Category: HCP

HCP will run into many patients struggling with some form of substance abuse. This is especially the case with HCPs working in treatment facilities, but even hospitals or physician’s offices see their fair share of afflicted patients. As an HCP, you will be expected to provide medical and emotional intervention for these affected parties. This article will show you just how much substance abuse affects the American population, and how HCPs can effectively address it.

What is substance abuse? 

Before we proceed, it pays to define what substance abuse actually is. The American Society of Addiction describes addiction as “a treatable and chronic medical disease that involves complex interactions between an individual’s background, their genetics, the environment of their upbringing and the makeup of their brain.” Going further, they describe how addicted individuals end up behaving in a compulsory way; Despite all the potential consequences, they find themselves unable to stop indulging in their addictions. 

Meanwhile, Harvard defines addiction as a codependence on chemical substances. People initially start using these substances out of pleasure, but eventually they experience withdrawal, which are unpleasant symptoms that arise from not using the substance after a period of time. When someone is “addicted,” they end up continuing to take these substances to stave off withdrawal, rather than to feel good. Substances that are potentially addictive include:

• Alcohol
• Cocaine, methamphetamines and other illegal substances
• Marijuana
• Prescription medication (OxyContin, Xanax, Valium, etc) 

Why does substance abuse develop? 

Harvard cites a number of reasons why substance abuse can develop. In some cases, people simply have weaker resistances. Some people can end up addicted easier than others, who intake around the same amount but can remain sober. 

Substance abuse can also be a product of the environment. People subject to abuse, unfavorable living conditions, or a stressful line of work often turn to addictive substances for comfort or a momentary respite. It has also been found to be hereditary. The children of addict parents are more likely to develop addictions, compared to other people. Addictions can potentially affect anyone, from any standing in life or background. 

How serious is the addiction problem?

In 2020, The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics shared alarming statistics regarding substance abuse in America. When it was written, there were 700,000+ drug-related deaths in America from 2000 to 2020. 13% of Americans 12 and above have used drugs within the last month that the findings were released. Of the 135.522 million Americans (aged 12 and above) to have drank alcohol, 20.4 percent of them have developed addictions to alcoholic substances. 

With regards to drug abuse, the situation is no less concerning. It was found that 59.277 million people have misused prescription medications or taken illegal drugs. For reference, this is 21.7% of people from this demographic. 25.4% of people who use illegal drugs have a drug disorder while 24.7% have an opium disorder stemming from prescription medication. On a related note, 57.277 million people were found to regularly use tobacco and other nicotine-based products. 

What can HCPs do in this situation? 

Substance abuse remains a serious issue that afflicts millions of Americans, every day. It is also an extremely sensitive topic, as some patients do not want to admit they are addicted, or are hesitant to open up. To properly care for patients struggling with these conditions, HCPs need to adopt the right mindset and approach. 

Recognize symptoms of addiction

You cannot take your patient’s word for it, everytime. Good HCPs can recognize signs of withdrawal at an early stage, before performing the correct interventions. Withdrawal symptoms can vary based on age, prior medical history, the substance they are addicted to, and more. Generally speaking, a number of common withdrawal symptoms include (but are not limited to): 

• Insomnia
• Hallucinations
• Anxiety
• Random pains and aches 
• Fatigue 
• Sweating and shaking
• Volatile mood swings
• Depression
• Disorientation/confusion
• Vomiting, nausea
• Diarrhea 

Point to relevant resources

An HCP cannot look after their patient 24/7. Recovering from addiction is a struggle that patients must bear, everyday. HCPs can help by providing helpful resources or programs available that are accessible to them. Examples include therapists, inpatient substance abuse treatment plans, crisis hotlines, and a number of other mental health providers. Consider a patient’s situation, disposition and specific needs, before you refer them to these options.

Be patient and empathetic 

Patients struggling with addiction are going through a sensitive time. Because of that label, they can end up embarrassed or shunned by their peers. As was mentioned earlier, some patients attempt to hide their addiction to “spare themselves the humiliation.” As an HCP, building trust is everything. Without it, patients will not share important information to improve care plans, or allow you to care for them at all.

To create that touchpoint, you need to be sensitive, patient, and empathetic. You need to communicate clearly the current situation and treatment options, while considering any concerns that may arise. You need to be respectful and deliberate with your tone, as you support them along this difficult journey. By fostering an environment of kindness, patients eventually become more open to the healing process. 

CNAs have to periodically renew their license, if they want to continue working in healthcare. HCPs are asked to keep their credentials updated, in order to stay sharp and updated with best practices. Every state has a different set of renewal requirements, however, and California is not an exception. For your convenience, we have made this CNA license renewal guide to ensure a hassle free renewal process. 

Figure Out the Renewal Period 

CNA license renewal in CA must be done every two years. To avoid getting caught off guard, create an account on the official BreEZe portal. Not only will you receive a notification three months before your license expires, you can renew your license online. 

Fulfill Renewal Requirements 

Befoe you file your application, you have to complete a number of nursing license renewal requirements. First, you must complete 48 hours of in-service training and continuing education. Only 24 of these hours can be finished via remote learning programs. Online or in-person, this education can only be completed under a course and provider approved by the California Board of Nursing. 

You also need to work a number of salaried CNA hours, under a licensed HCP supervisor. This has to have taken place within the two year renewal period.

Finally, you need to submit a maintained criminal record clearance for CNA work. 

Apply for online licensure renewal 

Through the official BreEZe online portal, you can submit your CNA license renewal application online.  For any clarifications, you can refer to the official BreEZe guide here. 

To quickly summarize: register your certificate information, to create a BreEZe account.  From the Quick Start Menu, go to the Licensed Activities Section and hover over “it’s time to renew.” If your License is within 90 days of expiration, you can click “Select.” Read the Renewal Introduction carefully, as it contains the requirements and other vital information, before clicking “next.” Be sure to answer all the questions correctly, and fill all forms with updated information. 

Once you have completed your application, you can click “proceed to payment.” Take note that expired CNA license renewal will incur additional fees. 

Contact information 

If you have more questions, you can refer to the official California Board of Nursing Site, over here. Alternate channels of communication include:  

Mail Address:

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

Phone Number: 916-322-3350

Address: 

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

 

To continue practicing, LVNs must be diligent with their license renewals. Though every state requires periodical renewals, each state has a set of requirements. California is no exception in this regard, and LVNs based in the Golden State must comply with their process. For a hassle-free renewal, this guide will show you everything you need to know about LVN license renewal in California.

Figure Out the Renewal Period 

Initially, your LVN license is valid for two birthdays. The license expires at the last day of the month following your birthday. Moving forward, you will need to renew your license every two years. Register to official BreEZe portal to receive a notification three months before your license is set to expire. Setting up your account also lets you apply for renewal online. 

Fulfill Renewal Requirements 

LVNs must complete a set of state-specific LVN license renewal requirements before they apply. To start,  30 contact hours of continuing education must be fulfilled. To be recognized, the course and provider need to be accredited by the California Board of Nursing. You do not need to fulfill this requirement for your first renewal period.

LVNs also have to send a full set of fingerprints to the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Note that this only applies to LVNs licensed before January 1, 1998, or no longer have record for their full fingerprint submissions. 

Last but not least, LVNs have to report whether or not their license was disciplined, or they were convicted or pleaded guilty to any crime in any territory. For HCPs with a clean criminal record, fulfilling this should be no problem at all. 

Apply for online licensure renewal 

Most states have moved their LVN license renewal processes online, and California is no exception. With your account on  the official BreEZe online portal, you can send your renewal application online.  For any clarifications, you can refer to the official BreEZe guide here. 

To quickly summarize: register your certificate information, to create a BreEZe account.  From the Quick Start Menu, go to the Licensed Activities Section and hover over “it’s time to renew.” If your License is within 90 days of expiration, you can click “Select.” Read the Renewal Introduction carefully, as it contains the requirements and other vital information, before clicking “next.” Be sure to answer all the questions correctly, and fill all forms with updated information. 

Once you have completed your application, you can click “proceed to payment.” Right now, LVN renewal cost sits at $305. Renewals past the expiration date will incur added costs. 

Contact information 

If you have more questions, you can refer to the official California Board of Nursing Site, over here. Alternate channels of communication include:  

Mail Address:

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

Phone Number: 916-322-3350

Address: 

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

It is important to stay on top of your license renewal requirements.  HCPs need to keep their licenses up to date, to ensure they remain sharp and updated with best practices in healthcare. Every state has a different renewal process and California is no exception. For RNs who want to continue practicing without a hitch, this guide will show you how to renew your California RN license.. 

Figure Out the Renewal Period 

For the first licensure period, your California RN License will last for two birthdays. Your license expires on the last day of the month following your birth date. After this, California RN license renewal time is set once every two years. Well in advance, make sure to register to the official BreEZe portal. Not only will it let you apply for a renewal online, but it also notifies you about your license’s expiration three months in advance.

Fulfill Renewal Requirements 

Before anything else, you must complete a number of RN renewal requirements for California’s nursing board. For starters, you must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education. Be sure that your continuing education course and provider are approved by the state, otherwise you are just wasting your time. This requirement is waived for the first two years but must be fulfilled in every subsequent renewal period. 

If you are renewing an active license, then you have to submit a full set of fingerprints to the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This step can be skipped if you are attempting to renew an inactive license. If you fail to fulfill this requirement, then this could be grounds for further punishment. 

Finally, you have to report every instance of your license being disciplined. You also have to confess if you have been convicted for crimes within the US, abroad or in military court. 

Apply for online licensure renewal 

Once you have fulfilled all your renewal requirements, you can finally proceed with your application for RN license renewal in CA. Once you register to the official BreEZe online portal, the bulk of this process can be completed online. In general, license renewal applications have shifted to digital, and California is no exception. In case there is any confusion, the California government has laid out  an official guide for renewing through BreEZe. 

As a quick summary; first register your RN information on BreEZe, if you have not already.  From the Quick Start Menu, go to the Licensed Activities Section and hover over “it’s time to renew.” If your License is within 90 days of expiration, you can click “Select.” Read the Renewal Introduction carefully, as it contains the requirements and other vital information, before clicking “next.” Be sure to answer all the questions correctly, and fill all forms with updated information. 

Once you have completed your application, you can click “proceed to payment.” Fees will differ based on your HCP profession. Currently, the California RN License renewal fee in 2022 is $190. If you are renewing past the expiration date, expect to cover for additional fees. 

Contact information 

For further clarifications regarding RN License renewal in California, refer to the California Board of Nursing’s official website here. You can also contact them through their official channels:  

Mail Address:

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

Phone Number: 916-322-3350

Address: 

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

 

California is an attractive destination for the best HCPs in the country, and it is not hard to see why. As the most populous state (around 39.2), demand for healthcare is sky high and will only grow in the coming years. As a result, HCPs enjoy high employment rates and some of the best healthcare salaries in the country. No RN, CN or LVN can sit on their laurels, however, and California-based nurses are no exception. You will be expected to periodically renew your license. Like every other state, California has its own unique renewal process and requirements. To help you out with your next renewal, we have laid out a step-by-step guide for nurse license renewal in the Golden State. 

Renewing your HCP License 

Keep track of the renewal period

Before you prepare for license renewal, you need to know when your license will expire. Although you will receive a notice three months before your license expires, you want to complete your requirements well in advance. When your RN and LVN licenses are first given, it will be valid for two birthdays and expires on the final day of the month following your birthday. After that, the renewal period changes to once every two years. CNAs meanwhile, renew every two years from the start. 

Fulfill your continuing education requirements 

Before you can renew your license, the state nursing board requires you to finish a certain number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs.) This is to ensure that HCPs remain updated and informed about an ever changing healthcare landscape that is constantly changing. Different levels of HCP have different requirements. Both RNs and LVNs require at least 30 contact hours of continuing education from a state-approved program and provider. This requirement is waived for the first two-year renewal period. Meanwhile, CNAs will be made to finish 48 hours of continuing education and in-service training. During that renewal period, you also need to log salaried CNA hours under a qualified supervising HCP. 

Apply for online licensure renewal 

Nowadays, the HCP renewal process has become digitized, nationwide. Healthcare heroes can now apply for nursing license renewal online from the comfort of their own houses, and California’s HCPs are no exception. If the process is confusing for you, then the California Government has created an official guide for the online application process. 

For a quick summary: you want to register and log in to the government’s official BreEZe online portal.  From the Quick Start Menu, go to the Licensed Activities Section and hover over “it’s time to renew.” If your License is within 90 days of expiration, you can click “Select.” Read the Renewal Introduction carefully, as it contains the requirements and other vital information, before clicking “next.” Be sure to answer all the questions correctly, and fill all forms with updated information. 

Once you have completed your application, you can click “proceed to payment.” Fees will differ based on your HCP profession. At the time of writing, LVNs have to pay a $305 biennial renewal fee, while RNs pay $190 within the same period of time. If you are renewing past the expiration date, expect to cover for additional fees. 

Additional Information:

• How to Renew your CNA License in California
• How to Renew your RN License in California
• How to Renew your LVN License in California

Contact information 

If you need further clarification on how to renew your nurse license, you can refer to the official California Board of Nursing website here. If this does not suffice, you can contact the nurse board directly through the following channels: 

Mail Address:

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

Phone Number: 916-322-3350

Address: 

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

 

Certified Nursing Assistants are irreplaceable in any healthcare facility. They are entrusted with direct patient care, under the watchful eye of a supervising nurse. From bathing and dressing patients, to carrying them around, to providing emotional support, CNAs carry out basic yet essential healthcare duties. 

Though it is seen as an “entry level position,” the weight of its responsibilities should not be underestimated. It is common for new CNAs to struggle, in the beginning, and that is fine. It can take some time to acclimate yourself to the pressure and workflow of a healthcare setting, even as a “mere” CNA. With the right mindset and the tips listed below, you will thrive in your Nurse Aide role in no time whatsoever. 

Bring spare clothes with you

Healthcare work can get messy. From blood, to medications and more, your clean clothes might end up wet or stained at any moment by biohazardous materials. Bringing clean, dry spare clothes allows you to stay comfortable, if this ever happens. You can leave them in your backpack or your locker room, if your facility provides you with one. 

All this applies to your gloves as well. Your gloves are even more likely to get stained than your clothes, since you will be directly handling wet and/or biohazardous material with them. As long as you bring an extra pair of clean gloves with you, you should be fine.

Reach out to your patients

Direct patient care requires a lot of trust. Bathing, dressing, and personal grooming are sensitive and personal daily routines normally done in private. Moreover, hospitalization can be an intimidating and overwhelming process. It is the job for every CNA (and healthcare professional in general) to foster a welcoming environment for these patients. 

To the best of your capacity, try to forge a real (yet professional) connection with your patients. You can find a common ground by asking about any shared hobbies or interests you may have. Make it clear you are listening to them, and routinely ask them about their status or any concerns they may have. With this, patients will be far more comfortable and willing to provide useful patient information. 

Diligently report patient information 

CNAs are expected to document critical patient information, as they provide care. This allows the healthcare team to gain a better understanding of the patient’s status, and create a care plan tailored to their needs. Understandably, you can expect to write down a lot of patient reports during your time as a CNA. Be thorough with the notes you wire, but make sure you are only documenting relevant patient information. This includes notable medical history, any potential side effects to their medication or treatment plan, and more.

For new nurse aides, it is highly recommended that you download and print out a nursing report template. This lets you save time with the reports, as you only need to fill out the information in a premade form. There are a number of nursing report templates available online, so you just have to find the one that best suits your workplace. You can even ask your fellow CNAs if they have templates they are willing to share. 

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

You will be spending the bulk of your time on your feet, and moving about. If you are going to wear the same shoes for 12 hours, you might as well find a comfortable pair. There are a number of specialized nurse shoes that are slip resistant, waterproof, and easy to clean. Athletic shoes also work, since they are ready to take on the mileage of nursing work.  There are also clogs that boast the durability and comfort that every HCP needs.

The same applies for scrubs as well. As an HCP, your key concerns should be comfort, durability and stylishness. Of course, you want to make sure that the clothing material is light, and breathable. At the same time, you have to make sure it is durable enough for long shifts and machine wash/drying. Though technically optional, everyone feels better when they look good. You can find a sleek, form fitting set of scrubs that still falls in line with your company’s uniform policy .

Be open to learning

You are at the very beginning of your HCP journey. Even after years of training and education, there are some things you can only learn from firsthand experience. Instead of feeling discouraged by this, embrace the challenge. Take advantage of every opportunity you have, to learn on the job. You can look for a mentor, either with a nurse or another, more tenured CNA. They can provide actionable advice and can even help with training certain skills. If you are ever unsure about something, do not be afraid to ask questions.

Even outside of your shift, you should embrace this mentality. As we know, healthcare is constantly changing, with regards to best practices and technology. Try to find opportunities to attend seminars, conferences, or lectures regarding all the new developments of healthcare. If these are accredited and recognized by your State Nursing Board, these hours can even be counted in your Continuing Education requirements. 

Learn how to work in a team

As the old saying goes, no man is an island. To thrive in healthcare, CNAs need to learn how to work in a team setting. From Licensed Practical Nurses, to doctors, and even fellow CNAs, you will be collaborating with different people from various backgrounds and positions. Do your best to build a rapport with your team members while keeping things professional. This means getting to know them and even sharing lunch, but avoiding needless drama or gossip. 

Do not be afraid to ask for help, when needed. If your hands are full, do not be afraid to ask a fellow CNA for help, in completing your tasks for the day. This cannot be a one way exchange, either. If they or any other team member asks for help, you should be willing to lend a helping hand every now and then. If your workload is truly at capacity, politely turn them down but promise that you will help them some other time. As with all things, it is all about striking a balance.

Nursing is a fast-growing profession. Widespread shortages and turnover have led to steadily increasing demand. An “average” annual employment growth rate of 6% is accompanied by a projected 203,000 new RN openings per year. No doubt, nurses will be highly sought after and well compensated for years to come. The field has gained so much popularity that many have sought to pursue it as a second career. Even individuals in the middle of different career paths have chosen to dip their toes in healthcare. To learn how or why you should pursue nursing as a second career, read on.

How can I become a nurse now? 

You may be asking yourself this question: is it too late for me to become a nurse, Luckily, the answer is a resounding no. Nursing schools have provided a variety of flexible educational opportunities for individuals looking to jumpstart their HCP careers later in life. Although there are more options than ever, you still need to put the work in to get up to speed. 

There are two main routes to becoming a registered nurse: an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The former is quicker and lets you become an RN in two years. For context, a full BSN program takes around 4. The tradeoff is the prestige and extra weight of a BSN. Your additional education and training will make you a more attractive candidate by default. Without fail, healthcare employers will prioritize BSN RNs over ADN RNs.

If you already have a bachelor’s degree, you can apply for an Accelerated BSN program that only takes 2 years. Just keep in mind that the curriculum is extremely compressed and highly demanding. This is the quickest way to pivot into RN work, from another field. After you graduate, you have to pass a standardized certification exam known as the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This ensures that all certified RNs meet the national requirements for skill, knowledge, and competence before they enter the workforce. 

There are also RN-to-BSN Bridge Programs for ADN RNs who want to improve their education. These only take one to two years to complete, and you can more easily maintain your clinical job while you study. 

How do I pursue education if I have a second job? 

Juggling the work you already have with additional study can be difficult. Accelerated BSN programs in particular can be incredibly challenging. Luckily, the modern-day student has a variety of online options at their fingertips. There are accredited online versions of every RN program type available. It will still be challenging, but the remote setup affords flexibility for working students. 

Depending on where you enroll, you may also find the option to complete course material at your own pace (although this will make it slower to complete your course.) If you have the bandwidth, you can also opt into evening or weekend classes, to better accommodate for your work schedule. Just keep in mind that you still have to fulfill skills tests and clinical rotations in person. 

You also want to look into employment support and tuition reimbursement. Some RN programs can get expensive, and not everyone has the resources to afford them immediately. Academic institutions in particular may offer a certain amount of credits for every hour worked. Just keep in mind that not every workplace offers these services. 

Go out there 

Pursuing nursing as a second career is not an easy business. It takes fortitude, dedication, and diligence to maintain your studies and your previous professional obligations. With enough determination, however, it is not impossible. Provided that you understand what you are getting yourself into, you will eventually get to where you want to be. Nursing is a challenging business, but it is an exciting and constantly evolving field. Moreover, it allows you to affect the lives of others in a direct, meaningful way. It may be a challenge, but no other job compares.