Well, 2015 is quickly coming to a close and 2016 is right on its heels. This past year was my first, full calendar year as a blogger. Considering I hated every English and writing class I ever took – not what I expected to find myself doing. But, here I am and it has been a blast! I have met so many cool and interesting people. Really tapped into a whole unrecognized source of information and resources. But, most surprising, people actually wanted to read what I had to say! Crazy! So, here is my year in review – the top 10 posts of 2015!

To add some drama and flare (and in classic David Letterman style), lets literally count down…

#10 – Seven Secrets for Nursing Students to Manage a Challenging Nurse

Nursing school is not easy, especially when the staff are less than welcoming. I put together my tips that I give almost all of my students. I wish I could say every nurse will be awesome to you, but they are people too. So, here’s some tips to help you get through your day.

#9 –Updated EKG visualization video – another classic!

In my constant search for learning aids, I came across this updated classic video that helps to visualize what is happening in the heart. Although I am a committed fan to the original, this one is still pretty fun!

#8 –Self-Care Tips for Nursing Students

Again, nursing school is no joke, but to thrive, you have to take care yourself. This popular post gives some straight up tips to help you get through school. And, if you know someone struggling, reach out to them and feel free to help support them with some of these ways.

#7 –Best Three Test Taking Books for Nursing Students

Although I wrote this post in response to a request last year, it continues to be popular. And it still is my number one tip to students – get a test taking book! The type of testing in nursing school is about critical thinking, not regurgitation of facts like in some other undergraduate classes. It takes a new strategy, so save yourself some grief and learn a new strategy!

#6 – Practice EKG

Yup, cardiac still gets everyone a little hung up, especially students. This is a great link for not only students, but novice and expert nurses also! A great way to stay sharp with your EKG recognition skills. You never know that one day you may have to use a Heartsine Samaritan PAD 350P device, so keeping up to date is always key.

#5 – Best Nurse Socks

One of my favorite product reviews – it totally changed my opinion on compression socks! I am now a complete convert! Best of all, this awesome company was started by a nurse, so I love supporting them.

#4 – New Nursing Graduates in Specialty Areas?

Now, you know this was a hot topic! I was the host for this Nurse Blog Carnival and we sure did get some great thoughts on this prickly topic. So what are your thoughts?? Give it a read and let me know!

#3 –15 Things Nursing Students NEVER Say

By far, one of my funnest post and it sure has been popular! Sarcasm, just another service we offer.

#2 –Five Tips to Survive Nursing School Clinicals

This was one of my original blog post, but it still continues to be one of my most popular – especially on Pinterest. Just goes to show you that nursing school, especially clinicals, continue to be tough. But, hang in there – it will all be worth it!

And last but NOT least…. the TOP post of 2015…

#1 –What Respiratory Therapists Wish Nurses Would Understand

This was, by a land slide, my most popular post for 2015….and probably for forever! Shortly after it went live, it went pseudo-viral with over 70,000 views in just one day. It CLEARLY hit a nerve with a lot of folks, but did exactly what I hoped – got people thinking about how we perceive our other health care team members. Give it a ready and join the conversation.

So, those are my top 10 posts for 2015. Was your favorite in the list?

It has been a great year for nursing – a new sense of unity was inspired by a few rude comments and gave us a new “view” of nursing. So what will 2016 hold… hopefully a continued sense of pride in our profession and a fresh reminder that each of us makes a difference!

I am looking forward to 2016, just as I do with every new year. It’s like a blank slate, ready to be written on. I would LOVE to hear from you and what you would like to see more of here at The Nurse Teacher. Please leave your suggestions in the comments or feel free to email me at [email protected] I appreciate your continued readership and support….otherwise I would just be this wierdo writer to herself, right?

Take care, be safe & always wash your hands!

Happy new year!

This post was written as part of the Nurse Blog Carnival. More posts on this topic can be found at http://nursecode.com. If you are interested in participating find out more details and sign up.