Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 5/10/25 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 5/10/25

What Changed this Vaccine Skeptic’s Mind: A Nurse’s Perspective & Tips for Science Allies

As a former vaccine skeptic who became a nurse and changed my mind, I hope that my perspective is helpful to science educators and science allies as we deal with the daily onslaught of false information and misguided beliefs. Keep educating. You won’t get through to everyone, but you will get through to some people some of the time.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 3/30/25 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 3/30/25

Caring for my medically wary patients

Holistic hippie raver, medically-averse vaccine-skeptic crunchy mama — that was me. As a nurse, that gives me a unique ability to support and advocate for patients who are scared or skeptical of the medical world, including mammograms and medical treatments for breast cancer.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 5/20/21 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 5/20/21

Reopening, reconnecting, restarting

Life is starting to happen again, but the pandemic isn’t quite over yet. Cautious optimism means we can see friends again safely, but who are we now? How do we reintegrate, move on from the trauma of the last year, and nurture our friendships again?

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 2/14/21 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 2/14/21

Confessions of a (former) vaccine skeptic

As a pretty crunchy new mama, I was nervous about vaccines, and susceptible to fears and misinformation. As a nurse, new skills and information helped me changed my mind.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 1/15/21 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 1/15/21

This country is going nuts. It’s time for a nap.

These are stressful times. Our nervous systems are on overload. Here are some tips for giving your body and mind a break. Number one: Sleep.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 12/21/20 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 12/21/20

The “C” word (COVID), the vaccine, and skepticism

I didn’t really want to write about COVID, but here we are. If you have questions, concerns or skepticism about the vaccine, and how this holistic-minded nurse is feeling about it all, I hope this post is helpful.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 12/6/20 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 12/6/20

Core strengthening – Yes! Dieting – Nope.

Strengthening core muscles isn’t just about “6-pack abs.” A strong core protects the spine from injury, and I learned the hard way that all my years of dieting did nothing to protect my spine and strengthen my core. New fitness goals: Strength and flexibility for longevity.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 11/11/20 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 11/11/20

Grief, letting go, making room for joy

Going through our belongings can bring up grief, but letting go of items that don’t provide us with pleasure and joy can be liberating!

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 10/14/20 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 10/14/20

Consulting with the experts for your health – including yourself!

When facing an illness or injury, or just taking care of your overall health, knowledgeable experts such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, dietitians, chiropractors, yoga instructors, etc might be involved in our care. But another expert who can’t be forgotten is YOU! Only you know how it feels to be you.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 8/27/20 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 8/27/20

Periomenopause, aging gracefully, and my wonky spine

This week was full tilt boogie perimenopause sensations, and then I sprained my back at work (#rnlife) lifting a patient. My dear friend and senior Iyengar yoga teacher Koren reminded me how important it is to care for my curved and aging spine. Even a touch of scoliosis can take its toll as we age.

Accepting and acknowledging our age is humbling, and if we want to feel youthful and do all the things we want to do in our lives, then self-care is critical.

Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 7/29/20 Siobhan Stofka BSN RN OCN 7/29/20

Food is yummy. Self-hatred is not.

Healing from toxic diet culture and the shame that comes with it doesn’t happen overnight, but it is a practice of learning how to appreciate our bodies and tuning in to what we need — body, mind and spirit. Food is much yummier than self-hatred!