June 30, 2011

Health Unit Coordinator Responsibilities and Duties

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

Get to know about the Roles, Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities of Health Unit Coordinator. Below is a generic list of the HUC's Responsibilities and Duties that you might consider listing on your resume.
  • Transcribe and communicate health physician orders on time.
  • Manage unit communication to promptly answer telephones and activating paging system and unit mail.
  • Document and manage medical records as per policy.
  • Support physicians by transcribing orders and managing patient charts.
  • Incorporate vision, values, missions and critical goals into job performance.
  • Manage Hospital standards by engaging in health committees and in-services.
  • Precept new associates as assigned by department manager.
  • Prioritize work and manage multiple emergent demands by working independently.
  • Tabulate data log sheets, receive payment, make receipt and follow billing procedures.
  • Prioritize and transcribe written doctor’s order under RN supervision.
  • Manage patient medical records as per hospital and unit policy.
  • Develop and achieve unit goals on health, safety, cost and quality. 
  • Attain customer service excellence by satisfying customer needs.
  • Transcribe health physician order under RN’s directions.
  • Handle patient activities on and off nursing unit such facility transfers. 
See more about Great Resumes - Click Here

June 29, 2011

Working Women's Wardrobe Guide

Understanding the rules and etiquette that applies to business attire can be the difference between success in a job interview or job placement and failure. Women's business attire should be understated, good quality, body-appropriate and comfortable. Tight-fitting, translucent, bright and worn-looking clothes are not acceptable business attire and will translate badly in a business environment.

Suits for all Seasons

Suits are the staple of proper business attire. The Pasadena Independent School District business etiquette website states that for women, wool suits are the best choice in winter, fall and spring. Summer suits can be made from cotton or linen. Proper fitting is essential for business attire, so suits should be professionally fitted, if possible--this will give the most professional look to business attire and will also provide optimum comfort. Avoid tight suits, bright colors and bold patterns that may be too distracting--black, gray, navy, taupe, dark green and burgundy are colors that work in a business environment. Pinstripe and, to a lesser degree, houndstooth patterns are acceptable.

June 24, 2011

What Is A Social Service Designee?

The Social Service Designee usually works in a Long Term Care environment. They work under a Social Worker. Social Service Designees are the voice of the resident when the resident has lost the capacity to speak for his or herself.

An SSD should:
  • Express a philosophy of person-centered, long-term care based on individual resident needs, preferences and choices.
  • Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the aging process, including misconceptions, physical changes and psychosocial aspects.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations.
  • Show understanding of the rights of individuals who reside in long-term care facilities.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the admission and discharge process.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of documentation.
  • Demonstrate ability in basic performance skills, such as teamwork, communication skills and working with administrative staff and other disciplines.
  • Discuss issues involved in the management of internal support staff, budgeting, supplies, and outside resources.
  • Show understanding of methods of identifying resident interests and needs and the use of assessment in care plan development.
  • Evaluate a care plan for effectiveness.
Sign up for We Care Online's Social Service Designee class - Click Here!

June 23, 2011

Acing the Interview Once You Have the Training

Interviewing for that job you really want can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, there are some tricks to keep your nerves from getting the best of you during an interview and make that first impression a memorable one. A job interview can result in the elusive job offer so it is crucial to head into every interview feeling confident and well prepared.  Read the rest of the blog - click here.

June 2, 2011

Helping Others: Residents Like It Too

"Excuse me," I said to the lady sitting across from the nursing station.  "We've been saying hello for a while.  I'm Dr. Barbera, the psychologist.  You're Ms. Patel, right?"

"Yes, that's right."  She looked up at me from her wheelchair and smiled.  "Nice to meet you."

"You too.  Listen, I wanted to ask you a favor.  It's perfectly okay if you say no, because not everyone is comfortable with this, but I'm trying to find a place to meet in private with a neighbor of yours and her roommate is in her room.  I was wondering if I might be able to sit and chat with her for a few minutes in your room, since you're out here.  We wouldn't touch anything, we'd just sit and talk."


Read more at My Better Nursing Home - Click Here

June 1, 2011

Ever Wondered About the How's and Why's of Scrubs??

See what Wikipedia says about the history of scrubs.  Interesting!

"Scrubs are the shirts and trousers or gowns worn by nurses, surgeons, and other operating room personnel when "scrubbing in" for surgery. In the United Kingdom, they are sometimes known as Theatre Blues. They are designed to be simple with minimal places for dirt to hide, easy to launder, and cheap to replace if damaged or stained irreparably. The wearing of scrubs has been extended outside of surgery in many hospitals. Originally issued as replacement clothing if street clothing was contaminated, scrubs are now worn by any hospital personnel in any clean environment. The spread of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has increased the use of scrubs but can give wearers a false sense of security that they are 'clean' when in fact are as easily contaminated as any other clothing.[1] They have also been mandated in some American prisons as a prison uniform.[citation needed] The television show Scrubs is named for the medical garments worn by hospital personnel." 

Read the rest of Wikipedia's information:  Click Here

50 Web Resources Every Nurse Should Have

Pretty much every link you need to have, being a nurse.  Check this out! Click Here

May 17, 2011

30 Useful Web Apps You Need to Bookmark

FillAnyPDF


FillAnyPDF is a fairly simple web app which allows you to upload a PDF file, then easily write on it wherever you want. This allows you to easily fill out any form, even if they’re not in an editable PDF form. You can also share your blank form with others, so you can collect forms from a group easily. FillAnyPDF also supports electronic signatures and has a repository of free forms.

Google Wave

Read more: Click here

May 16, 2011

Job Description As a CNA Restorative Aide

A CNA restorative aide is a health-care professional who has earned certification as a certified nursing assistant and works with patients trying to return to regular, daily functioning after an illness or injury.
  1. Function

    • CNA restorative aides work alongside registered nurses as well as occupational and physical therapists, setting up necessary supplies and cleaning equipment and assisting as needed. For patients, CNA restorative aides help with exercises, such as walking, that do not need the direct supervision of a therapist or nurse.

Read more: Click Here

May 5, 2011

Celebrate Residents' Rights - National Residents' Rights Month 2011 Packet of Materials Available Online

From the National Long Term Care Ombudsmen Resource Center:

May 3, 2011

We are pleased to announce Residents' Rights Week has been expanded to Residents' Rights Month. This gives us the entire month of October to call attention to the very important topic of residents' rights.
Residents' Rights Month is an annual event designated by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care and is celebrated in October to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, sub acute units, assisted living, board and care and retirement communities. It is a time for celebration and recognition offering an opportunity for every facility to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect and the value of each individual resident. The theme for Residents' Rights Month 2011 is, "Welcome Home: Creating Connections Between Residents and the Community" with the goal of educating the community about residents' rights and to increase community involvement with residents.

2011 Residents' Rights Month Packet of Materials

Each year, the Consumer Voice develops a packet to help you plan your Residents’ Rights events. The packet is completely downloadable and features ready-to-use items, including promotional materials, activities to celebrate Residents' Rights Month, training tools and resources. Access the packet online.

May 3, 2011

Pharmacy Associations, Technicians and Settings for Technicians

An excerpt from our Pharmacy Technician course.

...In this chapter, you will be introduced to the qualifications, skills, and nonjudgmental duties required of pharmacy technicians in various job settings. You will also have the opportunity to learn about pharmacy technician certification. In addition to learning about the traditional settings for technicians, you will explore industry trends, such as e-pharmacies, and ways in which technicians can combine their knowledge of pharmacy with other skills and move into other positions.

Watch the Presentation "Pharmacy Associations, Certification, and Settings for Technicians"
You can download instructor notes to go along with the presentation by clicking here.



Links for Pharmacy Technician jobs and information:

Gardening Leads to Better Eating Habits and Quality of Life

Older adults who spend time gardening are more likely to eat healthier foods, and report better quality of life and higher energy levels than other seniors who don't garden.

Texas A&M and Texas State University conducted a survey of nearly 300 adults age 50 and over. 

  • Respondents who spent time gardening were more likely to be energetic, healthy and optimistic about the future.
  • 84% said they had made plans for things they will be doing in one month or one year, while only 68% of non-gardeners had made similar plans

Read more:  Click Here

April 28, 2011

Tips and Time Savers For CNA's


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.

See the rest - Click Here

History of the Health Unit Coordinator

Prior to World War II, hospitals were staffed by physicians, nurses, specialists such as laboratory technicians, and a few support personnel such as cooks and janitors. World War II brought about massive changes in the staffing of health facilities. These changes were first felt in England in the late 1930s as the immense number of casualties put an intolerable strain on physicians and nurses. First, the nurses took over some of the physicians' "duties," such as taking blood pressures and starting intravenous therapy. This meant that the nurse needed someone to take over some of her duties. (The vast majority of nurses at that time were women.)

It had always been noted by nurses that "desk" duties such as answering the telephone or going on errands frequently interrupted the giving of nursing care. So an individual was added to the staff to do these duties. This person was designated a "floor clerk." As the war went on, more and more responsibilities, such as copying diet lists and condition reports, were assigned to the "floor clerk" position description.

The first recorded unit coordinating history was found in an article, "In Favor of Floor Secretaries," published in 1940 in a journal, The Modern Hospital, written by a hospital administrator. In the article, the author, Abraham Oseroff, outlined the implementation of unit coordinating at Montifiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He described how "a new helper was introduced to the nursing unit to take care of the many details of a secretarial nature that formerly made demands on the limited time of the nurse." The new helper was called a "floor secretary." Mr. Oseroff further said," that the idea of a floor secretary was first met with skepticism, but it proved to be worthwhile from the beginning."

See the rest of this article on NAHUC.org - Click Here

April 27, 2011

More about the Health Unit Coordinator

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 19, 2011

When You're Visiting A Loved One In A Nursing Home

When you have a loved one living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it’s important to visit as often as you reasonably can. The stress of moving to a new environment often compounds medical problems and can make recovery more difficult. Staying active and socially engaged is an important part of healthy living, and you can help your loved one stay positive when you visit.
  • Nursing homes typically have visitation schedules that you should be aware of as you plan your visit. Dropping by unannounced can be a stressor instead of providing the comfort and pleasure you intended.
  • You should not visit when you have a cold, flu, or other virus, as other residents may have immune deficiencies which make them more susceptible to illness.
  • Call ahead to find out if your loved one is in need of any personal items, clothing, or other necessities. Ask what time of day would be best to avoid mealtimes and medication times.
Read more: Click here

March 28, 2011

Mental Health Aides and Medical Terminology

Today's class spotlight focuses on two of our lesser known but popular classes: Medical Terminology and Mental Health Aide. Medical Terminology is the backbone to any career in the health care field, and can be an invaluable part of your education. It's also a great bargain at $92.50 (plus a textbook) for a 10-hour class. Whether you work in a front office or are on the floor passing medications, having a working knowledge of Medical Terminology can make a big difference in your day-to-day work. The course is the perfect for people just beginning their health care education, or for working professionals who wish to brush up their skills. You'll learn the meaning and pronunciation of specific medical terms and come out of the course knowing how and when to use those terms. The textbook is also a good reference that you can look back on and review any time you want to refresh your memory. Medical Terminology is an open enrollment class, available in all 50 states, so there's no wait once you're ready to start. You have 30 days to access the class and use the study materials.

If you already have a CNA license but want to expand your skills, consider a Mental Health Aide class. Like Medical Terminology, this class has open enrollment and is available in every state. Mental Health Aides, also known as psychiatric aides, do everything a CNA does, but have the added training to work with mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals. This career path is perfect for people with a great deal of empathy and patience, and those who have a sincere desire to make a positive difference in a patient's life. It's
a challenging position, but one that builds on the skills most nurse aides already possess. A U.S. Department of Labor report (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos327.htm) adds that, "Because they have such close contact with patients, psychiatric aides can have a great deal of influence on their outlook and treatment." As with the other
career paths we have profiled, the need for Mental Health Aides is growing and job prospects are good. The DOL report adds that, "There is a long-term trend toward treating psychiatric patients outside of hospitals, because it is more cost effective and allows patients greater independence. Demand for psychiatric aides in residential facilities will rise in response to increases in the number of older persons, many of whom will require mental health services."

The Mental Health Aide class requires 60 hours of learning and costs $292.50 plus the cost of a textbook. You will have a full 90 days to complete the class, and you can access the lessons at any time that is convenient to your schedule. In a little less than an hour a day, you can add a whole new dimension to your health care education. Get started now!