Summer Family Fun Ideas for Nurses

For nurses who make their living in the US, it’s no secret that the current economic conditions will make it difficult for families to stretch their entertainment dollars this summer. 

People will think twice about leaving home for that trip to the beach or to the mountains, and rising costs on most goods and services related to summer activities are putting a limit on what people are willing to spend when they take time-off.

One of the biggest challenges is finding fun AND inexpensive activities to do as a family.  For those that want to make the most of their vacation and their vacation pay, here are a few ideas that may help:

Family movie night:  During a warm summer night, many families traditionally turn to the local movie theater for “cool” entertainment.  However, between the high-cost of tickets and the expensive (and usually mediocre) movie-food fare, even the movies are no bargain.  A better option is to rent a movie and turn your living room into a movie theater.  Spread blankets and pillows out on the floor, make your own popcorn and snacks (they’ll be healthier than what you get at the MegaPlex), pick a formal starting time (“the movie begins at 7pm”), dim the lights, and make an event out of it!

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For nurses who make their living in the US, it’s no secret that the current economic conditions will make it difficult for families to stretch their entertainment dollars this summer.  People will think twice about leaving home for that trip to the beach or to the mountains, and rising costs on most goods and services related to summer activities are putting a limit on what people are willing to spend when they take time-off.

One of the biggest challenges is finding fun AND inexpensive activities to do as a family.  For those that want to make the most of their vacation and their vacation pay, here are a few ideas that may help;

Family movie night:  During a warm summer night, many families traditionally turn to the local movie theatre for “cool” entertainment.  However, between the high-cost of tickets and the expensive (and usually mediocre) movie-food fare, even the movies are no bargain.  A better option is to rent a movie and turn your living room into a movie theatre.  Spread blankets and pillows out on the floor, make your own popcorn and snacks (they’ll be healthier than what you get at the MegaPlex), pick a formal starting time (“the movie begins at 7pm”), dim the lights, and make an event out of it!

- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/summer-family-fun-for-nurses-#sthash.O0LDD3OR.dpuf

For nurses who make their living in the US, it’s no secret that the current economic conditions will make it difficult for families to stretch their entertainment dollars this summer.  People will think twice about leaving home for that trip to the beach or to the mountains, and rising costs on most goods and services related to summer activities are putting a limit on what people are willing to spend when they take time-off.

One of the biggest challenges is finding fun AND inexpensive activities to do as a family.  For those that want to make the most of their vacation and their vacation pay, here are a few ideas that may help;

Family movie night:  During a warm summer night, many families traditionally turn to the local movie theatre for “cool” entertainment.  However, between the high-cost of tickets and the expensive (and usually mediocre) movie-food fare, even the movies are no bargain.  A better option is to rent a movie and turn your living room into a movie theatre.  Spread blankets and pillows out on the floor, make your own popcorn and snacks (they’ll be healthier than what you get at the MegaPlex), pick a formal starting time (“the movie begins at 7pm”), dim the lights, and make an event out of it!

Coping with Aphasia

When I tell people I work for the National Aphasia Association, I usually get a blank look. Then, when I describe the condition, over and over again I hear, "Oh my father had that. He couldn't talk after his stroke. I didn't know that's what it was called."

Aphasia is a condition that usually results from stroke or other brain injury. It damages parts of the brain involved with communication. People with aphasia have trouble expressing themselves and/or understanding what others are saying to them. Many people with aphasia also have trouble with reading and writing. But, their thought process is the same as it was before. It is as if there is a short circuit in the brain between the ability to think and the ability to use language; people with aphasia are literally trapped inside their own heads. Because they have a hard time making their needs known, they can become frustrated, isolated and depressed. Aphasia affects about 25-40% of stroke survivors, or more than 1 million Americans.

It cannot be cured, and there is no pill yet to make it better. Working with a speech-language pathologist is often effective, but insurance and Medicare coverage for speech therapy is becoming increasingly limited.

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Animals are Good for Your Health

Animal lovers have always known it. Now health researchers are confirming it: animals are good for your health.

Just 10 minutes of physical interaction with a beloved pet can lower blood pressure and increase finger temperature—both clear signs of relaxation—according to a number of research studies.
Benefits to people with high blood pressure have been documented as well. A recent study showed that pets can do what medicine cannot. It involved two groups of stockbrokers who were already being treated with ACE-inhibitor therapy.

The study found significant differences in their physiological reactions to stress tests. Those with pets were about half as reactive to stressors. This study demonstrates the health effects of pets in conjunction with medication. That's significant because it's well known that this type of medication plays an important role in controlling resting blood pressure, but does not control blood pressure related to stress.

Another study of people with borderline hypertension shows equally encouraging results.

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Common Causes of Family Tensions and Disagreements

It shouldn't surprise anyone that sensitive family dynamics can be one of the most challenging aspects of care giving for an elder, given the tremendous financial, physical, and emotional demands involved.

This doesn't mean that family squabbles are inevitable. In fact, if managed well, the experience of caring for an older family member has the potential to bring relatives closer as you help this person through this final stage of life. Here's how to avoid conflicts with family members and work through them when they occur.

Typically, disagreements arise because of:

• Roles and rivalries dating back to childhood. Mature adults often find that they're back in the sandbox when their family gets together. This tendency can grow even more pronounced under the strain of caregiving.If your sister was the favored child, for example, you may find that -- no matter how successful and capable you are now -- in your parents' or relatives' home you become a jealous, powerless little girl again.
• Disagreements over an elder's condition and capabilities. It's common for family members to have very different ideas about what's wrong with a loved one and what should be done about it. You may be convinced that your family member is no longer capable of driving, while your brothers argue that he needs to maintain his independence.

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Cool Summer Food Ideas with Easy Summer Foods

Summer is the time when most of us bring out our swimwear and hit the beach to beat the rising temperatures and searing heat of summer. Well it's also the right time to shed few pounds as well! However instead of going for a strict diet regime that will dampen your sunshine, try to avail of a variety of wonderful summer foods which the summer brings along. 

The secret is that these summer foods will help you to stay fit and healthy. Heavy, high calorie foods as it is seem less appealing in summer so you can easily eat light, healthy food. Listed below are 31 cool summer food suggestions, which are healthy, refreshing and most importantly will help you to stay energized and avoid the ill effects of summer. 

Watermelon - Watermelon has more than 80 percent water, so this summer fruit is an excellent way to satisfy your thirst and keep you hydrated during summers.

Grilled vegetables - Keep your refrigerator stocked with a plate of prepared grilled peppers, grilled onions, carrots, zucchini, garlic, eggplant, celery and asparagus.

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Nursing Refresher Program or Not?

Nurses who have left nursing for one or more years may be faced with the decision to complete a refresher program. Refresher programs are time consuming and can be costly, so thoughtful consideration is appropriate. I know of two nurses who attended programs recently, and they each have a different story.

Sandra, a lifelong friend nearing 60, had been a nurse for 35-plus years, working part time in psych, home healthcare and hospice while raising her three children. As an empty nester, she worked per diem in homecare and the wellness and insurance industry. Mix in a couple of moves and an economy that headed south, and her sweet situation slowly dried up and left her waiting for infrequent calls from the agencies. Not ready to retire, she explored other nursing career opportunities more clinically oriented. Big surprise — No one was hiring a candidate with outdated experience.

Technology seemed to be a significant roadblock for re-entering the acute-care arena. And older boomers are not natives to technology.


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Assisted Living: Fun and Stimulating Men's Activities

Men's activities can seem difficult to come up with to keep them occupied, stimulated and interested. Men don’t usually care to do some activities that women love to do, or not for that long. Tea parties, cooking and baking, even bingo and crafts can begin to bore some of the men who would like more masculine things to do and talk about.

But just as women love to talk about the ingredients in a fruit cake, men still love to talk about whatever has interested them. Usually politics, sports and various hobbies they may have had from years ago such as hunting or fishing.

An honorable quality built into most people is the desire to share knowledge and experience. Although the seniors may have less memory recall and less agility they have had many life experiences and knowledge that they would like to share. Sharing with younger people can be very stimulating to the elderly, particularly if the youth are responsive and respectful.

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Difference Between Nurse Leadership and Management

The terms “leader” and “manager” are sometimes used interchangeably. Those of us who have worked for, or with, someone who is one and not the other will see the error in viewing those terms as synonymous. An individual can be a great leader but not a manager. Conversely, a typical nurse can be a manager but not possess many nursing leadership skills. 

What is the difference between nurse leadership versus management?  

A leader often doesn’t have delegated authority. The “power” that the leader has acquired has come informally from others in the group. Leaders focus on empowering others, as well as motivating, inspiring, and influencing others. A leader typically has good nursing communication and interpersonal skills.  True leaders must be sincere and energetic.  A leader may be a risk-taker, but not to the extent that others feel that they are reckless.  

A manager is provided with this status as a formal role which is given to him/her by someone else.  He/she has an assigned position within the formal organization. A manager is expected to carry out specific duties and has definite responsibilities.

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Learn what it takes to become a Social Services Designee. 

The terms “leader” and “manager” are sometimes used interchangeably. Those of us who have worked for, or with, someone who is one and not the other will see the error in viewing those terms as synonymous. An individual can be a great leader but not a manager. Conversely, a typical nurse can be a manager but not possess many nursing leadership skills. 

What is the difference between nurse leadership versus management? 

A leader often doesn’t have delegated authority. The “power” that the leader has acquired has come informally from others in the group. Leaders focus on empowering others, as well as motivating, inspiring, and influencing others. A leader typically has good nursing communication and interpersonal skills.  True leaders must be sincere and energetic.  A leader may be a risk-taker, but not to the extent that others feel that they are reckless. 

A manager is provided with this status as a formal role which is given to him/her by someone else.  He/she has an assigned position within the formal organization. A manager is expected to carry out specific duties and has definite responsibilities.

- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/difference-between-nurse-leadership-#sthash.XaVQUKg0.dpuf

The terms “leader” and “manager” are sometimes used interchangeably. Those of us who have worked for, or with, someone who is one and not the other will see the error in viewing those terms as synonymous. An individual can be a great leader but not a manager. Conversely, a typical nurse can be a manager but not possess many nursing leadership skills. 

What is the difference between nurse leadership versus management? 

A leader often doesn’t have delegated authority. The “power” that the leader has acquired has come informally from others in the group. Leaders focus on empowering others, as well as motivating, inspiring, and influencing others. A leader typically has good nursing communication and interpersonal skills.  True leaders must be sincere and energetic.  A leader may be a risk-taker, but not to the extent that others feel that they are reckless. 

A manager is provided with this status as a formal role which is given to him/her by someone else.  He/she has an assigned position within the formal organization. A manager is expected to carry out specific duties and has definite responsibilities.

- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/difference-between-nurse-leadership-#sthash.XaVQUKg0.dpuf

Healthy Aging Initiative Helps Low-Income Seniors

For low-income seniors, the lack of access and choice are unfortunate aspects of the general senior housing industry. To promote innovative change in that sector, an exciting new healthy-aging initiative in older adult housing communities will be offered to those with limited incomes.


American Baptist Homes of the West (ABHOW), an industry leader in senior housing and healthcare, has partnered with researchers at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research to test a new concept that promotes successful aging in two senior housing communities in Redlands, California.


The “Masterpiece Living: Successful Aging in Action” initiative grew out of a MacArthur Foundation 1998 study on aging that found 70 percent of physical aging and 50 percent of mental aging are determined by a senior’s lifestyle. The initiative is a multidisciplinary, holistic programming model that partners with senior housing communities, healthcare, mature-market service providers, and other forward-thinking organizations.

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We Care Online June Staff Highlight - Cindy Gashler

This month we get to meet Cindy Gashler.  

Cindy has worked in the healthcare field for 13 years. She began her career as a CNA, then completed her LPN, and continued with an ADN degree.  She functioned as a Long Term Care charge nurse, Inpatient Rehabilitation nurse, MDS Coordinator, and Director of Nursing.  

Following this she re-enrolled in college to obtain a BSN while performing duties of Human Resources, Staff Development Coordinator, Risk Management, Health Information Management, and Senior Living Manager. She is a certified clinical instructor for the state of Kansas for CNA and CMA classes.

She is married with 3 children and lives in a rural area 10 miles from the nearest town. Cindy enjoys the outdoors, has 3 horses, 2 dogs, too many cats, and an enormous garden that always wants attention.

With her years of experience in the heath care field, Cindy believes that it is best to focus on the person. Before you help the person, take the time to enjoy him or her without distraction.

Cindy feels blessed to have the ability to work with students face to face during their clinical experience in Kansas while enjoying networking with more northern states online and by phone.  She assists with enrollments, invoicing, and basic technical issues.  She also works with marketing and directs new users in the services available through WeCareOnline.

The biggest change she has seen in the health care industry has been the shift from direct care to documentation. This also correlates with the shift to electronic documentation over paper charting.

On Cindy's desk, the one item that would be noticed without fail is her pencil sharpener. Her children felt an office is not complete without an electric pencil sharpener with the widest variety of color, foil, and decorated pencils ever noted from any party store!  (She never gets to use it because they do not allow her the opportunity to experience a dull pencil.  They are dutifully sharpened by one or all of them daily whether needed or not.)

Celebrate National Nursing Assistants Week!

Nursing Assistant is one of the most popular careers in the health care industry. People are living longer and healthier lives than before, which means more opportunities for nursing assistants.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, health care providers are currently adding on average of 20,000 new jobs per month. Not only in the U.S, nursing assistant has also become one of the most sought-after careers in the Philippines, Australia, Ireland, UK, South Africa, and Canada.
Here you can find anything related to nursing assistant; the Jobs, Salary, Training, and Education required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the U.S.

Besides in hospitals, a nursing assistant can work in nursing and residential care facilities. Although in general the job only requires a high school diploma, some U.S. State laws and work situation might need other specific qualifications.

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Can Artisans Remain Inspired in Senior Living Communities?

Dedicated quilter? Woodworker? Jewelry maker? While the majority of senior living communities offer a varied roster of activities so that residents can enjoy pastimes that suit their preferences, many aging adults have concerns that they won’t be able to find a community that truly supports their avocation or artistic interests.

What if you’re a theatre actor, but nowhere close to retiring from the stage? What if you’re a writer with no intention of putting down the pen just because you’ve reached retirement age? Seniors who want to downsize or who find themselves suddenly alone after years of marriage can find it daunting to think about trying to identify and nestle into a new community that sustains their longtime vocation.

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Healthy Eating Tips for Busy People

How often has this happened to you?

• You're at work and have an unexpected meeting to attend right before your break?
  
  
• You're in a meeting and its gone into overtime and you only have time to grab whatever is near by (donuts or bagels)?
  
  
• You're running errands and lose track of time, and there's nowhere to get a good healthy meal?
  
  
• You're too stressed, too tired, too overworked or just too (fill in the blank), to eat a good nutritious meal and end up eating junk food?

If you answered "yes" to any of the above, take heart in knowing that you're not alone. Oftentimes, despite our best intentions to eat 4-6 small meals of good quality food every day, it doesn't always work out since life happens!

By now you've heard of the importance of eating small frequent meals: 4 to 6 small meals a day, every 2.5 to 3 hours apart. The reason behind this is because when you eat 4 to 6 small meals a day it can assist your metabolism by consistently burning calories, which can result in a quicker more constant level of weight loss. It also helps your hunger levels by being able to snack on different foods every few hours throughout the day.

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Alzheimer's Hurts: Help For Difficult Behaviors

The first time she can’t remember your name.
The first time he doesn’t seem to recognize you.
The first time she responds to your touch in anger, something she never did before.
 
Alzheimer’s hurts.

As if these deeply painful moments aren’t hard enough, there’s the repeated questions. The anxiety and agitation. The wandering. Hallucinations.

There are so many difficult behaviors that go along with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, which makes caregiving tremendously challenging. You’re dealing with the loss of the person you knew, he’s fading away right before your eyes, and this alone takes its toll. You’re caring around the clock (one of the most famous Alzheimer’s caregiving books is called The 36-Hour Day for good reason). You’re physically exhausted, emotionally spent. No matter how much you love the person you’re caring for, a person can only handle so much. (And if you’re caring for someone you don’t have a relationship with or someone you had once been estranged from, the task is equally trying.)

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