Happy Valentine’s Day from Tena Brown!

You are worthy of love.

As a caregiver, it is so important to realize the significance of caring for yourself. Here are a few things I wanted to share with you to make sure this season of love includes love for yourself above all.

Your friend in giving,

Tena Brown

Empathy Educator & CeraVe® Brand Ambassador

These affirmations come in handy when we are tested. Use these to guide your mind toward self-compassion.

Download image or PDF versions below.

My work doesn’t determine my worth

I have the power to control my thoughts

My responsibility is to simply do my best

My words are a gift to others and myself

I am grateful for the ability to help others

It is always the right time to learn

I treat people, not illnesses

It is not selfish to put myself first

I am proud of myself for showing up

I am my greatest advocate

I am unafraid to ask for what I want

I will choose to do ‘the next right thing’

My confidence precedes me into a room

I am the right person to today’s work

In the season of love, use these ideas to get you started down the path of self-care.

Download image or PDF versions below.

Hydration: Focus on consistently drinking water

Self-Discovery: Learn to answer the question, “what do I want?”

Gratitude: Write down 3-5 things you’re grateful for daily

Sleep: Challenge yourself to sleep 30 more minutes

Connection: Say “I Love You” or reconnect with an old friend

Journaling: Check in with yourself & record your journey

Nature: Get some sun (wear sunscreen) or take a walk

In the spirit of loving ourselves, we want to hear the reasons why you love yourself!

In as few or as many words as you’d like, tell us why you love yourself.

3 submissions will be chosen to receive a special gift pack including a Compassionomics book and a CeraVe® skincare kit.

Winners will be announced via email on March 15 to all who submit responses.

Shift Change: Nurse Essentials Facebook Community

CeraVe has put together this incredible opportunity for nurses just like you to come together, share experiences, be inspired and feel empowered – personally and professionally. You’ll need to request to join the group since we value your privacy!

Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation

If you haven’t taken the time to join Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation, I encourage you to take that step! CeraVe is sponsoring the “Quality of Life” pillar of the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge!

Compassionomics: The Revolutionary Scientific Evidence That Caring Makes a Difference by Stephen Trzeciak & Anthony Mazzarelli

I LOVE this book, and you definitely need a copy! In this book, physician-scientists Stephen Trzeciak & Anthony Mazzarelli uncover the eye-opening data that compassion could be a wonder drug for the 21st century. A rigorous review of the science — coupled with captivating stories from the front lines of medicine — demonstrates that human connection in healthcare matters in astonishing ways.

Do You Know Your Empathy Level?

Take my online quiz and find out what your empathy level and bedside manner score is. We will discuss these scores the next time we are together this November!

CeraVe Coffee Breaks

During the pandemic, I developed CeraVe Coffee Breaks which are a great new way for me to connect with health care providers. These 30-minute virtual webinars occur on Saturday mornings (or anytime via replay) and you’ll receive inspiration, encouragement, and appreciation for who you are. Attendees also receive free CeraVe products and Cups of Compassion coffee! See upcoming Coffee Break dates and sign up here.

Proud Partnership with CeraVe

I am so grateful for my partnership with this wonderful skincare brand. Not only do CeraVe’s products change lives (mine included) but their commitment to nurses is unparalleled. They’ve helped me send over 10,000 free gift bags to nurses all over the country in the last several months, and for that I say thank you, CeraVe!