The Peel — Fall Edition

Welcome back to The Peel, Grapefruit Health’s newsletter for new nurses! Whether you’re in your first year on the floor or a couple years into practice, this space is here to give you practical tips, fresh resources, and encouragement as you grow in your career.

At Grapefruit Health, we value nurses at every stage of their journey. Our Patient Champion program connects nursing students to meaningful patient-facing roles, and our broader community supports nurses like you with resources that make the transition from classroom to clinical practice smoother.

Wellness Corner

Fall shifts can feel long as days get shorter and the weather turns. A quick reset is the “Falling Leaves Walk.” On your day off, take a short walk outside, breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy the fall colors before the rainy season rolls in. Stepping away from the hospital environment supports mental health, lowers stress, and helps you recharge.

💡 Pro tip: Pair your walk with a voice memo journal — reflecting out loud helps process tough shifts while creating a record of your growth as a nurse.

Career Tips 🏥

Owning Your First Year

The transition from student to professional nurse can feel overwhelming, but small intentional habits can build long-term confidence. One of the most effective is reflective journaling — jotting down what went well, what you’d do differently, and any questions to follow up on.

• Why it works: Reflection turns experiences into growth opportunities and helps you see progress over time.

• Best for: End of a shift, weekly check-ins, or after a new skill or challenge.

  
  💡 Pro tip: Use a notes app if you don’t have time for long entries — even quick bullet points can reveal patterns in your learning and highlight strengths you didn’t notice.

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 🧑‍🍳

Roasted Butternut Squash & Quinoa Bowls 🍂

Ingredients:

• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup chickpeas (canned, drained & rinsed)

• Handful of spinach or kale

• Optional: feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, or dried cranberries for topping

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Toss squash cubes with olive oil, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Spread on a sheet pan and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and tender.

4. Layer quinoa, greens, and chickpeas in meal-prep containers, then top with roasted squash.

5. Add optional toppings before serving for a fall flavor boost.

    

Freshly Squeezed Jokes 🍊

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One Last Thing 💡

That’s all for this week’s edition of The Peel! Remember: those first years as a nurse are full of learning curves, and it’s normal to feel stretched. Celebrate small wins — catching an early warning sign, advocating for a patient, or simply making it through a tough shift.

You’re building not just skills, but resilience. And Grapefruit Health is here to support you along the way 💛

—
The Grapefruit Health Team