- Part 23

Memorization Guidelines: Anatomy & Physiology

We all know the basic parts of our body, but we are not yet familiar to the internal parts of our system. There is no easy way to study the mind-blowing anatomy and physiology subject. This is a subject that will flood your brain with significant information. It also requires familiarization of every detail of the important parts of the body.There are some great ideas and techniques that can make your anatomy & physiology learning process easier.

There are some great ideas and techniques that can make your anatomy & physiology learning process easier. The first and basic way to familiarize the anatomy and physiology is to divide the concepts. Read and understand each vital system separately:

Nervous system
Cardiovascular system
Respiratory system
Endocrine System
Urinary system
Reproductive system
Musculoskeletal system
Integumentary system

The second way to understand the anatomy & physiology is by using simple images. According to study, Images frequently have all useful information when it comes to anatomy. If you find it hard to recall all of the body parts, review the images instead of reading it. These pictures makes the subject much more understandable.

Making of own or medical approved mnemonics, acronyms and abbreviation can be helpful too. It will allow you to memorize the concepts easily. Sample Mnemonics, acronyms:

“Please Don’t Call The Angry Groom So Leave”: or PDCTAGSL:

Pampiniform plexus
Ductus deferens
Cremasteric artery
Testicular artery
Artery of the ductus deferens
Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve
Sympathetic nerve fibers
Lymphatic vessels

Difference Between RN and BSN

A lot of us still don’t know the difference between an RN and a BSN. They just simply identify them as a nurse assisting doctors in the hospitals. But in reality, a nurse will never be just a plain nurse. There are a lot of types of nurses such as, a licensed practical nurse, a nurse practitioner, a licensed registered nurse. All of them are called nurses, but they have specific roles and functions. What is the difference between a registered nurse and a bachelor of science in nursing degree holder?

Registered nurse is a job title; they have certifications and license to prove that they undergo several intense medical training. A BSN is just a degree. It is what you get when you finish your nursing education program. But before you can achieve the title of a registered nurse, you have to take the licensure exam called NCLEX, and you need a BSN degree before taking it. You should finish the 4-year nursing program to finish the degree. When it comes to working, registered nurses performs their typical duties, such as recording patient diagnosis, educate patients about their home treatment, assist surgical procedures and the most important duty of a nurse is to promote life.

BSN degree holders can also work too with great but limited opportunities. They may want to work as a public health nurse in the community or a nurse educator who teaches about promoting health. In terms of salary, Registered nurses receive a higher salary compared to BSN degree holders since they do intense and critical work. They deserve it because it’s not easy dealing with terminally ill patients, staying with them 24/7. There is a big difference when it comes to their roles and salary. Completing the BSN program is just the key for you to become a registered nurse. Always remember, hospitals hire more competent RNs.

Difference Between Paramedics and EMTs

Being a paramedic or EMT (emergency medical technician) is something to look forward to. They risk their life just to rescue those who need immediate emergency care. They work 24/7 and at times risk their own health since they are exposed to different kinds of virus and diseases such as HIV/AIDS. EMT and paramedics risk their own life-saving all types of situations such as dealing with psychotic, manic or suicidal patients.

A lot of medical related students wish to work as one, either an EMT or a paramedic. The question is, do they really know the difference between the job description of an EMT and a paramedic? We will talk more about that in this article.

Before you can achieve the title of becoming a paramedic, you need to start from the basics. Emergency medical technician is the primary stage wherein you undergo a series of basic life support trainings for six months such as basic CPR trainings, how to bandage cuts and wounds properly, stabilizing bone fractures and treating degrees of burn. These two careers are both great choices. It allows you to do something good in the society. This kind of career is now in demand everywhere since doctors and nurses cannot reach emergency cases outside the hospital.

If you wish to work as an EMT or a paramedic, you should bear in mind that emergency medical technicians are the so called paramedic’s assistant, they only do basic life support and it is the job of paramedics to do critical life support.

Paramedics go through a series of advanced life support training for two years, such as executing endotracheal intubation, Intravenous trainings. They need to take up biology and math classes for them to be absorbed in the paramedic list. In terms of the salary, paramedics are paid higher than EMTs. Paramedics earn more up to $80,000 a year, while EMTs only get half of it. There is really a big difference between the two, but both of these careers have only one goal, and that is to help those who are in need and save more lives.

Importance of Mathematics in Health Care Support

Mathematics has a big role, not just in school, but in our daily lives as well. We may not be aware that from time to time, we use math in our daily activities. It is a fact that some fields or professions require math way over others. However, understanding how to do some essential and basic calculations is definitely necessary, no matter what job path you choose to take. This is also true if your profession is health care related. You are likely to work alongside other professionals, for example doctors and nurses, even though you will not be directly handling shots or medication, you still need math abilities to be able to thrive within the area. Otherwise, you may find it hard to obtain this type of position. Fortunately, these mathematical abilities aren’t excessively complicated and you’ll not be requested to do complex calculus algorithms.

In medical billing, typing billing information is essential; because it allows not just the patient to understand how much they have to pay, but the insurance company as well. If you input these details improperly it may lead to big trouble. To prevent any kind of complications and altercations regarding money situations, it is crucial to possess math abilities to be able to correctly accumulate information, take away obligations and input the information right into a spreadsheet along with other software program.

Occasionally, you’ll be required to supply detailed instructions for patients. It is usually recommended that you carry out the calculations; the patient must not do it on their own or it may cause some complications. You’ll learn just how to do this all by completing a pharmacy specialist course or with nursing unit clerk courses, which will assist you in your mission to be in any health care support position. When you won’t need extensive calculations, having fundamental mathematics abilities is essential during this type of area.

The DSST Credit by examination

A lot of students who are interested in taking a credit by examination recognize mainly the CLEP program. A credit by exam lets you take a credit by getting a good score on a certain course that you will take. The exam will test your knowledge and familiarity of the subject matter. There are other known credit-by-examination programs offered to students like the Dantes credit by examination. It is the same with CLEP which is also widely accepted and recognized by colleges and universities all over the country. It is open to everyone who is interested to take the examination with over 2000 colleges and universities who will recognize your score once you pass the exam.

For each passed DSST exam, you will gain 3 college credit hours which can be equivalent to one course. Imagine what a huge opportunity it is for you to save your time on college as well as money, for you are no longer required to pay for that subject. There are some DSST exams that offer upper-division credit which you can use on your major. The test is not as easy as it sounds, many fail with the examination. It still requires some review and enough preparation to increase your chances to get a good score.

The main goal of the Dantes Credit by examination is to make the college more affordable and less time consuming without compromising the quality of learning and education. The purpose of the examinations is to test whether the students are already an expert or very familiar with the subjects. If they do, they no longer need to take that subject again in college to avoid repetition. The DSST was initially intended to support service members and for active duty and veteran members. The tests are available to civilians as well, and are now being managed by Prometric, an educational services company. This means that anyone who is interested in saving time and money on their path to a college degree can make use of DSST. The DSST exams are currently available in 38 subjects and accepted in almost all colleges and universities.

ASN and BSN Nursing Degrees

Registered Nurses deliver various treatments, care, counseling, and health information to patients. They’re educated, trained and certified in a multitude of abilities and areas; however, they don’t come from the same educational nursing path.

You will find 3 primary methods to get your Registered Nurse license. You can get it via diploma, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree programs. It’s highly suggested to obtain your RN through the associate’s or bachelor in nursing degree path because of the tighter competition in the nursing field nowadays. Employers prefer nurses with degrees rather than diplomas.

If your goal is to become a registered nurse you can either take an ASN or a BSN degree. An ASN degree can be completed in less than two years while a BSN degree may require 4 years or more. If you took the diploma path, you must take another course to be able to qualify for the NCLEX.

The ASN graduate can work early since it takes 1 to 2 years earlier than BSN to be completed. Both the ASN and the BSN may start in the same position once they get a job. The difference between the ASN and the BSN path is that the BSN has more advantages in terms of career opportunities after graduation and getting the license. Once the BSN licensed nurse gets in position, he will enjoy a bigger salary as compared to the ASN licensed nurse.

You’ll hear lots of people say that there’s no difference between the two in terms of opportunities. However, the upgrade and advancement in the healthcare system require registered nurses to have the more complicated skills which are already learned by BSN licensed nurses. If you want to finish a year sooner, or maybe save on the tuition you may prefer the ASN course. However, if you have the chance to obtain the BSN now, then it will be a much better option for you.

RN Classes Requirements

One of the ultimate goals of a nurse is to get a license to become a registered nurse. There are many RN classes you must take and finish to get the opportunity to take the NCLEX. RN courses are most frequently drawn in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs in nursing. While both kinds of programs prepare students to accept National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and obtain licenses to work as RNs, bachelor’s programs can lead to additional career possibilities in teaching, research and management. Some bachelor’s programs, particularly those offered online, have Registered Nursing licensure like prerequisite prior to enrollment.

RN hopefuls are required by some nursing courses. These RN classes may include anatomy and physiology, psychology and microbiology which are basic and must be fully understood by the students. An initial nursing course provides an introduction to patient care techniques which introduce students to the methods and approaches required to deal properly with patients. Students then learn how to perform health checks, provide medicines, supply patients with health and wellness advice, and supervise other medical professionals. Nursing students also gain hands-on clinical experience in the fundamental, intermediate and advanced levels in their program.

The following is the list of examples of classes students frequently encounter in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in nursing.

Medical-Surgical Nursing Course
This course provides a broad study of nursing practice which is focused on adult patients. The training covers the management of disorders in most major systems of the body including respiratory system, nerve, bone and joint and kidney disorders. Students also learn methods for taking care of patients going through surgery.

Mental Health Nursing Course
Patients with psychological disorders or mental illness require unique nursing care. Students within this course learn how to identify issues in mental health and develop both medicinal and psychotherapeutic treatment plans.

Health Promotion Course
A registered nurse role doesn’t just deal with patients but additionally, they are also required to promote wellness through healthy living. They will be providing info on diet and disease prevention that registered nurses can pass on to patients and also to groups of patients.

Nursing Pharmacology Course
Pharmacology courses acquaint nursing students about drugs and medicines that they’ll encounter throughout their profession. Students find out about drug classifications and effects, in addition to techniques in administration.

Once you finish the RN classes and the program requirements, you will be ready to take the NCLEX, get your license and start working as a registered nurse.

Career Challenges of a Registered Nurse

The registered nursing career is facing similar old problems as it was in the past. New technology is required to improve the quality of health care services for all patients and there are so many things that need to be developed and changed to make the health care services run smoothly. There are a lot of challenges covering an RN job. This includes the tiring work shifts, impossible work-life balance, continued education and advanced treatment methods.

At the nursing work station, there are many untoward incidences that may lead to injuries and other chronic hazards. An RN is prone to back injuries because of long working shift caring for the patients. It is probably one of the reasons why there is a nursing shortage since most of the nurses with back injuries leave the profession and take other careers.

Technologies are moving at neck-breaking speed, altering the job atmosphere and imposing new skills-training and continuing-learning within the clinical setting. Nurses feel they cannot continue to the profession because of the pressure to upgrade their skills and to keep up with the technology. Continual learning belongs to today’s world; it doesn’t mean nurses have to know everything. It entails nurses to have accessibility to update their understanding and their skills. Keeping up with trends, technology, and research might be outside of nurses’ continuing education (CE) needed to keep qualifications and satisfy state laws and regulations.

The working schedule for most nurses is unhealthy and emotionally draining. They may work 12 hours straight during their shift not including the on-calls and emergency shifts. With this schedule, nurses find it challenging to balance family and work as well as their personal life. The RN shortage added to the problem and put more pressure to nurses to work overtime. Anyone who plans to be an RN must be physically fit and emotionally ready to face the challenges along the way. However, the profession is a decent, respectable and admirable job. If you want to help others through your profession, this job is for you.

Paramedics Career

Paramedics provide medical attention on ill or injured people on emergency situations. All paramedics are required in all states to get a license and get the certification in the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT). Paramedics work in compensated positions or voluntary basis for emergency medical services, fire departments, police departments along with other organizations. In an accident or emergency situation, the paramedics are usually the first healthcare professionals to arrive and give preliminary treatment or medication to the patient. They are part of the senior ambulance service experts assigned to accidents and untoward incidents. A paramedic is usually a member of an ambulance crew. The other member serves as an ambulance assistant.

Paramedics face different situations and scenario each day. They constantly meet different types of patients with different conditions or located in different cities. Paramedics are emergency medical technicians (EMTs). Paramedics employed in urban centers typically work in ambulance services, hospitals and municipalities. Employment possibilities are perfect for paramedics who’ve received advanced training. Advanced training can include advanced education. Paramedics may also act as managers, administrators and company directors of emergency services. Although additional training is needed, many nurses and doctors frequently begin as paramedics.

Just like any other profession, the job of a paramedic comes with different challenges. However, the sense of fulfillment that comes with the job gives comfort and security despite the challenges. You need to prepare yourself for difficult situations if you plan to become a paramedic. You may face scenarios that you haven’t seen before, so make sure you are always prepared. Paramedic is a worthy and decent course and their presence is very important. Paramedics enjoy what they do; saving lives and giving hope to hopeless situations are their main role.

Respiratory Therapist Job Description

Respiratory therapists also known as the RTs have a big role in the medical health care industry. A respiratory therapist helps patients who have difficulty in breathing and with cardiovascular problems. The usual patients of RTs are infants born prematurely which don’t have fully developed lungs. They deal with adult patients suffering from asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. In general, the RTs examine the patients through the advice of a physician and provide treatment.

Respiratory therapists employed in emergency rooms usually provide medical attention to cardiac arrest and drowned patients. Respiratory therapists employed in home health care usually setup ventilators along with other life-supporting equipments.

Respiratory therapists need at least an associate’s degree. There are also many respiratory therapists that have bachelor’s degrees in nursing. Many RTs have finished programs that concentrate particularly on respiratory therapist training. Students who want to get a career in respiratory therapy must complete classes including human anatomy, physiology, and microbiology along with other science-related courses. They may also be prepared to complete studies in therapeutic and diagnostic methods, medical terms, and patient assessment practices.

The main tasks of a respiratory therapist are to maintain patient charts with therapy information as well as inspect, clean, test and maintain respiratory therapy equipments. It is vital that they monitor the patient’s physiological reactions to the therapy or medicine to determine the efficiency and the status of the treatment by monitoring the vital signs, arterial blood gases and blood chemistry changes. Once they finished the monitoring of the patient, they must go and talk to the physician if adverse responses occur.

RTs must also determine the treatment type needs of the patient, method and time period of therapy according to the physicians’ orders. They must also set up and operate mechanical and therapeutic products following specified parameters of treatment. The presence of a respiratory therapist in a hospital will lighten the load being carried by the physician as well as improve the efficiency and quality of the health care services.