Author: vitawerks

The work of an HCP is uniquely taxing, physically and mentally. Many healthcare workers get burned out to the point that they reconsider their futures in a clinical setting. Luckily, healthcare experience is a strong foundation for various alternate career paths. For the HCP in desperate need of a new profession or change of scenery, we have listed 5 popular career changes worth considering.

Physical Therapist

Average Compensation: $95,620/yr

To become a PT, HCPs need to complete a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy course. If you can accommodate additional education, it is a fruitful career path filled with opportunity. Physical therapists assist with recovery, pain management, and preventative care. They assist patients dealing with various chronic or acute physical conditions, injuries and illnesses. The field is expected to rapidly increase in popularity, with an expected 17% growth in employment from 2021 to 2031. For reference, the average annual growth rate sits at 6%. PTs are well compensated and can work full-time or dictate their own hours.

Clinical Manager

Average Compensation: $74,715/yr

HCPs commonly leave their patient care roles, in search of more management and leadership opportunities. As a clinical manager, you must coordinate the day-to-day clinical processes and communicate between the various HCPs. Their work ensures a smooth healthcare process and an efficient operation. Though demanding in its own right, an HCP’s communication skills and knowledge of healthcare processes ensure a smooth transition.

Social Worker

Average Compensation: $50,390/yr

Compared to Registered Nurses or even Licensed Practical Nurses, Social Workers make a modest salary. For HCPs who want to directly contribute and assist their communities, however, it is a path well worth considering. They work to help people or groups in dealing with serious behavioral or mental problems. Social workers offer assistance to people dealing with chronic illness, alcoholism, unemployment, and more. Once the problem has been assessed, they identify the appropriate interventions, offer critical advice, and perform periodic checkups to monitor progress. An HCP’s knowledge of physical and mental conditions, connecting with patients, and identifying the symptoms of bigger problems help a great deal.

Clinical Informatics Specialist

 Average Compensation: $91,927/yr

The world of healthcare is rapidly shifting towards a digital future. More and more, healthcare facilities are adopting new technologies, electronic record-keeping, and all-in-one proprietary nursing portals. Clinical Informatics Specialists sit at the forefront of the digital healthcare revolution and are compensated accordingly. They collate all kinds of healthcare data, develop information systems for facilities to use, and share said information with HCPs on staff. In addition, they educate said staff on how to access electronic records databases and how to navigate new nursing software. This role requires a combination of direct nursing experience and a sufficient level of knowledge, regarding Information Technology.

 School Nurse

Average Compensation: $54,767/yr

Technically, this role still requires you to provide healthcare services to patients in need. However, it is a unique environment and atmosphere that may be the change of pace you have been looking for. School nurses are in charge of caring for students in need. Typical problems range from minor wounds and bruises to allergic reactions to their lunch to providing basic healthcare education such as dental hygiene or washing your hands before you eat. On average, it is not as high pressure as a regular RN shift, but it will still require a lot of patience, compassion, and communication skills.

Tip of the Iceberg

 These are just some of the roles available to HCPs. You can take up a writer role, and apply your industry knowledge towards writing blogs, newsletters, and other forms of healthcare content. Some HCPs even take up real estate roles, thanks to your communication skills and critical thinking. As was mentioned earlier, it is common for nurses to shift towards managerial positions over time. The opportunities are endless, as long as you open your mind to them. HCPs are uniquely qualified individuals with a wide range of marketable skills and attributes.

Thanks to an ageing workforce and widespread burnout, HCPs are leaving the profession in droves. As a direct result, the industry is directly facing an unprecedented level of burnout and turnover. Left unchecked, facilities will end up woefully understaffed for the foreseeable future. Rural facilities in particular will be affected greatly, as they already have fewer HCPs on average. In response, several institutions have begun their own HCP initiatives. Whether it is through education or professional development, the healthcare industry has banded together to tackle the ongoing challenges head-on.

Early Introduction to the Nursing Profession Program

The University of Connecticut offers this program to high school students in the area. Under this initiative, students can acquire hands-on HCP experience at an extremely young age. They are taught skills and earn certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Stop the Bleed, and more. Students are also taught about the current state of the healthcare industry, and how you can apply for an HCP university. The intent of this program is to foster a burgeoning interest in health and healthcare among young people, at an early stage of their development.

ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program

Healthcare education sadly remains a costly investment. This makes it prohibitive for students from working-class backgrounds to break in unless they take costly student loans. Scholarship programs like ASPIRE seek to empower promising young students who do not have the financial resources to pursue HCP work, otherwise. Offered by the Cleveland Clinic, ASPIRE Scholars can enter college programs with the financial backing of wealthy sponsors. As a scholarship, there is no need to remunerate the costs. Students also get to enjoy direct work experience with the program’s partners, like Ursuline College.

Florida Nursing Scholarships

Multiple government bodies have directly invested in nursing education, in recent times. Last year, the Florida Governor provided a $125 million grant towards scholarships and educational infrastructure. On top of scholarships, $100 million will be devoted to rewarding exceptional universities and colleges with positive student outcomes. Meanwhile, $25 million was invested in the new Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) program, which was instituted to increase the number of nursing educators in Florida. In the future, there are hopes that these investments will lead to more quality HCPs and jobs in the healthcare workforce.

YNHHS Partnerships

More than a year ago, Yale New Haven Health announced a partnership with multiple universities, such as Fairfield University, and Southern Connecticut State University. Under this collaboration, Yale New Health seeks to provide scholarships, learning resources, and opportunities to underprivileged students in the Connecticut area. Over the next four years, they plan to graduate at least 557 nursing students, while committing to over $1.7 million in scholarships. With this collaboration, the intent is to work around the ongoing shortage of HCP instructors.

What We Can Learn

This scratches the surface of all the nursing development initiatives, nationwide. There is a greater acknowledgement of the importance of nursing education, and development. Facilities know that if they want to secure their futures, they need to put money into nursing instructors. The financial barrier will always be there, but scholarships are offered to close the gap somewhat. Though the approach for some of these institutions is different, their vision and mission remain aligned.

With VitaWerks, HCPs can work with a variety of healthcare facilities in their area. This gives them a wide breadth of professional opportunities, at different locations and departments. Though you may work with a new facility on a day-to-day basis, you still want to maintain good standing with everyone you work with. If you want to work with a facility in the future, whether per diem or on a full-time basis, a solid reputation will increase the potential for future opportunities. Conversely, staining your reputation with unreliability or bad behavior will make picking up shifts with the best rates a lot more difficult. With the right mindset and attitude, any healthcare provider can improve their reputation with facilities in no time.

Arrive At Your Shift on Time

This seems like a simple priority, but punctuality in healthcare is everything. They also want professionals whom they know they can rely on to provide the best possible care. If you do not appear on time, this could totally derail their care plans for that day. If you are very late, an HCP may have to cover your duties, on top of everything else they are responsible for. By arriving at your shifts on time, you show that you are a committed healthcare professional.

Do Not Cancel Your Shift Last Minute

Even if a cancellation is inevitable, you do not want to call off a booked shift at the very last minute. Facilities plan their operations around the available staff on that day, as well as the HCP-to-patient ratios in each department. If you call off at the last minute, they have to scramble to account for your absence. One or several HCPs may have to cover for your duties, to compensate for your lost contributions. Last-minute cancellations can also come off as rude or disrespectful. If you must cancel, do so well in advance or not at all.

Connect and Communicate with Your Patients

 Being on time is not worth much, if you offer low-quality healthcare. HCPs on every level must focus on offering holistic healthcare to patients in need. Not only must they provide quality medical care, they also need to show emotional sensitivity. Within your shift, you must build a strong base of trust with the patients you work with. Be kind to the patients you deal with, and sensitive to their particular needs. Ask questions to make sure they feel comfortable and show that you care whenever they raise their own inquiries or concerns. If you succeed in this, patients will give much more glowing feedback, which further increases your standing with the facility you work under.

Put your Best Foot Forward

“Doing your best” may seem like a stock answer for many situations, but it is extremely applicable in these instances. Facility managers, patients, and fellow HCPs sense authenticity. They know when a nurse, doctor, or physician is giving it their all to ensure the best possible care, or phoning it in knowing they will be gone after the shift. Facilities greatly appreciate HCPs who go above and beyond to meet their standards for quality care. Even if you do make a mistake, the willingness to learn and adapt moving forward speaks volumes about your character. Provided that you are giving it your all, to the best of your ability, facilities will see this.

The internet age has changed the workforce. Traditional full-time jobs are no longer the only way a healthcare professional can find work. Thanks to digital staffing apps, HCPs can book temporary gigs to supplement or even supplant their full-time roles. The advantage to the facility is obvious: temporary staffing allows them to adapt to changing demands without overemploying. The rise of staffing apps has been a two-way street, however. Over time, HCPs have become aware of the various advantages provided by booking with apps like VitaWerks.

Workplace Flexibility

Traditional healthcare roles give HCPs little time to themselves. Free time for hobbies or time spent with family and loved ones is at an absolute premium, in the world of healthcare. IT can weigh heavily on the minds of HCPs and can be a source of stress or disappointment. With VitaWerks, HCPs can book shifts while dedicating some days completely to themselves. If a special occasion or a relative’s birthday falls under weekdays, they can simply not book shifts on that day. Unlike with full-time jobs, they do not have to call in sick or make up for the lost time in the future.

Freedom of Choice

Thanks to apps like VitaWerks, HCPs get to work wherever they want. This lets them “try out” different departments and facilities, so to speak. For newer HCPs, this lets them build a diverse and deep portfolio that would shine to any recruiter. This “experimentation” can also let younger nurses and nurse aides discover what they want, out of their careers. Each facility has its own identity and workflow, and the same goes for each department. With experience in a variety of settings, HCPs gain a better understanding of what they want out of their career in healthcare. This even opens the door for full-time integration with a facility they especially get along with (although it is not guaranteed.)

Increased Earning Potential

Contrary to popular belief, staffing apps provide rates that are competitive with full-time facilities. There are even many cases where these rates exceed a full-time HCP’s average compensation. HCPs can also book as many shifts as they want, further increasing the chances for increased earnings in the future. Provided that you use the right staffing app, you will be handsomely remunerated for your efforts. VitaWerks ensures that HCPs are only connected with the best rates at the finest facilities in their area.

Everything is More Convenient

Previously, HCP per diem staffing was a cumbersome process. With VitaWerks, booking your temporary shifts has become dramatically more expedient. HCPs can book in and out of shifts with the easy-to-navigate VitaWerks app. They receive their payment shortly after successfully completing their gigs. They can monitor how many shifts have been booked, as well as their work schedule for the week. Per diem, HCP work is far more tempting when it is this easy to join.

HCPs have to meet high standards if they want to keep practicing. Because of this, serious disciplinary issues can lead to serious consequences. At best, you may end up facing a fine or a stern warning. If you are not careful, you may end up losing your license altogether. Given how difficult and costly becoming an HCP can be, you want to avoid these suspensions at all costs. With enough due diligence and awareness, this should not be a problem. 

Revocation vs Suspension

When you read the licensure laws of your state, you may notice the use of ‘suspension’ and ‘revocation.’ Admittedly, both terms end up being used interchangeably. In some cases, you are completely stripped of your right to practice and your credentials. In other instances, you are temporarily restricted from practicing for a fixed period of time. To be sure of whether or not an offense leads to a temporary or permanent loss of licensure, contact your Board of Nursing or look for clarification on their website. 

For our purposes, we use “suspension” to refer to a temporary loss of licensure, and “revocation” to refer to a permanent loss of licensure. 

How can a HCP lose their license?

Though different states have different HCP regulations, there are a number of transgressions that are frowned upon in any context. 

Gross negligence

HCPs can be convicted of gross negligence or misconduct, in the workplace. Examples of this include purposefully making mistakes when drawing blood or collecting samples that could lead to further illness or harm for the patient. Intentional errors when documenting patient data or purposefully providing the wrong medications are another good example. If you have been convicted of gross misconduct within the last three years, it is very likely that your license will be revoked. 

Professional misconduct. 

HCPs are expected to meet a certain standard of professionalism. They need to treat their co-workers and patients with respect, without being overly familiar or encroaching on their personal space without consent. If you flirt or interact appropriately with fellow facility workers or residents, physically or mentally abusing someone, or engage in affairs with co-workers, a complaint can be filed against you. If it is successful, it may end up with you getting your license suspended. 

Creating forged documents

Like with any worker, HCPs will be asked to present a number of documents, before they can take on work. This includes your nursing license, additional certifications, vaccination cards, birth certificates, and more. If you are caught falsifying these credentials, the consequences could prove to be disastrous. Beyond legal implications, HCPs are expected to be transparent and honest in their conduct. Without this, patients will not trust them when it comes to sensitive procedures or collecting sensitive information. Doing this directly undermines your integrity and qualifications. 

Fraudulent patient documentation

HCPs are asked to accurately document patient data, throughout the care process. They need to accurately collect and store information, regarding a patient’s medical history, response to treatment, and more in an honest and accurate manner. Failing to do so can be seen as gross negligence, and can put your license in jeopardy. Creating documents that are either falsified or inaccurate is also greatly frowned upon, if not moreso. 

Failure of practice

You can also lose your license due to ‘scope of practice” failures. Simply failing to meet the professional standards of your facility or state can put your licensure in jeopardy. Providing services or attempting to perform duties outside your purview is also strictly forbidden. Nurse aides cannot prescribe medications or carry out the tasks of a physician, for example. 

Substance abuse 

HCPs cannot show up to work inebriated or under the influence. When you are drunk or on drugs, your focus is dulled, your emotions are potentially more volatile, and you are in no state to provide lifesaving care to patients in need. HCPs also cannot get caught Driving Under the Influence. You can be suspended or your license is revoked entirely, if you get convinced with a DUI charge.

Only touching the surface  

HCPs can lose their licenses in a variety of ways. Each state has their own definitions for professional misconduct, and each state handles licensure stripping in different ways. This list is by no means comprehensive, but it hits on some of the most common causes for license revocation. 

How do I avoid losing my license? 

With regards to quality of work and conduct, a lot is asked from an HCP. Across all levels, healthcare professionals must make a conscious effort to meet those expectations in and out of the clinic. If you do this, then preserving your licensure should be relatively simple. 

Practice moderation

Provided that you exercise self control, and do not drink before a shift, then there is nothing wrong with drinking in moderation. With the options at our disposal, there is no excuse for drinking while driving either. Be sure to go out with a friend who can call a Grab or taxi for you, if you end up overdrinking. If you have a serious problem with drugs or alcohol, then never be ashamed to seek intervention. Do not be afraid to join a support group or get consultations with a medical professional. 

Stay in your lane 

Whether you are a nurse aide, registered nurse, or practical nurse, all HCPs have a particular scope of practice. They have tasks they can carry out, tasks they can only perform under the supervision of another HCP, and tasks they cannot fulfill under any circumstances. The scope of duties is outlined by the Nurse Practice Act, which is then interpreted and implemented by the state legislature. If you are ever unsure about the scope of your authority, you can consult the NPA, state legislature, or your state board of nursing directly. If a patient insists that you provide a service, and you are unsure if it is within your purview, consult a superior or supervisor for help and/or clarity. 

Diligently document patient information 

Be thorough when it comes to documenting patient information. It provides an invaluable reference point for current and future care. In addition, this information can be vital with regards to billing or potential legal disputes. Above all else, it can help further elevate the standards of safety and care for your healthcare workplace. Write all the information down as accurately as possible, and submit it in a timely manner. Review everything you write, and make sure all the relevant information is documented. 

Behave appropriately 

A healthcare facility is supposed to be an environment of professionals. You need to show each co-worker, manager, and patient the respect they deserve. Feel free to build a rapport, but keep things professional. Do not get overly familiar, or vulgar with facility personnel and residents, especially if you do not have an established relationship with them. Avoid inappropriate physical contact at all times, and respect patient privacy as outlined by HIPAA. Even if a co-worker gets under your skin, do your best to remain cordial with them. You also want to keep your social media profiles private, as what you say there may reflect on your standing as an HCP and with the facility. 

Act ethically 

This may be the simplest suggestion, but it is no less important. At its core, healthcare workers must be honest, and ethically upright individuals. They need to show genuine concern for both a patient’s wellbeing and safety, during the care process. Without this strength of character, patients would not trust nurses with their lives. A good place to start is with facility protocol. Each facility has their own policies and procedures. These are outlined to guide an HCP’s actions and behaviors towards a more ethical place. On a deeper level, the American Nurses Association developed a Code of Ethics for Nurses. If you are ever in doubt, you can consult this page and see if your actions line up with its stipulations. 

Certified nursing assistants are in a unique position in healthcare. They take on some of the most physically demanding tasks and care services in the industry. Although their work is invaluable to the success of a healthcare facility, some dismiss them as a mere “entry level position.” Because of the nature of their work, and their place in the HCP hierarchy, they face a litany of unique challenges and struggles. This includes problems regarding perception amongst their peers, issues regarding compensation and certain struggles stemming from the work itself.

This time, we will go over some of the most prominent issues faced by CNAs, where they stem from, and what can be done to address them.

CNAs deal with death and loss on a regular basis

Almost by necessity, CNAs regularly form powerful (professional) bonds with their patients. They need to establish a strong base of trust, so that patients feel comfortable with them assisting with bathing, feeding and more. Naturally, they end up bonding with patients as they comfort them and their families throughout the care process. Though powerful and important, this connection makes it all the more difficult when a patient does not make it. CNAs then have to deal with grief and loss, which can be an especially tall task if they are a rookie.

Death, grief, and acceptance are an unfortunate reality of healthcare. HCPs on all levels cannot expect to save everyone, all the time. Thriving in the industry means coming to terms with these truths. Do not be afraid to open up to trusted co-workers or your family. If it reaches a certain point, seek professional help from a mental health expert like a therapist. There is no instant solution to grief and loss. Healing and learning how to deal with death is a gradual process that requires consistent investment.

CNAs are seen as “bottom wrung” HCPs

Relative to other positions, CNA requirements are much less demanding, compared to their peers. As a result, they find themselves unfairly talked down to by their supervisors and even their patients. This perception can lead to bullying and abusive behaviors from other nurses or co-workers who look at every opportunity to talk down on nurse aides and their contributions. Not only does workplace bullying have a significant link to lowered productivity in healthcare, it can also cause serious mental health issues like depression, stress, and anxiety.

Bullying in any circumstance is not justified. Though the “entry level” designation for a CNA is true, it should not be a point of shame. Nurse aides provide immense value to a facility setting. They handle all the heavy lifting in a literal sense, while offering physical and emotional care to patients in need. Do not let the heckling of your contemporaries get to you, because they are based entirely on false grounds. You can confide in fellow CNAs or supervising HCPs that you trust, to ensure that you are not isolated. If the bullying reaches an untenable level, seriously consider filing a report to HR.

CNAs are not appropriately compensated for their troubles

Despite the backbreaking labor that CNAs carry out, every shift, their compensation rates lag behind their peers. For reference, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that nurse aides made an average of $36,220 a year in 2022. Meanwhile, Licensed Practical Nurses earned $55,860 annually, in the same span of time. Compensation for CNAs has been a sticking point, with no clear resolution in time. To maintain a certain standard of living, some nursing assistants end up working untenable hours each week.

CNAs have some avenues to improve their earning potential. Additional certifications show that you are committed to improvement and development, which drives up your value among healthcare facilities. If you are confident in the quality of your work, you could ask for a raise in six month intervals. Picking up part time shifts with VitaWerks also lets you maximize your earning power, as CNAs can secure the best rates available in their area. In addition, booking with VitaWerks lets you plan your work schedule in advance. Our HCPs enjoy full flexibility, without sacrificing any of their bottom line.

CNAs face a real risk of burnout

The long hours, and physical nature of CNA work all add up. Though it is an issue across all levels of healthcare, CNAs are uniquely susceptible to mass burnout. One too many long shifts can result in a severe bout of burnout, which can leave CNAs incapable of fulfilling their duties. Burnout also directly causes fatigue, anxiety, stress, and depression among its victims. If left unchecked, the effects of burnout can lead to long term physical and mental damage among even the best nurse aides in the business.

As was mentioned earlier, VitaWerks’ flexible schedule is a godsend in this regard. HCPs can continue picking up work, and make time for much-needed personal space. They can still acquire compensation, while simultaneously taking time to rest, spend time with their loved ones, or indulge in their hobbies. If you recognize that the problem has reached an unsustainable level, you can also make use of your paid leave. A long weekend could be what you need, before going back to work.

In healthcare, the margin of error can be slim. Facilities need to be sure that a healthcare professional’s skills stay sharp, and that they are constantly updated with the latest medical knowledge. This is why HCPs on all levels must renew their licenses periodically, and Certified Nursing Assistants are no exceptions. The exact requirements and renewal process depends on the state you practice in. in this article, we will go over how to renew your CNA license in Pennsylvania. 

Figure Out the Renewal Period 

In PA, CNAs have to apply for renewal once every two years. You can check when your license expires on the Registry section on the CNA365 website. When you know the renewal cycle, you can plan for your requirements, and have everything finished on (or before) the expiration date. 

Fulfill Renewal Requirements 

Before their renewal applications are accepted, CNAs have to complete eight consecutive hours (or one documented day) of salaried nurse aide work. This has to be completed within the 24 month licensure period, and should happen under a state-approved healthcare facility. Otherwise, your shift will not be recognized. 

Apply for online licensure renewal 

CNAs can complete their renewal application online, through Credentia’s CNA365. The site even provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide for filling out and submitting your license renewal request. For your convenience, here is a brief summary: 

From the home page, click the “Registry” section. From there, you can select the “renew” button and begin filling out your application. You will be asked to fill out three sections: Personal Information Verification, Registration Information, Employment, and Attestation. Answer every form truthfully and accurately. Be sure to review the information before proceeding to the next section. Once you submit your application, all there is left to do is wait. You will receive an email notification for when your CNA365 renewal request has been processed. If it has, you can click “Registry” and print a copy of your Registry Card. 

Contact information 

For more questions, you can refer to the official Pennsylvania government website here. Otherwise, you can contact the PA Board of Nursing directly. 

Mail Address:
Board of Registered Nursing
PO Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100

Phone Number: 916-322-3350

Address:
Board of Registered Nursing
1747 N. Market Blvd., Suite 150
Sacramento, CA 95834-1924

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, you have to renew your license periodically. This is to make sure that you are informed, and in compliance with an ever-changing set of best practices, regulations, and new techniques. Renewal also ensures that you are actively practicing, and not idling as an HCP. Every state has their own unique renewal requirements, and Pennsylvania is not exempt from this. To prepare you for the renewal cycle, we have provided a comprehensive guide for LPN license renewals in PA. 

Figure Out the Renewal Period 

LPNs in Pennsylvania are expected to renew their licenses on June 30, every even year. Luckily, you will be sent an email that will notify you about this, in advance. Knowing when your license expires lets you plan your requirements accordingly. This way, you can be prepared right on time, or well in advance. 

Fulfill Renewal Requirements 

To renew, you need to finish at 30 hours of continuing education. Regardless of where you complete this requirement, the establishment has to be accredited and recognized by Pennsylvania’s Board of Nursing. If not, your time will not be recognized when you apply for licensure renewal. 2 hours of continuing education must be completed via the Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting (Child Abuse CE.) For a complete list of approved Child Abuse courses, refer to the link here. 

Apply for online licensure renewal 

LPNs in Pennsylvania can now renew their license online, on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS.) The Board of Nursing has even provided a set of tips for LPN licensure renewal here.  For your convenience, we have provided a summary below: 

To start, register and log in to the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS.) The Board of Nursing recommends doing so on a desktop/laptop and with the Internet Explorer Browser. Otherwise, you can expect to run into a number of technical problems. The renewal notice sent via st-nurse@pa.gov, before expiration, will contain all your login details. If you cannot find it, check your email’s spam folder or contact the PA Board of Nursing directly. 

Do not haphazardly fill your renewal application. Read each question carefully and review your answers before you submit. Once you complete the forms and submit your requirements, all that is left is to pay the renewal fee. At the time of writing, the cost for LPNs sits at $76.00. Note that this is subject to change. 

Contact information 

Renewal requirements and processes can change at any time. For more information, you can refer to the official Pennsylvania website. If you cannot find your answers there, it is recommended that you contact the Board of Nursing directly, through any one of the following channels: 

Mail Address:
State Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 2649
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649

Phone Number: (717) 783-7142

Fax Number: (717) 783-0822

Email: ST-NURSE@pa.gov