The Peel — Fall Edition

Welcome back to The Peel, Grapefruit Health’s weekly newsletter for new nurses! We’re here to support you with resources, tips, and encouragement as you take on the early years of your career.

At Grapefruit Health, we understand how challenging the transition from nursing school to practice can be — balancing new responsibilities, finding your rhythm on the floor, and continuing to grow your skills. Our goal is to share strategies, stories, and tools that help you feel confident and supported in this next stage of your journey.

Sharpening Your Professional Presence

In the workplace, the way you communicate shapes how colleagues view your confidence and competence. A simple but powerful practice: pause before answering questions. Even two or three seconds gives you time to gather your thoughts, reduces filler words, and makes your responses sound intentional.

• Why it works: Pausing signals calmness and control, even when you’re under pressure.

• Best for: Preceptor check-ins, huddles, and professional interviews.

💡 Pro tip: Practice this with a peer or mentor by role-playing common questions (like “What’s your patient priority right now?”). You’ll sound more focused and confident on the floor.

Nursing Discount Spotlight 💸

Not sponsored. Just real perks for the work you do.

Here’s your reminder: nurses qualify for discounts on way more than scrubs and shoes. Think clothes you actually want to wear off-shift, travel deals, tech, even meal delivery.

The easiest way to find them? ID.me — a free verification site that unlocks year-round discounts for nurses and first responders across dozens of brands. Once you’re verified, you can shop everything from everyday essentials to little “treat yourself” splurges at a fraction of the cost.

Meal Prep Corner 🧑‍🍳

One-Pan Chicken & Veggie Sheet Bake

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup sliced bell peppers

• 1 cup diced sweet potato (or regular potato)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Place chicken and veggies on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and season well.

3. Bake for 25–30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

4. Divide into meal-prep containers or enjoy right away.

💡 Tip: Make extra portions to reheat for busy clinical days — it saves money and time during the week.

Freshly Squeezed Jokes 🍊

Q: What did the nurse say to the tonsil?
A: You should get dressed. The doctor is going to take you out.

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One Last Thing 💡

That’s all for this week’s edition of The Peel! Remember: every shift, every interaction, and every small skill you master builds your foundation as a nurse. The early years can be overwhelming, but you are growing faster than you realize.

Lean on your peers, ask questions without hesitation, and give yourself grace when the learning curve feels steep. You’ve already accomplished so much — and the best is still ahead. We’re here cheering you on every step of the way 💛

—
The Grapefruit Health Team