EmpoweRN

Wow... 2016 was fantastic for so many reasons! It really flew by, but in a good way. In this video, I would like to take the opportunity to give you some New Year's goal planning tips. I have people come up to me all the time amazed at how much I accomplish, however, if they knew how much planning I did... it really would not seem so amazing, trust me. Goal planning can be hard, time consuming and sometimes a little depressing because you have to seriously be honest about where you currently are. However, the fruit of that labor, with consistent work and action towards the goals is priceless. [video=youtube_share;RqS9RFlNJGI]https://youtu.be/RqS9RFlNJGI. So let me tell you a few tips that will help you make sure you consciously do all you can to have a very productive and meaningful 2017. Here is my 5 step process: #1 Gratitude - Write a list of things that happened in the previous year that you are grateful for. It could look something like this: I'm grateful for my health My husband's health and love My family and my husbands family's health and wonderful presence I'm grateful for my friends and laughter I'm grateful for the internet - especially of course YouTube, which helps me connect and help others I'm grateful for the beautiful condo that I get to live and the cool car that I am blessed to drive I'm grateful for my job and work environment I'm grateful for yoga - that helps me stay focused and flexible I'm grateful for the challenges of 2016 that help shape me into the person I'm destined to become #2 Clean - When it comes to goal planning, it is best to have a clear and focused mind. Having a clean desk, room and environment I believe are key. Take the time to do some really in-depth cleaning. Clean out drawers and closets that you have been avoiding, organize your closet and clean until you can take a deep breath and say to yourself: "It is done." #3 Plan Your Life - Not just a year: In your clean environment - now sit down and write down your: 1 Week goals 1 Month goals 3 Month goals 6 Month goals 1 Year goals 5 Year goals 10 Year goals If you have done this before, compare this to your previous years and see what feels right and make changes accordingly. #4 Organize your goals: I like to organize my goals into categories. Here are a few of mine to give you an example. It is good though to name them something that is meaningful for you. Personal Goals - Where I would like to see myself in the allotted amount of time or what I would like to accomplish Relationship Goals - What would I like to experience with my spouse or accomplish together with my husband. Family Goals - In what ways can I enjoy the time with my family or help my family. Friend Goals - How much more can I enjoy the time with my friends. How can I make new and exciting new friends Fun Goals - What would I like to do that is just pure fun Money Goals - How can I increase my income, while creating a more balanced and driven life Body Goals - How can I nurture and take care of the vessel I was gifted with Intellectual Goals - What can I learn and how can I stretch myself Generosity Goals - How can I improve the lives of others in a meaningful way #5 Now - put this somewhere where you will see it everyday. I have this on my bathroom mirror and I look at it every morning when I get ready for the day. Here are some places where you can create your own journal or planner, but honestly even a quick google search will help you find many more: Bound Custom JournalsZazzle Custom Notebooks and Journals Make My Notebook I hope you liked this video! If you did, please give it a thumbs up and also don't forget to post your New Year's Goal Planning tip too! Cannot wait to read your comments. Much love, ~Caroline

You should Not.Done.Yet, Don't judge so fast... Give it a try :) ~Caroline

Thanks for the compliment MoreLostThanFound! I'm 34 years old... not far from 35 and I have almost 10 years of experience :) However, I know I still have a lot to learn... as we all do. Honestly, I appreciate your interaction... it does help. See you soon, ~Caroline

Thanks for the comment Subee! I don't wear my hair down at work :) But, I'm not at work... I'm at home, making a video for you :) See you soon love! ~Caroline

Hi NurseBurst, Thanks so much for watching my videos! Don't worry about the title of the video, it is not much different that the videos on my channel :) See you soon love! ~Caroline

Definitely don't think you watched the video love... ~Caroline

Thanks so much for sharing!

Hi MrChicagoRN, I agree that the editing may be a little choppy. It is an acquired taste honestly. I'm primarily a you-tuber and this is one type of editing that is used quite a bit. It is called Jump Cuts. You see in TV shows and Movies they have multiple scenes that they jump in and out of, this helps keep the attention. However, since it is just me sitting here speaking to a screen, I don't have multiple screens. In general, although I agree it is choppy, the videos that I do this with seem to get about 20% more traffic. Don't worry though, I will not do this will all of my videos for you guys. Also, the 1 finger/4 fingers - is mainly a phycology tip to help you be more cognizant of the judgment you pass to others. Wether it is 2, 3, or 4 fingers... whenever you are judging others, you will be more judgmental of yourself. I know this is true because whenever I am passing more judgment on other people, I'm a lot harder on myself unnecessarily. See you soon! ~Caroline

Thanks so much for saying that! I do think that a lot of people jump to conclusions and opinions... See you soon love! xoxo! ~Caroline

Hi CRNA2021, Your probably right. I choose this topic though, because I have a ton of health and diet videos and I have had many people tell me that I helped them feel encourage to get healthier without making them feel ashamed. Actually one person said that when she saw the title of one of my videos she was about to write a nasty comment, however, after watching it... she said she started crying because she loved it so much. More than anything, it is important to love yourself and that includes the vehicle you have been blessed with :) However, if there is a topic that you would like to see in the future, please let me know! Thanks for sharing! ~Caroline

I work in FL... hmmm I might have seem more in NC. However, could have just been where I worked... In general, FL does have a tendency to attract people with higher risk behavior, so I would not be surprised. Thanks for sharing love!

I have to admit, I have nothing against people who smoke. However, I do like the non-smoking policies for that reason also. Makes the shift so hard when people are simply not there... Thanks for the comment love!

That is strange.... not sure love. However, just keep doing what your doing! xoxo ~Caroline

Agreed, it is easier to give welcomed advice when it is obvious to care for your body. In fairness to Ms. TruvyNurse though, I have seen many overweight nurses unbelievably knowledgeable with medications, especially critical care meds. We are all special, smart and amazing people, our body does not define us. Thanks all :)

Hmmm strange, I'm usually pretty good with grammar. Thanks love!

Not at all love! Watch the video :)

When I first started working as a nurse (8 years ago) this used to be a huge problem, I don't really see this anymore (co-workers smoking) do you?

Hi NurseOnAMotorcycle, what would you like to see? You're going to be seeing a lot more videos.... not just from me, but from other creators, so if you let me know what you prefer to see, that would help :) xoxo ~Caroline

Imagine a weigh in as part of your employment application… followed by a reassessment throughout the year. Could this be a reality in the future? Since hospitals stopped hiring smokers - it does bring up the question: How far could employment requirements go? Whilst hospital staff should be shining examples of health and happiness, the reality is, we are really just normal people; Some mothers and fathers, many of us struggling to manage long shifts combined with our other responsibilities. Nurses work long hours, and throughout the day must put their needs aside for their patients, making it especially hard to stay healthy. I do believe it is possible to stay healthy and fit on the job. However, it does take a tremendous amount of planning, focus and discipline. Some argue that patients will not accept our advice or education when they think we do not care for our own bodies as they think we should. In this situation, stick to the research and facts. Regardless of your own health issues, it does not have any effect on your patients. [video=youtube_share;oC0f8QBLB3s]

What is appropriate vs. inappropriate behavior when you are trying to get the nursing job you want. This is a highly debatable subject and seriously does depend on many factors, however, I will tell you from my experience... it pays to be a little persistent. Let me give you my top 5 tips on getting your dream job! 1. At clinical, or ANY hospital contact make sure EVERYONE knows you are there! Greet the director of the unit with a big smile and tell him or her that you are available to help with anything... even if it means cleaning the room or taking out the trash. I know it sounds strange, but directors need to hire people who are proactive, eager, energetic and hard working. This is harder to find than you think. If they see how amazing you are, trust me; they will remember you. 2. Do not get your feeling hurt with the peps from Human Resources. I remember when I had about 2 years of experiences and I moved from North Carolina to Maryland. My first job never felt like a real interview because it was at a small local hospital and the director called me and I went from there. However, my first day in Maryland I wanted to be proactive. So I dressed in my best and went to the closest hospital to me and skipped to the Human Resources department with a big smile and ready to wow everyone. I was greeted with a flat face - and well... a threat. The "less than nice" person behind the person said I needed to leave immediately and they only take applications online. Even though I was hurt, I just went home and applied to about 10 places that day. I have always known that the best revenge is to be happy & successful. 3. Connect, Connect, Connect - Talk to nurses, make connections. Build real relationships with people who are in the medical field. Then, ask them if there are any opportunities at their work. If so, ask them to put in a good word for you and apply for that job. 4. Perfect your resume. Believe it or not, ,many unit directors may not even look at your application. I have seen some just download the resume and choose people from there. One time I applied for a job and forgot to update my resume and when the person called me they said that by my resume I have not been working in 2 years. I didn't spend time updating my resume because I figured that I answered all of that in the application. The applications essentially ask all of the same questions. But, it doesn't help if they don't even look at it. So make sure your resume is polished! 5. Work in a hospital as a Nursing Assistant (PCA or whatever it is called in your area). I say nursing assistant because that would be the most helpful for your future job. However, if you could work as a phlebotomist, telemetry monitor tech, transporter or anything. These jobs are essentially face time. You are "in the doors." And, even if you decide that you do not want to work as a nurse there the experience still looks good! You could even volunteer or get an internship, just make sure you are eager to work especially hard and learn as much as you can! It will be fascinating if you do! I hope these tips helped you out a ton! - Caroline Porter Thomas