Category: Facilities

Healthcare facilities are entrusted with extremely sensitive patient information. Although this ensures the best possible care quality, the consequences could be disastrous if said information ever leaked. Thanks to The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), facilities must comply with certain standards to ensure that patient information is sufficiently protected by the facilities themselves. The consequences of violating HIPAA extend far beyond even the most significant legal ramifications and fines. Facilities who break patient confidentiality may find themselves permanently etched onto the “HIPAA Wall of Shame.” What is the Wall of Shame, and why could this prove disastrous for a facility’s long term success? Read on to learn more.

What is the Wall of Shame?

The “Wall of Shame” is a colloquial term for the Breach Notification Portal. This website is jointly run by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Offices for Civil Rights. It lists facilities and individual people who are responsible for data breaches that have compromised 500 or more people. Put simply, this website lists institutions who have severely violated the stipulations laid out by HIPAA. Site visitors can look at three sections: Cases that are Under Investigation (or cases that took place within the last 24 months), or older cases in the Archive section.

How do these data breaches happen?

HIPAA is broken when Protected Health Information (PHI) gets leaked to other people without prior consent. This includes your name, address, laboratory results, insurance information, sensitive medical information and more. Even photos and video recordings are PHI and cannot be publicly shared without a written letter of consent. Out of necessity, most PHI is stored in an electronic database in an in-house server. These files are referred to as “ePHI,” and hospitals have to make sure they are sufficiently protected.

Data breaches happen when this PHI is leaked out, either due to a hacker attack, physical theft, or a significant security oversight .Regardless of intent or circumstance, a facility will be put on the Breach Notification Portal if they experience a significant enough data breach that affects a certain number of patients.

What do reports look like?

The Breach Notification Portal contains extremely detailed reports of the incidents and the individuals and the facilities behind them. Every case listed contains the following information

• State
• Covered entity type
• Affected Individuals
• Breach submission date
• Breach type
• Where the breached information was located
• Expand all

Why facilities should avoid the HIPAA Wall of Shame

Being listed on the Wall of Shame is not only embarrassing, it could destroy a facility in the long run. The healthcare industry is run on trust between the patient and the healthcare providers. Patients entrust their sensitive information, to ensure that HCPs can provide the best healthcare service possible. When that trust is breached, it is hard to regain it. Regardless of how the information was listed, most people who visit the “Wall of Shame” will not read the full reports. They will see your facility’s name on the Breach Notification Portal, and steer clear. More realistically, your facility will garner a terrible reputation via word-of-mouth that will destroy your business for good in the long term.

How can you avoid the Wall of Shame?  The answer is obvious: an organizational commitment to complying with HIPAA. All PHI must be stored securely, and not out in the open where everyone can see. ePHI must be protected with the best possible software security available to a facility. Last (but not least), all facility staff must be trained on how to comply with HIPAA at all times. Patients trust healthcare facilities, and the least we can do is repay that trust in kind.

The Kaiser Permanente strike has led to a new, tentative labor agreement between Kaiser Permanente and a coalition of unions representing 85,000 healthcare providers.. What does this mean for the healthcare industry? Why was the strike so truncated? This brief article will go over everything you need to know about the recently concluded strike.

What was the Kaiser Permanente Strike about?

Based in Oakland, California, Kaiser Permanente is a massive care consortium that owns and manages healthcare facilities all over America. A massive presence in the industry, their facilities serve 13 million Americans across the country. Healthcare workers waged a strike with regards to current staffing levels and compensation packages.

What caused the strike, in the first place?

Earlier in August, representative workers from facilities under Kaiser Permanente negotiated for a $25 per hour minimum compensation rate, an increase of 7% in compensation for the next two years, and 6.25% in the following two. Healthcare workers argued that facilities were operating understaffed, which led to increased profits for Kaiser Permanente but increased stress and workload for HCPs. Negotiations stalled at a certain point, leading to the brief strike. With 75,000 active participants over the course of three days, this strike was one of the largest in healthcare history.

What were the agreed terms?

The strike lasted only three days, while the tentative labor agreement was made official a week later. Kaiser Permanente sought to avoid further strikes, which was a real possibility if terms were not agreed to before the current contract expired on October 31. The company conceded to raising compensation for HCPs by 21%, across the next four years. This was done to retain staff, while encouraging new HCPs to join their facilities.

In the short term, the deal will set minimum compensation for HCPs in California (where most of Kaiser Permanente’s facilities are located) to $25 per hour, while facilities in other states will provide rates at $23/hour. In addition, the contract also promises to promote initiatives held to promote further growth in the healthcare workforce following the pandemic.

Finally, Kaiser Permanente will make a proactive effort to fill its currently vacant positions. At the time of writing, 11% of positions at the company are unfilled. The company has made promises to cover hard-to-fill positions first, and remove arbitrary barriers that prevent qualified professionals from taking up healthcare roles. At the time of writing, their goal is to create 25,000 healthcare workers in the next four years.

There are a variety of different ranks in nursing. As you attain better education and training, you can enjoy more healthcare job opportunities and greater responsibilities on the whole. That being said, every rank of nurse matters to the continued success of a healthcare facility. In case you need a point of reference, and to give recognition to the HCPs that make facilities successful, this article runs down the various nurse ranks and levels you can expect to run into.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Yearly Compensation: $35,740 per year (per the BLS)

CNAs perform a lot of “basic” and direct care services. Under the supervision of another nurse, they are expected to carry out tasks like cleaning patient quarters, bathing, dressing and feeding patients, and transporting them around the facility. A CNA’s service is vital for the continued health and comfort of a patient, while they stay in a facility. Unlike other roles, you do not need a formal degree to become a CNA. Provided you are a high school graduate, complete an accredited 4-12 week CNA program, and achieve state licensure, you should qualify.

Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse

Yearly Compensation: $54,620 per year (per the BLS)

LPNs (or LVNs, as they are referred to in California and Texas) carry out the direct care duties associated with CNAs. Comparatively, their roles are more focused towards providing much needed medical assistance to their RN supervisors. With approval from said supervisors, they can offer basic care services, provide medications as per physician orders, and update the team on a patient’s status and condition. Becoming an LPN requires a one year diploma in practical nursing that prepares you with lectures and clinical rotations.

Registered Nurse

Yearly Compensation: $81,220 per year (per the BLS)

RNs have the education and experience needed to offer more advanced care services. They can create tailor made care plans, in cooperation with the rest of their medical team. RNs can also prepare their patients for medical tests. These are just some of the many roles that an RN assumes.

RNs also provide vital education to patients and patient families, regarding said patient’s current condition, status, and treatment options. In general, RNs are in charge of identifying what a patient needs, before providing them with important, holistic medical care.

Becoming an RN requires either a diploma, 2 year Associate’s Degree in Nursing, or a 4 year Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While the first two are quicker, BSN roles offer better compensation opportunities overall and allows you to move into non-clinical nursing roles like case management or administration.

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Yearly Compensation: $125,900 per year (per the BLS)

When a nurse obtains their Master of Science in Nursing and or a Doctor of Nursing Practice, they can opt to become APRNs. There are a number of different APRN roles, such as Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Anesthetist, Clinical Nursing Specialist, and more. Their advanced training and education provides them the authority to provide greater care services than even registered nurses.

For example: Nurse Practitioners, NPs can offer a formal diagnosis, lay out preventative care measures, order medical tests and prescribe treatment. Nurse Anesthetists, meanwhile, are specially trained to safely administer anesthetics before procedures, and provide the necessary after care, once the anesthesia wears off. Regular nurses cannot take on any of these responsibilities. As a result, APRNs are significantly better compensated than a lot of their RN counterparts.

Non-Clinical Roles

Yearly Compensation: $104,830 per year (for Nurse Administrators,) or $84,060 (for Nurse Educators)

Advanced nursing degrees also lend themselves to a number of fascinating non-clinical roles. Nurse administrators or managers are expected to oversee the staffing, budgeting and continued operations of a healthcare facility and its departments. Chief Nursing Officers oversee the operations of the facility as a whole, and have to plan for long term growth with leadership and strategy. Meanwhile, Nurse educators work in universities to train and prepare HCP students for practical clinical work. On the whole, administrative jobs provide better compensation than educational roles, but they are both important to the continued success of the healthcare system.

Go out there!

Like any successful endeavor, nursing is a team effort. It requires a number of different people from various backgrounds and specializations to work together, in order to provide the best possible care. Every nurse rank listed is important to the continued prosperity of the healthcare system. Whether you want to remain as a CNA, or you plan to work your way up towards becoming a nurse administrator, your efforts are appreciated and necessary for the continued success of your facility.

Explore Exciting Per Diem Nursing Jobs Near You at VitaWerks!

Introduction

Nursing is a merciless profession. Our healthcare providers subject themselves to lengthy hours, physical and emotional strain, and exposure to life-threatening diseases. Because of how fast the healthcare industry works, burnout has gained increasing prevalence among nurses. Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that can negatively impact a nurse’s well-being and patient care. One powerful tool that nurses can use to combat burnout is meditation. In this article, we’ll explore how meditation can be a game-changer for nurses, helping them manage stress, build resilience, and ultimately, provide better care to their patients.

Understanding Nurse Burnout

Before we dive into the benefits of meditation, let’s briefly discuss the nature of nurse burnout. Burnout among nurses is characterized by three key components:

• Emotional Exhaustion: Nurses often deal with emotionally charged situations, such as comforting grieving families or caring for patients in pain. Over time, this emotional burden can lead to exhaustion.
• Depersonalization: Burnout can cause nurses to become detached from their patients, viewing them as cases rather than individuals. This can erode the quality of care provided.
• Reduced Personal Accomplishment: Nurses experiencing burnout may doubt their competence and effectiveness, further exacerbating their stress and emotional strain.

Meditation, through its various techniques, addresses these aspects of burnout, helping nurses regain emotional balance, stay connected to their patients, and maintain a sense of accomplishment in their work.

The Power of Meditation in Nurse Burnout Prevention

Meditation is a widely-practiced exercise deeply rooted in tradition. Today, it’s widely recognized for its potential to improve mental and emotional well-being. In the present, scientific studies have verified the physical and mental benefits. Here’s how it can help nurses prevent and manage burnout:

1. Stress Reduction

Stress is an inherent part of nursing, with high-pressure situations and critical decision-making as part of the job description. Meditation, particularly mindfulness meditation, teaches nurses to be present in the moment, observing their thoughts and emotions without judgment. By doing so, nurses can identify stress triggers and respond to them more effectively, reducing their overall stress levels.

2. Improved Emotional Resilience

When you meditate, the heightened emotional control and self-awareness directly leads to a more resilient and steady mental state. When nurses regularly practice meditation, they become more in tune with their emotions, allowing them to process these emotions in a healthier way. This can prevent emotional exhaustion, a common component of nurse burnout.

3. Enhanced Focus and Concentration

Nursing demands a high level of concentration and the ability to multitask effectively. Meditation improves attention and focus by training the mind to remain present and avoid distractions. For nurses, this means better decision-making, improved task management, and ultimately, reduced stress.

4. Better Self-Care

Nurses often prioritize the well-being of their patients at the expense of their own. Meditation encourages self-care and self-compassion. By nurturing themselves through meditation, nurses are more likely to maintain a healthy work-life balance and reduce the risk of burnout.

5. Preventing Depersonalization

Burnout can cause nurses to detach from their patients, reducing the quality of care provided. Meditation practices, like loving-kindness meditation, help nurses stay connected with their patients by fostering empathy and compassion. This human-centered approach to patient care can reduce the depersonalization aspect of burnout.

6. Increased Energy and Vitality

Diligent meditation leads to increased vitality and much higher energy levels, over time. Nurses who are well-rested and energized are less likely to experience burnout. The practice can help them find a renewed sense of purpose and motivation in their work.

7. Enhanced Coping Skills

Meditation equips nurses with valuable coping skills to deal with the unique challenges of their profession. By practicing meditation, nurses can develop more adaptive responses to stressful situations, mitigating the impact of stress on their well-being.

8. Better Sleep

Sleep problems are common among healthcare professionals and can contribute to burnout. Meditation has been shown to improve sleep quality, helping nurses get the rest they need to recover from the demands of their job. Better sleep, in turn, helps prevent burnout.

9. Preventing Absenteeism

Reducing burnout through meditation can help nurses stay engaged with their work and reduce absenteeism due to stress-related illnesses. When the individual nurses are taken care for, the rest of the healthcare industry benefits as a direct result.

10. Improved Work Satisfaction

Meditation promotes a positive outlook and a sense of purpose in one’s work. Nursing can be demanding, but feeling the difference you make in the world and the patients around you makes a world of difference. A stronger sense of purpose and overall satisfaction with your work is a powerful antidote to burnout.

How to Start Meditating as a Nurse

Now that we’ve explored the numerous benefits of meditation for nurses, you might be wondering how to start your meditation journey. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

• Choose a Quiet Space: Find a quiet and peaceful place where you can meditate without disturbances.
• Set a Regular Schedule: Establish a consistent meditation schedule. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant difference.
• Select a Meditation Technique: There are various meditation techniques to choose from, such as mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, or body scan meditation. Experiment to find what works best for you.
• Get Comfortable: Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. You can use a cushion or chair if needed.
• Breathe Mindfully: Focus on your breath. Pay attention to each inhale and exhale. When your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath.
• Start Slowly: As a beginner, start with short meditation sessions and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.
• Use Guided Meditations: If you’re new to meditation, consider using guided meditation apps or recordings. These can provide structure and guidance during your practice.
• Stay Patient: Meditation is a skill that improves with practice. Be patient with yourself and don’t expect immediate results. The benefits will accrue over time.
• Join a Supportive Community: Consider joining a meditation group or community to enhance your practice and share experiences with others.

Conclusion

Nurses play a vital role in our healthcare system, and their well-being directly impacts the quality of patient care. Though it is not a perfect solution, meditation is a worthwhile deterrent to the current issue of nurse burnout. By incorporating meditation into their daily routines, nurses can reduce stress, build resilience, and ultimately provide better care to their patients.

If you’re a nurse, or if you know a nurse who could benefit from this information, consider sharing this article and encouraging the practice of meditation as a tool for burnout prevention. In the demanding world of healthcare, meditation can be a lifeline, offering nurses the strength and resilience they need to continue their essential work while maintaining their own well-being.

Currently, the US is bracing itself for a potential imminent shutdown of the government. This is a direct result of a small group of politicians threatening not to sign a short term agreement to give the government more funds. Unfortunately, a lot of healthcare programs may be directly affected by these shutdowns. This especially includes programs that benefit lower income individuals in need of healthcare services. How exactly would this hypothetical government shutdown affect nursing and healthcare? How much should healthcare professionals truly be concerned? This article aims to answer all these questions and more.

Community healthcare centers would be compromised

The bulk of community healthcare centers rely on government funding to continue operations. These centers operate to provide more affordable healthcare services to the disenfranchised patients in need, regardless of whether or not they are able to pay. With 1,400 community healthcare centers spread across the nation serving more than 30 million people, a government shutdown would immediately put these populations at risk. As long as the shutdown lasts, the nurses who work in these centers will remain unpaid and out of jobs within that time. This disproportionately affects low income communities who rely on these care centers for any kind of healthcare, whatsoever.

Federal workers in general will be hit hard

Healthcare providers who work with the government directly will be caught in a precarious situation, if the government goes ahead with a shutdown. The Health and Human Services Department (HHS) directly states that 42% of their workers would be furloughed without pay if a shutdown ever happened. For reference, this is around 37,000 government employees. Although doctors and nurses may continue to get paid by submitting their bills to Medicaid, the staff shortages will make things more difficult and reimbursement may be delayed because of these shortages. Even the healthcare staff that remains will be working without pay for the duration of the shutdown.

Medicaid would (most likely) remain unaffected

As a silver lining, Medicaid would not be affected that much by a hypothetical government shutdown. Although Medicaid and Medicare make up 17% and 21% of government spending, respectively, funding for both is “mandatory” and would not be affected by the current proceedings. This being said, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would be affected by the furloughs and layoffs of federal employees that was mentioned earlier. Though both programs will persist, operations will be significantly hindered for as long as the shutdown lasts. Medicaid applications, for example, could be slowed down or halted entirely because of the aforementioned staff woes.

What is the outlook?

In recent memory, there has not been a federal government shutdown that lasted longer than 34 days. If it does come, the proceedings should not drag for too long, and funding would be restored directly afterwards. A great deal of damage can be done within that time, however. Community centers may be in threat of getting shut down, and vulnerable patients will experience long gaps between receiving critical care. Nurses and staff who work in government facilities can be furloughed, laid off, or made to work without pay within this time, even if they would hypothetically receive all their pay after the end of the shutdown. For now, all HCPs can do is wait and observe the situation, while hoping for the best.

The VitaWerks team is extremely grateful to the healthcare providers who have joined our platform. Your efforts keep our communities safe and healthy. Even when times are challenging, you meet adversity with a smile. Every month, we like to share the inspiring stories of HCPs and the impact they’ve had on facilities.

Martita has been named the HCP of the Month by the team this month. Martita, a 13-year veteran CNA, began using the VitaWerks app in September last year. “Martita has been superb,” said a manager at one of our partnered facilities. “She takes good care of her patients and gets along with everyone here. Most importantly, she goes above and beyond to provide the best care and assistance possible.”

Martita is a devoted family woman outside of work. She describes herself as a “hands-on” wife and mother who provides for her family while making sure she is always available to them. Maintaining a healthy work and family life takes a lot of strength and perseverance, but she makes it look easy. Martita is also a dog lover, and she currently cares for two adorable French bulldogs.

The healthcare industry needs HCPs like Martita. They deserve the highest rates in their area, as well as the flexibility to work when it is convenient for them. Martita began using the VitaWerks platform for this purpose and has not looked back since. “I chose VitaWerks because it fits with my busy life,” she explained. “Booking shifts and creating my own work schedule has made things easier for me. I can earn compensation while still having room to spend time with my family.”

VitaWerks thanks you for your outstanding service to the healthcare community! Regardless of where your nursing journey takes you, we are here to help you every step of the way!

To continue practicing as a Registered Nurse (RN) in a legal capacity, you need to renew your RN License periodically. The Georgia Board of Nursing sets the rules and regulations for RN license renewal, and understanding this process is essential to ensure you can continue your nursing career without interruption.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps, requirements, and tips for renewing your Georgia RN license. Whether you’re a seasoned nurse or a recent graduate, this article will help you navigate the renewal process with ease.

Why Is License Renewal Important?

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the importance of license renewal. Your RN license is not a one-time certificate; it requires periodic renewal to ensure that you are up-to-date with current nursing practices and standards. License renewal also helps protect the public by verifying that you maintain the necessary skills and knowledge to provide safe and competent nursing care.

Understanding the Renewal Period

The renewal period for RN licenses in Georgia is typically two years. The specific renewal deadline and process can vary based on your initial licensure date. To determine your renewal date, check your initial licensure information or contact the Georgia Board of Nursing directly.

Meeting Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Continuing Education is a common requirement for most state nursing boards, and the RN license renewal process in Georgia is no exception. These hours are designed to keep nurses updated with the latest developments in the field and maintain their competence. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the Georgia Board of Nursing required the completion of 30 CE hours for RN license renewal.

Here are some important points to consider regarding CE requirements:

• Types of CE Activities: CE activities can include courses, seminars, workshops, or online learning. They should be relevant to your nursing practice and may cover various topics, including patient care, ethics, or legal issues.
• CE Providers: Ensure that the CE activities you choose are offered by approved providers. The Georgia Board of Nursing typically maintains a list of approved CE providers on their website.
• Record-Keeping: Keep detailed records of your CE activities. You might need to provide proof of completion during the renewal process.
• Audit Possibility: Be aware that the Georgia Board of Nursing may conduct random audits to verify the completion of CE requirements. It’s crucial to maintain accurate records and certificates.

Steps for RN License Renewal

Renewing your RN license in Georgia involves several steps. It’s essential to plan ahead and ensure that you complete these steps in a timely manner. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the renewal process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

You want to be sure that you are eligible for licensure renewal, before you proceed any further. Eligibility typically requires that you have an active and unencumbered RN license in Georgia and that you are within the renewal period.

Step 2: Complete Continuing Education (CE)

As mentioned earlier, complete the required CE hours. Be sure to choose relevant activities and keep proper documentation, including certificates or transcripts, as proof of completion.

Step 3: Access the Renewal Application

Visit the Georgia Board of Nursing’s official website to access the RN license renewal application. Ensure that you have a reliable internet connection and a computer or device capable of accessing and submitting the online application.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application

The application will typically require you to provide personal information, such as your name, contact information, and license number. Double-check the accuracy of the information you provide.

Step 5: Pay Renewal Fees

To complete your renewal, you’ll need to pay the associated renewal fees. The fees can vary and may change over time, so check the Board of Nursing’s website for the most up-to-date fee information.

Step 6: Submit Documentation

Attach the required documentation to your renewal application. This may include proof of CE completion, any necessary certifications, and other relevant materials. Carefully review the application instructions to ensure you’ve included all the necessary documents.

Step 7: Submit the Application

Review your completed application and attached documents for accuracy. Once you’re satisfied, submit the application electronically. Make note of the submission date for reference.

Step 8: Processing and Confirmation

After submission, the Georgia Board of Nursing will process your renewal application. Processing times can vary, but it’s essential to submit your application well before the renewal deadline to avoid any lapses in your license.

Once your renewal is approved, you will receive confirmation, often in the form of an updated license. This confirmation may be provided via mail or electronically, depending on the current process in place.

Tips for a Smooth RN License Renewal

Renewing your RN license does not have to be a daunting or intimidating endeavor. With the right preparation and the tips listed below, it should be a stress-free experience:

• Plan Ahead: Start the renewal process well in advance of your expiration date to allow time for processing and to address any unexpected issues.
• Keep Accurate Records: Maintain a record of your CE activities, certificates, and transcripts. This will be invaluable if you are audited by the Board.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in renewal requirements and processes by regularly visiting the Georgia Board of Nursing’s website.
• Check Your Contact Information: Ensure that your contact information on file with the Board is accurate. Any updates or changes should be reported promptly to avoid communication issues.
• Set Reminders: Set calendar reminders for important renewal dates and deadlines to avoid missing them.
• Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: Avoid the stress of last-minute renewals by starting the process well in advance of your license expiration date.

Conclusion

Renewing your Georgia RN license is a fundamental responsibility for any nurse in the state. By understanding the renewal process, meeting CE requirements, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your nursing career remains uninterrupted and that you continue to provide safe and competent care to your patients. Remember to check the Georgia Board of Nursing’s official website for the most current information and any updates to the renewal process.

Explore Exciting Per Diem RN Jobs Opportunities in Georgia at VitaWerks!