8 Vital Traits for Every Allied Health Professional

Visiting a clinic or hospital can be one of the most nerve-racking experiences for an individual. As such, allied health professionals should be attentive to patients and make certain they are meeting their unique needs. Whether you’re a paramedic, dental hygienist, phlebotomist or any other allied health professional, here are eight important traits that patients look for in their healthcare providers:

Communication: Communication is a vital part of your relationship with the patient. The job of an allied health professional requires great communication skills, especially when it comes to speaking and listening. The way in which an allied health professional explains information to a patient is just as important as the actual information being communicated. Patients, who clearly understand you, are more likely to admit their ailments, carefully evaluate their treatment options, and be more apt to following directions.

For More.

There are Many different types of jobs for the Allied Health Professional. Learn more about the Social Services Designee: Click HERE.

Celebrate Doctor's Day on March 30

On Oct. 30, 1990, The Doctor's Day Resolution became public law #473. A joint Resolution of the 101 Congress designated March 30th as National Doctor's Day.


Purpose: To recognize and gain recognition for Doctors.

How can you celebrate Doctor's Day? Here are some ideas for your community:

• Create a theme poster for use in hospitals and churches
• Ask your city representatives to proclaim March 30 as Doctor’s Day
• Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
• Organize a special prayer service in your church or civic club 

For more great ideas. 
Check out our online classes to get a career started in the healthcare industry.

Time For You: How to Stay Energized throughout Your Shift

Working a 12-hour shift is challenging in any field, and health care workers specifically must deal with physical, emotional and relational stressors that can deplete their energy more than many other workers.

A number of factors can also determine how taxing a shift is, including:
•  Patient load and acuity levels;
•  Amount of ancillary staff support;
•  Documentation requirements;
•  Level of co-worker/provider engagement;
•  Ability to take breaks and make nutritious food choices;
•  Personal health status;
•  Ergonomics of the work environment;
•  Type of flooring and shoes worn;
•  Available patient handling assistance devices; and
•  Shift schedule.

With so many factors at play, what can a health worker do to survive and thrive through a long and challenging shift?

1. Control what you can control
“While you may not have any control over your patient load or acuity, you can make use of any assistance devices available to you. You may not get to choose what shift you work, but you can do your best to maintain a regular routine.

For more tips and the original article.

See our upcoming Restorative Aide classes at: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Clever Christmas Party Ideas for Senior Living

12 Days of Christmas

Find clever ways to incorporate everything from a partridge in a pear tree to twelve drummers drumming. This may include displaying topiary trees with candy pears, serving three (roast) french hens, hanging five golden wreaths to represent the rings and dressing up your tables to look like giant drums.

Have an Aussie Christmas

Break away from the white Christmas and celebrate the season the way they do downunder - on a scorching summer's day.

Use an inflatable children's pool filled with ice to hold your drinks, and decorate a gum tree rather than the traditional evergreen. Put on a barbecue, meatpies or some freshly grilled fish, crack a few ginger ales and break out the ausse slang, mate. Decorations could include Australian flora and fauna, shells and white sand and sandals.


For more ideas and original article.

Know someone interested in becoming an Activity Director?

We Care Online June Staff Highlight - Cindy Gashler

This month we get to meet Cindy Gashler.  

Cindy has worked in the healthcare field for 13 years. She began her career as a CNA, then completed her LPN, and continued with an ADN degree.  She functioned as a Long Term Care charge nurse, Inpatient Rehabilitation nurse, MDS Coordinator, and Director of Nursing.  

Following this she re-enrolled in college to obtain a BSN while performing duties of Human Resources, Staff Development Coordinator, Risk Management, Health Information Management, and Senior Living Manager. She is a certified clinical instructor for the state of Kansas for CNA and CMA classes.

She is married with 3 children and lives in a rural area 10 miles from the nearest town. Cindy enjoys the outdoors, has 3 horses, 2 dogs, too many cats, and an enormous garden that always wants attention.

With her years of experience in the heath care field, Cindy believes that it is best to focus on the person. Before you help the person, take the time to enjoy him or her without distraction.

Cindy feels blessed to have the ability to work with students face to face during their clinical experience in Kansas while enjoying networking with more northern states online and by phone.  She assists with enrollments, invoicing, and basic technical issues.  She also works with marketing and directs new users in the services available through WeCareOnline.

The biggest change she has seen in the health care industry has been the shift from direct care to documentation. This also correlates with the shift to electronic documentation over paper charting.

On Cindy's desk, the one item that would be noticed without fail is her pencil sharpener. Her children felt an office is not complete without an electric pencil sharpener with the widest variety of color, foil, and decorated pencils ever noted from any party store!  (She never gets to use it because they do not allow her the opportunity to experience a dull pencil.  They are dutifully sharpened by one or all of them daily whether needed or not.)

LPNs Beyond the Bedside

I (Tina Lanciault) spend time in nursing forums answering questions that other nurses may have about alternative careers and I came across a nurse who was asking about forensic nursing. She is an LPN and wanted to know if there were any forensic LPN nurses who were working in this field and how could she get a job in forensic nursing. It struck me when she said, “Forensic LPN.” That statement inspired me to write about LPN nursing careers.

Just for the record, LPN or LVN are also nurses; their role is slightly different but they are still valuable to the nursing profession and very much needed.

So when I’m talking about alternative nursing careers I am also talking to LPNs/LVNs.

You, as an LPN, can work in holistic nursing, forensic nursing or be an entrepreneur. There are even LPNs who do legal nurse consulting. Most nursing specialties include LPNs with the exception of those nurses in advance nursing practices such as nurse practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist and those nursing jobs that require a BSN, masters or doctorate.

Anything else is up for grabs for an LPN/LVN.



For More and the Original Blog.


Why not find out what it takes to become a Health Unit Coordinator.

I spend time in nursing forums answering questions that other nurses may have about alternative careers and I came across a nurse who was asking about forensic nursing. She is an LPN and wanted to know if there were any forensic LPN nurses who were working in this field and how could she get a job in forensic nursing. It struck me when she said, “Forensic LPN.” That statement inspired me to write about LPN nursing careers.
Just for the record, LPN or LVN are also nurses; their role is slightly different but they are still valuable to the nursing profession and very much needed.
So when I’m talking about alternative nursing careers I am also talking to LPNs/LVNs.
You, as an LPN, can work in holistic nursing, forensic nursing or be an entrepreneur. There are even LPNs who do legal nurse consulting. Most nursing specialties include LPNs with the exception of those nurses in advance nursing practices such as nurse practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist and those nursing jobs that require a BSN, masters or doctorate.
Anything else is up for grabs for an LPN/LVN.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/lpn-beyond-the-bedside#sthash.Uh1hjR5U.dpuf

What Scrubs Style is Best for your Body Type?

There are four basic body types. Knowing your type is imperative in creating the right look. Many people differentiate these shapes by using fruit as examples. I don’t really like to think of myself as a pear, even though I might have the shape of one. Therefore, I won’t be mentioning any type of fruit in this article!

Not sure about your shape? Take a good look in the mirror without your clothes on.
1. Are you busty/large chest with broad shoulders?
2. Do you have narrow shoulders and carry more weight in your hips and thighs?
3. Are you athletic, fairly slim, and narrow through the torso?
4. Do you have curves both in the bust and hips with a narrow waist?

These are four of the most common basic body shapes. Of course, no one fits exactly into these categories, but you should see some kind of resemblance to one of these types.

No matter what “shape” you are, please see the beauty in your body. Many people have adopted a critical voice that often compares their bodies to those of celebrities on TV, in film and in magazines. And – having worked in TV for years and having seen hundreds of actors in their underwear – here’s the dirty little secret I can tell you: They dress to showcase their greatest assets. They have professional designers find the right clothes to make them look and feel fabulous. That’s what I’m here for…think of me as your personal designer, here to help YOU look and feel fabulous. So let’s connect your body type to the best scrubs to buy and wear!

Body Type 1
If you are Body Type 1 (busty/large chest with broad shoulders), try to steer away from wearing tight tops.

 For the rest of the tips and original article.

Learn about what online classes you can take at WeCareOnline.

Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent. - See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.HjBrIjzr.dpuf

Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.HjBrIjzr.dpuf

Our goal as nurses is to inspire confidence in our patients, colleagues and the public. One way we inspire confidence or cause concern is by what we wear. We like to express our individuality, but we need to be mindful of how we express ourselves in the work environment. You can use this few fashion tips for nurses to be considered as a competent professional right from the beginning of your career.
I once worked with a woman who looked like Barbie – really. Her hair was big and blond, her make-up thick and bold, and her cleavage available for everyone’s viewing pleasure. To make things worse, aside from looking inappropriate as a bedside nurse, she was close to retirement age!
Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.HjBrIjzr.dpuf

Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.HjBrIjzr.dpuf a

Our goal as nurses is to inspire confidence in our patients, colleagues and the public. One way we inspire confidence or cause concern is by what we wear. We like to express our individuality, but we need to be mindful of how we express ourselves in the work environment. You can use this few fashion tips for nurses to be considered as a competent professional right from the beginning of your career.
I once worked with a woman who looked like Barbie – really. Her hair was big and blond, her make-up thick and bold, and her cleavage available for everyone’s viewing pleasure. To make things worse, aside from looking inappropriate as a bedside nurse, she was close to retirement age!
Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.HjBrIjzr.dpuf

Our goal as nurses is to inspire confidence in our patients, colleagues and the public. One way we inspire confidence or cause concern is by what we wear. We like to express our individuality, but we need to be mindful of how we express ourselves in the work environment. You can use this few fashion tips for nurses to be considered as a competent professional right from the beginning of your career.
I once worked with a woman who looked like Barbie – really. Her hair was big and blond, her make-up thick and bold, and her cleavage available for everyone’s viewing pleasure. To make things worse, aside from looking inappropriate as a bedside nurse, she was close to retirement age!
Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.HjBrIjzr.dpufa

Our goal as nurses is to inspire confidence in our patients, colleagues and the public. One way we inspire confidence or cause concern is by what we wear. We like to express our individuality, but we need to be mindful of how we express ourselves in the work environment. You can use this few fashion tips for nurses to be considered as a competent professional right from the beginning of your career.
I once worked with a woman who looked like Barbie – really. Her hair was big and blond, her make-up thick and bold, and her cleavage available for everyone’s viewing pleasure. To make things worse, aside from looking inappropriate as a bedside nurse, she was close to retirement age!
Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.VZydtOfe.dpuf

Our goal as nurses is to inspire confidence in our patients, colleagues and the public. One way we inspire confidence or cause concern is by what we wear. We like to express our individuality, but we need to be mindful of how we express ourselves in the work environment. You can use this few fashion tips for nurses to be considered as a competent professional right from the beginning of your career.
I once worked with a woman who looked like Barbie – really. Her hair was big and blond, her make-up thick and bold, and her cleavage available for everyone’s viewing pleasure. To make things worse, aside from looking inappropriate as a bedside nurse, she was close to retirement age!
Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.VZydtOfe.dpuf

Our goal as nurses is to inspire confidence in our patients, colleagues and the public. One way we inspire confidence or cause concern is by what we wear. We like to express our individuality, but we need to be mindful of how we express ourselves in the work environment. You can use this few fashion tips for nurses to be considered as a competent professional right from the beginning of your career.
I once worked with a woman who looked like Barbie – really. Her hair was big and blond, her make-up thick and bold, and her cleavage available for everyone’s viewing pleasure. To make things worse, aside from looking inappropriate as a bedside nurse, she was close to retirement age!
Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.1LhzLbio.dpuf

Our goal as nurses is to inspire confidence in our patients, colleagues and the public. One way we inspire confidence or cause concern is by what we wear. We like to express our individuality, but we need to be mindful of how we express ourselves in the work environment. You can use this few fashion tips for nurses to be considered as a competent professional right from the beginning of your career.
I once worked with a woman who looked like Barbie – really. Her hair was big and blond, her make-up thick and bold, and her cleavage available for everyone’s viewing pleasure. To make things worse, aside from looking inappropriate as a bedside nurse, she was close to retirement age!
Although she was a good nurse, nobody initially believed it – not even her patients. Initially, some of her patients even asked to have a different nurse. Why? How could they tell if she was a competent or incompetent nurse within the first five minutes of meeting her? The answer is – They couldn’t. However, just based on her appearance, they made an assumption that she was incompetent.
Another nurse I worked with was in a management position. Her hair was clean cut, she used minimal make-up, her uniform was nicely pressed and her nails were short and clean. But, her shoes were filthy! It looked as though she bought an old pair of nursing shoes and just kept trying to polish over them. They looked mottled and gray. Although, from the ankles up, she conveyed a sense of confidence, one look at her feet and you were questioning her competence.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/5-fashion-tips-for-nurses#sthash.1LhzLbio.dpuf

Measuring the Quality of Hospitals and Doctors: When is Good Good Enough?

In the past, neither hospitals nor practicing physicians were accustomed to being measured and judged. Aside from periodic inspections by the Joint Commission (for which they had years of notice and on which failures were rare), hospitals did not publicly report their quality data, and payment was based on volume, not performance.
 
Physicians endured an orgy of judgment during their formative years – in high school, college, medical school, and in residency and fellowship. But then it stopped, or at least it used to. At the tender age of 29 and having passed “the boards,” I remember the feeling of relief knowing that my professional work would never again be subject to the judgment of others.

In the past few years, all of that has changed, as society has found our healthcare “product” wanting and determined that the best way to spark improvement is to measure us, to report the measures publicly, and to pay differentially based on these measures. The strategy is sound, even if the measures are often not.

Hospitals and doctors, unaccustomed to being rated and ranked like resort hotels and American Idol contestants, are suffering from performance anxiety and feeling an intense desire to be left alone. But we also bristle at the possibility of misclassification: to be branded a “B” or a “C” when you’re really an “A” feels profoundly unjust.

For More and the Original Article.

Are you a Long Term Care Facility and would like to know How Online classes can benefit you?

Post Job Interview Strategy

Ever feel awkward about leaving your job interview and what to do next?  Here's some good advice on how to leave your prospective employer with a good impression.

The way in which you follow up after a job interview can be as important to your job search success as the interview itself. After a job interview, it is critical that you make it known to your potential employer that you are enthusiastic about the job for which you interviewed and the company itself.

Leaving the Interview

Before you exit your interview, ask the interviewer what the typical protocol is for hiring--ask what the next steps are in the hiring process and when you might expect to hear from them. Also be sure to get a business card from every person you meet during the course of the interview process. You will need this contact information later on to complete your follow-up.
Thank You Note--Timing

Write a thank you note as soon as you can after your interview. Both email and regular mail are acceptable. If you choose to send an email, wait at least an hour or two before you send it--sending an email too soon after an interview (10 minutes later from your phone, for example) can make you appear somewhat desperate and your thanks will not come across as being completely genuine....Read more: Post Job Interview Strategy

Health Unit Coordinator Responsibilities and Duties

Creating a resume to apply for your Health Unit Coordinator position can be a little tricky.  One of the important parts of the resume is listing what you can or have done as a Health Unit Coordinator.  

Get to know about the Roles, Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities of Health Unit Coordinator. Below is a generic list of the HUC's Responsibilities and Duties that you might consider listing on your resume.

• Transcribe and communicate health physician orders on time.
• Manage unit communication to promptly answer telephones and activating paging system and unit mail.
• Document and manage medical records as per policy.
• Support physicians by transcribing orders and managing patient charts.
• Incorporate vision, values, missions and critical goals into job performance.
• Manage Hospital standards by engaging in health committees and in-services.
• Precept new associates as assigned by department manager.
• Prioritize work and manage multiple emergent demands by working independently.
• Tabulate data log sheets, receive payment, make receipt and follow billing procedures.
• Prioritize and transcribe written doctor’s order under RN supervision.
• Manage patient medical records as per hospital and unit policy.
• Develop and achieve unit goals on health, safety, cost and quality. 
• Attain customer service excellence by satisfying customer needs.
• Transcribe health physician order under RN’s directions.
• Handle patient activities on and off nursing unit such facility transfers. 

See more about Great Resumes - Click Here

Interview with an Health Unit Coordinator

Information regarding certification with NAHUC

More information about certification

Take an online HUC class to prep you for the HUC Exam!

More about the Health Unit Coordinator

A shortage of health care workers continue to rise as the baby boomer generation retire and increase their use in the health care system. The Registered Nurse relies heavily on the health unit coordinator to perform the delegated tasks. Students learning skills in health unit coordinating will be prepared to work in a variety of health care settings.

To begin the class please read Chapters 1-8 in your textbook. Complete the questions at the end of each chapter. You do not need to send the answers to your instructor. This will help you pass the unit test.

I found a video clip on you tube from a Wisconsin University showing what a unit coordinator's job can consist. Take a look; I thought it was pretty interesting.

Knowing your medical terminology is absolutely a must if you want to become a health unit coordinator. We have included a basic Medical Terminology course with our Health Unit Coordinator content.

Click here to read the history of the Health Unit Coordinator:  http://www.nahuc.org/nahuc_hi.htm

NAHUC  is a professional association for health unit coordinators. It's mission is to promote health unit coordinating as a profession through education and certification.  All are encouraged to join.  One does not need to be certified to be a member nor does one need to be a member to be certified.

To join NAHUC, all one has to do is complete and submit the membership application and fee. This website is a good resource as a unit coordinator. You may become certified after completion of We Care Online's course by clicking here: http://www.nahuc.org/Certification/cb_exam.htm.

The requirements for taking the test for certification are that you have completed a course or you are currently working as a health unit coordinator and you have a high school diploma or GED. You will need to pass the test you schedule with the association to become certified. The certification would benefit you in finding a good job as a Health Unit Coordinator, but is not required.

Click Here to find out what is included in the NAHUC exam.

NAHUC has some scholarship money available for testing should you qualify. Click here to see what is required if you desire.

Are Online Courses For You?

Online classes are described as many things - fast, convenient, inexpensive - and while there are many benefits, they're not for everyone. If you're on the fence about whether an online class is for
you, or not, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you have reliable internet access and a fairly new computer?

Many classes have interactive content like slideshows and video clips. Class materials can also be heavy on pictures, so having a computer that can process multi-media content, and an internet connection that can handle the load, is essential.

2. Are you a strong reader? Are you comfortable reading many pages of text on a screen, and interacting in a discussion board?

If you're the kind of person who reads a book to learn how to do something, or enjoys reading a manual to learn how to work a new piece of equipment, online learning is definitely for you. Most online
classes will involve reading lessons on the computer, and then doing assigned readings in a textbook. You may also have a discussion board where you can interact with your classmates in, you guessed it, text.

It can be a LOT of reading, so if you prefer face-to-face conversations, and being around people, you might find online classes can be a bit lonely. On the other hand, discussion boards are great places to find lively discussion and to learn from your fellow students. It's slower than talking in-person, but can often be a richer experience because of the thought everyone puts into their postings.

3. Do you have the time to commit to a course?

Many people feel that online classes are easier than traditional classroom learning, and that there are many opportunities to cut corners and spend less time on your schoolwork than you would at a
regular school. Not true. Online classes take every bit as much time as traditional classes, and might even take more. Discussions are slower via message board, and readings can take longer than lectures.
Take the time commitment into consideration before signing up for a class. Yes, it's on your schedule, but it still requires you to put in the necessary time.

4. Do you budget your time well?

One of the biggest perks of taking an online class is the flexibility in schedule. You can study in that hour after the kids go to bed, or sip coffee in your pajamas while you take a unit quiz. It's hard to beat the comforts of home, and the convenience of working at your own pace, but online courses still take discipline. At We Care Online, class units have specific deadlines, and you're required to do assigned readings, visit the discussion board, and do your unit tests all on a set schedule. If you need the motivation of peers in a classroom, online learning might not work for you. There is some room for procrastination, but you do need to have a certain amount of discipline. Be honest with yourself about your ability to self-motivate and stay on task.

5. Do you enjoy interacting online?

The more interaction there is in the discussion boards, the more everyone learns. You also help build your professional network (and you might make some friends, too!). Thanks to the anonymity of online
classes, it's easy for shy people to speak up and add their insights to a class discussion. Everyone is equal on a discussion board, and you have all the time you need to compose your words and make sure
you're saying what you mean to say. No one will talk over you, or roll eyes at your comments.

Still not sure if online learning is for you? Try this quiz: http://online.uwc.edu/quiz_2.0/selftest3.asp

Also, here's a calculator to help you determine whether or not an online class will save you money vs. a traditional classroom class. http://sln.suny.edu/gs/gs_costcalculator.shtml

WeCareOnlineClasses.com

Interview With An Health Unit Coordinator Graduate

Last week we wrote about the role of Health Unit Coordinators in care facilities. This week we're going a little further and talking to a graduate of our Health Unit Coordinator class, Babette P. Babette completed our course and then took the exam to join the industry's national association. With almost a year's worth of working experience behind her, so shares what she's learned.

WeCareOnline: Thanks for talking with us, Babette. First off, are you now working as a Health Unit Coordinator? If so, how long did it take?
Babette: Yes, I work in a 55 bed ER. It took 3 months.

WCO: Are you happy with your job?
B: It is very challenging, but I like it.

WCO: What surprises did you find when you started your job?
B: I was prepared for pretty much all, it was just a steep learning curve. Most of it was good. The only area that an online class cannot prepare you for is transcribing orders.  Even with the practice CD, it was still a big jump.

WCO: Does your position require you to be Certified by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators?
B: Yes, it is required within 90 days of hire.

WCO: Do you think it was worth it to get your NAHUC certification?
B: Yes, it probably put me ahead of some of my co-applicants.

WCO: Would you recommend the We Care Online Health Unit Coordinator course to others?
B:  Yes, I already have to two people.

WCO: What is your favorite part of Health Unit Coordinating?
B. Helping to make a scary situation easier for patients and family.

WCO: Please share a little more about Health Unit Coordinating and how the We Care Online class helped you.

B: I like Health Unit Coordinating because I am a valued part of the health care team.  We work together for the best possible outcome.  Making a difference in the outcome of a patient's illness, or helping co-workers to be more efficient and productive is rewarding.  I did not have the time, nor did I want to spend endless hours commuting to a college where the course was offered.  WeCareOnline made it possible for me to attain my goal of becoming a Health Unit Coordinator with no commute and within my schedule constraints.

Thanks for your time, Babette. We wish you continued success with your Health Unit Coordinating career, and we're happy we could help you get your start!

For anyone else considering an HUC position, our HUC class is offered continuously throughout the year. It's an open enrollment class, so there are no start or end dates, and you can dive in immediately after we process your registration. With just sixty hours of class time (at your convenience), you can be on your way to a rewarding career with growth potential. What are you waiting for?

What is a Health Unit Coordinator?

If you say you're a Certified Nurse Aide or Restorative Aide, most people know what you're talking about, but not so much if you're a Health Unit Coordinator. This frequently overlooked position is one of the most in-demand jobs in health care today, and the field is only growing. What is a Health Unit Coordinator? The HUC is the person who keeps a nursing unit running, allowing others to do their specific jobs. The HUC is a jack of all trades and can do anything from answering phones and working a reception desk to transcribing doctor's and nurse's orders for patient care. As the name implies, the HUC coordinates the workflow in a health care unit. This can involve everything from ordering supplies, to processing paperwork, and handling admissions and discharges. HUCs are the link between doctors, nurses, and other service staff.  It is a position requiring strong clerical skills and an ability to juggle multiple tasks and demands. This article has more detail on the various skills and duties involved in being an HUC - http://www.mshealthcareers.com/careers/healthunitcoord.htm

The position requires patience and above-average communication skills. If you thrive in a busy environment and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from making sure things run smoothly, this could be the perfect job for you. Health Unit Coordinators do not need to be certified to fill an HUC role, but they do need specialized training. The Health Unit Coordinator is one of our most popular classes and can give you all the training you need to work as an HUC. NAHUC (http://www.nahuc.org) is the professional association for health unit coordinators. It's mission is to promote health unit coordinating as a profession through education and certification. You do not need to be certified to be a member, and you do not need to be a member to be certified. Both the membership and certification can help your career though, so certification is recommended.

Salaries for HUC vary by area, but those in large cities can expect $30-$35,000 a year, and smaller areas are generally $25-$30,000 annually. An overview of average salaries by city can be found here. HUC is also a great stepping stone to a nursing career. It will give you an insider's view of how a unit runs, and give you experience that can help in any other health care job.

See our Health Unit Coordinator Course information HERE.