Nurses Need Care Too

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
British nurse in nurses' station.

Image via Wikipedia

People look to nurses to fix their wounds, listen to their problems, and help the get better when they are sick. Nurses are almost indestructible in the eyes of many; however, what we fail to recognize is how stressful their jobs are. Nurses work very long hours, in environments that are often short-handed, and subjected to constant life and death situations. As such, many of our nurses, stressed to the max, are in danger of burning from their jobs. Nurses need help too and, as a nurse, you must know where to go when you need help.

It is critically important that nurses be taught the symptoms of stress. By catching stress early, it can be addressed easily with rest and relaxation. It is those nurses who keep going in spite of their stress level, that end up in the worst situations. If you are feeling the stress of your job, it is time to take a short break. Often, even a weekend off will help.

It is a sad fact that there are not a lot of resources for nurses. All nurses are encouraged to find a good counselor to meet with . They should also have a general practitioner to discuss the physical symptoms of stress. Hopefully, hospitals and doctors will begin to recognize just how much pressure is placed on nurses and will work to discuss the situation.

As nurses, we often feel that we have to be strong all the time. It may be that we need to take our own advice and learn that everyone needs a break sometimes.

 

Filed Under: Trauma Life Tagged With: , ,

The cheap insulating material can be pricey for the users

July 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The asbestos is natural mineral; it is used as insulator due to its heat resistance property. The material is versatile and comes at very cheap price. This is widely used in cement, roof building, truck brakes, automobiles and other heavy industries.

It is present in several household things such as floor adhesives, asbestos roof sheets, door gaskets, boilers, ironing board covers, textured paint and the hair dryers.
The above uses of asbestos shows a true side of the mineral, but read on more to know about the complete Picture of asbestos .
The asbestos breaks down in to small minute particles. These microscopic fibers get into the air and when one inhale this air; these fibers enter the lungs and cause physical damage to the misothelial cells. This causes inflammation and the healthy cells are eaten away and the defective cell starts to germinate. This results in the lung disease called mesothelioma, it its rare form of cancer. The mesothelioma affecting the lungs it is called pleural mesothelioma.

The workers carry home this disease causing fibers in their clothes, shoes, hair and skin. So, even the family members are also exposed to asbestos. This mode of disease transportation is known as paraoccupational exposure.

For the entire details log on to this website, it is very resourceful in providing all the asbestos related facts. I am real estate agent and accidentally while searching for the information related to my business I
came across all this useful information.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With:

The Importance of Certified Nursing Assistants in a Hospital Setting

June 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Nursing

Image by Lower Columbia College via Flickr

Certified nursing assistants are the life-blood of the hospital; unfortunately, they are vastly underpaid when compared to the nurses they work with. There are obvious reasons as to why this is the case. The most obvious reason being because of the difference in schooling and training; of which nurses have a lot of more.

However, certified nursing assistants do a great deal of work around the hospital that help make things much easier for nurses. When you stay an extended period of time in the hospital, chances are you will see more of your CNA than anyone else. Below is a list of some of the more common things that fall under a CNAs responsibility.

Patient Cleaning and  Bathing

When a patient has been in a hospital for over a day, it is hospital procedure for the nurses and CNAs to offer cleaning services. In some cases, patients turn down the bathing, and if done enough, they will be required to bathe regardless of their preferences in order to prevent problematic side-effects. Generally, the CNA is responsible for ensuring the patient is bathed and clean.

Patient Comfort

Among one of the most prevalent responsibilities of the CNA is to ensure patients are comfortable. This consists of anything from rubbing lotion on the patient to bringing them a beverage.

Responding to Call Lights

CNAs are the primary responder when a patient rings a call light. It is their responsibility to respond and deal with the patient prior to letting the nurse know anything.

Filed Under: Trauma Life Tagged With: , ,

The Rise in Prescription Drug Addictions

June 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Resized image of Ritalin-SR-20mg-full.png; squ...

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Prescription drug abuse and addiction has drastically increased over the past decade. Whether children are getting into their parent’s supply and taking them without their knowledge, or elderly individuals are becoming too dependent on painkillers; this seemingly growing epidemic is becoming more prevalent. There are a number of different reasons that prescription drug abuse is on the rise, below is a list of some of the more obvious and important factors pertaining to this problem.

Doctors Over Prescribing Medication

One of the largest issues regarding the rise in prescription drug abuse is the fact that doctors are seemingly over prescribing these medications, particularly painkillers. Individuals go in complaining about pain, and due to the fact it is a subjective feeling that the doctor cannot deny that the patient is feeling, they are prescribed something to help neutralize the pain; whether it exists or not.

Easy to Obtain

Another factor pertaining to the heavy use and abuse of prescription drugs is the fact they are so easy to come by. An addict can easily log online to locate an overseas resource that sells specific prescription drugs they might be looking for. Additionally, more times than not, elderly individuals have a prescription for painkillers in one form or another, and can easily provide them to family members who appear to need them but are really feeding an addiction.

Bad Economic Factors

Last but not least, economic factors play a heavy role in the increase of prescription drug abuse. This concept revolves more so around individuals with prescription drug access, actually dealing their supply to make a little money on the side.

Filed Under: Medical Questions Tagged With: , ,

Healthcare Careers on the Rise

June 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A British nurse in 2006.

Image via Wikipedia

With the extreme economic difficulties rocking the United States, there are many careers and industries that have lost many job opportunities and a decrease in growth over the years. Industries such as the automotive industry and general manufacturing positions have dropped drastically due to the fact that companies are opting to save money in these tough times by outsourcing overseas.

However, the healthcare industry has remained strong, and has even experienced growth. In annual studies pertaining to projected job growth for specific industries, healthcare ranks at the top along with various specialized information technology careers. There are a number of different reasons as to why healthcare continues to grow. Below are a couple of factors that help set healthcare apart.

People Will Always Need Healthcare

One of the most obvious factors pertaining to why healthcare careers are seemingly unaffected by the turbulent economy is due to the fact that regardless of financial problems, individuals will always need healthcare. People do not neglect going to the emergency room or hospital solely because the economy is bad. As such, hospitals and other facilities are always operational and always filled to the brim with patients, providing a consistently thriving need for staff and a safe job outlook for employees.

A Peak in Interest

In addition to the job security revolving around healthcare positions, there has also been a great deal of emphasis placed towards the demand for healthcare jobs. This has shed positive light on careers such as nursing, and has resulted in a great deal of individuals entering training programs, shedding a positive outlook on job growth over the next few years.

Filed Under: Career & Education Tagged With: , ,

How to Catch Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes

May 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Nursing Home in Goldthorn Hill. This area of W...

Image via Wikipedia

Nursing home abuse can happen more often that people realize. However, it can be hard to prove since elderly people often have a hard time communicating as they get older. Every person, no matter how young or old, deserves to be treated with respect and should be able to feel safe wherever they are. Elders who have been abused tend to die earlier than those who have not.

Like every other kind of abuse, elder abuse is a serious problem and should be seen that way. If you know of an elder who has been abused, contact an elder abuse lawyer Los Angeles as soon as possible. Most elder abuse does not take place in a nursing home, but it still happens. The best way to catch elder abuse in nursing homes is to visit as often as you can and take down notes of anything you see as inappropriate or abnormal.

There are many different kinds of abuse such as physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, and many others. Do some research on the different kinds of abuse that takes place in nursing homes and learn all the signs. Once you know how to spot it, it’s easier to prove. If you can prove that the elder is being abused, contact an elder abuse lawyer in Los Angeles so they can help you with a lawsuit. If you decide to sue the nursing home, it will stop the abuse of the individual and also prevent anyone else at the nursing home from being abused.

Filed Under: Life or Death Tagged With: , ,

Saving Money On Health Insurance

May 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Picture of the artwork Emergency Room by Frenc...


 

Health insurance rates are higher than ever and you have to do what you can to pay as little as possible. Insurance companies cite higher costs as a reason to raise rates and premiums and pass the costs on to you. It doesn’t all seem to even out however. CEOs and other top executives are getting higher salaries and bigger bonuses at large healthcare companies while middle income families feel the pinch. Here are a couple ideas to save you money on healthcare costs going forward.

1.) Avoid the emergency room if at all possible- There are just not very many plans that cover emergency room visits anymore. Indeed, if you visit an emergency room you are probably looking at $150 out of pocket. By all means if you break your arm or are in some form of excruciating pain, you should go to the emergency room. But if you are going for an injury that could be checked out in a day or two, you are much better off making an appointment with your primary care doctor and just paying the $20 co-pay.

2.) Get your employer to pay as much as possible. Often times in a marriage the wife will jump on the husbands health insurance and not think twice. However, if a wife works for a school system or has a government job, it’s highly likely that she could have the better insurance. The key is to look over both insurance plans carefully and see which family member has the best insurance.

Shopping for insurance is tedious but necessary for the best interests of your wallet and your health.

Filed Under: Medical Questions Tagged With: , ,

Alcohol Continues To Be Most Dangerous Drug

May 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

SAN FRANCISCO - FEBRUARY 26: A mock tombstone...


The number one drug related public health concern continues to be alcohol. It’s hard to watch TV these days without seeing a vodka bottle where the cap can pour you a shot or a beautiful girl promotes a certain brand of beer. The advertising is only the beginning. Parents who unwind on a daily basis by drinking alcohol send the message to kids that alcohol is necessary in order to relax and be at ease. Unfortunately, advertising and learned behavior can lead to the following problems.

 

1.) DUI and arrest- The fallout from a DUI is enormous but few people consider the ramifications and get behind the wheel drunk. On top of lawyer fees and other fines, you will need to take a substance abuse course in order to reinstate your driver’s license. Believe it or not, it can be a lot worse than a DUI. Drunk driver’s kill dozens of people annually with impaired driving. Once the driver sobers up, they have a lifetime of guilt to deal with over the taking of someone’s life.

2.) Health problems- You may have heard how a glass of wine a day can actually be good for you. While the merits of that are debatable, what is not debatable are the long term ramifications of serious alcohol abuse. Heavy drinking often leads to organ failure, such as the liver and the kidneys, and can lead to various forms of cancer.

Alcohol is an addiction and many need help to stop drinking. Learn to recognize the warning signs of a drinking problem and intervene when necessary in order to help a friend or loved one.

Filed Under: Medical Questions Tagged With: , ,

The Demands of a Nurse in the Emergency Room

May 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Lives are saved in hospital emergency rooms. When a student enrolls in a healthcare-related subject at American Intercontinental University, his or her career future is bright and the learning begins. When on a path to become a nurse, understanding the demands of a hospital emergency room helps in preparing for this very important life-saving career.

The Purpose of the Emergency Room

Anyone who has gone to the emergency room of a hospital has witnessed the process first-hand. The role of the healthcare practitioners who receive patients in an emergency room is to quickly gauge the relative urgency of the care needed. A student who attends American Intercontinental University in preparation for a future in healthcare may have a certain image in mind of the career that is to come. Television shows paint a particular picture of the work of emergency room nurses. The reality of the emergency room is typically calmer than presented in these shows.

The Work of an Emergency Room Nurse

Nurses greet patients and ask them important questions to determine how quickly they must be admitted to see the doctor. The nurse may take a patient’s blood pressure or conduct other tests prior to the doctor’s entry. If a patient has been through intense trauma, for example in a car accident, the doctor is immediately called in and the role of the nurse is to document the doctor’s findings. The trauma nurse also administers fluids, blood products and physician-recommended medications.

An emergency room nurse must stay calm throughout the entire process, treating patients quickly and compassionately.

 

Filed Under: Trauma Life Tagged With: , ,

Prescription Pill Abuse Prevelant Nationwide

May 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

 

Oxycodone formulation containing 5 mg oxycodon...


 

Certain areas of the country, Maine for instance, have seen a rise in prescription pill abuse and it has become a significant public concern. Medications prescribed to treat ADHD are very popular among the pill abusers. Likewise, pain pills like Codeine and Oxycontin, have a high street value for their ability to mask pain and make the pill taker feel high. Not only are these addictions dangerous for the pill abuser, there is also cause for concern in the resulting rise in crime. Below are three forms of crime that rise with prescription drug abuse.

1.) Pharmacy Robbery- First, there are the pharmacies which are seeing levels of all-time high in robberies. Strung out drug addicts will simply not be deterred and they often avoid cameras and approach the pharmacy armed and demanding pain pills.

2.) Street Crime- Drug addicts simply do not fear repercussions for their actions. All they want is their drugs and they are willing to snatch purses from old women in wheelchairs to get them. It’s a community health problem when people no longer feel safe walking the streets with children. A population with wandering drug addicts is dangerous for any city and needs law enforcement monitoring.

3.) Fraud- Those addicted to prescription pills will often go doctor to doctor looking for someone to write them a prescription. Furthermore, drug dealers will canvas the landscape to try and find multiple doctors to write them prescriptions so that they can sell the pills for a high mark-up. Both of these are clear cut cases of fraud and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Filed Under: Medical Questions Tagged With: , ,
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