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Facilities HCP

Everything You Need To Know About California’s New Mask Policies

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Everything You Need To Know About California’s New Mask Policies

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tweaked their mask guidelines. Rather than raw case counts, mask policies will be determined by the actual effect of COVID-19 on hospitals and the community. With this new standard, the CDC identified that 70% of people reside in low to medium risk areas, and can stop wearing masks as a result. Universal masking will still be in place for counties under high COVID risk, and the requirements will not change for public transportation. The CDC also clarified that people with COVID symptoms or positive tests must continue to wear masks as well.

In response to this, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have updated their own mask policies. It is important to remember that the CDC guidelines are not federal law. Even if you live in a “low-to-medium” risk county, local governments and private institutions can still enforce their own separate policies. Before you throw away your box of N95s, here is everything you need to know about the changes to the California mask mandates.

Mask Requirements Indoors

Previously, unvaccinated individuals were mandated to wear masks in indoor public settings. As of March 1, 2022, this will no longer be the case for most places. Universal masking will still be required in certain areas identified as high risk. This includes:

  • Public Transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation)
  • Emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers
  • All healthcare settings
  • State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
  • Homeless shelters
  • Long Term Care Settings & Adult and Senior Care Facilities

The CDPH still strongly recommends that you wear your mask indoors in indoor public settings and businesses, regardless of your vaccination status. This includes retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings and state and local government offices.

New School Mask Policies

Schools and childcare used to be marked as high risk public areas where masks were mandated. After March 11, 2022, these universal requirements will be lifted. This was announced in a joint statement by the California, Oregon and Washington governors. Declining case rates and hospitalizations were cited as the main reason behind these guideline updates. The CDPH still suggests that individuals continue wearing their masks in these settings, even when the requirements are removed.

Strong Recommendations?

Even in areas where the mask requirements are being lifted, masking in indoor spaces is still highly recommended. If the CDC suggested that 70% of Americans are no longer at risk, why are they still recommending masks? In this case, context matters. 30 out of 58 counties in California are still identified as high risk based on the CDC’s new metrics. In line with the agency’s recommendations, individuals with COVID symptoms or positive tests will still be required to wear their masks.

This begs the question: can I finally put down the N95s? If you live in one of the 30 “high risk” counties in California, it is best to err on the side of caution. If you are fully vaccinated, and you live in “medium-to-low” risk zones like San Francisco, it is possible to walk outside maskless with a clear mind. At the end of the day, it all depends on your circumstances and preferences. Many people are itching to go back to normal, but things will not turn around overnight. All you can do is stay informed and updated, as the situation unfolds.

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Facilities HCP

4 Things Healthcare Professionals Can Expect During the COVID-19 Case Surge

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

4 things Healthcare Professionals can expect during the COVID-19 case surge

Omicron has spread across the United States like a wildfire, with unprecedented transmissibility and efficiency. According to Chief Medical Advisor to the President. Anthony Fauci, it is likely that Omicron will find “just about everybody.” The strain is less fatal, but healthcare facilities are still buckling under a nursing crisis. Hospitalization rates have skyrocketed past previous records, while Omicron patients make up 98% of all COVID cases. Healthcare workers can expect many challenges and changes in the days ahead.

The nursing shortage crisis will worsen

Turnover has always been a problem in healthcare, but the beginning of the pandemic escalated the problem. According to a poll conducted by the International Council of Nurses, 90% of National Nurses Associations (NNAs) were concerned that stress and burnout coming from the extreme workload would lead to increased turnover in the coming years. Presently, nurses are retiring at an unprecedented rate. Taking into account existing RN shortages, the workforce aging out and the effect of COVID-19, the ICN posits that 13 million nurses would be needed to fill in the nurse shortage gap, in the future.

The surge of Omicron cases will likely accelerate this nursing staff shortage, if left unchecked. Neil Sehgal, a professor from University of Maryland School of Public Health, began questioning “whether or not this was the week the healthcare system would break.”

Infections could hinder hospital operations

Thanks to Omicron’s highly mutated and contagious nature, it can more easily infect vaccinated individuals than any other strain. Whether or not they are symptomatic, nurses will be forced to isolate at home for a couple of days. Hospitals will have to account for the sudden RN shortage, thus complicating matters even further.

Demand for nurses will rise

Even before Omicron, demand for nursing was trending upwards. Nurse staffing demand saw an increase of 245% (around 50,000 nurses) from September 2020 to December 2020. One year later, finding healthcare staff is still harder than it has ever been. On top of the record turnover, facilities have to account for nurses who were sidelined by the Omicron variant. This can be especially tough for hospitals in small rural communities. As a result, demand for nurses has soared. Openings for healthcare jobs are currently double their pandemic lows.

Nursing wages will continue to increase

Following LPN, RN and CNA shortages (just to name a few), hospitals are struggling to retain staff. As a direct result, Wages have skyrocketed, across the board. Last November alone, labor expenses per patient was 26% higher than they were two years ago. LPNs and NAs in particular saw a significant 9.4% and 5.7% increase in hourly earnings. Meanwhile, RNs saw a non-significant increase of 2.0%. Traveling nurses and per-diem nurses will especially benefit, since they can serve as last-minute solutions to staff shortages. Salaries for temporary healthcare jobs have risen throughout the pandemic, and have even doubled during notable spikes.

Silver Linings

That we are in a nursing crisis is undeniable. The spike in Omicron cases is pushing facilities and staff to their limits. There is no doubt that nurses are being tested like they never have before. As bad as the situation currently is, though, there are still silver linings. Between the rise in demand for nurses and the salary increase, there are a slew of opportunities for HCPs willing to weather the storm. It is a turbulent time to be an HCP, yet in some ways that is the most exciting part.

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Facilities HCP

Lessons to learn from first and second wave of COVID-19 in the USA for health care providers

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Lessons to learn from first and second wave of COVID-19 in the USA for health care providers

Over the past two years, the pandemic has completely rocked the healthcare industry. Facilities have had to keep up with two waves of COVID-19, multiple strains and hospitalizations before and after vaccines. Thanks to surging cases exacerbating a stressful work environment, the nursing industry is also experiencing unprecedented turnover. Despite these challenging times, the public still needs their healthcare heroes. Facilities have no choice but to rise to the occasion, and learn from the last two waves of COVID.

Omicron symptoms resemble a mild cold

There is still some variance in omicron cases, but a few recurring symptoms have been identified. Runny nose, headaches, fatigue, and sneezing are currently among the top Omicron symptoms. Meanwhile, loss of smell/taste has become much less common. A study in the UK found that only 13% percent of Omicron cases exhibited such symptoms. Fever and cough are also considerably less common. For the most part, Omicron symptoms resemble a mild-to-severe cold. Though not as potent as other strains, it still poses a threat to the immunocompromised. As such, healthcare providers should remain vigilant.

Delta variant hospitalization has the highest risk

Both Delta and Omicron were found to be considerably more infectious than the original strain of COVID. KKF reported that Delta spread 50% faster than the original SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, Omicron is 2.7 to 3.7 times more infectious than Delta, among the vaccinated individuals. Despite this, the risk of delta variant hospitalization is triple that of Omicron. In addition, the possibility of requiring emergency care for Delta was double the risk for Omicron. Though the latter spreads faster, the former is the more pressing threat to healthcare providers.

Hospitalization after vaccine is possible, but not likely

While the vaccines have successfully prevented infections and complications, it is not 100% effective. There are still “vaccine breakthrough infections”, where fully vaccinated individuals still manage to catch COVID-19. In particular, omicron’s numerous mutations have allowed it to infect vaccinated individuals at a higher rate than any other strain. As previously mentioned, however, symptoms are less severe and hospitalization after vaccination is much less likely. In a brief from Health System Tracker, only 15% of COVID-19 hospitalizations between June and December involved fully-vaccinated patients.

A different sort of herd immunity is possible

Normal herd immunity may not be possible with COVID-19, the same way that it is for the measles. As mentioned earlier, vaccine protection is important but not 100% effective. Some members of the population are also hesitant to take the vaccine, for political reasons. As a result, it is likely that most of the population will eventually be exposed to a COVID-19 variant. Though total herd immunity is impossible, we can still reach a point where the virus exists in a less harmful form. COVID-19 will still be a major health concern, but with sufficient vaccination levels, it will be far more manageable to deal with.

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Facilities HCP

Los Angeles Omicron Resource Kit & List of COVID-19 Testing Centers

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Los Angeles Omicron Resource Kit & List of COVID-19 Testing Centers

COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles have spiked, due to the Omicron variant. At the time of writing, 21 deaths and over 10,000 cases were reported in Los Angeles County alone. This was a staggering 15% increase from the count on December 23. Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer projects that the daily case count could reach as high as 20,000, the way things are trending.

In response to these trends, Los Angeles County is expanding access to free, confidential COVID testing. In this article, we will go over where and how you can get free testing in the Los Angeles area.

COVID-19 testing centers in Los Angeles:

 

1. Union Station (East Side) Testing Site – Walk-up only, no appointment required

City of Los Angeles

811 N. Vignes Street

Los Angeles

2. Axis Clinical Trials 1636 – Drive-up only, by appointment

Axis Clinical Trials

1636 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles

3. Mexican Consulate – Walk-up only, no appointment required for COVID/Omicron testing

City of Los Angeles

2401 W 6th St

Los Angeles

4. Carbon Health – Echo Park – Walk-up only, appointment required

City of Los Angeles

2110 Sunset Blvd., Suite M, Suite M

Los Angeles

5. Lincoln Park – Walk-up only, no appointment required for COVID testing

City of Los Angeles

3501 Valley Blvd

Los Angeles

6. Anderson Munger YMCA – Pop-up testing site, walk-up only, no appointment required

County of Los Angeles

4301 West 3rd Street

Los Angeles

7. Poinsettia Recreation Center – Front Lawn – Pop-up site, walk-up only, appointment required for COVID Testing

County of Los Angeles

This is a pop-up testing site that travels to different communities.

7341 Willoughby Ave

Los Angeles

8. Via Care Community Health Center – Atlantic Blvd – Drive-in only, no appointment required

Via Care

507 S. Atlantic Blvd.

Los Angeles

9. CVS – Los Angeles – Drive-up only, appointment required for COVID/Omicron testing

CVS

5176 East Whittier Boulevard

Los Angeles

10. Hobart Elementary – KTPU Holiday Vaccination Fair – Pop-up site, walk-up only, appointment only

County of Los Angeles

980 S. Hobart Blvd.

Los Angeles

 
Complete list of COVID-19 testing centers in Los Angeles (267 centers)

Home testing options:

If you cannot reach any of the listed COVID testing centers in LA, you can avail of the newly relaunched Holiday Home Test Collection Program. County residents who are symptomatic or believe they were exposed can order a free home testing kit from Fulgent Genetics.

Users must sign up to the Picture by Fulgent Genetics website to have their kits shipped to their address (not a P.O. Box), via FedEx. On the same day they receive the COVID testing kit, users should take their nasal samples and mail them back. You can do this either via a scheduled one-time Fed-Ex pick up, or drop box. Results will be available 48 hours after the sample reaches the lab.

COVID-19 vaccine centers in Los Angeles:

Even with regular testing, you still want extra protection from the virus. Luckily, California provides free vaccinations for citizens aged 5 and older. While this can vary, you also do not need an appointment for many vaccination centers. For a complete list of LA vaccination centers, you can refer to this official site.

Symptoms of the new COVID Variant “Omicron”

While the virus is still being studied closely, there are a couple recurring symptoms of the Omicron variant that are worth noting. Across many cases, “common-cold” like symptoms along with fatigue are the frequently-found. Notably, classic COVID-19 symptoms like loss of taste or tremendous shortness of breath were not as common. Newer symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite further distinguish the Omicron strain.

Predictably, case severity frequently hinged on vaccination status. For fully-vaccinated individuals with their booster shots, symptoms were mild. “Lots of sore throat (…) some fatigue, maybe some muscle pain. No difficulty of breathing, No shortness of breath. Mostly fine” specified Craig Spencer, Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at Columbia Medicine.

Patients fully vaccinated with Moderna/Pfizer but not boosted experienced similar but slightly stronger symptoms. Unboosted J&J patients “felt terrible” with fever, fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath, but they didn’t need hospitalization or oxygen. Only unvaccinated patients displayed profound shortness of breath, as “they needed oxygen just to walk regularly.”

Frequently asked questions on OMICRON variant:

How severe is Omicron?

Currently, we cannot pinpoint how dangerous this strain really is. While a couple key patterns have been recognized, symptoms of the Omicron variant are inconsistent. Reinfections, breakthrough infections in the vaccinated, and deadlier cases are a possibility, but the data is too limited and it is far too early to make any strong conclusions.

Does vaccination work against Omicron?

As mentioned earlier, Omicron cases are milder for vaccinated individuals compared to previous strains. While a breakthrough case is possible, early signs are encouraging.

What can I do to prevent Omicron?

So far, pre-existing COVID-19 measures have still been shown to be effective. Along with vaccination, wearing a mask in high-density public settings is still strongly recommended by the CDC. COVID testing before going to populous gatherings or travel is another excellent preventative measure. Provided that one remains vigilant, they can protect themselves from Omicron to the best of their abilities.

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Facilities HCP

Everything you need to know about LNAs(Licensed Nursing Assistant)

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Everything you need to know about LNAs(Licensed Nursing Assistant)

Licensed nursing assistants (LNA) play a vital role in the healthcare industry. Under the supervision of nurses, they are responsible for providing essential services to patients, throughout their shift. What exactly does an LNA do, in a single shift? And what exactly is the difference between LNA nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA)? Read on to learn about nursing assistants, how to become an LNA and more.

Tasks and responsibilities of Licensed Nurse Assistants

Though an “entry level position,” LNA work is uniquely demanding on multiple levels. Under the watchful eye of a registered nurse and other qualified staff, you will be providing basic care to a number of patients at any given day. This includes (but is not limited to) turning and moving them from room to room, feeding them and dressing them. You will also be expected to clean their rooms and replace the bed linens, to ensure a hygienic patient environment. Throughout the day, you have to monitor your patient’s condition by reading vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate. LNAs are expected to document any changes they observe, before submitting said documentation to their supervisors, who will make the appropriate changes to their care plans. There is also an emotional dimension to care work that is essential for holistic healing. Hospitalization can be an isolating, and grueling experience for the patients. LNAs have to provide them with emotional support and company throughout the process.

Job requirements of LNAs

Compared to other medical professions, becoming an LNA is not as demanding or costly. Specific educational requirements will depend on your area’s State Board of Nursing, but most LNAs have to finish a state-approved LNA job training program. This LNA requirement will only take 4 to 8 weeks to complete, and will teach you the basic medical skills and ethics of the profession. Most of these programs will require at least a high school diploma from you, although some will also ask for a criminal background check.

After you finish training, you may need to take a competency exam and a background check for certification. Most states use the NNAAP or National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, which is divided into written and oral sections. Other tests could even have demonstrative sections, depending on where you live. Before anything else, you want to consult your training program to find both the format of your exam and relevant learning resources. Once you pass the test, you will acquire certification and either the Licensed Nursing Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant title. There is no functional difference between the two– while most states opt for the former, states like Rhode Island refer to their nursing assistants as LNA nurses.

Location

LNAs can be found in a number of different facilities:
Nursing care facilities – 34%
Hospitals – 32%
Continuing care retirement facilities – 10%
Home healthcare services – 6%
Government – 4%

This draws from a Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) census of 1.3 million nursing assistants held in 2021. Nursing care facilities are the most common place-of-work for LNAs, while hospitals are a close second. Though there are LNAs in government facilities and home healthcare, it is far less common.

Outlook

LNA employment looks to be trending upwards, in the coming years. According to the BLS, the profession is set to grow 5% between 2021 to 2031, which is in line with the average growth rate for most occupations. In practice, this translates to 220,200 annual job openings within that time span. With healthcare workers retiring in droves in the coming years, new CNAs will be in demand to fill these vacancies. Aging populations with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease will also require LNAs to look after them as they age.

Salary of LNAs

As for salary, nursing assistants were reported to earn around $30,290 per year or $14.56 per hour. It is important to keep in mind that this figure is not a constant. Your LNA salary will ultimately be determined by your work experience, location, facility and any additional qualifications. On average, you will be earning less than registered nurses or other nursing counterparts. If you want to increase your earning potential even further, then you want to sign with VitaWerks. By securing the best rates in your area, LNA nurses could have the potential to earn more than their fully-salaried counterparts.You can save money for further education down the line, or you can live happily and comfortably as an LNA–ultimately, the choice is yours.

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HCP Facilities

HCP of the Month October 2022 – Priscilla

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

HCP of the Month October 2022 – Priscilla

VitaWerks is partnered with hundreds of the best HCPs in all of America. We are proud to support and empower the nation’s finest with our staffing services, AI matchmaking, and market-leading rates. Every month, we take the time to highlight the achievements and stories of some of the most exceptional healthcare professionals we have ever worked with.

This October, we are extremely excited to name Priscilla as our HCP of the month. Reliable, flexible, and hardworking. Whenever she goes and whoever she works with, supervisors, co-workers and patients alike will tell you all the same things. Even compared to her peers, she approaches her job with unparalleled thoroughness and attention to detail, without sacrificing timeliness. Several of our partnered facilities have praised her for her schedule flexibility, punctuality, and willingness to accept any challenge.

What drives her to put in this extra effort? Like any great HCP, Priscilla is deeply motivated by a strong desire to help people in need. “Whenever I am on the clock, I want to make sure (my patients) are receiving the best healthcare available to them. I never want to settle for “good enough,” “ she explained.

Even in her free time, Prsicilla’s desire to help others shines through. You can find her teaching young children and relatives. We do not doubt that she would have been a great teacher if she was not already an excellent HCP! On other occasions, she is also known to love driving around town, by herself, or with a friend. Whenever she needs to clear her mind or enjoy new sites and experiences, a cruise across the surrounding area is her perfect remedy.

Passion in healthcare is an unquantifiable quality. At the same time, it is extremely easy to recognize when an HCP possesses it. Healthcare professionals that truly love their jobs are irreplaceable, in any facility setting. They brighten the days of the patients they care for. They energize and motivate the HCPs that they work with. HCPs like her are why VitaWerks goes above and beyond, to provide the best staffing services available.

VitaWerks is proud to provide a platform that supports outstanding healthcare providers like Priscilla. For the work and extra effort they provide, the least we can do is empower them with better career opportunities and earning potential. “(VitaWerks) is always easy to work with and quick to reply to. Working with them has been a great experience,” she exclaimed.

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Facilities HCP

Nurse Shortage Solutions by States, Schools and Facilities

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Nurse Shortage Solutions by States, Schools and Facilities

Nurses are the lifeblood of any hospital or facility. Quality healthcare is not possible without a staff of well-trained, satisfied nurses working under each unit. This is why the nursing shortage has seriously handicapped the healthcare industry. Between an aging workforce and pandemic-related burnout, nursing turnover is rising at unprecedented rates. In 2021 alone, the national RN turnover rates rose by 8.1%, bringing up the national average to 27.1%. The American Nurses Association (ANA) projects that at least 275,000 additional nurses will be needed from 2020 to 2030, in order to cover for these departures.

If left unaddressed, facilities will begin to buckle under the weight of mounting case counts and short staffed units. This is why state governments, schools and facilities have begun initiatives to curb these nurse shortages. Different organizations have different approaches to the situation, but the success of these programs will be important to the future of nursing, both immediate and long term. This article will highlight a handful of the most prominent solutions, thus far.

State funding for facilities

State governments across the country are allocating funds to tackle these nurse shortages head-on. Where and how the money is allocated will depend on the state in question. Some states are funneling these funds directly to facilities in the area. For example, the Arizona government allocated $85,000,000 for staffing and overtime expenses. Oregon secured $318 million in federal funding to support nurses in the 2023 fiscal year. Some of these funds will be directed to maternal child programs to increase access to community health centers.

Travel nurses

Travel nursing is a more immediate solution to the staffing problem. States have allocated billions of dollars to travel nurse agencies, in order to fill key hospital vacancies as soon as possible. Texas allocated as much as $7 billion dollars of federal funds towards these temporary nurses, while Alabama spent $12.3 million. Facilities are even pushing legislation that would expand their travel nurse pool. In New York and Illinois, lawmakers are working on potentially opting into the Nursing Licensure Compact. In effect, this would allow out-of-state nurses to pick up travel nurse shifts in NYC.

Expanding and developing educational programs

Hospitals will need a steady pipeline of well-trained and properly educated nurses, in order to combat these staffing shortages. This is why nursing education and its development is a major focal point, with many of these initiatives. In South Carolina, the Lexington Medical Center and the University of South Carolina collaborated to build nursing simulations and teaching spaces in the former, for better and more rigorous training. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and City Colleges of Chicago’s Malcolm X College have collaborated to form an accelerated dual program that lets students earn their Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) in the latter, and their Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) in the former. As far back as 2018, Montana State University was granted $700,000 in order to recruit and train nursing students. Several schools are even expanding their nurse education offerings, to provide more options for aspiring students. St. John’s University in New York and Dallas College in Texas are expanding to include BSN programs. At the time of writing, Arizona is also working on legislation that would devote $15 million towards the Nurse Education Investment Pilot Program, which would fund nursing colleges and universities in the area. Hospitals in the area are also working towards expanding current preceptor training programs, in order to accommodate more clinical rotations for nursing students.

More scholarship initiatives

Currently, one of the biggest barriers to entry for nurse education is the cost. BSN programs alone would cost you at least $40,000 and up to $80,000 or even $100,000. This is why numerous nursing schools across the country have expanded their scholarship offerings. In New York, SUNY Erie Community College and Erie County Medical Center are offering over $1,500 in annual scholarships to over 50 students. Healthcare facilities in Texas have begun collaborating with each other to provide free nursing programs and scholarships. Together with the Texas Nurses Association, they are even offering faculty loan repayment programs. In South Carolina, the Self Regional Healthcare Hospital created a new scholarship program for finding and developing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). Not only do they reimburse the student’s educational expenses, they also provide employment opportunities and training for them following graduation. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)’s detailed nurse shortage initiative includes an emphasis on increasing both the number and scale of nurse scholarship and financial aid opportunities in the area.

Increased pay

To better retain talented nurses, various organizations have devoted their efforts towards increased salaries across the board. The previously-mentioned shortage initiative by the ONA also stresses the importance of raising the base pay for HCPs. Alabama Baptist Universities have dedicated funds towards increasing nurse salaries in-state, as well as financial incentives for nurses taking their Master of Science In Nursing (MSN) to become educators. Hospitals in Florida are not only increasing salaries, they are also providing hefty sign-on bonuses to attract and retain potential nursing hires. Illinois lawmakers have dedicated funds to nursing home facilities, in order to increase the wages for HCPs.

Scratching the Surface

We have covered a number of different initiatives from various hospitals, schools and state governments across the country. Some of these measures seek to address the nursing shortage immediately, while others are investing in the future of nursing years down the line. In truth, a balance must be struck if we want to secure the future of healthcare.. If states only allocated funds for nursing programs, it does nothing to address the current workforce shortage and vice versa. The nursing shortage is a complex, multifaceted issue that requires different angles of attack

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Facilities HCP

NFID Survey Reveals that Most Adults Wish To Opt out of the Flu Vaccine

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

NFID Survey Reveals that Most Adults Wish To Opt out of the Flu Vaccine

In a survey held by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), it was revealed that just 49% of US adults intended to get their shots before the flu season from 2022 to 2023. The remaining 41% were either undecided or planned to refuse vaccination outright. This is despite 69% of correspondents agreeing that flu vaccinations were the best way to avoid medical complications or deaths related to the flu. Why are people expressing more skepticism regarding the flu vaccine? The survey’s more specific figures shine a light on this shift in perception.

Among respondents who did not want to take the vaccine, the NFID found two main trends. Some were unconcerned– 28% expressed confidence that they would never get the flu, while 20% thought that the flu was not especially serious. The remaining respondents were primarily motivated by skepticism regarding the vaccine. 41% of them expressed doubts about the shot’s efficacy, 39% were worried about potential side effects, while 24% went as far as to claim that the vaccine caused flu. Most worryingly of all, 1 and 5 of these respondents were more susceptible to complications related to the flu, yet they still did not plan to take their shots.

While this sudden shift could be attributed to several factors, the pandemic and COVID vaccination could explain a great deal. Per the NFID, American adults, by and large, are concerned about the safety of having their COVID and flu vaccinations at the same time. Among respondents who tested positive for COVID, 36% of them would opt into receiving both shots at the same time, if offered. 41% outright refused, while the remaining 23% were on the fence. It is also possible that widespread anti-COVID vaccine beliefs are to blame for some of these trends, as well. . In an interview with CNBC, Professor Liam Smeeth from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine expressed concerns that COVID hesitancy could feed into broader anti-vaccine sentiments. “I’m concerned it’s making people think: ‘oh, well, maybe the measles vaccine isn’t great either, and maybe these other vaccines aren’t great,” he elaborated.

Flu vaccines are a modern medical miracle. The effectiveness of flu vaccines can vary, depending on particular strains, but they typically provide around 40 to 60% effectiveness. Even when someone catches the flu, vaccination severely decreases the severity of the illness and the risk of further complications. This is especially important for people with autoimmune issues who would be put at risk if exposed to the flu. With many rare exceptions, it is generally recommended that people take their shots before the flu season. Ultimately, it is up to HCPs on all levels to educate the public on vaccines, their effectiveness, and their safety. Only then can these concerning trends be addressed, head on.

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Facilities HCP

5 Mental Health Care Tips for Nurses Around the Holiday Season

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

5 Mental Health Care Tips for Nurses Around the Holiday Season

The holiday season should be a joyous, albeit hectic time. It conjures images of gift giving, family gatherings and large extravagant celebrations held under a gentle snowfall. Unfortunately for nurses, health issues and hospital operations rarely have off days. Since anyone can get sick at any moment,  a day off on Christmas or especially Christmas eve is not a given for any nurse. You either have to plan around your PTOs and shifts for a smooth holiday experience, or work through the Christmas season completely. All this can put a damper on your mood, which is the last thing you want on the Holidays. That is why we have compiled a list of advice regarding mental health for nurses, this holiday season. Everyone deserves a happy holiday, most of all the healthcare heroes who have already sacrificed so much. 

Find compromises whenever you can 

This is a case where advanced planning pays off. You never know how much PTO you will have by the holiday season, considering just how much things can happen within a calendar year. Even before November or December, try seeing if you can work out a deal with your superiors and supervisors for some time off on the holidays. You even could tell them that you will make up for shifts at a later date, if that would help things. even a short time with your loved ones in the holidays is time well spent. 

If you cannot come to an agreement, then you can try making compromises with your family. Hospitals are more likely to concede time off a week before, or after the holiday, since less nurses will be out on those days. Ask your family members if you could hold a belated or advanced holiday celebration with this in mind. Some of the holiday luster may be lost, but that is nothing compared to the time spent with your family. 

Bring the holiday spirit with you, no matter where you go 

No matter how hard you plan, there is a good chance that you will be working in the holiday season. Even still, it is important to remember that you are not alone. The patients you are tending to certainly had other plans that were likely derailed suddenly, and dramatically. Hospitalization can be an isolating and depressing experience, which are the last words you would want to use to describe your Christmas. Caring for a patient’s mental health is part of a nurse’s role, even if it is not their speciality.

You do not need to bring decorations or sing Christmas jingles (though if the mood calls for it, then go ahead.) Simply treating a patient with extra care and kindness this holiday season can go a long way. Strength can be found in solidarity, and bringing the holiday spirit into the workplace may be what you both need

Plan to the best of your abilities

It is one of the holiday’s greatest contradictions: a time of joy and relaxation can also be a hectic whirlwind for everyone involved. On top of your nursing obligations, you may find yourself planning around several different gatherings, parties and get-togethers during the holiday season. This is doubly so for parents who have to plan for gifts for their children, on top of all the other obligations involved. We all have our limits, especially nurses who do not operate on much time. Planning your holiday itinerary well in advance is a great mental health care tip for nurses, this winter season.

You may need to make some difficult decisions, since no one can attend every Christmas party they are invited to (although you are welcome to try.) As long as you choose the activities that are most important to you, you should be golden. 

Stick to a healthy lifestyle 

Mental health tip of the day: do not forget to eat healthy! In the midst of the holiday rush, it is easy to forget your diet. It is common for nurses to either overeat out of stress or forget their meals at all, as they work another long shift. It is crucial to remember that the body and the mind are deeply interconnected. When you feel healthier physically, your mental health will improve as well. Preparing meals well in advance that you can eat at home is a great way to avoid temptation, for example. Stocking your fridge with healthy-freezer friendly meals like veggie-based shepherd’s pie or lentil soups lets you enjoy ready-made healthy delights at any time. If they are available in your area, there are health-based subscription services who can provide you with ready made or easy-to-make nutritious meals. It will take some extra effort, it can be done.

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Facilities HCP

HCP of the Month November 2022 – Alexandria

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

HCP of the Month November 2022 – Alexandria

Season’s greetings to all our healthcare heroes! We know that many of you are still picking up shifts, even as the holidays ramp up. Healthcare has no off days, and we thank you for your perseverance and hard work. Just like we do each month, we are here to highlight the efforts and stories of one of the exceptional HCPs who pick shifts up with VitaWerks.

In the spirit of the holiday season, VitaWerks is proud to name Alexandria our HCP of the Month! Starting her career as an EMT, she eventually became a paramedic and then a caregiver. As she gained experience, her unwavering passion for caregiving only continued to blossom further. This affection for her work was so powerful that it motivated her to become a CNA. At the time of writing, she is taking the necessary steps to become a full-time Registered Nurse.

Anyone who has worked with her will tell you about her love for her job. Alexandria’s passion for caregiving is as powerful as it is immediately apparent. One patient had nothing but kind things to say about her care services, during a difficult rehab process. “ She was nothing short of extraordinary.” they detailed. “Every step of the way, she was approachable, professional, and attentive. No matter how difficult things got, she made my stay considerably more bearable.” From her fellow workers to other patients, you will find nothing but the highest praise for her.

They say adversity will often reveal a person’s true character. No matter how hard or inconvenient her tasks are, Alexandria takes them on with a smile on her face and a pep in her step. In the end, it is all worth it as long as she can provide crucial care and support to patients in need. The future of healthcare will depend on HCPs like her. If many graduate nurses are a fraction as driven and personable, then healthcare facilities will be in a good place. “I love spending time with patients,” she proclaimed. “I love hearing their stories or providing them with the love they sorely need. Their smiles and laughter never get old. Every day I wake up, I get excited to work with VitaWerks yet again.”

In return, VitaWerks has done its best to empower Alexandria. Caregivers like her deserve nothing less than the highest rates in their area, with the best facilities. Thank you Alexandra for allowing us to share your story

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