Reducing spending on Medicaid and the food assistance program could batter state economies and lead to job cuts — including 477,000 roles in in the healthcare sector alone, according to the Commonwealth Fund.
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Spending growth for simple medications used to treat common health problems is outstripping spending growth for pricey medications used to treat complex and chronic conditions, according to a new report from a Cigna subsidiary.
]]>In nursing, the term “specialty” frequently carries connotations of hierarchy or exclusivity—suggesting that some areas of care are more important or distinguished than others. However, to align more closely with mindfulness and respect for the full breadth of nursing practice, a shift in terminology from “specialty” to “area of focus” would be a more inclusive and thoughtful approach.
By using the phrase “area of focus,” we acknowledge that every aspect of nursing, whether it’s medical surgical, pediatric care, geriatrics, emergency nursing—or any other field—requires dedication, skill, and deep expertise. Each area of focus is valuable, and none should be viewed as more important than another. This shift in terminology encourages a mindset that fosters greater respect for the diversity of roles within the profession and enhanced respect for all departments, regardless of your lifelong career choice. It acknowledges that all nurses play a vital role in the assessment and care of the patient and allows nurses to work to the highest level within their area of focus. It doesn’t value or de-value the skills of one nurse over the other but ensures that nurses across all areas can be valued and provide needed patient care.
“Areas of focus” invites nurses to approach their practice with mindfulness, recognizing that their contributions—whether they work in acute care, community health, or education—are integral to the well-being of patients and communities. It doesn’t value the number of tasks that a person has to perform or the skills but the care that the nurse provides across the spectrum or life span of the patient. As a profession, it moves us away from a competitive or comparative mindset to an inclusive, respectful one that nurtures a culture of collaboration, where every area of nursing is seen as vital to providing quality, holistic patient care.
This shift helps us honor the uniqueness of each nurse’s path, while reinforcing the idea that every area of nursing is a critical and vital piece of the larger patient-centered healthcare delivery system. This shift in mindset puts the focus back on the whole patient, mind, body, and soul, allowing the nurse to provide compassionate, kind care in a holistic and humanistic approach not just focusing on a single diagnosis. This shift might help retain nurses at the bedside in the area that they love without feeling that they need to leave or move on.
In this way, “area of focus” doesn’t just describe what a nurse does; it acknowledges the intentional, thoughtful engagement required to excel in any given aspect of nursing. It encourages a deeper, more mindful connection to the work, highlighting the importance of every role and fostering an atmosphere where all contributions are valued.
It’s time for leaders and educators to change the narrative and words we use to describe nurses, so they all feel valued. Let’s move from “specialty” to “area of focus” so that one nurse isn’t seen as more important than another. All nurses are extraordinary and resilient. They should feel comfortable in their choice of on and retain their passion and purpose. As a leader, I urge all leaders and educators to make this language shift. Let’s celebrate and value the work of all nurses in our profession and lift each other up. We’re all special and have something to offer the profession in our lifelong area of focus.
Catherine Lombardi, MSN, RN-C, NE-BC, NHPD-BC is Director of Nursing Medical Surgical Nursing at New York-Presbyterian-W, Bronxville, NY.
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The DNA-testing company plans to sell its assets after the board rejected an acquisition proposal from Wojcicki.
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IFN Mission is to preserve the heritage, principles, values, and practices of our healing profession through the support of scholarship, education. and research.
IFN Vision is to engender the spirit of giving to nurture the soul of nursing now and for future generations.
As we move into 2025, I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve as President-Elect of the NJSNA and Chair of the Institute for Nursing. I look forward to serving and advocating for the nurses of New Jersey. Under Peggy’s skilled leadership, the IFN made great strides. We have much for which we are grateful and more to which we look forward in the coming months and years.
I want to take a moment to thank the Board of Trustees and their committees. Their commitment to the IFN and to fulfilling its mission is invaluable.
We recognize our donors for their amazing dedication to the Institute for Nursing. Their contributions help us to live our mission and achieve our goals. Since June of 2024, over $6400 has been donated to the IFN.
Honor and recognize a nurse today through your donation to the Institute for Nursing! Your gift makes a difference. Each donation facilitates the work of the IFN, enabling the IFN to continue to support nursing. You may donate through a one-time, monthly, quarterly, or annual contribution.
One-Time Donation:
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Monthly Donation:
https://square.link/u/4KLOsxzh
Quarterly Donation:
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Annual Donation:
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The Institute for Nursing has awarded more than $500,000 in scholarships since 1989. Scholarships have been awarded to students in myriad nursing programs including undergraduate and graduate nursing programs as well as awarding scholarships for LPNs who are seeking to become RNs. The scholarship application was updated for 2025. Applications are closed on February 1, 2025.
The Institute for Nursing is planning another fabulous Nurses Night at the Prudential Center to watch the amazing NJ Devils play the Calgary Flames live on March 20, 2025. Both NJSNA and IFN will be recognized throughout the night. A portion of each ticket purchased will benefit the IFN. Game details and ticketing information are available at https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/ifndevilsnursesnight. The first 300 tickets purchased at this site receive a special nurses night scrub! A portion of each ticket will benefit the IFN.
We look forward to in-game recognition for New Jersey Nurses throughout the night. A group photo will be taken at center ice after the game. Don’t miss out on a chance to cheer on our home team as they take on the Calgary Flames! Connect with colleagues and celebrate nursing on this special night!
NJ Devils game tickets are available for purchase throughout the season! A portion of each ticket purchased will benefit the IFN. Please use this link to purchase game tickets throughout the season is https://fevo-enterprise.com/group/Ifndevils
The C.A.R.E.S Awards Gala will be held on April 10th, 2025, at the Pines Manor, Edison, NJ. This Gala Event celebrates excellence in nursing by recognizing nurses who were chosen by their peers for excellence in five areas: clinical practice, administration, research, education, and support. On behalf of the IFN, thank you to all who support this event by nominating a nurse that personifies excellence in their chosen field. Follow us at NJSNA.org for information about this exciting event.
We look forward to celebrating another 50/50 Caring and Sharing Raffle winner this spring! The drawing is scheduled for May 20, 2025, at NJSNA Headquarters. Follow NJSNA.org for details and ticket information.
We are excited to offer a NY Yankees Healthcare Appreciation Offer later this spring. Stay tuned to NJSNA.org for more information.
Purchase some delicious wine from the Old York Cellars Winery collection. Wine is now available with IFN designer wine labels. When you purchase your Old York Cellars Wine with our label, a portion of the sale is donated to IFN! You can find more information for purchases at Old York Cellars Winery and Vineyards. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
https://shop.oldyorkcellars.com/Institute-For-Nursing
Thank you to the IFN Board of Trustees, the IFN Fundraising Committee and IFN Fundraising Committee Chair, Jackie Owens, the IFN Scholarship Committee Chair, the IFN Award Selection Committee and all the NJSNA/IFN staff who work tirelessly to make this organization a success.
kristin@nsna.org
The nonprofit provider is cutting up to 38 management and administrative roles.
]]>Yoga is an ancient practice with many styles, each offering unique benefits. Some of the most well-known include:
– Hatha Yoga – A foundational style that focuses on basic postures and breathwork.
– Vinyasa Yoga – A dynamic, flowing practice that links movement with breath.
– Ashtanga Yoga – A structured, intense form of yoga that follows a set sequence of postures.
– Yin Yoga – A slow-paced style that targets deep connective tissues and promotes flexibility.
– Restorative Yoga – A gentle, therapeutic approach that utilizes props to encourage deep relaxation.
Among these, restorative yoga stands out as one of the best forms for nurses and all kinds of patients, offering profound benefits with minimal effort.
Restorative yoga is a Yin-based practice designed to promote deep relaxation and healing. Unlike more vigorous styles, it emphasizes stillness, long-held postures, and full-body support through the use of props. It is particularly beneficial for nurses who spend long hours on their feet, experience chronic stress, or need a practice that requires little physical exertion but offers maximum restoration.
1. Reduces Stress and Burnout – Engaging in a calming practice helps regulate the nervous system and promotes relaxation, making it easier to manage work-related stress.
2. Enhances Physical Recovery – Long hours of standing and lifting can strain the body. Restorative yoga helps release muscle tension and supports recovery.
3. Improves Sleep Quality – The deep relaxation techniques enhance melatonin production, making it easier to achieve restful sleep.
4. Boosts Emotional Resilience – Holding gentle poses and focusing on breathwork fosters emotional stability and mental clarity.
5. Supports Patient Care – Nurses can integrate restorative yoga techniques into patient care, helping individuals manage pain, anxiety, and mobility challenges.
Nurses interested in deepening their knowledge and incorporating restorative yoga into their personal practice or patient care can pursue certification. Some pathways include:
– Yoga for Healthcare Professionals Programs – These programs integrate evidence-based practices and medical applications of yoga.
– Nurses for Natural Health’s Yoga Certification for Nurses – A specialized program designed to equip nurses with tools for self-care and holistic patient support.
Completing a certification program enables nurses to offer restorative yoga in clinical settings, assisted living facilities, or wellness programs for healthcare workers.
To ensure comfort and full relaxation, restorative yoga incorporates various props, including:
– Bolsters – Provide gentle support under the spine, hips, or legs.
– Blankets – Offer warmth and cushioning for added comfort.
– Blocks – Help elevate certain poses for better alignment.
– Straps – Assist in achieving deeper stretches with minimal strain.
– Eye Pillows – Encourage relaxation by reducing sensory stimulation.
These accessories allow the body to fully surrender, facilitating a nourishing and healing experience without any strain or effort.
Nurses can begin incorporating restorative yoga into their daily routine or patient care by:
– Taking five minutes between shifts to practice deep breathing or a simple supported child’s pose.
– Introducing gentle movement to patients, particularly those in long-term care or with limited mobility.
– Organizing wellness workshops for fellow nurses to combat workplace stress and burnout.
– Becoming certified and leading restorative yoga sessions within healthcare facilities.
Restorative yoga is a powerful yet simple way for nurses to recharge, prevent burnout, and support patient healing. By incorporating this practice into both personal and professional life, nurses can cultivate resilience, balance, and a renewed sense of purpose in their work.
Would you like to learn more about Yoga Certification for Nurses? Explore programs designed specifically for healthcare professionals here.
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