International Nurses Association

Some nurses have the desire to be a nurse, yet they also want to teach. Some people may not realize there are plenty of jobs where you can do both. College Teaching Colleges that offer nursing degrees generally hire nurses to teach many of the required courses. Some do require nurse practitioners for teaching, however, some colleges are now using registered nurses to teach many of the classes. In order to teach nursing, one would need to have experience in a variety of areas, and preferably some experience with education as well. Many colleges have determined over the years that in order to properly teach a nurse, it actually takes a nurse that has been there and done much of what they are instructing the students to do registered nurses that instruct in colleges can offer hands on experience, along with tips, advice, and valuable experience. Nursing Schools There are technical schools now that are very common and they currently outnumber college classes for nursin

Those 12 hour shifts are great in a lot of ways. You get 4 days off during the week.  The down side is, well, 12 hours is a long time to do the hard work required in nursing, and there is not a lot of time between shifts if you are headed back in the following day.  You really have to make the most of that off time, and that does not allow for a lot of time to work on your hair.  You do however have some options to make the most of quick and easy styles that will hold up to those long 12 hour shifts. Short Hair Short hair is often more difficult to style than longer hair simply because it has to be styled and cannot be pulled into a pony tail.  For very short hair, most likely a blow dry with a little styling cream will do the trick.  If you opt for full or curly hair in short hair, use a stretchy hair band, place it around your neck and then slide up slowly, lifting hair from underneath. Once lifted, sprits with water or a little hair spray if you prefer.  Let it sit that way

Most nurses backpack for work, which includes the essentials that you will need during those long 12 hour shifts. One important thing to do if you are working back to back shifts is to gather 2 days work of supplies, pack one and leave the other convenient and ready to replace after the first shift.  Time is limited when you work 12-hour shifts, and having the next set of supplies readily available will save time and aggravation as you are getting ready to leave for work.  Types of Bags People select a different style of bags, depending on preference. The large open totes with no closure are not good for keeping items secure, it's best to avoid that type of bag. Some prefer backpacks, while others prefer a tote type bag. If you plan to carry several things with weight to them, you may be wise to purchase a tote bag that has a handle and wheels so that you can simply roll the bag to your destination. Bags that have side pockets for water bottles work great, the bottle do

There really is more to dressing for work than slapping on a pair of scrubs. As a nurse, you really have to dress to be professional, which is not always easy wearing scrubs. There are ways to acquire that professional appearance and still be comfortable in scrubs.  Purchasing Scrubs When planning to purchase scrubs, do some research. Perhaps some coworkers have scrubs that always look great, that’s a start, inquire as to the name brand. Another option is to start online. Visit sites like Amazon that offers real unbiased reviews.  Read the reviews carefully, are they from nurses or other health care professionals? If so, what do they say they like or dislike about the scrubs?  There are qualities that you should look for in scrubs prior to purchasing.  Fabric- is the fabric a no iron fabric that can go through the washer and dryer, then be ready to wear.  Consider purchasing similar colors so that scrubs can be washed together.  Some fabrics are fade resistant and c

Medicines have advanced over the years. Many conditions can now be treated that would not have been treatable previously, due to lack of technology and medications.   New medications are being developed daily, many of which will be beneficial for your patients in the future.   It was not that many years ago that a simple throat infection could cause death.   There is no question that for many patients, medications make life tolerable. Over the Counter Drugs We have all heard aspirin being called the wonder drug, and that is actually not far off.   Aspirin has numerous benefits that most people are not aware of.    Aspirin can prevent and stop heart attacks and strokes. Aspirin can help ease arthritis pain and headaches as well. 5 Uses for Aspirin Skin conditions - dating back to the fifth century B.C. Aspirin has been used for multiple reasons, including skin conditions.   Aspirin can actually treat many skin conditions.   Aspirin is a derivative of the acetylsalicylic aci

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 supervise registered nurses within the department.  -           APRNs can specia

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.  In s

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 asked if she knew th

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 asked if she knew

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 from this pharmacy. The pha