A Nurse’s Holiday Survival Handbook: Tips for Staying Merry During the Stressful Season

The holiday season is officially here. Before you know it, families everywhere will be carving turkeys for Thanksgiving and wrapping presents to stash under a brightly lit tree. But while some people are decking their halls with boughs of holly, many nurses don't feel very jolly. Instead of taking part in the festivities and cozy gatherings, they're looking at extra-long shifts, an influx of patients, and all the unique challenges that come with working holidays. For nurses on duty, the holiday rush means juggling holiday cheer with the realities of one of health care's busiest seasons. Vivian Health shares insights to infuse a little merry into nurse shifts and keep their holiday spirit intact.

Who's the Boss?! How to deal with overaggressive hens

A little bossiness is to be expected, given the natural pecking order of chickens. However, a problem could arise if a bossy bird borders on being a bully. If you’ve found that your flock is at the mercy of an overly assertive hen ruling the roost, you’re not alone. Certain hens exhibit a dominant demeanor that can’t be ignored and pose challenges to even the most seasoned chicken keepers. Recognizing an alpha female’s bad behavior and implementing strategic approaches to correct this behavior may promote a more harmonious environment in your coop. Let’s explore why some hens take being in charge to the extreme and cover some tips to encourage a too-bossy bird to straighten up and fly right or hit the highway. Read more about it in the July/Aug 2024 print issue of Chickens magazine.

2024 Forecast: The Future of Travel Staffing

After emerging from the crisis mode healthcare systems faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and entering what was deemed the new normal, many hospitals and health systems found that their staffing issues had only gotten worse. Nurses and other healthcare professionals (HCPs) experienced increased burnout from the prolonged healthcare crisis, with many choosing to switch gears within their professions or leave the profession altogether.

2024 Update: Understanding 2023 Travel Nursing Tax Rules

Deciphering travel nursing pay and tax rules is one of the most complicated aspects of being a travel healthcare provider (HCP). Tax homes, tax-free stipends, hourly wages, bonuses, benefits, housing and per diem reimbursements are all vital in understanding your travel nursing pay package and your taxes. Now that the 2023 tax season is in full swing, many travel nurses have questions that Vivian Health hopes to answer with some help from Brittany J. Benson, Esq., a lead tax research analyst in The Tax Institute at H&R Block.

Biochar = Better Soil

In the world of sustainable gardening, biochar has been gaining attention for its promising ability to improve soil for small-scale farmers. This technique dates back thousands of years and is making a comeback as a modern solution to potentially enhance soil fertility, increase crop yields and reduce environmental impacts. Let's dig into the nitty-gritty of biochar and discover its potential for small (and large) gardeners everywhere with the help of some soil scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Learn more in the Jan/Feb 2024 issue of of Hobby Farms magazine.

Can Chickens Eat Table Scraps?

Can chickens eat table scraps? Most backyard chicken-keepers feed their birds kitchen scraps, but whether this is a good practice has been highly debated. Poor diet is one of the leading causes of various health issues in chickens. Good nutrition relies on feeding your flock a quality diet consisting primarily of commercial feed. Kitchen scraps can make chickens fat and unhealthy if provided without considering their regular rations. Here's what and how much you can give your birds. Originally appeared in the Sept/Oct 2023 print issue of Chickens magazine.

From Empathy to Exhaustion: The Hidden Toll of Compassion Fatigue and Burnout in Nursing

World Mental Health Day is an ideal time to discuss compassion fatigue and burnout in nursing because it highlights the critical link between mental well-being and a demanding healthcare profession. It also raises awareness, open conversations and the importance of support systems – all essential components when addressing the mental health challenges nurses may face in their daily work environment. Caring for others in distress can take a toll on nurses and other healthcare providers who provide empathy and compassion.

Does New York City’s Near-Ban on Airbnb Impact Travel Nurses?

New York City (NYC) is a popular choice among travel nurses and allied health professionals seeking lucrative employment opportunities in one of the most exciting cities in the nation. Its slew of entertainment options, shopping and dining experiences, cultural offerings and iconic landmarks often attract healthcare professionals from all specialties. But all the sights and sounds of the Big Apple come at a steep price, with housing costs leading the way. A new law in the city could limit short-term housing options, but how much will it impact those taking NYC travel nursing jobs or allied health positions?

CNA Reciprocity and Certification Requirements by State

If you long for a career that combines compassion with healthcare skills and greatly impacts people’s lives, but you don’t want to spend years in medical school, an entry-level certified nursing assistant job (CNA) might be the answer. Get ready to explore a rewarding CNA career where care meets opportunity and dedication leads to an expanding career path. Although the steps to become a CNA are similar in most states, each state creates its own regulations, certification requirements and CNA reciprocity agreements.

Tulsa, OK: Healthcare Employment Location Guide

Healthcare professionals looking for a location where they’re treated like superstars may want to consider Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the prescription for career satisfaction comes with a side of Southern hospitality. As the second largest city in Oklahoma, Tulsa offers excellent opportunities for nurses and allied health professionals. Its thriving healthcare sector and lower-than-average cost of living provide a rewarding place to live and work in the Sooner State. Learn more about this dynamic city before you embark on the next leg of your career journey on the Vivian Health Community Blog.

Oklahoma City, OK: Healthcare Employment Location Guide

Oklahoma City (OKC) beckons to healthcare superheroes with a promising dose of career development and some serious Southern charm. As Oklahoma’s capital, Oklahoma City presents an attractive location to live and work in the Sooner State, with an affordable cost of living that's much lower than other major metros. This vibrant, growing city boasts a thriving healthcare sector with top-notch hospitals, diverse neighborhoods and rich cultural experiences that offer a fulfilling professional and personal life. Whether you’re here for the long haul or just passing through on a temporary contract, OKC has much to offer nurses and allied health professionals looking to enhance their careers while enjoying a high quality of life. Learn more on Vivian Health's Community Blog.

Dallas, Texas – Healthcare Employment Location Guide

Dallas, dubbed the Big D, is part of the Metroplex region of Texas, along with Fort Worth. It’s the third-largest city in the state and among the nation’s fastest-growing cities. in the winter, making it easy to enjoy all the greenspaces and outdoor recreation, such as hiking, biking and communing with nature. Dallas also boasts a thriving art and music scene and hosts a broad array of annual festivals and events.

Miami, Florida Healthcare Employment Location Guide

Miami is the most populous city in Florida and noted for its beautiful beaches, active nightlife, unique food options, diverse culture and varied real estate. But let’s not forget the amazing year-round weather that makes this fabulous city even more enjoyable, no matter the season. While the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area has long been a popular snowbird and retirement destination, healthcare professionals also flock to this fun-filled area for the numerous employment opportunities. Whether you’re looking for staff or travel nursing jobs or allied health careers in a sunny, state-income-tax-free locale, Miami, Florida, might just be the place you seek.

Horse Vaccinations 101

Horse owners often find it challenging to keep up with the latest vaccination recommendations, and some may not grasp their importance in keeping horses healthy and strong. Your horse needs certain “core” vaccines, and may also need non-core vaccines based on his usual activities, geographic location, and other considerations. One of the best measures to protect your horse’s health is a vaccination program. Originally appeared in print in the March 2022 issue of Horse Illustrated.
Load More Articles

Subscribe to get sent a digest of new articles by Moira K. McGhee

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.