Author: vitawerks

Friendships are invaluable for many people, but doubly so for healthcare professionals. Friends can act as confidants for our deepest concerns, company at the happiest moments of our lives, and anchors that give us different perspectives in troubled times. Conversely, loneliness or social isolation has been linked to higher levels of stress and depression by institutions such as the American Psychological Association. In a stressful and demanding profession like healthcare, friendships inside the workplace are all but essential. Sometimes, a pleasant conversation with your colleagues, during lunch, is exactly what you need to lighten your mood. That being said, making friends in a healthcare setting comes with its own unique challenges.

Why Do Healthcare Professionals Need Friends?

Unlike most professions, HCPs must confront mortality frequently. For nurses, doctors, and physicians in the ER or ICU, these stakes are encountered on a regular basis. Even on an “uneventful” shift, you may walk past patients fighting for their lives or geriatric patients at their end-of-life care. It is a unique and mentally draining part of the job.

Though friends outside of work also matter, it is hard to convey the HCP experience to someone from the outside looking in. Friends in the workplace have invaluable insight and can relate to your struggle on a deeper level. Additionally, they may also provide helpful and actionable advice from an informed perspective.

With friends, work becomes less stressful and more pleasant… Even if you are not necessarily “friends” with everyone, you want to be on good terms with your co-workers. When you get along with your department, chemistry and communication become far easier to develop. For practical and personal reasons, friendships in healthcare are irreplaceable.

How Do I Make Friends in Healthcare?

Whether you are a rookie or a natural introvert, we all start somewhere. If you want to make friends and put yourself out there, then you have to take advantage of the opportunities available to you:

Introduce Yourself

A good first impression is invaluable. Co-workers naturally want to get to know you better, if you start things off on the right foot. Like with most things, the little things matter. If you are new to your workplace, you want to introduce yourself to your new team members one by one. Breaking the ice and building a repertoire takes time. Make an effort to converse with them, and ask work-related questions to facilitate a natural two-way conversation. Good questions along this vein include:

● How long have you worked in this facility?
● What is your role in this facility?
● How would you describe the culture?

Be a Good Listener

People want to feel valued. We naturally prefer talking to people who are interested in our feelings, and what we have to say. This is why being a good listener is invaluable when it comes to building friendships. When someone is talking, you want to provide your undivided attention as they speak. Reflect on the points they bring up and ask for clarifications, to show them that you are listening. Give them honest feedback, and pay attention to nonverbal cues to determine when to speak. You want to strike a balance between offering your insights and giving them the space to express themselves.

Join Social Gatherings

Instead of turning down an invite from a co-worker, why not accept one and see where it takes you? They want to know you better, by spending time with you outside work. This could be a movie night, a party, or even a beach gathering. This could be the chance you needed to break the ice. This goes both ways too. If you have built a rapport with someone, do not hesitate to invite them for some lunch or coffee during your break time. In general, a lunch break is an organic way to spend time with co-workers you are interested in.

Be Yourself

In time, friendships will form. You will gravitate towards the people and personalities that you are compatible with. As long as you continuously put yourself out there and stick true to yourself, friends in healthcare who genuinely care about you and value your presence will come in time. Be honest about yourself, within reason. Try not to bring up any controversial or confrontational talking points, but be true to yourself on every other front.

While HCPs are in demand across the country, New Jersey’s situation is unique. Currently, they sit among the top ten states with the most healthcare practitioner vacancies in the entire country. In 2030, they are expected to carry the biggest nursing shortage in all of the United States. Local governments and facilities are working to fill these positions with HCPs from within and outside the state. None of this exempts NJ-based HCPs from renewal requirements. Every state has their own unique renewal processes and requirements, and this article will go over how to renew your nursing license in NJ.

Renewing your HCP License

Knowing when your license expires comes before anything else. With this in mind, you can plan ahead so that all your requirements are in order right on time, or even well before the expiration date. For both New Jersey’s Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses, licensure expires every two years on May 31. If your license was provided in an even year, you renew every odd year and vice versa. Certified Nursing Assistants will also be asked to renew every two years. For each case, you will be notified 60 days in advance of expiration.

Fulfill Your Continuing Education Requirements

As was mentioned earlier, HCPs need to keep their knowledge updated and their skills sharp. State nursing boards accomplish this by mandating continuing education requirements for HCPs. The classes you will be asked to take, and just how much continuing education you need to complete per renewal cycle depends on the state. RNs and LPNs will be asked to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education before they can renew. Instead of continuing education, CNAs will be asked to complete 7 hours of salaried nurse aide work, before they can renew.

Apply for Online Licensure Renewal

New Jersey’s HCPs can renew their healthcare licenses online, from the comfort of their own houses. First off, you want to log in to the portal for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Here, you can apply for renewal and check for RN license verification in NJ. If you have not already registered, click “Register a Person” and follow the instructions. Once you are in, fill out your renewal application. Be sure to provide accurate and truthful information, and review your answers carefully. Submit proof of completion for your requirements and pay the renewal fees. Currently, RNs pay $125 while LPNs are charged $120 for license renewal.

Contact Information

For more details or clarifications, you can refer to the New Jersey Department of Health’s official website. You can also contact them via the following:

Mailing Address:

PO Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370

Address:

New Jersey Department of Health

55 North Willow Street
Trenton, NJ 08608-1203

Phone Number:

1-800-367-6543

How to Renew Your RN License in New Jersey

Registered nurses are a crucial part of any successful healthcare operation. With the margin of error in healthcare being so slim, state boards of nursing want their RNs to remain sharp, knowledgeable, and in the know. To accomplish this, RNs are made to periodically renew their licenses. Since requirements and processes will vary from state to state, this article will outline how to renew your New Jersey RN license.

Figure Out the Renewal Period

When you know when your license expires, everything falls into place. This allows you to handle everything you need to, well before the expiration date. RNs in New Jersey have to renew their licenses every May 31, every two years. Put simply, if your license expires on an odd year, you must renew every even year and vice versa.

Fulfill Renewal Requirements

There is only one major NJ RN license renewal requirement in 2023. HCPs are asked to complete at least 30 contact hours of continuing education, every renewal period. It is important that the provider of said continuing education is accredited and recognized by the state, or else your hours will not count.

Apply for online licensure renewal

New Jersey’s RNs have the opportunity to send their applications online. HCPs can start by registering and then logging in to the official portal for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. From there, you can fill out your renewal application and pay the renewal fee of $125. Remember that you must fill every form with accurate and updated information. Review your answers carefully, to check for inaccuracies or spelling errors.

Contact Information

For more details or clarifications, you can refer to the New Jersey Department of Health’s official website. You can also contact them via the following:

Mailing Address:

PO Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370

Address:

New Jersey Department of Health

55 North Willow Street
Trenton, NJ 08608-1203

Phone Number:

1-800-367-6543

 

How to Renew Your LPN License in New Jersey

Every level of healthcare professional has to renew their license periodically, and Licensed Practical Nurses are not exempt from this. Unfortunately, different states have different renewal requirements and methods. For your convenience, and to help you prepare for your next license renewal, this guide will show you how it is done in New Jersey.

Figure Out the Renewal Period

Everything falls into place when you are knowledgeable about the license expiration date. You can form a plan of attack and prepare all your requirements in time, without any cramming or the unwanted stress that follows it. Just like with Registered Nurses, LPNs need to renew every two years, on May 31. Nurses who get their licenses in odd years renew on even years and the other way around.

Fulfill Renewal Requirements

To successfully renew, LPNs are required to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education. Bear in mind that these hours must be completed by a provider that is approved and accredited by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. If this is not the case, your time would have been wasted.

Apply for online licensure renewal

LPNs can now submit their renewal applications entirely online. First, you must register and log in to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs website. After that, go to your renewal application and provide accurate and honest information. Once you have submitted your application and proof of continuing education completion, go ahead and pay the $120 renewal fee.

Contact Information

The New Jersey Department of Health’s official website provides additional answers and clarifications if needed. You also have the option of contacting them directly:
Mailing Address:

PO Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370

Address:

New Jersey Department of Health

55 North Willow Street
Trenton, NJ 08608-1203

Phone Number:

1-800-367-6543

 

How to Renew Your CNA License in New Jersey

CNAs have to renew their licenses periodically. State nursing boards want their HCPs sharp, prepared and well-learned. Because of this, they require HCPs on all levels (CNAs included) to renew their license and fulfil continuing education requirements. Since every state has different licensure requirements, this step-by-step guide will help you with CNA renewal in NJ, specifically.

Figure Out the Renewal Period

CNAs in NJ renew their license every 24 months or two years. They also receive notifications 60 days in advance. With this in mind, you can prepare your requirements well in advance. This lets you avoid last-minute cramming, cancellations, and the ensuing headaches.

Fulfill Renewal Requirements

NJ-based CNAs have to complete 7 hours of nurse aide work. These hours must be salaried and documented, in order to be counted. In addition, you need to have avoided suspension or revocation of your CNA license, and you also have to submit a criminal background check (with fingerprint) that happened within the licensure period.

Apply for online licensure renewal

To renew your license online, register and log in to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs’ official portal. Answer your forms honestly and truthfully, and review each answer before submitting. Send the form, and proof that you completed your renewal requirements.

Contact Information

For more details or clarifications, you can refer to the New Jersey Department of Health’s official website. If this does not suffice, you can contact the NJ Department of Health directly:

Mailing Address:

PO Box 370, Trenton, NJ 08625-0370

Address:

New Jersey Department of Health

55 North Willow Street
Trenton, NJ 08608-1203

Phone Number:

1-800-367-6543

You may be tempted to say that looking fashionable has no tangible benefits, but that is not telling the truth. Looking good (while still complying with the facility dress code) can provide a much-needed boost in self-image. This can help you perform your clinical tasks with the confidence and positivity needed of healthcare professionals at the highest level, beyond all that, dressing well just feels nice. In a line of professions that can get hectic and stressful, these comforts and allowances can go a long way.

On the face of it, HCPs are not working with much. Most of them usually wear similar scrubs, and have to comply with a strict dress code. Even within these boundaries, there is room for improvement and self-expression. Before you pick up your next set of scrubs, consider these 4 fashion-forward tips.

Get an Outfit That Compliments Your Frame

You do not want a baggy set of scrubs, but you also do not want an overly tight, ill-fitting pair. You want scrubs that compliment your form while fitting comfortably. It starts with finding the right size. Find your three measurements (bust, waist, hips) in centimetres and inches before you go out clothes shopping. That way, you can ensure that whatever you buy fits you perfectly. You also want to find outfits that specifically compliment your form. Some people look better in v-necks, while others should pass. HCPs with hourglass figures, for example, should find scrubs that accentuate your natural curves without being too provocative. These are just a couple of examples of what to consider when you are looking for scrubs.

Find High-Quality Fabrics

This tip blends considerations for form and function. More than anything, you want high-quality fabrics that look good, while being comfortable to wear and durable enough for the machine wash. A stylish set of scrubs is not much use if it feels tight in places or gets easily damaged in the dryer. Cotton is breathable and comfortable, while rayon, spandex and polyester are wrinkle-resistant and highly durable. A lot of the best scrubs use some combination of these fabrics. If you are shopping online, you can look at the fabric blend on the item listing, and check reviews or ratings to confirm their quality.

Accessorize Within Reason

In most cases, gaudy and overly intricate accessories are frowned upon in healthcare settings. Not only are they distracting, but intricate necklaces or jewelry can cause problems in the workplace, while they dangle above sensitive medical equipment or snag at your outfit. That being said, you can still accentuate your outfit while complying with the dress code. A lovely undershrub or a facility-approved jacket that compliments the colors of your outfit is entirely acceptable and welcome. A nice pair of shoes can tie the outfit together and provide a ton of utility. Seeing as HCP work is mainly done on your feet, a nice pair of shoes eases the burden and can make things that much easier for you.

Find the Right Colors for You

Do not be afraid to experiment with scrub’s colors. Certain people look better in different colors, depending on their skin tone, the aesthetic they are aiming for, and their other items of apparel. For example: people with darker skin tones can look better in brighter pastel colors like blue or royal purple, but more washed-out tones are better avoided. That being said, this is not a universal rule and some people may disagree. Feel free to experiment with different colors to see what works best for you. You can even consult your more fashion-forward friends for feedback, as you explore the different spectrums of the color wheel. Even when you have found a handful of colors that suit you, do not be afraid to experiment even more.

Rhode Island has officially become the 41st state to join the Nurse Licensure Compact. RI Governor Daniel J McKee signed the NLC agreement on 24 June 2023. At the time of writing, more than 80% of America’s states are now members of the licensure agreement. This is expected to have huge ramifications for HCPs across the country, on all levels. What does this mean for nurses, exactly? How will the NLC change the healthcare labor landscape, as we know it?

What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Before the NLC, licensure for HCPs was not cross-state. If you wanted to pick up a travel nurse job in another state, or you wanted to move, have two options: apply for reciprocity or reapply for a new license altogether.

The Nurse Licensure Compact simplifies the process by providing Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) with a multistate license that carries over between the states under the NLC. To achieve this, licensure requirements are aligned in such a way that HCPs can meet the standards and requirements for each of the 41 states.

How Will This Affect Hcps in Rhode Island?

Multistate licenses will give Rhode Island HCPs a host of different career opportunities. They can work within Rhode Island, or take up roles in other states. This opens the door for travel nursing, booking shifts with VitaWerks, or taking up positions in prestigious facilities in other areas. Rhode Island HCPs can even take up telehealth jobs hosted in other states, from the comfort of their own homes.

The NLC will also have a positive effect on the current state of the RI workforce. Senator Joshua Miller, who is one of the major supporters of Rhode Island joining the NLC, explained that the compact would “make it easier for cross-state HCPs to accept jobs here” and directly address the ongoing shortage.s

Does the NLC immediately Take Effect?

Although RI has officially joined the NLC, no changes have taken place overnight. The state needs to go through an implementation process to ensure that the state complies with the NLC’s specific standards and requirements. With no date of implementation announced yet, at the time of writing, this is an ongoing process that has to be monitored.

Do Certified Nursing Assistants enjoy the same benefits?

At the time of writing, only RNs and LVNs enjoy multi-state licenses, under the NLC. Nurse aides or certified nursing assistants still have to apply for reciprocity or a new CNA license, outright.

Where Does the NLC Apply?

Along with Rhode Island, there are 39 other states that have joined the NLC:

● Alabama
● Arizona
● Arkansas
● Colorado
● Delaware
● Florida
● Georgia
● Guam
● Idaho
● Indiana
● Iowa
● Kansas
● Kentucky
● Louisiana
● Maine
● Maryland
● Mississippi
● Missouri
● Montana
● Nebraska
● New Hampshire
● New Jersey
● New Mexico
● North Carolina
● North Dakota
● Ohio
● Oklahoma
● Pennsylvania (NLC enacted, but implementation pending)
● South Carolina
● South Dakota
● Tennessee
● Texas
● Utah
● Vermont
● Virginia
● Virgin Islands (NLC enacted, but implementation pending)
● West Virginia
● Wisconsin
● Wyoming

On the other hand, there are 7 states that are still pending NLC-related legislation:

● Alaska
● Illinois
● Massachusetts
● Michigan
● Minnesota
● New York
● Washington

Burnout has become an epidemic in healthcare facilities. From nurses, to nurse aides, to doctors, no one has been spared from its effects. It feeds into a self-perpetuating cycle of turnover, and short staffing, which only feeds into more burnout. Unfortunately, this is not a storm that can simply be weathered. If left unchecked, burnout could cripple the industry for years to come. How exactly does burnout affect HCPs, in particular? Why are its effects so crippling to both the worker and the facility? This article will look into what causes burnout, what its most prominent effects are, and why facilities should feel obligated to stop it.

What Is Burnout?

Before proceeding any further, it is important to understand what burnout entails, exactly. The World Health Organization defines burnout as a byproduct of “unsuccessfully managed workplace stress.” This syndrome leaves patients feeling constantly exhausted, mentally distant from the job, and less productive from work as a result. Attributing this to laziness or a “lack of motivation” would be misplaced. In reality, burned-out workers have been so physically and mentally drained that they are literally unable to provide their full, best efforts to their workplace.

What Causes Burnout Among Hcps?

Burnout is a possibility in any workplace and industry. That being said, HCPs are uniquely susceptible to suffering burnout, even when compared to other workers in different sectors. This is because of a number of factors and realities that are somewhat unique to the business.

It cannot be forgotten that healthcare is an extremely stressful line of work, in and of itself. Patients entrust their lives to their patients, and that burden weighs deep. Whether you are a nurse aide or a physician, you are expected to follow procedures, think critically, and pay extreme attention to detail, within time constraints. HCPs also commonly shuffle between multiple patients in a single shift and must learn how to multitask and think fast as a result. This is especially the case with the emergency department or intensive care unit, who frequently have to work fast to save the lives of their patients. Healthcare demands a lot out of its workers, and that stress can naturally lead to burnout.

Not helping things is the long shifts that HCPs have to take. It is commonplace for nurses to work up to 12 hours a shift. These long hours can weigh on someone, as they provide intensive skilled labor without many breaks. HCPs also spend the majority of their time standing. This may not seem like a big deal, but being on your feet for 12 hours (without much interruption) can cause serious damage to your lower body. Healthcare workers are also commonly tasked with lifting heavy medical equipment, and patients from their beds to their wheelchairs. The demands of the long shift and the physical strain it puts on an HCP all add up and contribute to the ongoing burnout epidemic.

Finally, HCPs are still contending with the consequences of the pandemic. At COVID’s peak, facilities were vastly understaffed to handle the influx of patients afflicted with the Coronavirus, on top of the patients who were already admitted for different reasons. Because of these skewed staffing ratios, HCPs were stretched thin and expected to take on more work than was reasonably expected.

This issue exacerbated the aforementioned problems, as the work-related stress seemingly ramped up and the shifts only seemed to grow longer. Although the pandemic was officially declared to be over, its consequences can be felt to this day. It was reported that more than 100,000 nurses left the industry, as a direct result of the pandemic. Nursing shortages continue to afflict the nation as a result, which only increases the stress for the HCPs who have chosen to remain in the industry.

How Does Burnout Affect Hcps?

The burnout epidemic cannot be ignored. Facilities must feel a responsibility to protect their HCPs from potential burnout. Its effects are crippling and can hamper a healthcare professional for the rest of their lives. They will be unable to provide their best efforts to the facility. At worst, once promising nurses may leave the industry altogether, as a direct result. Burnout has many symptoms and side effects, but these are among its most common and dramatic byproducts.

Stress and Depression

Burnout can sap you of all your positivity and mental energy. HCPs suffering from burnout are more prone to stress, depression, and anger. They are also sensitive to anxiety, irritability, and other mood swings. This emotional volatility can severely damage your personal relationships at work and with your loved ones. Burned-out HCPs also do not have the energy to communicate with fellow HCPs or with their friends and family.

Substance Abuse

Left unchecked, it can push HCPs to resort to alcohol or drug abuse, in order to feel something positive or calm down. Though fine in moderation, alcohol abuse increases the possibility of developing liver diseases, digestive problems, heart conditions and a host of other physical problems. When severely inebriated, HCPs can become emotionally unstable, and unable to control their own actions or focus. If you show up to work drunk or inebriated, you will be incapable of working and may be subject to serious legal charges.

Exhaustion

Burnout causes both massive mental and physical fatigue. HCPs start their shifts emotionally detached, and physically exhausted before a single task is carried out. Whether it is handling a sensitive surgical procedure or following instructions from your physician, precision in healthcare is absolutely essential. When you are too exhausted to focus, let alone work, the services you provide will suffer as a result.

Worse Patient Outcomes

Studies show a direct correlation between burnout and worse healthcare quality. More burnout directly results in more errors and worse care results in higher mortality rates, and more costly medical mistakes. Naturally, patient satisfaction will dramatically decrease, as they grow frustrated with the lower quality and standard across the board. Over a long enough period of time, this will destroy the goodwill and reputation of a facility and its HCPs. Patients do not want to be admitted into a facility that would put their lives at risk. Without addressing the burnout problem, hospitals can end up putting themselves out of business or in serious legal trouble.

Increased Risk of Illness

Victims of burnout can also develop crippling chronic illnesses and physical problems. Because of the increased stress and potential drug abuse, they can develop hypertension, diabetes, and a host of respiratory problems. If left unchecked, this can severely cripple your day-to-day routines and work schedule.

Mass Resignation

For many HCPs, the mounting tension and fatigue eventually prove to be too much. Burnout has pushed many professionals to leave their jobs to find less stressful opportunities. Sometimes this is another healthcare role, while other times they have decided to leave the industry altogether. Research has shown proven links between burnout and increased rates of turnover, in healthcare facilities. This can prove to have a snowball effect since the turnover leaves facilities understaffed and handling skewed patient-to-staff ratios. This increases the work-related stress and anxiety among the remaining HCPs, which leads to burnout, which worsens the turnover issue.