MEDICINE

Career in Medicine. Focus in Nursing – MSN prepared certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Advocate for CHD research, funding and education. Advocate to inform and educate about personal health. Promoting healthy lifestyle of exercise & good habits for the young and not-getting-younger crowd.

*Disclaimer: This blog does not provide medical advice. Be advised information provided is opinion & should not be taken as medical advice. There is no substitute for the face to face relationship between a medical provider and patient. See your physician, osteopath, nurse practitioner, or other qualified and licensed health care provider regarding any questions you have about your personal health or medical condition.

12Apr202322May2023

Camp Odayin 2023: Summer Camp (and more!) for Heart Warriors

Tiffany CHD, Heart Mom, MEDICINE, MOM camp odayin, congenital heart defect, heart defect, heart mom, heart warrior 0 Comment

What better way to celebrate spring – start planning summer camps! Nothing makes me happier in the cold winter months than to plan our time during the warm summer sun. With two in college, there is only one teen left at home to plan summer adventures. Top of his request list – Camp Odayin.

WHAT IS CAMP ODAYIN?

I really think my accolades from the Camp Odayin 2019 post I wrote sums up Camp Odayin the best. As a parent who has handed off their child as a newborn to a surgical heart team, the stress level was about the same when deciding if signing him up for a four night sleep-away camp (without access to technology!) would be good for them. Turns out it was one of the best decisions we made.

01Apr202222Jun2023

Not an April Fools!

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nursing Decoded 11 Comments

In the blink of an eye, this Irish Monarchy site quietly turned five years old. What you may not know is that I also helped run another website, Nursing Decoded, for the past three years. Today, with help from technology wizards, we decided to merge both sites to have one place for everything! So, what does this mean??

01Feb202222Jun2023

February is Heart Month

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nursing Decoded blood pressure, cardiac, CHD, congenital heart defect, heart attack, heart month 26 Comments

Google hard enough, and you can find a “celebration” for each and every day of the year. National Peanut Butter Day (Jan. 24th). National Food Day (Oct. 24th). National Submarine Day (Apr. 11th). Of course, there are National Month proclamations. National Caregivers Month (November). Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October). One of our favorites is in February – Heart Month. While everyone knows that February 14th is St. Valentines’ Day, but did you also know it is Congenital Heart Defect Day? Keep reading to find out why February is an important month to focus on all things heart related.

01Mar202101Mar2021

Shingles. On. My. Ear.

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nurse Practitioner complications, ear, ramsey hunt, shingles, vaccine 33 Comments

You read that right. Shingles – that painful rash and blisters that’ll turn crusty can pop up right on your ear. Your EAR. I have worked in the hospital setting for fifteen years, seen numerous cases of shingles almost everywhere, but never just the ear. Now, after dealing with the aftermath of this for a month and finally feeling like there is a light at the end of the tunnel, I want to make sure everyone realizes what the wrath of shingles can do, how to recognize it and even how to prevent it.

08Feb202122Jun2023

Number One Birth Defect: Congenital Heart Defect

Tiffany Heart Mom, MEDICINE, MOM, Nursing Decoded CHD, congenital heart defect, heart defect 28 Comments

That title may sound shocking. The truth is that nearly 1 in 100 babies born each day have a congenital heart defect (CHD). Some go unnoticed. Others become apparently within a few days or month of birth. Then there are those that (thankfully) are noticed before birth and require surgery within days of arriving in the world. This week, February 7th – 14th, we are going to highlight on our social media pages areas of all things CHD, but today want to share with your a bit of our heart journey.

25Jan202122Jun2023

Coaching Success by Nurse Practitioners

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nursing Decoded coaching, healthcare navigator, nurse practitioners 10 Comments

What could coaching with our Nurse Practitioners mean for you? Your family? See what 1:1 personalized coaching can do for you and your healthcare questions. What can you expect? Follow our Instagram and Twitter, get a glimpse on what our customized services can do for you. Keep reading this post to get a sneak peak on the topics in store!

18Jan202122Jun2023

New Year, New Goals – Healthcare Coaching

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nursing Decoded coaching, consultation, free 28 Comments

While it may seem like 2021 started months ago, we are still only on day 18! Since the new year is still taking shape, there is still time to talk about our resolutions. We are so excited to announce our newest venture to bring your the answers to your healthcare questions!

28Dec202022Jun2023

COVID-19 Continued Diligence & Vaccines

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nursing Decoded COVID-19, vaccine 15 Comments

For most of us, the 2020 pandemic has been a long eight months. It may feel longer. Others, it has barely affected everyday routines. Whatever your case may be, we all must work together. Our continued diligence in taking the measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can make a difference. By doing some simple tasks we can make everyday activities safer, reduce virus spread, and protect those most vulnerable. Even with the vaccines approved, this is far from over.

15Dec202022Jun2023

Working in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) as a Nurse Practitioner

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nurse Practitioner billing, coding, nurse practitioner, PCP, Physician Assistant, snf 24 Comments

Once you graduate, pass your licensure exam and obtain your state license as a Nurse Practitioner, your next step is to find a position. There are many options for Nurse Practitioners to start their career. One area that can be a flexible option for many is working in a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Could this be the right position for you?

08Dec202022Jun2023

5 Quick Tips for Stress Relief during Pandemic and Protests

Tiffany MEDICINE, Nursing Decoded covid, COVID-19, department of health, mental wellness, pandemic, resources, social distancing 19 Comments

Unless you live off-grid, detached from the news, television, and the internet, you’re aware that 2020 has taken its toll. Lives have been altered by disease and illness, financial concerns and job stability have affected many, and social justice has taken center stage. No matter your viewpoints, your responses can include increased stress and anxiety. What can you do during this time for yourself? Try these 5 quick stress relief tips.