June 18, 2013

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.)

June 13, 2013

Celebrate National Nursing Assistants Week!


Nursing Assistant is one of the most popular careers in the health care industry. People are living longer and healthier lives than before, which means more opportunities for nursing assistants.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, health care providers are currently adding on average of 20,000 new jobs per month. Not only in the U.S, nursing assistant has also become one of the most sought-after careers in the Philippines, Australia, Ireland, UK, South Africa, and Canada.
Here you can find anything related to nursing assistant; the Jobs, Salary, Training, and Education required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the U.S.

Besides in hospitals, a nursing assistant can work in nursing and residential care facilities. Although in general the job only requires a high school diploma, some U.S. State laws and work situation might need other specific qualifications.

For the rest of this article.

Check out the health career classes we have at WeCareOnline.

June 11, 2013

Can Artisans Remain Inspired in Senior Living Communities?

Dedicated quilter? Woodworker? Jewelry maker? While the majority of senior living communities offer a varied roster of activities so that residents can enjoy pastimes that suit their preferences, many aging adults have concerns that they won’t be able to find a community that truly supports their avocation or artistic interests.

What if you’re a theatre actor, but nowhere close to retiring from the stage? What if you’re a writer with no intention of putting down the pen just because you’ve reached retirement age? Seniors who want to downsize or who find themselves suddenly alone after years of marriage can find it daunting to think about trying to identify and nestle into a new community that sustains their longtime vocation.

For More and Original Blog.

Activities Directors are a great way to get into the health care industry. See what classes we have at WeCareOnline.

June 6, 2013

Healthy Eating Tips for Busy People

How often has this happened to you?
  • You're at work and have an unexpected meeting to attend right before your break?

  • You're in a meeting and its gone into overtime and you only have time to grab whatever is near by (donuts or bagels)?

  • You're running errands and lose track of time, and there's nowhere to get a good healthy meal?

  • You're too stressed, too tired, too overworked or just too (fill in the blank), to eat a good nutritious meal and end up eating junk food?
If you answered "yes" to any of the above, take heart in knowing that you're not alone. Oftentimes, despite our best intentions to eat 4-6 small meals of good quality food every day, it doesn't always work out since life happens!

By now you've heard of the importance of eating small frequent meals: 4 to 6 small meals a day, every 2.5 to 3 hours apart. The reason behind this is because when you eat 4 to 6 small meals a day it can assist your metabolism by consistently burning calories, which can result in a quicker more constant level of weight loss. It also helps your hunger levels by being able to snack on different foods every few hours throughout the day.

For More Tips and This Original Blog.

Know someone interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Aide?

June 4, 2013

Alzheimer's Hurts: Help For Difficult Behaviors

The first time she can’t remember your name.
The first time he doesn’t seem to recognize you.
The first time she responds to your touch in anger, something she never did before.
 
Alzheimer’s hurts.

As if these deeply painful moments aren’t hard enough, there’s the repeated questions. The anxiety and agitation. The wandering. Hallucinations.

There are so many difficult behaviors that go along with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis, which makes caregiving tremendously challenging. You’re dealing with the loss of the person you knew, he’s fading away right before your eyes, and this alone takes its toll. You’re caring around the clock (one of the most famous Alzheimer’s caregiving books is called The 36-Hour Day for good reason). You’re physically exhausted, emotionally spent. No matter how much you love the person you’re caring for, a person can only handle so much. (And if you’re caring for someone you don’t have a relationship with or someone you had once been estranged from, the task is equally trying.)

For the Original Article.

Become a Social Service Designee with classes at WeCareOnline.

May 30, 2013

Working Out in the Summer Heat

Warmer, sunny days are finally here, but after exercising in cooler Spring temps, hot and humid 80-degree days can feel overwhelming. Running, biking, hiking, even walking feels harder in the heat, so here are some tips to help you get through your Summer workouts.

Be flexible about when you work out: Become obsessed with checking the weather, and find out when temps are going to be the lowest that day. Sometimes it's early in the morning, and sometimes late in the evening, so you'lll need to rearrange your schedule to fit in exercise during the coolest time of day. A plus about morning workouts is many of your neighbors might be watering their lawns, so you can run through their sprinklers to stay even cooler.
  • Invest in some wicking clothes: Lightweight, breathable, wicking clothes are a must. They'll pull moisture away from your skin, so you really do feel cooler. Wearing a hat to keep the hot sun off your head and face also helps.
  • Take a cold shower: I know it seems a little odd to shower before a workout, but the cold water will cool you down. 
For More Tips and the Original Article. 

Start your summer by taking health career classes at WeCareOnline.


May 28, 2013

Top Notch Care Around the Corner

Erica L. Schwartz, DNP, MSN, CNM, wishes she could be a patient at her own clinic, Sheridan (Colo.) Health Services, a nurse-managed health center serving a low-income suburb of Denver. She believes the primary care there, provided by advanced practice nurses, is every bit as good as what she gets through her insurance, which does not cover care at Sheridan. What the nurse-run clinic offers that more traditional primary care does not, she said, is a strong wellness component.

With traditional care, “I go in if I have a problem, they address the problem and that’s it,” said Schwartz, executive director of Sheridan Health Services and assistant professor at the University of Colorado Denver College of Nursing. “I’m just processed through.”

Since she doesn’t have any chronic health problems, she said, the system works OK for her. But she says her clinic — with its health education programs, prevention services and integrated providers — offers ideal care for any population. “I think it would be nice to have nurse-managed health centers be the norm as gatekeepers of primary care,” Schwartz said.

For More and the Original Article.

Learn what it takes to become a Restorative Aide.

May 23, 2013

How to Eat Healthy When Eating Out

The new year brings a lot of resolutions and for most, getting healthy is typically at the top of the list. Even though the beginning of a year has quickly slipped out of your fingers you still have plenty of year left to meet any of you healthy living new years resolutions. We know you’re a busy individual and you enjoy dinner out. The problem is finding healthy alternatives or making healthy choices when you’re faced with so many delicious meal options. Here are some great suggestions for learning to eat healthy when dining out.

Choose Simply Prepared Meals

One thing that is often difficult to determine is the amount of calories that go into secret sauces, especially when the sauce involves butter, oil and/or sugar. You can eliminate these unwanted, uncountable calories by choosing plain versions. Stick to a protein that is either grilled, steamed, broiled or poached. Choose poultry that is skinless and preferably white meat. A grilled chicken breast makes a perfect choice. If you would like, you can ask for a side of sauce, such as BBQ, for dipping. Dipping actually uses less calories, as you are only putting a little bit on each bite, as opposed to coating the entire serving.

Swap Out Starchy Vegetables

Choosing different vegetables, as the ones most often offered, can help reduce the amount of calories you consume. Skip the French fries and/or baked potato smothered in bacon, cheese and sour cream. Instead, choose a steamed vegetable, such as broccoli and eat your baked potato plain.

For More Tips and Original Blog.

Learn about the healthcare career classes we have at WeCareOnline.

May 21, 2013

The Need for Total Alzheimer's Care Communities

In the future, will we see more senior communities devoted entirely to dementia care?

A reader’s comment on a recent post about a Wisconsin senior housing project raised the question: “It is especially interesting that one whole facility will be just a memory care center.”

The numbers certainly affirm the need: “By 2025, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease is estimated to reach 7.1 million—a 40 percent increase from the 5 million age 65 and older currently affected. By 2050, the number of people age 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease may nearly triple, from 5 million to a projected 13.8 million, barring the development of medical breakthroughs to prevent, slow or stop the disease.” (Source: Alzheimer’s Association’s 2013 Facts & Figures Report).

For the original blog and more.

Like to learn what it takes to be a Mental Health Aide?

May 16, 2013

We Care Online Staff May Highlight - Debbie Kohlrus



This month we get to meet Debbie Kohlrus.

Debbie has worked in the healthcare field for the past 12 years.  In 2000, she received her CNA license and started working at an LTC facility.  She then went on to get her CMA in 2001, then her LPN license in 2002.   She  became quite passionate about the healthcare field very quickly and knew it was what she wanted to pursue as a career.

She has worked in a variety of areas that have given her much experience over the past 12  including an LTC facility for 4 years. She moved onto working at a VA clinic and got to enjoy a totally different aspect of nursing.  Later, she worked PRN in 12 different clinics at a local hospital.  This was a wonderful hands-on experience for many different areas in the nursing field.  She continued that for 5 years until she started working for WeCareOnline.

Debbie has been married for 8 years and has two wonderful girls, ages 3 & 7.  Her husband is an insurance agent.  Her # 1 thing to do outside of work is spending time with family. She grew up on a farm and loves being outdoors and going camping, fishing, and hunting.  She likes to cook and also enjoys making birthday/special occasion cakes for family and friends.  Debbie recently made 300 cupcakes for her sister’s wedding, which was quite the experience!  She also likes reading and gardening in her spare time.

Debbie's best advice to anyone pursuing a career in the healthcare field is not to give up!  Whether you choose to become a CNA or nurse, everyone plays a vital role in healthcare.  Don’t underestimate yourself and what you can do or become.  Set reasonable goals for yourself and don’t give up on achieving them.  

Debbie works as the sponsor coordinator for WeCareOnline and also assists with the CNA and CMA courses.  She corresponds with state to make sure each course we offer is approved and ready to go by the start of class.  She receives students’ enrollments and corresponds with them as needed.  She also schedules and manages state testing for CMA and CNA students.

Debbie loves every piece of artwork her children make, so her desk and surrounding walls are covered in her children’s masterpieces!  Her girls also got her a notepad that sings crazy songs when the pen is removed, so that keeps her quite entertained throughout the day.

May 14, 2013

Senator Supports Home Health Care

Recently, U.S. Senator Susan Collins [R-ME] wrote an article for the St. John Valley Times touting the importance of home care.

In her article, she points out the importance of shifting our health care focus from institutional care to home-based care.  She also discusses that not only is home care preferred by most patients, it’s also the most affordable means of care delivery.

Senator Collins goes on to say, “It costs Medicare almost $2,000 per day for a typical hospital stay, and $559 per day for a typical nursing home stay.  How much does Medicare pay for home care?  Just $44 a day…slightly more than two percent of the cost of a typical hospital day.”

In the article, Senator Collins expresses her concern about the cuts that home health could see under the new health care law.  She says, “While home health represents just five percent of Medicare spending, it took a disproportionate 10 percent in Medicare payment cuts used to pay for the new health entitlement.  Moreover, these cuts are a ‘double whammy’ because they come on top of the more than $30 billion in cuts that have been imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through regulation.”

For More and the Original Blog.

Learn what it takes to become a home health aide.

May 9, 2013

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

May 7, 2013

Celebrate Nurses Week 2013

The American Nurses Association marks this year’s National Nurses Week, May 6-12, with the theme "Delivering Quality and Innovation in Patient Care."

Patients benefit from nurses’ leadership roles in improving quality, the ANA noted in a news release. For example, RNs serve as designated innovation advisors for national healthcare programs seeking to develop more effective treatment and prevention strategies and reduce costs.

"Using their knowledge, compassion and skills, nurses work to help individuals maintain and improve their health, educate them about their treatment and care for their bodies and minds throughout the lifespan," ANA President Karen A. Daley, RN, PhD, FAAN, said in the news release.

"This year we’re recognizing nurses’ impact on elevating the quality of care through innovation and using data to devise more effective care strategies. This work contributes to our ultimate goal: better-quality healthcare for all."

For More and the Original Blog.

Now is a great time to learn to become a Certified Nurse Aide.

May 2, 2013

Nutrition Tips for Those with Alzheimer's

Regular, nutritious meals may become a challenge for people with dementia.

As a person's cognitive function declines, he or she may become overwhelmed with too many food choices, forget to eat or have difficulty with eating utensils.


Proper nutrition is important to keep the body strong and healthy. For a person with Alzheimer's or dementia, poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss.
The basic nutrition tips below can help boost the person with dementia's health and your health as a caregiver, too.
  • Provide a balanced diet with a variety of foods.
    Offer vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein foods.
  • Limit foods with high saturated fat and cholesterol.
    Some fat is essential for health — but not all fats are equal. Go light on fats that are bad for heart health, such as butter, solid shortening, lard and fatty cuts of meats.
  • Cut down on refined sugars.

Read more: http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-food-eating.asp#ixzz2R952bxXT

Like to learn more about how to become a Mental Health Aide?

April 30, 2013

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
Onursing uniform, nursing scrubs, dress code for nursingur 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
Onursing uniform, nursing scrubs, dress code for nursingur 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
Onursing uniform, nursing scrubs, dress code for nursingur 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
Onursing uniform, nursing scrubs, dress code for nursingur 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
Onursing uniform, nursing scrubs, dress code for nursingur 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
Onursing uniform, nursing scrubs, dress code for nursingur 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
Onursing uniform, nursing scrubs, dress code for nursingur 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

April 25, 2013

No Time for Exercise? Try These Tips

You found your keys. You found the motivation to clean out your closet. Now you’ve got to find 30 minutes in your day to get physically active — and there are plenty of easy, no-cost ways to do it.
Think you don’t have time? You don’t have to do all 30 minutes at once.

You’ll get the same benefits if you divide your time into two or three 10- to 15-minute segments a day.

“Building physical activity back into our daily lives is one of the great public health challenges of this century,” said Russell Pate, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Exercise at the University of South Carolina. “Our bodies were designed to be physically active, and they don’t do well with long-term exposure to sedentary living.  Lack of physical activity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.”

Here are some of Dr. Pate’s tips for getting active:
  1. Get out the leash and walk your dog. It’s a great activity for both man and man’s best friend. Your heart — and your pooch — will thank you!
  2. Take your child for a brisk walk. It’s an excellent way to get some one-on-one time (or one-on-three, depending on the size of your brood.) Spice up your routine by exploring new neighborhoods or turning your walk into a scavenger hunt.
  3. Mall walk. Are you sweating (or shivering) at the idea of walking outside? Take a brisk stroll around your local mall instead. Window shop, people watch and give your heart a workout in a climate-controlled environment.
Read More and the Original Article.

Now is a good time to start classes to become a Restorative Aide.

April 23, 2013

Summer Ideas for Activities Directors

Here are some great tips from Notjustbingo.com:
 
Host fun evening events for your residents like Family Game Night (May 8), in which residents play fun games like Checkers, Scrabble, and Dominoes; Cannes Film Festival Night (May 17), in which residents watch a fun recently released movie; Senior Prom (May 28), in which residents get into the Prom season by dressing up for a fun dance; and Official State Dinner (May 31), in which residents attend a tasty dinner that comprises food from your state.

In addition, consider inviting vendors and speakers to come to your facility during May. For instance, invite an eye doctor to give eye tests to your residents during this Healthy Vision Month (Eye Exam on May 14), invite a speaker to speak about osteoporosis during this National Osteoporosis Prevention Month (Speaker Series on May 29), or ask your facility's nurse to talk to your residents during National Nurses Week (Nurse's Notes on May 9).

As summertime arrives, be sure to add plenty of activities to keep your residents hydrated. For instance, host fun afternoon socials like a Popsicle Social on June 21, a Watermelon Social on June 26, or an Italian Ice Truck Social on June 24.
Additionally, coordinate fun summertime crafts for residents throughout June, like Crafts: Sun Mosaics (June 2), making mosaics of the sun, Crafts: Sandy Fish (June 9), using beach sand, or Crafts: Daisy Chain Necklaces (June 30), stringing daisies to make pretty summer necklaces.


Learn what it takes to become an Activities Director at WeCareOnline.

April 18, 2013

We Care Online April Staff Highlight - Amanda Quelland

This month we get to meet Amanda Quelland.

Amanda has worked in the healthcare field for 12 years. From a young age she knew she wanted to have job where she could help people. 

Amanda has a doctorate in pharmacy and completed a pharmacy practice residency at the University of Arizona Medical Center.  She works on the cardiac unit and cardiac intensive care as a clinical pharmacist.  

Amanda and her husband have 3 young children who keep them busy. She enjoys playing the piano and reading.  As well, she likes to do Sudoku puzzles and logic puzzles.

 Everyone at WeCareOnline plays an important role in helping students have the best online learning experience possible. Amanda is the instructor for the Pharmacy Technician course and also the Medication Aide course for Montana.
  
Amanda has noticed that over the years pharmacy practice has changed to give pharmacists and pharmacy technicians more responsibilities and they have become more involved with the healthcare team.  With pharmacies on every corner, pharmacists are easily accessible to the public and can give out valuable information and help people make general healthcare decisions. 
 

April 16, 2013

Bucket List for Nurses

I don’t know about any of you but it’s extremely important for me to be happy and to have a fun filled life. When I think about how hard we work as nurses, and the hours we dedicate to others, it’s overwhelming. Isn’t it time for us to take care of ourselves, too?

Can we allow ourselves a two minute break to assess our own well-being? How many of us actually do that?Hobbies, friends and vacations rank at the top of my bucket list, not to mention quiet time to just sit and do nothing but reflect and ponder.  Sometimes as I am taking a solitary walk or soaking in a tub filled with bubbles, I plan my next move. My thought process is clear and uninterrupted during those moments. I can close my eyes and decide what will come next in my life. Remember, “What we think about, we bring about.” (From the Secret)

Now, to you this may not count as a bucket list. Some people view bucket lists as end of life, last chance events. I don’t. And I also don’t think of bucket lists as action filled, life altering adventures. I prefer to keep my heart rate and blood pressure fairly stable, much to my husband’s dismay.   

I don’t like fast rides at amusement parks, scuba diving or jumping out of air planes. I would never get on the back of a motorcycle, no matter who was driving. I like what I like and that’s OK.Oh, sure, someday I’d like to travel to Africa. I would also like to serve a humanitarian mission and I’d like to move to a warmer climate in my old age (ions from now).     

For the rest of this NurseTogether blog. 

Learn what it takes to become a Healthcare Unit Coordinator.

April 12, 2013

Which Registration Process Do I Use?









Unsure Which Registration Process to Use?

Following is an short explanation of what the registration buttons do.

The Facility Registration Button

If you are a facility registering a student, you can choose this option.  This registration allows a facility to keep track of the employees they have registered and which classes have been taken. It also allows a facility to be invoiced for the cost of the course. Payments can also be made via the payment system using a credit or debit card.  Echecks are also accepted.

The Student Registration Button

Students registering for a course on their own should use this option.  This process allows the student to choose the course and the payment method.  The Student Registration process gives students the option to pay immediately, or to make payments on the course they are taking.  (Remember! Courses must be paid in full BEFORE the class starts!)

The Browse Courses Button

If you are not sure which class you want to take, you can choose this option to browse what courses are available in your state.  After finding the course you want, you'll see a Registration Button on that course page.

Access Your Account Button

If you ever need to go back to make another payment, print a receipt, or even check to see what courses you have taken, this is the button for you.  You can enter your username and password to see information regarding your account.

We sincerely hope that this changeover will be easy for all of our customers.  Please feel free to give us a call with any questions.  We will be more than happy to walk you through the process if needed.

1-888-932-2501

April 11, 2013

Tips to Improve and Maintain Your Eyesight

It’s easy to take your eyesight for granted but it is a sense that you should work diligently to protect. Like most things, your eyesight is something you don’t really notice until its gone—which is something you want to keep from happening for as long as possible. Here are some of the best ways to do that.

Start Early
The earlier you start working to keep your eyes healthy, the more likely you will be to reduce your risk of problems later on. Luckily, the steps you need to be taking in your daily life are, for the most part, the same things you need to do to keep the rest of your body healthy as well. Eat a healthy and balanced diet that is low in saturated fats but that contains a good amount of unsaturated fat. Eat lots of fruits and veggies. Get regular exercise to increase blood flow and improve your circulation. Get plenty of sleep. You know, the usual.

Visit the Optometrist (or Ophthalmologist) Regularly
Seeing your eye doctor at least once a year is important. If you wait until something seems off or wonky you decrease your chances of being able to correct or fix the thing that is making your vision weird. For example, macular degeneration, when caught early can be treated and slowed down and, hopefully (if caught early enough) kept from progressing from the early stages to the more advanced stages of the disease. Don’t wait until you are older to start getting your vision checked regularly. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

For the Rest of this Original Article.

Learn more about our online healthcare classes at WeCareOnline.

April 10, 2013

New Registration and Payment System is Live!

If you are registering students on a regular basis,
you can sign into your account to avoid entering
the same information over and over.
We are proud to announce our new Registration and Payment system is up and running.

For almost a year, we have been researching and testing a whole lot of different systems to find the right one.  Our goals were
  1. A simple registration process
  2. An easy way to pay using credit/debit cards, echecks and payment plans
  3. A user account system to log in and look up classes, make payments, and print receipts at the users convenience.
After we found the system that works for us, we spent another 6 months customizing the program to fit both your needs and our needs. As of January 1, 2013 we are live!

Since We Care Online is all about paving the way to ease in taking our classes, this system fits right in.  It is now easier for both the student and the facility to register and pay for their courses.

The Registration Process

For the student, we know that it is sometimes hard to come up with the money to cover the price of a needed course.  This system allows you to register for a class as early as you need to make payments as you can afford.  Your account can be accessed 24/7 to make payments or print receipts.

The new system makes it even more convenient for facilities who register students on a regular basis.  After the initial registration, a facility contact can sign in with a username and password to bring up their facility account.  There is no need to fill out the contact information over and over again.  Your information is kept on file.

Once  the username and password are entered, all of the  facility information and past students will come up on the screen.  You can either create a record/registration for a new student or you can add a class for a student you have registered before.

Accessing Your Account

Print receipts, classes taken, make payments and more by logging in to your account.  You can use this link:  Org_OnlineAccountLoginURL.  Or, on We Care Online's website, you can choose the "Access Your Account" button on the home page.

We have made the links to Register and Access Your Account easily accessible on our home page. The bright blue buttons are at the top of the page and easy to click from either a desktop or a mobile device.

We sincerely hope that this changeover will be easy for all of our customers.  Please feel free to give us a call with any questions.  We will be more than happy to walk you through the process if needed.

1-888-932-2501

April 9, 2013

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?

April 4, 2013

Coping with Job Loss and Unemployment Stress

It’s normal to feel hurt, vulnerable, or angry after losing a job. The good news is that despite the stress of job loss and unemployment, there are many things you can do to take control of the situation and maintain your spirits. You can get through this tough time by taking care of yourself, reaching out to others, and taking the opportunity to rethink your career goals and rediscover what truly makes you happy.

Losing a job is stressful

Our jobs are much more than just the way we make a living. They influence how we see ourselves, as well as the way others see us. Our jobs give us structure, purpose, and meaning. That’s why job loss and unemployment is one of the most stressful things you can experience.

Beyond the loss of income, losing a job also comes with other major losses, some of which may be even more difficult to face:
  • Loss of purposeful activity
  • Loss of your work-based social network
  • Loss of your sense of security
For the Original Article and more tips.

Come check out the job postings at WeCareOnline's forum.

April 2, 2013

End of Life Care Shifts from Hospitals to Home Health

Hospitals are not the only place where the dying go, says a new CDC report. Research conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated an 8 percent decrease in the number of people dying in hospitals between 2000-2010.

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News & Assisted Living shares the results of this intriguing study here.
 
Does that mean more people are dying at home? The report suggests that “nursing homes, hospices and home health providers are playing larger roles in end-of-life care,” per the McKnight’s article, so while death may not always occur at home, there is a trend towards care in other settings outside the halls of a hospital.

It’s a welcome shift, and it has prompted lawmakers to propose legislation that would “increase education and professional development in these areas,” reports Tim Mullaney of McKnight’s.


For More & the Original Article.

Now is a great time to learn what it takes to become a Home Health Aide.

March 28, 2013

Music Therapy and Positive Effects on Seniors

Everyone can benefit from music activities in some capacity. Some can be effective music therapy. It has been found to be especially helpful to the elderly and seniors in geriatric care, palliative care and with Alzheimer's and other dementia.

Although music therapy is a specialized area for trained therapists, it doesn't take special training or musical background to apply music and musical elements for general benefit to seniors and the elderly patients in the many care facilities.

Since music for seniors has nonverbal qualities it can promote:

  • creativity
  • awareness
  • expression
  • communication

  • Different forms of music and music therapy activities are beneficial to elderly patients.

    Music therapy for stress can dispel anxiety, tension and fear. Music therapy for depression can alleviate a sense of loneliness and isolation, especially in group sing alongs or musical participation activities.

    Music activities and music therapy for elderly patients has garnered respect as a means of helping patients deal with the above conditions, but also grief, healing from surgeries, and overall health as well.

    For the rest of this article.

    Why not learn what it takes to become an Activity Director?

    March 26, 2013

    Five Tips for Spring Cleaning with Kids

    Spring cleaning is on the horizon, and you could use some help.
    Many hands make light work ... so how do you get the kids to pitch in when it's time to spring-clean the house?

    Try these five tips to involve children with housecleaning chores:

    Think teamwork

    It's downright lonely to be sentenced to clean a bathroom on your own, but paired with a parent, even a 5-year-old can work safely and happily. While Dad wields the bowl cleaner and the tile brush, his helper can scrub the sink, polish the fixtures, empty the trash and trundle towels and rugs to the laundry room.
    Working as a team involves kids in the cleaning process, helps them learn cleaning skills, and most important, models both the attitude and the job standard you're trying to teach.

    Take your voice out of the process

    Children have an innate ability to "tune out" parents, when the subject is chores. What parent wants to spend a Saturday nagging, threatening and hollering, "You get back here and finish the vacuuming!"?
    Instead, post a list of the day's jobs, or write them out on index cards. Divvy the jobs up between the teams, or let each team choose one until the work is done. Putting the work on paper removes the tussle of wills.

    For More Tips and the Original Article.

    Find out how you can become a Restorative Aide at WeCareOnline.