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☀️ Good Morning, TNB fam!
This week, I’ve been waking up, having coffee, and reading these mantras from Lavender. It’s important to remember that our mental health is a fragile thing. Especially
as nurses, we see so many things that humans shouldn’t necessarily see within the hospital. It’s okay to struggle from time to time; you just have to ask for help. Asking for help is okay.
Stay curious!
Hannah B. (aka Nurse Hans)
Chief Ops Guru
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US Surgeon General: It’s Time to Deal With Our Loneliness
If you’re feeling lonely, you’re not alone. Research suggests that more than half of Americans are considered lonely. The health
risks of prolonged social isolation are comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. And in a New York Times piece, US surgeon general Vivek Murthy says it’s time to fix this issue and proposes a national framework to “rebuild social connection and community in America.”
Murthy sees three steps to make this happen, and it will take all our support. The first step is strengthening our social infrastructure, such as by supporting programs that teach children how to build healthy relationships and redesigning the workplace to foster social connection. We must also rethink our relationship with technology and create more opportunities to be present with one another. And lastly, as individuals, we have to make more effort to connect with people.
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Nurses Flood Back to Hospitals
The pandemic forced many nurses out of the hospital and into more lucrative temporary jobs, but they’re now headed back to staff positions, according to The Wall Street Journal. The high pay from temporary agencies has slumped, while many hospitals have taken steps to improve staff ratios and pay in response to strikes, enticing nurses to return. Benefits such as more flexible
schedules and perks for child care, adoption, and infertility are also appealing.
As evidence of this trend, the Journal points to nurse hiring at HCA Healthcare — the country’s largest publicly traded hospital chain — jumping 19% in the first three
months of this year, and one-fifth of the 37,000 nurses hired since January 2022 have worked for the company before. Ava Heathcare’s temporary-nurse pay is down 28% from last year, while hospital openings for temporary nurses are down 51% as of last April, according to the company.
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Eating Disorders Are Hitting Teens Hard
One way to gauge teenagers’ mental health is to look at their eating habits. And on the whole, “the kids are not OK,” experts say. For example, hospitalizations for eating disorders spiked during the pandemic, with the rates doubling among adolescent girls since pre-pandemic years, according to the CDC. And Trilliant Health reports that eating disorders–related health visits, including everything from hospital stays to telehealth talk therapy, have more than doubled among people younger
than 17 years old in the past five years.
The visits have dipped slightly after a 2021 peak, but not nearly enough. Adolescents still struggle with grieving
for loved ones who died of Covid, falling behind in school, and losing touch with friends. Compared with pre-pandemic years, teens require more treatment for malnourishment and more severe psychiatric symptoms. Social media is no help, either — the platform’s algorithms may encourage poor eating behaviors and negative body images.
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COMMUNITY PICKS 🌼
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Sleep sounder and in a more relaxed state with this weighted blanket. It’s machine washable and made from
breathable fabric to keep you cool while you sleep!
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☕️ THE BREAK ROOM powered by
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Game-Changing Reads
These are my top five personal development books for a rock-solid mindset, empowering self-talk, moving through trauma, and habit optimization. I have read these all, and they are game-changers! So commit to just ten pages a day and see the transformation.
The two guided journals I am obsessed with and use myself:
You can also join The Selfcare Catalyst Affirmation & Journal Membership here for less than a cuppa coffee ☕! Use code JOURNAL for
a free trial! Cancel anytime.
Selfcare Catalyst is a nurse-led, woman-owned company that helps healthcare professionals optimize their well-being and keep burnout at bay. We do this through Mentorship, Education, and Community. Free well-being resources can be found at www.selfcarecatalyst.com and on IG @catalystforselfcare
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DAILY DIVERSION 💊
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Yoga is good for the body — supporting improved flexibility, balance, and strength —and the mind. Some practices are specifically intended to bring calm and relaxation and help you be more aware of your body and thoughts. Carve out 30 minutes of your day for this slow seated flow yoga to help improve your mental health.
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🤯 ONE BIG NUMBER
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1 in 10
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One in 10 nurses has experienced suicidal thoughts due to the pandemic, according to Trusted’s 2022 Frontline Nurse Mental Health & Well-Being Survey. And about 3 in 4 nurses surveyed reported burnout from the pandemic. In addition, see Trusted to learn how many nurses are dealing with compassion fatigue, depression, PTSD, and other mental health–related issues.
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