Time is on My Side: Ways to Refresh and Regroup During Breaks

As things wind down for the semester and you look forward to time away from the classroom, however brief it may be, here are some things to consider before throwing caution to the wind and hitting the beach.

In a rigorous program like NYUCN's you should always be thinking about how to stay ahead, how to stay healthy, and how to utilize your time efficiently. Time off should be used to both refresh and prepare for the upcoming term.

Some low stress activities to help prepare for the semester include, but are not limited to: reorganizing notes and lecture materials, updating your resume and cover letter to reflect new experiences and competencies, and reviewing your syllabi for the upcoming semester.

When asked what he considered to be some important ways for students to regroup after a tough semester, Dr. Jim Pace, incoming Associate Dean of the Undergraduate Program, had these helpful suggestions:

1. Self health: Managing dental and health care needs during the break is essential. If not already in the habit, annual check ups for health and prophylaxis purposes is a good habit to foster.

2. Visiting family and friends who need such visits. Ask: if something tragic were to happen to a relative of mine, who do I need to see and spend some time with before beginning school again?

3. If carrying on a long distance relationship, having good discussions with spouse/partner/significant other while together is very important. Making sure that the relationship is nurtured both near and far is essential.

4. Budget during the break. Keeping a good handle on one's finances and personal spending patterns is also key to successful survival.

5. Knowing what are good means to relieve stress while on campus: walks to the park(s), time at a specific coffee shop; visits with friends; trip to the public library, a special entertainment venue....whatever helps you to "recoup" is also important.

**For more information on stress and health see our blog post from August 11, 2011!!

NYUCN's New Student Affairs Officer

Greetings NYUCN Students:

I am excited to introduce myself as the new Student Affairs Officer with the College of Nursing! I am joining the College of Nursing's Office of Student Affairs and Admissions Team after serving the last two years as a Financial Aid Counselor with NYU's Office of Financial Aid. I look forward to working with the College of Nursing community and am here to help. If you have any questions regarding students groups, events, or activities please let me know!

Before joining the NYU academic community two years ago, I worked in Enrollment Services and Financial Aid at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. In 2007 I graduated from Rollins College where I received my BA in English. I can be reached at 212-992-9418 or cindy.lundberg@nyu.edu. I am excited to kick off the 2011-2012 school year and look forward to seeing you all at upcoming College of Nursing events this fall!

Cindy Lundberg, B.A.
Student Affairs Officer
NYUCN

Nursing Kits are Here!!

Nursing kits and uniforms are now available in the NYU Bookstore.

If you would like to pick up your name pin as well, those will be available on or around August 22, 2011. You can contact the Bookstore to inquire at 212.998.4667.

Stop by and get your kit today!

Health, Wellness, and Stress

Contrary to what you may think, or how you may feel, stress can be a good thing! It is when we have too much stress that we should worry.

“It’s much like the tension on a violin string. Not enough produces a dull raspy sound and too much an irritating screech…but just the correct degree of stress creates a beautiful tone.”

-Paul J. Rosch, MD, FACP, President, The American Institute of Stress

Therefore, stress should not be seen as something to “get rid of” or “do away with.” Stress should be appropriately managed like many other things in our lives—moderation is the key. Ultimately, during hard times, the degree to which you are successful in managing your stress will dictate how healthy you feel. In order to effectively manage your stress as a busy NYU student you must first be mindful of your health and wellness.

Here are some things to remember while managing stress:

1. Remember that wellness is multifaceted! You should continually be mindful that your health is comprised of your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. During stressful times it is easy to forget one or more of these components. Don’t rationalize in the midst of your trials. Make time to cater to each of these components so that your stress management is holistic and successful.

2. Remember your Diet! Often times we are not aware of the impact food has on our ability to carry out daily tasks with success. Remember: balance is the key. Having a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient rich foods is essential to physical health. Also, eat on a proper schedule. Eating well helps you to maintain consistent energy levels, which is helpful when you feel like you have one million things to do.

3. Remember your “Me” time! Whether you meditate, do yoga, practice tai chi, or any variation of the above, you have to remember to take time to center yourself. Exercise can be useful for refreshing the body as well as the spirit. Spiritual health is essential. “Spirituality is defined in many and diverse ways--caring for one's inner spirit and resources is very important. Some people do this well by setting aside some time specifically for this purpose. Some call this a retreat, downtime, time for self, time for reflection and planning.”

–Dean Jim Pace, DSN, MDiv, APRN, BC, FAANP

4. Remember to breathe! Seems simple, right? Proper breathing is essential to relaxation and wellness, especially when you are stressed out. Our breathing is one of the first indicators that we are dealing with stress. Heavy and erratic breathing feeds anxiety, which then leads to more erratic breathing. So, trick yourself. Feeling overwhelmed? Take a deep breath, relax, and exhale.

Although this is not meant to be exhaustive in any way it is meant to give you a place to start. Mismanagement of stress can be detrimental to your health and your academic success. In closing, remember to ask for help if you need it! Utilize your network, your peer group, and your resources. For further information regarding Health and Wellness or to speak with a professional from the counseling center please contact:

NYU Counseling & Behavioral Health Services
726 Broadway
4th Floor, Suite 471
212-998-4780

For Other Resources on Stress Management, check here:

· Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress

· The American Institute of Stress

· MedlinePlus: Stress Management

Study Away with the College of Nursing during Winter Session!

The College of Nursing will be offering a study away course in Buenos Aires, Argentina for January 2012 Winter Session.

To learn more about the course offering(s) in Buenos Aires, please join us at an information session. Details are below:

August 11, 2011
6:00 - 7:00 P.M.

Nursing Conference Center (726 Broadway)

No RSVP necessary!

NYUCN’s Newest Academic Advisor: Donald Brown!

Hello NYUCN Students:

I am pleased to introduce myself as a new Academic Advisor at NYUCN beginning this fall semester. Some of you may remember me from my previous role assisting Dr. Klein with the daily operations for the Office of Academic Advising & Learning Development. Dr. Klein and I will continue to work together closely; however, I am excited to get started in this new capacity that will allow me to work more directly with undergraduate and graduate students to meet their academic needs. If you have any questions about course progression, strategies for academic success, or NYU/NYUCN academic policies and procedures, feel free to ask me.

I have been a resident of Manhattan for about two years and have worked with college students at Fordham University and New York University. After graduating from Teachers College, Columbia University I began working at New York University’s College of Nursing to serve as a resource for you as you navigate your course of study.

I am looking forward to working with you throughout your tenure at NYUCN. Please feel free to contact me at 212.992.7091 or donald.brown@nyu.edu.

Wishing you all the best for a successful fall semester!

Donald Brown