Millennial Nurse Magazine

Spring Edition 2017

Pack Your Bags! Travel Nurse Advice

5

Ways to Fail as a New Graduate Nurse

Millennial NP & CNS Features

STUDENT LOAN CRASH COURSE

Career Trajectory in Nurse Anesthesia

Turning Lemons into Lemonade

Thank you for subscribing to Millennial Nurse Magazine, an online e-zine dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and educating millennials at the bedside and beyond! The millennial generation is GLUED to social media and technology so what better way to reach “US” than through an online e-zine. With millennials making up the largest part of the workforce, organizations must learn to understand, engage, and support millennials. Look no further!

MNM will help YOU understand “the minds” of the millennials.

Millennials are “TIED” into healthcare through Technology, Innovation, Education, and Diversity! This online e-zine will feature professionals from various careers paths related to these concepts to provide information relative to the millennial. I am excited to share knowledge, advice, and tips essential to the success of millennial nurses and honestly, essential to millennials everywhere!

Millennials believe in entrepreneurship, on-the-spot recognition, and live to make a difference in the lives of others, which is why I began Millennial Nurse Magazine: TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS! MNM hope is to inspire others to reach their goals, seek out new opportunities, and live to reach their highest potential!

MNM will serve as online outlet to celebrate millennials who are rocking out their professional and personal lives and to encourage millennial nurses to think beyond the 8 or 12 hour shift and enjoy life, through adventure, advocacy, education and entrepreneurship. Contrary to popular belief, millennials are not entitled, self-centered, or LAZY! We are determined, goal-oriented, and quite resourceful!

WE ARE MILLENIALS!!!

Follow us on social media and let us know what you think about our first issue of Millennial Nurse Magazine!

Tamarra Crandall

Tamarra Crandall, BSN, RN Creator of Millennial Nurse Magazine Millennial Nurse Magazine : MillennialNurseMagazine : www.millennialnursemagazine.com : millnursemag@gmail.com :

Contents

04

Stacy Chang, Clinical Nurse Specialist

06

Excelling Beyond The Bedside

07

Leave Stress at the Door

08

5 Ways to Fail as a New Graduate Nurse

10

Generation Y-NOT

12

Pack Your Bags! Travel Nurse Advice

Turning Lemons into Lemonade Career Trajectory in Nurse Anesthesia

Student Loan Crash Course

NPs Start Your Own Healthcare Center

Nurse Philanthropy

Inhale Courage, Exhale Fear Alexis Davidge, Nurse Practitioner

14 16 19 20 22 23 24

Q&A with Clinical

NURSE Specialist STACY CHANG Q: What inspired you to choose nursing as your profession?

A: I wanted a career where I could help people but also challenge myself. I have always wanted a fulfilling job that gives back to people. At 12 years old, my twin sister was diagnosed with lupus and we spent a lot of time in the hospital. I was inspired to do something in the medical field. I actually wanted to be a doctor but I also wanted to be a mom and sometimes that’s a rough combination. Nursing allows me to have more time with my family. It is important to me that I have a good work life balance. Unlike many of my friends who are becoming physicians, I don’t have to miss weddings or sacrifice my social life.

It’s the best of both worlds with nursing.

Q: How did you become a Clinical Nurse Specialist?

A: Prior to becoming a nurse I was an EKG tech. My undergraduate degree is in psychobiology, and my masters is in nursing with a focus in the specialty area of clinical nurse specialist. I worked at Ronald

Reagan Medical Center in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit for a couple years and then transferred to Standford and worked in their CTICU. Recently I was afforded the opportunity to become the Clinical Nurse Specialist in the cardiology clinic.

As the CNS I assist with pacemaker evaluations, device checks, arrhythmia evaluations, and I coordinate care management for patients receiving these services.

Q: As a millennial nurse, how do you feel you contribute to the field of nursing?

A: I think I bring technological savviness and the ability to multi-task and work efficiently.

Millennials contributions are necessary in the advancement of healthcare and I am excited to be a part of it. Millennials add a lot to the nursing profession. I have only been in my department a few months and my manager has commended me on my efficient use of information systems and work productivity. As millennials we are productive because we like to get results quickly and we always find ways to be more efficient.

Q: There are many new “millennial” nurses in the nursing field, what advice would you give them?

A: Focus on the big picture of the patient and always remember why you went into this profession. The job is more than just skill based, it’s about human connections too! As nurses we make invaluable connections with our patients that last a lifetime.

Q: What advice would you give experienced nurses working with novice millennial nurses?

A: I was open to criticism and always tried to find a way to improve my practice. My preceptor taught me that I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Having that attitude made me safe but curious to learn more and be open to improvement.

My biggest fear was feeling like an imposter and knowing that there was so much I didn’t know. It was scary at first working in the 04

ICU right off the bat, I wanted to provide good and safe care, but also not harm anyone from my inexperience. Luckily, I was at an amazing teaching institution that always had great support and resources.

Q: What advice would you give experienced nurses working with novice millennial nurses?

A: Don’t talk down to them or have the attitude “nurses eat their young”.

Understand that millennials have fresh knowledge and may be able to teach experienced nurses new things. Nurses should be compassionate and caring, new nurses should not be made to feel stupid, they need help growing and experienced nurses sometimes forget that.

Q: How involved are you in social media, do you feel it is important to the advancement of healthcare?

A: I am very involved in social media for personal use but not for work. I never thought of it as being a means for the advancement of healthcare but it could be useful in support groups. I just don’t like when nurses write things about patients, it is important to remember we are patient advocates and violating them at their most vulnerable moment is unethical.

focus on increasing my nursing knowledge and hopefully attend more professional conferences, if mommyhood allows.

Favorite Quote “Shoot for the moon. If you miss, you will land among the stars.”

Q: Of course as millennials, we are always shooting to achieve the next goal, so where will Stacy Chang, MSN, RN, CNS be in five years?

A: Right now I am the CNS in the outpatient cardiology clinic, however my ultimate goal is to become a CNS on the CTICU. I would also like to explore being a nurse educator because I enjoy teaching new graduate nurses.

However, as a new CNS there is so much to learn so I will continue to

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Excelling Beyond the Bedside LeaRae Keyes, BSN, RN, PHN, CCM

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any nurses want to know what they can do to work as a nurse and yet get away from the bedside. After being at the bedside for a while you may experience the desire for something new and exciting. I believe millennial nurses will create their own future. Many of you will become nurse entrepreneurs. This article will give you 3 tips on what you can do now to set yourself up to be a nurse entrepreneur in the future.

1. Get experience –

work in an area of nursing that excites and challenges you. Develop as much expertise in that area as you possibly can. Being a successful entrepreneur is often about having knowledge that is a mile deep and an inch wide. You want to become the “Go To Expert” in that particular area. You can make it as a generalist but it is much easier as a specialist or an expert! Why work harder when you can work smarter?

2. Learn to market on someone else’s dime – Find a job in sales

working for someone else. This is one area where most nurse entrepreneurs need to develop skills. If you can go to work for a company and they train you or you somehow learn sales skills by trial and error why not acquire these skills before you start your own business. As anentrepreneur you will need to be able

to sell even if you have a sales professional on your team.

3. Start blogging – Use social media and post interesting and valuable information to get your name known and to establish yourself as an expert.

Develop a following so when you start your business you will have an eager target audience ready to buy from you.

In summar y, there is much that you can do before you start a business to prepare for starting a business. If you don’t already have several years of solid experience in the area in which you want to start your business get that experience now. Learn and refine your sales and marketing skills so you will be ready to sell your products or ser vices once you are up and running. Finally start blogging on a consistent basis to build your audience that will be eager and excited to buy from you when you start your business. You are in control of your future!

LeaRae Keyes, BSN, RN, PHN, CCM is the founder and executive director of the Nurse Entrepreneur Network an organization dedicated to helping nurses start and grow their businesses. Ms. Keyes offers free weekly business tips for nurses in business or those wanting to start a business.

Learn more at: http://www.nurse-entrepreneur-network.com/ 06

Leave Stress at the Door

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n a culture that values instantaneous results, quick fixes, multitasking, and being everything for everyone, the feeling of stress is often inevitable. Most individuals feel “stressed” at some point in their lives.

It is something that affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and religions.

Many who experience stress are unaware that they bring it home with them, often causing stress to spread into their communication and interaction with their family members and with others. Stress-relief doesn’t have to be a difficult task. This article will give you 7 easy ways to Leave

Stress at the Door.

The American Psychological Association define stress as an "emotional experience accompanied by predictable biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes." A few fairly common symptoms of stress include: over thinking, excessive worry, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and feelings of being overwhelmed. If not addressed, individuals can become depressed, anxious, and can even develop medical issues (i.e. heart problems, weakened immune systems, hypertension, etc..).

To avoid unmanaged stress here are 7 practical ways to decrease daily stress.

1. Leave your work at the office:

Many of us tend to bring our work or problems home with us. If at all possible, leave it at work (it will be there in the morning). If this is not possible, complete any unfinished work or tasks in an area of your home that is separate from your room/place of relaxation.

2. Listen to music: Music has been

found to have significant impact in the brain; often changing one’s mood. By listening to music that is soothing or enjoyable, you are almost guaranteed to be in a better mood once you get home. You will find that you are able to communicate better with others within your home or complete any personal tasks with greater ease.

3. Progressive muscle relaxation:

Progressive Muscle Relaxationcan be done anywhere: while at the office,

at home, or while in the car after returning home from a long day of work. Progressive muscle relaxation involves slowly tensing and then relaxing different muscle groups (i.e. fists, toes, legs, abdomen, eyes, mouth, etc...). By participating in progressive muscle relaxation you are able to control the amount of pressure and provide yourself with relief by choosing to relax the areas of your body you have tensed.

Doing so will cause you to feel less stress and more relaxed.

4. Electronic Disconnect:

Throughout the day we are constantly responding to emails, working, checking Instagram, Facebook, or swiping left and right on our favorite dating app. Doing so can often lead to difficulties getting our work completed and may even increase the number of tasks that are ask of us by others. All of this can lead to feelings of stress.

By disconnecting, yes turning our cellphones, iPads, and smart watches “off” or in “vibrate mode” for a few minutes, we can obtain much needed rest and relaxation.

Temporarily disconnecting, allows us to feel less anxious and also be present in the activities we need to participate in at work and at home (i.e. communicating with family and friends in a more pleasant manner, resting our minds and fingers, eating dinner with limited distractions, and engaging in enjoyable activities).

This also allows us to create healthy boundaries of communication with others resulting in decreased levels of stress.

5. Make a list: It is easy and fairly common for many of us to become overwhelmed when thinking about the day to day tasks that need to be completed. We are constantly juggling our physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, and social demands. In doing so, we can easily fall into a state of “stress”. By making a list (writing it down on a sheet of paper or on our phones) we can list these tasks in order of importance/urgency, allowing us to know where to begin and feel a sense of accomplishment in checking the tasks off the list once it is completed.

6. Acknowledge the stress: By

addressing the stress we have in our lives either by talking to a friend or professional or by journaling, we are able to release some of the stress

we have. In discussing the circumstances you have faced throughout the day or the week, you are able to identify the problem, process your feelings, and have an easier time problem-solving healthy solutions.

7. Reward yourself: It is important to take the time to praise and reward yourself for getting through a difficult situation or for completing a task.

Rewarding yourself can come in the form of verbal praise or by participating in an enjoyable activity. For many of us it is all too easy to reward and support others, but we oftentimes have difficulty doing the same for ourselves. By taking the time to read an enjoyable book, watch an episode of our favorite television show, take 30 minutes to exercise, dance, take some space, and identify something we did well, laugh, or pray we provide ourselves the opportunity to focus on something positive, which allows us to better manage difficult situations without becoming stressed.

It is not always possible to avoid stressful situations, but we can learn to leave our stress at the door by using these stress-management techniques.

In doing so, we can lead happier, healthier, and more balanced lives.

Amber D. Simpson is a licensed marriage and family therapist who currently works as a school-based counselor. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and performing community service with her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta,

07

5 ways to Fail as a

C

learly the title of this article grabbed your attention? Who would teach someone to fail? So now that I have your attention I am actually giving you advice on how NOT to fail as a new graduate nurse. No need to take notes overachievers, just print this and highlight it!

1. The ONLY way to succeed in nursing is to SPEAK UP! Speak up for your patients, speak up for yourself, SPEAK UP if you see something wrong. Once you passed your NCLEX at 75 questions (or 240 for some of us, but hey who’s counting right?), you because an advocate. You became an advocate for patients, co-workers, and yourself.

In our profession, it is important to advocate for what is right for the safety of everyone. This includes SPEAKING UP if you don’t know something. The most dangerous thing you can do as a new grad is to pretend! Most nurses have a good sense of who is going to survive

orientation and who isn’t, so don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know, can you show me?”

The experienced nurses will respect you much more if you don’t try to kill their patients. Speaking of experienced nurses, some will try to intimidate you. This is NOT ok. If you feel someone is targeting you or being disrespectful, SPEAK UP for yourself. If you feel this may result in a parking lot brawl, it may be better to speak with your manager about their behavior. NURSE BULLYING IS NOT OK! 2. “I already took the NCLEX, I am done studying!” Wrong!

Studying is a part of your life forever now, well at least for the next couple months.

Most new graduate nurses are placed in classes that require them to pass a knowledge test prior to orienting on the floor.

So you may want to buy a new case of highlighters and glitter

pens because this information is hospital/specialty specific and you probably only know about 50% of it.

Although you are anxious to push meds or titrate drips, take a moment to really digest the information presented to you because this is the foundation of your specialty knowledge.

Your preceptors will probably grill you all the time so it’s best to know it so you can look like the smarty pants that you are!

3. Early is on time, on time is Late! At least while you are a new grad. I advise everyone to come to work a few minutes to look up your patients’ diagnoses and history. This will allow you gather an understanding of “the clinical picture” prior to receiving report. You will also have time to compile your long list of questions for the night nurse who is extremely exhausted from trying to keep a confused grandma

08

a New Grad Nurse in the bed all night.

There is nothing worse than having a patient code at shift change and you know NOTHING about the patient.

As you get more comfortable, this may not be necessary, but for now it will definitely be helpful! Planning to get to work early shows professionalism and allows time to fix natural disasters such as empty gas tanks, no parking, or lost stethoscopes (trust these things will happen!).

Being early also gives you time to protest your assignment but I wouldn’t advise you to do that as a new grad, and I have NEVER done this (well maybe a few times).

4. Go to lunch! You have to take your break! Nursing is a 24 hour job and its important you take care of yourself. Now I know there are some places where nurses don’t get breaks and that is RIDICULOUS. Nurses have to eat and have time to breathe

during their day. If you have break relief, do not pass GO, do not Collect 200$ take your break when it is offered. As a new grad it is important to master “time management & prioritization.” My preceptor did not allow me to chart during my break. She made it very clear that I needed to learn to manage my time effectively so I could enjoy my lunch break. I am probably sounding like an entitled millennial, but so be it! As a nurse I hate to leave tasks for my break nurses, so I make sure everything important is done before they come.

5. Lastly, HAVE FUN! Don’t be so serious!

You don’t have to starch your scrub pants anymore! Some hospitals even let you wear whatever color scrubs you want! Get to know your co-workers, join a committee, and help your neighbor! Don’t get me wrong, nursing is a serious job and you

have to be fully aware of your patients’ needs at all times. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy work or your co-workers. Your co-workers have been through this before and they survived! So can you! They will teach you all the hacks to survive the floor. Joining a committee will allow you to make a positive impact on your unit and implement innovative ideas that will irritate the seasoned nurses! It will also provide you an opportunity to get to know your manager better. You know, figure out what she likes so you can get your vacation request approved! Most importantly, value your co-workers and help them when in need.

There is nothing like watching your co-worker “chilling” while you are up to your elbows in C-diff poop! Healthy work environments are critical to nurses’ success, so make sure you are contributing to your work environment, in a FUN way!

09

“Generation Y-Not” My name is Vannesia and I am a young millennial with an old soul.

I graduated with honors from one of the top ranked universities in the Midwest, completed various free internships, and was an award-winning campus-leader. Yet, none of those feats served as a prerequisite to escape hearing senior management voice their opinion about my generation once I entered the workforce:

“This generation feels so entitled” “We need some recent graduates that we can work hard for cheap” “Here come these millennials – why are they here?”

Although I did my best to limit myresponses to those comments, I could not help but advocate for my generation.I soon realized the generalization of an entire era, especially one that I am part of, was one that was based upon an inherent disconnect between the five age groups currently working side by side in today’s workforce. Whenever I chimed in, the feedback to my push back seemed almost instantaneous: “Oh, well not you, Vannesia…. you’re different.”

Each time someone disassociated me with my generation, I kindly reminded them that I was am illennial – and proud of it. The real truth of the matter is that just a mere month before the hit NBC showThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Airdebuted on national television, I was being born! (I know you started singing the theme song in your head, it’s okay – I did too).

Contrary to the comments rendered, I wasn’t different. I can name plenty of people in my sphere of influence who not only have accomplished just as much as I have at this age in life; but they are blazing unknown trails.

These types of millennials are building companies, starting nonprofit organizations, hosting protests, matriculating in their graduate studies, and investing in stocks and bonds for the future.

Simultaneously, they are traveling the world, producing their own albums, creating content on YouTube, starting podcasts, and documenting every occurrence on social media so the entire tribe can follow along for the journey.

It wasn’t until I left the safety net of my employer that I realized where this generation, commonly known as Generation Y(born between 1985-1999), differs from the other 4 generations con currently operating in the workforce: we chose to ask WHY NOT. Somewhere along this thing called life, my generation was sold a pipe dream which correlated a college degree to financial success and job security. According to Samantha Raphelson of NPR, millennials are the most educated generation with 34% having a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. By no means am I devaluing an education, but rather the assumed parallel it created to financial freedom. Due to the 2008 recession, subsequent fluctuating economy and the lack of employment opportunities, the once inherent “dream” suddenly lost its luster. So, what did that mean for us?

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It meant no jobs, being underpaid, serious debt, and left us having to think outside of the box.

There were many days in some of my entry level gigs where I questioned if my $120,000 undergraduate degree was merely an expensive piece of décor, accenting the off-whitepaint on the wall in my office. Yet, like many of those around me, I dared to remain hopeful, which encompassed changing a few assumptions.

The millennial generation is not hard to understand, we just realize every definition of success is different – so why not create our own opportunities?

We recognize that college debt is real, so why not build multiple side businesses and finally rescind Sally Mae’s seat at our table?

We also know that enjoying the life we are creating is just as important as the creative process itself, so why not engage others on social media through out this journey?

It’s a hard pill to swallow, but the reality is that life is too short and nothing is guaranteed. Even the baby boomers once said, “You can be here today and gone tomorrow” – and we refuse to leave any opportunity on the table or apologize about our approach.

For those in management, attempt to learn young new hires personally prior to lumping them into a category. Know that a little understanding can go a long way. Do not be afraid to impart wisdom, but also know that influence is not limited to age and you may learn something from your younger counterparts.

Vannesia Darby is a former music industry marketer turned entrepreneur and owner of the boutique digital marketing company, MOXIE Nashville. A millennial with an old soul, she strives to use the inspiration God gives her to encourage the world one person at a time. : @moxienash and @iSpeakLife3

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Pack Your Bags!

Travel Nurse Advice

G IRLS LOVE TRAVEL G YPSY NURSE HOUSING G YPSY SOUL TRAVEL N URSE

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.

Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. ~Mark Twain

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Tips for New Travel Nurses 1. Sign up with more than one travel company This will enhance your chances for desired positions, more competitive pay packages, and give you multiple options.

opportunity to extend.

You may want to take a week or month off in between contracts, extensions, or start another assignment the following week.

2. Learn about desired area you want to travel.

5. Travel nurses do get benefits!”

Research the hospital and

city. teaching vs non-teaching. Higher pay packages should not be the only reason you decide to go work at a hospital. This will help you better prepare and get you more excited.

3. Be Ready to Go

Once your agency submits your resume, it can take as little as a couple days to a week to be offered the gig. You may get a “heads up” but it’s better to be ready than NOT. Being burdened with unfinished business may impact your experience.

4. Understand your contract thoroughly.

Make sure it clearly states pay rate, stipend (always negotiable), desired shift, guaranteed hours, float policy, cancel with or without pay, and make up hours. Also make sure to factor in days that you will need off during your contract. Most contracts are 13 weeks witha potential

Many agencies provide health insurance, dental, disability, life insurance, and retirement savings options. Don’t forget to inquire about licensure, certification, parking, and car rental reimbursements.

6. Stipend vs no stipend. your choice.

This may be a no brainer for some. Allowing the agency to find appropriate housing for you may be a dream come true. For some travelers, taking the stipend and finding their own housing gives them more control over their money and how they would prefer to spend it.

7. Stay positive! Once a Nurse always a Nurse.

It can be scary to leave a familiar environment but don’t worry, you will adjust but if you don’t, there is always an end!

8. Ask questions.

Ask HR, managers, preceptors, and other colleagues at work any questions you have about

their policies or procedures.

Hospitals may vary in a few practices so it is always important figure out what the best practice is at the facility. Remember you are not expected to know it all.” Ask other important questions such as neighborhood information, restaurant and retail locations, etc.

9.Dot your I's and Cross your T's

Make sure all hospital requirements are complete, you are aware of actual start date vs orientation start date, and if there is any further paperwork or screenings that need to be completed. Be sure to confirm your move-in date with your housing company.

10. Lastly, Have Fun!

Make the most of it. Expand your resume and your horizons. Explore, meet new people, learn new hobbies, try new things and don't forget your camera. Have family visit you. Depending on where you go bring your beach attire, skis, camping gear, hiking boots, good reads, dog, appetite, and a smile. From my experience, most places were happy to see travelers and welcomed us with open arms. If you are thinking about doing it, do just that!

You will not regret it!

Orie Kalu

13

Turning Lemons into Lemonade

Tamarra Crandall is the creative mind behind Millennial Nurse Magazine. At 27 years old, her nursing experience includes post-organ transplant care, critical care, organ procurement, and ambulatory services. Tamarra is a practicing RN, clinical instructor and currently pursuing her doctoral degree at the University of South Alabama. Tamarra is also the CEO of Millennial Nursing Solutions, an educational consulting company, providing various services to schools, healthcare systems, and community organizations. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.� – Maya Angelou

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I wish I could be more like you!

You are so amazing!

I wish I could be a more of a go-getter like you!

You are so confident, so assertive!

Quotes that I hear on a daily basis. I am flattered when I hear these things, but I am often confused. What makes me more amazing than you? Isn’t everyone a go-getter, isn’t every assertive and confident? Then I remember, little do they know, the little girl inside of me was not always the self-assured, poised, assertive woman they encounter today. Growing up being raised by a single mother battling a drug addiction was not an easy feat. Through many challenging obstacles I learned valuable lessons that help me be successful in life and in my nursing career, I turned my lemons into lemonade. Growing up in a low sociœconomic environment forces you to fight for dreams and learn to possess these positive attributes. My dream has always been to help others in a way that would be beneficial but also have the means to provide for a family and I am doing that and more!

Here is my recipe for turning YOUR lemons into lemonade.

Believe in You! Even if no one else does!

Life’s obstacles and challenges are responsible for molding me into the person I am. There were times when people would tell me “you will never amount to anything,” or “you won’t be successful doing that.” If I listened to those individuals I would not be where I am today.

Believe in you even if no one else dœs. Write your goals down, create a plan, BELIEVE IT. You don’t have to go through life-altering events to be awesome, confident, or assertive, but you do have to believe in yourself. Create a life for you, not one built for someone else’s approval. The millennial generation is often consumed with what the next person is doing. If you continue to measure yourself against others you will never feel fulfilled.

Figure out what makes you happy, what you are good at and stick with it, BELIEVE IN YOU!

Take Risks! You Are Good Enough!

Exactly one day after graduation I packed my bags and moved across the country, from West Virginia to California. I was offered the opportunity to work at one of the best medical centers in the nation and all I had to do was pass the NCLEX. . I studied for an entire month as if it were my job. Eight hours a day I studied, I couldn’t get this far and fail. What would I tell everyone who believed in me? I already accepted the job. Luckily, after 2 review courses, countless hours of studying, and a relaxing facial before the exam, I PASSED. My nursing experiences include intensive care, ambulatory services, organ procurement, and clinical instructor. I am currently working on my doctorate of nursing practice in executive nurse administration.

My ultimate goal is to create a healthcare clinic to address the need of the homeless population. You don’t have to have your hands in every pot or perhaps move across the but

don’t talk yourself out of opportunities because you don’t feel you have enough experience or you don’t think you are good enough.

Experienced nurses often express to me the desire to explore other fields, but lack the confidence to try something new. Nurses often forget if you don’t like a specific area you don’t have to stay there. There are so many opportunities in our field, explore them. You are good enough!

Don’t Do it Alone!

I would be remised if I didn’t acknowledge those who have helped me get to where I am in life today. It’s not impossible to be successful without the help of others, but that is not my story.

Without my awesome nursing instructors’ guidance and support I would have never made it through nursing school.

They pushed me to do my best, and sometimes you need someone to give you a nudge.

My sister has always been my sounding board and my husband is always supportive, along with other family members. They give me honest, constructive criticism, even if they know I won’t like what they say. There are countless colleagues and sorority sisters who also are instrumental in me being ME. It’s important to have a support circle. Your circle dœsn’t have to consist of a numerous amount of people, but key individuals who have your best interest at heart.

So there it is, my recipe, so you too can be a go-getter, be confident, and be YOU. Believe, take risks, get support, and YOU can turn your lemons into 15 lemonade!

Career Trajectory in Nurse Anesthesia: Pipeline Programs and CRNA Opportunities www.aana.com. You can read the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Fact Sheet on their website by clicking at the top of the website, CE & Education followed by going to the link, Become A CRNA.

Are you considering a career in nurse anesthesia? Need information about shadowing a CRNA? Do you need critical care nursing experience before applying a graduate nurse anesthesia program?

What are the responsibilities of a Nurse Anesthetists and how do you articulate it during the interview?

How can you balance family and finances while a graduate nurse anesthesia student? These are just a few questions nursing students and nurses who are pondering applying to graduate nurse anesthesia program.

First, navigate searching online for websites that pertain to nurse anesthesia, advocacy, graduate nurse anesthesia programs, and mentoring programs. Initially, you can learn comprehensive information about nurse anesthesia and advocacy at the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists website,

Next, to learn more about the admission criteria, minimum Bachelor of Science in Nursing requirement, type of critical work experience, essay requirements, clinical affiliation, didactic curriculum, length of program and Master in Science and Doctorate in Nurse Practice or Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia Practice Programs by visiting graduate nurse anesthesia program websites. For instance, visit the University of Maryland DNP Nurse Anesthesia Program and Samuel Merritt University Nurse Anesthesia Program websites. Both offer extensive information about the admission process, information sessions with face-to-face inquiry about their specific programs, GRE requirements (if any), shadowing CRNAs and more. This will allow you to actively engage in searching for information with nurse anesthesia faculty and meeting nurse anesthesia students.

The Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia

Mentorship Program is a resourceful website for comprehensive information for under represented minority nurses and nursing students. This is a pipeline organization for diverse nurses interested to successfully matriculate into a graduate nurse anesthesia program. Scheduled dates for Diversity CRNA Information Session & Airway Simulation Lab Workshop comprise of a weekend event to meet nurse anesthesia program directors, CRNAs and nurse anesthesia students of color from different regions of the country.

Discussed is the admission process, essay construction, mock interview, clinical expectations, balancing family and finances, DNP coursework and networking with CRNAs and nurse anesthesia students. As a result of hosting 28 of these well attended sessions over 12 years, attended sessions over 12 years, over 450 underrepresented minority nurses have successfully matriculated into 57 out 114 graduate nurse anesthesia programs. And, they primarily work as Nurse Anesthetists in Level I and II Trauma Centers and community hospitals in urban centers. Some of them have become Chief CRNAs, Clinical Coordinators, military CRNAs, owners of anesthesia practices, faculty

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members and leaders within the state and national nurse anesthesia associations.

Another pipeline initiative by the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program target nursing students to explore nurse anesthesia as a viable career option, academic and clinical excellence with hands-on anesthesia airway simulation experience by Nurse Anesthetists of color. The Diversity CRNA HBCU and Hispanic Serving Institution School of Nursing Tour was launched at Howard University with

subsequent visits at North Carolina A&T State University, Delaware State University and Lehman College School of Nursing (Bronx, NY). In the future, more Schools of Nursing will be visited in Florida, Georgia, Maryland and California.

All of this to share valuable information about nurse anesthesia before graduating from nursing school and learning about securing critical care experience as a trajectory into the career path of nurse anesthesia. Please visit the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program at www.DiversityCRNA.org.

Wallena Gould, EdD, CRNA, FAAN is the Founder and CEO of the Diversity in Nurse Anesthesia Mentorship Program, Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Member of the Editorial Board of Minority Nurse Magazine, Consultant for a HRSA Workforce Diversity $1 million Grant for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Chair of the AANA Diversity Task Force.

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10

Student

Loan

Crash

Course

Millennials walking out of college have a few hurdles to jump over before getting to the American dream and a white picket fence.

Majority of college graduates walk out with an average of $30,000 in debt! I would be oblivious if I didn’t mention the reality of the job market and how tough it is to find a well paying job among competition.

But no need to worry as your life is ahead of you. My parents continue to tell me to keep paying the minimum and one day it will be gone. That is wholly true however as a millennial I need to rush things a bit and save money on the interest. I’m going to list a four points on managing student loan and paying it down quicker.

1. Student Loan Forgiveness Numerous scams and hype are behind student loan forgiveness and that may very well become a reality down the road but for the time being you shouldn’t count it. The legitimate program, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), will forgive the remaining balance on Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan while working full time. An important note is that the program only extends to qualified employers.

Those types of employments are:

• Government Organizations at any level in federal, state, local or branch • Not-for-profit organizations that are tax exempt, Section 501(c)(3) • Other types of not-for-profit organizations If you work for one of the above employments it is highly recommended you inquire more about the PSLF by visiting their website and talking to your HR. For the majority of workers, who work for-a-profit company, the program will not help. It’s imperative to know whether you qualify or not, knowing will allow more time to focus on paying off the loans.

2. Pay the Principal and Pay it Early Student loans are an example of compound interest working against you. The interest is highest at the start of the loan. The beginning of the loan payoff may only have 25% to 35% that goes toward the principal of the loan. As time and payments continue the interest becomes less and payments to the actual principal become higher.

Planning on paying more in the next few years may not save you as much money on interest as you think. By paying more towards the principal at the start of the loan will save thousands of dollars on interest.

3. Consequences of Missed Payments Billions of dollars in student loan debt is past due. A few consequences of delinquent payments are ruining your credit score, wage garnishment and increase the amount of the loan.

Remember, even if you aren’t paying your monthly payments the interest is still incurring and growing on the

and growing on the principal.

That is why it is important to remain in contact with your loan company. If you are having trouble making payments it is best to inquire about flexible payment plans. Understandably it can be embarrassing to explain your financial situation but at the end of the day the loan company wants you to make payments. Talk to your loan company if you are falling on finically difficult times to avoid any consequences.

4. Pick a Plan Dave Ramsey said it best, “You can wander into debt but you can’t wander out.� You may find yourself in more debt than you planned or vice versa. Either way adopt a plan to get out of debt.

There are two debt payoff strategies that I favor: 1. Debt Snowball – Paying off the loan with the lowest balance first.

2. Debt Avalanche – Paying off the loan with the most interest first.

Figure for yourself which strategy is best for you on the journey to debt freedom. For beginners with paying off debt the debt snowball strategy will earn you some quick wins and build your confidence.

Wrapping up I want to leave you with some advice that will help with paying off student loans. No matter what income or amount of debt you are dealing with, taking the first step is the hardest.

If you read everything above that means you are ready to take your debt-payoff to the next level. Challenge yourself to go outside your comfort zone and achieve debt freedom.

Andre Albritton

Andre Albritton is a frugal man, finance junkie and CFP in the making. He blogs about financial topics to help millennials become debt free and experience financial freedom. : www.TheMillennialsNextDoor.com : www.instagram.com/themillennialsnextdoor/ : www.twitter.com/Millennials_N_D

: www.pinterest.com/Millennials_N_D/ : www.facebook.com/TheMillennialsNextDoor/

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NURSE

Practitioners Start Your Own Healthcare Center If you are interested in starting your own healthcare center or business consider the following advice.

From the moment I graduated from Berea College and started my first job as an RN, I knew that at some point, I wanted to own my own business. I envisioned a women’s health facility where women felt comfortable and “at-home” and were confident in their health care providers. I wasn’t sure at what point in my career this facility would manifest, or when I would feel confident enough in my skills to be on my own, but I knew it would happen.

In fact, exactly 10 years after I received my BSN, Athena Health and Wellness, PLLC became a reality. It was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but there is not a day that goes by that I regret leaving my previous employer and becoming my own boss.

I’m convinced that all advanced practice nurses should consider practice ownership. While entrepreneurship is not something we are routinely taught in school, it’s important that we take the opportunity to improve the health of our communities…and the time is now.

What’s your vision? Before you run out and start looking for facilities, make sure you are very clear on what type of practice you want to start. What type of services would you like to provide and what will set you apart from the competition? I suggest starting with a mission statement. It will help you stay focused.

Don’t go it alone! While it may seem exciting to say YOU and you alone are the sole owner of your business, it also means that YOU and YOU alone are responsible for EVERYTHING in your business. My partner, Carrie, and I met every week for a couple hours to talk about our vision and divvy out the next group of tasks to get the doors open. Establish roles and expectations early.

Stage your space deliberately.

People make judgments about your business based upon what they see, hear and smell when they walk in the door. Take the time to ensure that the message they receive is congruent with your vision for your practice.

For example, we wanted to provide comfort and relaxation to our patients so we chose to

design our waiting room more like a living room (with couches, movies playing, fresh water and a free tea station). Our patient’s love it!

Choose your team wisely! The folks that work in your business represent you, ensure that the team members you select are in alignment with your vision.

Now is not the time to hire all your friends and cousins!

Protect your brand and image; as a startup, that’s all you have.

Use social media to build your patient base! From the time Athena opened, we had marketing people from every magazine, radio station and online medium trying to sell us something. Be wise with your marketing dollars. We’ve built our entire business using Facebook, attending health fairs, sending direct mail, and via word of mouth.

The healthcare industry is ripe for a change and I believe that nurses are in the perfect position to make the most impact. Take the risk! Start that business…the health of our nation depends on it!

Learn more about Dr. Anderson and Athena Wellness at http://athenahealthandwellness.com/

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MEET RENEE DYSON RN

Founder !"#$%#&'(&)*#%+)",%-#./$.01#2#*$3&#(),4&#,%#0&5(,%-#$"(,),%-#678#97# %+)",%-#"*+4&%*"1#-)$4+$*&"#()&($),%-#:/)#7;<=>1#?#%&@#%+)"&"A#2#

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EXPERT NURSING COACH

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19

Nurse

Philanthropy Spotlight

Highly Favored: A Blessing to Others In, 2015, Alexis Goudeau established, Highly Favored: A Blessing to Others, a non-profit organization whose mission is to help improve the quality of life for all impoverished persons by providing them with essential items necessar y for daily living. These items include soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine products, shampoo, conditioner, warm clothing, blankets, and other various items. The organization distributes these items in backpacks to the homeless community through Los Angeles County. Alexis is a graduate of Mount Saint Mar y School of Nursing and has 8 years of nursing experience in ambulator y care, several specialty intensive care units, and gastroenterolog y. In this mission called life, Alexisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; greatest passion is helping make the world a better place to live by helping the less fortunate.

Visit www.ablessingtoothers.org for more details on how to donate and how to be a blessing to others.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Highly Favored carries out random acts of kindness to the less fortunate and through generous donations. We believe that if we change our mindset, everyone can make a difference in the world we live in. The homeless population is interwoven in the lives of everyone. Daily viewings during commutes to work and various outings portray an imper fect world that surrounds us. So many people need our help. Highly Favored: A Blessing to Others, view the beauty in all, no color lines, gender lines, or situational instances can blind the act of giving. These human beings need essential items used in daily living.â&#x20AC;?

Alexis Goudeau - Founder

22

MILLENNIAL INSPIRATION: INHALE COURAGE, EXHALE FEAR We’ve all hit a plateau in our lives where we feel time is standing still and progress or certain milestones seem to be far in the distance. We experience feelings of doubt within ourselves and often question, “How do we get to the next level?”

You know when your 3rd grade teacher asks you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Many of us are still figuring out the answer to that question now, and that’s okay. There is no standard time clock for your own personal achievements.

Many of you may be witnessing loved ones getting married, traveling the world, buying homes, getting promoted, starting families, and you may be thinking, “I’m need to fix my life, without Iyanla, because I don’t even have the time or funds for that type of professional help!

The opinions of others and feeling like you aren’t moving along in life fast enough can easily cloud your mind. At some point you’ll tell yourself, “ENOUGH!” The only way you’re going to make ANYTHING happen is if you take your thoughts back into control and just DO IT. You are exactly where you need to be. You put yourself here. All of your decisions, both good and bad have shaped who you are today. Just think, five years ago, you may have set a goal and probably have accomplished that goal. Start to look at all of the things you have done, and pat yourself on the back. Become your own biggest cheerleader and keep moving. Don’t watch the action happening, become apart of that action and take small steps toward your aspirations. Even if it means writing it down. Small tasks. Large tasks.

Your workout routine. Errands. Write EVERYTHING down. Sooner or later, your life will seem less stressful. You won’t feel pressured to get married tomorrow. Or have a baby next week. Or become the next [nurse] Enjoy the things that are currently happening and work toward your purpose. See, success as a millennial isn’t just about hitting society’s so-called “milestones.” Success is snatching fear by the collar and creating a plan for your life that best suits your needs, and possibly, your wants. It’s easier said than done, but once you do it, you’ll be better for it.

Inhale COURAGE, exhale fear…..

[WRITTEN BY JACQUELYN GREEN] 2017

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AlexisDavidge, MSN, RN, APRN Alexis is a 26 year old Advanced Heart Failure and Lung Transplant Nurse Practitioner at Baylor University Medical Center.

"Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly ; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air." â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Corinthians 9:25-27

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Q: What inspired you to join the nursing profession?

A: It’s actually interesting, I’m not your traditional “always wanted to be a nurse” girl. I actually was debating between nursing and culinary school. A friend of mine who was in nursing school inspired me to pursue nursing. I love nursing and I am glad I decided to pursue this career.

Q: Tell me about your nursing experience A: I have been a nurse for five years, I started working as a new graduate at Ronald Regan Medical Center on the Liver Transplant ICU and after finishing nurse practitioner school at UCLA,I accepted the position for Advanced Heart Failure and Lung Transplant NP at Baylor. I have been here for 5 months now and there is so much to learn but I am enjoying it.

Q: It’s hard to leave your first job especially if you love it, what would you say the biggest difference is between UCLA and Baylor?

A: Both medical centers are awesome. Baylor has a town hall to update staff on hospital issues and they really listen to employee concerns. Both places do a great job of supporting their staff. It’s great to work for places able to provide such high level of care to patients. There aren’t too many major differences, I am

grateful to have the

opportunity to work at Baylor now, but I also love UCLA.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is scared to take a leap and move to a new city to take on a new role?

A: Timing is important, I have no attachments, if you feel it’s a place you are going to thrive and you are willing to take a risk, focus on the positive. I make my family a priority, we always talk on the phone. I always plan trips.

Family is important to me and now they have a fun place to visit. You have to also be able to enjoy the city and thrive in all aspects of life. Dallas is a fun place and definitely a place for millennials to thrive. I love it here.

Q: If you had to give one piece of advice to a new nurse, what would that be?

A: Trust the process, you think you have learned so much in school and then you start on the floor and it barely applies, it’s all textbook or you can’t recall the information. Just know you will be ok, you will learn everything you need to know in due time. Don’t stress yourself out.

Q: What advice would you give experienced nurses?

A: Don’t let nursing just become a job to you, remember why you chose to help people. I think sometimes the stress of it all makes us forget our true purpose.

Q: How involved are you in social media and do you believe it’s important for the advancement of healthcare?

A: Sometimes I try to scale back because it can be time consuming. I use Facebook and Instagram a few times a week. I do believe social media is important to the advancement of healthcare for millennials. They rely on social media for news and everything, the television is becoming obsolete. Social media is crucial and it’s important to find a way to deliver information in a healthy way through social media.

Q: How do you feel you contribute to the field of nursing as a millennial nurse?

A: I love being able to use my nursing gifts outside of work. I am always looking to give back in different communities. I enjoy being a camp nurse and going on medical missions. I recently went to Kenya on a medical mission and it gives you a different view of nursing. It amazing how I can take my abilities and help others.

Q: How did you overcome fear as a new nurse?

A: Starting in the ICU, feeling what if I am not good enough? If you think that thought over and over and you don’t get validation can be tough.

You have to realize you aren’t going to be perfect your first day but you will grow as time passes.

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