International Nurses Association

Have you ever thought of continuing your education? Perhaps moving into the role of a nurse practitioner? Or maybe earn the title of Advanced Practice Registered Nurse? An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, often referred to as APRN, has 3-4 years of education beyond that of a registered nurse.  Roles of APRNs Most APRNs pursue an area of specialty- -           Clinical specialist- in this field, the APRN generally works in a medical clinic.  They see patients just as doctors do, and can diagnose and prescribe medications. As health care laws are undergoing major changes, many insurance companies now encourage patients to see APRNs rather than a physician, to help keep cost down. APRNs are allowed to work in a clinic without a physician on site, provided they still operate under the guidance of said physician. Many health departments now employ APRNs to oversee the needs of the public and super...

The best advice for any nurse just starting out checks, check and re-check.  Until you have become comfortable in your position, take your time and double check the things you do. Some facilities offer new nurses a buddy system that enables nurses to check one another’s work. If you are unsure of something, take a moment and consult with your supervisor. If you have not been told to hide your emotions, you will at some point. This can be pretty hard to do at times. Y ou become fond of your patients, and of course, you are sympathetic toward family members. There is one trick that may help you to avoid shedding tears, holding your head straight, aim your eyes upward toward the ceiling. This should close tear ducts and prevent unwanted crying for the moment. You can excuse yourself and take a short break if needed. Boundaries are a huge issue with most medical facilities. Patients can develop at the attachment to a nurse or care provider, it is not that uncommon....

Actually, it's probably impossible to hide the fact that you are upset, but you can conceal it somewhat. Patients look at the faces of their nurse and doctor more than you realize. In fact they observe your expression. If you are upset over another patient or situation entirely, but walk in their room, your look may alarm this patient for no reason.  A patient shared a story with his nurse, that while he was waiting for pathology reports on a tumor he had removed, he was in mental torment. He suffered anxiety attacks and he could not control the excessive fear he was going through. It was getting late and still no doctor, so he resigned himself that it would be the morning before he found out. Then, in came his nurse.  His nurse had just been yelled at by a family member of another patient, and she was visibly upset. Her coworker advised her to take a break, but she continued working, and it was just too soon after being upset.This very observant, patient ...

Actually, it's probably impossible to hide the fact that you are upset, but you can conceal it somewhat.  Patients look at the faces of their nurse and doctor more than you realize. In fact they observe your expression. If you are upset over another patient or situation entirely, but walk in their room, your look may alarm this patient for no reason.  A patient shared a story with his nurse, that while he was waiting for pathology reports on a tumor he had removed, he was in mental torment. He suffered anxiety attacks and he could not control the excessive fear he was going through. It was getting late and still no doctor, so he resigned himself that it would be the morning before he found out. Then, in came his nurse.  His nurse had just been yelled at by a family member of another patient, and she was visibly upset. Her coworker advised her to take a break, but she continued working, and it was just too soon after being upset. This very observant, p...

Missing medications from a hospital can be an accident, a mistake, or theft.  When medications are missing, there will be an investigation to determine the appropriate action to take. A Case of Missing Medications A 6-month long investigation took place in one medical, facility.Medications were being ordered in large quantities and then ending up missing. Initially, it could not be determined where the medications were going, so a more complete investigation was conducted. As it turned out multiple hospitals were involved, and it was an organized group that had several hospital staff working with them.  People lost jobs and went to prison over their very poor c hoices. Related:  Having a Bad Day? A pharmacist that owned a pharmacy was fortunately caught, as he was diluting cancer medications and selling the remainder for huge profits. This was especially difficult as several paints had passed away while taking prescribed chemo drugs that came fro...

Currently, the diet industry is a 6 billion dollar a year combination of programs, products, and services. There are more obese people than ever before, so, despite all of the services, programs and products, it is still not working. It may be time to look behind the fast food establishments, and ordering food online, and then face the facts. There are obviously a lot of people that cannot control their food intake. More people have eating disorders today than ever before and yet help is not always available.There are substance abuse clinics, and gambling addiction support groups in great supply, and they are free for the most part. On the flip side, try to find a free or low-cost eating disorder clinic, and you would be searching for quite some time. Obesity is ignored, and often viewed as the lack of self-control by the overweight person. Many people consider an eating disorder that involves obesity as the addiction that is completely ignored and not recognized by most.How...

Would you rather be beautiful/handsome, or have respect? That is a question Steve Jobs would ask perspective employees early in his career. The fact is, you do have to earn respect. It is not simply a natural attribute, so how do you earn it? Steps to Earning Coworkers’ Respect 1.     be honest. People will respect someone that is honest and does         not come across as untrusting.  2.     Defend yourself when necessary. No, you do not need to meet the world with an attitude ready to argue your case with everyone.  You should, however, stand up for yourself when necessary. If someone points a finger at you, and you know it is unjustified, speak up. If possible, make it one on one, and let them know that not only are they blaming the wrong person, but also that you do not appreciate the accusation. Then of course, move past it. 3.     Your opinion matters more than y...