CNA Nursing Info

Why Choose Holistic Nursing Certification?

Strathy — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:31:10 +0000

As a nurse or certified nursing assistant, you probably entered the field thinking that you’d be able to work with people, care for them and ultimately see them back to health. You went through all your schooling to get your degree and then it happened. You know, the dreaded red tape and beaurocracy that is the current health care system.

But, since you’ve spent the time and money to invest in this career choice, isn’t there some way to recapture what you were searching for in the first place? Yes, there is. In fact, you can revive the passion you had when you entered school by returning to nursing’s ‘roots’ with a holistic nursing certification. At the very least, you can learn more in line with the philosophy that cares as much about your health and career in nursing as it does with the message it carries to patients.

That is to say, holistic nursing is as much about self care and being able to provide from your own inner health and sense of well-being as it does anything else. So, while there will always be challenges with time, duties and the hassles with insurance companies, charting and all the rest, at least you can be nourished in the process.

Where do you go to learn more about holistic nursing or becoming certified?

The first place to look is the American Holistic Nursing Association (ahna.org). There, you can spring off to learn more about how the philosophy is in line with your personal mission and vision regarding your new direction. Also, you can find local chapters in your area. You can join and receive monthly newsletters, announcements and tips to enhance the nursing environment and community where you practice.

There are currently few opportunities to truly become well-versed enough to actually share these practices with your patients, let alone pass your holistic nursing certification, the coveted HNC. The established BirchTree Center (birchtreecenter.com) for professional development program is a well-known option within the holistic community. This is offered on the East coast of the U.S.

One of the more exciting and more integrative programs is offered in the southwest for Holistic Nursing is offered at the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. It has been described as more integrative and encompassing than other programs.

If you’re truly looking for a way to regain some of the energy you had when you started your nursing journey or you just want to include more of a nurturing way to care for your patients in a way that addresses their ‘whole’ self, then you owe it to yourself to explore this education. Who knows, maybe you will be the next Florence Nightengale.

Dr. Michael J. Funicello is a chiropractor in Gilbert, AZ. He holds the highest level of certification offered within his specialty of Network Spinal Analysis. He is a speaker, writer and lecturer serving the residents of the Phoenix-metro since 1998. He can be contacted at http://infinitehealingarts.com.

Nursing Assistant Salary Expectations

Angie — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:10:21 +0000

There is no set standard for a Nursing Assistant salary across the country or around the world. The rates of pay are decided by the employer and are pretty indicative depending on where you live. Most often you will find that in a particular area, the rate of pay has a range that is pretty close for a variety of institutions. Hospitals pretty much pay similar rates for Nursing Assistant salaries across the same city or region. If you are living in a major metropolis like New York or Los Angeles, you could expect to earn a higher salary than those who are living and working in a smaller town or rural setting. This is pretty much the norm for any occupation, with the higher rates of pay coordinating with the larger cities. They are usually known to have a higher standard of living as well.

That being said, you could expect to earn somewhere between $25 000 – $32 000 per year for a Nursing Assistant salary. The range not only depends on where you live, but also on where you are employed and your level of experience and expertise.

Where you are employed will effect the rate of pay you can expect to receive as a Nursing Assistant. If you are employed in a hospital, it is possible you will get a higher rate of pay. Hospitals are usually unionized and fight for higher rates of pay due to the surroundings you are working in. Working as a Nursing Assistant in a medical office, you may end up with a lower rate of pay. It will depend on the type of tasks you are asked to perform as well as your employer’s discretion on the subject.

The more experience and expertise you have will also effect the Nursing Assistant salary. The more experience you have usually means you have a higher level of proficiency and expertise and should be highly skilled at your job, not requiring much training when beginning at a new location. For these reasons you should expect a higher Nursing Assistant salary. A lot of institutions will not start you out at the highest cap they have in their pay range as they will want to have room to grow and room to reward you with.

Countless Opportunities With an Online Nursing Degree

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 01:13:02 +0000

Flexible schooling has almost become necessary in today’s busy world, which is why more people are using it to gain their education. It becomes even harder when you get older, especially if you want to attend a campus-based college to gain a nursing degree. You either have family to care for or you have to work, making it hard to go to class at specific times. This is where technology steps in and helps someone gain an online nursing degree in their own time frame.

If you are hoping to get your online nursing degree, make sure you enroll in a college that is accredited. The reason is the nursing program needs to be approved by the state it operates in, otherwise you won’t receive a degree. If you are going to put that much time and energy into it, you want accreditation.

If you are at the beginning of the process, you will need to start with an associate degree in nursing. This online nursing degree prepares its graduates for the National Council of Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses. Once you pass the NCLEX, you can apply for licensure to work as a registered nurse in all 50 states, as well as United States territories. Many of the online programs offer this course in an accelerated manner, making it easier to move on in your level of education and qualifications.

The next step in the process is the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. You will need a valid Registered Nurse license to qualify for this online degree. The program’s goal is to train RN’s in the constantly changing world of health care. It expands their education so they have the necessary tools to work in the workplace. Once you graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, you have all the tools to apply for openings in community health care centers, patient care facilities, private practices, and hospitals.

There is another option if you desire more learning. The Master of Science Degree in Nursing helps nurses hone their skills so they can work in specialized medical fields. They also learn advanced medical theories. Once this degree is completed, many times administration, leadership, and management positions open up.

The nice thing about each of these degrees is you can work at the same time. An online education has a flexible schedule, allowing you to study whenever you have time. You can do it at anytime or anyplace. The other nice thing about an online program is it is usually cheaper than being on a campus. Plus, the degrees are usually accelerated, allowing you to get through them at a faster rate.

An online nursing degree can be completed from wherever you live. Technology allows you to access the best of the best. You can attend a quality education facility from anywhere in the United States, whether you live in Manhattan or on a ranch in Montana. However, you will need a good wireless internet connection to effectively complete the courses.

You might wonder how you can gain practical knowledge when enrolled in an online program. Once again, technology has different electronic formats that allow for chat forums, discussion groups, tutorials, and video lectures. It is completely transforming the world of education.

Once the education has all been completed, your career opportunities will be transformed. Your knowledge will help you care for patients at a higher level, and the farther you go, you have opportunities in consulting, counseling, research, teaching, and even specialized fields. The options are wide open with an online nursing degree!

What to Consider When Choosing Between Medical Assistant Programs

Strathy — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:52:52 +0000

For those not knowing a lot about a medical assistant position, you maybe don’t realize the amount of communication and interaction that needs to take place between patients, insurance agents, and medical professionals. This position is far from easy, as people need a wide range of skills in order to effectively complete the job. It means the medical assistant programs you are looking at need to provide you with theoretical and practical medical skills, communication skills, fast decision making abilities, and the desire to serve. It will help if some of these skills are a part of your natural gifts, because it will make your job easier. However, what you don’t know, you can learn from a quality training program.

If you desire to become a medical assistant, you need to apply at quality medical assistant programs that are accredited. It should be a highly recognized school, as then you know it has the knowledge to help you succeed. This allows you to polish your skills and become a professional. It also makes sure you have every opportunity to gain the needed certifications and accreditation many employers require.

Why spend so much time looking at programs? The reason is you need the proper training and knowledge if you want to effectively do your job later. This means one of the first things medical assistant training will teach you is to understand the basics behind the job. You need to know basic medical terminology and procedures. As you learn more, the knowledge will increase and you will gain more practical skills.

It means you will learn how to interact with a variety of different kinds of people. Many times a medical assistant needs to understand medical procedures so they can explain it to a patient or a visitor. You also have to be able to work with insurance companies and salespeople. There are times when you will have to be firm, and other times, you will need to be gentle and patient. Besides working with people, some positions will have you helping the doctor with basic procedures. This requires an entirely different set of skills, which is another reason why you need to enroll in a quality program.

It isn’t easy to choose between medical assistant programs, especially since there are so many things to consider. What you decide will depend on how much time and money you have to pour into the process. Some programs allow students the ability to graduate early or achieve all of their schooling online. This is why it is important to research each program. For one, it allows you the ability to enroll in a program that has all of your needs.

Once you have chosen between medical assistant programs, you will be surprised at how fast school will go. Make sure to stay motivated and work hard. This will help you through the learning process and help prepare you for your future. Once you have gained all of your certifications, the job outlook is very promising.

What is the Nurse Aide Registry?

Strathy — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:43:36 +0000

What is the nurse aide registry and why is it important? This is a good question for someone starting a job as a certified nurses assistant or needing to renew their certification. Aides who have completed all of their training and received their certification will be placed on a state registry of nursing aides. There is a registry for each state, making it easy for a medical facility to see if you are registered and available for work. If you want to stay on this list, you are required to take 48 hours of continuing education classes every two years.

So why do people need to know the answer to the question, “what is the nurse aide registry?” Well, there are several reasons. This registry was mandated in 1987 by the federal government under the Omnibus Reconciliation Act. Every state is supposed to keep a registry of all the nursing assistants in their state with information such as full name, social security number, address, and if there are any issues with neglect and abuse. It is important to contact your state’s registry list if your name changes, you have moved to another state, undergone nurse aide registry verification, you have received nurse aide test information, or received a renewal CNA license.

This registry list makes it easier for employees to hire people. They won’t accept any applicants from those who haven’t received the necessary training or aren’t on the list. This protects them and their patients from people trying to scam the system.

If you are getting to the point when you need your certification renewed, there are several requirements you need to complete. For one, if you want the certification renewed, you need to have worked in the past two years. If you qualify, then get a Nurses Aid Registry Renewal Form, and this will have all of your information needed for renewal. If you haven’t worked in the past two years, you can still apply, there are just different requirements.

On the renewal form, you will want to include all personal information and have your health care employer complete the rest. The employer can be your present one or someone from the past two years. Make sure to date and sign the application after everything has been completed. Then mail the renewal form to the appropriate mailing address for your state. Don’t expect to hear back the next day. It takes some time to process everything, sometimes up to two weeks. It is nice when a state will post your renewal status online, allowing you to find out much sooner.

If you haven’t worked in the past two years, you will need to retake your state certification exam. Some states require you to retake certified nursing assistant training before taking the exam again. This is why you need to check and see what your state requires for a CNA.

This information helps you understand why this registry was created, as it protects people from those who haven’t had the proper training. So, what is the nurse aide registry? Make sure you are on it if you are a certified nursing assistant.

Steps to Becoming a Patient Care Assistant

Strathy — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 00:31:07 +0000

Many times a patient care assistant will have more contact with a patient than other people in a hospital or medical facility. They assist those who are disabled, injured, bedridden, and physically or mentally ill. This is an important position, one many believe to be the foundation of the medical world. If you don’t have a quality person in this job, your patients will suffer and they won’t recover as fast. Some patients might even lose hope and start giving up, especially an older adult. This is where a patient care assistant or nursing assistant can step in and offer emotional and physical support.

If you are interested in this type of work, start researching the various duties and necessary education. You might want to job shadow an actual nursing assistant and see if this is something you would like. The first requirement is getting your high school diploma and taking classes in biology, English, general science, and health. Some schools will allow you to take courses from a local community college, allowing you to get started on your necessary coursework by learning medical terminology or a more advanced biology class. The next step is finding a program that is certified and allows you to gain everything you need to know once you enter the field of nursing.

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The type of education you experience will be centered on carrying for patients. This means you need to understand and know how to complete a wide range of medical procedures. While you will be under the direction of a doctor or nurse, it will be up to you to help a patient with dressing, bathing, personal hygiene issues, and grooming. This is something that will make the patient feel better and hopefully be a necessary step in the healing process. A patient care assistant will also have to help patients get from a bed to the next or into a wheelchair. They will collect blood and record and monitor all vital signs such as pulse, blood pressure, and respiratory rates.

The program you enroll in will help you develop all of these skills. You will receive classroom instruction and undergo supervised clinical practice. You will complete coursework in communication, infection control, nutrition, anatomy, safety measures, and vital signs. It also helps to gain practical experience in a clinical setting, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. Once you have completed the program, you are qualified to take the National Nurse Aid Assessment Program examination.

The requirements for becoming a patient care assistant will be different in every state. This is why you must check with the state licensing board, following each of their certification requirements. Once this is all completed, you can start applying for jobs. This means you can work in clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care homes.

Most of all, a patient care assistant needs to be willing to get their hands dirty and serve others. You will be the eyes and ears for the rest of the facility, helping people get better.

Nurse Practitioner Jobs Look Promising Long Into the Future

Strathy — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 00:25:28 +0000

It is isn’t uncommon to find a nurse practitioner at a hospital or a clinic these days. Some are even opening up their own practices and providing quality medical care to the surrounding area. This is especially true in more of the rural areas, as fewer doctors want to live in these secluded places. Another reason is they don’t want to serve in the general practice role because of the demands malpractice insurance has been placing on them. This is opening up more nurse practitioner jobs, as communities all over the world still need quality medical care for everything from sniffles to pregnancy.

It isn’t an easy choice to become a nurse practitioner, as it requires a great deal of schooling. The process is quite lengthy and many will first start as a licensed practical nurse. Some will start working, while continuing with their education to become a registered nurse. Most nurses will stop after they get their Bachelor of Science in Nursing, but some desire more learning and pursue an accredited master’s degree in nursing.

Nurse practitioner jobs can be specialized, similar to a doctor. For instance, geriatrics has a growing need for more nurse practitioners and specialized nursing because of the amount of older adults living longer. These people need quality care, but there isn’t always enough medical professionals to fulfill this need. A nurse practitioner can come in and help relieve some of the burdens.

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On the other side of things, many women prefer seeing a woman doctor or nurse practitioner when they are pregnant. They feel more comfortable in the hands of a woman, which is why a number of nurse practitioners gain extra training and become a nurse midwife. These roles are quite popular

these days, especially if the couple prefers the natural methods of medicine. A midwife will be responsible for providing prenatal care, labor and caring for the baby and mother after delivery. Many times, if a situation would arise during labor and delivery, the nurse midwife would have the assistance of a doctor or a surgeon.

Because of malpractice insurance, some doctors are finding it difficult to staff their offices appropriately. This is why many of them are hiring a nurse practitioner to relieve some of the load. These nurse practitioner jobs are filled with highly trained nurses capable of seeing patients, diagnosing and being able to treat all sorts of diseases and ailments. Most states allow these qualified nurses the ability to prescribe medication. However, in some places, they still need the supervision of a doctor.

It depends on the state, but many places will allow a nurse practitioner to have their own practice. Some require the supervision of a doctor, while others do not. Some are even allowed to perform rounds and admit patients to a hospital.

Nurse practitioner jobs are necessary in today’s world, as they help care for patients and provide quality medical care. Their advanced training allows them to see patients in a similar fashion as a doctor. This is definitely a career field that has potential long into the future.

Medical Assistant Job Description

Strathy — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:16:38 +0000

Anyone in a hospital or clinic would let you know how much they appreciate a quality medical assistant. This position serves at the entrance of a medical facility, and many times, the medical assistant will be the link between the patient and the rest of the medical staff. It serves as a gate of knowledge into the rest of the facility, and since everyone has to start at the front door, it is easy to see why so many people appreciate a quality medical assistant. It is probably why the medical assistant job description is so lengthy. In a way, these people have to be the eyes and ears to a clinic, hospital, or health care foundation.

A medical assistant job description is quite lengthy. Depending on the office, this person can be responsible for everything from front office work, administrative assistance, and clinical help. It is essential for this person to be a good communicator, because there are times when you will have to diffuse a situation, calming someone down, or directing them to the appropriate place.

If you are a front office medical assistant, your list of tasks often depends on where you work. However, you will be managing the front desk of a busy clinic. Some people have help, while others have to take care of everything on their own. It is essential to know how to answer and handle internal phone calls and be able to transfer necessary calls to the appropriate place. You will help manage the swarm of patients, as they come in for appointments. Many times you will have a role in keeping the doctor on schedule. Besides communicating with whoever comes into the hospital or clinic, you will have to pass out patient registration forms and any other necessary pieces of information.

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Many times a certified medical assistant will have to provide administrative duties such as registration, maintaining, and filing medical records, performing accounting duties and maintaining financial records, as well as maintaining correspondence with insurance companies and patients. If you are at the hospital, you will have to explain hospital admission procedures to any visitors in an effective manner. Other tasks included in a medical assistant job description is keeping track of purchased medical supplies and other equipment and being able to process all medical insurance claims and possibly even incorporating the correct medical coding procedures.

Besides helping with administrative work and being the public spokesperson for the medical facility, some medical assistants will help with clinical activities like applying and changing dressings, drawing blood for donations, possibly working in a medical lab, maintaining patient health records, obtaining the daily observations of a patient’s health and passing them onto a concerned doctor. You might even have to collect a urine sample and send them to the appropriate place.

Not everyone will be responsible for the entire list of tasks in a medical assistant job description. It often depends on the medical facility and their needs. A bigger place won’t require you to complete even half of the tasks, while a smaller clinic might have you drawing blood and being in charge of financial data. However, this is a job that requires efficiency, communication skills, and the desire to serve others.

Medical Assistant Training is Necessary

Strathy — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 00:12:24 +0000

If you are interested in becoming a medical assistant, then it is important to find a program where you can gain the necessary knowledge to be successful. Medical assistant training is offered in a number of places around the country. However, it is important to find an accredited program that provides you with the skills to succeed on the job.

A medical assistant is the front spokesperson to a medical facility. They have to know a wide range of skills, as you perform a multitude of different jobs. Most importantly, you need to know how to communicate effectively with patients, medical personal, insurance companies, and vendors. In one day, you could see over a hundred people, some sick and hurting and others trying to sell a medical product. You are the PR person for your office, helping people with all their health concerns. At the same time, you will need to relay these concerns to the appropriate medical professional so patient’s needs are met. This is why medical assistant training is essential, because otherwise it will be difficult to complete the necessary tasks.

This is why it is important to enroll in medical assistant training and learn how to complete all the necessary duties in a classroom environment. Many schools offer training programs during times that work for people who need a flexible schedule. They can be online courses, evening classes, or on the weekends. This allows other healthcare providers the opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge while working another job.

Image by The National Guard via Flickr

Training will help prepare you for this position. Medical assistants are used in clinics, hospitals, chiropractor offices, and other places. You will gain knowledge on clinical and administrative procedures, as well as learn how to communicate with a wide range of people. For instance, you need to know medical terminology to communicate with a physician, but at the same time, know how to talk to insurance agents.

Some medical assistants will work in a front office reception room, a clinical area, or the administrative part of the hospital. It all depends on who you are hired by and what the particular job description states. Most times, you will be working directly with patients, greeting them with a smile and then preparing them for any exams. Some assistants will have to take blood draws, lab tests, blood pressure readings, etc. On the opposite extreme, you could be reviewing and maintaining medical charts, working with patient records, making appointments, answering phones and routing messages to the appropriate places, talking with insurance companies, and communicating with the rest of the medical professionals in the office.

Because all of these job duties, it is easy to see why medical assistant training is necessary. Many times an employer won’t hire someone who doesn’t have the appropriate certification, which is why this training is needed. This is a job that requires patience and skilled communication skills, but if you enjoy helping others and can multi-task effectively, you maybe found your new career choice.

Licensed Practical Nurse is on the Front Lines of Quality Medical Care

Strathy — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:05:57 +0000

One of the first major accomplishments for a nurse is to receive their licensed practical nurse diploma. It is either the start of a wonderful career or it is seen as a stepping stone for other nursing positions. Schooling for this position usually takes a year, and you will receive a diploma or a certificate after you finish. Most of the people who enter this field have a heart for helping others and have a genuine desire for being in the medical world.

There are those who enjoy working as a licensed practical nurse. It pays very well compared to other occupations, starting around $15 a hour and can go up to $21 a hour. There is usually plenty of opportunities to gain overtime or to pick up extra shifts. However, in terms of what others receive in the medical field, the job is normally at the lower end of the pay scale. On the other hand, you won’t have to worry about job security because it is a position that is needed in almost every community.

It isn’t out of the ordinary for registered nurses to start their career as a licensed practical nurse. Some even enter the medical field as a nursing aid or medical assistant, but continue on in their education. If you are a LPN, the tasks you are responsible vary according to where you work. For instance, the duties will be different at a clinic, than at a hospice care facility. Basic duties are centered around caring for the injured, sick, terminally ill, or disabled patients. You will be under the close supervision of registered nurses and the facility’s physicians.

A LPN is also trained to administer all IV’s or drips, clean and dress wounds, bath patients, perform clerical duties, administer first aid, take blood pressure and temperature, monitor patients, make sure medication is taken and on time, and assist the rest of the medical staff in maintaining quality patient care. Some LPN’s will be responsible for an entire ward or only select patients. It depends on your experience and how large of medical facility you work at.

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Many LPN’s work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living centers. Some even help with hospice care. The opportunities are almost endless, as there is a need everywhere. Plus, the demand for quality nurses continues to rise, as many long-time nurses are leaving because of a career change or because of retirement.

Many in the medical profession consider a licensed practical nurse to be the marines of a medical facility. They are in the frontline or the trenches for providing quality care. They are responsible for a lot of the tough work and will often fight for a patient, pushing them towards recovery. They want them to survive and get better. This is a rewarding job and is respected by many in the world.

Whether you use this opportunity as a stepping stone towards a more advanced career or degree, becoming a licensed practical nurse is considered a respected, rewarding, challenging career for someone with the right qualities and a desire to help others.