routine.  For me the biggest tip here is to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day that you work .  Some nurses prefer to maintain their daytime sleep schedule on off days to keep their bodies and minds ready for work, while others prefer to adjust their schedule to match that of their family members and friends. The take home point here is to convince your body that it’s “bedtime” when you get home from work so that you are in a position to get a long, uninterrupted rest during the day. 2. MAKE YOUR BEDROOM A SANCTUARY Learning how to adapt to a different sleep schedule is one of the hardest obstacles that a night shift worker must master – especially since our sleeping pattern is one that is opposite to that of the majority of the population, including our family and friends.  The greatest threat to our health as night shifters is chronic sleep deprivation. Risks of sleep deprivation include increased chances of being involved in a car accident. These risks become exponentially higher as our lack of sleep worsens. Because most nurses drive to and from work, this impacts us on a huge scale, and is definitely something we should consider when starting out as a night shift nurse. One of the most frustrating things about trying to sleep as a new night shifter is that no matter how tired I was, no matter how hard I’d try to sleep, I’d often lay awake in the middle of the day thinking about the things I need to do, wishing I could enjoy the sunshine beating through my window. The only thing that helped me to sleep and turn my brain off was turning my bedroom into a sanctuary. This involved: Making the room dark (blackout blinds/curtains are a must). Making the room cold. Putting clean, soft sheets on the bed. Wearing an eye mask and earplugs. Using soft lighting like a salt lamp . Using apps like Calm or Headspace, or a white noise machine to fall asleep. If you have a partner or kids, make sure to let everyone know that your bedroom is off limits during the day while you sleep. Those of us that have worked night shift for years know that once you wake up, it’s difficult to fall back asleep. 3 . MEAL PREP Night-shift work may alter your eating patterns and food preferences. Good meal planning and food preparation  can go a long way in ensuring healthy eating habits for night shift nurses. Before grocery shopping, make a list to help you focus on buying healthy foods. Otherwise, you may be tempted to buy overly refined sugary snacks that provide quick energy but end up giving you a sugar crash in the middle of your shift. If you feel you don’t have time to do this the right way, consider getting your groceries or meals delivered to your doorstep. You’ll want to avoid getting take out or fast food meals if you can, though I’d be lying if I didn’t get the occasional Taco Bell after a rough night shift! 4. SHIFT PREP In all of my tips, you’ll notice that preparing  for night shift  is the key to success. In addition to preparing your meals, you’ll want to have your scrubs laid out, lunch prepped, bag packed, and car full of gas. Here are a few things I ensure are in my work bag ahead of time: Airpods Phone charger Blue Light Blocking Glasses J acket / Vest Stethoscope Penlight Compression socks Water bottle Advil / Aspirin Chapstick Mouthwash (swish once a shift to decrease bacteria build up in the mouth) Favorite Pens Badge Clogs 5. ALWAYS HAVE HEALTHY "PICK-ME-UP" SNACKS ON HAND All night shifters have that “hit the wall” hour. Mine usually comes between 0200-0400 am. To help you combat the exhaustion, a “PICK ME UP” can help. For me, the top hitters are caffeine (coffee, tea, celsius drink)  and an energizing snack. I’ve crowd sourced everyone’s favorite night shift snacks  and have compiled a comprehensive list below! Chocolate Noka Superfood smoothie pouches Peanut butter cups Chocolate covered pretzels Cucumbers and hummus Tuna salad on rice cake (manage cravings) Pirates Booty Smart Sweets Boiled egg + avocado + sriracha sauce + toast Gold Fish Dried figs  Froze balls (from Trader Joes) Verb bars Gushers Chomps jalapeno jerky sticks Gum Emergen-C packs Pique tea (Sun Goddess Macha packets)  Apple + PB Avocado Toast Oatmeal  Soup   (hot or cold, depending on your preference) Protein shake 6. TAKE A BREAK OR NAP WHENEVER POSSIBLE For those of us who work long, 12-hour night shifts , breaks are essential. If you’ve read any of my other blogs, you’ll know I say this at every opportunity: don’t skip breaks or meals during your shift, and be sure to take advantage of leaving the bedside for designated rest areas when you have coverage. If you are able to, get off your feet, nap, put in some headphones, and take a few minutes to rejuvenate. You need to care for yourself, and your patients are counting on you to stay sharp. 7. FORM STRONG FRIENDSHIPS WITH YOUR CO-WORKERS Night shift people are the best kind of people! We’ve got a dark lifestyle and dark humor, which help us get through the tough nights! In all seriousness, laughing and joking with your coworkers is a HUGE  part of surviving night shift.  Forming close relationships with the nurses, doctors, secretaries, and techs on your team is one of the best things about working night shift!  It definitely helps you stay awake. Also, you’ll feel less hesitation when asking for help or bringing up a concern about a patient.  8. STAY HYDRATED! As nurses, we often overlook the importance of staying hydrated  and prioritize other things that seem more important. However, ensuring adequate hydration is the easiest way to stay awake and alert. Drinking enough water helps to regulate our body temperature, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Experts recommend  about 11 cups (88 oz.) of water per day for the average woman and 16 cups (128 oz.) for the average man. Be sure to avoid sugary sodas and fruit juices, which can make your blood sugar spike and rapidly crash. 9. DO WHAT YOU CAN TO MAKE YOUR COMMUTE HOME SAFER At the end of your shift, you’ll be exhausted and drowsy. Make sure you take extra precautions to get home safely. I recommend: Opening care windows to get a fresh breeze in your face. Turn up the radio to stay awake. Calling a friend or family member to keep your brain active and alert.  After some incredibly rough shifts, you may not feel like you can drive safely. Don’t be too proud to take a nap in your car before leaving the parking lot or calling a car service to bring you home. 10. HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY ABOUT YOUR NEW NIGHT SHIFT LIFESTYLE Your family members, partner, or roommates will have to understand that working night shift is a lifestyle. They may be seeing less of you on certain days, and may need to work around your new sleep schedule. This isn’t always easy, and definitely requires communication to be executed effectively. It is important to get everyone on board, and it can be a hard adjustment for those that depend on you. Jacob and I share a GOOGLE CALENDAR  which is a huge life saver! We share our work schedules and plug in work outs, date nights, vacations, and appointments. We live by the calendar and rely on it to ensure we get quality time together each week! 11. DON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR INTIMATE NEEDS (YES, I'M TALKING ABOUT LIBIDO!) A big negative of working night shift is the detrimental effect it can have on your libido, energy, and sex life. This can be a hard one  (pun intended…lol) to maintain, especially if you and your partner work opposite schedules. But it’s important for all of us to remember that sex and intimacy  are important for all of us. Make time for date nights when you can, and schedule weekend getaways like mini staycations or local trips to keep things fun. We’re Here for Every Stage of Your NICU Nursing Journey  For more info on working night shift, check out Cellfie’s full podcast episode called “Back to the Dark Side”   where we spill the tea on our best kept night shift secrets! Feel free to reach out on our NICUity nurse forum  with any questions for starting your night shift journey — we can’t wait to see you! LISTEN TO FULL EPISODE OF "BACK TO THE DARK SIDE" HERE I hope you enjoyed this blog! Leave your thoughts in the comments below or suggestions for other night shift tips! Cheers to you in your night shift journey! Tori Meskin MSN 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, S ponsored 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

I’m often asked on Instagram: "How do I prepare for a NICU interview?" The answer might be easier than you think.  The scary part about interviews is that if you’ve never worked in a NICU before, you probably aren’t very familiar with the workflow. This can be daunting and can leave you feeling underprepared and underqualified.  However, hiring managers for these departments know this, and tend not to ask many questions that only experienced NICU nurses would know the answers to. Rather, they want to know why  you want to work in their unit and how you’ve prepared to be successful in the role. They ask situational questions, like how you handled a challenging family member or how you responded during an emergency. They’ll be looking to hire someone who’s a great fit for their team, not just someone who has loads of NICU bedside experience.  Most interviewers have a short list of skills they’ll be looking for in a nurse: Will they jump in and help a patient or coworker? Are they open to learning and growing? Can they stay calm and handle high-pressure situations? Do they have the confidence to speak up and advocate for a patient’s needs? Do they know how to prioritize and delegate? Are they equipped to support and comfort an infant and their family members? Are they interested in leadership roles?  It’s important to remember that nurse interviewers don’t reinvent the wheel each time. They usually have a repository of questions to ask, many of which are similar to questions you’ve been asked in previous interviews. Let’s review a few common questions to give you a sense of what hiring managers will ask.  12 Common Nurse Interview Questions 1. “Tell me a bit about yourself.” Most hiring managers will start with a basic introductory question like this one. You’ll want to share a bit about your personal and professional background, your education, and your career goals. This is your time to share your excitement and enthusiasm for the NICU. 2. “What made you interested in our unit?” When answering this question, you’ll want to highlight any relevant nursing experience that has prepared you for the role. Maybe the unit you're interviewing for has won an award for its healthy work environment or is known for its high quality teamwork. Be sure to reference what you’re looking for in a nursing job and share why you think this particular unit is a good fit for you.  3. “How do you plan to help us meet our organizational goals?” Here, your interview will be checking to see if you’ve done your homework on their facility. Each unit has its own set of unique clinical goals. Prepare for your interview by conducting background research on the institution. You can check out their nursing website, read up on patient feedback and reviews, and talk to friends who work there.   During the interview, you’ll want to show them that you’re familiar with NICU nursing quality indicators like infection rates and pressure injuries and know what it takes to keep patients safe.  4. “Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle the situation?” Mistakes happen in nursing everyday. What’s important is that you learn from your mistake and work to minimize patient harm. When answering this question, you’ll want to be honest and open about a mistake you’ve made. Interviewers can smell a fake answer like “I’ve never made a mistake” from a mile away.  5. “What strengths will you bring to our nursing team?” Managers who ask this question want to know what you’ll bring to the table. Share behaviors and skills like time management, strong communication, compassion, and attention to detail. Telling a story about your strengths in action can give more meaning to your experiences and bedside expertise.  6. “How would you handle a patient emergency?”  Answers to this question can reveal whether you have the skills and experience to handle a patient who is decompromising fast. Show that you know how to communicate concerns to the physician and step in when things get hectic. 7. “Describe a time when you went above and beyond for a family member.” Patient and family advocacy  is so important to improving health outcomes. Managers want to make sure they hire nurses that go the extra mile to get patients the care and treatment they need.  8. “Have you ever had a conflict with a coworker? How did you handle the situation?” Unfortunately, disagreements arise in healthcare. What’s most important is that you can handle yourself professionally and manage the situation in a calm and composed manner. Show that you prioritize patient safety and satisfaction over your own personal pride. Managers won’t want to hire someone that’s petty or argumentative.  9. “How would you communicate with a family member who was unhappy with the team’s care plan?” Sometimes, a parent or family member is unhappy with the quality of care their loved one receives. It’s often our duty as nurses to listen to their complaints and work to resolve their concerns as quickly and painlessly as possible.  10. “How do you plan to de-stress after a challenging shift?” Nursing can be challenging and it’s important to demonstrate you have the skills necessary to bounce back after a tough shift. Can you compartmentalize and complete the tasks that need to be done? Will you have the strength to come back day after day? Answers to this question can showcase your resilience and dedication to patient care.  11. “What are your professional goals for the next 5 years?” Hiring managers want to know if you’re driven and motivated to improve your professional practice. Do you plan to work in their organization long-term or if you are on the fast track to an advanced degree? Interviewers care less about what your goals actually are  and just care that you’re thinking about your future in nursing.  12. “Do you have any questions for us before we finish up?” An interview allows you to ask clarifying questions about the logistics of the position. If you don’t ask any questions, the hiring manager may assume you’re not that interested in the position. Here, we provide a list of example questions you can ask during the final minutes of your interview:  LIST OF QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. What is the size and organizational structure of your unit? How many patients does your unit hold? 2. What is your nurse-to-patient ratio? 3. Can you discuss your take on the hospital's culture and philosophy? 4. What does the transition period look like? Would I be expected to work days or nights?  5. What does the orientation period look like? Will I have a designated preceptor? 6. What are some recommendations for getting involved and growing within your unit? 7. What will be the greatest challenge of the job? 8. What are the greatest strengths of this department? 9. Can you describe a typical day for someone in this position? 10. What are the traits and skills of people most successful within this unit? 11. What do you like best about working in this organization? Tips for Every Stage of Your Nursing Journey Whether you're interviewing for a position or are looking to develop your professional practice in your current role, NICUity  has you covered! We’ve got educational resources , guides , and supplies  to get you through every step of the way.

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THE Cellfie Show A Weekly Dose of Sweet & Salty Two nurses talking "off the clock," about healthcare, self care, and everything in between. Together, Tori Meskin & Sam Manassero bring you the unedited and unfiltered truth of working in the medical field. Their unmatched chemistry and sassy banter makes the show as entertaining as it is informative. With over 17 years of combined nursing experience, these two share hot tips and explore taboo topics, helping listeners witness the aspects of the medical world that are rarely discussed. Tori and Sam interview healthcare providers, innovators, brands, and businesses to help listeners get the raw and honest truth! These are podcast episodes you won’t want to miss ! THE HOSTS Meet The Cellfie Show co-hosts, Tori + Sam. They started off as co-workers in the NICU and quickly became close friends. They bonded over working night shifts and the fact that their fathers are both Southern CA farmers. They have unmatched chemistry, bringing you their sassy banter and 17 years of collective nursing experience. EPISODES TORI MESKIN MSN RNC-NIC Co-Host My name is Tori Meskin (known on instagram as @nurse.tori_)! I graduated from the university of Arizona in 2012 (#beardown), where I obtained my BSN. I then landed my first job as a new grad in a Southern California Level IV NICU. Since that first job, I’ve been a NICU nurse, travel nurse, and pediatric critical care float pool nurse, working in a variety of NICUs and pediatric units. I am currently working on my MSN in Leadership and enjoy sharing my grad school journey with you all. My passion as a content creator for my Blog "Tips From Tori'' is what inspired me to start "The Cellfie Show" Podcast in 2020. This has been an amazing experience and being a podcaster has become one of my biggest passions. I'm excited for the growth of "The Cellfie Show" and can’t wait for more laughs with my best friends and co-host! We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoy developing these episodes for you! SAM MANASSERO MSN RNC-NIC, C-NPT Co-Host Hi! I’m Samantha Manassero or better known on instagram as @heysamanthaa. I graduated with my BSN in 2011 and started my career in a new graduate RN Residency program at a Level IV NICU. I completed my MSN in Leadership in 2016 and began teaching nursing school at local Universities. After 7 years in the NICU I became an Emergency Flight/Transport nurse, an absolute dream job! I spend my free time training for powerlifting competitions, being the best dog & plant mom, and sharing my life through my Instagram. I am an advocate for eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health and am excited to use the podcasting platform to discuss topics that empower and uplift each other. Joining the Cellfie Show as Co-Host has been an amazing opportunity and I am excited for future growth and continued success! THE CELLFIE SHOW TOPICS HOT Takes & TABOO Topics. Providers & Innovators. Specialties & People of Interest. Relationships. Body Image. Burnout. Death & Grief. Mental Health. Healthcare Policy. Modern Day Healthcare Insights. REviews 800,OOO+ Downloads 100 + shows. 500+ 5 star Reviews Guests Healthcare Providers. Entrepreneurs. Nurses. Doctors. Surgeons. Specialists. Brands. Innovative Businesses. Therapists. Advocates.

My Professional Life as A Nurse ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Welcome to the most special corner of my website. For over 10+ years now I have been working bedside in the secret gem of a unit called the "Neonatal Intensive Care Unit." (NICU). After 4 years of collecting memories, experiences, & developing my career, I finally mustered up the courage to start this blog. scroll so you want to become a nicu nurse Becoming a nurse can be stressful — you’ll get different suggestions and opinions from professors, mentors, friends, and family members. All who believe that their way is the only way to success. The truth is that there isn’t one “best” way to get into NICU nursing. We all take different paths that best suit our personal needs, but like other parts of life, there are so many ways to get to a position where we feel fulfilled and successful. Here, I answer an array of the most frequently asked questions about becoming a NICU nurse and outline a few of the most common journeys coworkers and friends have taken to get to where they are in their career today. I outline some of the challenges you may face and provide tips I’ve learned along the way to help you become the strongest and happiest nurse you can be. scroll How do I Become A NICU Nurse? This is by far my most asked question. And a very loaded question at that! There are so many ways to become a NICU nurse and I have so many TIPS to offer you. Topics including: How to become a NICU Nurse Interview & Portfolio Tips & Tricks Resources/Websites for hopeful & current NICU Nurses What is it REALLY like to be a NICU nurse? I have created YOU Exclusive NICU Nurse Content & Resources. All of my best modern-day nurse insight & experiences, a collection of Level IV NICU education, curated blogs, with100+ hours of diligent research, podcast interviews, and more. scroll Nurse BloG Your Exclusive Nurse Tori Content I am stoked to bring you this content! These are my PREMIUM posts curated to help you in your Nurse journey! I have compiled all of my BEST content here for you!! TAKE ME THERE ♡ I WANT TO BE A NICU NURSE, BUT I'M NOT SURE WHERE TO START! After over 10 years of working bedside, I realized there were few places to go to really understand the nuances of the NICU nurse world. Most sites lack personal perspective and only really scratch the surface. This is a BIG piece of why I started my blog and have focused on curating this space just for you. Here are the BASICS for becoming a NICU nurse: ATTEND NURSING SCHOOL (ADN or BSN programs — BSN is preferred for most NICU RN new grad positions) PASS NCLEX EXAM (nursing boards) APPLY FOR NICU NURSE JOBS (these can include new graduate positions, fellowships, or general RN positions) ♡ WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO WORK AS A NICU NURSE? To work bedside (as a NICU nurse) you need your Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN). Bachelors degrees (BSNs) are becoming preferred for most positions. This is the same degree that’s required for all other RN positions. While additional specialty certification isn’t always necessary to get a NICU job, it does make you more marketable and versatile — and sometimes comes with an extra pay differential. After getting a certain number of clinical hours in your NICU specialty as a bedside RN, you can sit for your RNC or CCRN certification. This involves sitting down and taking an online examination, much like the NCLEX. You can decide which certification is best for you and your facility by asking unit leadership or experienced coworkers about which certification they hold. The most common NICU certification is RNC-NIC (this is the certification I obtained). ♡ CAN YOU EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL CERTIFICATION EXPERIENCE? I took my RNC-NIC after 3 years of working as a bedside nurse. If you know me, you understand how much I worried throughout the certification experience. I’m a horrible student and test taker, and feared I wouldn’t pass the examination after hours of studying. I made it through, however, and I’m so glad I took the time and effort required to get it done! You can find out more about the RNC-NIC Certification via the National Certification Corporation (NCC) here, or in the exclusive nurse content included in my blog! ♡ DID YOU GET A NICU JOB AS A NEW GRAD? DID YOU HAVE ANY PRIOR EXPERIENCE? YES, I did! I was hired as a NICU New Grad Nurse and NO, I did not have prior NICU nursing experience. However, I interviewed for several different Nurse Residency Programs all over California & Arizona. It took me 8+ months and multiple interviews to land my first job out of nursing school. This is why I am so passionate about helping you all through the interview process. We don’t really learn interview skills in nursing school, despite them being a key factor in getting a job offer. If you are in the process of interviewing or want to know what to expect and how to prepare, I highly recommend our E-book and Podcast episode to help you in your process! SHOP MY NEW GRAD NURSE E-BOOK & RESOURCES! THINK LIKE AN ATHLETE! INTERVIEW PREP PODCAST EPISODE ♡ DO YOU HAVE ANY NEW GRAD NURSE POINTERS? Too many to count! I have compiled 10+ years of NICU nurse experience, crowd sourced from NICU colleagues, and combined it all here for you in this blog. Starting a new job can be challenging, and our very unique patient population can make the whole experience more nervewracking! Whether you’ve just landed your dream job in the NICU, are thinking about applying to nursing school, are studying for the NCLEX, or are a new grad considering where to apply - here’s some hot tips for you if you’re considering starting out your career in the NICU! ♡ WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT NURSE RESIDENCY PROGRAMS? Any time someone is PAYING you to learn, I say DO IT! Nurse residencies, sometimes called “New Grad Programs”, are paid programs created to help nursing students transition to the professional nursing world. These often include a year of paid instructional time, either in a classroom or clinical setting, to help new clinicians find success and happiness in their new roles. Each facility or organizaiton structures their nurse residency program in a different way, and some are more competetive to get into than others. Research shows that nurses who start out in a residency program have higher retention and job satisfaciton rates. I personally loved my program, made great friends, and felt confident and competent when providing clinical care. I highly recommend starting in a nurse residency! ♡ IS THE NICU A GOOD UNIT TO START IN AS A NEW GRAD, OR SHOULD I GET MORE GENERAL EXPERIENCE BEFORE WORKING WITH INFANTS? Everyone will give you a different answer to this question, so it can be tough to know who to believe! In my experience, the NICU is a great place to start! I began my nursing career in a NICU nurse residency program and have never felt like I needed any other experience to be happy and successful. However, I know plenty of amazing NICU nurses who started elsewhere and transitioned from other units like adult ICUs, L&D, postpartum units, PACU, or OR. In fact, when I was applying for jobs, I truly thought I wanted to be a CVICU/CTICU Cardiothoracic Pediatric Nurse. That was my passion and I felt so drawn to that population and their families! However, due to application process & job strategy, I opted to apply to NICU! At the time, the NICU was hiring more new grads and I thought I had a better chance of landing one of those jobs. I did get the job, and it was then that I discovered my love for preemies. Not only that, but I also have the opportunity to work with cardiothoracic patients within my level IV NICU! I’ve gotten the best of both worlds. ♡ SHOULD I WORK IN MED SURG FIRST BEFORE APPLYING TO NICU? NO. You no not NEED to work med surg first. Many nursing students hear this type of guidance from professors and clinical instructors. In my opinion, however, you do NOT need to work in med surg prior to getting a job in your desired specialty. This is a relatively old school train of thought. My belief is that if you want to start in a specialized area, do it! With this having been said, it can be a bit more challenging to get a job in the NICU if you don’t have any previous nursing experience. It took me 8+ months and multiple interviews to land my first job, and at times I was frustrated and doubtful that things would work out how I wanted them to. If you find yourself having a challenging time getting a job offer, I have two pieces of advice: A FEW TIPS: 1. Embrace YOUR journey! Everyone's path is different — who knows where your personal nurse journey will lead you. 2. If you work for a while & find yourself miserable, take time to spruce up your resume & portfolio; research Nurse Transition programs or Fellowships & make some changes to your professional life. It’s never too late to change your mind. 3. You may have to move cities or consider a life change but the career you want is achievable. Be patient :) ♡ I WORK IN ANOTHER UNIT, HOW DO I START THE PROCESS OF TRANSITIONING TO THE NICU? Every facility and unit has different processes for hiring RNs looking to transition to the NICU. The best thing you can do for yourself is to immerse yourself in the NICU world as much as you can prior to applying for the job. Reach out to the NICU unit manager and ask them to shadow or volunteer on the unit for a day to see how the team works. This shows them that you’re seriously interested in the opportunity to work there. Becoming NRP (neonatal resuscitation program) and PALS (pediatric advanced life support) certified can help your resume stand out and show your dedication to becoming a safe NICU nurse. Enrolling in a NICU-specific educational course can also prepare you for the transition and can refamiliarize you with infant-specific care guidelines you might not remember from nursing school. ♡ DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR NURSES TRANSITIONING FROM THE ADULT WORLD TO NICU? First things first: prepare to feel like a new grad again. It’s totally okay to feel like you’re starting all over — NICU is truly its own world. Vital signs, medications, care plans, priorities, emotions, treatments, and diagnoses are all so different. I have been a NICU nurse for over 10 years and STILL feel like I’m learning new things every shift. That’s why I LOVE our patient population. A few key NICU-specific things to remember: Heart Rate: 100-200 (anything below 60 makes you break out in sweats) Respirations: 10-100 (apnea is normal in preemies and is expected) FiO2 Sats: 85-100 (but sats of 50s are ok in some situations, as long as you have a heart rate!!) Temp: 36.5-37.5 C (anything outside of these are a big NO NO and require immediate intervention) NPASS: Pain Score 0-4 IV Med Volumes: we usually measure these per 0.01 ml (YES- you read that correctly. Every 0.01 mL flush behind the med is also technically a bolus: we take our decimal points seriously here when doing med calcs!!) Care Plan Considerations: these are all based on gestsational age & weight Skin to Skin: this is an essential part of your plan of care Caffeine is your best friend (in coffee form for yourself and medication form for your patients) Poop is something you will celebrate (trust me, this is easier in the NICU than most other units LOL) Just know you are in the right place and you’ve got plenty of support to help you in your journey! xo ♡ IF I TRANSITION TO NICU, WILL I LOOSE ALL MY NURSING SKILLS I LEARNED IN MY PREVIOUS JOB? GREAT question. Frankly: yes. The skills you need for working in the NICU are so specific and unique that most of the skills you learned in your other unit are no longer relevant. However, some of the most important skills you need to be a good nurse transcend all specialties and unit types: Compassion and empathy towards patients and families Medication calculation Efficient and timely charting Prioritization, delegation, and communication Staying calm and collected in stressful and critical situations Every unit, clinic, hospital, community setting you go into will be unique in its own way. There is no way to keep up with every skill you were introduced to in nursing school or your previous units. However, the beauty of nursing is you can always try something else! I have worked as a travel nurse & pediatric critical care float nurse (CVICU, PICU, NICU, & Oncology)! It’s exciting to relearn about patient populations and update your skills! If you decide you want to move on & try something new you can! Just because you "lost" your skill doesn't mean you can't relearn it. Nursing is like riding a bike; you just get back on and try it again — it’ll all come back so much quicker than you think! GET ALL THE DEETS HERE: THE CELLFIE SHOW - LIFE OF A NICU NURSE ♡ DO YOU HAVE ANY NICU NURSE INTERVIEW TIPS & TRICKS? Yes I do! TOO MANY TO COUNT! After working for over 10 years in the nursing field and spending an incredible amount of time applying for jobs (new grad positions, travel nurse positions, per diem & staff nurse jobs, you name it) I have loads of experience with the nurse interview process. Filling out the online applications can be overwhelming, but landing that interview is so exhilarating and all of my jobs have been worth every ounce of anxiety and fear! Here are some of my top “Nurse Interview Tips and Tricks” I have learned along the way. Head over to my blog to check out all of our pearls of wisdom, resources, Nurse Report sheets, SBAR printables, interview prep tips, resume writing, tips & tricks as well. ♡ WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A NICU NURSE? I love so many things about being a NICU nurse. I have a true passion for the neonatal patient population & helping families through some of the toughest times of their lives. Some babies have no parental presence at their bedside, and being their advocate and caregiver as they grow bigger and stronger is such a powerful experience. From the adrenaline rushes, emergency procedures, detailed medication calculations, and unpredictable diagnises, I love being on my toes with these babies. Pre-op prep, surgical care, cardiac anomolies, neuro protection, GI/GU diagnoses; everything is so important when caring for such a complex patient population. I love expanding my knowledge by attending classes and conferences, earning new certifications, and challenging myself at the beside by taking on new leadership roles. I also love the flexibility that comes with working in the NICU. I have worked full time nights, part-time, per diem, travel nurse contracts, and even worked as a pediatric float nurse for a year (NICU, PICU, CVICU, oncology, etc). Being a nurse offers a variety of different opportunities, schedules, specialties, and educational growth — it’s a career unlike any other. My love for the NICU doesn’t stop at the bedside. After much time learning, soul searching, and networking, I decided to start a podcast! I realized I had this huge network of providers, innovators, and people of interest to bring to you! In addition, I also value education & am working to advance my degree. I decided to take a big leap and chose the MSN route. I’m currently an MSN Capella University sponsored student. This is the beauty of nursing; there are so many opportunities out there! xo ♡ WHAT KINDS OF DIAGNOSIS DO YOU SEE IN THE NICU? There are many reasons why a baby would end up in a NICU. The reason could be as simple as dehydration from breastfeeding difficulties and could be as complex as a life threatening diagnosis or congenital disease. The type and complexity of the diagnoses you may see depends on the level of NICU you work at. Acuity levels range from I-IV, with level IV facilities providing the most comprehensive and complex care. Diagnosis Include: Prematurity (babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) Early term infants (babies born between 37-39 weeks of pregnancy) Low birth weight (babies that weigh less than 5.5 pounds) Micro-preemies, Sepsis (serious infections) Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Heart Defects Congenital anomalies Respiratory failure Birth defects Trauma Seizures Gastroschisis Hypoglycemia Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) Jaundice Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Multiples (Twins, Triplets) Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS, drug addicted mothers) Unknown pregnancies Precipitous birth Placental Abruption, etc. Learn more here....NICU 101 ♡ WITH THE STRESSES OF NICU NURSING, HOW DO YOU FIND WORK-LIFE BALANCE & PRIORITIZE YOUR PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH? Working as a nurse — or in any healthcare position for that matter — is one of the most rewarding and taxing jobs out there. We are in the business of curing and healing people, and it can be draining. Patients coming to us at their best & worst is our everyday job. We work with life & death, tending to those new to the world and those on life support. Every day, we are witness to the happiest & saddest of the human experiences. To be frank, it is a lot, both mentally & physically. I do find ways to grow as a nurse. For example; I participate in committees, attend conferences, take classes, precept, and take on projects. However, I have also learned to set boundaries and tell managers and coworkers "No”. No to overtime, no to working extra weekend shifts, no to writing research papers when I already feel bogged down. It’s taken me my entire career to learn this, and trust me: I’m still practicing! I went through a heavy "burnout" period early on in my bedside career. 3 years into NICU I was very "burned out," and I decided to make a change; this is when I took on my first travel assignment. That helped me rekindle my love for bedside and reminded me why I love my job. Now, I prioritize balance. That is my biggest pearl of wisdom. I juggle bedside care, studying to become a Family Nurse Practitioner, instagramming, blogging, developing my new business, spending time with my husband, exercising, riding horses, and relaxing at the beach. ♡ I AM 35+, DO YOU THINK IT'S TOO LATE TO PURSUE NURSING? NO! I know plenty of nurses who made "nursing" their second or third career. It takes 2-4 years to get through nursing school, with pre-rec time included. If you become a nurse at 40+, you still have 25+ years of work potential! I personally think some of the best nurses come into the industry with seasoned life experience. Life, family, personal ups & downs: that is what will make you relatable and an empathetic nurse. CHECK OUT MY BLOG POST ON "NICU NURSE 101" CHECK OUT MY PODCAST FULL OF NICU NURSE HOT TOPICS!!! Mommy Labor Nurse EP132: NICU Tips from NICU Nurse Tori Click here to tune in! Listen Here Happy Birthway Podcast Peak into the NICU Click here to tune in! Listen Here Juna Women Podcast Life in the NICU Click here to tune in! Listen Here The WoMed Podcast Navigating the NICU Click here to tune in! Listen Here 12 Example Nurse Interview Questions 6 Post not marked as liked Common NICU Terms A-Z 3,518 13 likes. Post not marked as liked 13 5 Reasons to Become a Nurse In Tucson 94 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 What Does a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) Do? All You Need to Know 97 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 All You Need to Know About NICU Nurse Certification 203 3 likes. Post not marked as liked 3 What Does a NICU Nurse Do? A Career Guide 209 4 likes. Post not marked as liked 4 Hot Tips for Nurses Starting in the NICU! 9,460 18 likes. Post not marked as liked 18 55 Tips for New Grad Nurses 3,663 19 likes. Post not marked as liked 19 How to Land Your Dream Job as a NICU Nurse: 14 Hot Tips 10,783 23 likes. Post not marked as liked 23 NICU Resources and CEUs Every Nurse Needs to Know About 9,864 28 likes. Post not marked as liked 28 12 NURSE INTERVIEW TIPS & TRICKS! 7,434 26 likes. Post not marked as liked 26 NICU Nurse 101: What Do NICU Nurse Shifts Look Like? 7,714 23 likes. Post not marked as liked 23 NICU Nurse Continuing Education 692 7 likes. Post not marked as liked 7 Baby Basics Blog 267 10 likes. Post not marked as liked 10 NICU Research Ideas & Topics to Consider 9,635 13 likes. Post not marked as liked 13 Best NICU Nurse Apps!! 1,286 9 likes. Post not marked as liked 9 NICU HOLY GRAIL OF PODCAST EPISODES 1,197 7 likes. Post not marked as liked 7 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming A NICU Nurse 3,245 13 likes. Post not marked as liked 13 1 2 Tori Meskin has been a dedicated clinician since 2012, working in acute care and inpatient NICU settings in Southern California. She holds a National NICU Nurse Certification (RNC-NIC) and has extensive experience as a travel NICU nurse. Tori received her MSN from Capella University and is a Brave Beginnings Ambassador. She recently launched NICUity, a company dedicated to empowering NICU professionals with education, bedside tools, and resources. Follow her journey as she navigates the NICU world, married life, and new motherhood, all while juggling work, school, and content creation. Discover her top-notch tips and tricks at www.tipsfromtori.com or contact her at abbysocialmgmt@gmail.com .