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How AI Is Transforming Nurse Education

In recent times, Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs have stepped into prominence. In every industry, everyone is speculating about the efficacy, ethics, and practicality of integrating AI into their business processes. In this regard, healthcare is no exception. Experts have already begun to explore AI’s applications in nurse education. Although we have not seen widespread adoption of AI in official school settings, that change may be closer than you think. How exactly can AI change healthcare education as we know it? Are there any concerns that need to be addressed, before AI-driven nurse education can be fully embraced? Below, we explore all this and more. 

What is AI? 

In case you are unaware, AI refers to computerized programs meant to synthesize data, facilitating independent and flexible problem-solving. Although it has always existed to some capacity, programs like ChatGPT provide a potent and (more importantly) publicly available AI chat service to the masses. On the lowest level, school children have turned to these AI chatbots to create entire multi-page essays on a variety of topics. In the bigger picture, AI (Artificial Intelligence) has disrupted and shifted multiple industries.

 How does AI affect nurse education? 

Though ChatGPT and its ilk are interesting resources, they are not “tailor-made” for a nurse education setting. As we speak, tech experts and programmers are creating AI tools and programs created specifically for clinical and classroom settings.

For example, certain programmers are using AI to create dynamic, adaptable simulations for nursing students. In real life, clinical work is not as controlled or scripted as laboratory experiments can be. To succeed, nurses need to adapt to ever-changing situations that can shift at any minute. In theory, Winston-Salem State University’s virtual reality (VR) clinical simulation addresses this head-on. During simulated care, AI creates dynamic and randomly generated patient scenarios that force nursing students to think on their toes. In theory, this lets students hone their spontaneous clinical decision-making within a controlled environment.

WSSU is not the only institution exploring this concept. Last year, The Ohio State University provided a substantial $1.5 million grant to a similar idea. OSU engineers are currently developing a nurse training software that blends “AI, Extended Reality (XR), and Machine Learning.” When they use this program, nurse students will be made to solve increasingly complex skills and problem-solving tests in a simulated clinical setting. AI and Machine Learning draw real patient data from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to generate realistic situations and problems that are never the same. Just like the WSSU VR program, this lets nurse students practice their clinical skills and high-level decision-making, without the stakes of real healthcare. 

What are the potential risks of AI in Nurse Education? 

The immediate hurdle between nursing schools and widespread AI adoption is overall tech literacy. For AI to be effectively adopted in a classroom setting, the faculty and the student body must have a certain level of knowledge and familiarity with AI as a concept, as well as the specific tools themselves. Nurse education institutions have to invest in training and educating students and faculty alike, about any new technology that gets adopted and implemented. 

Then certain ethical problems arise with the widespread use of AI. For instance: ChatGPT draws and synthesizes content from all over the internet, without proper citation or credit. In the case of OSU’s advanced simulation software, there is no issue whatsoever. The AI and Machine Learning programs are drawing from OSU’s patient data. Moving forward, AI use must conform to a set of guidelines and boundaries. The uncritical can lead to ethical quandaries regarding fair use and academic integrity. 

Does AI belong in Nursing Education? 

Moving forward, the development of nurse education AI has to be overseen by the nurse educators themselves. They have to develop these programs with the aforementioned ethical concerns in mind. If they want to effectively make use of AI tools in a nurse education setting, they need to change their pedagogy and approach to prepare nursing students for its use. Like any tool, AI is neither inherently good nor is it unequivocally bad. If harnessed incorrectly, it can be an inconvenience that causes more harm than good. It can take nurse education to the next level when used correctly and with proper oversight.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10049425/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8328269/

https://www.myamericannurse.com/ai-artificial-intelligence-in-nursing/

https://www.bestcolleges.com/news/ai-nursing-education/

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Facilities

How VitaWerks Helps Nursing Facilities with the Federal Staffing Mandates 

Nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the country are experiencing dramatic staffing shortages. Over the course of the pandemic, the industry saw a 13% decline in available HCPs. The height of COVID left healthcare workers feeling burnt out and overwhelmed, directly leading to this increasing turnover. In response, the US Government proposed a minimum staffing requirement for these facilities in February 2022. 

On paper, this was made to ensure that long-term care facilities were adequately staffed at all times. In practice, skilled nursing facilities across the country are greatly concerned as to whether or not they could meet these requirements, due to the ongoing workforce shortage. If they cannot meet the proposed federal minimum, some of the best facilities in the country will risk going out of business. 

What can be done? 

In these challenging times, digital healthcare staffing platforms have proven to be a potent tool for facilities facing this predicament. Apps like VItaWerks allow facilities to bring in HCPs as needed, as soon as possible. While skilled nursing facilities must still look for long-term plans, posting shifts with these platforms may be the best short-term solution available.

What VitaWerks Offers

 If you remain unconvinced, consider the following advantages:

Unmatched efficiency 

VitaWerks runs on advanced AI matchmaking technology. Skilled nursing facilities can get matched with pre-vetted HCPs in a matter of hours. This allows them to account for rising demand or out-of-nowhere vacancies after an HCP suddenly quits or goes on leave. This efficiency affords facilities a level of speed and flexibility with their staffing that they would not be afforded, otherwise. 

Quick and easy compliance 

As was mentioned earlier, VitaWerks screens every HCP hosted on our marketplace. Facilities can rest easy, knowing that they are choosing from the best and most qualified candidates in the business. VitaWerks also offers quick and convenient access to each candidate’s relevant credentials. Reviewing your facility’s compliance has never been as easy as it is now. 

Access to thousands of quality HCPs

In addition, skilled nursing facilities have access to thousands of nurse profiles. If you are looking for specialized skill sets or qualifications, we guarantee that you will find at least a handful of HCPs that fit what you are looking for. Beyond raw credentials, sifting through these platforms allows you to evaluate whether or not an HCP’s disposition or temperament fits the culture and workflow of your facility. 

Go out there! 

VitaWerks is committed to offering the best staffing services to the finest skilled nursing facilities in America. With our comprehensive HCP database, thorough quality control, and convenient, one-click app, filling in staff vacancies or meeting federal staffing requirements has never been this easy or convenient. Join VitaWerks now and bring your operations to the next level. 

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Facilities

How Healthcare Facilities Can Mitigate The Ongoing Staffing Shortages

Though the pandemic has ended, facility shortages continue to persist. At the time of writing, hospitals and other healthcare facilities are struggling to scrounge up the necessary manpower. Institutions are struggling to maintain sustainable patient to HCP staffing ratios, as veteran healthcare professionals continue to retire or ponder leaving.

Meanwhile, the HCPs that continue to work are being stretched thin. None of this is sustainable, in the slightest. For the future of healthcare, facilities must look at key strategies in order to combat the HCP shortages, both in the long term and in the short term.

Manage HCP workload

High staffing ratios are unsustainable. When HCPs are given an unsustainable workload, they are more susceptible to fatigue and burnout. Studies have shown that these are the most common motivating factors for leaving the industry, which feeds into the ongoing nursing shortage. Facilities can benefit from putting a cap on how many patients an HCP can work on, at the time. This ensures that patients are receiving the highest quality of healthcare, while HCPs are not stretched thin.

Hire per diem nurses

Limiting staffing ratios is easier said than done, when hospitals are dealing with a spike in patient counts. Bringing in more HCPs is the obvious response, but eventually the daily case number will revert back to the mean. This leaves facilities with an excess of staff, which can cost them dearly in the long run. Hiring per diem with apps like VitaWerks is the perfect middle ground for facilities in serious need of staffing solutions. You get to bring in HCPs as needed, which lets you fluidly adapt to ever changing market conditions. VitaWerks in particular provides instant matchmaking, 24/7 customer service and an easy-to-navigate marketplace app.

Foster a positive work culture

Culture is everything in any workplace. A culture guides every HCP in the building, with strong core values. It unifies different people from different upbringings and backgrounds, under a shared goal and vision. A strong work culture empowers everyone who works there, and motivates them to work for far more than just the next paycheck. There are no immediate solutions or suggestions, when it comes to promoting a positive culture. From day one, it has to be fostered and carried out by the executives at the top, before it trickles down to every level of the healthcare facility. It may seem nebulous, but its benefits are as important to a successful hospital operation as anything else listed above. If the culture is strong, HCPs are less likely to leave for greener pastures.

Prioritize HCP educators

Nurse educators will be key to the success of healthcare facilities, in the coming years. Teachers and in-facility trainers are going to be in charge of raising and training the HCPs of the next generation. To make up for the nursing shortage, this will be the best long term solution available to facilities. Hospitals must do everything in their power to support the nurse education pipeline. They need to invest in their training and education programs. With a good enough pipeline, facilities may find rookie HCPs contributing earlier than expected.

Make HCPs feel valued

Every worker wants to feel appreciated by their employer, and HCPs are no exception. Specifically, HCPs want to feel like their contributions are seen, appreciated and tangible. Studies have shown that HCPs feel massively undervalued and misunderstood by their employers, superiors, and patients. This has become a major motivating factor behind the turnover of HCPs we have seen in recent memory. In response, facilities have a responsibility to make HCPs feel valued and seen. For example: simply taking worker feedback can send a strong message. A response shows that they are heard and their concerns are taken seriously.

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HCP Facilities

HCP of the Month May 2023 – Parvin

At VitaWerks, words cannot express how grateful we are for the healthcare professionals who have joined our platform. VitaWerks is what it is now because of your continual quality and dedication to your profession. That is why, once a month, we celebrate an exemplary staff who has accepted assignments at our various partnered facilities.

In this edition, we are excited to announce that Parvin is our healthcare professional (HCP) of the Month. Born and raised in Iran, she moved to the United States in 2015. She gradually made progress toward becoming a certified nursing assistant(CNA). She began using the VitaWerks platform in September 2022, and since then, she has worked on several shifts with a number of our affiliated facilities. Regardless of where she goes, you can expect the highest quality of service from her.

“I love my work. It warms my heart, knowing that I am making the lives of my patients measurably better,” Parvin explained to us. “Knowing this really motivates me to do the best that I can, every day.” On any of her free days, you can bet that she is enjoying quality time with her family. Together, they enjoy keeping in touch with the news and watching a compelling film or two. No matter the activity, any time with family is time well spent for Parvin.

Like Parvin, VitaWerks strives to improve the lives of every HCP that signs up on our platform. In her time booking shifts using the VitaWerks platform, Parvin has had nothing but positive things to say about our services. “I appreciate the flexibility and consistency afforded to me (by the VitaWerks app),” she explained. “I especially love how quick and responsive the agents are. No matter what questions I have, they are always there to answer on time.

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HCP Facilities

How To Provide Better Care for LGBTQIA+ Patients

By its nature, healthcare should be an inclusive space. Regardless of the patient’s identity, orientation, or background, HCPs have to offer the best possible quality of care. Unfortunately, there is a history of LGBTQIA+ patients being disrespected by the healthcare industry. Though we have made progress, discrimination is still very much a problem among numerous facilities and states. If we want to progress, as a society, we need to move past these deeply-rooted biases. Healthcare should be a space where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their orientation. 

How do we go about enacting change? What can HCPs do to make LGBTQIA+ patients feel safe? Below, we will unpack how LGBTQIA+ patients are treated unfairly, and how HCPs like yourself can change things for the better. 

What issues do LGBTQIA+ patients face?

Historically, LGBTQIA+ patients have struggled with healthcare access, relative to heterosexual patients. For example, acquiring health insurance has been more of a struggle for queer patients. In 2019, uninsured rates for queer patients sat at 12.7 percent, compared to 11.4% for straight individuals. Thanks to discriminatory practices, delays for care or outright refusal from healthcare facilities are all too common. 

Outright discrimination is not the only issue faced by LGBTQIA+ patients. The costs for gender-reaffirming surgeries and hormone replacement therapy can be exorbitant, depending on where the patient lives. If these services are not covered under their insurance, access to these services is outright impossible for a subset of queer individuals. In many cases, HCPs also do not have the appropriate culturally sensitive and competent care for queer individuals. 

What can be done? 

This breakdown scratches the surface of the struggles of LGBTQIA+ patients. Historically, discrimination has jeopardized their access to basic healthcare services. The situation has improved over the years, but there is still work to be done. As we speak, 1 in 8 LGBT+ people resides in states where it is legal for hospitals to refuse care for LGBTQIA+ patients under the guise of “religious freedom.” 

Before any sweeping changes are enacted, HCPs must look inwards. The onus is on HCPs and facilities to improve their approach towards LGBTQIA+ patient care. To get started, we have listed several useful points below: 

Learn terms and definitions 

Do all these definitions regarding queer identity confuse you? To avoid being lost, you want to educate yourself on common terms and issues in the LGBTQIA+ space. With a greater base of knowledge, you will have a better understanding of how your patient wants to be treated and addressed, as you provide care to them. Let us take the difference between sex and gender, for example. 

Sex typically refers to the label assigned to someone at birth, based on their anatomical attributes. The traditional “male or female” dichotomy stems from this. There are also intersex individuals, who possess biological traits that exist outside of the male and female binary. 

Gender refers to the socially constructed traits of men and women. This includes the behaviors, habits, and roles traditionally attributed to both. Gender identity refers to how someone perceives themselves, within this spectrum. Within that spectrum, an individual can be of the male or female gender, another gender, or no gender. Gender identity is fluid and determined entirely by the individual.

This only scratches the surface. This does not tackle all the various gender identities and labels that exist within the spectrum. Thankfully, there are a number of different resources available for further research. We recommend this page of LGBTQIA+ definitions listed by the University of Florida.  

Foster a hospitable environment 

As you can imagine, many LGBTQIA+ patients are typically on their toes. When you are out, you never know where you will be accepted for who you are. HCPs have a responsibility to promote and foster a friendly environment for everyone, regardless of their orientation. Simply treating a patient with the respect and tact that you would any other patient can make a world of difference. This assures the patient that their identity is recognized and does not make them any different or “less desirable” than a straight patient.

Make use of gender-neutral terms 

 If you have to ask them about their romantic or sexual lives, use gender-neutral terms like “partner” and “spouse” to leave things open-ended. This makes it clear to them that you are not assuming anything until it is explicitly specified by them. These are the little touches that will make them feel welcome and accepted. 

Create an inclusive workspace 

You can even customize your workspace, to nonverbally communicate that you are accepting of all beliefs and orientations. Pride flags on your desk, pro-LGBTQIA+ posters, and other inclusive symbols can immediately foster the hospitable and inclusive atmosphere you are looking for. It may not seem like much, but many queer patients enter a hospital with their guard naturally up. When they see these decorations in your office, they can breathe an immediate sign of relief, knowing that their HCP will treat them with the respect that they deserve. 

Use their preferred pronouns 

For a lot of people, pronouns can be easy to take for granted. Addressing someone by their preferred pronouns may not seem like much, but it can be a powerful gesture toward your LGBTQIA+ patients. It is clear communication that you recognize, acknowledge, and respect their gender identity. If your patient shares their pronouns of choice, use them at all times. If you ever use the wrong pronouns and are corrected, acknowledge that you made a mistake and promise to adjust moving forward. 

Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ Issues

Queer patients have unique struggles that you may not be aware of. Thanks to the discrimination they face, and the aforementioned barriers to treatment, they are subject to a number of health conditions including: 

  • Substance abuse.
  • Cardiovascular problems
  • Limited research regarding and access to hormones. 
  • Mental health issues (stress and depression) stemming from harassment or discrimination. 
  • Eating disorders
  • Higher susceptibility to cancer or STDs, thanks to limited screening options

Inform yourself of the issues commonly faced by the queer community. This way, you know what to look out for and what conditions you should be prepared to address. 

Creating a kinder atmosphere 

All these suggestions merely scratch the surface of what must be done. Providing equitable treatment to LGBTQIA+ patients requires some extra effort and education. With the right approach, however, all this will pay off. It can be difficult for queer patients to secure healthcare services at all, thanks to the discrimination they face on even a legislative level. Even if they manage to secure the services of the facility, there is no guarantee that they are safe from harassment or insensitive treatment. A little kindness goes a long way, and HCPs should feel obliged to provide just that. 

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HCP

5 Essential HCP Products

To provide the best possible care, HCPs need to be equipped with the right tools. There is only so much you can do with just your hands, after all.

Certain items are irreplaceable, if you want to effectively carry out your tasks. To prepare you for the rigors of hospital labor, we have listed 5 irreplaceable items that an HCP must have, to thrive and succeed. 

Compression Socks 

HCP labor is demanding on your lower body. Healthcare workers are on their feet for the majority of their shift. Oftentimes, they will also be asked to carry and transfer patients or heavy hospital equipment. All this can add up and lead to sore feet, tired legs, and/or lower back strains. 

Compression socks ease some of the pain by promoting healthy blood circulation in your legs. This is opposed to regular tight socks, which can constrict the blood flow on your feet. That being said, HCPs dealing with peripheral vascular diseases in their legs, ankles, or feet should steer clear. Be sure they fit you just right, or else it will cut your blood circulation. 

Nursing Shoes 

A good pair of shoes can ease the burden on your feet, as well. If you are standing for the majority of your working time, you want to make sure that your shoes are providing your feet with ample comfort, support, and stability. Proper support, in particular, can ease the pain and discomfort across your entire lower body. Recently, clogs and other slip-on shoes have gained prominence, as a classic blend of convenience and practicality.

Many HCPs will also opt for running shoes, since their cushioned soles and arches are already designed to support feet in high pressure situations. Consider looking for slip-resistant shoes as well, since trips and falls make up 26% of all injuries in nursing care facilities. You want to alternate between different pairs of shoes, every work day, to avoid quicker wear and tear. 

Stethoscope 

Stethoscopes are an irreplaceable part of an HCPs toolkit. They let you monitor a patient’s organs and vital signs. HCPs can listen to a patient’s heartbeat to check for cardiac complications, or their lungs to look for signs of pneumonia, asthma and more. Stethoscopes also allow you to check on someone’s blood pressure. 

As best as you can, try not to go too cheap on your stethoscope. You want one made of durable materials like non latex rubber and stainless steel. Acoustics is also an important consideration, since you want to hear a patient’s vital signs as clearly as possible. Finally, you want to make sure they are easy to clean and comfortable to use. Ultimately, it is all up to preference. 

Medical scissors

An HCP slices open through lots of material, whether to cut up bandages to dress wounds or access parts of the body that require treatment, an HCP slices through a lot of material within a shift. From skin tissue, to gauze, to bandages, medical scissors allow you to cut through anything you need. These implements are versatile and specifically designed for hospital work. As opposed to regular scissors, the blade is angled and serrated to enable fast,  safe cutting. 

These all-in-one scissors are so convenient and useful, that you may end up owning more than one pair. Some HCPs even save one for personal use, at home. 

Medical scrubs 

A good set of scrubs is more than just a fashion statement. Scrubs are easier to wash compared to regular clothes and possess a more free range of motion. They are also professional-looking, and let you be instantly-identifiable as an HCP. A good pair of scrubs lets you stay comfortable at work, while keeping a stylish yet professional look. 

Try to find scrubs made of light and breathable material, like cotton, polyester, and rayon. Fit, durability, stain resistance, and how they should be cleaned are also important considerations. 

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HCP

How to Acquire a Multi State CNA License

Travel nursing has opened a world of new opportunities for certified nursing assistants. CNAs can now take the best, highest paying shifts from facilities all over the country. Before you can accept a cross state shift, however, are you aware of the status of your legislation? Different states have different CNA licensure requirements and state nursing boards. Even if you are certified in one state, that does not mean your credentials will necessarily carry over to another. 

What can be done, in this instance? Is it possible to apply for a multi state CNA license? Read on to find out, before you take a CNA gig in another state. 

Should I just get licensed in an NLC state?

You may have heard of the Nurse Licensure Compact. If you are licensed in a member state, you can practice in areas under the compact without much trouble. Is acquiring a CNA license as simple as getting certified, in one of these NLC states? Unfortunately, that is simply not the case. 

At the time of writing, the NLC only applies to two kinds of healthcare professionals: Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical Nurses/Licensed Vocational Nurses. CNAs, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses and other HCPs cannot enjoy the advantages afforded by the NLC. A true multi state CNA license is currently not available, but there are ways you can attain permission to practice in other states. 

What is Reciprocity? 

In order to practice in other states, you need to apply for reciprocity. With CNA reciprocity, you can transfer your qualifications and credentials to another state without having to apply for a new license, from scratch. Each state has different reciprocity requirements and processes. For the most part, you want to maintain good standing with your current CNA license, as well as a clean criminal record. Expect to finish your fair share of paperwork as well, though how much you have to sign will depend on the state. 

How do I find the requirements? 

As was mentioned earlier, different states will ask for different requirements.. Before you proceed, research whether or not they have reciprocity at all, since not all states offer this kind of program. If you must, contact the State Board of Nursing for the area that you wish to work and inquire about it directly. 

If the answer is “yes,” you can ask for a CNA reciprocity form that you will fill out and submit. These forms also typically have the reciprocity requirements that you will be expected to fulfill, before you can send your application. 

For example: Alaska’s CNA reciprocity program will ask the following from you, if you are a US Citizen: 

  1. Proof that you completed a state-approved CNA training program 
  2. Ownership of an unrestricted CNA certification in any US state/territory OR from a Canadian province/territory, provided they are active and approved by the Alaskan Nursing Board  
  3. Passing a competency exam 
  4. A $275.00 application fee

Provided that you read all the instructions and fulfill all your requirements, the process should be smooth and painless. 

Where can I apply for reciprocity? 

At the time of writing, these are the states that offer reciprocity programs for CNAs.

 

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HCP

6 Key Qualities An HCP Must Possess

Being an HCP is more than meeting the initial education requirements. A degree does not make you a good nurse, nursing assistant, or healthcare professional. On top of all the technical skills, HCPs are expected to provide emotional care for patients going through tough times in their lives.

It takes a special kind of temperament to thrive in a space as high pressure and demanding as healthcare. Today, we will go over key nursing qualities that you cannot quantify. They are both intangible, yet screamingly obvious and essential for an HCP’s success. 

Work Ethic

This should go without saying, but healthcare is a uniquely demanding profession. HCPs of all levels will be expected to carry out physically and mentally challenging tasks, over long work shifts. You are likely to spend a majority of your shift on your feet, regardless of which department you work in. Do not be surprised if you are asked to carry sensitive equipment or patients, as well. To succeed in this industry, a strong work ethic is a must. You must be prepared to give all your effort, regardless of the challenges that you face. Even when you are drained and exhausted after a shift, you need to muster the energy to push through.

Empathy and Compassion

Patients admitted to hospitals experience pain that most people cannot relate to. Chances are they are dealing with serious personal issues, loss, or stress and anxiety over their current condition. Even if that is not the case, a hospital stay can be uniquely isolating. Patients are immobilized and often separated from their family members for long stretches of time. On top of the technical and physical labor, HCPs have to provide emotional support for the patients they look after. This requires a great deal of both empathy and compassion.

You may be asking yourself: “what is the difference?” When you sympathize with someone, you understand what they are feeling on a rational level. You know where it comes from, even if you do not feel it yourself. When you empathize with someone, you feel their emotions with them. Whether you sympathize or empathize will usually depend on your own life experiences. After all, it is easier to empathize with a cancer patient if you have undergone similar struggles. Regardless, both qualities are must-haves for any HCP. When you understand what they are feeling on some level, it is easier to provide effective emotional care.

Communication 

Education is a key component of successful healthcare. HCPs will not be with their patients 24/7 so they need to teach them how to take care of themselves. For example: if a patient is able to take medications for themselves, HCPs must instruct them on the recommended dosages and times they should take them on. If a patient is discharged, you will have to teach them and their families about what to do and what not to do, to ensure that their recovery process is unhindered. 

To properly educate, communication is key. An HCP must learn how to break down complex medical terminology in such a way that anyone can understand. Healthcare professionals also have to effectively communicate with a patient and their family members, at every stage of the healing process. They need to explain the condition they are in, and the pros and cons of each treatment alternative. This should all be done while being sensitive to their cultural background or emotional state. 

Composure 

You cannot expect every shift to go as planned. Sometimes, patients will undergo sudden changes in condition that forces you to rethink the care plan. Other times, you will find yourself working on a time limit to save someone’s life. If a patient is undergoing a mental breakdown or episode, the HCP may be forced to evacuate the premises or diffuse the situation themselves. A healthcare professional must have the composure and wherewithal to gather themselves and respond appropriately, in these situations. This is especially important if you want to work in the Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Department. High pressure situations are the norm, and you must be ready for that. 

Eye for Detail 

At every HCP level, you are usually deferring to someone. Nursing assistants answer to their supervising nurses, while registered nurses commonly answer to the facility’s doctors and physicians, when it comes to patient treatment and medication. Even nurse practitioners cannot act autonomously, unless they have physician approval. An attention to detail is necessary, if you want to follow their instructions correctly. Healthcare is so precise with medication, that slight deviations in dosage or time of administration can have severe consequences. 

This attentiveness is also important, when the HCP is watching over their patient. A patient’s condition and any changes need to be added to a medical report, with appropriate detail. From there, the nursing team can determine whether or not a change in treatment plan is necessary. 

A Critical Mind

Solutions in healthcare are not linear. You cannot memorize a textbook, and expect all similar problems to share the same solution. Critical thinking allows you to see the information presented in front of you, consider context, and find a solution that is not apparent yet is still grounded in reasoning and rationality. Relating to the composure point, you must be capable of doing this within a time constraint, and under high pressure. 

A critical mind is also willing to learn constantly. Healthcare is rapidly evolving every day, so HCPs must stay updated with the latest developments and best practices. This is why most states have a continuing education program. Healthcare professionals need to be willing to learn constantly, if they want to have a sustained career.

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HCP

HCPs Should Make a LinkedIn Profile: Here’s Why

LinkedIn is one of the biggest professional social media platforms in the world. There, anyone can search and apply for job openings, post stories about their personal and career journey, and so much more. For HCPs in particular, creating and maintaining the perfect LinkedIn profile could be the key to better job opportunities in the future. Whether you are a fresh nursing graduate or a 10-year HCP veteran, here are a couple of reasons why you should be firing up LinkedIn right now.

Find job openings on the Linkedin Job Board

LinkedIn lets recruiters post openings on their Job boards. You can find job offers across the country, or within proximity to your area. While searching, HCPs can make use of LinkedIn’s various filters, to find their perfect roles. Do you prefer on-site or remote HCP work? Are you looking for jobs within a particular salary range? Regardless of what you are looking for, the filters will keep results relevant to your needs and preferences. For healthcare professionals in search of a new full-time role, LinkedIn is the perfect place to start.

Network with like-minded HCPs

In any career, networking is power. Building and cultivating relationships lets you find job opportunities you would not have found otherwise. Your friends and acquaintances can inform you about potential HCP vacancies you would not have heard about, otherwise. They can also refer you to a potential employer, and vouch for your skills and capabilities. 

Outside of work, networking lets you receive invaluable advice and companionship. Whether you are a Registered Nurse or a Certified Nursing Assistant, HCP work is a unique challenge. Talking with someone who understands the physical and mental demands of the job increases solidarity, and provides a different perspective for your dilemma. For example: if you feel “stuck” with your current HCP trajectory, a friend in the same space could provide suggestions for career paths or further education. Perhaps you are an RN looking to become a Nurse Practitioner in the distant future. You do not have to accept every proposition, but they are always well worth considering. 

You can link up with fellow HCPs individually, or you can join LinkedIn Groups meant to support medical professionals. Within these group chats, you can ask around for job openings or medical advice, while you connect with other HCPs in the same channel.

Market yourself with a strong LinkedIn Profile

A good LinkedIn profile is the key to a good first impression. LinkedIn profiles allow you to create resumes quickly, and conveniently. Users can put their work experience, skills, endorsements, and connections for everyone to see. After you send your application, recruiters will often scan through your profile before they proceed with the hiring process. Recruiters can stumble upon your profile, and reach out to you before you even send your application. Take advantage of the tools at your fingertips, and create the best profile that you possibly can. Take a professional, high-quality headshot, and list all your relevant traits and qualifications as an HCP. 

Sign up for an HCP newsletter

HCPs can sign up for multiple newsletters on the LinkedIn platform. Companies and individuals in the healthcare industry are always promoting their newsletters, which are emails sent at intervals that contain or promote relevant content. If you find a company or individual that you trust, you have a lot to gain from subscribing. Good newsletters help you stay updated with news and ongoing developments in the healthcare world. You can also find helpful professional advice and inspiring stories from medical spaces 

Go out there! 

HCPs have nothing to lose and everything to gain, from creating a LinkedIn profile. The platform helps them connect with fellow HCPs, find job offers as early as possible, market themselves to potential employers and so much more. Provided that you regularly maintain your profile, the website opens up a new world of opportunities in the healthcare industry. 

 

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HCP

The Best Mental Health Resources for HCPs in 2023

There are few jobs in the world like healthcare work. At its best, there is nothing more rewarding than providing lifesaving care for patients in need. On the other hand, HCPs at every level are exposed to disease, death, and loss. Everyday, you must provide counsel to patients dealing with serious physical conditions and trauma. Even the most hardened veteran HCPs can feel mentally drained, after dealing with healthcare’s physiological demands. 

Every HCP goes through similar struggles, and seeking help is the first step to healing. Luckily, there are a number of mental health resources available to HCPs willing to look. Between online services, hotlines, and support groups, the options are seemingly endless. In this article, we will go over the best mental health resources available for HCPs. 

The Battle Within 

The COVID pandemic was a uniquely challenging time for HCPs. Healthcare staff on all levels experienced an unprecedented workload, with facilities being filled to capacity. This left countless HCPs feeling depressed, burned out, and anxious. “The Battle Within” was founded to help the first responders who are still dealing with trauma and anxiety thanks to COVID. In this five day program, you will be given the skills and support network necessary to move forward and continue healing.

As a part of this initiative, we recommend that HCPs consider The Frontline Therapy Network. Healthcare workers can enjoy six free consultations with a certified mental health expert. If you live in one of the 20 states this program is hosted in, then we highly recommend that you give it a look. 

Osmosis Nursing Resilience Course

Are you a California-based nurse, looking to strike two birds with one stone? The Osmosis Nursing Resilience Course teaches HCPs how to protect their mental health, while rewarding 3.75 Continuing Education (CE) credits from the California nursing board. The course is remote and self-paced, so HCPs can complete these lessons in between busy work days. By the end of your lessons, you will learn how to determine if you are suffering from stress and burnout, and what you can do to address this healthily. 

Anxiety & Depression Association of America

ADAA is one of the most prominent nonprofit membership organizations in all of America. On their official website, HCPs can match with certified therapists, and go over the forms of therapy available to you. The site also provides numerous helpful resources that teach you how to healthily cope with your mental health issues. This content tackles conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and more. Finally, HCPs can learn how to join ADAA’s free peer-to-peer community support groups. 

National Academy of Medicine 

NAM founded the Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience in 2017. In collaboration with 200 organizations, they set out to increase awareness of the dangers of clinical burnout, while educating HCPs and clearing up dangerous misconceptions. Now, the program’s website serves as a valuable compendium of mental healthcare resources. HCPs can search for resources specific to their professions, mental conditions, workplace settings, and more. From medical students to nurse administrators, NAM is dedicated to making mental health support accessible for everyone. 

American Holistic Nurses Association

Mental health is not a one-dimensional experience. Your mental wellbeing informs your physical wellbeing and vice versa. For example: chronic stress has proven, tangible links to heart complications. In acknowledgement of this, AHNA seeks to provide a holistic self-care strategy that addresses the physical and mental struggles of stress. Their goal is to equip HCPs with the skills necessary to deal with stress in a healthy and productive manner. 

HCPs can avail of numerous free resources, but there are also CEs that cost $8 to $15 (depending on if you are an AHNA member.) These lessons are peer-reviewed, and can be online online learning or in-person lectures. In particular, there is a three-session program that is capped off by a final lesson. 

I Am Sober

In 2021, the American Nurses Association projected that up to 14 to 20% of all Registered Nurses in the US had a drug or alcohol problem. Substance abuse is sadly a common coping mechanism for workplace stress and anxiety. If left unchecked, it can lead to a host of physical complications. For HCPs looking to kick the habit, the “I Am Sober” app is a good start. 

It lets you keep track of your progress, by setting sobriety goals and milestones. You can also connect to virtual support groups, where you can confide in your problems or seek actionable advice. There is both a free version and a premium version that charges $9.99 per month. Though the paid version has exclusive features, the free app is still well worth trying.

The Schwartz Center For Compassionate Healthcare

The Schwartz Center offers free and valuable resources for HCPs looking to learn more about mental health. Their content covers a host of pertinent topics, such as managing stress, caring for your emotional health, dealing with burnout and more. Caring for your mental health is a constant struggle, and The Schwartz Center teaches HCPs how they consistently manage their issues in a healthy and sustainable way. If you become a member, you can avail of additional support and exclusive material. 

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