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All Posts by Tammy McKinney, RN
About Tammy McKinney, RN
When Personal Ethics and Work Assignments Conflict
By Tammy McKinney, RN - January 15, 2021
At some point in your career, you may reach an impasse where your personal ethics and work assignments are not in alignment. Take it from us, it can be difficult to navigate the best decision in this case. You want to keep your job, and your integrity as well.
How to Respond to Patients Who Decline Recommended Treatment
By Tammy McKinney, RN - January 29, 2021
As a Hospice nurse, one of the most common questions that I get is, “How do you deal with people who refuse treatments that can cure them?” Ethically, we know that patients have rights to make their own choices, but we end up in a dilemma when it goes against our instincts. Our fears kick in and we scramble to find a way to convince or even force our patients to do what we see as the “right” thing. But is our "right" their "wrong?"
Maximizing Your Shadowing Experience
By Tammy McKinney, RN - March 9, 2021
During the search for your first job or a new position, you may find yourself with an opportunity to shadow someone working in a similar position. Shadowing is an excellent way to discover the real day-to-day operations and flow of a company, so if you're fortunate enough to have the opportunity, you should always say "yes!"
Alternative Health Care Careers for Those Who Need a Break from Patient Care
By Tammy McKinney, RN - April 29, 2021
For those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday patient care, there are many alternative career options open to healthcare workers. From insurance specialists to authors, there are many viable options available to those with a medical background.
How to Handle a Poor Performance Review
By Tammy McKinney, RN - June 1, 2021
Performance reviews can be anxiety-inducing, but what about in the catastrophic worst-case-scenario? After testing, you receive a horrible grade of your performance that leaves something to be desired. How do you best recover gracefully from such a blow?
Top 5 Specialties That Will Propel Your Nursing Career
By Tammy McKinney, RN - November 16, 2022
Choosing a specialty is a critical career decision for nurses. High demand, opportunities for growth, and good compensation aren't guaranteed. So, we've made a list of the top 5 nursing specialties that are expected to grow in demand, pay well, and propel your healthcare career to new heights.
Why Travel Nursing May Not Be For You
By Tammy McKinney, RN - December 15, 2022
The opportunities for high pay, flexible schedules and adventures in new cities make travel nursing sound alluring. But it's not all excitement, and there are many factors to consider before taking your first travel assignment.
Zoom Etiquette 101: Staying Professional in Virtual Meetings (and stories of those who didn't!)
By Tammy McKinney, RN - March 22, 2023
With many professions now offering the ability to work from anywhere in the world, virtual conference platforms like Zoom have become commonplace for meetings, interviews, and even medicine. However, it's time to address some of the unprofessional practices that have been normalized while conducting meetings online.
Decoding Common Phrases Used in Job Postings
By Tammy McKinney, RN - May 4, 2023
In a flourishing job market, candidates will be faced with job postings that contain potentially confusing terminology. Here are some best practice tips for decoding common phrases employers often include in their job ads.
Thoughtful Questions to Ask as an Interviewee
By Tammy McKinney, RN - May 25, 2023
Job interviews are an opportunity for candidates to learn just as much as employers. Asking insightful questions may be the key to learning the truth about the employer who's position you're applying for and can give you a better idea what to expect if you land the job.
