Bedside Manners

New Age babies!!

2012-02-16T07:41:00.001-08:00

The Real Secret by Claire Westwood

2012-02-13T02:36:00.001-08:00

Some of you will befamiliar with the book and film 'The Secret', about how you can 'manifest'success and results through the use of vision boards, visualisation, raisingyour energy and so on.

I use all thesetechniques to create success in my life but you want to know the REAL secret?

It's taking action.

Every day.

For example, for my successit's been about - getting up early to write this ezine, goingnetworking, making calls and arranging to meet potential new clients, creatingrelationships, getting on stage to speak, reading books that teach me newthings, working with coaches and mentors to shorten my learning curve,investing money in my growth and development, taking scary steps every day....

Staying in the sameplace is not the solution, nor is 'hoping' or visualising without action!

My life is moving forwardrapidly because I have been prepared to take these steps, but I am not doingthem alone. I have my team, mentors, coaches, contacts on social media and lotsof information and learning to help me.

I can work with YOU tocreate YOUR life how you want it, but you have to take the first step and getin touch. You have to be prepared to do some work, and to invest some money inyourself and your life.

It is only bytrying things that we can find out what really works.

Be prepared totake the first step and get in touch!

Claire@happynurses.co.uk 07794 990258

If you do nothingdifferent ....nothing will change.....

Book something, dosomething new, call someone - and do it today!

Claire@happynurses.co.uk 07794 990258

Time Management for Nurses: 7 Tips to Create Time for Yourself

2012-02-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

I’ve recently put forth a question to all of the nurses I know about their biggest challenge that gets in the way of their self-care. I received many replies and noticed a theme emerge. Nurses responded with things like, “I just do not have time to fit in any fun after work” or “I can’t find the time to balance it all.” The common thread was one word: time.
I can understand how time becomes a challenge to self-care; with working 12 hour shifts, getting called in to help when there is a call-out, or working weekends. Nursing is a busy profession and it seems like we are always on the job! But our own health should not be placed on the back burner to our careers. We can be busy, productive professionals caring for our patients and our staff, but not at the expense of our own well-being!

Change your Mind Set. How many of you put other people first? Be honest. We all do. As nurses, we put patients first. Then, we come home and put children and spouses first. I encourage you to start thinking of yourself first. Be selfish. Think of yourself as number 1. Make yourself your first priority. Our thoughts become our actions so when you think of yourself as important you will treat yourself in that way.
Say No. Another tricky one for nurses; we want to help everyone. But if we keep saying “yes” to every request our plate will fill up leaving no room for ourselves. Get a buddy or call a trusted family member and practice saying “no” to people. If you are too busy taking care of everyone else and giving in to everyone else’s needs you will surely burn out quickly and be unable to be productive in anything you do!
Get Organized. Get a planner. And if you have a planner, buy a special pen that is just for your self-care activities. Schedule yourself in. Write your work-out time down. Put in your relaxation time onto your calendar. That way when someone comes to you asking for help, you already have “an appointment” (with yourself) and you do not even have to worry about feeling awkward saying “no.”
Prioritize. Follow your energy for your “to-do” list. Do the things that you enjoy first.Tackle the tasks that use your strengths. By doing things you enjoy, you will waste less time procrastinating with the things you really do not feel like doing. Look at your “to-do” list and start with the things that give you joy. You will notice yourself getting things done much faster that way!
Cut Out Distractions. I love this one (although I am still working on it!). How much time do you waste surfing the web? What amount of time do you sit watching reality TV? Try this experiment: carry a stop watch with you and measure how much “useless activity” you spend your time in. I bet if you cut out all that time spent on Facebook or Twitter you would have hours of time to spend on your own self-care.
Slow Down. What is “time” really? They say the past is over, the future has not come, but the present is a gift. Live in the now. Avoid rushing from one thing to the next, or worse yet, multi-tasking. Focus on what you are doing in the moment. By doing this you will free up a lot of your time as you will get things done more efficiently and effectively. And quit saying, “I have no time for that” because how you are using your time will surely free up space for yourself.
Breathe. Spend 5 minutes each day just sitting quietly, with eyes closed, back straight, watching your breathing. Focus on the inhalation and exhalation fully. Do this each day and you will feel clearer and more focused. Creating a settled, quiet mind will create more calm. Peace of mind will bring time for you.

I welcome any comments or questions that this article brings up. Please contact me if you have any thoughts on this topic as it interests me greatly!

Event for Nurses!

Supportive Monthly Call with Elizabeth “Coach” Scala:
When: Thursday February 9th, 2012 at 8pm EST

Have you been feeling busy, stressed, or overwhelmed? Do you find it hard to fit in time for yourself? We will cover several practical and easy to implement strategies that will help you to better organize your time and make yourself your first priority. Come join me as we Support You to Care for Yourself!

Nursing Tribute: Why Is It So Difficult?

2012-02-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

Nursing Tribute: Why Is It SoDifficult?

This articleis dedicated to those nurses around the world working in the trenches; workingtirelessly for the good of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones who areentrusted to your tender, loving and skillful care.

Why is it sodifficult... this being a nurse? I mean, in what other profession do you:

§ Makelife-and-death decisions for 7 people based on a 5-minute shift report?

§ Get berated by aphysician for forgetting one thing when you have remembered 100other things

§ Think aboutwhat you are going to havefor lunch while cleaning an emesis basis or a bedpan?

§ Have to knowthe etiology, classification, dosage, side effects, contraindications, andcompatibility for 18,000 different medications?

§ Need to knowthe significance of obscure lab results and whether the doctor should beawakened at 3am because of them?

§ Have toobtain a physician's order to give a patient a Tylenol but have the authorityto float a Swan-Ganz catheter through a patient's heart to measure centralvenous pressure and pulmonary artery pressure

§ Coordinaterespiratory therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiology,dietary, social services, consulting specialists, and wound carenurses for 7 patients but somehow forget where you put your carkeys?

§ Spend 12hours on your feet only to be told by your personal physician that you need to get more exercise?

§ Own 20 setsof scrubs and own zero sets of scrubs without a stain on them

§ Have to learna new corporate computer system when you are 55 years old, and you don't evenown a computer

§ Memorize themenus and phone numbers of every local restaurant that will deliver in themiddle of the night?

§ Find yourselfchoosing a personal physician based on how nice he or she is to the nurses?

§ Go to workwhen it's still dark outside and leave work when it is again dark outside?

§ Get floatedto some random area of the hospital where you have received zero training andbe expected to carry the load of a nurse who has worked the unit for 20 years?

§ Consider a chair at thenurses' station something worth fighting for?

§ Learn aboutresearch findings because the administration taped them on the wall of theladies' room across from the toilet?

§ Know yourpatients by their diagnoses and/or their room numbers rather than their names?

§ Feel nakedwithout a stethoscope and a pen hanging around your neck?

§ Learn how totake a manual blood pressure in 15 seconds flat?

§ Remember yourworst nightmare was when you dreamt that the doctor called and you couldn'tfind the patient's chart?

§ Feel guiltywhen you leave your patients for 30 minutes to have lunch?

§ Learn to readphysicians' handwriting that resembles the graffiti on the dumpster behind thelocal Wal-Mart?

Why is it sodifficult? And why is it so difficult imagining myself ever doing anythingelse? And why is it so difficult to explain why I love it so much...this beinga nurse?

About the Author: Susan Kieffer, RN, MSN/Ed., is a fulltime faculty member with the KaplanUniversity School of Nursing online. Her current position involves orientingand training new faculty members in their transition to online education. Sheis a busy pastor’s wife, worship leader, a mother of two, a grandmother of six,and pet owner of a Great Dane, Pomeranian, a Himalayan cat, a snake, and othermultiple critters. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in E-Commerce.

Click here toread more on Susan Kieffer.

PAEDIATRIC NURSES REQUIRED!

2012-02-04T04:54:00.001-08:00

The Harley Street clinic is currently expanding their PAEDIATRIC DEPARTMENT and would like to invite children’s nurses like yourself to apply or arrange an informal visit to show you around the unit.

The paediatric service at The Harley Street Clinic has been in operation for over 30 years. Initially set up to provide high quality cardiac care, or services now include cardiac, oncology/haematology, neurological, general paediatric, ENT, and soon to be liver care.

The units that are currently recruiting includes:

- Ward (Harley Bear) - This ward is made up of 18 ensuite private rooms

- Paediatric Progressive Care Unit (PPCU) - The high dependency unit is made up of 5 beds, within an open bay

- Paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) - The unit is made up of 13 beds, caring for level 1-3 patients

- Paediatric Day Unit (PDU) - The day unit is made up of an assessment area, x2 consulting rooms and a Treatment room with four chairs, catering for our oncology day patients

- Paediatric Outpatients Department (POPD) - The outpatients department runs general/specialist paediatric clinics for ages 0-16year

They have both senior and junior nurse opportunities available.

WE ALSO NEED HEAD HUNTERS TO HELP US WITH THIS PROJECT!

We will offer you referral fees of up to £1000, so if you would like to help us with some headhunting, please give us a call to discuss the process

Top 25 Pediatric Nursing blogs

2012-02-04T04:42:00.000-08:00

Pediatric nursing can be a fulfilling career. Many health care professionals with master of science in nursing degrees find themselves drawn to helping children. There are even MSN programs designed to help nurses choose a specialty like pediatrics. If you enjoy children, and if you are interested in helping them through illness and injury, you might consider pediatric nursing. It also helps to be able to work with parents as well, explaining different procedures and helping parents know how to help their children once they leave the hospital or office.
If you are interested in pediatric nursing, here are 25 top blogs you can read to learn more about caring for the smallest of patients:

Pediatric Nurse Blogs

Here are some blogs written by nurses and other health care professionals that care for children, or that are involved with childbirth. Learn more about the lifestyle and professional challenges associated with pediatric nursing.

The Makings of a Nurse: She’s just finishing up nursing school, but Nurse Teeny has some great insights into the lifestyle of a nurse. She has also worked in pediatric nursing, and shares some thoughts on that in some of her posts.
Pediatrics Nursing News: Nurse.com offers this blog, and nursing headlines from the world of pediatrics. Learn more about pediatric nursing, and learn the latest techniques and tips associated with caring for younger patients.
NeoNurseChic: This nursing student is studying to be a pediatric nurse practitioner. While the blog hasn’t been updated in a while, there are some interesting posts in the archives, and the information remains relevant.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jobs: This helpful blog has insights on nursing, and, in particular, life as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Includes career tips and helpful information that can help you if you are interested in progressing further in pediatric nursing.
Blog of a Wife & Nurse: Follow the adventures of a newlywed NICU nurse as she helps the littlest patients into life. Real-world look at what it’s like to work in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Birthday Nurse: This nurse specializes in birth, and in helping care for newborns. Read her interesting stories, and get some insight into how to care for these newborn patients, as well as how to interact with the parents.
Octopus Mom: This mom and nurse shares stories of life as NICU nurse, and a busy mom. She recently quit her nursing job to stay home with her children, but she still has some great insights on nursing — and you can always read the archives!
The Midwives of Bethany Womens Healthcare: A group of nurse midwives at a women’s health center share insights on nursing, pregnancy and raising healthy children.
Adventures in Juggling: Get a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a NICU nurse, juggling career and life while helping as many people as possible.

Celebrate International Women’s Day

2012-02-04T04:32:00.000-08:00

Published: 02 February 2012

The Royal College of Nursing is set to celebrate International Women’s Day, which takes place on 8 March.

The RCN Diversity Unit will host an evening reception from 5:30pm to 7pm at RCN HQ, 20 Cavendish Square in London, and members are invited to come and learn about the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) (Doctors Without Borders) and Women for Women International.

MSF is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid in more than 60 countries to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters or exclusion from health care.

Women for Women is a non-governmental organisation working with socially excluded women in eight countries where war and conflict have devastated lives and communities.
Come and hear from Alison Criado-Perez, an experienced Médecins Sans Frontières nurse, who will share her experiences of working with MSF to deliver expert nursing care from the centre of stricken combat zones. Alison has served in the Central African Republic, Uganda, Colombia, Nigeria and most recently in Libya.

To reserve your place at the reception, please email the RCN Diversity Team. Another key part of the day's celebrations will be the “Join me on the bridge” event, organised by Women for Women International.

RCN members are being encouraged to join the event between 10.30am and 2pm on the south side of the Millennium Bridge in London.

Those attending will march across the river, and towards the Royal Festival Hall. Entertainment will be provided along the route and will be followed by the launch of WOW - Women of the World 2012. This is an annual festival that presents, celebrates and recognises women from all walks of life.

This is your opportunity to stand in solidarity with women united in taking a stand for peace and women's equality.

Email the Diversity Team to advise the RCN if you are able to attend bridge event.

Further information

Read more about Women for Women International at www.womenforwomen.org and about MSF at www.msf.org.uk

Professional Boundaries in Nursing

2011-11-27T12:11:00.001-08:00

"Boundaries are mutually understood, unspoken physical and emotional limits of the relationship between the patient and the nurse." (Farber, 1997)

When these limits are altered, what is allowed in the relationship becomes ambiguous and possibly unethical. The health and well being of patients depends upon a collaborative effort between the nurse and the patient. Patients are extremely vulnerable to boundary violations because they trust us as their health care providers. They come to us in a time of need, presenting with physical, and often emotional, distress. Some patients demand continuous attention but are unaware of their insatiable neediness. (Muskin and Epstein, 2009)

Warning signs of unhealthy boundaries could be:

1. You share personal problems or aspects of your intimate life with patients.

2. You keep secrets with patients.

3. You become defensive when someone questions your interaction with

4. You have received gifts from a patient.

5. You speak to the patient about your own professional needs or inability.

6. You speak poorly of co-workers or the hospital to patients.

7. You talk to patients/families about things that are out of your scope of practice.

8. You give certain patients extra time or attention.

9. You give patients personal contact information or money.

10. You fail to set limits with a patient.

11. You spend duty time with patients.

12. You feel that you understand the patient’s problems better than other members of the healthcare team.

Violations of professional boundaries are almost always to make ourselves come across to the patient as the victim. It does not matter whether you are whining to a patient about your personal life or accepting a gift, you have altered the role of caregiver to the person in need of care.

When you speak ill of coworkers or the hospital, you are looking for sympathy from the patient to feel sorry for your situation, whatever that may be. If you speak to a patient about the poor staffing or your inability to perform a task, you instill fear in the patient in order to achieve power. You are using their situation for personal gain.

All nurses are vulnerable to boundary problems. Nurses who have patients with extended length of stay or treatment are especially vulnerable.

To be more aware of boundary issues you may be unaware of, begin to listen to what you say to patients. Is your tone, approach and conversation professional? Is there a clear distinction that this is your patient and you are the professional nurse? Are you telling the patient or family specific information for personal gain?

If you see other nurses violating professional boundaries, you do not help the patient or the nurse by not bringing the issue to someone's attention. Take the time to mentor less experienced nurses with what they could have said, or other choices. If the violation is repeated, you need to inform the nurse’s supervisor.

Boundary violations occur one small step at a time and almost always without warning, yet if we are aware, the warning signs are there. What appears to be innocent may end up being a commitment to an unprofessional relationship with a patient.

The best thing you can do is to remain mentally healthy. Take time to take care of yourself and your family. If you are feeling vulnerable with a specific situation or patient, do not be afraid to ask a peer to help you by taking that patient assignment.

Farber, N, Novak, D, O’Brien, M. Love, Boundaries, and the Physician-Patient Relationship Arch Int Med 1997;157: 2291-2294.

Muskin, P,Epstein, L. Clinical guide to Countertransference. Current Psychiatry 2009; 8:25-32

About the Author: Kim Holland has 20 years experience in the field of Psychiatric Mental-Health Nursing and received AACN Certification as a Board Certified Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse in 2004. Kim brings years of leadership experience, ranging from child mental health to geropsychiatry. Kim has also taught psychiatric nursing as an adjunct professor at Oklahoma University School of Nursing and is dedicated to enhancing the psychiatric skills of nursing students.
Click here for more on Kim Holland.

Nurses and Teamwork: Can You Rely on Your Teammates?

2011-11-20T22:27:00.001-08:00

Have you ever had a daywhen you’re drowning and no one notices? You’re four hours into the shift witha patient going downhill, you’re worried about the safety of your five otherpatients and your stomach is reminding you that you haven’t eaten anythingsince swallowing half a bagel on the drive in to work.
When you’re overwhelmed, does anyone on your unitnotice? If the answer is yes, then you and your colleagues are doing somethingright! Think about what it is you’re doing and discuss it at staff meetings toreinforce the good behaviors.

But, if you work on a unitwhere no one notices when you need help, think about why.

Two of the many reasons forfailed teamwork include 1) Unclear expectations and 2) Focusing on weakness.

Set Clear Expectations

Are expectations for teamsupport clear on your unit? Do you have a code of conduct that explicitlystates how you’ll care for one another? Many nurses have created change byinviting open discussion at a staff meeting. Talk with your managerabout inviting your team to generate a code of conduct. Start small with just afew expectations. State each one clearly, define what it means and discussconsequences for violating the code. Be creative with your consequences becausenone of us is perfect. I know one team that requires a nurse to bring donuts onthe day after a violation.

Look for Strengths

We don’t have to like the people we work with. They’re not always people we’dchoose as friends. But we do have to respect the work they do. A nurseonce came to me complaining about a colleague who was very quiet and kept toherself. “Lisa’s not a team player,” she said. So I asked her to tell me aboutLisa’s strengths. Was she a good organizer? Did she finish her shift on time?Was she a whiz at computerized charting?

When I was a staff nurse,Elise was a nurse on my unit who could start an IV on anyone. I looked for herwhen I couldn’t get a line in. As a nurse manager, I tapped into Gloria, anurse on my unit who loved crossword puzzles. She loved to create the monthlynursing schedule because it was a giant, fun puzzle to her. Most of us feelgood when people notice our special talents. How can you tap into acolleague’s strengths when you need help? On a day when you’re drowning,consider saying, “I’ve noticed you’re a really good planner, can you help mereorganize my priorities so everything gets done today?”

Teamwork isn’t about luck.It’s about setting clear expectations for colleagueship and tapping into thestrengths of the people you work with. It’s easy to find faults in others. Ittakes a real leader to look for the strengths.

Aboutthe Author:Debra Kirkley, PhD, RN, isa well known speaker on nursing leadership and is author of more than 25publications, including articles in Nursing, Nursing Economics, and JONA.Debra’s hospital roles have included staff nurse, clinical nurse specialist,unit educator, and nurse manager/executive.

An attitude of gratitude

2011-11-09T04:41:00.000-08:00

A little bit of appreciation goes a long way. Here are some useful tips tohelp you cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

We first make our habits, and then our habits make us – John Dryden

Decide to be grateful

It is entirely your choice whether you want to become a grateful person. Ifyou decide to be a grateful person, then be it. No matter what happens to you,it is still up to you to decide how you want to respond. So make the decision now tobe a grateful person.

Appreciate life

It is estimated that 106bn people have been born on Earth, with 6bn livingtoday. Life expectancy in most of human history is only 20-35 years. And mostof those years were spent in disease, poverty, and misery. Only in the lastcentury has human life expectancy increased significantly.

Seek out the goodthings

Sometimes we see only the bad things that happen in our life and overlookthe good things. Open your eyes and be observant of those good things. Dedicatetime each day to simply focusing on positive things and seek out something thatwill make you smile.

Wake up with an attitude of gratitude

You can train your mind to focus on anything you like. When you wake up,you immediately begin to consciously programme your subconscious mind on howyour day will be. If you tell yourself that you are going to have abad/stressful day, then you will, because your subconscious mind will believeanything your conscious mind tells it. Turn any negative thought around anddiscipline yourself to start every day with a positive and appreciativethought.

Introduce vitamin G

I mentioned at the beginning of the book the concept of Vitamin G (VitaminGratitude). A great way to do this is to have a gratitude stone by your bedsidetable or by your toothpaste, and remember to take it in your hand each morningand reflect upon what you are grateful for. Do this every day for a month andit will become embedded as a new habit and you will start to notice how good itmakes you feel.

Keep a gratitude journal

Take vitamin G one step further and write the good things that happen inyour life in a journal, especially those which impress you. When life looksdark and it’s difficult for you to be grateful, open and read your journal.Dwelling on the happy positive stuff will help you to realise how wonderfullife can be and will be again. This is great to do before you go to bed atnight.

See problems as probortunities

Out of every problematic situation there is an opportunity. You can chooseto focus on the problem or the solution. This might be difficult for somepeople – however, I firmly recommend it. At the very least, bad things give youvaluable lessons you can be grateful for. When you have this mindset, it’seasier to see the good things you can get out of something difficult andchallenging. This way you will always have reasons to be grateful.

Get into the habit of saying thank you

Do you always remember to say thank you? Are there times you forget becauseyou are too busy? Perhaps when someone has sent you a gift you haven’t let themknow how much you appreciated it. Perhaps, when you have been to dinner atsomeone’s house, the next day you forget to let them know how much you enjoyedit. Even the routine things that your family or partner does, do you take it inyour stride without acknowledgement? No one likes being taking for granted, somake sure that saying thankyou is part of the daily fabric of your life.

Say thank you and mean it

Also make sure that saying thank you isn’t a chore in your mind. Heartfeltsincere thanks are tangible and not an obligation. When you say thank you tosomeone, look them in the eyes and mean it! A small gesture like that couldmake all the difference to someone whose day will glow a little brighter forbeing acknowledged and appreciated.

Do highlights

Getting into the habit of focusing on the best bits and highlighting threethings that made you appreciative and happy is a wonderful way to summariseyour day.

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of thenight,
For health and food, forlove and friends,
For everything Thy goodnesssends.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Email info@liggywebb.com for a freeGratitude Journal and happiness toolkit

Bedside Manners 101

2011-11-07T01:11:00.000-08:00

One statement we have allheard from mom is, "treat others as you would like to be treated".That moniker definitely applies here! We ALL have time to show compassion to our patients. If you think you don't, perhapsyou need to re-evaluate your job description and/or work location!

The following are some simple ideas to keep in mind when "treating"your patients. Many of these apply only to the hospital setting...but othersapply to every situation.

§ Imaginethat it is your parent or child lying there… How would you like him/her to be treated? Enough said on that one!

§ Thelittle things mean a lot. Clean the bedside table, supply the patient withfresh water, make sure the covers are pulled up, and offer to open the blindsto let some light in. How long does each of these simple tasks really take? Notlong and they will go a long way in the eyes of your patients.

§ Canwe talk about something other than my illness please? Don't youthink your patient would like you to take a moment to find out something elseabout him/her besides the details of the illness at hand? What do you do for aliving? Do you have any children or grandchildren? Those are simple questionsthat show you are interested in the patient as a PERSON.

§ Takethe time to make sure the linen and gown has been changed and the patient hasbeen bathed. So many times this does not happen as often as it should. Why not?A nice warm bath does wonders for the spirit!

§ Thecall button is there for a reason…I have been a patient in a hospital threedifferent times. Each time I rang the call button only when I REALLY neededsomething. The response each time? "I'll be right there". And all three times – noone came! Think about the irony of this!

§ Ask open ended questions…You will gain moreinsight into the patient. Questions like, "How did you feel whenthat happened?"or "Whatdo you usually do when that happens?" The answers to open ended questions will give youmore information than you were originally seeking. Remember: information ispower! The information you gain from your patients gives you – and ultimatelythe patient – more power in healing to his/her maximum extent.

Having a positive, compassionate, and caring bedsidemanner can avoid patient complaints, and more importantly, give patientsgreater comfort in times of need. The other positive side effect: your friendlybedside manner promotes the ENTIRE NURSING PROFESSION!

I asked my mother, who is elderly and often a patient in the hospital, what herbiggest complaint with nurses is. This is the final tip:

§ Saymy name and make eye contact: Again, simple, non-timestealing requests that increase satisfaction of your patients. Don't make yourpatients feel like a "number" – say their name! Please make eyecontact – even for a brief moment – because you are making a person to personconnection!

Nurses, please leave acomment below sharing your thoughts on this article!

Aboutthe Author: Sue Heacock, RN, MBA, COHN-S is the author of Inspiring the Inspirational: Words of Hope From Nurses toNurses, a compilation of stories from nurses around the country,with a sprinkling of inspirational quotes. Sue is a Certified OccupationalHealth Nurse Specialist and has worked in a variety of areas of nursingincluding pediatrics and research. Before entering the nursing profession, Sueworked in human resources and equal employment opportunity.

Article from website - http://www.nursetogether.com/

PS - life is short, don't spend it doing something you no longer love....

2011-10-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

Hello - and how is life with you?

I have been listening to some amazing audio from some inspirational womentoday (Friday) and thought I would just write a quick note to you all.

I was struck by the same themes that come out over and over again - it'sabout taking some action - DOING something - that really makes thedifference.

If you are feeling stuck and 'boxed in' at work, then thinking about it,moaning about it and moping about will make no difference - in fact, it willmake you feel 100% worse!

The only thing to do is - something different!

Read an inspiring book

Listen to some great audio (mine or other's)

Book a call with me

Find a buddy to support you

Buy a notebook and take an hour to write down all your successes in life

Have a 'date' with yourself and do something you love that you have not done for a while

Just get out of the rut!

One of the participants in my first 3-day course a couple of years ago said'I realised that the only thing stopping me was ME'.

It's not really about 'money' or 'time' or any of those things but abouttaking the first step and making things different.

I am busy creating my EXIT plan so I can stop nursing, then travel andspeak, inspire, write and coach, get on big stages across the world andhold 'Creative Learning Adventures In Remarkable Environments'(C.L.A.I.R.E.!!)

I am so unstuck now it's amazing - get yourself off the starting line andjoin the programme for a new job

www.ajobyoulove.co.uk/programme

Check out the full programme here

http://ajobyoulove.co.uk/programme

Don't think 'I'll do it later' because you probably won't...GET OUT OFYOUR OWN WAY! - do it NOW and get £2000 of training and inspiration for50% off!!

Speak soon, you can book a 1:1 call to see how you can get unstuck andcreate a more fulfilling life here:

https://my.timedriver.com/58P1H

Claire

PS - life is short, don't spend it doingsomething you no longer love....

Are You Sabotaging Your Professionalism as a Nurse?

2011-10-16T20:44:00.000-07:00

Professionalism is at the forefront of nursing and allied health industries. This aspect is vital to a patients’ sense of wellbeing. Professionalism increases the patient, family, co-worker and employer confidence in the clinician.
The following are ways to sabotage then to recover your own career professionally, respectively.

Top ways to sabotage your own professionalism:
1. Be late, or chronically absent, to work. People just love to cover shifts for irresponsible employees. You lose the trust of your boss and co-workers. Make sure you are posting your exploits on social pages while "ill”.
2. Talk about politics, religion or sex. Our aging population was reared with an Emily Post mentality. Many of our younger generation were reared by the aging population. Talk to the patient about how much your boss and co-workers hate you and how the corporation is messing with you. Talk about your personal life. Discuss your Saturday night, your divorce, your significant other or your children’s problems.
3. Look or smell as though you just rolled out of bed. Use a cold iron on your clothes. Wear excessive make up and tiger claw nails. Show off those tattoos and piercings. Smell of tobacco, alcohol, cologne, or body odor. It is your right to do as you please with your body, but eventually, no one will work with you, staff or patient.
4. Gossip. This will make you popular and unpopular at the same time. Every wants to listen, because they hope it isn't about them. Make sure the bus you throw people under has all 18 wheels. Bullying is another way to sabotage your professionalism.
5. Refuse to take responsibility and come to work do the minimum. Take all breaks to the minute. Leave at the end of the day. When asked to do anything extra, say "that's not my job!" or “that's not in my job description”.
6. Let your license lapse. Refuse to change or keep up with current technologies. Keep it old school.
7. Complain, whine, and point out problems continuously.

Ways to "get it back!" - It's not too late:
1. This may seem simple but it really works. Be on time and stop being a "clock watcher." I am a believer in work-life balance. I believe you should give back. While at work, you should be paid for the service you are providing, but mentioning this at every opportunity is not ideal.
2. Dress for success. Take an extra couple moments before your shift starts. Check yourself. Does your appearance reflect the best goals of the company? Your personal standards of excellence?
3. Put a circle around your feet. (I learned this from a pastor friend years ago) If it doesn't pertain to you, don't repeat it. This one is more difficult than the above recommendations. It means don't gossip. Don't talk about it when your co-worker is online networking. This is not your concern. The person inside the circle is the only person you can control. If you refuse to gossip, it becomes harder for upper management to take rumors about you seriously.
4. Play nice on the playground - the simple Kindergarten concept. We learned not to kick sand. To win at tug-of-war, you had to work as an effective team. That means sometimes rising to the challenge before your co-worker is willing. Helping. Perhaps, doing something a little extra.
5. Put your troubles in a sack. Leave them at the door. Everyone has, what the kids today call, "drama." We used to call if life. When you arrive at work, leave the sack at the door. Try not to let any get on you. Texting and talking about your personal life says “my job isn't important.” I am not paying attention. Pick up the sack on breaks, lunch or after work.
6. Say one nice thing. Brighten someone’s day. Ask a patient or a co-worker how they are, and then let them lead the conversation. It will relieve tension for all concerned. You may be the only person who listened in a long time. Note: this is not to be confused with gossip.
7. Be ambitious. Make it your mission to keep up with the new technology in your CEU’s. Keep track of your licenses and registrations. When you have a free moment, ask if you can help someone else.
8. Be a problem solver. Bring at least one solution to the table when you point out a challenge.
Problem solvers are noticed in times when tough corporate decisions have to be made. It isn't only about getting a job, but keeping the job. Be the person they want to keep.
Nurses, do you know more improper conducts that can sabotage nursing professionalism? Leave us a comment below.
Click here for more information on Luanna P Banghart, LPN, CCT, CRAT, RMA.

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Find A Job You Love - Break out of the rut– go on, do it today!

2011-10-14T05:48:00.001-07:00

I know that if you areanything like I was when I first started on this journey, you will have littleidea on how to start to find the job you really love – you can use the tips inthe PDF but what do you do with that information?

A massive piece is lookingat your mindset. We are all scared of change and doing things differently. The3-day BIG IMPACT mindset event will give you the confidence to do almostanything. This is your free bonus when you book on the "Find a Job YouLove" programme.

The first mindset challengeis to sign up for the programme – do it today and know that you are making thefirst step into a bright new future for yourself. Reserve your place heretoday: "Find A Job YouLove" Online Coaching Programme

Stop working in a job youare ready to leave and start to fulfill your potential.

Are you a passive recipientof life – hoping something will turn up, or an active participant?

Be the active one and joinus on this amazing programme today.

Reserve your place heretoday: "Find A Job YouLove" Online Coaching Programme

To finding a job you reallylove . . . .

Claire

p.s Got questions? Why notbook a session with me to discuss . .. simply click on this link to book a dateand time: https://my.timedriver.com/58P1H

Find a Job You Love webinars

2011-10-13T16:03:00.000-07:00



	The Find a Job You Love webinars have now been completed and I loved doing them! I hope those of you that listened enjoyed them too... Tomorrow I am setting aside the whole day to speak to those of you who are stuck, stressed, bored or just plain fed up with your job! I am leaving a whole day free to talk to you, and help you, so simply book your call with me by clicking on this link https://my.timedriver.com/58P1H You may have listened to the webinars and you may not, but if you are having challenges in work then it's about time you started to do something about it. the first step is talking to me. It's easy - click on the link to book your slot then ring the number and I will answer - easy! https://my.timedriver.com/58P1H I am a 'real person'(!) and would love to help you so - go on, do it! - there are also spaces over the next 2 weeks but now is the time to grab the bull by the horns and take the first step in believeing that you can change how you live your life https://my.timedriver.com/58P1H This call will identify where you are stuck and how you could be doing SO MUCH MORE with your life. We all have strengths, skills and potential that our jobs often do not let us explore and use. It's easy to get stuck in a rut and if you are feeling bored and unfulfilled and need a boost then I am the woman to help, encourage and support you! I look forward to getting you unstuck and into a job you love.... book your call today https://my.timedriver.com/58P1H Check out the full programme here http://ajobyoulove.co.uk/programme The price doubles on Monday 17th, as the launch offer is finished by then. Don't think 'I'll do it later' because you probably won't...life gets in the way and other stuff needs doing - do it NOW and get £2000 of training and inspiration for 75% off!! Speak soon, Claire PS - life is short, don't spend it doing something you no longer love.... I am waiting for your call....! Where is Claire? October 14th - 'Find a Job You Love' calls October 16th - gospel choir singing day October 19th - speaking at Primary Care Live, London http://www.primarycarelive.com/Primary10/website/Default.aspx?refer=35 October 28th - 30th - attending the Millionaire Women's Summit November 27th - Performing at the stand-up comedy showcase evening, Nottingham Make this term the one you Find a Job YOU love, happynurses Claire Join us on Facebook

Working in the Private Sector: The sky's the limit

2011-09-24T05:42:00.000-07:00

DISPELLING THE MYTHS OF THE DARK SIDE

2011-09-24T05:33:00.000-07:00

It seems that many healthcare professionals view the private sector as the “Dark Side” of Medicine where the patients are all divas and the procedures are all about Botox. This is, however, just a myth.

There are many myths surrounding the potential for career development, opportunities for progression and quality of learning and development in the independent healthcare sector.

Read on to find some facts which may surprise you......

Fact 1

Education opportunities are well developed within the independent sector and the vast majority of organisations provide education and training for their staff Development opportunities are widespread ranging from the ability to take a degree, to learning about marketing and the business environment. Many organisations work in partnership with Higher Education institutions.

Fact 2

With the wide scope of services offered in this industry, health practitioners won’t have a problem to find a place to start a career in the independent health sector. In fact, thanks to closer collaboration and joint ventures between the NHS and the private health industry, the opportunities are expanding by the day.

Fact 3

Besides offering health professionals numerous opportunities to develop and prosper, this fast-growing sector is already establishing a prominent place in the UK’s health industry. The NHS has acknowledged this and more collaboration opportunities between the two sectors are utilised.

The independent health sector involves a wide variety of establishments and services. In England alone the industry comprises approximately 42 500 health organisations that include acute, maternity and mental health hospitals and hospices. Services such as in vitro fertilisation, dialysis, endoscopy, laser, intense pulsed light source and termination of pregnancies are offered.

Fact 4

Another benefit is the fact that many of the employers offer medical health insurance as part of their employment contract, these benefits also includes immediate family cover after a certain length of employment.

Fact 5

The Independent Sector employs highly skilled and experienced staff. It provides career opportunities for nurses and healthcare professionals to progress within their profession and to move between sectors. By working in the independent sector, you’ll be demonstrating that you have the necessary breadth and depth of experience and partnership working skills, to support a collaborative approach between the NHS and independent providers to treating patients.

To help you find that perfect occupation, Private Healthcareers has teamed up with several leading independent healthcare organisations. Their website (www.privatehealthcareer.co.uk) is your one-stop tool to learn more about established healthcare groups and what they offer. This is also the best way to search for a healthcare job close to where you live and to find out what the specific company is all about, what’s on offer and most importantly, what’s in it for you.

For more career information on the independent health sector contact Melinda Moolman, site founder and industry expert on 0844 4996313 or e-mail: melinda@privatehealthcareers.co.uk

8 Questions to Ask When You Want to Give Up

2011-08-22T02:56:00.000-07:00

Some days it is extraordinarily clear why you went into this profession; you are on top of your game, the decisions are coming quickly and easily, your intuition is bang on and you know, without a shadow of a doubt, you are doing exactly what you were born to do - to nurse. You are making a difference and it feels great!

Then there are the “other days” when you wonder, every moment of the day, why you are here. What were you thinking to choose a profession that would put in you the fire of stressed doctors, sick people, worried families, difficult and sometimes even unsafe work environments? A profession that would have you routinely deal with things that “normal” people wouldn’t deal with for any amount of money, and to go through all of that during hours when “normal” people are sleeping and on special occasions to boot!

Nursing - caring for others, giving of yourself to ease another’s pain and suffering - a difficult job made even more difficult if you strive to excel in the profession. Some days you want to quit; I know you do because I did too.

On those days, take a few moments and ask yourself these questions:

What made me go into nursing? Perhaps it was an experience you had with a nurse or someone you admired, or maybe you have always loved caring for others. Whatever the reason, reflect and remind yourself as to why you choose this career.
What do I love about this career? Helping, caring, teaching, continually being challenged. The technical aspects, the human connections, the flexibility, the diversity, the opportunities for growth. Focus on what you love.
When did I feel I made a real, profound difference? Capture these moments in a journal. We think we will remember forever, but we forget. Consider starting a nursing journal that chronicles those special times, those special people - they make the tough times a little bit easier to get through.
Am I doing the best that I can do for my patients? Are you giving top notch care and service you can be proud of, given the circumstances? Or are your patients suffering because you are unable to serve them as they should be served? Honest answers only.
Am I bringing my team up? Are you contributing to the positive culture of your workplace or are you part of the team that is bringing the group down? Are you part of the solutions or part of the problem? Would you want yourself as a team member?
Do you have anything left for your family at the end of your shift? Do you feel completely depleted at days end or is there enough of you left over to give your loved ones 100%. Ask them, too.
Am I happier more often than I am unhappier at work? Does just thinking about work make your blood pressure rise? Do you dread going to work more days than you look forward to it?
Do I have adequate ways to relieve stress? This is not a one time fix. We all know the stress busting tips, but we need to practice regular, ongoing implementation of them so that they have impact and effect on reducing our stress.

In the end, it is crucial to realize that we always have a choice. If you are inherently unhappy with your job, please move on. Unhappy nurses have a ripple effect that reduces patient satisfaction (and therefore their healing), brings down the entire unit, and potentially increases the risk of serious errors. If you are unhappy, please step down and move on or step up and create a better work and home life!

Remember, there is always another “right” answer, always someone who has had the same problem as you are having, someone who has overcome it, someone who has written a book about it. Don’t stop trying to make things better; connect with others who are doing great work, bring positive people into your circle and avoid the “cranksters” like the plague. Bring your best to your unit; you will be on top of your game and the rewards will be great!

About the Author: Stephanie Staples, a highly regarded (and slightly hilarious) nurse speaker for conferences, conventions & associations, and a passionate coach & advocate for ‘nursing the nurses,’ is the founder of the Life Support for Nurses Wellness Retreat. Visit www.YourLifeUnlimited.ca for more cool tools!

Nursing Tips Ten Quick Time Management Tips

2011-07-04T02:17:00.000-07:00

Be Realistic, But Optimistic, About Your Time
Before you begin working on improving your time management skills, realize that there will be instances you cannot accomplish everything you set out to do in a day. Staying realistic about your time will keep you from feeling disheartened when you do not complete everything on your list. You’re only human; understand your limits, but do your best to complete your tasks.

Organize Your Workspace
When the workload feels like it is dominating your time and attention, it is best to start from the beginning by organizing your tasks and time. Taking charge of clutter and creating an environment that fosters ideas rather than disorder and confusion will save time . If you are having trouble getting organized, bring in a professional and let their expertise influence your habits and surroundings.

Be Proactive – Make Lists!
A “to do” list helps many people lay out what items must take priority and what tasks can wait until a later time. An interactive list, such as using Taskwise, can help systematize assignments and is also flexible because you can reorder the list at will, as you add or delete tasks. Do what is best for you, and be willing to mix up your routine if the format becomes tiring.

Use Music to Keep on Pace at Work
If you are working on a big project and have trouble keeping on task, try to put some music on while you work. Rather than hearing your coworkers talk or answer the phones in the background, the music can drown out those sounds that may distract you and help you focus. However, be aware that music could distract your coworkers, so keep the volume at a reasonable level or ask permission to wear earphones while you work.

Play Music at Home to Finish Chores Fast
When completing tasks at home, playing upbeat music might help you complete them quickly. Washing dishes or folding laundry, for example, are tedious, but necessary, chores that must be finished. Playing music can help you finish these tasks at a faster pace. They may help elevate your mood, too! I always find myself dancing around and singing along to songs when I play music while doing chores. Give it a try!

Take Small Breaks
Our tasks and projects can overwhelm us when we focus all our time and energy on them and we may fail to realize we need to step away for a minute. Going for a short walk or talking briefly with a coworker offers the right amount of downtime your mind needs to recharge for the task at hand. If you are stuck on an idea, that coffee break might help you brainstorm and come up with a solution to the problem. Stepping away from the task at hand can help you stay positive about your work rather than feel downtrodden about the amount of time spent. Also, you might come up with new ideas you did not realize before the break.

Avoid Multitasking
People usually try to juggle multiple tasks at once, but their efforts are often in vain. You may find yourself trying to take the kids to sports practice while catching up with friends on the phone, or organizing your workspace while a supervisor instructs you on the latest project. A study at UCLA found that "Multi-tasking adversely affects how you learn," said Russell Poldrack, UCLA associate professor of psychology and co-author of the study. "The best thing you can do to improve your memory is to pay attention to the things you want to remember." So, focus on one task at a time rather than many tasks at once.

Use Software to Track Your Time
If you work in an office environment and use a computer, it can be tempting to use the Internet for personal use. Before you know it, you have spent half an hour watching funny cat videos and chatting online with friends. Use tools like RescueTime or Klok to track your time online and see where you spend those precious moments you could be working “taking a break.” If you take your work home, shut off the Internet or remove shortcuts to browsers from your desktop to avoid temptation.

Delegate Tasks
In a work environment, it can be tempting to take on many tasks without realizing you are overdoing it. The workload can start to feel overpowering when you take on too much. assign your work to an assistant in your department. Even passing off some smaller tasks can help lighten the weight of your work and reduce stress.

Make Time Management a Habit
Once you have established good routines in time management, maintain them throughout the week. Making small changes to your routine will keep you from falling back into bad practices when temptation strikes. Your new habits might rub off on your coworkers and your newfound productivity could get you noticed with your bosses.
Time management pays off!

Can honey fight superbugs like MRSA?

2011-06-27T06:19:00.000-07:00

The potential medical benefits of manuka honey have been in the news today, with several newspapers reporting on honey’s ability to inhibit various types of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant “superbugs”, such as MRSA.

Honey has long been known to have antibacterial properties and is sometimes included in licensed wound-care products. However, researchers discussing its use at a scientific conference have said it is not widely used because the way it works is not understood. They have presented research that demonstrates how manuka honey can stop bacteria from attaching to tissue at the molecular level. They have also presented a study that indicates that combining honey with certain antibiotics may make them more successful against drug-resistant MRSA.

The laboratory research behind these claims is of particular interest as it also highlights the growing concern about the spread of drug-resistant bacteria, which was last week highlighted by a new report from the World Health Organization. However, the effectiveness of honey in combination with antibiotics has yet to be tested in clinical trials and further research is still needed to assess whether it could be used to treat drug-resistant infections.
It is important to note that the honey used in the trials was filtered, medical-grade honey with all impurities removed. People should not try using honey bought from supermarkets to treat wounds at home.

What is manuka honey?

Manuka honey comes from nectar collected by honeybees foraging on the manuka tree, which grows in New Zealand. Honey of all kinds has been used in traditional remedies for thousands of years, both for clearing wound infections and to enhance healing of chronic wounds. This type of honey, in purified form, is already used in licensed wound-care products, and is considered to be a viable alternative to topical treatments for surface wound infections. However, the researchers point out there is some reluctance to use these products because the way honey works to fight infection (its mechanism of action) is not known.
The researchers also say that honey has been shown to exhibit “broad-spectrum” antimicrobial activity, being able to act upon more than 80 species of pathogen. They point towards previous research that has demonstrated that honey can inhibit pathogens normally capable of causing wound infection, including strains that are resistant to conventional antibiotics. They also highlight the growing number of clinical reports that have shown that wound infections (including those infected with MRSA) can be cleared by the topical application of manuka honey.

How is it meant to work?

The researchers point out that honey is a complex and variable product, so searching for “specific inhibitors” (the molecular compounds that might have an effect on bacteria) has not been easy. They think that several factors may together be implicated in its antimicrobial activity, including its high sugar content, low water content, low acidity, the presence of hydrogen peroxide and the presence of phytochemicals.
Manuka honey is thought to be particularly potent because it has high levels of a compound called dihydroxyacetone, which is present in the nectar of manuka flowers. This chemical produces methylglyoxal, a compound thought to have antibacterial and cell-killing properties.

What did the new research involve?

The new research involved laboratory studies looking at how manuka honey affects the molecular structure of three bacteria. They were:

Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA-15), which is a common cause of wound infection and has become resistant to antibiotics. In this study, researchers looked at different concentrations of honey in order to determine the lowest concentration needed to induce antimicrobial activity. Researchers also tested several antibiotics for antibacterial activity, both alone and when combined with honey.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a multi-drug resistant bacteria that causes persistent infections in burns patients and chronic venous leg ulcers. In this study, the bacteria were exposed to different “sub-lethal” concentrations of manuka honey for three hours to determine the concentration at which the bugs were inhibited. The cell proteins were then compared to untreated cells using specialised methods.
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci), which causes numerous infections, both superficial and life-threatening. The researchers looked at whether different concentrations of honey could inhibit the growth of bacterial biofilm (which allows bacterial cells to adhere to each other).

What has the new research found?

Overall, the researchers found that manuka honey affected the structure and activity of different bacteria.

In the study of MRSA, the bacteria were susceptible to “relatively low” concentrations of manuka honey. Combining honey with the antibiotic oxacillin (and to a small extent vancomycin) altered the structure of these drugs, making them potentially more effective. This was measured as the minimum inhibitory concentration or minimum bactericidal concentrations, which are each a measure of the concentration of drug needed to slow growth or kill the organisms.
In the study of Pseudomonas bacteria, the honey induced “significant changes” in the bacteria’s protein expression, which is likely to be detrimental to its survival.
In the study of Streptococcus pyogenes, honey inhibited the growth of bacterial biofilms.

What were the researchers’ conclusions?

Professor Rose Cooper from the University of Wales Institute Cardiff, who was one of the researchers, explained that the findings with Streptococci and Pseudomonas “suggest that manuka honey can hamper the attachment of bacteria to tissues”, an essential step in the initiation of acute infections.
Inhibiting attachment also blocks the formation of biofilms, which can protect bacteria from antibiotics and allow them to cause persistent infections, she explained. “Other work in our lab has shown that honey can make MRSA more sensitive to antibiotics such as oxacillin – effectively reversing antibiotic resistance. This indicates that existing antibiotics may be more effective against drug-resistant infections if used in combination with manuka honey.”
The research may increase the clinical use of manuka honey as doctors are faced with the threat of “diminishingly effective” antimicrobial options, she argues. “The use of a topical agent to eradicate bacteria from wounds is potentially cheaper and may well improve antibiotic therapy in the future. This will help reduce the transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from colonised wounds to susceptible patients”, she adds.

Can I try this myself?

No. It’s important to note that the honey used in the trials was medical grade honey with all impurities removed. People should not try using honey from the supermarket to treat wounds at home.

Links To The Headlines

Tea tree honey 'could fight MRSA'. The Daily Telegraph, April 13 2011
Manuka honey 'could help fight superbugs'. BBC News, April 13 2011
Manuka honey can help fight superbugs. Daily Mirror, April 13 2011
Superbugs may have found their match in manuka bees. The Independent, April 13 2011
Manuka honey is a superbug buster. Metro, April 13 2011
Honey is answer to MRSA. Daily Express, April 13 2011

Congratulations to the winners! HealthInvestor Awards 2011

2011-06-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

NHS East of England’s Dr Stephen Dunn has won the outstanding contribution to healthcare award at the HealthInvestor Awards 2011, for his work on the takeover of Hinchingbrooke hospital.

Dunn also picked up deal of the year award for his work in setting up the ground-breaking franchise, which will see private hospital group Circle running the hospital.

Over 1,100 guests from the UK’s health and social care sector attended the awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel in central London. Entries in 21 categories covering the private and public sectors were judged by a 12-strong panel of independent industry experts.

Judges said Dunn’s work with Circle “was widely seen as ground-breaking, and the success or failure of the franchise has huge implications for both the public and private sectors”.

Other winners at the event, hosted by broadcaster Jon Snow, included Nuffield, for private hospital group of the year; Care UK for residential care provider of the year; and Consensus Support Services for best specialist care provider. Barclays were named lenders of the year for the third consecutive year.

The winners:

Consultants of the year
L.E.K. Consulting

Corporate financiers of the year
Santander Corporate Banking

Deal of the year
NHS East of England Hinchingbrooke franchise

Diagnostics provider of the year
GSTS Pathology

Domiciliary care provider of the year
Healthcare at Home

Healthcare technology group of the year
Emis

Investors of the year
Bridgepoint Capital

Legal advisers of the year
Wragge & Co

Lenders of the year
Barclays

Lessors
Lombard Healthcare

Outstanding contribution by an individual
Dr Stephen Dunn, NHS East of England

Primary care provider of the year
The Practice

Private hospital group of the year
Nuffield Health

Property consultant of the year
Cyril Sweett

Property developer of the year
Castleoak

Property investor of the year
Assura

Residential care provider of the year
Care UK Residential Care Services

Specialist care provider of the year
Consensus Support Services

Staffing agency of the year
Country Cousins

Telehealth / Telecare
Tunstall

Third sector organisation of the year
St Andrew's Healthcare

The judging panel for 2011 included:

Nick Bosanquet, professor of health policy at Imperial College London
Roger Hardman, founder, equity research firm Hardman & Co
Lord Hutton of Furness, former cabinet minister
Mike Fry, former chief executive of Christie Hospital NHS Trust
Douglas Quinn, former chief executive of Voyage Group
Bob Ricketts CBE, director of provider policy, Department of Health
John Robinson, former chief executive of Smith & Nephew
Dr Ian Rutter, GP and former PCT chief executive

Sir William Wells, non-executive chairman, Ashley House

Bedside Manners: Nurse Wellness: Keeping Your Sanity On and Off Dut...

2011-05-31T03:36:00.000-07:00

Bedside Manners: Nurse Wellness: Keeping Your Sanity On and Off Dut...: "As the world becomes more complex and challenging, it is virtually impossible to completely insulate yourself from the worries and activitie..."

Nurse Wellness: Keeping Your Sanity On and Off Duty

2011-05-31T03:34:00.000-07:00

As the world becomes more complex and challenging, it is virtually impossible to completely insulate yourself from the worries and activities that arise as a result. The economy and the effects of looming healthcare reform also add to the workload at the bedside, due to the hospital’s inability to fund much needed nursing and support positions. There are ways, however, to help keep your sanity through all of this if you take a calculated, objective approach to your life. Here are my tips:

Live in the now: One of my great idols was Scarlett O’Hara. When the world was falling apart around her, she gave herself permission to move on by delaying her worries with permission when she said, “I guess I will just worry about that tomorrow. Tomorrow is another day.” I don’t suggest that we all get in the habit of procrastinating, but in relation to stress, we need to remember that 99% of our stress are fears that are never realized. This fear is what invokes the stress reflex and causes the wear and tear on our bodies. When we are faced with a stressor, take a moment to analyze the stressor, develop a plan to address it and then dismiss it. Give yourself permission to think about it at another time if it is appropriate to do that. If we live in the wreckage of the future, we lose those moments of life. Remember, life is nothing but a cascade of moments. Don’t lose them because we can never get them back.

Learn to say no: Especially as nurses, we want to help everyone and oftentimes can burden ourselves with many tasks, both in and out of work. It is important to critically evaluate your time, and if you cannot take on more responsibility, you need to respectfully decline. I found that this was one of my problems and due to my willingness to help everyone, I was buried with tasks that were adding tremendously to my stress level. I have learned to thank people for thinking of me but will tell them that, at this time, I don’t have the ability to help. I always invite them to ask me later when things lighten up. In the work environment, when you are over burdened, you need to ask for help. If you are not getting help from your colleagues or assistants, you need to ask your manager or supervisor. Most of the time they don’t appreciate how busy you are, but when you alert them, usually adjustments can be made in the schedule or they can help you themselves.

Make a list: I find that this is a tremendous help with organizing my day and my life. When you make lists it becomes a contract with yourself for what you wish to accomplish. It also feels so good to cross off the task when completed. The list also gives you a visual representation of all that you have completed. You will be amazed at your capacity for completing tasks and work.

Exercise daily: The advantages of exercise are irrefutable but many of us continue to ignore the importance. Remember that exercise strengthens our bodies and mind and helps improve our endurance. This strength and endurance translates into everything you do, whether it is the work environment, lifting and taking care of your kids or performing you activities of daily living. It also helps us feel in control and healthy, and reduces stress. You can also increase your activity incrementally by taking stairs rather than elevators, parking further distances from your destination, and taking 10 minutes on and off through the day to just march in place. You will be amazed how many pounds you can shed with these little bursts.

Schedule time for yourself: Even if it is only for 30 minutes, schedule some renewal time for yourself (no your daily shower does not count). Watch a television show, take a nap, meditate, read, soak in a tub, do crafts or a hobby, but do something that you feel is relaxing and enjoyable to you. This is called creating space. I find that when I take a few minutes for myself, it feels that I have more time for other things.

Be grateful: The world is a wonderful place and we have been given many gifts. As nurses, we have been given the ability to help others in need. We have been given the intellect to critically think and to learn. We are the most trusted profession in the world and we will always be able to find jobs. We all have been given many other gifts that we may not appreciate as well. I have set my expectations pretty low for myself. I now feel that every day I wake up is another gift and that everything that follows throughout the day becomes a bonus. Look at the sky, smell the flowers, gaze into the eyes of your beautiful children, appreciate your significant others. Even during trying or sad times, remember that “you don’t realize the strength of the anchor without the fury of the storm.” Also, in hindsight, every bad experience eventually becomes a valuable experience if we learn from it and move on.

Don’t take yourself too seriously: I will leave you with this last idea to infuse humor in your life and not to take yourself too seriously. We all have egos that get in the way of our feelings because we don’t ever want to look bad or be misjudged by those around us. When we lose our egos, we liberate ourselves. Life is for learning and for growing; there are no such things as mistakes but rather learning opportunities. Laugh at yourself and then move on and remember…

“Tomorrow is another day!”

About the Author: Dr. Val Gokenbach has a true passion for leadership and has been in administrative healthcare positions for over thirty years. As a professional dancer and fitness instructor for over 40 years, Val has led a dual life as a fitness presenter, consultant and dance instructor. She has been featured as a health consultant and guest host on multiple TV shows and QVC. As an international speaker and author, her goal is to share her life's philosophy with all nurses and help them realize their value to the world.

Click here to read more about Dr. Val Gokenbach.

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Nursing shortages and immigration rules

2011-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

Nursing shortages and more stringent immigration rules have led to tough times finding suitably qualified healthcare staff

A chronic shortage of nurses continues to blight healthcare in both the public and private sectors, due to changes in immigration rules and dwindling numbers entering the profession. Although recruiter margins are set to improve, agencies continue to be viewed as a last resort staffing solution.

“Our laser surgery clinics have said they have found it difficult to recruit nurses, compared with this time last year,” says Martin McDonald, recruitment executive at Optical Express. “There is a lack of confidence out there which is making people more inclined to hold on to the job they have, rather than make a move.”
And Julia March, HR director for BUPA Care Services, told Recruiter that the talent pool of nurses was dwindling. “People are getting disgruntled with nursing for all sorts of reasons. Fewer people are going into nursing as a career.”

Last November the government introduced Tier 2 for skilled workers, which requires companies to have a sponsorship licence to employ workers from outside the EU. Currently only theatre nurses and Paediatric critical care nurses are covered by Tier 2.

March says: “The Home Office changes has made it financially not viable to recruit from overseas, so that pipeline has gone.

Interviews Tips

2011-05-20T06:21:00.000-07:00

While nothing guarantees a successful interview, the information provided can help candidates better prepare themselves for success in the interview process with a startup company.

Research
Go online and find out as much information as you can about the company and anyone you will be interviewing with. Companies are blown away when you can mention press releases, know their revenue numbers, quote statistics, know backgrounds of executives, etc. For startup companies, you should know who the venture capital investor is, know which partners sit on their board, and know how much money they have raised so far. Many times this information is not available, but some savvy online searching can turn up valuable information about a company.
Most companies like to hire people who are experts in their industry, and startups are no exception. They have to answer to their investors when things don't go well, and executives don't want to tell their venture capital investors that they had a poor product launch after hiring a product manager with no experience in their industry. Know the company, know their industry, know their competitors, and use their product if it is available.

Rehearse
Most successful athletes and performers visualize their craft prior to playing or performing. Try to visualize your interview and how you will present yourself and answer questions prior to interviewing. If you get nervous during interviews, you might even consider having someone you know do a mock interview before you go. The more you practice, the more comfortable you are, and the less nervous you will be when the interview arrives.

Cover strengths, weaknesses, etc.
Think about questions related to where you are in 2 to 5 years, your most difficult work situation, your most stressful job, your favorite job, what kind of person you'd like to work for, etc... Sit down and come up with answers to all of the stereotypical questions that get asked in interviews. You don't want to get caught making something up off the cuff, only to think later "DOH! I shouldn't have said that!" If they ask where you see yourself in the next X number of years, let them know that you are more focused on the current position at this time, but you would obviously want to be considered for appropriate promotions as you master this position and show high performance. And take a few minutes to write down the questions and answers so that you don't have to re-invent the wheel with each interview.

Prepare for Behavioral Questions Many companies use an interview technique known as behavioral interviewing. This method of interviewing asks candidates to give specific examples of situations they have encountered. For example, "tell me about a time you didn't meet a deadline and how you handled it." Take time to go through the questions below and write out examples to keep for future interviews. It can be difficult to come up with good examples to behavioral interview questions on the spot, and you will be far better served if you can determine good examples in advance.
Work-related examples of:
• How you handled not meeting a deadline
• How you dealt with conflict with a co-worker or boss
• What you did when someone else's actions caused your project to fail
• When you have shown initiative
• What you did when a customer was upset with you
• A time when a co-worker blamed you for something that was not your fault

Appearance
Remember to ask ahead of time what the expectation is on your attire. It is always preferable to over-dress for an interview unless you know the company has a strict casual environment. Make sure you are well groomed. If you are a coffee drinker, smoker, or have lunch/breakfast prior to an interview, be aware of your breath. Use a mint or brush your teeth prior to your interview. Do NOT chew gum during an interview. Do not wear perfume/cologne or wear little enough that someone cannot smell it unless they are closer than one foot from you. Think about how you appear when you are confident and on top of the world. Head high, standing straight and tall, a slight smile, relaxed.

Arrival
Arrive for your interview at least 5 minutes early but no more than 10 minutes early. Everyone has their watch set differently, and giving a 5 minute cushion is a good idea. Some interviewers are also very time-sensitive and notice if you're even one minute late. However, arriving more than 10 minutes early will often pressure the first interviewer if they are not ready for you yet. Plan to arrive 15 to 20 minutes early in the parking lot and enter the building about 5 minutes early. If you are running late or think you might be late, call ahead of your arrival to let them know.

Introduction
When introducing yourself to each interviewer, give your first and last name, make eye contact, and let the interviewer be the person to initiate a handshake. When shaking hands, match the pressure of their handshake. Do not be limp or unusual with the way you shake hands. Wait a moment and smile at the interviewer after meeting them.

Presentation
Your body language tells a lot about you in an interview. Sit up straight. Lean slightly forward in your chair. Keep eye contact with your interviewer as much as possible (especially be aware of this when you are the one speaking as many people make eye contact when listening but not when speaking). Stay alert. When you go through a long interview process, you can sometimes start to show weariness, and startups often have a high energy culture. Make sure you project energy and do not appear tired. Try to mirror your interviewer's demeanor and style. Be yourself, but let them set the tone of the interview and match their energy level and body language. Never swear or use casual words like "yeah" and "uh-huh". Even if your interviewer swears and speaks casually.

Take Notes
Bring a notepad or portfolio and a pen to take notes during each interview. This is a very effective way to show your interest in the opportunity and your attention to detail.

Biggest challenges? Where can I contribute? Ask each interviewer what the biggest challenges of the position are at the beginning of the interview. Write down what they tell you and focus on how you can overcome those challenges with your skills and background during each interview. This question basically gets the interviewer to tell you what their hot buttons are, and each person will have different hot buttons for the same position. Also, focus on how you can help them, not on what the company has to offer you. Where can you contribute to their company, team or project?

Forbidden topics - money, benefits, office tour, overtime
Never bring up money on your first interview. If they ask what you're making, be honest but tell them that you feel it's probably premature to talk money at this point and, besides, you're interested in evaluating the entire opportunity rather than the salary alone. Let them know that you're confident that you both can work out a fair offer if you are both interested in moving forward. Don't ask about benefits info or to take an office tour. Those things will come at a later time. And never ever ever bring up overtime. Even in a positive way. The interviewer will almost always remember that overtime was discussed during the interview, and they will perceive it negatively, regardless of how you positioned it. If you want to express that you work hard and long hours, let them know that you do whatever it takes to get the job done and that you are quite familiar with startup culture and expectations.

Want, not Need Companies don't like to hire people who seem desperate. Interview with a confident style that shows you want the job, but don't give the impression that you need the job. Even if you desperately need the job. If you have been out of work for awhile and have been getting a lot rejections, inevitably an interviewer will ask you what your interviewing experience has been the past few months. Let them know you are having a very positive experience evaluating companies and opportunities. Tell them you are being selective in your interviewing process to find the right opportunity for yourself.

Close
Any concerns about ability to do job? Next step? These are the two MOST important questions in each interview you have. You should ask them of each individual interviewer.
• Do you have any concerns about my ability to do this job? - This is your last chance to make sure you didn't leave out anything in your background or incorrectly communicate anything during the interview. Once you leave the interview, it's almost impossible to change someone's incorrect impression. Be direct and try to get a sincere response from the individual.
• I'm very excited about this opportunity. What's our next step? - This might very well be the deciding factor in getting an offer. Even if you have reservations, express to each interviewer that you are definitely interested in the position and want to know what you need to do next to keep the process moving. And make sure that you actually SAY it in words at the end of the interview. Don't assume that they should have noticed your enthusiasm and interest level from the rest of your comments during the interviewing process. Trust me. They didn't. On numerous occasions I have seen a less qualified candidate get the job over a more qualified candidate based almost entirely on their perceived interest level in the position.

Follow up Always follow up with a company after you interview within 24 hours. In this electronic age, it is appropriate to send an email to each person who interviewed you if you have their email address. If you do not have everyone's email address, you can ask for their email addresses from someone whose email you do have. If you really want to impress someone, send a written thank you card. It is rare that people send written thank you cards today, and it will make you stand out as someone who took the extra time to do it. Thank the interviewer for his or her time, re-iterate your interest in the opportunity, and mention one area from your notes that answers the interviewers hot button area (you did ask them what the biggest challenges of this position are during the interview, right?).

Five life-giving careers in health care

2011-05-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

By Michael Kermode

Many of us would agree with Gandhi’s assertion that health, not money, is the real wealth. But have you ever thought about putting yourself in the healer’s seat?

Working in health care can be a challenging and rewarding experience. You’ll meet all kinds of people and also get a full appreciation of how precious and volatile our health can be. Health is something the government is focused on too, with major budget allocations for hospitals and mental health announced in the 2011 Federal Budget. Here are five life-giving health vocations that are in constant demand, only a qualification away. One could be your next career.

Mental health

Health doesn’t just relate to our physical state – it encompasses our mental wellbeing, too. With over one million Australians suffering from depression, and almost 500 000 with bipolar disorder, mental health care is an area of rapidly growing demand. The government’s recent $2 billion budget pledge to mental health services has flagged this as a priority area – and that means more jobs.

Notwithstanding good job prospects, working in mental health can be an extremely rewarding experience, helping people make the most of their opportunities and be self-content and productive.

Mardi Diles is program manager for dual diagnosis at Weave Youth Family Community in Sydney. She works with young people who experience coexisting mental health and substance abuse issues.

‘I believe mental health workers have a really important role in the community as they work with people who are often vulnerable, stigmatised, misunderstood and marginalised by mainstream society,’ says Diles.

‘Everyone has a story, and the best part of my role as a support worker and counsellor has been the privilege to hear people’s stories and life experiences – the ups, the downs and the turnarounds. I feel privileged to hear and support their hopes and dreams and the values they hold in their life.‘

Mental health roles come in a variety of guises, but in all cases you’ll be helping people live happier, healthier lives – through things like counselling, assessing the needs of people with drug or alcohol issues, or responding to individuals at risk of suicide.

Whether you’re already a health practitioner or just embarking on a health career, there are various courses to get you working in the mental health sector. Pursuing a career in mental health has never been easier, or more worthwhile.

Nursing

A nurse is effectively the personification of care, and there are fewer more respected – or more necessary – professions. Nursing is an incredibly worthwhile and meaningful profession and one of paramount importance to the health of individuals, families and communities the world over. Nurses enjoy a challenging and fast-paced environment, and the satisfaction of knowing they’re helping to save lives.

Nurses are also in demand. Always. Everywhere. With chronic nursing shortages plaguing the health care system, you’re pretty much guaranteed a job. It’s also a career that can take you to almost any destination in the world.

If you think nursing is all about taking temperatures and checking blood pressures, think again. A nurse’s training spans health science, social science, technology and theory, and the position demands great knowledge, energy and communication skills.

Registered nurses (RNs) can choose to specialise in areas such as paediatrics, mental health, disabilities, acute care and community care – pretty much any area where people need professional medical support.

Most nursing training courses involve an element of hands-on experience via work placement, but many programs can now be done via distance education.

Pharmacy

With so many people walking into chemists and depending on pharmacists for assistance and health advice every day, pharmacy is an integral part of modern health care. If drugs are to a large extent the bastions of modern medical treatment, then pharmacists are the gatekeepers.

Keen to be a pharmacist since high school, Hesham Mourad now works at a pharmacy in Sydney’s CBD. He has no doubts about pharmacy’s place in health services.

‘I find pharmacy interesting because we’re basically the face of the health system,’ says Mourad. ‘It can really make a difference to people’s health and how they take their medication. Not just self-medication off the shelf – it’s about how to administer the medication safely and make it more effective. In that way people can minimise clinical interventions with doctors and reduce hospitalisations.’

It’s not just patients that pharmacists counsel on prescription and over-the-counter medications. They also advise doctors and other health practitioners on issues like dosage, side effects of medications and drug interactions in different health contexts. For that, pharmacists like Hesham need to be savvy about human nutrition and physiology.

It’s a field that has many subdivisions – pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacogenetics, pharmacogenomics, psycho- and neuropharmacology. The sheer diversity of pharmacy means a wide range of opportunities for the pharmacy student. You can wind up working in a hospital or private pharmacy, the pharmaceutical industry, for government, in education, or in a host of care facilities.

Aged care

As our population ages, and with the numbers of people with dementia set to rise from 250 000 to almost one million by 2050, caring for the elderly is poised to become a massive industry where demand will far outstrip supply of qualified professionals.

Like other health areas, working in aged care can be wonderfully gratifying, and it is a sure-fire way to make a big difference in someone’s life. It’s all about giving our older citizens the respect they deserve, and helping them continue to lead full and meaningful lives.

Armed with a qualification in aged care, you could work in a variety of clinical settings and roles. You could work as an assistant in nursing (AIN) or personal care assistant (PCA) in an aged care facility, or as a community support or home care worker, helping the elderly remain as independent as possible. One of the advantages of this kind of work is that much of it is part time, so you can be flexible with working hours.

Technical assistance

This broad category covers a raft of lesser-known professions that are nonetheless critical to the operations of modern health services, and, generally speaking, facilitate other health procedures.

A sterilisation technician, for instance, ensures that any medical device that needs to be sterilised – in a hospital, dental clinic, research facility or forensic lab – is sterilised thoroughly and correctly. Another lesser known job is that of cast technologist. Also called orthopaedic technicians, they deal with splints, braces, casts and fractures, and work with orthopaedic physicians in hospital and clinical settings.

Other technical assistance roles include dental assistant, nurse’s assistant or anaesthetic technician – all make sure the procedures we experience go smoothly and with as little suffering as possible. Modern health care wouldn’t exist without them, and they prove that you don’t need to be a heart surgeon to make a difference in health.

You know you're a nurse if...

2011-05-11T08:11:00.000-07:00

You believe every patient needs TLC: Thorazine, Lorazepam and Compazine.
You would like to meet the inventor of the call light in a dark alley one night.
You believe not all patients are annoying ... some are unconscious.
Your sense of humor seems to get more "warped" each year.
You know the phone numbers of every late night food delivery place in town by heart.
You can only tell time with a 24 hour clock.
Almost everything can seem humorous ... eventually.
When asked, "What color is the patient's diarrhea?", you show them your shoes.
Every time you walk, you make a rattling noise because of all the scissors and clamps in your pockets.
You can tell the pharmacist more about the medicines he is dispensing than he can.
You carry "spare" meds in your pocket rather than wait for pharmacy to deliver.
You refuse to watch ER because it's too much like the real thing and triggers "flash backs."
You check the caller ID when the phone rings on your day off to see if someone from the hospital is trying to call to ask you to work.
You've been telling stories in a restaurant and had someone at another table throw up.
You notice that you use more four letter words now than before you became a nurse.
Every time someone asks you for a pen, you can find at least three of them on you.
You can intubate your friends at parties.
You don't get excited about blood loss ... unless it's your own.
You live by the motto, "To be right is only half the battle, to convince the physician is more difficult."
You've basted your Thanksgiving turkey with a Toomey syringe.
You've told a confused patient your name was that of your coworker and to HOLLER if they need help.
Eating microwave popcorn out a clean bedpan is perfectly natural.
Your bladder can expand to the same size as a Winnebago's water tank.
When checking the level of orientation of a patient, you aren't sure of the answer.
You find yourself checking out other customer's arm veins in grocery waiting lines.
You can sleep soundly at the hospital cafeteria table during dinner break, sitting up and not be embarrassed when you wake up.
You avoid unhealthy looking shoppers in the mall for fear that they'll drop near you and you'll have to do CPR on your day off.
You've sworn you're going to have "NO CODE" tattooed on your chest.

NHS v. Private, give your vote!

2011-05-11T07:56:00.001-07:00

Kate Louise Gee
11 May 13:37
Although I am still doing my training, I have had many NHS based placements and two private placements. I found that all of the clients in the private hospitals were actually NHS referred therefore the client base was no different from that you would find in NHS settings. The difference was that the private wards were being paid for this, but where would these people be if there were no private sector? There aren't enough facilities to offer care in the NHS, private sector is simply picking this up and operating a business that benefits the client and the company. Makes sense really, not exactly "evil" just savvy! I found that the environments tended to be nicer, the equipment better, better rooms for the patients and a good range of therapeutic interventions were always available, this is possibly because of the money that is available to offer such high quality care. I would definitely prefer to work for a private company when I qualify in September and feel that it would be highly beneficial.
Comment history

Justin Watts
11 May 03:11
in my own experiance of working in both Nhs and private healthcare i would say there is good and bad in both, my own specific experiances whilst i dont claim to be the best nurse there is, is that ive seen alot more lazy,incompetant,bullying and dangerous people working in the private sector were unlike the Nhs they can and do get way with such behaviour which ultimately leeds to poorer standards of care and the most horrid places to work from that perspective.

Kerry Barron
11 May 00:12
I have worked NHS, charity and private and there is good and bad in all sectors. I was amazed to find on a private acute ward that they worked with less staff than NHS acute wards have, but saying that I really enjoyed working there and the care given was excellent. My job from hell where I only stayed 5 months was in the private sector where the company did not care about the residents or the staff but was just out to make money.

Callum Milburn
10 May 17:39
I currently work in New Zealand. But after training in Uk i worked for private company. MOst patients in the adolescent area i worked where funded by local trusts to be there as very limited hospital spaces for young people. ie under 18 year old. I think you could not generalise across the board. It would depend on the facillitie and how manged as well as resources. But i think basic nursing standards the same. Mind you from the pressure on beds my colleage had in NHS adult at the time there may be more 1:1 time in the private. But hard to make such comparisons.

Christina Cowling
12 April 10:57
I agree that each has much to offer society, but I do think that people in general realise that the private sector do provide better care for their 'customers', which then causes an increase in divide of the classes and a view that the private sector is 'evil' for being available only to the wealthy. A hell of a lot of people which would benefit more from this thorough private service, unfortunately cannot afford it. The NHS does do a good job with the resources available to it and with the sheer volume of people who need its services, but as with anything, there is always room for improvement.

Rashid Abdel
24 January 10:11
if all what is listed above is what makes the private sector better then it begs the question, better for who? I have not read anything that would suggests that the patient actually gets better care as in VFM in the private sector. The NHS with all its constraint does a good job. I do agree that both sectors can live side by side in our economy. But to attempt to compare and come out with one over another is somehow futile. Each has much to offer and both helps in bringing about improvement in the health care industry.
View all comments
Original post

Harry Gibbs
27 September 02:52
NHS v. Private
Has anyone worked in both and found glaring differences between them? Is the Private Sector a good thing, a necessary evil - or just an evil?

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Nursing Entrepreneurs

2011-05-01T23:12:00.000-07:00

First, what is an entrepreneur? It’s a person who assumes the risk for a business adventure. But can a nurse be an entrepreneur? The answer is yes. A nurse can take charge of her life and become independent. She can then market her own services to various health care institutions who need someone with the knowledge and expertise that a nurse possesses.

There are other career options for nurses other than slaving away at a hospital for 12 hours a day. One of those such options is by becoming an independent nurse contractor. With this profession you can increase your income and your choices as to when and where you want to work. Sometimes all a nurse really wants is more freedom.

Nurses can be the perfect business owners. They posses above average communication skills and the ability as assess, implement and organize a plan. Well that’s practically the same criteria that an entrepreneur uses. Do some more research on what it takes to become an independent nurse contractor online. This could be the change you have diligently been looking for.

Article by: http://www.faviola.net/nursing-career/nursing-entrepreneurs.html

“This Job is Killing Me!”

2011-05-01T22:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Nurses,

Be Honest. Have you ever said these words to yourself or to other nurses, family, anybody who would listen? Hmmm? As an advocate for nurses, I currently teach meditation, stress management, and medical yoga to nurses at my local hospital to help them with morale and wellness on the job. Shockingly, I often hear nurses say these exact words to me: "This job is killing me and I’d kill to get off the floor.” It shocked me because I too said those very words at times in my nursing career, but never out loud, and only to myself. These words are engraved in my psyche as the global lament of way too many nurses. Never mind what country, color, religion or background of the nurse, (I have worked in Canada and the USA) it is the same story and not a pretty one. Read on, dear nursing sisters and brothers, for there is ever hope.

Why is this job killing me? There are endless reasons why nurses are “dying” from their work and why the job is literally making them sick. Just a few examples that you can surely relate to: Insufficient staffing, overwork, impossibly long shifts, endless charting, little time for patient care, working with inexperienced nurses, burnt out nurses, slackers, disrespect, conflicts between nurses, nurses and doctors, managers, management, lawsuits and liability, being abused by patients i.e. hitting, biting, scratching, punching, yelling, poor health issues, obesity because the only reward is eating…that is, if you get the chance on any given shift, accusations of improper care, etc. etc. etc… (Your turn, fill in the blanks____. _____. _____.). Enough already, you get the idea.

Question: Why is there insufficient staffing?
Answer: Because nobody wants the job! Why? Because the truth is that nursing is one of the world’s hardest jobs.
Regarding the lament of insufficient staffing and improper care, there are multiple reasons. When I worked nights on the floor of the PCU, one or more nurses called in sick almost every shift. Naturally, we were working with a skeleton crew. What else is new? Quite frankly, it's a miracle that there isn't MORE that goes wrong on any given shift. It is by the grace of GOD/ESS, spirit, angels that we nurses and our patients are carried to safety the vast majority of the time. I work with nurses who have been showing up for 12 -13 hour shifts for 25-30 years! Many are on multiple medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, depression, anxiety and--and--and--they do an excellent job! I was fortunate to work with a brilliant staff that provided excellent care, as I am sure you do as well. Yet even with this, there are some who are just plain burnt out, and show up because they have no other choice but to pay the bills. The bottom line: INSUFFICIENT STAFFING = INSUFFICIENT CARE = BURN OUT = NURSING SHORTAGE.

“IF you choose to stay in nursing, you cannot change what is, example: colleagues calling out sick; however, you can learn how to be with what is.”
The Solution: Every night, when I walked from the hospital staff parking lot onto the main floor and up the elevator to the floor of the PCU, I never knew what I might face on that long night shift ahead. I called on my angels to surround me and to keep my patients safe; I repeated my mantra, personal prayer as I entered the hospital "to do no harm”. It grounded me and gave me a sense of clarity and peace of mind, instead of going to pieces. By grace, it always worked. May you, in the light of wisdom, learn how to meditate, to pray with your heart, and melt away your stress in gentle, therapeutic yoga for self care and heart-felt patient care. You will learn how to be with what is. You will be, and become a source of, inspiration to all whom you work with, helping to decrease burn out and heal the wounded nursing soul.

Do enjoy a wellness retreat that will teach, inspire AND renew your life and nursing career to what it is destined to be. It is my work as a nurse/healer/educator to offer these retreats on the healing Crystal Coast of North Carolina. I encourage you to learn more about my Retreats for Nurses.
By The Yoga Nurse®, Annette Tersigni R.N., educator, healer, motivational speaker, and founder of Yoga Nurse Medical Yoga and Stress management, a premier yoga teaching service. Annette specializes in Corporate Stress Management, Back Safety, Yoga therapy, and Spiritual Lifestyle & Wellness Retreats. She has dedicated the last 14 years to educating people in Europe, Canada and the USA on how to lead healthy and spiritual lifestyles.

Annoying and Ineffective Nursing Co-workers: Do You Have One in Your Unit?

2011-04-18T02:12:00.000-07:00

It can be very frustrating working with lazy, annoying or ineffective co-workers who don’t pull their weight. If you have been in this profession for any length of time, you know who I am talking about. Here are three types of co-workers that drive me nuts…

The Off-Duty Charge Nurse - This is the charge nurse who browses the internet or reads a magazine while you are working. It can be frustrating to try to complain to management about this, and the only thing to really do to protect yourself and your patients is to document that you have made him or her aware. If a situation is emergent, inform the house supervisor. If you are too over-whelmed with your demands, ask a co-worker for help. This doesn’t mean that you are incompetent; it just means that you are having “one of those days” and you will repay the favor when they have “one of those days.”

The Complainer - This is my least favorite. Every unit has one. They complain about everything: their assignment, the nurse aides, the patients, the weather…any and everything. I usually try to change the subject and not give in to their complaining, or I will distance myself from them.

The Constant Talker - This is the nurse who is incapable of being silent and focusing on the job at hand. No matter what you are doing or how busy you are, they will insist on telling you all of her history and personal information. There are a few things you can do:

· Avoid Making Eye Contact - Keep doing whatever you were doing; just answer with, ”Uh-huh.”

· Move to Another Area - Especially if you are charting, move to a quiet room so that you document effectively without interruption.

· Ask, “Are you already done with your charting?” Sometimes dropping these sorts of hints helps will clue them in to stop chatting and to get moving.

Let’s face it, none of us are perfect, but in order to create a more positive work environment that runs smoothly, these tips can be helpful:

· Stay positive

· Avoid gossip - and avoid being a “tattle tale”!

· Keep complaints to a minimum

· Be supportive of new staff

· Help out nurse aides whenever possible - This demonstrates teamwork

· Help out overwhelmed co-workers

· Offer complements followed by constructive criticism

· Acknowledge a job well done-show or tell them that you appreciate them and their performance.

· Make an effort to get to know staff - Simply ask if they had a nice weekend or invite a newbie out to lunch.

· Never criticize or punish in public - If someone deserves criticism or being punished, do so in private or with only another manager present. And, document the discussion and the outcome.

Creating a work environment with positive energy can be difficult and challenging. After all, there are many different personalities that make up our workforce. Hopefully, these suggestions will enable you to create a more positive work environment, thereby enhancing your job satisfaction.

Extract from website - nursetogether.com

"One of the greatest gifts to anyone is the gift of your attention."

2011-04-07T01:14:00.001-07:00

"Only when you are sick and tired of being sick and tired can you change things for the better"

2011-04-06T03:14:00.001-07:00

Evidence shows NHS biased against private sector

2011-04-05T02:47:00.000-07:00

29th March 2011

The BBC said that it has evidence which shows some health bosses are set to rebel against plans to increase competition in the health service.

The BBC said it has found out that trusts in England are bringing in measures that will make it more difficult for patients to choose to have their NHS treatment done privately.

MPs have said there is no reason to impose these steps, while health organisations said it showed the NHS was biased against private healthcare providers.

A government inquiry is now being held to investigate the actions of almost half the local NHS trusts' management.

Health service patients who require non-urgent operations, such as knee and hip replacement, are able to be treated in private hospitals that have contracts with the NHS to offer the care at NHS prices.

At present, 3.5% of operations are carried out like this, but the government's reform of the health service will increase this percentage.

Recently managers from NHS trusts have tried to put in place restrictive measures that stop patients from being cared for privately.

These measures include reducing the scope of treatments private hospitals can provide to health service patients and the introduction of minimum waiting times to slow down the stream of patients who need treatment.

Health minister Lord Howe said: "There is no justification, either financial or clinical, for PCTs to restrict patient choice and think that they know better than patients or their doctors where patients should be treated."

"Any barriers to patient choice must be removed. In the future, Monitor [the regulator] will have legal powers to address restrictions on patient choice."

11-hour work days bad for heart

2011-04-05T02:43:00.000-07:00

Those who spend more than 11 hours at work increase their chance of having a heart attack by two thirds, according to a new study .

Researchers from University College London say the risk is so great that GPs should ask patients what hours they work along with how much they drink or smoke.

The research team looked at more than 7,000 civil servants working in Whitehall over a period of 11 years and established how many hours they worked on average a day.

They also collected information including the condition of their heart from medical records and health checks.

Over the period, a total of 192 had suffered a heart attack. But the study found that those who worked more than 11 hours a day were 67 per cent more likely to have one than those who had a 'nine to five' job.

"We have shown that working long days is associated with a remarkable increase in risk of heart disease," the Daily Mail quoted Professor Mika Kivimaki, who led the study, as saying.

"It could be a wake-up call for people who over-work themselves, especially if they already have other risk factors," Professor Kivimaki added.

The study has been published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.

Working in a hospice

2010-11-22T05:37:00.001-08:00

Many nurses do not realize that hospices offer rewarding and autonomous working environments. Often the role, which falls under the “voluntary” sector, means less bureaucracy and close patient relationships.

Paediatric (for specialist hospices), palliative care, learning disability and mental health nurses all do well in this environment, but any registered nurse is invited to apply.

Hospices are not to be feared – but to bring comfort and education to families as much as the patient.

Linda Foley, manager of Martin House Hospice, said in article for the Nursing Times: “People imagine that children's hospices are sad places, but this is a very happy, family environment most of the time. No one wears a uniform and we all eat our meals together...'The children here like to play and have fun, just like all other children. Another misconception is that most children in hospices have cancer, but many suffer from metabolic or neuromuscular degenerative diseases. Everyone here has a paediatric condition, but some are now living into their mid-20s and beyond.'

Linda also stated that qualifications are important but that they look for a certain personality as opposed to skills. Hospice nursing is about flexibility, empathy and family support. Hospice nurses should have excellent communication skills and good people skills.

A hospice team usually includes a Case Manager who coordinates patient care, a hospice aide who provides personal care, a social worker who works with the families and a hospice chaplain who provides spiritual support.

The stigma that a hospice is a depressing environment that only deals with death is not true – and most hospice nurses will tell you that! It’s about education, hope and preparation. One hospice nurse fondly recalled how a mechanic asked to die in his garage – and how the team worked to turn his workshop into a hospital room for him. When his time came, he felt at peace and the family had been prepared for the moment emotionally and psychologically – a luxury many families who lose loved ones in an acute setting never experience.

If you would like to find out more about opportunities in hospices, e-mail bianca@privatehealthcareers.co.uk.

How to deal with Autistic Patients

2010-11-17T04:10:00.000-08:00

During your career as a healthcare professional, you will probably deal with a number of "problematic" patients. One such disorder that is becoming increasing common is autism (in its various forms), a neurological disorder that affects social interaction. Autistic patients respond differently than others. It is important to maintain a sensitive approach.

1. Sensory issues

Noise and sensations might bother your autistic patient. Ambulance sirens and air conditioning, for example, may aggravate the patient. When autistic patients flee their caregivers, they are often attempting to escape the sensory overload of this sudden "invasion" into their space. Most autistics attempt escape solely to get away from the strange people, voices and equipment invading their familiar realm. Autistics have difficulty adapting to rapid change. Patience and time are vital to successfully treating and transporting these patients.

2. Depression

Keep in mind that autistic patients are at a high risk for suicide and depression, and often do not receive adequate care. For example, most autistic patients cannot verbalize or identify their emotions.(A recent article in the Nursing Standard gave the example of a patient who claimed she was "hungry" when she meant that she was "upset"). Autistic patients have also often been put through the ringer in terms of hospital visits and diagnostics - they may not trust doctors or healthcare professionals.

3. Explain the treatments

Many autistics crave information and will want to know more about what's happening. Expalin the "hows" and "whys" before attempting a procedure. Make sure they understand what is happening and why.

4. Create a familiar environment

Encourage patients to bring their own blankets, toys and pictures if needed. Hospital linen may agitate the patient as they do not like "scratchy" or unfamiliar sensations.

5. Ask permission

Always tell the patient where, and why, you need to touch them. Some autistics can be calmed by moderate pressure (wrapping a blanket around themselves, several blankets piled atop the patient, hugging familiar people), but they can be agitated by "light" touches (the pressure of only a light sheet, the sensation of air blowing on them, taps on the shoulder, etc.). For these reasons, you're likely to have more problems wrapping a BP cuff around a patient's arm than by inflating it. Oxygen masks and nasal cannulas also might not be well-tolerated because of the doubly uncomfortable sensation of blowing air and having something on/over their faces.Innovation is the key to successfully transporting an autistic trauma patient. Make sure equipment fits snugly; this will be easier to tolerate than something that rubs or fits loosely. However, many autistics have problems with cervical collars (regardless of the fit) because they can't tolerate something against the base of their chins/necks. Others can't stand the feeling of head straps across their foreheads.

6. Be careful what you say

Autistics take everything literally - double meanings, slang, sarcasm and jokes are confusing and may cause agitation.

7. Understanding

Withdrawal, flapping, screaming, rocking and plugging ears are all signs of sensory overload. Autistics have ultra-sensitive hearing - even "quiet" ceiling fans can be overwhelming. Try to keep flashing lights, noises and even breezes away from the patient. The AC/heating unit's noise is compounded when that air is blown on people. Turn the vents upward, away from the patients. If they still can't tolerate the noise, consider turning off the AC/heating unit. Many autistics are more tolerant of temperature changes than they are of noise.

8. Keep things orderly

Autistic boy exhibiting "stacking" behaviour

Autistics hate disorder. Jumbled wires or loose straps (even patterns on the floor) can disturb the patient. Allow your patient to ask questions, touch the equipment and get used to the room. Be prepared to answer a lot of questions. Allow the patient to "tour" the room and familiarize themselves with it where possible.

Have you got what it takes?

2010-11-09T07:09:00.000-08:00

Organised by the UK's best-selling nursing journal, the Nursing Standard Nurse Awards are looking for nurses who have transformed patient care. The awards are a unique opportunity to recognise and reward excellence in nursing, promote best practice and share innovation.
The awards are open to qualified nurses, midwives and health visitors, registered to practise in the UK, pre-registration student nurses and healthcare assistants. Please note only RCN members can enter the RCN Professional Forums General Award.

Finalists will be invited to a glittering black-tie dinner and award ceremony at The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel, London on 28 April 2011.

Winners will receive £1,000 prize money and could win another £2,000 if they win the overall Nurse of the Year Award.

Winning a Nursing Standard Nurse Award has changed the lives and careers of previous winners.
Enter today to gain the recognition you deserve!

Healthcare Jobs the most secure!

2010-11-01T05:35:00.000-07:00

A recent article has shown that Pharmacy Technicans, Registered Nurses and Healthcare administration are among the top 7 most secure jobs in the world! Read the full article here!

WHAT THE WAR HAS MEANT FOR MENTAL HEALTH

2010-10-29T05:37:00.001-07:00

By Bianca Kershoff

The conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan has created interesting roles for mental health personnel. The Medical Unit at Kandahar, for example, includes a psychiatrist, social worker and several mental health nurses. The study, published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, was conducted by Dr. Karen Seal and colleagues at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of California, San Francisco. According to their analysis, about one third of the 103,788 returning veterans seen at V.A. facilities between Sept. 30, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2005 were diagnosed with mental illness or a psycho-social disorder — such as homelessness and marital problems, including domestic violence.

You might assume that the most common cases seen are ASD or PTSD, but a broader clinical background is needed if you were to consider a military careers. The stressors associated with war (the sights and sounds, exhaustion, attack and fear of attack, unfamiliar terrain and environment, and separation from family support) conspire to exacerbate pre-existing mental health issues, diagnosed or not. A sound knowledge of the sub-clinical is needed.

Understanding patients is also important. A study has found that mental health issues differ according to gender. Female veterans are more likely to develop depression and often enlist at a younger age. In contract, male soldiers are found to be more prone to suffer from post-traumatic stress and alcohol abuse. Soldiers are placed in an unnatural environment where they are taught to place their lives in danger and ignore the survival instinct. Guilt, sleeplessness and fear all take a toll on military personnel.

In addition, many soldiers are also not keen to seek treatment because of the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It is therefore important that nurses on active duty understand and accept the mission of being a soldier and can learn to remain non-judgmental.

Mental health problems aren’t limited to soldiers on active duty either. Older veterans have been found more likely to develop dementia and veterans with PTSD have a 10.6% higher risk of developing dementia. Authors of the study speculate that PTSD may contribute to dementia because it causes chronic stress. That stress may damage the hippocampus, a brain area that is critical for memory and learning, or cause changes in neurotransmitter and hormone levels.

Private Healthcareers currently have a large number of vacancies for qualified RMNs. If you are interested in learning more about mental health nursing or are looking for a new opportunity, please contact Bianca Kershoff at bianca@privatehealthcareers.co.uk

Handling a needlestick injury

2010-10-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

If you are a nurse, doctor or healthcare assistant, chances are that at some point you will experience a needle-stick injury as you are trying to take blood, insert cannulas or deliver an injection. In fact, there are over 100 000 needlestick injuries reported in the UK every year! And not just in acute settings - practice nurses have been found to be the most common victims of needlestick injuries.

CULTURE OF SILENCE

The Commission for Health Improvement submitted a confidential questionnaire among healthcare professionals in 2003. Although 57% of the respondents said they had sustained an injury in the past, only 51% of them had reported the injuries – mainly because they perceived that the risk of an infection was “low”. Workload pressure and time constraints are also thought to be reasons for underreporting. Others are afraid that if they are tested and have been found to be infected, they will lose their jobs or be treated differently.

RISKS

In the USA, over 2100 needlestick injuries were report per day! [NIOSH Study, 1999]. From these injuries, 57 incidences of HIV seroconversion were reported, as well as 2000 hepatitis C and 400 Hepatitis C infections. Tuberculosis, syphilis, malaria, herpes, diphtheria, gonorrheau and typhus can also be transmitted this way. In Australia, the claims for needle-stick injuries jumped 12.6% within 2 years and more than 18000 reported being pricked by contaminated syringes.

PREPARATION

1. GET VACCINATED. The risk of transmission of a blood borne pathogen is very low, but HCV, HIV and HBV remains a risk. Hepatitis B is the most transmissible – you have a 30% risk of transmission after exposure. The risk of contracting HIV is a mere 0.3% and Hepatitis C is about 1.8% - depending on the viral load of the source person and the volume of blood transferred. It is therefore well-worth receiving the HBV vaccination.

2. Always wear gloves and eye protection.

3. Use safety needles and cannulas. Discard needles in the sharps bin immediately. Never leave them lying around, not even for a second.

4. Never re-sheath or re-cap a needle. Pay attention when handling scalpels and butterfly needles.

5. Make sure you know your hospitals policy for post occupational exposure management – and implement it if you get injured.

IF YOU ARE INJURED…

1. Immediately wash the site well with water.
2. Get blood taken for serological testing as soon as possible.
3. You may need to have a course of HBV vaccine and a dose of hep B immunoglobulin, depending on your immunization status.
4. A retroviral drug prophylaxis should be promptly taken if there is a risk of HIV exposure. Seek guidance from your superiors re: this drug as you cannot take this lightly.
5. Talk to someone about the injury. It is alright to feel a significant amount of stress, fear and resentment about the injury and the risks you were exposed to. Talk to a counselor and gain support from co-workers.
6. Your workplace needs to treat the injury swiftly, without prejudice and in confidence. If you feel as though they are not treating your injury or illness in that matter – speak up! Likewise, you have the right to a safe working environment. Seek advice if you feel unsafe at work.

The Ins and Outs of Returning to Practice

2010-10-25T01:10:00.000-07:00

Many nurses start their training straight after school, with very little life experience and with no idea what to expect. Others feel “burnt out” trying to balance a young family and a demanding job and leave the profession. Whatever the case may be, you may decide to leave nursing and then return to practice at a later stage.

Who needs to do the Return to Practice Course?

Every 3 years you will be sent a notification of practice form by the NMC – if you do not meet the PREP requirements in terms of study and practice hours you need to complete the Return to Practice course. If you have not worked as a nurse for a minimum of 450 hours or undertaken the return to practice course or undertaken 35 hours of learning activity relevant to your practice within the last 3 years, you will not retain your NMC membership.

Where can I complete my Return to Practice Course? What does it entail?

The Universities of Brighton, Surrey, Canterbury Christchurch and a few other institutions will allow you to complete your Return to Practice course? The cost varies – and sometimes employers are willing to pay the course fees. Expect to pay up to £1000 in some cases. The course is 12 weeks long with a study day at university every day, and you will be based in a clinical setting with the support of a mentor. You will be assessed for theory and practice.

Tips for nurses returning to practice

1. Elect to specialize in the area you enjoyed most rather than the one you had most experience in. This will mean that you will find your job a lot more fulfilling. \

2. Don’t compare the past experiences to the present – it is easy to glorify the past. Live in the moment and view your new position as a second chance. Likewise, if you feel negative perceptions from the past crop up – remind yourself that it is a new day

3. If you haven’t studied in a while, read up on study methods! You may need it!

4. Don’t get cocky. Your old skills may return quickly, but you are still a novice when it comes to new practises. Ask questions and take advice.

5. Take advantage of your newfound skills! The fact that you have been a student recently means that you make an excellent mentor. Complete a mentorship course if needs be and establish yourself as a teacher.

How to be happy at work!

2010-10-19T04:09:00.000-07:00

1. Choose!

Decide to be happy! Focus on what you love about work and avoid whining or gossiping crowds. Spend time with colleagues you like. Everyone has something they enjoy about work!

2. Take Charge

It is not your boss' responsiblity to help you develop professionally! If you want to further your skills or responsibilities, speak up! You can grow as far as you want to.

3. Own up to it!

If there are problems at work - don't complain about them, try to solve them. Speak to your ward manager and coworkers. This will not only make you look good but also help you establish yourself as a leader.

4. Ask for Feedback

Talk to your ward manager about how you are performing. He or she might see room for improvement or be positive. Chances are that if you are not performing well, there is a reason for it...which opens the door to discuss problems. Going to your boss and saying, "I'm not performing as well as I want to, and I want to change that..." goes a long way.

5. Make Only Commitments You Can Keep

Never volunteer if you don't have the time or energy. You aren't impressing anyone! Learn how to delegate and learn how to say "no!". This will eliminate a lot of stress at work!

6. Avoid Negativity

Choosing to be happy at work means avoiding negative conversations, gossip, and unhappy people as much as possible. No matter how positively you feel, negative people have a profound impact on your psyche.

7. Practice Professional Courage

Don't be afraid of meaningful conflict. Conflict does not have to be negative! Address issues with patients, managers and co-workers in a positive but firm way.

8. Make Friends

Try to befriend your coworkers - after all, they know what you are going through and can provide a wonderful support network.

9. If All Else Fails...

Look for a new job! Take time to reevaluate your employer, job and career...you don't have to be stuck in a deadend job!

How to deal with difficult patients

2010-10-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

Every healthcare professional has to deal with a difficult patient at some point or other. While abuse (including verbal) is not tolerated, you should be prepared to deal with it if the situation arises.

1. Communicate

Outpatient Clinics and GP’s offices often have problems in the waiting room. When patients arrive and have to wait if the clinic is running late, you can imagine their agitation, which can even increase the annoyance of the others. Inform patients when they book that the clinic is running late, and how long he or she would have to wait. Make announcements and place visual information on the notice boards to avoid patients having to queue.

2. Empathize, observe and reassure

Patients find hospital intimidating. Above and beyond that, they feel let down by their own failing bodies and being put in situations they did not understand. Add to that the effects of possible mental health issues and medication – patients can act out. Try to take time to read your patient’s body language. They may need immediate assistance but are too shy or unsure to ask for it, and they are getting angrier by the minute. If a patient feels they are being attended to and listened to, they will behave in a more cooperative manner. Remember your bedside manners!

3. Be professional

Remember that you chose to be a nurse – your patient did not choose to be a patient. Whether you like your patient or not, you have to provide the best care you can.

4. Really listen

Do not act as though you want to get rid of the patient as soon as possible. Don’t stand with crossed arms or look at your watch. Don’t snap at the patients’ questions. If you cannot pay them as much attention as they are demanding, tell them that you will back to answer their questions once you have attended to your other, pressing duties. Don’t make promises that you can’t keep!

5. Know how to identify and deal with a threat

If your patient becomes aggressive, call security. Staff abuse is never tolerated and patients can be barred for violent and aggressive behavior. If a negative event occurs, document it on the patient record or on the incident report. Thorough documentation will protect you and the hospital from possible litigation. If a patient threatens to sue you, inform the risk manager of the statement. Sometimes patients simply make you feel uncomfortable (physically or emotionally). Discuss this with your nursing supervisor to see whether or not the patient should be reassigned. You have the right to a safe working environment – stick up for that right!

5 steps to making a positive career change!

2010-10-13T02:04:00.000-07:00

5Do you dread going to work? Do you feel like your career isn't going anywhere or that your efforts aren't appreciated? It may time to take charge and make a change!

1. Set measurable, realistic goals

Sit down and decide what your goals are. It could be to enter a new speciality or attend a management course, or it could simply be a decision to reach the highest possible level in your current career.

2. Write down the obstacles you are facing

Make a list of all the factors standing in your way - lack of education, your current location, money, your personal life. It may seem demoralizing but once you have it written down, you can start eliminating obstacles.

3. Develop an action plan

Tackle your obstacles. If money is the biggest issue, find out about on the job training, or speak to your bank manager. Speaking to other healthcare professionals in your chosen field is extremely helpful - often they can advise you on their experience with blending their studies and personal life, or how they cope day to day with their challenges.

4. Ask for help

Speak to a career consultant. They are trained to offer advice on everything from your CV layout to return to practice courses and NMC guidelines. Many services are free and specialized.

5. Take a CALCULATED risk

Changing jobs can be risky. Make sure that you have a clear picture of the position you are applying for - research the company and read the job description. If you are still unsure, ask the managers in charge for an informal visit or telephone chat rather than a formal interview. Hospitals welcome these!

THE BEST CAREER ADVICE PAEDIATRIC NURSES NEVER GET

2010-10-12T01:15:00.000-07:00

Paediatric nurses often aren’t aware that they are the easiest candidates to place in the private sector, nor do they know how many alternatives to regular ward nursing there are in the market.

“There is an extreme shortage of paediatric nurses in the private sector, especially in London,” Estelle Nagel, a medical career consultant from the company Private Healthcareers states. “This means that RSCNs are more likely to negotiate their salaries and to receive on-the-job training, particularly in PICU.”

However, many paediatric nurses miss out on these opportunities because of negative perceptions. “Nurses believe that the private sector doesn’t offer exciting options or that they will not advance as quickly because the Band system is not utilised,” she goes on to say. “In most cases, the opposite is true. Nurses advance quickly, usually receive higher salaries and have a wide range of specialities to choose from.”

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR RSCNS

Cardiac & PPCU Nursing

Many large private hospitals perform organ transplants, particularly cardiac. The PPCU unit is a transplant step-down that transitions the patient from the intensive care unit to their home. This means that parents are involved and educated about the care the patient requires. Paediatric nurses with a strong interest in cardiology and organ transplants who enjoy patient and family interaction would be well-suited to such a role. Nurses must be PILS certified and are usually required to attend mandatory cardiology/pulmonary/transplant educational sessions.

PICU/NICU/SCBU

Nurses with a keen interest in intensive care nursing will enjoy working on these wards. The patient-nurse ratio in private care is typically 1:1 and often families can stay overnight. Hospitals will consider candidates without experience for Staff Nurse positions, but a current PILS/EPLS/APLS and an awareness of the current UK Resusicitation Council guidelines is essential. Salaries are typically higher for PICU nurses than paediatric ward nurses. Many hospitals also offer a graduate recruitment program for newly qualified nurses who wish to specialize in neonatal nursing.

Educational Lead

Educational leads are responsible for the development of strategies for the induction, education and development of paediatric nursing staff at the hospital. A good knowledge of national policies and protocols is essential. Although this is a non-clinical role, the Educational Lead may take charge of paediatric services in the abscence of the Matron or senior paediatric nurse. Clinical Governance and Risk Managers with a paediatric background are the ideal candidates and an ENB998 is essential.

Resuscitation Officer

Several hospitals now have an advanced Resuscitation Unit for paediatric patients. This is a great role for paediatric nurses who have a PICU background who would like to specialize. Resuscitation officers also have the opportunity to become specialized instructors. An APLS/EPLS certificate is a must.

Community/Home care

This is a great role for paediatric nurses who enjoy hands-on care and family interaction. Paediatric palliative care courses, epilepsy courses and respiratory courses may be an advantage. Most can be completed via distance learning or through the RCN.

Clincal Practice Facilitator

The CPF will manage the paediatric unit in the abscence of the ward manager, but is also responsible for developing strategies surrounding patient care and staff development. Nurses who work in this field spend roughly half their time supporting staff to develop competencies in specialist areas and need to maintain up-to-date clinical skills. Innovative and creative nurses with management skills who enjoy training and research would be well-suited to this role.

Ward Nursing

If you enjoy research and would like to specialize in a particular field, you may find that the private sector wards are the right place for you. You will support and be supported by RMOs, physiotherapists, play specialists, dieticians, interpreters and paediatric consultants with a typical patient-to-nurse ratio of 3:1.

“A paediatric nurse entering the private market can expect to earn 28-30k per annum, a PICU staff nurse would start at 34k,” Estelle advises. “Most private hospitals require a minimum of one year’s experience in a ward before considering a candidate, but several do offer graduate opportunities. A dual qualification as an adult and paediatric nurse is also considered beneficial.”

RSCNs who require further career advice or would like to apply for a new position can contact Private Healthcareers for a free consultation on 084 4499 6313 or email Estelle estelle@privatehealthcareers.co.uk.

Playing Doctor

2010-10-07T04:20:00.000-07:00

Bullying in Hospitals

2010-10-06T05:57:00.000-07:00

Does going to work feel like a war zone? The Journal of Occupational health recently did a study that showed 5% of hospital staff felt that they were being bullied by other staff members. The victims of the bullying were found to be more likely to be overweight and also more likely to take sick days than those who weren’t.

Bullying is any act whereby an individual is targeted with the sole purpose of breaking down their self-esteem. It is not strong management or a once-off outburst. It is persistent and negative.

Bullying is often unseen, and staff members feel like complaining doesn’t help. Here are some practical things you can do if you are being bullied at work:

1. Don’t confront the bully. This will likely enrage him or her more. If you do decide to speak to the person directly, don’t take action alone. Speak to your HR department or Health & Safety officer. Find out what the company’s official grievance procedures are – and follow them carefully.

2. Don’t become isolated. Seek support from friends and family.

3. Try to avoid situations where you are alone with the bully, and if others witness the bullying, make a note of it.

4. Keep a record of the incidents and relevant documents – such as emails, memos and faxes. Log dates and details of the incidents that distress you, and write down the words used.

5. Make sure that you know what your job description states and make sure your responsibilities match it. Keep copies of your annual appraisals and ask others to relay tasks in writing, where possible. Emails are legal documents and this may help you prove that claims that you weren’t doing your job were unfounded.

6. You may need to leave your job. This is not throwing in the towel, but rather a positive decision to take back control. Let your organization know why you are leaving – you may help others.

Organizations you can contact for help:

Andrea Adams Trust
Hova House, 1 Hova Villas, East Sussex BN3 3DH
tel. 01273 704 900 01273 704 900
web: www.andreaadamstrust.org

British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
BACP House, 35–37 Albert Street, Rugby CV21 2SG
tel. 0870 443 5252 0870 443 5252
web: www.bacp.co.uk

Equality and Human Rights Commission
web: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/

Trades Union Congress (TUC)
Congress House, 23–28 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS
tel. 020 7636 4030 020 7636 4030
web: www.tuc.org.uk

'Know Your Rights' hotline: 0870 600 4882 0870 600 4882
Produces a leaflet on bullying at work

Nurse Bingo!

2010-10-05T05:51:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a fun way to pass the evening with your colleagues? Try a friendly game of nursing bingo! You can download the full set of playing cards here.

Why you didn’t get invited for an interview (and how to make sure that you are)

2010-10-04T03:55:00.000-07:00

Have you ever applied for a position that you felt you were the perfect fit for, only to be disappointed? There are many reasons why job applicants aren’t invited for interview - and both parties ultimately lose out. Here are a few practical tips to keep your CV out of the shredder:

1. YOUR CV SAYS YOU ARE IN NEW ZEALAND!

One of our recent applicants applied for a position in London, but his CV stated that he was still working for a hospital in New Zealand. A phone call determined that he had been living and working in the UK for a full year, but he did not state that on his CV. Companies prefer local candidates for a number of reasons: the administrative trouble of bringing an overseas candidate to their team, the waiting period during relocation, etc. Likewise, it’s important to state whether or not you are a citizen in the country where you are applying. And if you live in Yorkshire, but are applying for a position in Berkshire – state that you are relocating, and when.

2. YOU DIDN’T FIGHT TO GET NOTICED

Simply sending your CV to the HR is not enough. HR managers are inundated with applications – some appropriate, some not. They also take vacations and leave the office to attend meetings and occasionally – misplace CVs. Three days after submitting your application, send a courtesy e-mail to the relevant person asking them whether or not they’ve received your CV or required any further information.

3. YOU APPLIED FOR TOO MANY POSITIONS

An over-eager applicant of mine applied to four vacancies at the same hospital – a mix of clinical and non-clinical work. This sends the message that you might not know what you want from a position, and will easily change jobs. If you aren’t sure which of several positions are right for you, call the HR manager or ward manager directly and request an informal visit. During the visit, you can discuss the various positions in detail and then submit your application to the position you are best suited for.

4. YOU WEREN’T AVAILABLE...EVER

Often applicants are eager to apply, but then fail to pick up calls and emails or faxes from the company they applied to. Make sure that you check your emails regularly after applying and that you have voicemail set up on your cell phone.

5. YOU MADE A BAD IMPRESSION BEFORE EVEN STARTING

The Internet and cell phones have made it fairly easy for a company to screen candidates without meeting them. If you have a Facebook or MySpace page, make sure that your profile picture and information is professional – erase swear words and those pictures from your stag night! Tweets about how much you hate your current job will also not make the right impression. Likewise, your voicemail message should be short and to the point – pretending to be Spiderman busy rescuing supermodels may impress your friends, but your potential employer will not find it funny!

6. YOUR CV IS TERRIBLE

Make sure your CV is readable and relevant. Check for spelling errors and make sure that you list your relevant experience, duties and reason for leaving your current position. If there is a gap in your employment, explain why (e.g. taking time off to be with your children, travelling). If you took time off working due to illness, be sure to include an update on your health. Irrelevant information – such as awards won or subjects passed in high school, hobbies and irrelevant work experience – should be cut out, i.e. if you’ve been working as a nurse for 12 years, you do not have to make mention of the fact that you worked in a pizzeria while you were a student!

AUTHOR: Estelle Nagel is a career consultant at Private Healthcareers. If you are interested in a new position or need help compiling your CV, visit www.privatehealthcareers.co.uk.

How to be a better nurse...today

2010-10-01T05:11:00.000-07:00

Nurses are the backbone of the medical community - but to really stand out and ensure that you will advance in your hospital, it's important to be professional. Here are a few simple tips to ensure that you will make a great impression on superiors and patients:

1. Never reprimand patients, and certainly not in front of others.

It's easy to forget that patients find hospitals uncomfortable and frightening...never make patients feel as though they are "faking it".

2. Try not to judge patients and take them and their illness seriously (unless proven otherwise)

3. Don’t step into the doctor’s shoes (never mind how often you may be right)

Never diagnose a patient or critisize their treatment as this creates anxiety for the patients...and exasperates the doctor. If you do question the treatment, address the doctor in private.

4. Respect the patients privacy.

5. And don’t go partying at the ICU (of all places).

Yes...it happens. One woman complained that the nurses were "living it up" for New Year's Eve in the ICU at 2 am...Don't get rid of these small events, but rather move the noise to the break room.

6. Try to be honest. Don’t say “it doesn’t hurt a bit”, when it does.

On the short term it may help to use a trick to get unpleasant things done, but in the long run people -and especially children- may no longer trust you or any of your colleagues in a similar situation.

What does a professional nurse look like?

Jim Ball, president of The Goals Institute and author of the book Professionalism Is for Everyone, has this to say to nurses:

1.A professional nurse takes pride in her work, skills, knowledge, appearance, and reputation.

2.A professional nurse strives for excellence in all aspects of her work and life.

3.A professional nurse does not settle for mediocrity or do just enough to get by; "good enough" never is.

4.A professional nurse always does a little extra, always something that was not expected.

5.A professional nurse understands that being a professional extends beyond work and applies to all aspects of life.

6.A professional nurse does not lie or mislead individuals in any way.

7.A professional nurse does not gossip or spread rumors.

8.A professional nurse does not spend time at work on personal matters.

9.A professional nurse is always polite, kind, and respectful.

10.A professional nurse says please and thank you.

11.A professional nurse does his job and completes his assignments on time and without complaining.

12.A professional nurse offers suggestions and takes steps to improve business and nursing care processes, procedures, and techniques.

13.A professional nurse looks sharp, clean, and well groomed.

14.A professional nurse does not just throw herself together and rush off to work; she takes time for personal grooming and time to fix her hair and press her clothes before going to work.

15.A professional nurse does what is the right thing to do regardless of what others are doing or may say.

16.A professional nurse helps others learn their jobs and do their work.

17.A professional nurse maintains the confidentiality of patients and their information.

18.A professional nurse is a good listener and pays attention when others are speaking.

19.A professional nurse is compassionate.

20.A professional nurse is dependable; he does what he says he will do or is asked to do.

21.A professional nurse does not swear or use foul language.

22.A professional nurse learns how to be effective and manage her time well.

23.A professional nurse is a positive can-do individual.

24.A professional nurse does not complain, gripe, or whine about challenges, setbacks, and other obstacles that may come his way.

25.A professional nurse is a team player and does what she can to improve team performance and help others succeed.

26.A professional nurse does not lose his temper and speak or act in an angry or violent manner.

27.A professional nurse knows and abides by the nursing and other codes of conduct and ethical rules and guidelines that have been established.

28.A professional nurse arrives for work on time and is usually a little early.

29.A professional nurse is a continual learner and is always taking steps to learn more and develop additional skills.

30.A professional nurse is forthright; she does not exaggerate or conceal facts and she does not mislead others in any way.

31.A professional nurse admits his mistakes and learns from them; he does not blame others or make excuses.

32.A professional nurse keeps her word.

33.A professional nurse understands that his image matters and reflects his personal pride and the pride and brand of the organization he represents.

34.A professional nurse dresses appropriately, complies with a dress code if one exists, and avoids clothing or adornments that would be considered in poor or questionable taste.

35.A professional nurse does not wear excessive cologne or makeup.

36.A professional nurse seeks out new responsibilities and personal growth opportunities.

37.A professional nurse does not try to bully or intimidate.

38.A professional nurse does not talk negatively about others or the organization that employs him.

39.A professional nurse acknowledges people and respects their views and opinions.

40.A professional nurse understands that the needs of patients are not an interruption to her work; rather the needs of patients are the core of what nursing is all about.

We were at the RCN conference!

2010-09-21T01:28:00.000-07:00

I must apologize for the long abscence on this blog! If you were at the RCN Convention last week, I'm sure you would have seen us handing out career advice...and fortune cookies!

Remember that if you require FREE career advice or help with your CV, we are always keen to help.

The convention went really well and about 700 nurses joined our network. We also are giving away a free trip to South Africa!

Laws of Attraction: How to succeed at...anything

2010-09-10T02:33:00.000-07:00

Experts say there are 10 top rules for achieving goals:

1. Write Down Your Goals.

A goal doesn't have be big or ambitious. And you should never assume that's the unattainable. Whether it is to obtain your dream job or just to clean out your garage, you can achieve it. Write down the things you want and the things you DON'T want. Use the present tense when you write, use as many details as possible and make it positive!

2. Find a Picture of the End Result for you and add it to your vision board.

The picture only has to make sense to you. If it doesn’t juice you up and get you excited, change it.

3. Write out your ideal day film script.

Get a journal and write about your perfect day. Play it out in the present and make it positive. Don't try to limit yourself or think of obstacles...dream big.

4. EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).

As you write, find images, thing about what it is that you want. You’ll most likely come up against some ‘walls’. Oh that’s unrealistic, that’s not possible. I can’t, don't, must, need etc. All of these are beliefs and negative emotions and beliefs which can easily be cleared by EFT. Don't limit yourself!

5. Work

Ask yourself, "What can I do to make this happen?" Do you need to call someone, sign up for something? Who else has achieved this goal? Can I copy that person? Prepare yourself and work hard at your goals. Don't wait for it to happen.

6. Noise and Music.

Add a positive soundtrack to your day - an inspiring song or movie would be great. Make sure it's positive, life-affirming and encouraging. Listen to the words carefully - or else you could be programming yourself negatively.

7. Audio Books.

Find as many as you can on subjects that you like or want to learn. And you DO have time to listen to them - while on the bus or walking, or even while doing chores.

8. Software/Images

You can buy a program called Sublimal Power that flashes positive messgaes on your PC as you work. Alternatively, paste your favourite quotes into skype or around your office and home.

9. Take advice

Join a law of attraction online forum. Ask questions, meet people, inspire others and be inspired. There are also wonderful ning networks and support groups online to advise you. Apply the steps - repeat them a 100 times. Experiment, ask questions. Keep going until something works!

10. Perhaps the best thing you can do is just Say Thank You and often.

By just implementing this last step, you will already become aware of how much you already have.

Try implementing all ten of these rules, one at a time. You will be surprised at the results!

Some giggles

2010-09-09T07:17:00.000-07:00

Tyverb no longer available for breast cancer patients

2010-09-07T05:10:00.000-07:00

LONDON — Britain's health watchdog on Thursday recommended against buying a breast cancer drug for patients with advanced disease.

In a statement, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence said that lapatinib, sold as Tyverb by GlaxoSmithKline PLC, is not cost-effective. The drug costs about 1,600 pounds ($2,300) per treatment course in Britain. Glaxo said the decision would mean about 2,000 patients in the U.K. will no longer get the drug.

Tyverb is given to women with advanced breast cancer in combination with another drug, after they have failed to improve with standard medicines like Herceptin. There are no other licensed treatments available to treat these women. The drug is widely available in countries including the U.S., Iceland, Czech Republic and elsewhere.

Glaxo called the decision "deeply disappointing."