What Is a Medical Assistant Externship

The role of , the employment of PTAs is projected to grow by 19 percent from 2022 to 2032. This growth is driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic conditions and a greater emphasis on rehabilitation and long-term care. As the demand for physical therapy services expands, so too does the need for skilled PTAs across various healthcare settings. Outpatient clinics are among the most common workplaces for PTAs. In these settings, PTAs assist patients who are recovering from injuries, surgeries or managing chronic pain. They work under the supervision of physical therapists to implement treatment plans, which may include exercises, manual therapy and the use of modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation. In hospitals, PTAs are integral to the acute care team, helping patients regain mobility and strength after surgery, illness or injury. This setting often involves working with patients who have complex medical conditions, requiring a high level of adaptability and skill. Rehabilitation centers focus on long-term recovery, particularly for patients with severe injuries, neurological conditions or after major surgeries. PTAs in these facilities play a critical role in the patient’s rehabilitation journey, helping foster progress over short or long stays, depending on the patient’s unique needs. Home health care allows PTAs to bring their skills directly to patients in their homes. This setting is particularly beneficial for patients who have mobility issues or prefer the comfort of receiving care at home. In skilled nursing facilities, PTAs assist elderly patients or those with chronic illnesses in maintaining or improving their functional abilities. A physical therapy assistant may also work with patients who are recovering after surgeries, falls or those with chronic conditions that effect mobility. Are you inspired to join this rapidly growing field? Here at the St. Louis College of Health Careers, we offer an exceptional designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. here on our website or by giving us a call at 866-529-2070.

What Is Nursing Licensure

Nursing DegreeBy Collin Land April 24, 2024 Leave a comment

Nursing licensure is a critical aspect of a nurse’s professional journey, representing a formal recognition of their qualifications and competence to practice nursing in a specific jurisdiction. It is a legal requirement in most states to ensure that nurses meet established standards of education, training and ethical conduct to provide safe and effective patient care. A nursing license grants individuals the legal authority to practice nursing within a defined scope of practice. It signifies that the nurse has met the minimum requirements set forth by the licensing authority. To qualify to sit for the formal licensing exam, test takers must have completed . They only gain certification after passing a standardized licensure examination (such as the NCLEX-RN in the United States) and meeting any additional state requirements for employment as a nurse. Obtaining and maintaining a nursing license is a multifaceted process that requires dedication, diligence and ongoing commitment to professional development. While the specific requirements may vary by jurisdiction, the overarching goal is to ensure that nurses possess the knowledge, skills and ethical standards necessary to provide safe and effective patient care. In addition to meeting initial licensure requirements, nurses must also fulfill ongoing obligations to maintain their licensure status. This often involves completing continuing education credits, renewing the license at regular intervals and adhering to the nursing code of ethics. By staying abreast of changes in healthcare regulations and best practices, nurses can uphold the highest standards of care and demonstrate their ongoing competency as healthcare professionals. Graduating from an accredited nursing program is the foundational first step on the path to obtaining a nursing license. These programs, offered by colleges, universities and vocational schools , provide aspiring nurses with the essential knowledge, skills and clinical training needed to excel in the field. Nursing programs must meet rigorous standards set by accrediting bodies to ensure they are providing the skills and modern clinical experience that healthcare employers are looking for in new nurses. Education at an accredited institution indicates graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and provide safe, competent patient care. One of the most critical requirements for obtaining a nursing license is passing a licensure examination, such as the NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) or NCLEX-PN (for Practical Nurses). These examinations assess the candidate’s understanding of nursing theory, clinical skills and ability to apply critical thinking in various patient care scenarios. Passing the licensure exam demonstrates that the nurse possesses the necessary knowledge and competence to practice safely within their scope of practice. Many jurisdictions require nursing license applicants undergo a criminal background check as part of the licensure process. This check helps ensure the safety of patients by identifying any past criminal convictions or disciplinary actions that may raise concerns about the applicant’s suitability for licensure. Depending on the jurisdiction, certain criminal offenses may disqualify an individual from obtaining a nursing license, while others may require further review. Nursing license applicants may need to comply with additional state requirements specific to the area where they’re applying for nursing positions. You should look up the requirements with the division of professional registration for the state in which you’re seeking employment, such as the Missouri Division of Profession Registration. The defines the specific requirements for licensure requirements in the state. When considering different vocational schools that offer nursing diplomas or degree programs, it’s important to confirm accreditations prior to enrollment. Only the successful completion of a program offered by an accredited institution will allow you to sit for the relevant NCLEX exam. With our dedicated faculty and comprehensive curriculum, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the dynamic field of healthcare. here on our website or get more information by calling us at 866-529-2070.

Population Health and the Role of Nurses Who Have Earned a BSN

Nursing DegreeBy Collin Land April 15, 2024 Leave a comment

In recent years, the concept of population health has become more important in the healthcare industry. It represents a shift in focus from treating individual patients to improving the health outcomes of entire communities or populations. At the heart of this approach are healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in promoting wellness, preventing disease and improving health outcomes within a community, geographic area or socioeconomic group. There’s typically an increased emphasis on compiling accurate data on health indicators to identify health trends and disparities within populations to allocate resources more effectively. Nurses can potentially play a role in the development and implementation of population health efforts. In some circumstances, front-line nurses are uniquely positioned to make significant contributions to population health initiatives. Population health involves efforts to improve the health outcomes of groups of individuals, including communities, cities or even entire nations. It involves addressing the social, economic and environmental factors that influence health, in addition to ensuring clinical care is distributed and tailored to maximize positive impact, especially where shortcomings exist. Rather than focusing solely on the treatment of individual patients, population health initiatives aim to prevent illness, promote healthy behaviors and address the root causes of health disparities within populations. Nurses who have If you’re ready to make a difference in the health of communities, you may want to learn more about the offered by St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our comprehensive program prepares nurses to excel in diverse healthcare settings, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to positively impact individual patient outcomes as well as contribute positively to population health. today at 866-529-2070 to learn more about our RN to BSN program and the types of career paths it may qualify you to pursue.

Are Fewer People Going Into Nursing Post-COVID-19

Nursing CareerBy Collin Land March 30, 2024 Leave a comment

Put simply, no. While there are concerns that nurses are . Hospitals saw a dramatic staffing shortage during the pandemic that they’ve yet to fully recover from. The overwhelming hours brought on by the pandemic, compounded by a high case workload and exacerbated anxiety, took a toll on nurses, resulting in some nurses retiring early or pursuing different career paths. COVID-19 was a strenuous time for nurses that led to added stress in an already high-pressure job. Nurses faced increased risks of exposure to COVID-19 while caring for an unprecedented influx of patients. The demand on their time and increasing workload made it difficult for some nurses to get back home long enough to recover for their next shift. Although nurses were on the front line and became familiar with some aspects of COVID-19 earlier than the average person who wasn’t in the medical field, there were still many facets of the condition they learned about along with their patients. Anxiety about exposure in the early months was particularly bad for nurses. On the front line of the pandemic, many were concerned about their personal safety as well as the safety of their families. They had to wear a sometimes excessive amount of personal protective equipment (PPE) – masks, gloves, gowns, etc. – to protect themselves and their families, which made it difficult to use the restroom, drink water, stay cool or even breathe easily. And that was if they were lucky to have a reliable supply of PPE. Because the general public also wanted to acquire enough PPE to protect themselves, supplies started to run low, which hurt hospitals the most. All of this contributed to the high-stress environment during prolonged, irregular shifts that sometimes lasted longer than the traditional 12-hour maximum. The conditions made it difficult to maintain an adequate work/life balance. This led to the massive drop-out in staff during COVID-19 and well afterward. According to NCSBN, approximately after the pandemic, or too emotionally drained and exhausted to keep working. While a majority of those who retired or are planning to do so soon are older and are merely leaving the workforce a little early, a sizable minority (nearly 200,000) are younger than 40. As a result, of healthcare organizations have reported a significant staffing shortage. A serious shortage has led to high demand, meaning hospitals and doctor’s offices are having to pay more to attract and keep qualified nursing applicants. Many programs that introduced online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic are still offering them, which makes working while getting your degree easier. Because of the shortage, nursing is growing more quickly than many other occupations. The RN workforce is projected to expand by . There’s never been a better time to apply to a reputable nursing program that will help you hone your skills and put your best foot forward in your career. Get the education you need to stand out in your nursing career at St. Louis College of Health Careers. We offer comprehensive LPN, RN and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs that provide the comprehensive education and training students need to sit for certification exams and succeed in their field. Our course offerings are designed to optimize your critical thinking and reasoning skills so you can give your patients high-quality care in any setting. With online and in-person options, as well as staggered semesters that start throughout the year, students can get an accredited education on their schedule. Explore and start your application today by calling 866-529-2070.

5 Least Stressful Nursing Jobs

Nursing CareerBy Collin Land March 22, 2024 Leave a comment

To be clear, no nursing job is stress-free. Dealing with the safety, health and well-being of patients can be inherently stressful, and nursing may not be the ideal career path for people who struggle with those responsibilities. While highly rewarding, nursing is a demanding profession with long hours and high pressure situations, some of which a nurse may have very little control over. That said, some specialties are objectively more draining than others. Primarily, ICU, NICU and emergency room nurses are among the most strenuous positions in the field. Those workplaces require nurses to deal with rapidly occurring, high-stakes situations and physically exhausting work over the course of a 12-hour shift. While these positions have their benefits, including the opportunity to perform meaningful, hands-on and potentially life-saving work, there are other, less fraught positions nurses can fill. The experienced staff at St. Louis College of Health Careers will prepare you thoroughly for your desired position. Providing accredited associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s programs, including some with fully online options, we’ll give you the rigorous education you need to start your career with confidence. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we thoroughly prepare our students to become LPNs, RNs, healthcare administrators and more. With reputable staff, challenging courses and hands-on clinical training, you can trust that you’ll receive the skills and confidence you need to perform optimally in any nursing profession you choose. Take the first step toward your dream nursing career. Call 866-529-2070 to learn more about and apply today.

What Job Should I Have While in Nursing School

Nursing SchoolBy Collin Land March 14, 2024 Leave a comment

Attending nursing school while working full or part time, on top of potentially caring for your family, isn’t easy, but it can be done with thoughtful time management and realistic goals. You can reduce the stress of working while in school by choosing a job that isn’t as demanding as nursing school, that’s amenable to your schedule and, ideally, is relevant to your nursing program. CNAs assist nurses in routine patient care, helping bathe and feed patients and monitor their vital signs. This job has fewer duties (and thus less pressure) than a full-time nurse while also giving students hands-on exposure, helping them develop essential skills they can utilize in school and their careers. PCTs are similar to CNAs, but the position can be more demanding, having more responsibilities such as performing EKGs and basic medical procedures. As a PCT, students can gain valuable exposure and experience. However, these positions may offer far less scheduling flexibility compared to a CNA. Enrolling in an EMT course before nursing school can allow students to work as an EMT during their program, which has the benefit of a personalized schedule and the opportunity to gain crucial healthcare skills such as working in emergency situations, quickly diagnosing patients and administering treatment under pressure. However, this job can be immensely stressful, which can be detrimental if your nursing program is already difficult. , providing a dual-purpose stepping stone. Medical scribes document patient visits in real time for patient assessment, helping nurses and doctors focus on interacting with patients without worrying about taking notes for future reference. This position will give students deeper insights into medical terminology and the daily workflow of a clinic, making it useful to those studying to become nurses and administrators alike. HHAs provide care to patients at their homes, assisting with their daily routines and medication regimens. These positions can give students access to flexible shift-oriented schedules and a comparatively low-pressure work environment, as well as experience in patient care and forming relationships. will find this job especially useful, as they’ll gain insight and experience into how hospitals operate. Nursing school represents a significant investment of time and resources for students, and working while in a program may be a necessity. Between rigorous coursework, exams, hands-on training and lab work, it can be challenging to fit a job into your education. Staying organized, planning ahead and having understanding employers can help make the juggling act easier to balance. The stress of school and work can also take a toll on your mental health – exercising, sleeping regularly and taking some time to relax whenever possible will help protect you from burnout . Choosing the right program can also make working while in school easier – especially for degree paths that can be . Certain programs can require rigid, in-person coursework that can make earning money on the side nearly impossible. St. Louis College of Health Careers’ programs have start dates throughout the year and are designed to be accommodating to students’ needs without compromising academic quality. Our staff understands the struggles students face and strives to be accommodating. Some programs are fully online, so working professionals looking to advance their careers can take courses on their own schedule while still enjoying a reputable and accredited medical education. Receive a comprehensive yet flexible medical education that will thoroughly prepare you for a fulfilling career in nursing at St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our nursing programs offer a compelling combination of in-depth coursework and ample real-world experience so you gain the knowledge you need to tackle your certification exams and be ready to enter your chosen career with confidence. Reach our admissions team at 866-529-2070 to learn more about and start your application today.

LPNs Ensure Patient Safety and Infection Control in Healthcare Settings

Healthcare CareersBy Collin Land February 21, 2024 Leave a comment

Healthcare settings are crucial for providing effective treatments to sick and recovering patients, but they can also be without proper sanitation measures, especially for susceptible individuals with compromised immune systems. The high volume of sick individuals with contagious illnesses concentrated in hospitals makes them high-risk environments for the spread of viruses and bacteria. Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are essential in preventing the spread of illnesses in these potentially hazardous settings. Because in-patient nurses interact with their patients multiple times every day, they’re responsible for enacting robust safety measures to protect vulnerable individuals from infection. Bacteria and viruses can remain suspended in the air, elevating the exposure risk of patients, healthcare personnel and visitors, especially in confined healthcare settings. carriers of infections. An indirect microorganism journey, such as a visitor touching a healthcare professional who then goes on to contact vulnerable patients, can have potentially devastating effects on patient safety. dispelled while coughing, sneezing, talking etc. can quickly settle onto nearby surfaces. Laundry, bed rails, sinks, furniture and doorknobs can be fast vehicles for the spread of infections. of all nosocomial bloodstream infections – also known as healthcare-associated infections. Because of the close contact relationship LPNs have with their patients, your education will include focused training on the myriad of health risks susceptible patients face in healthcare settings and how to protect them. As patients’ first line of defense against infections, LPNs must adhere to strict sanitation protocols, including thorough hand hygiene. Thoroughly washing your hands before and after patient contact or after handling contaminated items is crucial to protect the well-being of other patients and yourself. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – gloves, masks, gowns and eyewear – are another key component of LPNs’ duty to their patients. Their ability to assess when PPE is required, and which type is needed to lower the possibility of patient infection, is an essential aspect of their day-to-day job. LPNs need to ensure a patient’s room is safe to reside in. Regularly cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing equipment and surfaces is integral to maintaining a clean environment for patients to effectively recover. You also need to stay vigilant about how medical devices – such as catheters – are stored and utilized, as improper handling can increase your patient’s risk of nosocomial infection. As an LPN, you’ll be required to educate patients and their families about hand hygiene and PPE as well as how to recognize signs of infections in themselves. Even a well-meaning family member can infect the patient if they don’t adopt proper safety measures. At St. Louis College, we provide a rigorous education that thoroughly prepares students to become LPNs, and LPNs to become RNs (registered nurses). With our , you can become eligible for higher and better-paying managerial positions with an advanced degree. Our experienced staff and rigorous curriculum – including hands-on clinical training – will enhance your diagnostic and implementation abilities, giving you the confidence to perform optimally in your duties. To learn more about how you can position yourself in your dream healthcare career, or call 866-529-2070 today.

Respiratory Therapists Collaborate with Healthcare Professionals for Patient Care

Respiratory Therapist CareerBy Collin Land February 21, 2024 Leave a comment

A diagnosis is just the beginning of a long journey toward treatment and improvement. Along the way, patients receive comprehensive treatment from a myriad of healthcare professionals who all work together to restore their health and well-being. Respiratory therapists (RTs) are key healthcare professionals in this process, often participating in treatment, like performing pulmonary function tests or operating ventilators, at multiple steps along the way. In a clinical setting, respiratory therapists help patients manage their breathing problems with evidence-based techniques. In an allergy and asthma clinic, they may be performing the diagnosis themselves, but they can also help develop treatment plans for patients who have been diagnosed by primary care physicians or other healthcare specialists. Interdisciplinary rounds are an integral part of multidisciplinary care. Various healthcare professionals examine patients together to develop a comprehensive care plan that incorporates multiple fields into one treatment plan. By combining expertise and working together, healthcare professionals can enhance their patient’s quality of care from all angles. During interdisciplinary rounds, respiratory therapists may provide updates on the patient’s respiratory status, including lung function, oxygenation and ventilation. RTs are equipped to provide insights into the patient’s ability to maintain a patent (unobstructed) airway and advise on interventions to address any airway-related issues with physicians, nurses, pulmonologists and other healthcare professionals. By contributing their expertise in respiratory care, they can help develop and implement an effective, integrated care plan. RTs are responsible for ensuring the patient’s ventilator support equipment, chest physiotherapy equipment and airway management tools are working properly. This may include management of a variety of devices, from simple nasal cannulas to more complex devices such as capnographs and nebulizers. You can learn more about which medical devices respiratory therapists are responsible for in our blog on the topic . Respiratory therapists and pulmonologists frequently work together to curate a personalized, effective treatment for patients with breathing problems. While they share a similar focus, the two professions have a unique set of duties. Put simply, pulmonologists are doctors who focus on diagnosing and developing treatment plans, while respiratory therapists come after in the treatment pipeline with a focus on providing the therapies, managing symptoms and educating patients about breathing devices and exercises. Pulmonologists are primarily utilized in complex cases, while respiratory therapists work with a range of breathing conditions that vary in severity. Moreover, because the conditions pulmonologists see are more serious in nature, they are usually confined to internal medicine departments in hospitals. Although respiratory therapists are most often employed in hospital and critical care settings, the role has recently expanded into as well as clinics and community health centers. Most respiratory therapists work most closely with nurses and pulmonologists, but opportunities are becoming available for collaboration outside of a hospital setting. This can be especially useful if you’re hoping to specialize in home health or geriatric care – specializations St. Louis College of Health Career offers reputable programs for. Respiratory therapy is rapidly growing in demand and job prospects, with the field projected to grow by . At St. Louis College of Health Careers, our respiratory therapy program thoroughly prepares our students, providing the knowledge they need to sit for the NBRC board exam and perform well at their jobs from the get-go. Our RT degree will help you understand how to optimally diagnose, plan and treat patients with breathing problems – as well as how to collaborate with other healthcare professionals effectively to ensure your patients receive high-quality care. Get started with an in-depth yet flexible education by calling 866-529-2070 today to learn more about our .

Opportunities for LPNs to Specialize in Specific Areas of Healthcare

Nursing CareerBy Collin Land February 21, 2024 Leave a comment

One of the perks of entry-level positions within the greater healthcare field is career flexibility. Some types of medical professionals – especially nurses – play roles in virtually every type of healthcare facility and practice area. As an entry-level position, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) are able to gain specialized knowledge in a wide variety of fields. LPNs interact one-on-one with patients daily, monitoring their health, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals. Gaining specialized experience can lead to higher earning potential, increased job prospects, improved job satisfaction and greater eligibility for leadership positions. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we give our students a thorough foundation of knowledge and skills that puts them in an ideal position to acquire specialized experience when they enter the workforce. This empowers our nurses to stand out in their field so they can pursue their ideal career. LPNs with this specialty work exclusively with older patients, providing specialized care in nursing homes, memory care and assisted living facilities and home healthcare settings. Those interested in this , including geriatrics, long-term care, IV therapy, life support and hospice and palliative care. LPNs can choose to specialize in pediatric care, addressing the unique healthcare concerns of children and infants. Nurses pursuing this specialization may benefit from obtaining their Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) certification and potentially a , depending on the position. An oncology specialization gives LPNs the opportunity to focus on patients undergoing cancer treatments, assisting with symptom management related to chemotherapy as well as other physical and emotional issues. Although oncology employers tend to favor RNs over LPNs, you may still be hired if you’ve demonstrated notable expertise in the field or have earned a Certified Oncology Nurse (OCN) certification. If you want to focus on children with cancer, you may need a pediatrics specialization with a Certified Pediatric Hematology Oncology Nurse (CPHON) certification. Surgical LPNs are right in the operating room, assisting surgeons during surgical procedures. They’re responsible for preparing the room for surgery, sterilizing equipment and ensuring patient safety. Due to the high-pressure working environment, LPNs with a surgical nursing specialty must have Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) and Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) certifications. Some LPNs work exclusively with orthopedic surgeons to care for musculoskeletal issues and disorders, such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. They work personally with patients to manage symptoms and help them recover after operations. These LPNs tend to work in orthopedic clinics, rehabilitation centers and surgical units. Although nursing in orthopedics doesn’t require a specific specialization, acquiring certifications in wound care, pharmacology and geriatrics can prove valuable, enhancing a nurse’s knowledge of medications and musculoskeletal decline. LPNs specializing in dermatology focus on assessing skin issues, administering treatments and occasionally assisting with minor wound care surgeries. Depending on the position, some LPNs may need certifications in wound care and pharmacology to pursue this path. Long-term care (formerly known as gerontology) allows LPNs to care for elderly or chronically ill patients in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities. Training includes learning how to effectively administer medications and manage proper dietary plans as well as coordinate treatments with other healthcare professionals. This specialization typically requires students to acquire certifications in long-term care, geriatrics and hospice and palliative care. A hospice and palliative care specialization gives LPNs the knowledge and tools to administer end-of-life care for terminally ill individuals and their families, offering physical and emotional support. LPNs interested in pursuing this important but emotionally demanding specialization may benefit from certifications in long-term care and hospice and palliative care. The at St. Louis College of Health Careers provides thorough training that equips students with the knowledge they need to pursue a fulfilling medical career. Our program molds students into skilled nurses who are well-prepared to hit the ground running the moment they’re hired. You’ll learn from experienced faculty with a focus on hands-on training and clinical experience to build up your ability to diagnose and implement treatments. The education provided at St. Louis College of Health Careers can help you transition from an LPN to an RN, with access to higher managerial positions and more complex specializations like . We offer fully online programs so you can advance your career conveniently and at your own pace. Gain a superior understanding of your field. Call 866-529-2070 today to learn more about our program and .

Author Archives: Collin Land