Hepatitis C: How Many Americans are Affected?

A survey of U.S. households conducted between 2003 and 2010 revealed that approximately 2.7 million U.S. residents are infected with chronic hepatitis C virus, according to a new report.

This figure marks a decrease by about 500,000 cases identified by a similar analysis conducted between 1999 and 2000, according to the new report, which was published in the March 4, 2014 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Treatment can cure the disease and decrease risk for death, yet many persons infected with HCV do not know they have it, according to background information in the report. Currently more people in the U.S. die from HCV than from HIV infection. Knowledge of the number of people with HCV infection is critical for public health and policy planning.

For More about Hepatitis C.

Learn what it takes to become a social services designee.

What is Your Leadership Style?

Style 1 - The "Directing/Telling" Leader

Situation: (Group members are - unwilling and unable)
This style is appropriate when the members are new or inexperienced and need a lot of help, direction and encouragement in order to get the job done. The feeling or relationships within the group are not explored to a great extent. This leader provides structure and guidance to the group. The leader defines the role of group members and directs them on what, how, when and where to do various tasks. A supportive role may also be provided to reward and encourage.

Style 2 - The "Coaching/Selling" Leader

Situation: (Group members are - willing but unable)
Here the group is a little more responsible, experienced and willing. The leader's main role is to assist the members in doing a task for which they do not have the skills. The leader coaches the members through the skills of the task. Direction and guidance are necessary. The leader also provides plenty of encouragement and inspiration to maintain the willingness (motivation) of the group.

Style 3 - The "Participating/Supportive" Leader

Situation: (Group members are - unwilling but able)
Leaders using this supportive style know the group has the ability to do the job.

For More.

Find out how you can become a Health Unit Coordinator.

CNA's Tips and Timesavers

So, you’re brand new and a little nervous? Thats ok and natural. Being a CNA is a rewarding career, but there are LOTS to learn and lots of cover in those first few days at work! Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit overwhelmed and anxious. Someday–soon- you will be an “old pro” at this stuff. The first part of this is for the new CNA…

The Basics
I remember my first few weeks as a CNA- it was hard to get to know all the residents as well as staff as well as the facility policies and procedures. I was very overwhelmed and looking back now- there were certain things I should have done that would have made my life much easier then! Live and learn….

First, it is a good idea to bring a little notebook to work with you. In here you can write down info you need about everything from phone numbers to resident issues. Jotting down info is a way to remember it! At periodic times during the day check the little book to see if there are things you still need info about. When you think of questions and no one is around to answer them- write them down. Later you can refer back to the book.

Facility Rules/Employment Issues
OK, now onto more things every new CNA should be aware of. It’s always a good idea to know the facility policies and rules before we start a new job.

For More.

Learn more about becoming a CNA.

February Reimbursement winnner Levi

Congratulations, Levi B.! 

Levi is our February Tuition Reimbursement Winner! 

He'll be getting a check from us soon. You could be next!

"My name is Levi. I'm 27 years old and from north central Kansas. This course has been an amazing experience. Our instructor Rhonda Mehl has been a powerful inspiration and guide for furthering my passion in helping others. The wecareonline curriculum and structure has given me the flexibility, confidence and knowledge to continue my education and personal development. I look forward to applying this reimbursement to my next step of taking the CMA program with wecareonline." - Levi

Students registered for a Nurse Aide course will automatically be placed in a monthly drawing to win reimbursement of their course tuition. The monthly drawings will choose one student to win a reimbursement.

If you want to know how to get in on this Click Here for more information.

Remember, before you can win, you have to register for a Nurse Aide course - See our course catalog Click Here.

Or go to our website Click Here.

Single Parent? Great Ways to Save Money

Although I've always heard single parenting was tough, I had no idea how tough it actually was (or is) until I became a single parent. It's a life altering thing to say the least and it certainly gives saving money a whole new meaning. To many single parents, saving money is no longer viewed as a hobby or something to do if you can, it becomes more of a way of life.

Fortunately, for me, I do have a knack for saving money but even I have learned a few new things along the way and I thought I would share some of these tips with you as well. Obviously, most of these would work for anyone but I'm writing this from my own perspective as a single parent and I pray it would bless those of you out there who are in the same situation.

10 Ways to Save Money as a Single Parent
1. Menu Plan: (You thought coupons be would #1, didn't you?) Menu planning is key to saving time and money. If you are a single parent, you are likely very short on time so this one is BIG. Sit down, once a week, once every two weeks or even once a month and plan your menu for every single day. Be sure to plan it around what items are on sale (check our Matchups), what items are in your stockpile and what coupons you have on hand. This way, you are planning around the lowest prices and not necessarily what your stomach is telling you.

Menu planning will also lessen multiple trips to the store, which will save you gas and time.

Read more: HERE

Advance your career at: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

5 Nutrition Tips for Working the Night Shift

If you’re just starting out, you’ll most likely end up being the night shift nurse, the one working the so-called graveyard shift. But while a graveyard is often associated with a dark, gloomy environment full of bad habits, your night shift doesn’t have to be!
The key to turning your graveyard shift into a healthy night shift is being proactive. So what can you do to stay healthy? Here are 5 nutrition tips:

1. Consume a high-protein, high-fiber, low carb meal before the shift
   A high-protein, high-fiber meal is a great way to start your day. And since your day begins at 4 pm, treat this meal as if it’s the start of your day. It will help you feel more energized and contribute in making you feel fuller longer. Night shift nurses often struggle with the feeling of drowsiness, so your first meal really sets the mood for the rest of the night.
   
2. Snack during the shift
   In order to suppress your hunger and stay energized, eating a few healthy, low-carb snacks during the shift can be incredibly beneficial. 

- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/nutritional-tips-for-night-shift-nurses#sthash.AmWkKBkM.dpuf

If you’re just starting out, you’ll most likely end up being on the night shift, the one working the so-called graveyard shift. But while a graveyard is often associated with a dark, gloomy environment full of bad habits, your night shift doesn’t have to be!

The key to turning your graveyard shift into a healthy night shift is being proactive. So what can you do to stay healthy? Here are 5 nutrition tips:

Consume a high-protein, high-fiber, low carb meal before the shift
A high-protein, high-fiber meal is a great way to start your day. And since your day begins at 4 pm, treat this meal as if it’s the start of your day. It will help you feel more energized and contribute in making you feel fuller longer. Night shift nurses often struggle with the feeling of drowsiness, so your first meal really sets the mood for the rest of the night.

Snack during the shift
In order to suppress your hunger and stay energized, eating a few healthy, low-carb snacks during the shift can be incredibly beneficial.

For More and the Original Article

Like to learn more about becoming a Home Health Aide? http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Like to Learn More about becoming a Medication Aide?

A medication aide, also referred to as a medical technician, distributes patient medications in nursing homes, schools, correctional facilities or non-hospital assisted-living facilities. Medication aides usually are directly supervised by doctors or other licensed caretakers. Aides typically assist patients in properly taking oral, topical or intravenous medications in correct dosages and must to strict medical protocol.

These professionals also supervise patients to ensure that they do not have any adverse reactions after taking their medications and must keep comprehensive records of all medications that have administered to each patient. In many places, a person must pass a certification exam and be licensed by the government to work as a medication aide.

For More.

10 Ways to Handle Difficult Patients or Coworkers

As if the actual nursing job is not hard enough, add difficult patients or co-workers to the mix and you may have a recipe for disaster. Dealing with difficult behavior can often times take its toll on us emotionally, leaving us feeling beat up and spent. Does that sound familiar?

Research has shown that 1 in 3 nurses have likely experienced some sort of physical or emotional abuse this month. Have you? With all the training on policies and procedures, where is the training to help us deal with people, who intentionally or not, maltreat and drain the life and the hope right out of us?

Next time someone is trying to tie your "catheter in a knot," consider these tips for handling difficult patients and co-workers:

    *Don’t try to change them. Chances are good that this is their habitual behavior. That will not change unless they decide to take accountability for it. Some people are in love with their misery—sad but true.

   *Don’t take it personally! Their actions are a reflection of where they are at in life. They may be sick (your patients) or tired (your co-workers). They may have issues at home or have many other things that are affecting their behavior.

   *Set firm boundaries. "I will not tolerate being spoken to that way.” 

For More.

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How to Creatively Lower Your Food Budget

Add caption

My wife and I have three children. According to the official USDA statistics on food costs, the monthly cost for our family to eat per month assuming we use their “liberal” food plan is $1,337.80. On the other hand, if we use their “thrifty” plan, our monthly food cost for our family drops to $686.60. In other words, if we were able to move from their liberal plan to their thrifty plan, we'd save $651.20 per month.

For the most part, that switch has to do with making more sensible food choices and being more logical about what you’re buying at the store. It doesn’t mean moving from filet mignon to beans. Over the last several years, my wife Sarah and I have figured out a lot of tricks to make this work for our family. Some of them are big tricks–and some of them are small tricks. Nothing about these tactics forces you to change the food you like. It simply finds ways for you to spend less on the food shopping routines you already have.

Go as Long as You Can Between Grocery Store Visits

Every time a person goes to the grocery store, they end up buying at least a thing or two that they didn’t plan to buy. Grocery stores are simply full of temptation.
For More.

Know anyone interested in becoming a Home Health Aide?

Making Feb. 14 Memorable, Despite Being on Shift

Valentine’s Day is thought of as “the day for lovers”, the day to spend time with the one we love. Of course, it would be nice to spend February 14th engrossed in the aura of romance, but celebrating is challenging when we are scheduled to work. Rest assured, nurses, it can be done; it simply takes a little time management, flexibility and creativity. Here are some strategies to help make your Valentine’s Day memorable and exciting, despite being on the schedule:

1. Create a specialized lunch. On Valentine’s Day, it might not be possible to go out or to enjoy a meal with your mate, but you can show that you remember him or her by packing a personalized lunch. For instance, put some of his or her favorites in the lunch and include a note that tells him or her just how special they are. Chocolates are always a nice touch as is a personalized photo. This is a great way to remind your loved one that even though you are working, you are always thinking of them.  

- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/making-valentines-day-memorable-despite-bei#sthash.qa1tBtus.dpuf

Valentine’s Day is thought of as “the day for lovers”, the day to spend time with the one we love. Of course, it would be nice to spend February 14th engrossed in the aura of romance, but celebrating is challenging when we are scheduled to work. Rest assured, nurses, it can be done; it simply takes a little time management, flexibility and creativity. Here are some strategies to help make your Valentine’s Day memorable and exciting, despite being on the schedule:

Create a specialized lunch. On Valentine’s Day, it might not be possible to go out or to enjoy a meal with your mate, but you can show that you remember him or her by packing a personalized lunch. For instance, put some of his or her favorites in the lunch and include a note that tells him or her just how special they are. Chocolates are always a nice touch as is a personalized photo. This is a great way to remind your loved one that even though you are working, you are always thinking of them.   
 
Make a personalized gift card. This idea ties in nicely with the lunch idea—you can combine these two and put the gift card in the lunch. A personalized gift card can include a “redeemable night out” or a “redeemable private dinner.” Again, this reminds your partner that they are important to you and also allows the day for love to extend past the fourteenth of February.  

For the More and the Original Article.

Learn what it takes to become a Restorative Aide at http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

10 Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Winter is in full force. As the days get shorter and the nights get colder, even the best of us can get a little down. 

The "winter blues" are characterized by the mild depression, lack of motivation, and low energy that many people experience during this cold season. Luckily, there’s a lot you can do to both prevent the blues from coming on and get yourself back to normal if they’re already here.

1. Exercise
As if we needed another reason to get fit! Exercise isn’t only for maintaining your weight and staying healthy. It’s great for relieving the stresses of life. Plus, the effects of a good workout can last for several hours after you hit the showers. You’ll have more energy throughout the day, and your metabolism with stay elevated too. Exercise also helps your mind by releasing those "feel good chemicals" that improve your mood.

2. Eat a Healthy Diet
What and when you eat has a great affect on your mood and energy. Avoid refined and processed foods (like white breads, rice, and sugar). These foods are not only devoid of the nutrients your body craves, but they zap your energy levels and can affect your mood—causing depression, lack of concentration, and mood swings. Try to incorporate more complex carbohydrates (whole wheat breads, brown rice, veggies, fruit) and get your daily 8 cups of water. These healthy foods provide your body (and mind) with nutrients, and stabilize your blood sugar and your energy levels.

3. Get Some Sun
Most people know that sunlight provides us with Vitamin D. But did you know that it also improves your mood?

For More.

Learn what it takes to become an Activity Director.

January Tuition Reimbursement Winner Molly

Congratulations, Molly H.! 

Molly is our January Tuition Reimbursement Winner! 

Molly H.

She'll be getting a check from us soon. You could be next!

"I am a sophomore in college hoping to go to nursing school next spring. The tuition reimbursement is an awesome opportunity and I am ecstatic to have won!" - Molly

Students registered for a Nurse Aide course will automatically be placed in a monthly drawing to win reimbursement of their course tuition. The monthly drawings will choose one student to win a reimbursement.

If you want to know how to get in on this Click Here for more information.

Remember, before you can win, you have to register for a Nurse Aide course - See our course catalog Click Here.

Or go to our website Click Here.

Don't Hibernate - Staying Active in the Cold

It’s never too difficult to think of reasons to abandon your workout routine. This is especially true during the winter months, when the temperatures drop, the sky turns dark, and the wind seems to start pushing you back indoors to the warmth of your couch. Health experts urge, however, that exercise should be incorporated into your everyday routine, no matter the weather.   

“The advantages of regular exercise are too great to be put on hold when workouts become inconvenient, especially during colder months,” explains Dr. Joseph Giaimo, DO, an osteopathic board certified internal medicine physician. “People who exercise reduce their risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, certain cancers, diabetes and osteoporosis.”     

In addition to these benefits, Dr.Giaimo adds that exercising can help with the winter blues as well. “Regular workouts will improve your mood, increase your energy level and help you sleep better at night,” he says.

For More. 

Like to learn more about becoming an activities director?

Great Goals for Nursing Assistants

A caregiver is simply a person who cares for the health and basic needs of another when they can't do it for themselves. This can be a nurse assistant or simply a loving family member.

Nursing assistants look after their patients in basic but vital ways. They help them bathe, eat and dress. They help them in and out of bed, provide walkers and wheelchairs to those who can't get around without them, fetch items as needed and provide a listening ear for their troubles. While the primary job of a nursing assistant is giving basic care to people who can't do it for themselves, it's also about restoring dignity in the process. To make sure she does this, a nursing assistant must keep several goals in mind.

1. Patient Care

Of paramount importance to a caregiver is making sure he gives his patients the best in quality care. This doesn't just mean knowing what to do and when to do it, although those things are important as well. Good patient care is grounded in knowledge, but it also means showing empathy for patients. Nursing assistants make it a goal to never be cold or dismissive toward their patients.

For More Goals and the Original Article.

Interested in learning more about becoming a Mental Health Aide?

10 Reasons Why Health Care Workers Get Sick

We clean everything we can get our hands on, but we still get sick. While cleaning everything be great for fighting off those nasty bugs that can wreak havoc on your immune system, there really is some truth to the saying, “Too much of a good thing is bad.”

Here are the top ten reasons why health care workers get sick:

1. Not Washing Our Hands
We sure don’t practice what we preach all the time do we? C’mon admit it. Do you wash your hands every single time you go in and out of every patient room? Before and after every contact?
Also, are you washing your hands after each contact with a patients chart? How about the bedside glucometer?

2. Not Enough Sleep
Research has proven that sleep deprivation will lower your immune system. But, even without research on my side, think about how you and your body felt after not sleeping well for just one night! How about a whole string of nights during the week?

3. Too Much Work
Go right ahead and work those extra shifts. While your paycheck is inflating, your energy reserve is deflating. Guess what happens to your immune system when you get run down? Hey, don’t get me wrong, I like the overtime as much as the next nurse, but there has to be a balance between the extra shifts and taking care of yourself.

4. Not Drinking Enough Fluids

For More Reasons and Original Article

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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/

Nursing Assistants: Tips on Improving Your Professionalism

Being Professional-The Hard Facts

When we accept a job, anywhere, we are expected to act in a professional manner. In health care it is vital to be a good worker, to respect our resident’s rights and dignity and to respect ourselves. After years of seeing certain things and traits of people, I have come up with a few things specific to us, Nursing Assistants.

Appearance
Number one, no matter what ANYONE says, is how we look. Nursing staff are supposed to be clean and neat- in order to prevent infection. All too often we see CNA’s wearing clothing, uniforms- that are wrinkled and dirty looking. Stains and holes are just plain tacky looking.
If we want to project an image of being professional, we must be willing to dress the part. I have heard many a CNA state- “I don’t make enough money for decent uniforms” …This is true for many of us. No one is saying one needs tons of uniforms, just that the uniforms we do have be kept in good shape.

Wear clean clothes to work that are ironed or at least wrinkle free. Wear underclothing that is decent and not too colorful.

For More and the Original Article.

Learn more about becoming a Certified Nurse Aide.

Cool, Quick & Easy Meals for Winter Parties

The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to celebrate. The new year comes with award season, college bowl games and, of course, the Super Bowl. These kind of events always end up being extremely fun times, but if health care professionals are asked to provide meals for the winter party, it can be stressful.

When you’re working long hours in the health care profession, finding time to whip up an extravagant meal for a party can seem more of a hassle than enjoyable.  Instead of slaving away in the kitchen for hours on end, keep some of these simple potluck dishes in mind for your next get-together—they’re easy to prepare and are guaranteed to please a crowd!

Dips:
When it comes to easy party recipes, dips are at the top of the list. From spinach dip to buffalo chicken dip, most dips only require you to mix up different ingredients and either serve right away or bake for a short time.  Make your dip the night before your event and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to go; lots of dips can be served chilled, and it’s also easy to quickly reheat them in the oven or a microwave.

For more ideas and the original blog.

The holidays may be over, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to celebrate. The new year comes with award season, college bowl games and, of course, the Super Bowl. These kind of events always end up being extremely fun times, but if nurses are asked to provide meals for the winter party, it can be stressful. 
When you’re working long hours as a nurse, finding time to whip up an extravagant meal for a party can seem more of a hassle than enjoyable.  Instead of slaving away in the kitchen for hours on end, keep some of these simple potluck dishes in mind for your next get-together—they’re easy to prepare and are guaranteed to please a crowd!
Dips
When it comes to easy party recipes, dips are at the top of the list. From spinach dip to buffalo chicken dip, most dips only require you to mix up different ingredients and either serve right away or bake for a short time.  Make your dip the night before your event and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to go; lots of dips can be served chilled, and it’s also easy to quickly reheat them in the oven or a microwave.
- See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/nurses-quick-and-easy-meals-for-your-winter-party#sthash.ZZ2ZnK76.dpuf

Interested in becoming a Health Unit Coordinator: Click Here.

Pharmacy Tech's Role in Preventing Medication Errors

Pharmacy technicians play a major role in modern pharmacy practice. The pharmacist relies on the technician to provide an extra layer of safety. It is important for technicians to follow system-based processes and inform the pharmacist whenever they have questions, concerns, or feel processes do not work or are unmanageable.

Prescription Drop-Off
If technicians are stationed at prescription drop-off, consider creating a checklist of critical patient information that the technician should obtain from each patient. The date of birth should be written on every hard copy prescription so the pharmacist has a second identifier readily available during verification. Allergy and medical condition (eg, pregnancy) information should be updated in the patient’s profile at each patient encounter and communicated to the verification pharmacist. Knowing a patient’s medical conditions can help the pharmacist uncover errors.

Order Entry
Medication safety is enhanced when technicians know medical terminology and drug names, especially if they enter prescriptions. - See more at: http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2010/January2010/MedicationSafety-0110#sthash.GbqDrqg4.dpuf

Pharmacy technicians play a major role in modern pharmacy practice. The pharmacist relies on the technician to provide an extra layer of safety. It is important for technicians to follow system-based processes and inform the pharmacist whenever they have questions, concerns, or feel processes do not work or are unmanageable.

Prescription Drop-Off:
If technicians are stationed at prescription drop-off, consider creating a checklist of critical patient information that the technician should obtain from each patient. The date of birth should be written on every hard copy prescription so the pharmacist has a second identifier readily available during verification. Allergy and medical condition (eg, pregnancy) information should be updated in the patient’s profile at each patient encounter and communicated to the verification pharmacist. Knowing a patient’s medical conditions can help the pharmacist uncover errors.

Order Entry:
Medication safety is enhanced when technicians know medical terminology and drug names, especially if they enter prescriptions.

Pharmacy technicians play a major role in modern pharmacy practice. The pharmacist relies on the technician to provide an extra layer of safety. It is important for technicians to follow system-based processes and inform the pharmacist whenever they have questions, concerns, or feel processes do not work or are unmanageable.

Prescription Drop-Off
If technicians are stationed at prescription drop-off, consider creating a checklist of critical patient information that the technician should obtain from each patient. The date of birth should be written on every hard copy prescription so the pharmacist has a second identifier readily available during verification. Allergy and medical condition (eg, pregnancy) information should be updated in the patient’s profile at each patient encounter and communicated to the verification pharmacist. Knowing a patient’s medical conditions can help the pharmacist uncover errors.

Order Entry
Medication safety is enhanced when technicians know medical terminology and drug names, especially if they enter prescriptions. - See more at: http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/issue/2010/January2010/MedicationSafety-0110#sthash.GbqDrqg4.dpuf

For More and this original article.

Learn more about what it takes to become a Pharmacy Technician.

Home Health Aids: Interested in Increasing Your Caregiving Skills?

Reliable, trustworthy, and skilled caregivers were the most important factor in leading a consumer to be "very satisfied" with his or her long-term care, according to a report prepared for The SCAN Foundation by LifePlans, Inc.

The researchers therefore conclude that advanced training for caregivers -- including direct-care workers in all care settings -- could help boost overall satisfaction levels among consumers.
"Such training could help to identify the source of unmet needs, emphasize the importance of the personal dimension of caregiving -- not just the technical -- and assure that paid caregivers have a thorough understanding of the criticality of building trust and communication with the care recipient," the researchers write.

For More and the Original Blog

Learn more about increasing your skills as a Home Health Aide.

Making Your New Year's Resolutions Stick

It can be daunting when your list of New Year’s Resolutions is as long as your holiday shopping list. In addition to the post-holiday slump, not being able to keep your resolutions by February, March or even late January may increase your anxiety. When your holiday decorations are packed up and stored away, the frustration of an unused gym membership or other reminders of failed resolutions can make the later winter months feel hopeless.

However, it is important to remember that the New Year isn’t meant to serve as a catalyst for sweeping character changes. It is a time for people to reflect on their past year’s behavior and promise to make positive lifestyle changes.

“Setting small, attainable goals throughout the year, instead of a singular, overwhelming goal on January 1 can help you reach whatever it is you strive for,” says psychologist Lynn Bufka, PhD. “Remember, it is not the extent of the change that matters, but rather the act of recognizing that lifestyle change is important and working toward it, one step at a time.”

For More and the Original APA article.

To learn more about classes starting at WeCareOnline.

Go for an Exciting Career with Travel Nursing

Travel nursing is an exciting option for all areas of the nursing practice and there are a number of benefits. These include being able to select your location of choice to having the opportunity to see the US by driving from your home state to the assignment.

If you decide to accept a cross-country assignment, take the time to enjoy the drive. Stop along the way to see amazing sights, learn history, and to meet the locals. Upon arriving at your new travel nursing assignment, become familiar with the area and surrounding towns. Your patients and their families are a great way to find out about the best restaurants, churches, doctors, salons, etc.

America is very diverse, not only with a mix of ethnic backgrounds but also with geographical cultures. Each region of the US looks different and has its own culture and unique and fun things to do. As a travel nurse, you will experience a wide variety of what the US has to offer and also develop some great and lasting friendships along the way.

See more at: http://www.nursetogether.com/travel-nursing-an-exciting-way-to-go#sthash.0hcMHoM6.dpuf


Attention RN's: Interested in extra cash, working your own hours? WeCareOnline will train you to teach clinicals for CNA and CMA Classes.

We Care Online's December Tuition Reimbursement Winner

M. Torres-Hernandez

It's a great end to 2013 for M. Torres-Hernandez! She is the lucky winner of We Care Online's CNA Tuition Reimbursement drawing for December. She'll be getting a check from us soon.  You could be next!

Students registered for a Nurse Aide course will automatically be placed in a monthly drawing to win reimbursement of their course tuition. The monthly drawings will choose one student in Kansas and one student in South Dakota to win a reimbursement.

If you want to know how to get in on this Click Here for more information.
Or go to our website Click Here.

Remember, before you can win, you have to register for a Nurse Aide course - See our course catalog Click Here.

Interviewing for that Healthcare Position? Be Ready.

Regardless of your experience or credentials, it’s important to prepare for the interview when applying for a job in the healthcare industry. Whether conducted in person or on the phone, the interview provides an ideal opportunity to present your qualifications, show how you can make a contribution, and learn more about the immediate position and the organization itself.


Being ready for an interview when the opportunity presents itself, might be one of the most vital and crucial moments of your professional life. But you will need to do some homework in order to accomplish those interview goals. The first step is to review your experience, education and training to see which elements might be most important to a recruiter. And since the interviewer will have already seen your resume, you should be prepared to expand on the key points.

Let’s start with the basics “tell us about yourself” this is one of the simplest and greatest opportunities for you to break the ice and show what you are all about. Usually this question is given to you.

For More and the Original Blog.

Learn what it takes to become a certified nurse assistant.

Marketers Zero in on Adult Child in Senior Living Sales

Senior living marketers are zeroing in on prospects’ children as a strategy to counteract delayed transitions into senior housing communities, noting a correlation between adult child involvement and quicker move-ins.

“Adult children getting more and more involved than they ever have at the residential level,” said Krista DiGeorge, regional marketing director at Asbury, a not-for-profit senior living organization, during a session at the 2013 LeadingAge Annual Meeting and Expo. “They’re realizing the impact on them to have Mom and Dad at home.”

With many seniors delaying a move, more adult children are serving as caregivers, Cathy Ritter, vice president of Marketing and Communications at Asbury, said during the session. But many of those adult children are in the “sandwich generation”—caring for elderly parents while still raising their own family—and they’re concerned about their parents’ safety.

For More and the Original Article.

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5 Ways You May be Unintentionally Holding Back Your Career

Ever feel like you must have accidentally skipped that class on how to navigate and grow your career? 
You wonder who really need to know that will either give you the right guidance, insights or referrals.  You want to be seen for your true capabilities, but can’t seem to figure out how.  You have at least one co-worker who is constantly critical and makes you tense.
Problem is, you didn’t skip any class.  It didn’t exist!

So you forged through these challenges, making mistakes, missteps, and having downright painful experiences.  You’ve made some progress but you still don’t feel confident handling situations and how to truly put yourself in the driver’s seat of your career.

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Home Health Job Market Dominates Services

More than half of the approximately 8.4 million Americans who receive paid long-term care were using home health services, according to a first-of-its-kind report on senior care services and users.

The nation’s 12,200 home health agencies served about 4.7 million patients in 2011, the latest year when data was available, says the National Study of Long-Term Care Providers, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics.

The report collected data from around 58,500 paid, regulated long-term care services providers in 2012 split into five categories—nursing homes, assisted living communities, home health agencies, hospice agencies, and adult day services centers—and includes information on provider capacity, staffing level, and services provided, along with a national profile of long-term care users.

More than 8 million Americans received services from 4,800 adult day services centers, 12,200 home health agencies, 3,700 hospices, 15,700 nursing homes, and 22,200 assisted living and residential care communities.

Of those, home health agencies served the largest population, followed by nursing homes with nearly 1.4 million residents and the more than 1.2 million patients who received hospice services.

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How to Make a Glove Christmas Tree

Nurses and nurse aides are creative individuals. You have to be to do the job. There’s no nurse around that hasn’t had to get creative to dress a wound properly, manage time effectively, or appease a seemingly inconsolable patient. Creativity is just the name of the game in nursing. Unfortunately, working holidays is also a big part of the nursing game. One holiday that many nurses find particularly difficult to work is on Christmas. So many nurses miss the time with their families and familiar traditions.

But there’s no reason to let working holiday’s completely bum you out. There are plenty of ways you can spruce up your work setting and making even create a few new holiday traditions, like perhaps a glove Christmas tree.

Picking Good Gloves

If you’re making this at work, you are likely going to use what they’ve got in stock. There are so many different kinds of gloves and some of them lend themselves better to this process than others. For example, I found that latex gloves are the only ones I could find on the shelf that would blow up like a balloon. Vinyl gloves would blow up, but not very large, and it was a real challenge to tie a knock in the cuff to hold he air in.

For more instructions and original article.

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Survival Tactics for Older Job Seekers

Age discrimination is a major reason older workers are struggling. In a 2013 survey by the AARP, 64 percent of adults 45 to 74 years old said they had seen some form of age discrimination, and 20 percent said they had been passed up for a job because of it. Proving you’ve been discriminated against is extremely difficult. “It becomes a lot of ‘he said/she said’ accusations,” says Gene Burnard, publisher of SeniorJobBank.org, a job search site for seniors. Worse, litigants may find themselves blacklisted from future jobs if prospective employers find out they filed a suit.

Rather than fight age discrimination, most seniors have no choice but to try and overcome it. The first hurdle is getting an interview when your resume may indicate you’ve been around the block a few times. Burnard recommends including only the years at your most recent jobs and placing more emphasis on skills than tenure. “Nobody’s interested in what you’ve done, but what you can do for them,” he says.

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Celebrating the Holidays in an Interfaith Family

You grew up with memories of Santa Claus and Christmas trees, but your spouse spent the holidays lighting a menorah and playing dreidel. If yours is one of the thousands of interfaith families in the United States or elsewhere, chances are you've either tried to find ways to incorporate the best of both traditions into your own family or agreed as a family to choose one faith and follow its traditions.

The holidays tend to bring the religious choices you've made into sharp focus. As a result, some interfaith families find December especially stressful, while others have discovered ways to make it a joyous time. Even families with religious differences that are not exactly "interfaith" — a Catholic / Protestant couple, for example — find themselves dealing with thorny issues about what to do during holidays.


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Safety Tips for Home Health Care Workers

Home nurses and aides are exposed to many of the dangers that hospital workers face -- from tuberculosis to needlestick injuries -- but are working in completely uncontrolled environments, Rhonda Berlin Jarrell, RN, a former home nurse who now works as an injury prevention consultant in Alexandria, Virginia says. As a result, nearly one in 20 home health workers has a job-related illness or injury every year -- a rate approaching that for construction workers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

House calls
Back strain is by far the most common injury among home health workers. In 2007, among the 55,440 reported injuries that resulted in nurses, psychiatric and home health aides having to miss work, more than 21,000 involved back injuries. The risks are particularly high for health aides who have to lift patients from their beds, chairs, toilets, and bathtubs. Moving patients around in their home can be a challenge, and not just because of stairs and clutter, Jarrell says. Many patients don't have the equipment -- such as lifts and adjustable beds -- that can ease the burden on caregivers. And home workers, unlike hospital staff, can't just call a coworker down the hall for help with a particularly heavy load.

Home aides and nurses can protect their backs by encouraging patients and their family members to invest in lifts and adjustable beds. Even more important, Jarrell says, workers should learn the proper body mechanics for lifting, preferably through annual training sessions.

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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.

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Avoiding Extra Pounds During the Holidays

This is a hectic time of year.  We are all very busy working a full time job, part time job, managing the household, chauffeuring the kids to everyplace under the sun. The fall sports season is about to end, the winter sports season is gearing up. Holiday shopping is on your mind and you are behind schedule.  Your friends and family are beckoning you for visits,  your laundry is overflowing and you have to still figure out what to cook for dinner.

Does this sound familiar?  The holidays can be a stressful time of year.   There is so much stuff to do and the days don’t grant you extra hours to get it all done. The daylight turns to a night time sky earlier than you desire and you feel sleepy at 5 pm because of it.

On top of all of the above, it becomes difficult for many of us to eat healthy during the holiday season because we are always on the go and sometimes we make bad choices. Not to mention, we are perpetually surrounded by baked goods and delicious treats . . .

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Laughter Reduces Blood Sugar Levels

Laughter, it's said, is the best medicine. And there's lots of evidence that laughter does lots of good things for us.

It reduces pain and allows us to tolerate discomfort.

It reduces blood sugar levels, increasing glucose tolerance in diabetics and nondiabetics alike.

It improves your job performance, especially if your work depends on creativity and solving complex problems. Its role in intimate relationships is vastly underestimated and it really is the glue of good marriages. It synchronizes the brains of speaker and listener so that they are emotionally attuned.

Laughter establishes -- or restores -- a positive emotional climate and a sense of connection between two people, In fact, some researchers believe that the major function of laughter is to bring people together. And all the health benefits of laughter may simply result from the social support that laughter stimulates.

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How About Some Spending Money For The Holidays?

You may win a check for your tuition from We Care Online!

Wouldn't it be nice to sign up for a Nurse Aide course and get your money back?  We might just make that happen for you!  Beginning in December 2013, students registering for a Nurse Aide course will automatically be placed in a monthly drawing to win reimbursement of their course tuition. One student from Kansas and one student from South Dakota will win the drawing.

Yes, there are few rules that need to be met. But they are really simple rules.

• The student must be enrolled in a CNA class in Kansas or a NA class in South Dakota.
• The course must be PAID IN FULL.
• The student must have a passing grade for the course.

You will only be entered in the drawing when ALL OF THE
ABOVE apply.

And YES, facilities who register students could also be reimbursed.  Same rules apply.  

We are excited to start surprising some of our Nurse Aide students with this gift!  But remember, you can't get reimbursed unless you register and pay for your course.

Check out our website for more information on this great opportunity! Click Here

We also still have our Hardship Grant available for a few of our courses.  You can apply by Clicking Here.

We Care Online website: http://www.wecareonlineclasses.com/index.html

10 Ways to Make Yourself Indispensible to a Charge Nurse

Several factors can make a CNA or nurse aide truly valuable to the charge nurse.

1) BE AT WORK.
Really this can’t be repeated enough. Calling in at work does more damage to your reputation than most anything else short of abuse and/or neglect. In any industry, but particularly healthcare, nurses and aides are the single most important ingredient to continuity of good care. You know what happens when there are call ins- others have to pick up the slack. It’s not good. Be at work and call in only when you are TRULY so sick you cannot function as an aide. Let the nurses send you home if they so decide. The nurses will respect you so much more and keep you in high regard, if you come to work as scheduled.

2) BE AT WORK ON TIME.
Another issue that can’t be repeated enough. Nurses like having all the aides at work, ready to manage the units.

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How to Balance School and Work as an Adult

Many health care workers work while taking classes at community colleges to try to get ahead. For community college students, more than a quarter work greater than 35 hours weekly. Additionally, nearly one-quarter of college students have dependent children.

In some cases, the rigors of juggling work and school prove to be too much. Given the choice between income and education, and faced with fewer dollars to go around in terms of student loans, many students leave college before attaining a degree, choosing the immediate reward of a paycheck over the expected reward of a higher-paying job upon graduation.


For these nontraditional students, it’s imperative to strategize about how to balance work and school. Using the tips outlined below, you can do both, without either one suffering.

1. Take assignments with you. While I advocate for keeping work and school separate, I do think you can fit in your schoolwork at other times during the day. For instance, if you’re sitting at your daughter’s soccer practice or folding laundry, use the time to study.

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How to Multitask as a Nurse Aide

What is Multitasking?

At some settings, nursing assistants are expected to take care of more than six patients in each shift. This is where your multitasking skills come in handy. Basically, multitasking is a talent to organize and execute two different types of tasks all at one time.

Yes! It is a Skill

There are no findings that nurse aides are provided with training on multitasking during the training classes. Accomplishing different tasks at one go is difficult. It totally depends on your mental and physical capacity to react to different things with equal control and panache. You will accumulate these skills as you spend some time in your occupation.

However, trying to finish two different types of works concurrently may slow you down. It will also restrict your brain to act to its fullest since you are trying to hit two birds with one stone. You will be more in stress and become exhausted very soon. Above all, it will lead to frustration if the outcome is not as expected.

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Home Health Named Best Partner in Reducing Hospital Readmissions

Partnering with home health care agencies is emerging as a new model of care and a core strategy in
preventing hospital readmissions, according to a new survey.

Home health partnerships were the number-one strategy that 73% of senior hospital leaders adopt to lower preventable readmissions, as noted in a survey conducted by HealthLeaders Media Intelligence Unit in collaboration with Amedisys.

Of the 106 senior leaders comprised of CEOs and physicians polled in the survey, 60% of hospitals said they already have selected home health care partners.

“Hospitals are seeing the benefit of collaborating with post-acute care partners in an effort to improve their patients’ health and prevent hospital readmissions  . . ."

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CNA's: Staying Healthy at Work

The work we CNA’s do is HARD; some say brutal. The stress we put upon ourselves while performing our duties takes a high toll on our bodies. We have to take care of ourselves. And I mean that- especially at work.

Some of the things I do to make sure I’m ready and physically able to do my job are pretty mainstream, or so I thought. Lately I’ve noticed newer aides not bothering to do simple things that can make such a difference.

1) The usual items we hear about are par for the course: Eat right, exercise and get plenty of sleep! Easier said then done in today’s busy world. Family, friends, commitments, kids’ games and activities all keep us, at times, TOO busy to care for ourselves.

2) We use our legs, arms and backs for the vast majority of the tasks we perform. It makes sense to stretch these muscles before we use them.

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Job Outlook for Home Health Aides

As the baby boomer generation age, a need for healthcare services, and workers to adequately weather this increasing demand will rise.

One such career is that of a home health aide, an individual who has the capacity to assist and aide and individual with a medical condition within the comfort of their own home. Any career that can exceed a growth rate of over 25% in a 10 year period can be said to be growing faster than the national average. With regards to the job outlook for home health aide careers, the numbers are closer to 50% in a 10 year period. Personal assistant and home aide careers are expected to see tremendous growth as well through to 2018, showing the increasing need for in home services.

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