Distance Learning Systems (DLSI)

Does the idea of traveling excite you? For some nurses, the idea of being a travel nurse sounds exciting. It gives nurses an opportunity to see different places, interact with different people and discover something new. What’s more is that the job assures you of a good salary. If you have wanderlust in you, you will probably love this kind of career. You get to make friends and develop life-long connections with people you meet along the way.

Being a travel nurse also poses problems. For some, it can be hard to always adjust with the weather, the work atmosphere and the environment.  While it may seem very exciting at first, some travel nurses get tired of the job eventually. They realize they want to settle down, have a family of their own and spend time with their children. This is perhaps one of the main reasons why travel nurses are usually the younger ones and the ones who have opted to stay single.

Becoming a travel nurse is a big decision. It is a career choice that will significantly change your life. So, it would be wise for you to weigh its pro and cons before making that choice.

The Internet has now become the most used tool for getting information. Those looking for nursing jobs use it to look for ads, facilities and hospitals looking for new nurses. Students who want to go to nursing schools, take up nursing or nursing bridge programs like paramedic to RN programs, use the Internet to browse for the best schools suited to them. Working nurses use the Internet to search for information, as well.

Also, patients and consumers look for health information online, rather than in libraries or certain offices.  Research also shows that almost 60 percent of American adults use social media that are related to the health field. What makes the Internet the best search tool is its convenience and efficiency. This is very important for patients who do not have the opportunity to go out much or those who are confined in hospitals or hospices. The Internet has spawned social networking sites that are now part of people’s lives. By simply logging in to your account, you can see pictures, videos or read messages from loved ones and friends. This becomes an instant stress-reliever for patients who really need all the support they can get from people they love.

It is also common for patients these days to search about their diagnosis. By knowing more about their illnesses, they become more aware of the issues relevant to what they are going through. That is why medical websites, such as pharmaceutical sites, nursing sites and certain online support medical forums are now increasing in popularity.

We are also aware that nurses have a very hectic schedule. Because of this, many of them are stressed out. To relieve stress many join social networking sites to connect with friends. A lot of nurses are also into nursing forums. Nursing forums allow nurses to interact with fellow nurses. This is a venue where they can talk about how their days went and the life lesson experiences they have.

 It is impossible to imagine a world without Internet. Not only does it make lives easier, it also brings people closer.

The tasks and responsibilities we have at work are usually the causes for physical and mental exhaustion. Sometimes we get too preoccupied with work that we tend to miss our meals, sleep less and forget to laugh.

Injecting humor into the workplace not only fills the workplace with more positive vibes, but most importantly, it helps patients cope with what they are going through.

Studies show that laughter can actually lower blood pressure. It also boosts lung and heart performance. Many patients are stressed out with their situation. By smiling or being able to laugh once in a while, they lessen their stress levels and even exercise their facial muscles.

Endorphins, known as the happy hormone, are released when people exercise, perform rigorous activities and laugh. Yes, laughing releases endorphins. When one has a high level of endorphins, he or she feels more positive and essentially happier. Enjoying a good hearty laugh makes you feel lighter. It makes you feel as if you have just unloaded a heavy weight from your shoulders.

Perhaps the people who need laughter the most are the patients and their families. Nurses and even nursing students taking up BSN or ASN basics, should know that the nursing profession not only assists patients physically but most of all, emotionally. No matter how hopeless a patient’s case is, it is still important to at least inject some form of lighthearted moments in their lives. There is no single formula for best way to make people laugh. Some things may not be funny to other people. This is when nurses should apply what they have learned in their psychology subject in school.

Try to ask yourself when was the last time you had a hearty laugh. What makes you laugh? Are there movies or TV shows that you enjoy? Do you have friends who are funny? Was there an unforgettable memory that still makes you laugh?

But why is it seemingly hard for people to put some fun or humor into their conversations and interactions? Perhaps the key to finding reasons to laugh and smile is the ability to know how to interact with people. Nurses should learn how to verbally communicate with coworkers and patients and connect with them. This can be done by cracking jokes, sharing personal experiences or simply by learning to listen to people’s stories. These are some of the elements that can help bridge people.

When used wisely, social media can be very useful and helpful. Nurses are witnesses to life and death situations that are sometimes too important not to share with others. Social media can help nurses spread great, inspiring stories through social networks without having to divulge the names of those in the story. Here are some tips on how to use social media effectively.

1. Avoid being specific about names and other personal details.

You can share stories without having to state names or details of the patient. You want to talk in general terms so that whatever you share offends no one. If for example you have met so many great patients and colleagues in the pediatrics department, you can express it by making a generalization. Instead of stating your patient’s name, you can say ‘The pediatrics department has truly been…”

2. Avoid stating the exact time of the incident.

By saying phrases like, “two weeks ago”, you will be giving ideas to people as to who you are referring to. It would be wise to use words like previously, over the years, in my experience or before.

3. Never take pictures or videos of patients and post them online.

So many nurses and other professionals have lost their jobs because of this. Posting pictures or videos of your patients is taking away their right to privacy. You may get sued for this and lose your job and license.

4. Do not post morbid pictures online.

It is quite disappointing to see some people who post pictures of their patients’ condition online. Not only are the pictures morbid, but also your friends would think you are very unprofessional. And worse, they might generalize that your hospital’s staff members do the same thing.

5. Never state the name of the facility you are working in.

This is also goes the same for your previous workplace. By stating the name of the hospital, your friends will be able to significantly narrow down their hunches on which facility you are talking about.

6. Only share stories that are worth hearing about.

Choose the stories that you want to share. There are so many negative vibes that we get these days, that a positive, heartwarming story  is direly needed. You are lucky to be working in a place where you see miracles of life everyday. Share those small joys and miracles and make your friends feel good about life.

Being a nurse gives you many opportunities to celebrate life. Give others a chance to experience this by sharing positive experiences.

 

Whether you are contemplating on being a travel nurse or you are already one, here are some things that you need to take into consideration.

1. Make a good, lasting impression.

If you are preparing for an interview, make sure that you make your interviewer remember you for all the right reasons.  Remember that first impressions last and it is essential that you give make it a positive one.  During the interview, show your interest in the field. Make the interviewers feel that you really want the job and that you feel that you are destined for it.

2. Be honest.

Ask yourself if you really want the job. Being a travel nurse is a challenging profession. There will be times when you get homesick, stressed and lonely. Make sure that you know what lies ahead of you if accept the job of being a travel nurse.

3. Maintain a positive attitude.

Think of the positive things of being a travel nurse. Being more positive about your career decision makes you work without the added stress and treat everyone nicely.  If you are now a travel nurse and currently not like it, take a moment to reflect on the perks of your job. Counting your blessings will help make you feel more thankful for your job.

Whether you are a BSN student or a Paramedic to RN student, the prospect of taking a nursing licensure examination can be daunting. Most people get anxious or even stressed out as they start preparing for the examination. So how should one prepare for the exams mentally and emotionally? Here are some useful tips.

1. Plan your study schedule.

Studying for an exam means reading through piles of books about nursing. This image of huge, bulky books that need to be read can be a big turn-off in studying. The best way to handle it is to plot a calendar of study subjects. Jot down the subjects that need to be studied according to priority. Once you have done plotting your calendar, studying becomes easier knowing that every subject is given enough time to be studied for.

2. Avoid cramming.

Start studying at least 6 months before the big exam. This will give you enough time to review all of the subjects that are important. Also, cramming will only make you feel more anxious and nervous about the exam. It gets you down mentally because you know that you don’t have enough time to review.

3. Take a mock test.

Some review centers offer mock exams for nurse exam applicants so they know what the exam day feels and looks like. They are given a similar answer sheet and nursing questions, as well as the exact time duration of the exam. This experience will allow you to feel more confident about what to when you take an exam.

4. Have a balanced diet.

If you don’t eat healthy, there is a bigger possibility that you could get sick before the exam. This will make things harder for you in studying. It is important that you take care of yourself by eating the right food and getting enough rest. Eating well also sharpens memory and gives sufficient energy.  With the right intake of food and water, you get a mind that works best.

Now that you have finally graduated from a nursing degree, the next step to take is to study for the NCLEX. Taking the NCLEX needs preparation, for fresh graduates and for Paramedic to RN program graduates alike. Below are some ideas to help you study for it.

1. Find a review center.

These days it is common for nursing graduates to enroll in a review center for a 6-month review for the nursing licensure examination. This is a good way to study because the center provides helpful materials that can help you with the exam. They will also invite lecturers who are knowledgeable in the field of nursing.

The review center also offers a mock exam so students will be able to know what the exam day is going to be like.

2. Find a good study guide.

If you don’t have the budget for a review, studying by yourself is a good alternative. For some people, this may even the best way to prepare. Finding a good study guide for the NCLEX is important. Go to bookshops or nurse mentors and ask for recommendations on what books or guides are good.

3. Connect with former classmates and friends who are also taking the exam.

Schedule a group study with them so you know how your study pace is. This will also give you a chance to know what materials your friends is using and if they are worth studying. Most importantly, this is a wonderful chance to catch up with friends on their review and their lives in general.

4. Make flashcards to help you remember terms and questions better.

Making flashcards is an easy way for you to remember what you have just learned. You can even use them in different colors so that it can further help you memorize terms better.

5. Stay healthy and get a good rest.

Stress will not do you any good. So make sure that you eat well as you prepare for the exam. Also, try to get a good night’s sleep before the exam. You want to wake up well rested and ready to survive through the day.

We are all aware that finding a job as a nurse these days can be quite a challenge, as there are more and more people who are now into the nursing field. So, how do you best all the other applicants?  Have an impressive resume.  Your resume gives a broader description of yourself and your educational and professional background. Here are two very important tips on how to make employers read your resume.

1. Experience over Education

Employers notice your professional experience first before your educational background. So you do not have to go into too much detail on your education. Simply put in where you graduated, what degree you earned and what year you graduated. What you need to impress them with is your professional skills. Make sure to include your areas of expertise and your accomplishments in the industry.

2. Make it Short and Concise

Many applicants think that the longer their resume, the more chances it’s going to be noticed. It will certainly be noticed but for the wrong reasons. You do not want to submit a 3-page application. Two pages should be your limit. Put all the right information in it that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

One of the most challenging aspects of teaching is that time when teachers need to evaluate the students. Nurse educators must realize that their evaluation can change lives. Nursing schools want to have graduates who are deserving of a nursing job. They want graduates who have better chances of getting a nursing license and making the school proud. Most of all, schools want the students to become nurses who are passionate about their job and who have qualities that are perfect for nurses. So how should educators evaluate students?

1. Educators must observe how students interact with their patients. Perhaps for students who are taking nursing bridge programs, like Paramedic to RN courses, interacting with patients are something they are already familiar with. They may be better at communicating with patients because they already have the experience. But for young students, it is important that they be showed the proper ways of speaking with and assisting patients. If educators cannot see any compassion or gentleness in their interaction with patients, students must be reevaluated.

2. Educators must check if the students are truly learning from their mistakes. Being in school involves a lot of trials and errors for students but in the end, they need to know how to correct their mistakes. A student nurse must show that he or she can easily understand or absorb the subjects or materials that are being given to them. Student nurses should know that they should own up to their mistakes and be accountable for their actions. If they can’t correct their mistakes or deny their mishaps, they might put their future patient’s life in danger.

3. Students must be able to do well with their academics. They must show good marks in tests and exams, may they be written or practical. They must also be able to perform the tasks being taught to them.