DiversityNursing Blog

Sexual harassment is a prevalent issue that can have far-reaching consequences. It can occur in any workplace, regardless of industry or job title. Nursing, unfortunately, is not immune to this problem.

Nurses are often in vulnerable positions, working long hours, and caring for patients who may be in distress. This can create an environment where sexual harassment can occur. It is essential to recognize that sexual harassment is not a trivial matter and can have serious consequences for everyone involved.

Sexual harassment in Nursing can take many forms that can be difficult to identify and address. Nurses may be subjected to unwanted sexual advances, such as propositions for sex or dates, or explicit comments about their physical appearance or sexual preferences. Inappropriate touching or gestures can also occur, such as unwanted hugging or kissing, or physical contact that is intended to be sexual in nature. Sexual harassment can also manifest through comments or jokes that are sexual in nature, causing Nurses to feel disrespected, belittled, and dehumanized.

Experiencing this harassment can have profound and long-lasting effects on Nurses, including emotional distress, physical symptoms like headaches and sleep disturbances, decreased job satisfaction and productivity, and even anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Furthermore, sexual harassment can create a hostile work environment resulting in low morale, increased turnover rates, and decreased patient satisfaction. It can also have a negative impact on the quality of care provided by Nurses, as they may be distracted or unable to focus on their work due to the harassment.

Preventing sexual harassment requires a commitment from Nurses, Nurse leaders, and healthcare organizations. Nurses must be aware of their rights and responsibilities regarding sexual harassment and report any incidents of harassment to their supervisor or human resources department. Nurse leaders and healthcare organizations should establish and enforce policies that prohibit sexual harassment and provide education and training on preventing and addressing it.

It is also important to create a culture of respect and professionalism that promotes zero tolerance for sexual harassment. This includes encouraging open communication, respecting boundaries, and providing support for Nurses who have experienced harassment.

If you're a Nurse who has been sexually assaulted, here are some steps you can consider taking:

Ensure your safety: If you're in immediate danger, call emergency services or the local police right away. Find a safe place where you feel secure.

Seek medical attention: It's important to prioritize your physical well-being. Go to the nearest hospital or clinic to receive a medical examination. This will help document any injuries, collect evidence, and assess your overall health.

Notify your workplace: Inform your supervisor or human resources department about the incident. They can guide you through the internal procedures and provide assistance or accommodations if needed.

Preserve evidence: Try to avoid showering, changing clothes, or altering the scene of the assault, as these actions could impact the collection of evidence. If possible, keep the clothes you were wearing during the incident in a paper bag to preserve any potential evidence.

Reach out to someone you trust: Speak with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member, colleague, or mental health professional about the assault. They can provide emotional support and help you through the process.

Report the assault: Contact the appropriate authorities, such as the police or hospital security, to report the assault. They will guide you through the legal process and investigate the incident. Be prepared to provide them with a detailed account of what happened.

Consult a Counselor or Therapist: Consider seeking professional help from a counselor or therapist who specializes in trauma or sexual assault. They can assist you in processing your emotions, providing coping strategies, and supporting your healing journey.

Familiarize yourself with support resources: Research local support organizations or hotlines that specifically deal with sexual assault cases. These organizations can offer counseling, legal advice, and additional resources to aid your recovery.

Seek legal advice: Contact a lawyer who specializes in sexual assault cases. They can provide guidance on your rights, legal options, and potential actions you can take against the perpetrator.

Take care of yourself: Self-care is crucial during this challenging time. Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by getting enough rest, eating nutritious food, engaging in activities you enjoy, and reaching out to supportive individuals.

It is important to keep in mind that these steps are just general recommendations, and seeking guidance from professionals who can tailor their advice to your unique situation is crucial.

Nurses must always be prepared to care for patients from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community. Caring for the LGBTQ+ community requires an educated, compassionate, and inclusive approach. As Nurses, we ensure every patient receives the most personalized and competent care possible. Here are some tips to help you provide better care to the LGBTQ+ community.

Create a Welcoming, Warm, and Inclusive Environment

A crucial aspect of caring for the LGBTQ+ population is creating a warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment. When people feel like they are being cared for without bias or judgment, they are more likely to seek preventative and immediate care. Healthcare professionals should educate themselves on LGBTQ+ terminology so that each patient can feel understood and respected.

Expand your Knowledge of the LGBTQ+ Community

Nurses must keep updated with training, reading, and learning from others on any healthcare topic. To provide better care to the LGBTQ+ community, educate yourself on current LGBTQ+ subjects such as sexual orientation and gender identity. Consider seeking a continuing education credit from a reputable source like lgbtqiahealtheducation.org/.

Use Inclusive Language

Not all people identify with their biological sex. Using inclusive language within the LGBTQ+ community is one of the most essential aspects of providing competent, patient-centered care. When caring for the LGBTQ+ community, use language like “currently nursing’ instead of ‘nursing mother’ or ‘menstruating person’ instead of ‘menstruating mother.’ These slight variations in how we speak to and about patients who identify in the LGBTQ+ spectrum can make all the difference in how we provide care. It is essential to address and approach each patient interaction with a nonjudgmental attitude and an open mind so that each patient can feel welcome and understood.

Use Correct Pronouns

Pronouns are incredibly important when addressing patients within the LGBTQ+ community. Feel free to ask your patient what their preferred pronouns are to ensure you are addressing them in a way they want to be addressed. Asking patients about their preferred pronouns and abiding by their requests shows respect. It signifies you are aware that not every person identifies with pronouns associated with their biological sex.

Familiarize Yourself with LGBTQ+ Health Disparities

It is important to build awareness around the specific health problems that affect the LGBTQ+ community so we can do our part in bridging healthcare gaps. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ people experience higher rates of sexually transmitted infections, drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression, suicide, cancer, violence, or bullying. Nurses should continually strive to further their educational knowledge of health disparities and interventions to make healthcare more accessible to the LGBTQ+ population.

Show Respect and Establish Trust

LGBTQ+ patients deserve the same respect as any other patient. For some LGBTQ+ patients, it can take a lot to seek care and disclose personal information about their lives. Many patients may feel judged if they reveal intimate details about their lives, so we must create a warm, judgment-free environment to collect all the information we need to provide the most competent care possible. Building a trusting nurse-patient relationship can help reduce health disparities and improve patient outcomes.

Conclusion

As Nurses, we are responsible for modifying how we provide healthcare and creating individualized care plans so every patient can feel comfortable in the healthcare setting regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. All any patient wants is to feel heard, validated, and respected when seeking medical care, and it is our job to do our part and remain educated on the specific needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Men's Health Month is an important observance aimed at raising awareness about the health issues affecting men and encouraging them to take proactive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Below are general statistics and facts related to men's health. 

Life Expectancy: On average, men have a shorter life expectancy compared to women. In the United States, the life expectancy for men is around 73 years, compared with women’s, which is about 79, according to CDC data.

Leading Causes of Death: The leading causes of death among men vary by age group. However, the common causes include heart disease, cancer (particularly lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer), accidents, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and diabetes.

Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It typically affects older men, with the risk increasing with age. Regular screening and early detection are crucial for improving outcomes.

Testicular Cancer: Testicular cancer primarily affects younger men, usually between the ages of 15 and 35. Early detection and treatment have high success rates. Men are encouraged to perform regular self-examinations to check for any unusual lumps or changes.

Mental Health: Men often face unique challenges regarding mental health. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are higher among men. However, societal stigmas and reluctance to seek help often prevent men from seeking support and treatment.

Heart Disease: Heart disease is a significant concern for men. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and family history. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk.

Obesity and Physical Activity: Obesity rates among men are a growing concern. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet can reduce the risk of numerous health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Smoking and Tobacco Use: Smoking remains a major health risk for men. It increases the likelihood of developing various cancers, heart disease, respiratory conditions, and other health problems. Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco use is crucial for better overall health.

Sexual Health: Men's sexual health encompasses various aspects, including erectile dysfunction, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and reproductive health. Regular check-ups, safe practices, and open communication with healthcare providers are essential.

Access to Healthcare: Men often face barriers to accessing healthcare, such as a reluctance to seek medical attention, lack of awareness, and limited preventive care. Regular check-ups, health screenings, and early interventions can significantly improve health outcomes.

These statistics and facts can change over time so it's best to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and information regarding your health.

Health disparities are the health differences experienced between different groups based on race, ethnicity, disability, sex/gender, socioeconomic status, educational level, and more. Unfortunately, the LGBTQ+ community is no exception to health disparities.

Health differences in the LGBTQ+ community can include how many people contract a specific disease, how severe the condition becomes, the complications associated with the disease, how many people die from an illness, access to healthcare, and how many people can access preventative health screenings.

Health disparities within the LGBTQ+ community can affect every aspect of a person's life, including physical and mental health. As healthcare providers, we are responsible for identifying health disparities and continually working toward bridging these gaps so every person can receive quality healthcare and routine health screenings.

Barriers to Healthcare in the LGBTQ+ Community

Research has revealed that LGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to have access to quality healthcare for a variety of reasons, including

• A lack of inclusive and competent healthcare providers with knowledge of LGBTQ+ health and health issues affecting transgender persons.
• The concern of stigma or discrimination from healthcare providers
• Prior negative experiences from LGBTQ+ persons
• The financial burden of affording health insurance or paying out of pocket for care
• Being refused care due to sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender presentation

Regardless of the reason behind healthcare barriers within the LGBTQ+ population, there are several health disparities that healthcare workers must educate themselves upon to help better serve the community. Here are some of the most prominent health conditions affecting LGBTQ+ people and what you can do to help better serve your patients.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men are more affected by certain STIs, including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and HPV (human papillomavirus), than other individuals. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community hesitate to seek medical care due to the potential stigma and judgment they may receive about their lifestyle, which can lead to worse medical outcomes. As medical providers, we must create a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space for people within the LGBTQ+ population to receive medical care.

To better serve the LGBTQ+ population, Nurses must educate themselves on the increased health risks of the LGBTQ+ community and ensure that every patient receives routine health screenings and health education. It can be difficult and embarrassing for any person to seek medical care for sexual health concerns or screenings, so it is essential to create a nonjudgmental, inclusive, and caring environment for patients to feel comfortable disclosing sexual information and receiving care.

Anxiety and Depression

It is estimated that up to 60% of the LGBTQ+ population deals with anxiety and depression at some point. Unfortunately, LGBTQ+ people experience worse mental health outcomes than other communities. Factors behind anxiety and depression in LGBTQ+ people can range from discrimination, bullying, lack of acceptance from friends and family, lack of representation in school and media, lack of inclusive language, and less access to community support.

As a healthcare professional, you can better support the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community by creating and welcoming a safe environment free of judgment and stigma. We can also work to provide better mental health services. The Trevor Project is a fantastic resource for LGBTQ+ patients struggling with anxiety and depression. The Trevor Project offers trained counselors who can be reached 24/7 by phone or text. Every counselor is trained to understand the unique challenges of the LGBTQ+ community, and every conversation is 100% free and confidential.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Statistics show that people within the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to suffer from drug and alcohol abuse than other populations. This is mainly attributed to the fact that the LGBTQ+ community faces discrimination, social stigmas, and a general lack of support despite the growing acceptance from strangers, acquaintances, friends, and family. Drugs and alcohol are often used as a coping mechanism for those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other insecurities.

To better support the LGBTQ+ community struggling with drug and alcohol abuse, healthcare providers can use motivational interviewing and screening tools to better identify individuals who may be struggling so we can better provide care and support. Furthermore, healthcare professionals should approach these situations with kindness and understanding while using inclusive language to help patients navigate recovery.

There are many resources available to the LGBTQ+ community who are interested in living a sober life, including Gayandsober.org, where the LGBTQ+ community can connect with other LGBTQ+ people living a sober life, and Inspire Recovery, where the LGBTQ+ community can seek resources to achieve and maintain sobriety.  

Be an Advocate

Everyone, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, or race, should receive competent, compassionate, and inclusive medical care. As Nurses, we must always advocate for our patients and strive to provide every person with the best possible care. To help reduce health disparities in the LGBTQ+ community, Nurses should educate themselves on how to care for people within the community and advocate for health screenings and competent medical care for every individual.  

To learn more about how Nurses can better serve the LGBTQ+ community, consider checking out these resources.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: LGBTQ Health Services

Nurses(Heale)

GLMA: Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality

U.S Department of Health and Human Services

Patient education is a crucial aspect of the Nursing practice, because it empowers patients to take an active role in their own healthcare. Nurses serve as educators, providing patients and their families with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Patient education provides a better understanding of their health conditions, treatment options, and self-care strategies, leading to better health outcomes.

“The more clearly a disease is understood, the more likely it is that an individual will be comfortable with their care and adhere to necessary regimens,” according to research published in Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 

Here are some key points regarding the role of Nurses in patient education and health promotion:

Assess Learning Needs

Nurses assess the patient's learning needs by considering factors such as their health literacy, cultural background, language proficiency, and individual preferences. This assessment helps Nurses tailor educational interventions to meet the patient's specific needs.

Provide Clear and Accessible Information

Healthcare professionals simplify medical information and relay it in a clear and understandable manner. They use plain language and avoid medical jargon to ensure patients can comprehend and retain the information provided.

Educational resources can be customized and printed out for patients with the touch of a button. Make sure the patient’s individualized needs are addressed. Don't simply hand the patient a stack of papers to read, review them with patients to ensure they understand the instructions and answer questions that arise.

Utilize Various Teaching Methods

There are a variety of teaching methods Nurses can use, such as verbal explanations, visual aids, written materials, videos, interactive computer programs, and demonstrations. Nurses adapt their teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles for better patient understanding.

Providing education using different methods reinforces teaching. Patients have different learning styles so ask if your patient learns best by watching a DVD or by reading. A hands on approach where the patient gets to perform a procedure with your guidance is often the best method.

Teach Self-Management Skills

Self-management skills are taught to patients so they can effectively manage their health conditions. This includes instruction on how to administer medication, wound care, monitoring symptoms, lifestyle changes, and recognizing signs of complications.

Work With Family Members

Family members play important roles in the care of patients including contribution to decision-making, assisting the health-care team in providing care, improving patient safety, and assisting in home care. When Nurses include family members in patient teaching, it improves the chances that  instructions will be followed. 

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

Nurses play a major role in promoting healthy behaviors and preventing diseases. They educate patients on topics such as nutrition, physical activity, tobacco cessation, stress management, and immunizations, empowering them to make positive lifestyle choices.

Support Shared Decision-Making

Shared decision making (SDM) is when Nurses and patients actively work together to make informed decisions about healthcare options.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has an SDM model called SHARE. This model is designed to examine and analyze healthcare option advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks. The options are identified via meaningful patient-Nurse dialogue that allows the patient to openly express what’s most important to them. The model comprises this five-step process:

Seek your patient’s participation.
Help your patient explore and compare treatment options.
Assess your patient’s values and preferences.
Reach a decision with your patient.
Evaluate your patient’s decision.

Assess Learning Outcomes

It is important to evaluate the effectiveness of the patient's education by assessing their understanding, skills, and confidence in managing their health thus far. This assessment helps identify areas that may need further explanation or modification.

Collaborate with Interdisciplinary Team

Nurses collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as Physicians, Pharmacists, Dietitians, and Physical Therapists, to provide comprehensive patient education. This multidisciplinary approach ensures patients receive consistent and coordinated information.

By actively engaging in patient education and health promotion, Nurses empower patients to make informed decisions, actively participate in their care, and ultimately improve their overall health outcomes.

A positive workplace culture is essential for Nurses to provide excellent patient care. In addition, a positive workplace culture on Nursing units can positively impact job satisfaction, staff retention, and patient outcomes.

Unfortunately, in some Nursing units, bullying is tolerated, silently condoned, or completely ignored. This leads to a toxic culture and an unhealthy workplace. There is an age-old phenomenon among some Nurses called “Nurses eating their young.” This form of bullying has been viewed as a rite of passage for new Nurses, but in the end, it has resulted in devastating effects on unit morale. It can have a long-lasting impact on the self-confidence of new Nurses.

The good news is most Nursing units offer a culture of support and positivity. And thankfully, the culture of “eating your young” is slowly dissolving. Nurses see coworkers more often than family due to working long hours, overnights, or holidays, so having support and camaraderie with your colleagues is very important.

Here are some ways you can help support Nurses on your unit to increase morale and create a positive Nursing culture.

Make Friends with Your Co-Workers

Nursing can be stressful, and Nurses often experience intense situations at work. Bonding with coworkers and developing friendships can reduce stress and create a more positive work environment. After all, only Nurses can understand what other Nurses go through. Why not make friends with your Nursing colleagues so you have someone to share all the joys and struggles of the job?

Be a Role Model

The best way to encourage a positive work culture in your unit is to model positive, encouraging behavior. For example, always lend a hand to a fellow Nurse with a heavier patient load or praise a co-worker for a job well done – it’s a great way to spread positivity.

Small acts of kindness are also great ways to role model good behavior on your Nursing units. Acts of service can be as simple as answering a call bell for a fellow Nurse or offering to cover your coworker's patients so they can take their lunch break. When Nurses choose to be positive, show compassion, and respect for their fellow Nurses, we can experience a happier work environment and improve the culture of our units. 

Acknowledge Strengths

Recognizing positive behavior and a job well done is the best way to motivate your colleagues and spread positivity. Feeling valued at work encourages staff members to perform their best and go the extra mile. Empowering Nurses by appreciating everything they do goes a long way. Say thank you to your co-workers when they help you out or compliment them when a job is done well.

Have Fun!

Nurses often deal with life and death circumstances, so saying ‘have fun’ can seem a little insensitive. However, having fun at work is excellent for your mental health and can help reduce stress both on and off the job. Finding humor and laughing with co-workers can lighten the stress Nurses carry on their shoulders throughout the day. Other ideas to try on your unit could be to plan a day to match scrubs, a theme day to celebrate a holiday, or plan a potluck so everyone can enjoy a snack on their lunch break. 

Nurses are kind and compassionate with their patients. They should act the same way to their coworkers. You have the power to create an encouraging, positive culture. So go out there and spread positivity because happy Nurses provide the best care to their patients.

Versailles, Ky. – On June 8-9, 2023, Frontier Nursing University (FNU) will hold its annual Diversity Impact Conference. The Diversity Impact Conference brings together renowned thought leaders and speakers to increase awareness of the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the healthcare workforce, particularly for those working in underserved and rural communities. This year, for the first time, the conference will be available for attendees outside of FNU.

“We are extremely excited about the 2023 Diversity Impact Conference,” said FNU Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Dr. Paula Alexander-Delpech, Ph.D., PMHNP-BC, APRN. “The Conference gets better each and every year, and we are putting the finishing touches on the plan for this year’s sessions. We are most excited, however, about being able to include more attendees this year. As we grow this important event, we want to invite leaders and students from some of our area universities to join us. This event is all about collaboration, learning, and growing. I’m confident that it will benefit any university, department, or individual.”

The 2023 Diversity Impact Conference will be conducted via Zoom. The theme of this year’s conference is “Better Together: Advancing a Culture of Identity and Belonging in Healthcare.” The two-day event will feature keynote presentations on both days from nationally recognized leaders in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Additional sessions will include panel discussions, breakout sessions, and time for reflection.

The opening keynote address will be given by Dr. Tia Brown McNair, Vice President of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Student Success and Executive Director for the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) in Washington, D.C. On the second day of the conference, the keynote speaker will be Rebekka Eshler, National President of the Transgender American Veterans Association in Washington, D.C.  All speaker bios and the full conference schedule can be found at https://frontier.edu/diversity-impact/

The learning outcomes attendees can expect to take away from the Diversity Impact Conference include:

• Identify specific strategies to create a culture of belonging amongst peers and the larger community
• Discuss the causes behind healthcare disparities and their effect on creating a culture of belonging
• Reflect on ways to effectively engage in spaces to promote diversity in identity
• Practice ways to build collaborative communities

Students attending any institution can register for the conference for free. All others can register at the registration price of $99 until the day before the event. For more information about the 2023 Diversity Impact Conference and to register, please visit https://frontier.edu/diversity-impact/.

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About Frontier Nursing University:

The mission of Frontier Nursing University is to provide accessible nurse-midwifery and nurse practitioner education that integrates the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We transform healthcare by preparing innovative, ethical, compassionate, and entrepreneurial leaders to work with all people with an emphasis on rural and underserved communities. FNU offers graduate Nurse-Midwifery and Nurse-Practitioner distance education programs that can be pursued full- or part-time with the student’s home community serving as the classroom. Degrees and options offered include Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), or Post-Graduate Certificates. In 2021 and 2022, Frontier was named a “Great College to Work For” by the Great Colleges to Work For® program. To learn more about FNU and the programs and degrees offered, please visit Frontier.edu.

May is mental health awareness month, a time to raise awareness and promote education about mental health, as well as reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Did you know, 1 in 5 American adults experience a mental health condition in a given year?

• Get enough sleep: Aim to get 7-8 hours of sleep.
• Eat a healthy diet: Make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
• Exercise regularly: Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
• Take breaks: Take short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge.
• Practice mindfulness: Try incorporating mindfulness exercises into your daily routine, such as deep breathing or meditation.
• Connect with colleagues: Connect with colleagues who understand the challenges of being a Nurse. You can talk to them about work-related stress and share coping strategies.
• Seek professional help: If you're struggling with your mental health, seek professional help from a mental health provider. This can be a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist.
• Use employee assistance programs: Many healthcare organizations offer employee assistance programs that provide confidential counseling and support services.
• Set boundaries: It's important to set boundaries and say no to additional responsibilities if you're feeling overwhelmed.
• Pursue hobbies and interests: Make time for activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or practicing a hobby.
• Take care of your physical appearance: Dress in clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident, and take pride in your appearance.
• Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you're grateful for, whether it's a supportive colleague, a successful patient outcome, or simply the beauty of nature.

Resources

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs): Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer EAPs that provide free, confidential counseling services to employees.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI offers support groups, educational resources, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA offers a national helpline, treatment referral service, and resources for mental health and substance abuse disorders.
• Crisis Text Line: This free, 24/7 text messaging service provides support for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. Text "HOME" to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• Mindfulness apps: Apps like Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer offer guided meditations and mindfulness exercises to help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.

Remember, self-care is an ongoing process, and it's important to make it a priority in your life. By taking care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to care for your patients and thrive in your career as a Nurse.

Healthcare should be accessible to everyone regardless of socioeconomic status, age, gender, race, or ethnicity. Unfortunately, many people across the nation struggle to access affordable and reliable healthcare. Health equity can only be achieved when every person, regardless of the situation, has a fair and equal opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

Many factors can influence health equity, including health disparities, social determinants of health, and cultural competence. Therefore, Nurses must understand these concepts strongly to identify health inequalities and implement changes so our patients can achieve optimal health.

Health Disparities

Unfortunately, health disparities in the United States are more common than you may realize. Health disparities are any barriers that limit a person's access to quality medical care. Population groups most affected by health disparities include ethnic minorities, immigrants, and low-income families. Common barriers that people may experience include socioeconomic status, geological location, sexual identity or orientation, ethnicity, race, age, or disability.

Health disparities can look different for everyone. For example, some people may live in rural areas where they cannot easily access routine health exams. Others may need help understanding health recommendations due to language barriers. Whatever the disadvantage, health disparities can lead to poor health outcomes that negatively contribute to health equity.  

Nurses have a unique advantage in identifying health disparities and implementing changes so that more people can access care. There are many ways Nurses can implement change, including:

• Supporting telehealth and mobile health units so people in rural areas can access medical services
• Ensuring patients have access to interpreter services so they fully understand medical recommendations
• Creating community health projects so those in under-educated populations can better access health education.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH)

Social determinants of health can often be confused with health disparities. Although similar, SDOH refers to an individual's personal circumstances apart from medical care and genetics that can affect health outcomes.

Social determinants of health fall into 5 groups that define how people are born, grow, work, live, and age. These groups are interwoven, causing them all to overlap and relate to each other. The five groups include healthcare, economic stability, education, social life, and neighborhood.

• Healthcare encompasses a person's access and quality of medical care, including access to primary care services, health insurance coverage, and understanding of health literacy.
• Economic stability is the connection between finances and access to healthcare. Employment, poverty, food, and housing security can all affect economic stability and access to healthcare.
• Education focuses on the link between access to quality education and how it relates to health. People who do not have access to secondary or higher education may not have the necessary language and literacy to understand medical needs and care.
• Social life has contributed to learned behaviors around healthcare access. How people live, work, play, and learn within their communities can change how people feel about medical care.
• The neighborhood considers how a person's quality of housing, transportation, access to healthy foods and clean water, as well as exposure to crime and violence play a role in a person's health.

Nurses play a significant role in addressing social determinants of health. You can promote health equity by getting involved in public policies and decision making. Advocating for better care can help prevent illness in underserved populations and improve health equity for all.

Cultural Competence

A strong understanding of cultural competency is essential to achieve health equity. Cultural competency is when healthcare providers provide effective healthcare, even if there may be cultural differences between the provider and the patient.

Nurses can become more culturally competent by learning to engage with a wide range of patients with different cultural, religious, and societal backgrounds. Nurses can show cultural competency by speaking to patients in language and terms they understand or by respecting a patient's cultural or religious values or beliefs.

As a Nurse, providing culturally competent Nursing care can break down communication barriers and improve the health outcomes of our patients.

To better serve our communities, Nurses must be able to identify inequalities in healthcare and implement the necessary changes to improve patient experiences and outcomes. Nurses have a unique position on the frontlines of healthcare to positively improve health equity by helping to provide effective and accessible medical care to all.

Nurse gig shifts refer to temporary or short-term Nursing assignments that are often offered through staffing agencies or online apps. These shifts can range in length from a few hours to several weeks or months and are often taken by Nurses who are looking for flexible work arrangements or who want to supplement their income.

Gig shifts can be beneficial for both Nurses and healthcare facilities. Nurses who work gig shifts have the flexibility to choose when and where they work, and they can often earn a higher hourly rate than they would in a traditional full-time position. Healthcare facilities can use gig shifts to fill staffing gaps or to cover unexpected absences, ensuring that patient care is not compromised.

According to The Wall Street Journal, embracing gig apps is one way hospitals and health systems are looking to provide flexibility and fill vacancies. This includes Providence Health.

Providence added gig Nurses last year and has filled 13,000 shifts for Nurses and other medical roles, Mark Smith, who oversees workforce analysis, staffing and optimization for the organization, told The Wall Street Journal. He also told the publication the health system plans to expand gig work from 12 hospitals and Nursing homes to 19.

“We make sure the Nurses who work through the app are thoroughly vetted and have the licenses and certifications required to work on the Nursing unit they’re receiving training to work on, just like our own caregivers do,” Smith explained. “At Providence, we’ve found that Nurses taking assignments through the app fill six shifts per month.”

Among the apps hospitals are adopting are ShiftKey, which lets Nurses bid for shifts, and CareRev, which lets hospitals raise and lower their rates for different shifts. 

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to working gig shifts. These can include inconsistent work schedules, lack of benefits, and a lack of job security. Nurses who work gig shifts may also miss out on opportunities for professional development and career advancement that are more readily available in traditional full-time positions.

Overall, whether or not you should pursue gig shifts depends on your personal goals and priorities. It's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of gig work as well as research potential employers and platforms before accepting any assignments.