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	<title>My Nursing Career&#187;&#187; Become a Nurse</title>
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		<title>Nursing School Accreditation: CCNE vs. NLNAC</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/nursing-school-accreditation-ccne-nlnac/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/nursing-school-accreditation-ccne-nlnac/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:19:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Introduction to Nursing School Accreditation The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) are two of the most recognized accrediting agencies in the nation. They’re also two of the most influential agencies – often determining eligibility for student aid or employment feasibility. Financial aid agencies simply won’t<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/nursing-school-accreditation-ccne-nlnac/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h2>Introduction to Nursing School Accreditation</h2>
<p>The <strong>Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)</strong> and the <strong>National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC)</strong> are two of the most recognized accrediting agencies in the nation. They’re also two of the most influential agencies – often determining eligibility for student aid or employment feasibility. Financial aid agencies simply won’t fund non-accredited nursing programs and employers aren’t comfortable hiring graduates from non-accredited nursing schools.</p>
<p>To ensure nursing students can secure sufficient financial aid and find employment, both the CCNE and NLNAC impose strict requirements onto a wide variety of eligible programs. CCNE vs NLNAC accreditation differs in the sense that the CCNE does not accredit LPN, Diploma, or ADN programs while the NLNAC does.</p>
<p>All baccalaureate, graduate, and residency nursing programs operating under CCNE accreditation do so in accordance with nationally recognized standards. Nursing certificate, diploma, and professional degree programs operating under NLNAC accreditation do so in accordance with the same standards as well. And participation in both is completely voluntary.<br />
This article describes both programs, their importance, and some significant differences between the two.</p>
<h2>Our Recommendations</h2>
</h3>
<p>Online Nursing Schools with CCNE or NLNAC Accreditation</h3>
<ul>
<li><a onclick="window.open('http://my-nursing-career.elearners.com/dcn.htm?&amp;degID=6742&amp;tsource=jmmynrsgcar1&amp;aid=southhome', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=950,height=520');return true" href="http://my-nursing-career.elearners.com/dcn.htm?&amp;degID=6742&amp;tsource=jmmynrsgcar1&amp;aid=chamaccrid" target="popupwindow"><strong>RN to BSN in 3 Semesters</strong></a> &#8211; <strong>Chamberlain College of Nursing</strong> is both a CCNE and NLNAC accredited.</li>
<li><a onclick="window.open('http://my-nursing-career.elearners.com/wgu.html?&amp;degID=9228&amp;tsource=jmmynrsgcar1&amp;aid=wguaccrid', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=950,height=520');return true" href="http://my-nursing-career.elearners.com/wgu.html?&amp;degID=9228&amp;tsource=jmmynrsgcar1&amp;aid=wguaccrid" target="popupwindow"><strong>Flat-Rate Tuition. Awarded Best Online Teaching University</strong></a> &#8211; <strong>Western Governors University</strong> is CCNE accredited.</li>
<li><a onclick="window.open('http://my-nursing-career.elearners.com/sou.htm?&amp;degID=6714&amp;tsource=jmmynrsgcar1&amp;aid=southaccrid', 'popupwindow', 'scrollbars=yes,width=950,height=520');return true" href="http://my-nursing-career.elearners.com/dcn.htm?&amp;degID=6742&amp;tsource=jmmynrsgcar1&amp;aid=southaccrid" target="popupwindow"><strong>Earn 45 Course Credits for Your RN Experience</strong></a> &#8211; <strong>South University</strong> is NLNAC accredited.</li>
</ul>
<h2>The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)</h2>
<p>Most nursing programs seek CCNE accreditation because it plays a critical role in the financial aid and employment process. But this status is more than just a name. To maintain an accredited status, nursing programs must comply with a number of specific rules. And in an effort to ensure nursing programs comply with those rules, the CCNE operates within a commitment to not only operate within a set of specific goals, but also expect specified results as well.</p>
<p>Schools operating under CCNE accreditation therefore are subject to following their own mission and goals. They’re additionally subject to periodic evaluation of performance and the scrutiny of prospective students all in an effort to increase the quality of nursing programs.<br />
The CCNE not only monitors nursing programs. It additionally monitors the health industry so that it can determine what is and what isn’t required from new graduates. That’s why the organization uses information from the health community to review existing standards and formulate new policy when needed. The information helps the organization evaluate requirements and determine policy effectiveness. The end result ensures that schools provide a quality education and become accountable for results. It’s important to note that the CCNE isn’t a babysitter however.</p>
<p>Much of the responsibility of maintaining CCNE accreditation is placed onto the schools that acquire it. The CCNE sets the standards, but participating schools put those standards into action. All evaluation of school staff, development, planning, and procedures takes place within the school environment.</p>
<p>Although it may appear as though the CCNE places most of its focus on nursing institutions, it really exists and works for nursing students. Through this organization for example, students can access fairness and confidentiality among freedom from a conflict of interest.<br />
The commitment to removing all conflict of interest (financial and political) gives the CCNE freedom to act independently – that is, by a set of its own bylaws, financial control, member selection, and general affairs – ultimately freeing nursing students from misleading information. All associations and activities that could potentially raise questions about the CCNE’s validity are completely avoided so that nursing students can entrust accreditation as an authoritative seal of approval.</p>
<p>Part of the CCNE’s quality assurance program therefore entails enforcing specific curriculums, study methodology, and testing procedures while ensuring these things are free from bias. But that doesn’t mean important educational virtues such as experimentation and innovation don’t have a place in nursing school. The CCNE encourages exploration, and it does so within the pursuit of quality education.</p>
<p>Is the CCNE perfect? Does the CCNE guarantee the schools it accredits? These are good questions that are warranted when so much is at stake. No system is perfect and the CCNE is diligent in making necessary corrections when necessary not only within the accreditation process, but within its own organization as well.</p>
<h2>How the <strong>National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) </strong>Differs</h2>
<p>The NLNAC follows the same principles and procedures as does the CCNE so we won’t repeat them here. The organization accredits about 200 new nursing programs per year and monitors 1300 programs per year. However being the oldest accreditation program of the two, it offers a bit more than the CCNE. While the CCNE seemingly places most of its focus on enforcing standards for nursing institutions, the NLNAC integrates the same educational standards with unique student provisions.</p>
<p>It also works much more closely with government standards than the CCNE does. For example, the NLNAC is the gatekeeper to Title IV-HEA programs, which lets practical nursing and hospital diploma programs participate in DOE or other federal agency programs. With such a close relationship with various government agencies, the NLNAC is capable of providing a wide range of nursing student assistance programs, not just financial aid programs. Examples include student counseling, student recruitment, and help with transferring credits.</p>
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		<title>Nursing RX: Long-term Success Factors for Nurses</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/win-longterm-success-factors-nurses/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/win-longterm-success-factors-nurses/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:47:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=1714</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Nursing is a demanding profession. Those who are able to succeed in it long-term use their altruistic, caring natures on themselves as well as their patients. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Although the good pay and employment prospects of the nursing profession may appeal to many, most people go into nursing out of altruism. They want to help people. They are genuinely caring people who know they are suited for one of the “helping” professions. They may be highly idealistic. If they can keep in touch with that original motivation for entering the field, nurses are more likely to succeed in the profession long-term.</p>
<h2>Find an Online Degree</h2>
<p>[degree-scroller width="275" height="135"]</p>
<h2>Caregivers Need to Care for Themselves, Too</h2>
<p>In part because of their caring and altruistic natures, nurses may find themselves unable to say “no” to five twelve-hour shifts in the same week because they feel the desperate need for patient care. They are concerned about their patients and want to give their all to help them, above and beyond the call of duty. They are generous and giving people in the first place, and it is only too easy to give too much without the matching self-care that could make them more resilient against the pressures and stresses of their jobs.</p>
<p>Setting boundaries and engaging in self-care are crucial not only to the individual nurse to prevent burnout: it is essential to patient well being.<br />
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation did a 2004 study of “Nurse Burnout and Patient Satisfaction” and reported it in their online magazine <em>Quality/Equality</em> in February 2004. The authors (Aiken, LH, Sloane, DM, Clarke, SP, and Vargas, D) found that nurse burnout had a large impact on patient satisfaction with their care. Statistics have also shown that overburdened nurses give lesser-quality care, resulting in more patient deaths.</p>
<p>In addition to health care policymakers working for systemic changes that can ease the burdens of nurses and improve their working environments, successful nurses need to take a hand in their own self-care.</p>
<h2>Success Secrets for Staying Sane as a Nurse</h2>
<p>Nurses who have succeeded in the long-term recommend various ways to take care of one’s self. They recommend that nurses set boundaries in how many hours they are willing to work, only working as much as they need to for the lifestyle they choose to maintain or for their families. Some recommend taking up art or other pastimes and hobbies as a sort of therapy—nurturing the inner self with a life outside of nursing. Some recommend switching venues—perhaps a stint as a travel nurse or cruise nurse might be refreshing. Even switching floors in the same hospital or switching from one hospital in town to another might be eye-opening as far as quality of work life goes.</p>
<p>Nurses caution one another to catch burnout early and begin active self-nurturing. They recommend taking time off—even medical leave—if necessary. Emotional and psychological maladies are not given the same amount of credibility in our society as physical maladies&#8211;yet they are just as real and need to be attended to seriously.</p>
<p>A sense of humor helps. Nurses laughingly recount becoming “crispy critters” they were so burned out, and note they were headed straight for “the toaster” before they started to help themselves so they could help others.</p>
<p>Nurses need to check to see if their own selflessness is actually hurting their patients. If a nurse realizes that his or her own self-nurturing and self-care will ultimately benefit patients, the nurse need not feel guilty about taking needed time off or engaging in activities outside of work that nourish the inner life. He or she will be a better nurse for being a little &#8220;selfish&#8221; once in a while.</p>
<h2>What Are Your Secrets for a Successful Nursing Career?</h2>
<p>Please take a moment and share your secrets for keeping yourself healthy in mind, spirit, and body?</p>
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		<title>FAFSA and Nursing School Loan Strategies</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/fafsa-nursing-school-strategies/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/fafsa-nursing-school-strategies/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:08:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=1505</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While shopper’s remorse can sometimes be easily corrected by returning items to the store, it’s much harder to change course in the midst of your nursing education if you don’t put in the sweat equity to plan ahead for a rewarding education. And, to avoid crushing student-loan debts long after graduation. Smart Planning for Nursing<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/fafsa-nursing-school-strategies/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While shopper’s remorse can sometimes be easily corrected by returning items to the store, it’s much harder to change course in the midst of your nursing education if you don’t put in the sweat equity to plan ahead for a rewarding education. And, to avoid crushing student-loan debts long after graduation.</p>
<p><strong>Smart Planning for Nursing School</strong></p>
<p>A <em>Washington Post</em> article (9/19/2009) quoted Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of FinAid.org and FastWeb.com, who noted students defaulted at a higher rate if they borrowed more than twice the amount of their expected starting salary.</p>
<p>Michelle Singletary, in writing this piece, also suggested going to StudentLoanJustice.org to learn firsthand from students of loan repayments that have ballooned two to three times from the original amount. These are important considerations for taking out long-term educational loans.</p>
<p>Here are two major strategies to consider as you sail through another rite of passage to embark on your nursing career.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline">1. Set Your GPS on Course</span></p>
<p>You may have a nifty GPS (Global Positioning System) device in your car that shows you the route to arrive at your destination. Have you considered applying this principle to mapping out your nursing school strategy?</p>
<p>A strategy is essentially, a plan (or road map) that outlines:</p>
<p>A)    Your career <strong>goals</strong>. For example, as you qualify along each step of the way—from LPN to RN and BSN—look out for a nursing specialty that matches your personality. If your dynamic energy thrills to emergency room operations you may want to explore similar dynamic nursing units. Or, your quiet personality may prefer caring for babies in the NICU or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Every nursing specialty is challenging, but the surrounding environments are different for each. You owe it to your peace of mind to visit these units. Who knows, what may have appeared off-putting may just be your cuppa joe.</p>
<p>B)     What <strong>tactics</strong> you’ll employ to get there, or how to translate your goals into realistic steps. For instance, identifying which schools to apply to in terms of programs or location to save on commuting time and costs.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline">2. Set Your Financial Compass</span></p>
<p>Being able to afford a top-notch professional education is a serious undertaking. Many students think that after graduating with a degree, they’ll be able to repay loans readily. Not so, given today’s recession—which may well change by the time you’ve graduated. Nevertheless, it pays to research options.</p>
<p><strong>FAFSA First</strong></p>
<p>First, log on to the Department of Education’s informative website for a Free Application for Federal Student Aid report commonly known as FAFSA at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine your eligibility. This online service is a time-and energy-saver as your application is processed electronically.</p>
<p>Second, scout out financial aid options offered by nursing schools you’re considering. Keep in mind that scholarships and grants don’t require repayment (either with time and/or money) while other forms of financial aid such as work-study and loans, do.</p>
<p>Third, list each option along with requirements for application, loan rates info and timelines for repayment plus other relevant contact info. Financial conditions change, so revisit your options every few months to update. Keep weighing your options to see which ones help you come out ahead. While updating, see if you can discern trends in financial aid to keep innovating your financial strategy to give you the best returns.</p>
<p>As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention can prevent pounds of cure later—in this case, a few more ounces of careful planning in advance of nursing school. What financially viable strategies have you used for your nursing education, or are now using? We’d love to hear from you!</p>
<p>Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/19/AR2009091900100.html?hpid=topnews</p>
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		<title>Ten Tips to Studying for the NCLEX Exam</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/ten-tips-studying-nclex-exam/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/ten-tips-studying-nclex-exam/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:34:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=1390</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Passing your NCLEX exam is a very important milestone on your way to becoming a nurse, however it can be a bit difficult if you don’t take the time to prepare yourself. Use these ten best practices to help you ensure that you pass your NCLEX the first time. Create A Study Plan It is<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/ten-tips-studying-nclex-exam/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Passing your NCLEX exam is a very important milestone on your way to becoming a nurse, however it can be a bit difficult if you don’t take the time to prepare yourself. Use these ten best practices to help you ensure that you pass your NCLEX the first time.</p>
<h3>Create A Study Plan</h3>
<p>It is very important that you take the time to put together a study plan that will give you several months to prepare for the exam. Study a different topic each week and break all of the material into reasonable sections. You should organize all your notes so that it is easier for you to understand and learn the material that is needed.</p>
<h3>Use The Study Tools</h3>
<p>You have a wide variety of tools at your disposal to study for the NCLEX exam, but if you don’t use them you are going to cause a great deal of heartache when you go to take the test. There are many review books available through your school that will help divide the material into a way that is easy to study.<br />
The internet can also be an excellent way to study for an exam. Try and learn everything you can that may appear on the test. The internet is the greatest information tool in human history, use it to your advantage.</p>
<h3>Start A Study Group</h3>
<p>One of the best ways to study for the NCLEX exam is to take part, or start, a study group. Study groups are an excellent way to prepare for the exam. Try and get group together that will have between three and five people, which meets on a weekly basis in a certain area. In the group, share questions and answers and have mock tests that will allow you to think on your feet and get prepared for the exam.</p>
<h3>Beating Stress</h3>
<p>Stress is going to be a problem no matter what you do to get rid of it. If you are going to be taking a big test like the NCLEX exam, you will have stress. However, there are ways to beat it if you have to. First of all, try and talk positively to yourself. This will raise your confidence as you tell yourself over and over that you will pass the test. As well, try and think of times you have made it through tough situations and how you fared in that.</p>
<h3>Be Healthy</h3>
<p>Another way to keep yourself in a good frame of mind is to exercise on a regular basis. This will keep your body, and your mind, fit. If you are fit, you are going to have an easier time learning and you will find you do not suffer from stress as much. Exercise is a great way to reduce tension, which gives you more mental and physical energy during stressful periods.</p>
<h3>Eat Right</h3>
<p>A body in good shape is a body that will do well in difficult situations, situations like tests. Maintain a good diet of fruits and vegetables to keep your body healthy.<br />
During your study sessions, it can be difficult not to snack uncontrollably, however you have to break yourself from this habit because refined sugar only makes you more tire.</p>
<h3>Make the Appointment Earlier than Later</h3>
<p>You are able to schedule your test up to 30 days ahead of time by registering with the State Board of Nursing, which will provide the Authorization to Test. This will allow you to make the appointment, scheduling the date and the time. Try and schedule a time or day that will work best for you, allowing you to be at your most alert and best.</p>
<h3>The Importance of A Good Breakfast</h3>
<p>A healthy breakfast before your exam is incredibly important. It will allow you to be alert and ready for the exam. Skipping breakfast, even in favor of studying, will only result in you being sluggish and not at your mental sharpest.</p>
<h3>Have Everything Ready</h3>
<p>The night before your test, ensure that you have everything put together that you will need for the test. This includes items like your identification and any other legal documentation that you may need for the test. As well, don’t forget your lucky charms, possibly the most important part of your test paraphernalia.</p>
<h3>Understand CAT</h3>
<p>When we say understand CAT, we are not talking about things that go ‘meow’. CAT, or Computer Adaptive Testing, is a means to test a person’s knowledge base on a specific subject.<br />
The test will begin with a question of moderate difficulty, if you answer correctly it will give you a more complicated question, if you answer incorrectly, it will give you an easier question. This will continue throughout the test to measure your aptitude. If your knowledge level is high enough in all areas, then you pass the test. If it is low, then you rate as low.</p>
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		<title>Life-Changing Careers in Nursing</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lifechanging-careers-nursing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lifechanging-careers-nursing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jul 2009 04:19:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=1360</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the 1950s, the baby boomers were born. Now, as they increase in age, there is a greater demand for health care, making nursing one of the best careers to get into. Within the next 10-15 years there will be an estimated shortage of 800,000 nurses (according to a 2002 study by the U.S. Health<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lifechanging-careers-nursing/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the 1950s, the baby boomers were born. Now, as they increase in age, there is a greater demand for health care, making nursing one of the best careers to get into. Within the next 10-15 years there will be an estimated shortage of 800,000 nurses (according to a 2002 study by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration). Those with the proper nursing skills and nursing degrees are likely to be the first to get the best and most in-demand jobs.</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/">Nursing</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-a-nurse/cna/">Certified Nursing Assistant</a> (CNA)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-a-nurse/lpn/">Licensed Practical Nursing</a> (LPN)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-a-nurse/">Nursing</a> (RN)</li>
<li>Vocational Nursing (LVN)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/onlinenursingschools/nursing-certificates/">Certified Nurse</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/onlinenursingschools/rn-bsn-3-semesters/">R.N. to B.S.N.</a></li>
</ul>
<p>While in school, nursing students take classes in biology, chemistry, and other basic sciences. They also learn bedside manner, anatomy and physiology, and ethics. With a bachelor's degree, students take general liberal arts courses during their first year and move onto more specific nursing classes during their sophomore and junior years, depending on the curriculum and the nursing school. Most schools require fieldwork in hospitals and clinics during one's junior and senior years so valuable hands-on experience can be acquired.</p>
<p>The duties of an RN vary depending on the location of the job. You can work in a hospital, at a private practice, at a nursing home, or at a clinic, and at each you can work for different types of doctors and concentrations. Each specialization requires working with different people and adapting to the needs of patients. In a hospital, nurses have a certain number of patients to take care of and some duties may include administering medication, monitoring medical machines, and assisting in surgical procedures.</p>
<p>In order to become a nurse, you must at least have an associate degree in nursing, but you can acquire even more skills and become more marketable with advanced nursing training and nursing degrees that span all the way to a doctorate in nursing. The degree(s) you choose to pursue, however, are ultimately up to you. Once you have your associate degree in nursing, you'll take the state board exam so that you can start working as a registered nurse (RN). The most common degree that nurses earn is a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN).</p>
<p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that nursing will grow much faster than the average for all other occupations by 2014. The average salary for RNs, holding 2.4 million jobs, was $52,330 in May 2004, according to the BLS.</p>
<p>Explore nursing degrees today to become part of the largest health care occupation and fastest growing profession. By educating yourself, you'll be able to get a great job, while helping others in the process.</p>
<p>Learn more about <a href="http://affiliate.collegesurfing.com/clickcount.php?id=12430931&amp;goto=http%3A//affiliate.collegesurfing.com/nursing-school-guide/">nursing degrees</a>.</p>
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		<title>Become LPN: Career Outlook &amp; Advantages of LPN LVN</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-advantages-lpn-lvn/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-advantages-lpn-lvn/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2009 05:29:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=1043</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Image by Getty Images via Daylife There are a number of reasons a person chooses to become an LPN . Some of the reasons that come to mind are a love for helping others, compassion, a stable income, and an interest in nursing. However, there are plenty more advantages that you may not have considered.<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-advantages-lpn-lvn/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
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<p>There are a number of reasons a person chooses to become an LPN . Some of the reasons that come to mind are a love for helping others, compassion, a stable income, and an interest in nursing.  However, there are plenty more advantages that you may not have considered.</p>
<h2>Flexible Scheduling and Travel Options</h2>
<p>Flexibility is a tremendous advantage to becoming a LPN. <strong><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-a-nurse/lpn/">Online LPN programs</a></strong> are generally shorter in duration than programs for other licensed professionals, which allow you to obtain a LPN job sooner.  The career opportunities for LPNs offer flexible choices and steady work.</p>
<p>LPNs are hired at long term care facilities, home health agencies, some acute care hospitals, medical offices, and clinics. Some medical providers hire travel LPNs and offer the same benefits, housing, and competitive wages as working in the <a class="zem_slink" title="Hospitals" rel="wikinvest" href="http://www.wikinvest.com/industry/Hospitals">hospital</a> setting. LPNs may also discover it is easier to find daytime hours than for RNs in the same community.</p>
<h2>Quick Transition from LPN Programs into the Work Arena</h2>
<p>LPN programs are intensive, but the LPN nursing classes last for a shorter amount of time.  Therefore, the new LPN is out in the work place sooner.  Quickly obtaining a LPN job is a large advantage for those seeking a full time paycheck, as you can finish school in 12 to 18 months versus a 48 month traditional nursing college degree program.</p>
<h2>Excellent Career Opportunities</h2>
<p>Another advantage to LPN programs is they are a perfect fit for the person seeking a second career. Older students who have lost a job or made the decision to change careers find that the LPN program is an ideal fit.  LPN nursing classes are accessible, and most programs work well with the mature student, offering study help and guidance.</p>
<p>Becoming a LPN or LVN offers the advantage of building the ground work for further education in the healthcare arena. Many LPNs go on to further their education in the health arena while earning a full time paycheck. Often employers will also offer tuition reimbursement for LPNs who want to earn a higher degree in nursing or other health career.</p>
<p>Home health care, as well as the geriatric arena, offer the LPN many opportunities to advance their careers.  Many of these LPNs often become charge nurses in skilled nursing facilities or office managers.</p>
<p>Geriatrics and pediatrics offer home health advantages that may be overlooked by other health care professionals.  However, home care can offer day shift hours and often no holiday or weekend hours, which can be a big advantage if you have a family.</p>
<p>Advantages to becoming a LPN are evident with the flexibility of the programs and schedules.  The LPN career opportunities, the stability of a reasonable pay check, steady work, and the pride of your accomplishment are advantages that are priceless.</p>
<p>Related Articles</p>
<h6 class="zemanta-related-title" style="font-size: 1em;">Related articles</h6>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://nursingassistants.net/2009/03/16/my-better-nursing-home-blog/">My Better Nursing Home Blog</a> (nursingassistants.net)</li>
</ul>
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		<title>Become an LPN: LPN vs RN</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-lpn-rn/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-lpn-rn/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:45:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=976</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[While both LPNs and RNs are considered nurses, there are significant differences between the two, starting with even the educational process. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>While both LPNs and RNs are considered nurses, there are significant differences between the two, starting with even the educational process.</p>
<p><a href="http://lpnbsn.net/">LPN to RN Online in 18 Months</a></p>
<h2>LPN Programs vs. RN Programs</h2>
<p><a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-a-nurse/lpn/">LPN programs</a> traditionally encompass 12 to 18 months of curriculum after your pre-requisite classes are finished.  Depending on the college or LPN program, a student may have enough credits to earn an associate degree in health science, as well as complete the credits for the LPN program.</p>
<p>In contrast, <a href="http://lpnbsn.net/">RN programs</a> are three to five years in duration after pre-requisites are complete, and the student then earns an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing.</p>
<p>However, what are the differences between a LPN and RN after the initial education?</p>
<h2>Differences in State Licensing Exams</h2>
<p>LPN and RN state licensure exams are different in complexity and in theory. The LPN exam focuses on patient care, while the RN exam is based upon the theories behind the care, as well as the care itself. Both exams test on basic knowledge of disease processes, but the RN exam is more extensive in the pathophysiology of the disease processes, theory, and critical thinking skills.</p>
<h2>Varying Scopes of Nursing Practice</h2>
<p>The Scope of Practice between a RN and LPN is clearly defined by the licensing board of each state.  LPN nurses, in many instances, function under the supervision or guidance of an RN when practicing nursing. Most institutions have policies and procedures which clearly state that an RN may need to supervise or review certain procedures that a LPN performs.</p>
<p>The Scope of Practice also clearly states which procedures a LPN may not perform. In most states, for instance, the LPN may not give intravenous medications or start intravenous lines for a patient. LPN nurses may not infuse fluids or nutrition in a central line. Most facilities allow LPN nurses to do a bladder catheter and feeding tube nutrition, but there is usually an RN on staff to cover those procedures if there is a problem.</p>
<h2>Expected LPN Salary</h2>
<p>Pay rates for LPN and RN nurses differ at each institution or facility. Most often, the LPN will receive a few dollars an hour less, but not always, and the LPN will still earn a shift differential for off shifts, just like an RN.</p>
<p><a href="http://lpnbsn.net/">Earn $15,000 more as an RN. LPN to RN online program</a></p>
<h2>Anticipated Responsibilities</h2>
<p>Responsibilities are shared by the LPN and the RN on the same unit. However, the LPN does not call physicians for orders when there is a RN available, and in most facilities, cannot take a phone order from a physician. In the home care setting, a LPN can take the phone order from the physician, but the case manager who is a RN must check those orders and get them signed from a physician.</p>
<p>LPN nurses do provide patient care and treatments. They provide morning care, bedtime care, and dressings and treatments within their scope of practice. The LPN has the unique opportunity to spend more quality time with the patient and family, developing trust and offering support.</p>
<p>LPN programs offer the student a basic understanding of diseases, procedures, and basic nursing care.  The LPN is rewarding, offering the LPN the springboard to further their education while earning a full time paycheck.</p>
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		<title>Become an LPN: A Check List of Characteristics and Skills Needed to be an LPN</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-lpn-check-list/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-lpn-check-list/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:22:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=971</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing to be a LPN can open the doors to an incredibly rewarding career. LPN programs offer many classes in both nursing and related subjects, but are you poised to be a successful LPN? There are many characteristics that will lead to a successful career in the healthcare field besides the course work. Here are<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-lpn-check-list/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Choosing to be a LPN can open the doors to an incredibly rewarding career.  <a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-a-nurse/lpn/">LPN programs</a> offer many classes in both nursing and related subjects, but are you poised to be a successful LPN?  There are many characteristics that will lead to a successful career in the healthcare field besides the course work. Here are some of the ideal characteristics of someone who could enjoy a fruitful career in LPN nursing.</p>
<h2>Responsible and Accountable</h2>
<p>Are you normally a responsible person? Do you make yourself accountable for your own mistakes?  Do you pay your bills on time and arrive to your appointments in a timely manner? Can you manage two or three projects at one time?</p>
<p>This may sound unrelated to a career in nursing, but a person’s natural sense of responsibility and accountability are critical to being a successful LPN.  Medications need to be dispensed on time. Patients need to have treatments, meals, and laboratory tests completed in a timely manner and by responsible nurses. As an LPN, you would be responsible for a set of patients needing treatments, medications, and care. LPN nurses must be responsible for prioritizing patient care, often managing two or three tasks at once.</p>
<h2>Time Management</h2>
<p>How are you at time management? As a student in an LPN program, you will need to manage your time to get all your course work completed, to arrive at your clinical rotations on time, and to juggle your outside job, family, and other obligations in a timely manner. Time management goes right along with being organized.</p>
<p>Start off on the right foot with your LPN program by being organized and managing your time to avoid stress and overload.  It is important for you to make your LPN program a priority to be successful.</p>
<h2>Compassionate and Caring</h2>
<p>Most students entering the health care field have a heart for people. It is important for LPN nurses to have the same compassion and caring for others that is expected of all other healthcare team members.  LPN nurses work closer to patients than other team members on any given shift, and they truly get to know both the patient and their families.  Compassionate and caring nurses truly get to know their patient’s on a deeper level, and it makes the difference in the quality of care the patient and family receive.</p>
<h2>Flexible</h2>
<p>One last important qualification to be a successful LPN is flexibility. LPN nurses will have to work weekend shifts, off shifts, and often must float to other areas of the facility. State standards limit the number of LPN nurses to the number of RN nurses in some instances, and therefore, the LPN must be flexible if she or he is asked to float or manage other tasks.</p>
<p>Flexibility is also an important quality to have during your LPN program. You will be completing projects with other students, working with a number of other health professionals throughout your clinical rotations, and sometimes be asked to manage tasks you may not feel ready to undertake. Flexibility will make those times less stressful if you can work well with others.</p>
<p>These are just some of the characteristics that you will need to be successful in your LPN program and in your new LPN career. Working to develop these skills will help you to feel better about yourself and lead to a rewarding career as an LPN.</p>
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		<title>Become an LPN: Choosing the LPN/LVN Program that is Right for You</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-choosing-lpnlvn-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-choosing-lpnlvn-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:50:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=967</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Choosing the right LPN ( Licensed Practical Nurse ) program or LVN ( Licensed Vocational Nurse ) program is an important decision. You have already looked into becoming a LPN, and you may have talked to friends or family about your choice. But how do you find and choose the right LPN program for your<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/lpn-choosing-lpnlvn-program/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Choosing the right LPN ( Licensed Practical Nurse ) program or LVN ( Licensed Vocational Nurse ) program is an important decision. You have already looked into becoming a LPN, and you may have talked to friends or family about your choice. But how do you find and choose the right LPN program for your success? The LPN training program needs to fit your lifestyle, your available study time, and your financial situation.</p>
<h2>Types of LPN and LVN Programs Available</h2>
<p>LPN programs and LVN programs can vary according to where you live. Many community colleges have LPN training and LVN programs that run from 12 to 18 months for full-time students.  There are also programs that teach the majority of LPN nursing classes online, while clinical time is scheduled at local hospitals. In this situation, you may need to find your own clinical site if the online LPN program doesn’t offer you clinical rotations.</p>
<p>In some states, there are hospital-based LPN and LVN programs where you attend LPN nursing classes developed by instructors who are paid by the hospital, or you take courses at a local college where an affiliation with the hospital has been established. These programs usually facilitate clinical time at the local hospital or in a neighboring community hospital or clinic.</p>
<h2>Lifestyle and Financial Considerations</h2>
<p>Your lifestyle plays an important part in your decision about which LPN program and LPN school you should choose. Ask yourself these questions:</p>
<ol>
<li>How quickly do I want to get through a LPN program?</li>
<li>How much time do I have to realistically devote to LPN nursing classes, clinical sites, and studying at this time in my life?</li>
<li>What am I willing to give up when beginning and completing an LPN program or LVN program?</li>
</ol>
<p>Finances are always a consideration when deciding which LPN program or LVN program is right for you. Accreditation of each LPN program should be considered because these LPN schools generally offer better financial aid to students who qualify. With accredited LPN programs, there is a guarantee of a quality education meeting state standards for LPNs, making it easier for students to qualify for a Pell Grant, federal student loans, and other available funds for students seeking a quality education and financial aid.</p>
<h2>Consider Your Location</h2>
<p>“Location, location, location” is a popular saying for where to start a business or buy a home, and it applies to choosing the right LPN program or LVN program as well. If the LPN school is not convenient for the student, it makes it more difficult to stay with the program when bad weather, family distractions, and travel expenses become too much.  It benefits the student to find a state standard appropriate program as close to home as possible to avoid possible distance distractions that may interfere with completing the program.</p>
<p>There are a variety of good state standard approved programs available to students who seek a degree in License Practical Nursing or License Vocational Nursing. The first step in securing the LPN job you want is to find the right LPN program or LVN program that fits most of your needs.  This will help you make the sacrifices it may take to get through the program.</p>
<p>Get the support of family and friends who will encourage you along the way. With proper planning and education, you will enroll into an LPN program or LVN program that fits your needs and be well on your way to a satisfying nursing career.</p>
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		<title>Become a CNA: A Day in the Home Health Care Setting</title>
		<link>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/cna-day-life-home-health-setting/</link>
		<comments>http://www.my-nursing-career.com/cna-day-life-home-health-setting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:37:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nursing Editor</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Become a Nurse]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.my-nursing-career.com/?p=963</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The role of the certified nursing assistant CNA in the home health setting can be slightly different than the CNA in the acute care setting. The difference is not only in some of the tasks, but in the acuity and number of patients for which the CNA cares. The certified nursing assistant most often works<a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/cna-day-life-home-health-setting/" class="more">&#160;&#160;...more</a>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The role of the <a href="http://www.my-nursing-career.com/become-a-nurse/cna/">certified nursing assistant CNA</a> in the home health setting can be slightly different than the CNA in the acute care setting. The difference is not only in some of the tasks, but in the acuity and number of patients for which the CNA cares.</p>
<p>The certified nursing assistant most often works the day shift in the home health care setting. The shift can be 2, 4, or 6 hours. The shift most often is not a full eight hours for the nursing assistant because if the patient needs such a large amount of care, a <span class="zem_slink">nurse</span> is usually required.</p>
<h2>Typical Responsibilities of a Home Health CNA</h2>
<p>The CNA may visit the patient for two to four hours per stay, two or three days a week, and she or he may see two or three patients in one day. The duties can be varied for a home setting CNA job, but most often include the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Giving the bath on every visit</li>
<li>May change the patients linens once or twice a week</li>
<li>May be asked to do the patients laundry</li>
<li>May be asked to assist with meal preparation on the days he or she visits</li>
<li>May be asked to do hair, nails, or diaper area care for adults</li>
<li>May assist with tidying rooms, reading, helping with letters or mail, and any other small activity of daily living chore the patient cannot complete independently</li>
<li>On occasion, when the payer reimburses for eight hours, the CNA acts as a companion for the patient while the family is at work.</li>
<li>The CNA is not responsible for vital signs. If a patient is not stable and would require vital sign monitoring, a nurse would be visiting as well.</li>
</ul>
<p>The certified nursing assistant that sees two or three patients a day may complete the same responsibilities for all three patients. The family knows that their loved one will get a bath, fresh linens, and a hair wash at least two or three times a week. This is a relief for the family members that must work, as well as be the caregivers, for a relative who may have experienced a stroke or has a debilitating disease process. It also allows the family member to leave the home for the few hours an assistant is visiting to run errands or pick up medicines.</p>
<h2>Benefits of a Home Care CNA Job</h2>
<p>The home health experience in a CNA job allows for a more flexible schedule and a less stressful environment. It allows the bond between assistant and patient to become more like family, yet the CNA must remember to keep an essence of professionalism, regardless of how close the relationship becomes.</p>
<p>Quality care for a loved one is a blessing to the family, and a career in home health care for a certified nursing assistant can be very satisfying. The pay rate for home health care may tend to be slightly lower than that of the acute care setting, but the working conditions and environment, along with the flexibility, may be worthwhile to someone looking for those perks. Home health care should always be kept as an option for a CNA looking to develop meaningful client relationships, while still enjoying flexibility in scheduling.</p>
<p><strong>Additional Resources:</strong></p>
<div class="zemanta-action-dragged zemanta-rich" style="margin: 1em; display: block;"><object height="242" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6YtjAQNlGUU&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><paramname="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6YtjAQNlGUU&amp;hl=en&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="242" width="300"></embed></paramname="allowscriptaccess"></object></div>
<ul class="zemanta-article-ul">
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/133975.php">Pennsylvania Law To End Mandatory Overtime For Some Health Care Workers</a> (medicalnewstoday.com)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://nursingassistants.net/2009/02/23/manor-care-cna-wins-employment-battle/">Manor Care CNA Wins Employment Battle</a> (nursingassistants.net)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://nursingassistants.net/2009/02/25/inmates-being-trained-as-cnas/">Inmates Being Trained as CNA's</a> (nursingassistants.net)</li>
<li class="zemanta-article-ul-li"><a href="http://nursingassistants.net/2009/03/25/a-cna-talks-about-health-insurance/">A CNA Talks About Health Insurance</a> (nursingassistants.net)</li>
</ul>
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