Kathryn Shaffer, EdD, RN, MSN, CNE, CCFP’s Post

Lately I met few people, pursuing their careers in different niches of life, far different from what I do, i.e., Nursing. Such kind of encounters I feel are an eye_opening as you understand how diverse your roles are and how each role is intertwined for bringing a change in the communities we live. But, I still hear the common stereotype being tagged with Nursing, that what else can they do beyond bedside despite nurses of this era breaking the barriers and achieving their highest potentials. ✨ Nursing still is defined as a role focused on administering medications, taking vital signs, and offering physical comfort. However, it is far more dynamic and multifaceted that transcends traditional boundaries. Breaking the outdated stereotype of nursing requires a collective shift in perception—both within the profession itself and in the public’s view. Nurses should take every chance to expand their skill sets, whether by furthering education, seeking mentorship, or engaging in leadership roles. We are empowered to take charge of our career trajectory, acknowledging that we can be as much a pioneer as well as a caregiver. By challenging the status quo and accepting new opportunities, nurses can redefine the profession and inspire a shift in how the world perceives us—proving that our contributions are anything but limited to the bedside. #Nurses #nursingworldwide #nurse #nurseadvocacy #nurseleading #nurseleaders

Nursing is more than a career; it’s a calling. But stress, fatigue, and the relentless pace can sometimes overshadow the passion that brought us here. Now more than ever, we need to focus on finding moments of joy and fulfillment to sustain ourselves—because if our cups are empty, we can’t continue to pour into others. ☕💙 At Fifth Window, we’re working to change the narrative by empowering nurses to prioritize their well-being, redefine success, and rediscover joy in their profession. Fifth Window’s tools and resources provide nurses with space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what keeps them energized, fulfilled, and resilient. 🌱✨ Where does joy come from in our day-to-day? It can be as simple as: That spark of connection when a patient feels truly heard and cared for 🩺 Celebrating small victories that remind us we’re making a difference, even if in just one life 🌟 Support from a teammate, sharing a laugh, or knowing someone has our back 😊 Embracing a new skill or bit of knowledge that reignites our purpose 📚 Taking a breath—literally and figuratively—and finding a quiet moment for ourselves 🌞 These moments can be easy to miss but are worth prioritizing. Let’s give ourselves permission to look after our own well-being, find our own sources of joy, and support each other in that pursuit. 🙏💪 How do you refill your cup? Let’s share our ideas and inspire each other to bring more joy into our work every day. Tagging a few colleagues to keep this going: Charlene Platon Rebecca Love RN, MSN, FIEL NurseApproved Because a profession that cares for others so deeply deserves to find ways to care for itself. Together, let’s keep refilling our cups. 🩺💙 #NursesOnLinkedIn #HealthcareOnLinkedIn #Nurses #FindYourJoy

For Nurses Week, I want to recognize one word that nurses do everyday working. Sacrifice. We sacrifice our mornings getting up early to get to work on time. We sacrifice taking a 30 minute break, if we are lucky at some hospitals maybe an hour break, once over 12 hours. We sacrifice: missing birthdays, holidays, weekends, working night shifts, not getting enough sleep, not eating at the same time everyday, holding ourselves to going to the bathroom, things that are basic to human needs; to ultimately keep patients surviving. Although we learn this in nursing school that all of this will occur throughout your nursing career if you work at the bedside. But does it need to be that way? We need to dive deeper in looking at the populations needing help the most; particularly our elderly and low socioeconomic populations who come into the hospital for the same reasons repeatedly. We as nurses can target this population in local communities and would see less of a burden on our hospitals. This would give us time to complete every task and actively serve patients who are acutely ill. But without this, hospitals will be in a continuous cycle of staff burnout, nurses leaving the profession, communities not getting the care they need, and asking our future selves what did we do to change this situation? I want to sacrifice giving my effort to change healthcare as we know it. I want to make it a better place than I left it when I look back on what transpired in my nursing career. And ultimately help future generations on how healthcare will always be vital to our own people and success. This picture shows what my sacrifices lead me to. My amazing wife. Let me know what else you have sacrificed to becoming a nurse in the comments! #nursesweek #explorepage #bedside #nurseweek2024 #nurses #nursecoach #sacrifice

👩⚕️💼 Life in Scrubs: The Timeless Journey of Nursing 💼👨⚕️ “Is it Saturday or Tuesday?” In the world of nursing, the days blend together into a tapestry of care, compassion, and unwavering commitment. 🗓️🔄 🌅 Morning or Night? It doesn’t matter. Nurses are always there, ready to answer the call of duty. With every shift, they embody the heart and soul of healthcare. 🩺 Stethoscopes and Smiles: Amidst the hustle, it’s the little moments that count. A patient’s gratitude, a life saved, a comforting touch - these are the milestones in a nurse’s journey. 🚨 On the Go: From the ER to the OR, nurses navigate the corridors of healing, armed with expertise and empathy. They’re the unsung heroes, the guardians of health. 📅 Nursing - When Every Day is a New Challenge: Forget the calendar; it’s the courage that counts. Nurses don’t just work; they inspire, they heal, they love. Let’s celebrate the relentless spirit of our nursing community. Share your stories, wear your scrubs with pride, and remember, whether it’s Saturday or Tuesday, you’re making a difference. #NurseLife #UnsungHeroes #NurseU #nurseuagency #nursingagency #nurses #carers

Implementing nurse navigation can be done without employing outside help. I know -- I've done it. I also know it is a LOT of work and comes with roadblocks and unanticipated obstacles. Overcoming these challenges is time-consuming and can throw implementation plans off track. NavPath employs the 5 Key Elements of Change Adoption to guide the process. We know there is more to nurse navigation than a title. A change management plan and project plan are essential components of any large-scale undertaking, which is why we have built those considerations into the NavPath Framework. Identifying metrics early in the process and tracking them at regular intervals is important, but ROI is also a key success element. We come to you armed with updated payor guidance and support. Most importantly, we prepare your nurses for success. It isn't enough to move them to a new role. We have courses to build their confidence and support their autonomy -- as a bonus, they will receive continuing education units (CEUs) for the work they put into their growth. Angie Gray NavPath holds the key to improved patient outcomes and nurse retention. #nurses #nursesonlinkedin #nurseleaders #nurseleadership #nurseleader #nursepreneur Ali Fakher, BSN, RN, Jennifer Thietz, MSN, RN Kelly Landsman Sarah Bell ----------------------------------- *TL;DR* NavPath uses 5 Essential Elements of Successful Change Adoption to guide your organization through the implementation of nurse navigation. Schedule a meeting to learn more by using my booking link or DMs. 🗺️

Shared experiences are powerful. I was talking to a nurse friend, and I realized our language is just different, and our connection is one-of-a-kind. Nursing offers a unique set of experiences that are deeply personal and often profound, reflecting healthcare's complex and emotional nature. Experiences that only other nurses understand. 1️⃣ Emotional Weight of Patient Care - We know the emotional rollercoaster of health crises, recovery, and loss and often ride it with our patients and their families. 2️⃣ Highs & Lows of Saving & Losing Lives - The exhilaration of saving a life or witnessing recovery against all odds is unparalleled. Conversely, the deep sorrow of losing a patient despite our efforts can be heart-wrenching. 3️⃣ Multitasking Under Pressure - We routinely juggle multiple tasks, patients, and critical decisions in a fast-paced environment, and we learn this on the job under challenging circumstances. 4️⃣ Silent Language of Patient Needs - We have an unmatched intuition and often understand the patient's needs without words. 5️⃣ Challenges of Patient Advocacy - We use courage, persistence, and dedication to navigate the complex healthcare system to meet patient needs. 6️⃣ Reality of Working Short-Staffed - We feel the pressure of covering more patients than is ideally safe and see the adverse outcomes. It tests our skills, endurance, and dedication to a profession we love. No matter how long you have stayed at the bedside or been away, this is our private language, and we can always connect on these shared experiences. #nursing #nursesonlinkedin #healthcareonlinkedin #nurses #nurselife #reality

Nurses aren't born experts. Nobody is. That’s a message we need to share loud and clear. Nursing is all about growth, about asking questions and seeking out help when you need it. It’s about learning from each step, each challenge, and each victory. This month is the perfect time for all of us to set meaningful intentions. If you’re a 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗻𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲, embrace Nurses Month as a new beginning; remember that every expert was once a beginner, and asking questions and seeking guidance is okay. For the 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗻𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝘀, reflect on your journey and commit to being the mentor you once needed, fostering a supportive environment that encourages and uplifts. 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀, this is your opportunity to reinforce a culture of learning and respect, ensuring that your teams feel valued and empowered. Check out our newest article below for some tips to work into your daily routine. https://lnkd.in/ewQNnCPS #NursesMonth #NursesWeek #NurseLife #healthyworkculture #newnurse

Today, I have an important tip you want to take advantage of. If you are an internationally educated nurse planning to move to the US, it's essential to consider how and where to obtain a nursing license. However, not all 50 states have the same process for obtaining a license, especially if you're not in the country yet. To practice nursing in the US, you need a nursing license, and most states require a social security number (SSN) to obtain one. But you can't get an SSN if you're not a resident, which can be frustrating. The good news is that some states, such as Texas, Minnesota, and Connecticut, can issue a nursing license once you pass the NCLEX exam, even if you don't have an SSN. This makes it easier to proceed with your plans once you're licensed. So, if you're an internationally educated nurse planning to move to the US, it's important to research the nursing licensure process for the state you plan to live in and consider the ones that don't require an SSN for licensure. Please share this post in order to support/educate our international fellow colleagues #nurses #nursesonlinkedin #nursing #themindsetnurse #HealthcareonLinkedIn #linkedin 

Many people still think that I am only a nurse when I wear my scrubs. But the fact of the matter is, the nurse inside me is still in action even when I shed these scrubs. Nursing isn't confined to the walls of hospitals or the boundaries of healthcare facilities. It's a calling that resonates in every aspect of our lives, influencing how we interact with the world around us. Even without my scrubs, I am a caregiver, an advocate, an educator, and a friend. Outside the hospital, I educate my community on health and wellness, advocate for public health policies, volunteer for causes close to my heart, and lend a listening ear to those in need. My commitment to caring doesn't pause; it's a constant part of who I am. The essence of nursing has evolved significantly. It's high time we move beyond the stereotypes and recognize the diverse roles nurses play in society. We are researchers pushing the boundaries of science, leaders shaping healthcare policies, and innovators driving change. So, the next time you see a nurse, remember that the scrubs don't make the nurse. It's the compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to humanity that define us. We wear many hats, and our impact extends far beyond what meets the eye. Let's celebrate the depth and diversity of nursing, recognizing the profound influence we have within and outside the healthcare setting. Because being a nurse is not just a profession; it's a way of life. #Nursing #Nurses #BeyondScrubs #NursesOnLinkedin