In our recent episode of Working Short, we delved into menopause with Dr. Jenny, a naturopathic doctor from the Living Wellness Centre. This enlightening discussion shed light on the complexities of menopause, a natural phase that affects a significant portion of a woman’s life. We explored the stages of menopause, starting with perimenopause in the late 30s to late 40s, where hormonal fluctuations can lead to a mix of symptoms like mood swings, sleep disturbances, and heavier periods. Menopause itself is defined as 12 months after the last menstrual period, with symptoms peaking in the surrounding years, while post-menopause often brings symptom stabilization but may see issues like vaginal dryness worsen. Diagnosing menopause can be tricky due to these hormonal fluctuations, making cycle pattern monitoring essential. Treatment options like menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) can be highly effective, especially when started within ten years of menopause, with transdermal methods being the safest choice. Dr. Jenny emphasized a holistic care approach, integrating lifestyle changes and symptom management to empower women during this transitional phase. Mental health also plays a crucial role, as women are particularly vulnerable to mood disorders during menopause, highlighting the importance of seeking support. Ultimately, understanding menopause can equip women to navigate these changes with confidence and seek the care they need for a healthier future. For more insights, be sure to listen to the full episode!

• The exact steps to become a U.S. travel nurse as a Canadian

  • CGFNS + CES credentialing

  • State nursing license (Washington recommended)

  • TN visa process at the border

  • Social Security & onboarding logistics

• How travel nurse pay actually works

  • Tax-free stipends vs taxable hourly wage

  • Maintaining a “tax home” for duplicate expenses

  • What weekly income really looks like ($2,300/week USD)

• Pros & cons of travel nursing

  • Flexibility, high pay, and geographic freedom

  • Floating first, contract cancellations, and unit culture variability

• Choosing agencies & recruiters

  • Importance of a good recruiter (shout-out to Aya)

• Transitioning from travel to staff

  • Why Mady moved to an outpatient peri-op role

  • Mental health and lifestyle improvement

• Cultural difference in U.S. vs Canadian healthcare

  • Insurance awareness & financial stress for patients

  • System values and nurse autonomy experiences

• Stabilize first, diagnose later: Airway, breathing, circulation always come before anything else

• The ER is uncertainty-heavy: Work with minimal info and build your differential as you go

• Nurse-initiated actions matter: ER nurses can give fluids, aspirin, even epi when life-threatening

• Med-surg and ER thinking are different: Known problem vs ruling out the worst first

• CTAS is not about sick vs not-sick: Stable vitals ≠ safe; patients can deteriorate fast

• Pace & prioritization: You can’t do everything—prioritize immediate threats, then reassess

• Team culture saves patients: Ask for help early; no one can manage two crashing patients alone

• Resource pressure is real: Offload delays + hallway care = constant need to move patients

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the stages of sleep and their roles in cognitive health.

• Learn about chronotypes and how they affect sleep patterns.

• Explore effective strategies for managing light exposure and incorporating naps.

• Discover the importance of a consistent pre-sleep routine.

• Gain insights into creating an optimal sleep environment.