Category Archives: Nursing

How Is Technology Improving the Care LPNs and RNs Provide?

The advancement of medical technology has enabled nurses to provide optimal care using innovative technologies that are designed to save time, improve patient care and increase overall efficiency. Although some might argue that certain technologies may lead to less of a personal touch, most nurses find that technological advances support their day-to-day responsibilities and further enhance patient interactions. The healthcare industry will continue to evolve as innovative leaders in the medical field change the way nurses, doctors and specialists treat their patients. As a in today’s healthcare landscape, you will be expected to learn and adapt to the various technologies of modern medicine. Many offer an in-depth curriculum that covers a variety of patient care methods and techniques while familiarizing students with the technology found in a hospital or medical office setting. Between automated medication delivery systems to small mobile devices, advancements in nursing technology have touched nearly every task a nurse must learn in order to properly care for their patients. In just four semesters, you can earn your from St. Louis College of Health Careers (SLCHC) and become an ideal candidate for a variety of entry-level nursing positions. Throughout the duration of the program, we will work closely with you to develop the confidence and proficiency required of a nurse to tend to patients of all ages. As a SLCHC graduate, you are eligible to apply to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become an LPN. If you aspire to become an RN and you decide to further your education, our bridge program teaches you how to integrate evidence-based practices into patient care techniques and processes. For additional information about our healthcare programs, call 866-529-2070 or .

CNA Versus PCT: What Are the Similarities and Differences Between the Two Careers

Both certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and patient care technicians (PCTs) are vital members of health care teams. They provide basic care to patients, monitor patient conditions and report changes to nurses. Although both titles are often used interchangeably, it’s important to recognize these professions aren’t the same. In general, certified nursing assistants are responsible for helping patients perform everyday tasks, while patient care technicians may have more specialized duties. If you’re thinking about pursuing either of these roles, it’s important to know their responsibilities and educational requirements differ so you can make an informed decision. A CNA is a certified nurse assistant who provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. CNAs help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. Other responsibilities typically include feeding and bathing patients as well as monitoring patient vitals. They may also provide emotional support to patients and their families and record patient symptoms and progress. A PCT is a patient care technician who provides basic care to patients in a hospital setting. PCTs may work with patients who are recovering from surgery, those who are receiving treatment for a serious illness or those who are receiving palliative care. PCTs may also work with patients who are preparing to be discharged from the hospital. Typical duties of a PCT include taking vital signs, recording patient information and preparing and administering medication. Although there’s some overlap between the two professions, there’s also a great deal of differences between a CNA and a PCT in terms of job duties and levels of patient care responsibility. CNAs typically have more patient contact than PCTs and may also be responsible for more clinical tasks such as taking vital signs and recording patient information. PCTs typically work more with medical equipment and may also be trained to perform more complex tasks like drawing blood, administering EKGs or operating dialysis equipment. The median annual salary for a CNA is , but salaries can vary greatly depending on the state or region in which they work. CNAs in Missouri earn a median salary of $42,564. The job outlook for CNAs is also positive. projects that the number of positions for CNAs will grow by five percent between 2021 and 2031, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities for CNAs in the years to come. The average salary for a Patient Care Technician is . However, salaries can vary depending on the level of experience and education you have. The median salary of a Missouri-based PCT is $50,360. The job outlook for Patient Care Technicians is good, with employment expected to grow by 18 percent over the next ten years. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Whether you’re inclined to become a CNA or a PCT, earning a from the fully accredited St. Louis College of Health Careers will equip you with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work in both roles. Candidates interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse are encouraged to apply for our four semester . To learn more about how SLCHC can help you pursue , call 866-529-2070.

Nurse Burnout: Is It Real and How Can It Be Prevented?

  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.

Tips and Tricks to Get Through Your First Year of Classes

Entering your first year of college is equal parts exciting and intimidating. It’s not uncommon to be nervous about the transition regardless of how prepared you might be. In the days leading up to the beginning of your first semester, do your best to relax and brush up on helpful tips and tricks for succeeding in your first year of classes. Change can be overwhelming — add an academic workload to the mix and it can start to feel unmanageable. The best thing you can do when you first start college is to pace yourself. Don’t try to take on too much all at once. Give yourself time to adapt to your class schedule, the curriculum and assignments. You don’t need to be excellent at everything right away. Allow yourself the room to make mistakes and learn from them — that’s what college is all about. Meeting academic deadlines is crucial to your success. A lot of important dates will begin to pile up all at once and it can be easy to unintentionally miss due dates or forget to complete assignments. Managing a calendar is an absolute must when starting college. Using an online app or a physical planner can help you keep track of important dates. Everyone learns and absorbs information differently (A.K.A. learning styles), which means there are many ways to participate in class or study for an exam. Even if you think you know your learning style, don’t be afraid to explore new study techniques (i.e., flashcards, drawing, reading aloud, seeing a tutor or tutoring another student). You might even discover that you have more than one learning style — which is common for some students. It’s important to understand how to take advantage of each learning style and find ways to improve your study methods. While college could appear cutthroat, your classmates really aren’t your competition. Instead, they are your colleagues who are pursuing their education alongside you. Be open to chatting with the person sitting next to you or schedule time to meet with your peers outside of the classroom. It can be helpful to form study groups before a big exam or ask a classmate for feedback on a paper. The more you allow others into your learning journey, the better you’ll feel about the process. Extracurricular activities are also a great way to get involved on campus because they can introduce you to new and valuable perspectives and experiences. Most students who participate in sports or clubs or attend optional lectures or presentations find their relationships with their peers and professors are better for it. You are in school to learn material you have no prior knowledge of. Naturally, you will likely have questions for your professors or instructors in the middle of a lecture or lab. Your instructors expect you to have questions, so it will come as no shock to them when you don’t understand something. Don’t be intimidated by a classroom or fellow students and always ask your questions. Someone else likely has the same question but are too intimidated to speak up, or you may prompt the instructor to provide elaboration or clarification that will benefit the entire class. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions in a classroom, you can reach out to your professor via email or schedule a meeting during their office hours. Aside from the goal to graduate college with a diploma, you should also think about short-term and long-term goals over the course of your academic career. Whether that’s making all As and graduating with honors or pushing yourself to enroll in a challenging course, your goals are often important steppingstones toward your career. College is what you make of it, so work hard, be brave and go for it. St. Louis College of Health Careers is committed to providing students with an understanding of our rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Graduates leave our programs with a and can swiftly apply their skills in the field. We offer numerous associate, bachelor, master and diploma programs that qualify to take certification exams and enter health careers ranging from practical nursing to healthcare administration. Learn more about 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.

How Important Is a Practical Nurse’s Role Within the Hospital Ecosystem?

While a licensed practical nurse’s scope of responsibility isn’t as broad as that of a registered nurse (RN), both roles play a critical part in patient care and recovery. Practical nurses are the backbone of a hospital’s ecosystem. They spend a significant amount of time with patients and are typically the first ones to notice any changes in a patient’s condition. Practical nurses are also dedicated patient advocates. Since they spend so much time with their patients, they can gain a unique perspective on each patient’s needs, habits and health conditions. For instance, by talking to a patient or their family members, a nurse can discover unknown health details and communicate them to the medical team. If you’re a dedicated and compassionate individual looking for a steady career in the healthcare field that doesn’t require long years of schooling, consider becoming a licensed practical nurse. Licensed practical nurses, sometimes referred to as licensed vocational nurses, are considered entry-level nurses. LPNs are responsible for providing basic care to their patients. Their daily duties typically include taking and charting vitals and helping patients get out of bed, reach the bathroom and get dressed. LPNs often assist registered nurses. Your duties may vary significantly depending on where you work, but you can expect to spend your days on your feet providing hands-on care to patients. If you’re like many other nursing candidates, you may be debating which level of nursing is best for you. An LPN’s responsibilities are more limited than an RN, but they still fill a vital, foundational role in patient care by enabling other medical professionals to focus their efforts on their own specialized tasks. If you’re interested in nursing but you’re not sure it’s your lifelong calling, becoming an LPN may be a great introduction to the occupation. Unlike registered nurses, LPNs don’t have to spend years in school before they can practice their profession. In fact, many LPN programs can be completed within a year, meaning you spend less time and money on your education than you would studying to become a registered nurse or an advanced practice nurse. If you’re fed up with working minimum wage jobs, becoming an LPN is a relatively quick way to increase your earnings. According to the U.S. Burau of Labor Statistics, LPNs bring home an average of . Once you complete your degree and become certified, getting an entry-level LPN position may be relatively easy compared to other occupations which often require a lot more schooling. There is a never-ending demand for nurses in the healthcare field. With more and more baby boomers retiring, this demand is expected to grow. LPNs are needed in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home care and doctor’s offices. Not everyone has the time and financial resources to spend four or more years in school. In fact, many individuals studying to become a nurse work full-time and have families to care for. Becoming an LPN is an excellent option for busy individuals. Many colleges and universities offer flexible LPN programs, which include evening and online classes to help you juggle school, work and other daily activities. Our four-semester long accredited by calling 866-529-2070.

What Is a Patient Care Technician?

A patient care technician works under the supervision of a doctor or nurse and provides basic care to patients with various medical conditions. Perhaps you have considered a career in the healthcare field, but you’re not interested in spending the next four (or more) years in school. One of the many benefits of becoming a patient care technician is you won’t have to spend several years in school before you can enter the workforce. In fact, many college programs allow future PCTs to get their education in as little as two semesters. However, before deciding to pursue a degree in patient care, you’ll want to know what this role entails and if it’s aligned with your professional goals and interests. As a patient care technician, you are responsible for caring for patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient facilities. Successful patient care technicians are compassionate individuals who genuinely enjoy helping others. As a PCT, you must also possess excellent communication skills, as you will be expected to gather patient information and convey it to your medical superiors. Most PCTs work long (typically 12-hour) shifts in a fast-paced environment, which means you need to have plenty of physical and mental stamina to perform this job successfully. Your exact salary will depend on where you work, who you work for and how much experience you have. Based on the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), patient care technicians earn on average . The need for certified patient care technicians is forecasted to grow eight percent between 2020 and 2030, with an average of 192,800 new positions opening each year over the next decade. A variety of healthcare businesses heavily rely on patient care technicians to meet the needs of patients, including hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices and outpatient clinics. If you value establishing long-term relationships with patients, working in a nursing home may be the best fit for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a more dynamic environment and meeting new faces every day, you may do best working at a hospital or doctor’s office. To become a patient care technician, you’ll have to earn either upon the completion of your studies. Taking and passing the examination will ensure you’re competent in a variety of patient care skills and are licensed to work in the state of Missouri. A patient care technician program usually includes courses in biology and medical terminology as well as lab courses so students can gain hands-on clinical experience in their future responsibilities. To allow students to further enhance their skills and gain first-hand experience, many colleges and educational institutions require students to participate in an internship or externship. If you’re looking for a career that prioritizes compassionate care for others, becoming a patient care technician may be a good option for you. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, you’ll be able to obtain a Patient Care Technician Diploma and gain valuable experience before entering the healthcare workforce. Our accredited program is only two semesters long and can be completed in less than a year. Are you interested in learning more about other jobs within the healthcare field? Be sure to browse our or call 866-529-2070.

Using Your Degree to Become a Traveling Nurse

While a career in nursing can be rewarding both professionally and personally. It’s not uncommon for nurses to work several years in the same hospital or outpatient facility. People who thrive in consistent environments with clearly defined expectations may excel in those positions. However, others may find greater satisfaction from frequently changing their work environment or experiencing new challenges. If you’re someone with an adventurous spirit who loves to care for people, why not consider becoming a travelling nurse? Travel nurses fill a vital niche in the medical field. The heroic assistance they provided to understaffed facilities overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases was a recent example of just how valuable these healthcare professionals can be for patients.   Generally, a travelling nurse provides medical care to patients on various short-term assignments, which are offered to them by special staffing agencies. These assignments require moving to various locations and working in different hospitals and healthcare facilities. Each assignment typically lasts between eight and 26 weeks. Travel nurses play a critical role in filling in for permanent nurses whose life circumstances are preventing them from working. These circumstances include things like maternity leave, short or long-term disability and familial obligations. Travelling nurses may also play a key role in filling certain specialized nursing positions, especially when hiring the right permanent nurse requires a lot of time and effort.     There is no perfect job, and just like many other professions, travel nursing has its pros and cons. Of course, what one person considers a disadvantage may be a significant benefit to someone else. Deciding to work as a travel nurse should be a personal choice based on your unique needs and preferences. If you want the opportunity to explore different parts of the country, and sometimes even different parts of the world, a career in travel nursing may be right for you. You may also find it interesting to meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn new skills and practices from other healthcare professionals. One of the undisputed benefits of travel nursing is a potentially higher pay than the average nursing salary. It’s not uncommon for travel nurses to earn over a year, depending on their degree and experience. If you’re looking to save up a substantial amount of money and don’t mind living with family or friends in between your assignments, travel nursing may help you quickly achieve your financial goals. The most common disadvantages of travel nursing include being almost constantly away from family and friends, which may be especially problematic if you have children. Although many travel nurse agencies do provide benefits like health insurance and travel reimbursement, they may not be as comprehensive or flexible as the benefits offered by some permanent positions. Travel nurses may also need multiple state licenses to be eligible for certain assignments.   To become eligible for travel nursing you’ll need to earn your nursing degree and gain valuable work experience. Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs). To become one, you’ll have to earn either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You’ll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses and apply for RN licensure in your state. Some agencies or healthcare facilities may want travel nursing candidates to have at least two years of hands-on experience through a stationary, full-time position, such as working in a hospital, nursing home or outpatient clinic.   If nursing sounds like an interesting career but you’re not ready to commit to years of coursework, consider earning a from St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our academically rigorous, hands-on program will prepare you for a rewarding entry-level nursing career and help you decide if becoming a registered nurse is something you aspire to do. For more information about our diverse catalog of .