Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Non-clinical Settings In Nursing
Not all nurses work in clinical settings like hospitals, nursing homes and clinics. Some prefer to opt for other environments that let them practice their specialty but without the hectic atmosphere of clinical settings. Below are a few examples.
Medical consulting: As a consultant, a nurse will consult with medical practitioners, law firms and insurance companies on various medical issues.
Clinical research: Nurses working as clinical research associates ensure that clinical trials don’t compromise the health of patients and that the trials proceed smoothly according to procedures. They may work with pharmaceutical companies, academic medical centers and government agencies.
Travel nursing: In travel nursing, nurses have to provide care to patients while on the go. Hours are flexible, accommodation is provided and insurance is covered. Most travel nurses get assignments through placement agencies.
Technical writing: Many nurses offer their expertise in the form of writing for medical transcription centers, health organizations and clinical research centers. They may freelance or work as regular employees. This setting provides an opportunity to not only impart knowledge in related fields but also to hone writing skills.
Legal consulting: As a legal nurse consultant, nurses will assist with criminal and medical liability cases by providing analyses on forensics and acting as expert witnesses.
How To Find A Nursing Job
For newly graduated nurses the hunt for the first job can be filled with anxiety. You may not be able to apply with the hospital or clinic of your choice since most require employees with experience. But since you need to start somewhere you’ll have to set your sights a little lower until you gain enough work experience. So to get started, read what you must do in order to bag your first job.
• Read the want ads carefully. Many candidates make the mistake of not connecting job requirements with what they have to offer employers and end up wasting precious time.
• Your resume should be detailed and to the point. If you don’t have a flair for writing, examine those written by resume writers on websites.
• Think like a professional. Your clothes and attitude should speak professionalism so take care with what you wear to interviews. Potential employers expect you to be nervous but try not to say ‘This is my first job, I’m so nervous’. It will only make you appear to lack confidence.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions like the duties and work schedule of the post you’re applying for. Bring up salary queries only towards the end of the interview.
• Don’t expect to score on your first attempt. Keep applying and sitting for interviews till you’re hired.
How To Become A Nurse
Becoming a successful nurse requires the same dedication and hard work as any specialty in the medical sector. Long hours and hectic work schedules are to be expected along with learning to deal with all types of sicknesses and tragedies. Academically, candidates need to complete required degree or diploma programs and sit for examinations designed to test their skills and knowledge.
• Aspirants must complete either a nursing degree program in the form of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or an Associate Degree in Nursing. A third option is a diploma program in a hospital. Subjects covered include anatomy, microbiology, psychology, chemistry and nutrition in addition to nursing.
• Once the degree or diploma has been obtained, candidates will have to sit for a national licensing exam to qualify them to practice. Some states require nurses to pass an additional exam if they wish to practice in another state. However, most are members of a licensure agreement so sitting for a single exam will suffice
• With a degree/diploma and a license in hand nurses are ready to apply for their first jobs as professionals. As experience is gained they can seek better opportunities. A point to note is that having a specialty like pediatric nursing or oncology nursing opens more doors for employment.
Different Types Of Oncology Nurses
Oncology nurses are tasked with providing care to cancer patients. Since it’s a specialized field, nurses receive training in addition to gaining prior work experience as oncology nurses. The mandatory tests are difficult to prepare them for the work ahead. There are several types of oncology nurses the definitions of which are given below
OCN: Oncology certified nurses receive training in pain management, administering of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and continued care of patients. They focus on helping treat adults.
AOCN: An advanced oncology certified nurse is one who’s qualified to provide care in an advanced role. They can prescribe medication, organize treatment plans and manage side effects and pain associated with cancer and its treatment.
AOCNP: This stands for advanced oncology certified nurse practitioner, a step up from AOCN. Aside from completing a nurse practitioner program, candidates need to complete 500 hours of supervised practice in addition to having work experience as an oncology nurse
CBCN: Also known as certified breast cancer nurse, nurses with this credential have expertise in the detection, treatment and prevention of breast cancer in both women and men.
CPON: Certified pediatric oncology nurses help diagnose, treat and care for children with cancer. Like most other oncology nurses, candidates need to be registered nurses, have a year’s experience as an RN and have completed 1,000 hours of pediatric oncology nursing.
Difference Between RN And LVN
Registered nurse (RN) and licensed vocational nurse (LVN) are the two major types of nursing licensures. Both focus on delivering patient care but have distinct differences. Read on to know what they are.
Registered nurse
A registered nurse is one who has a nursing degree from a college or university. They have also passed a national licensing examination which qualifies them to work in settings such as hospitals, schools, private homes, clinics and healthcare centers.
Duties of a registered nurse include administering injections and IVs, basic diagnostics, maintaining patients’ records, reporting patients’ health status, communicating with patients’ families and providing direct patient care. More than anything, however, they’re tasked with managing, planning and delivering patient care by supervising orderlies and LVNs.
Licensed vocational nurse
Licensed vocational nurses receive training in patient care, anatomy, pharmacology and physiology for about 36 months. RNs, on the other hand, have to undergo training for two to five years. Duties, however, are no less taxing and include providing patient care some of which are similar to that delivered by RNs like administering IVs and injections, collecting blood samples and maintaining patients’ records. They aren’t involved in planning or managing patient care. Note: LVNs are also called LPNs or licensed practical nurses depending on country.
Career Scope For Foreign-trained Nurses
Foreign-trained nurses are professionals who have completed their nursing education and training in a country and seek employment in another country. Depending on the requirements of the second country they may have to complete additional training in order to find employment. Career scope is, however, very satisfactory as many countries suffer from a nursing shortage.
The shortage isn’t always caused because the number of people entering the sector is low. More times than most, it is because of a lack of proper placement programs and nurse retention initiatives. This shortage has been occurring for several years now and is pegged to increase as baby boomers age
International recruitment is expensive for hospitals and healthcare centers because nurses may need to go for additional training and finding them usually requires the help of recruitment agencies. However, since foreign-trained nurses work on a contractual basis they’re obligated to complete their term which translates into good return on investment.
It’s important to understand that not all states in a country experience shortage. So all foreign-trained nurses may not find it so easy getting employment. The idea is to find out which states are currently facing shortage and apply to hospitals in those regions. Once contracts have been drawn up nurses can fulfill the terms and duration and seek to renew the contracts or apply elsewhere.
A Rough Estimate Of Nursing Salaries
Nursing as a career is extremely rewarding despite the long hours and stress. It’s also flexible as aspirants can choose from a range of career options like oncology nursing, nursing midwifery and geriatric nursing. Salaries differ based on the type of nursing one practices as well as academic qualifications, work experience, certifications and location. Below is a rough estimate of what different nurses earn.
CRNA: Certified registered nurse anesthetists are the highest paid nurses. They can earn over $180,000 a year but average around $150,000. The high income is due to the nature of the job which is very stressful, requires nurses to be on call at anytime and demands higher academic qualifications than other types of nursing.
Nurse midwife: Nurse midwives are specialists who assist in deliveries by applying their knowledge of obstetrics. They also provide care to pregnant women before and after delivery. Salaries average around $95,000.
Nurse practitioner: Nurse practitioners can work independently of doctors and can also prescribe medications. Due to their advanced training they can earn an average of $92,000 but depending on their specialty can also command upwards of $120,000
Transplant nurse coordinator: Transplant nurse coordinators assist with the clinical care of transplant patients. They are also registered nurses with a minimum year’s experience in providing clinical care. They earn an average of $83,000.
Immigrate in Canada
Canada is proudly one of the best countries to live in and work for in the world. There would hardly be anybody who wouldn’t fall in love with this place. Settling down in Canada and having a good job in hand might be your dream. Hold your breath because your dream is on the verge of coming true. What you have to do is follow some simple rules and your Canada visa will never be rejected again.
First of all, have the correct education background or some good training course like that of nursing in your CV. Instead of directly applying for visa, apply for a job in a company which stands in Canada. If the company hires you, your visa will certainly be accepted by the country without any doubt. Now, the trouble lies here in getting a job in Canada. It would be visa if you choose of one those fields where job opportunities a lot in Canada. For example, nursing in Canada is found to be one of the easiest jobs for foreigners. Get a course in nursing and pass it with good quality result. Nursing job in Canada will become your ticket to immigrate in the country.
Nursing Jobs in Canada
Canada is a safe and lovely country to live and work in. Unlike what your impression about the difficulty of Canada visa is, entering the country can be very easy. If you have a certain nursing training then you can very easily get a job in Canada. In addition to training, if your training was followed by an experience then it’s like an icing on the cake. Nothing can beat a good nursing background and a great experience of your skills. If you try to browse, you will find various Canadian openings for people who would like to do have a nursing job in Canada.
Applying for these jobs is very easy due to the spread of internet facilities everywhere in the world. All you have to do is update your resume and wait for the company’s response. Getting a nursing job in Canada is not rocket science. In fact, it is known as one of the best ways to enter Canada if you have tried other means earlier and failed. Having a nursing job in your pocket will also lead you to get a permanent visa in Canada and you would never have to go through visa rejection.
Nursing Jobs in Canada for Foreigners
Most of us think that succeeding in getting a Canada visa is one of the most difficult tasks. Canada, a lovely place to live in has its defined standards like every other country. Many people have gone to Canada from other countries and have successfully met their criteria to get permanent residency and work visa. If they can, why cannot you?
Getting a nursing job in Canada is one of the easiest ways to enter this beautiful country. If you have done a nursing course in your country and you are fond of living in Canada, then you must immediately leave an application in the nurse requirement openings in the country. Nursing is a field that is welcomed with arms wide open anywhere, and so it is there is Canada.
Nursing jobs in Canada is not only the fastest ways to enter the country but also one of the best ways to settle down in here. You need not take up any illegal ways to live in Canada and then always breathe in the air of fear that you will be caught and exiled from the place. Therefore, take a safer gateway by getting an easy nursing job in Canada.