Category Archives: Practical Nurse

Nursing Provides Leadership Skills Needed in the Healthcare Field

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How Nursing Can Teach Teamwork

Every job and every field depends on teamwork at least to some extent – but for nursing, it’s a matter of substantial and grave importance. It isn’t just about fostering a good workplace environment (though that’s important). If medical professionals don’t work together successfully, sick people don’t get better – it’s as simple as that.   Positive patient outcomes are dependent on the strength of teamwork within a single unit as well as through interdisciplinary collaboration. Treatments may not be effective if medical professionals don’t work together to carry them out.   Moreover, studies have shown that good teamwork is a significant factor in . Although collaboration isn’t just about cultivating a positive workplace environment, that is a critical piece of the puzzle.   With the number of nurses having dramatically dropped after COVID-19, increasing retention and reducing turnover are of crucial importance to the field – and ineffective teamwork due to negative relationships with colleagues threatens that.   Many nursing programs provide ample opportunities for students to work together so they can learn how to collaborate effectively with others to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to a better work environment after graduation. That said, there’s only so much you can learn outside of hands-on training and trial-by-fire experience. The quickest way to learn teamwork and its importance is on the job, which is why reputable programs will balance real-life training with education.       Almost every hour of every day nurses require teamwork. Whether you’re communicating with the doctor regarding a patient’s information or treatment progress, problem-solving across disciplines with other professionals, splitting responsibilities between your team depending on needs or training new nurses, communication is vital.   Soft skills like active communication, listening, negotiating and staying calm in high-pressure situations will be valued just as highly as your technical skills on the job. Having specialized expertise in IV therapy and wound care will be enhanced if you also have exceptional bedside manner and teamwork capabilities. Developing both will make you an esteemed team member and an attractive asset to employers looking to enhance their workplace’s culture with good people who are also good nurses.   St. Louis College of Health Careers offers rigorous training for aspiring nurses and current nurses looking to advance their careers with an esteemed education that medical professionals and administrators recognize. Our nursing programs are designed to both challenge students and prepare them to hit the ground running after graduation and to also be flexible to their needs as real people.   Learn more about and start your application today by calling 866-529-2070.

Skills to Learn to Earn More Money as a Nurse

Yes. Any job in medicine requires constant and continuous learning to ensure you’re providing the most up-to-date and efficient care – but some training, specifically courses that develop critical skills, can lead to more tangible results, like a pay increase or diversified employment opportunities. If you’re looking to make more money or secure a higher salary, enhancing these skills – which include both technical and interpersonal proficiencies – can help you achieve those goals.                 Taking on extra shifts in high-demand areas can come with extra pay, including in high-demand environments like the ICU and ER. However, an increased paycheck for more hours worked isn’t the same as getting hired in a higher-paying position where you can work the same number of hours and get paid more.   Training, whether through certifications or by going back to school for an advanced degree, is one of the most reliable ways to enhance your resume and establish your commitment to earning leadership roles or positions with more responsibility.   Certifications are less expensive and time-consuming than an advanced degree. Some may only require completing a certificate program and/or a specific amount of work experience before nurses are eligible to sit for certification exams to prove their skill proficiency.   Common certifications for RNs include Certified Critical-Care Nurse (CCRN), Inpatient Obstetric Nurse (RNC-OB) and Clinical Research Nurse Certification (CRN-BC), while certifications for LPNs primarily focus on verifying entry-level basics, such as IV care and pharmacology.   In contrast, a degree usually involves many semesters of dedicated study and training, but that effort can go a long way in elevating your salary potential.   Advanced degrees, such as , can provide current nurses a convenient opportunity to hone existing skills, gain new ones and translate them directly into a broader array of career opportunities.   Getting an advanced degree not only gives you the rigorous education you need to develop specialized skills, but it can also serve as concrete proof of your capabilities to employers and healthcare facilities. While you may improve your nursing abilities in your current position, employers may not be as confident about hiring you without formalized education and certifications.   Although diploma programs are faster, an advanced degree can show your dedication to a specific area, clearly demonstrating how much time and effort you’ve put into learning these skills, which can give you a competitive edge over other applicants. A degree shows that you’ve undergone a thorough education in the subject and have officially cultivated your skills with a combination of expert guidance and hands-on training.   Pursuing a formal education can also give you access to a network of professionals and mentors, opening the door to new connections and influences that can lead to new career prospects previously inaccessible.   Make yourself a desirable job candidate with the potential to earn more money with a reputable and rigorous education from St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our programs will thoroughly prepare you for your dream job while being flexible to your current job responsibilities, including online classes so you can advance your career on your own time.   Call 866-529-2070 today to learn more about .

How to Build Strong Patient Relationships as a Nurse

As a nurse, building strong patient relationships is crucial to providing quality care and improving patient outcomes. Patients who feel comfortable with their healthcare providers are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, share important information about their health and have better overall experiences. Developing these relationships takes time and isn’t necessarily a skill that can be taught in a classroom. The good news is you can get into the mindset of relationship building with patients while you’re still pursuing your degree. This can set you apart from other new nurses and help you establish yourself as a compassionate and trustworthy healthcare provider. Active listening involves giving your full and undivided attention to what the patient is saying, not interrupting and responding in a way that shows you understand and empathize with their concerns. By actively listening, you can gain a better understanding of your patient’s needs, fears and goals, which can help you provide more individualized care. Active listening also helps establish trust and rapport between you and your patients. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to feel comfortable and open up to you, which can lead to a better overall patient experience. Reducing jargon when interacting with patients is crucial for effective communication and building trust. As a nurse, it’s essential to remember that patients may not have the same medical background or knowledge as healthcare professionals. Using complex medical terminology or jargon can confuse patients, create barriers to understanding and even cause unnecessary anxiety. By being proactive, you can anticipate your patient’s needs, identify potential issues before they arise and take steps to prevent them from becoming major problems. Not only is this beneficial for the patient’s recovery and wellbeing but it can help build trust and confidence in you as their nurse. Proactivity can take many forms in nursing. You can display proactivity by regularly checking on your patients, providing education and resources and advocating for their needs. For example, you can check on a patient’s pain level without being prompted to do so and provide pain medication before the pain becomes severe enough for the patient to complain. You can also anticipate the patient’s needs by ensuring they have enough supplies, such as food, water and medication, and communicating effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. If you’re interested in becoming a stellar nurse who not only excels at patient care but also knows how to foster strong nurse-patient relationships, then the St. Louis College of Health Careers is the perfect place for you. Our accredited program offer comprehensive training that teaches not just the technical skills, but also helps hone the interpersonal skills that are necessary for building strong relationships with patients. With experienced faculty and a supportive community, you’ll be able to learn from the best and develop the skills you need to excel in your career as a nurse. To or learn more about the program, visit us online or call 866-529-2070.

Nurse Burnout

  and long hours, burnout is a risk many nurses will face throughout their health career. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is an official . As an occupational phenomenon, the term “burnout” should only be used within the context of a person’s job or occupation — not as an illness or health condition. While it is not considered to be an ailment or disease, burnout can be diagnosed by a doctor. Stress influences our ability to make decisions. In a medical setting, decision-making is critical. When a nurse is no longer enjoying their job due to burnout, their behavior and attitude can impact their ability to provide optimal patient care. A nurse’s bedside manner is important to the patient’s health and level of care. Poor bedside manner is often one of the first signs that a nurse is suffering from burnout. Nurses who are burnt out may feel a lack of empathy and compassion toward their patients and become more cynical and insensitive. This can leave a patient feeling alone and unimportant and deter them from seeking medical care in the future. Initiating burnout prevention is an important task for hospitals and their staff, including the nurse managers and leaders. While a nurse should do what they can to prevent themselves from experiencing burnout, it is equally important for their workplace to be proactive in monitoring the wellness of nursing staff and to implement preventive measures. Whether you have already spent time working in the medical field or are looking to pursue a new health career, you can earn your diploma from the St. Louis College of Health Careers. We offer including Practical Nursing, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, Respiratory Therapy and more. Learn from experienced practitioners and leaders in the medical community who will provide you with hands-on training and mentorship. Apply for our by calling 866-529-2070.

How Can We Fix the Nursing Shortage

The high demand for nurses in the United States has plagued the healthcare industry for years. Today, the number of registered nurses in America has reached a staggeringly low number for many reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. With the aging baby boomer generation and large population of chronically ill and high-risk patients, the current supply of nurses is insufficient to keep up with growing healthcare needs. Our nation’s provide quality care in nearly every healthcare setting, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, behavioral health centers, specialized medical facilities and other institutions. The ongoing nursing shortage and staffing gaps are inevitably affecting patient care and safety as well as patient outcomes. The situation will only continue to get worse if steps are not taken to relieve the nursing workforce by recruiting newly qualified nurses and encouraging the expansion of training programs. RNs play a very important role in evolving and improving our country’s healthcare system, yet their ability to implement or experiment with new healthcare methods is limited by chronically stretched resources. It’s no secret that all aspiring nurses require an to pursue a health career. The problem is that while the country is suffering a nursing shortage, the education system is also suffering from a nursing faculty shortage. This directly impacts the number of qualified students a nursing program can accept — limiting the number of nursing graduates taking certification exams and entering the field. According to the from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2021. While faculty shortages are the primary cause, the lack of classroom space, clinical sites and preceptors are also contributing factors. In October 2022, the AACN released a that identified a total of 2,166 full-time faculty vacancies across 909 nursing schools nationwide. Pinpointing just one fix that could make all the difference is nearly impossible given the variety of factors at play, but there are changes federal policymakers and organizations could make that might help encourage greater participation in the nursing workforce and training institutions like St. Louis College of Health Careers. Resolving the nursing shortage in America is a lofty goal that won’t happen overnight, but you can be a part of the solution. If you are passionate about people and interested in a career in the healthcare industry, our accredited program may be for you. We combine hands-on practice with rigorous academics to equip students with the tools they need to pass certification exams and enter the nursing workforce. Graduates of St. Louis College of Heath Careers move on to find work at hospitals, residential care facilities, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, clinics and more. Learn more about our LPN program or explore other by calling 866-529-2070.

Is There Really a Stigma About Male Nurses

The nursing profession is a female-dominated field. While times are changing and society is becoming more open-minded to the idea of male nurses, some people still hold the false preconceptions that only women can make good nurses. Stereotypes about men needing to be “tough” and unemotional remain a powerful barrier for some men who would otherwise be interested in pursuing a career in nursing. Simultaneously, females are still largely regarded as the “softer” gender, thus more capable of being caring and compassionate toward their patients. The truth is that nursing is a rewarding career option for anyone, regardless of their gender, who is passionate about helping and caring for people. Addressing and debunking male nursing myths is crucial to empowering men to pursue careers in nursing. While women still comprise , more than 12 percent of registered nurses in the U.S. are men. With a steady demand for new nurses, this percentage is expected to grow. Male nurses are sought after for many innate attributes, including physical strength. For example, nurses frequently need to transfer, move or adjust a patient’s position. There are also scenarios where a nurse may need to deal with patients who pose a threat to themselves or others. Physical strength is one of the many assets male nurses can bring to their workplace. From a personal comfort and modesty perspective, many male patients prefer to have a male nurse. There is no evidence proving that men cannot be compassionate. Men are just as capable of showing care and empathy as their female counterparts. While connecting emotionally with patients is important, an outstanding nurse must be capable of much more than that. Nursing requires critical thinking and excellent communication skills, both of which are not dictated by one’s gender. This notion could not be further from the truth. The American healthcare system is overwhelmed with an aging population and a growing rate of retiring nurses. There are also growing concerns of nursing burnout in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Nurses Association predicts that by 2022 there will be a need for for both men and women. Since of doctors are male and most nurses are female, some people mistakenly assume a male nurse tried to be a doctor but failed to do so. These assumptions may assign a certain stigma that discourages men from pursuing nursing. Many men go into nursing because it’s a challenging, stable and lucrative career that allows them to help people. Obtaining a medical degree or an education in more specialized aspects of healthcare requires many years of expensive coursework plus residencies, while practical nurses can begin their careers quickly after just four semesters of study and passage of the NCLEX. If you’re living in St. Louis or the surrounding areas of Missouri and Southern Illinois and are thinking about a career in nursing, consider pursing a degree or diploma from the accredited St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our academically rigorous prepares you for a wide variety of entry-level nursing positions and makes you eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed practical nurse. Are you an LPN looking for your next career challenge? You might be interested in our   bridge program that helps you prepare to become a registered nurse. If you’re reluctant to study nursing, we have that can prepare you for a career in a healthcare field. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we actively create and nurture an inclusive environment. We offer financial aid resources, flexible scheduling and year-round program start dates to ensure students of all genders, ages and socio-economic backgrounds have access to our programs. Call 866-529-2070 or for more information.

Six C’s of Nursing

What Are The Six C’s of Nursing DOWNLOAD PDF