Are You Nervous About Making a Major Life Change?

A recent survey, conducted by Identigene, shows that nearly half of adults in the United States plan to make a major life change in 2014. These changes range from buying a new house, having a new baby, paternity testing, getting married, or contemplating a divorce. Understandably enough, 90% of individuals who are planning a major life change state they are nervous about it.

Even with the best amount of planning there is a still some uncertainty that goes along with making major life changes. There could always be a problem with the house you are buying, skeletons in the closet of the man you are marrying, or financial hardships that make caring for a growing child more difficult. But somehow, even with all the uncertainly, most people do tackle life’s biggest obstacles and are happier for it.

But not all major life changes have to be stressful.



For More.


Learn what it takes to become a Health Unit Coordinator at http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Nurse Aides: How to have good relationships with other staff

To be an effective Nursing Assistant, you must have excellent communication skills. You will be communicating throughout your daily activities with patients, their family and friends, and an array of medical staff. You will work directly with the Nursing staff. This will be a very important area to develop strong relationships in. You will also be communicating with physicians, X-Ray technicians, lab staff, surgery units, and emergency services.

Therefore, it is very important that you continually work on your communication style and effectiveness. Your job will be much easier if you are able to establish good relationships with other staff members. As a Nursing Assistant, you will be overseen by the Nursing staff. They will depend on your to report accurate information on patient charts. You need to be sure you are documenting what they ate and how much, their vital signs, and any changes you notice.

For More.

Learn more about what it takes to become a CNA: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Helping residents get Happy and Healthy

When someone showed Stephanie Gumina a Canadian video featuring seniors singing Carly Rae Jepsen’s pop hit “Call Me Maybe” last year, she thought residents of the Belvedere of Westlake in Ohio, where she is program director, would enjoy participating in a similar activity.
“My residents are very animated,” she told me. “Just because you’re a senior citizen doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. We have fun every day. We laugh every day.”

Stephanie found the perfect vehicle for the Belvedere’s assisted living residents to express their energy—and for her to use skills honed in broadcast school—in Pharrell Williams’ infectious, Oscar-nominated tune “Happy,” which is featured in the children’s movie “Despicable Me 2.” And now the world can see the results of their efforts, because Stephanie posted a video of residents and staff members dancing and singing along to the ditty on YouTube, where it has received more than 3,700 hits in the past month.

For More and original blog.

Like to become an Activity Director?

Boost Your Self-image with 4 Easy Steps

Low self-esteem can negatively affect virtually every facet of your life, including your relationships, your job and your health. But you can take steps to boost your self-esteem, even if you've been harboring a poor opinion of yourself since childhood. Start with these four steps.

Step 1: Identify troubling conditions or situations

Think about the conditions or situations that seem to deflate your self-esteem. Common triggers might include:

• A business presentation
• A crisis at work or home
• A challenge with a spouse, loved one, co-worker or other close contact
• A change in life circumstances, such as a job loss or a child leaving home

Step 2: Become aware of thoughts and beliefs

Once you've identified troubling conditions or situations, pay attention to your thoughts about them. This includes your self-talk — what you tell yourself — and your interpretation of what the situation means.

For More.

Interested in changing your career to one in the healthcare industry?

Earth Day 2014: 3 Gardening Activities for Seniors

What can you do to make an impact this Earth Day, April 22 and beyond? Going green at your assisted or independent living home is a great start to saving the planet. This can mean investing in energy-saving fluorescent bulbs, growing a self-sustaining garden, or simply planting flowers outdoors. For seniors, the latter may hold a special appeal in several ways:

• It’s a fitting tribute to Earth Day as you toil and enrich the soil, while directly connecting with nature
• Gardening is a fantastic outdoor exercise, therapeutic in many ways, plus as you give back to the earth you’re rewarded with the sunshine vitamin D  
• Planting a food garden can represent the symbiotic relationship between nature and man’s sustenance.

With these in mind tryout four (4) good gardening tips you’ll enjoy reaping their benefits:

Grow Organic Food – DIY Compost and Mulch!

Compost is one of the best, most eco-friendly fertilizers there is, and you can do-it-yourself (DIY) free for use every time. Just get a compost bin or make a pile in your garden; your compost material can include grass cuttings, leaves, fruits and vegetable scrapes, and coffee grounds (you don’t have to use manure).

For More.

Learn what it takes to become a home health aide.

Oral Healthcare and Your Health

Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. Did you know that your oral health can offer clues about your overall health — or that problems in your mouth can affect the rest of your body? Your mouth is connected to the rest of your body. To understand how the mouth can affect the body, it helps to understand what can go wrong in the first place. Bacteria that builds up on teeth make gums prone to infection. The immune system moves in to attack the infection and the gums become inflamed. The Inflammation continues unless the infection is brought under control.


Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say the mechanism of the destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is similar. Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene helps reduce your risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Experts stop short of saying there is a cause-and-effect between gum disease and these other serious health problems, but the link has shown up in numerous studies.
For More and Original Article.

To learn what it takes to become a restorative aide: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Farm-To-Table Dining Approach for Senior Living

Eating “local,” courtesy of regional farms, suppliers, and nearby farmer’s markets has been one of the biggest recent movements in the food industry. It’s not unusual to see which local beef farmer provided the steak on your restaurant menu. Much like the organic and natural food trends, accessing local food sources has become more affordable, allowing big institutions like the senior living industry to participate.

Residents are benefiting from this new farm-to-table dining experience.
The dining component of senior residences has taken on a much bigger role, particularly for those potential residents evaluating a senior setting and interested in healthy, gourmet, and creative food options. The senior living company, Northbridge Communities, has made a commitment to the local food concept, but is making it a major focus of their Wayland, Mass. location, Carriage House at Lee’s Farm.

According to SeniorHousingNews.com, the farm-to-table approach incorporated at Carriage House has the dining service director and chef operating on a local producer-centric calendar.
For More.

Learn what it takes to become a certified nurse aide at http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

Celebrate World Health Day April 7

World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April every year to mark the anniversary of the founding of WHO in 1948. Each year a theme is selected that highlights a priority area of public health. The Day provides an opportunity for individuals in every community to get involved in activities that can lead to better health. The topic for 2014 is vector-borne diseases.

What are vectors and vector-borne diseases?

Vectors are organisms that transmit pathogens and parasites from one infected person (or animal) to another. Vector-borne diseases are illnesses caused by these pathogens and parasites in human populations. They are most commonly found in tropical areas and places where access to safe drinking-water and sanitation systems is problematic.

The most deadly vector-borne disease, malaria, caused an estimated 660 000 deaths in 2010. Most of these were African children.

To Learn More.

Want to start a career in healthcare? Learn what we have at: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

April 6 - 13 is National Volunteer Week

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University recently discovered that seniors who regularly volunteer decrease their blood pressure by 40 percent! 

The study's lead author Rodlescia S. Sneed said, "As people get older, social transitions like retirement, bereavement and the departure of children from the home often leave older adults with fewer natural opportunities for social interaction. Participating in volunteer activities may provide older adults with social connections that they might not have otherwise. There is strong evidence that having good social connections promotes healthy aging and reduces risk for a number of negative health outcomes."

Volunteering is also great for the brain. Dr. Patricia Boyle of Rush University in Chicago explains that as we grow older, we may lose our sense of purpose in life—and this actually puts us at greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Volunteering provides the kind of meaningful activity that promotes cognitive health.

Volunteer service also is a powerful tool for fighting depression. University of California, Riverside neurologists used sophisticated brain imaging to demonstrate that practicing acts of kindness boosts connections in the brain that reverse depression and apathy.

For More. 

Like to learn how to become an activity director?

March Tuition Reimbursement Winner for Kansas

Congratulations, Haley D.! 

Haley is our March Tuition Reimbursement Winner for Kansas! 

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

"I am a sophomore at Fort Hays State University. I need a job while in college and my sister recommended me to take classes through you as she did. . . . I'm so thankful to win this reimbursement as I borrowed money to take this course."
- Haley

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 and pay for a Nurse Aide course - See our course catalog Click Here.

Or go to our website Click Here.

February Tuition Reimbursement Winner for South Dakota

Congratulations, Laura N.! 

Laura is our February Tuition Reimbursement Winner for South Dakota! 

They will be getting a check from us soon. You could be next!

"I have been married for 38 years to my wonderful husband; we have 2 fur babies, Sadie and Sarge. I have been working in health care for 14 years and I thoroughly enjoy it. I am ecstatic about being chosen to receive this reimbursement.

Thank You!" - Laura


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 and pay for a Nurse Aide course - See our course catalog Click Here.

Or go to our website Click Here.

Celebrate Doctor's Day on March 30

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


Purpose: To recognize and gain recognition for Doctors.

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

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

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

What should be included in your Home Health Aide Resume

The Home health aide career has gained a lot of popularity and significance in the recent years. Home health aides or nursing aides provide care for people in the comfort of their homes. They are specifically trained to give medical aide such as dressing of wounds, giving injections and administering first aids. The training is nearly as good as the training of a nurse only that they provide care at home.

Home health aides normally work in different eight hour shifts for patients. Some give the option to work round the clock for patients if required. They can choose to work alone and find patients for themselves or can also work in agencies that can find patients for them and provide them employment. The money a home health aide can earn is good besides the satisfaction they can gain for helping a person in need.

Probably you find this career to be attractive and so you participated in a training program and completed it. To be able to get accepted by an employer and start working, it is important to know how to make your resume so you will be accepted easily.

Like any other resume, a home health aide resume must include information regarding your work as well as volunteer experience and educational qualifications. In your resume, make sure to highlight where your experience in the field began whether from volunteering in medical facilities or prior work as a home health aide.

For more.

Like to learn what it takes to become a Home Health Aide?

Top 9 Nursing Shoes for Men

More often than not, men are unjustly forgotten when it comes to nursing equipment and apparel, but not this time. Male nurses work the same long hours as their female counterparts and thus deserve their own list of comfortable nursing shoes to keep their aches and pains to a minimum.

The best nursing shoes for men are subjective, but we will be detailing the most popular. Here you will find the top 10 nursing shoes for men because we don’t want the valuable 7% of the nursing workforce to be forgotten.

We love male nurses and we want to help you take care of your feet too!

#1 – Dickies Medical Men’s SRMEXAM Leather Step In Nursing Shoe

#2 – Keen Utility Men’s PTC Slip-On Work Shoe
.
#3 – Standing Comfort Men’s Explorer Slip-On

For more information and more shoes.

Do you have what it takes to change careers?

Is The U.S. Worried about Senior Population Growth?

There’s been much speculation about how the growing senior population numbers will affect us. Will there be enough economic resources to sustain this huge shift? Will there be sufficient services, like adequate healthcare, to accommodate a graying demographic with their special needs?


A recent Pew Research study examined the attitudes about the growth in aging populations in countries around the globe. Not surprisingly, the research showed the greatest concerns in countries that will have the largest percentage of older adults by 2050.


For more.

Now is a great time to get into Healthcare. To learn more Click Here.

CNAs - Have you heard of the 20 year club?

The “Twenty Year Club” is a nationwide honorary member organization for experienced nursing assistants who provide direct care in nursing homes, homes, hospices, or other long-term care services.

PURPOSE OF THE “TWENTY YEAR CLUB:

1. To recognize and validate the nursing assistants who provide consistency and predictability to the people in their care.
2. To identify and address career growth, training needs and other issues relating to experienced nursing assistants.
3. To foster community understanding of the role, responsibilities, and value of experienced nursing assistants in long-term care services.
4. To provide a peer connection by, for and with, career nursing assistants across the country.

ELIGIBILITY

Nursing assistants, resident care assistants, attendants, home care aides or other direct care workers who have completed 20 or more years of service in long term care services. Service years do not need to be consecutive and can be from several different long-term care facilities or settings.

For more information about the 20 year club.

Now is a great time to refer a friend to online CNA classes at: http://wecareonlineclasses.com/

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.