Category: Uncategorized

Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) fulfill a vital function within the healthcare system by offering indispensable aid to patients and nursing personnel. Their commitment and empathy are pivotal in enhancing the welfare of those entrusted to their care.

This article delves into a typical day experienced by Licensed Nursing Assistants, touching upon their varied responsibilities and the salary they earn, while also highlighting their significant influence on the healthcare sector

What It’s Like to be a Licensed Nursing Assistant

Morning routine

Licensed Nursing Assistants typically commence their day early, arriving at the healthcare establishment, whether it’s a hospital, nursing home, or assisted living facility. Upon arrival, they prepare for their shift by liaising with the nursing team. This may involve receiving a briefing from the preceding shift, which outlines patient statuses, modifications to treatment protocols, and any pertinent directives for the day.

Care for patients

A key duty of Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) is to deliver hands-on care to patients. This includes aiding individuals with activities essential for daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

LNAs collaborate closely with patients who have restricted mobility or need aid because of illness or injury. Their compassionate and empathetic demeanor fosters a reassuring and supportive atmosphere for those they attend to.

Monitoring vital signs

Throughout their shift, LNAs regularly assess and document vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, and respiratory rate.

This monitoring is essential for evaluating a patient’s general well-being and detecting any indications of deterioration or progress.

LNAs collaborate with the nursing staff to guarantee that patients receive the necessary standard of care.

Supporting mobility

Preserving mobility is crucial for a patient’s holistic health. LNAs aid in repositioning and turning bedridden individuals to prevent bedsores and enhance circulation. Additionally, they support patients in performing physical therapy exercises as prescribed by healthcare providers, thereby facilitating the rehabilitation journey.

Meal assistance

Licensed Nursing Assistants fulfill a crucial role in guaranteeing patients’ nutritional needs are met. They support with meal preparation, feeding, and overseeing dietary intake. 

This facet of their responsibilities encompasses more than just physical sustenance; it also offers a chance for social engagement and emotional encouragement.

Communication and cooperative efforts

In the healthcare environment, effective communication is of utmost importance. LNAs consistently engage in communication with patients, their families, and the nursing team to ensure a holistic approach to care.

They promptly report any alterations in a patient’s condition and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to attend to evolving requirements.

End-of-shift responsibilities

As the day nears its end, LNAs might aid in facilitating the evening regimen, ensuring patients’ comfort and readiness for the night ahead.

They may also document their observations and tasks, fostering continuity of care. Prior to departing, LNAs typically pass on duties to the succeeding shift, furnishing a comprehensive update on the status of each patient.

Salary of licensed nursing assistants in the USA

The average annual salary for a licensed nursing assistant job in the USA is approximately $35,740, equating to around $17.18 per hour. However, this figure can vary significantly based on various factors, including:

• Location: Salaries tend to be higher in metropolitan areas and states with a higher cost of living, while they are lower in rural areas and states with a lower cost of living. For instance, California boasts the highest average salary for LNAs at $44,936, whereas Mississippi has the lowest at $29,540.
• Experience: Generally, LNAs with more experience earn higher salaries compared to those with less experience.
• Education and certifications: Some LNAs hold additional certifications or degrees, which can elevate their earning potential.
• Employer type: LNAs employed in hospitals typically earn more than those working in nursing homes or home care settings.

Conclusion

Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNAs) hold an irreplaceable position within the healthcare system, devoting their time to delivering crucial care and assistance to patients. From morning assessments to concluding duties at the end of their shifts, LNAs play a pivotal role in patient well-being, offering support with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, encouraging mobility, and ensuring proper nutrition.

The average annual salary for licensed nursing assistants varies depending on several factors, including location, experience, education, certifications, and employer type, with roles in hospitals typically commanding higher salaries. Their unwavering dedication and empathy establish them as indispensable members of the healthcare team, highlighting their profound impact on patient care and the broader healthcare landscape.

FAQ’s

1. What is the typical salary range for licensed nursing assistant positions in the United States?

• The average annual salary for licensed nursing assistants (LNAs) in the USA stands at approximately $35,740, although this figure can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, education, certifications, and the type of employer.

2. How does the salary of LNAs differ across states?

• The salary of LNAs varies across states, with California boasting the highest average salary at $44,936, while Mississippi reports the lowest at $29,540.

3. Which factors impact the salary of LNAs?

• Several factors influence the salary of LNAs, including geographical location (reflecting cost of living), level of experience, educational background, possession of certifications, and the nature of the employing institution, with LNAs in hospitals typically earning higher wages.

4. What are the primary duties of LNAs during a typical workday?

• LNAs help with daily tasks, check vital signs, support moving around, make sure patients eat right, and keep good communication with patients and healthcare workers.

5. How do LNAs contribute to the well-being of patients beyond physical care?

• In addition to providing physical care, LNAs contribute to patient well-being by offering emotional support, facilitating social interaction during meal assistance, and fostering a comfortable and supportive environment.

6. Why is effective communication essential in the role of LNAs?

• Effective communication is crucial for LNAs to collaborate effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team. It ensures a comprehensive approach to care and enables prompt reporting of any changes in a patient’s condition.

The appearance of new COVID variants has led to a spike in cases and hospitalizations. Learn everything you need to know about these variants and what you can do to prevent risking exposure.

Which Variant Caused This Current Spike?

Of the current COVID variants, the most prominent is the “Pirola” strain, otherwise known as the BA.2.86 variant. Per Al Jazeera, this highly mutated version of Omicron has been the major culprit behind the aforementioned surges. The Pirola variant possesses 30 different mutations, which is considerably higher than the strains that came before it. For reference, the Omicron and Eris variants had one to two mutations.

First appearing in Denmark on July 24 of this year, it recently spread throughout North America. The good news is that the risk of catastrophe is considerably lower. Scientists predict that the built-up immunities from vaccination and prior COVID-19 exposure will suffice in most cases. In addition, prior methods for detection and treatment seem to be compatible with the new variant.

Are There Other Variants to Watch Out For?

EG.5 is another notable Omicron variant. Most interestingly, it has been able to bypass prior COVID antibodies. At the moment, the World Health Organization has marked it as a low priority, but it is monitoring its progress closely.

What Can Be Done to Mitigate Risk?

Right now, the situation with these COVID variants is fluid. It is still unknown how transmittable they are, whether or not they respond to boosters, and what the long-term outlook is. Both mentioned strands are currently low risk, but the situation could develop at any second. For now, the best way to mitigate risk is the same as it has always been. Wearing masks wherever you go, staying updated with vaccinations, and limiting needless outside exposure are the best ways to avoid the COVID strains, if you cannot afford an infection.

On paper, America provides tantalizing opportunities for registered nurses (RNs) abroad. With the US nurse shortage in full swing, there should be no lack of work openings for foreign-born HCPs.

The reality is more complicated than that, however. Thanks to current immigration policies, foreign nurses have to jump through numerous hoops before they can even practice.

To make life easier for aspiring overseas nurses, we have made this guide. Provided that you fulfill every requirement and go through the right channels, your dreams of working in America as a foreign nurse will eventually come true.

Meet the Basic Requirements

As mentioned earlier, there are numerous education requirements for nurses, before they can take US Nurse Jobs.

At the most basic level, all nurses have to meet the following professional and educational standards:

● Graduation from an accredited nursing program in your country of origin (Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
● An RN license
● At least two years of RN experience

In most states, you will also be required to take A Foreign-Educated Nurses (course) that is split between 120 hours of clinical rotations and 120 hours of lessons. Taking this at one of the US’s best nursing schools will give you an edge, with regards to preparation.

Take an English Proficiency Test

Most foreign-born nurses also have to take an English proficiency exam. Depending on your country of origin, you may have to take one of the following:

● International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
● Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
● Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)

The only exceptions to the rule are nurses who come from primarily English-speaking countries, such as:

● United Kingdom
● New Zealand
● Ireland
● Canada, sans Quebec
● Australia

Fulfill Nclex Requirements and Pass the Exam

To become a US nurse, you need to pass the NCLEX-RN, which is the certification test for registered nurses. To take this, foreign nurses must fulfil a number of different requirements. This includes the aforementioned education requirements for a nurse. You have to submit an application to take the test to a State Board of Nursing, along with the required documents and related fees. Afterwards, you have to verify your foreign nursing license and educational history and you have to fulfill a criminal background check.

Keep in mind some states have specific requirements you also have to fulfill. On a related note, how much your nurse salary is will also depend on which state you work in. While waiting for your application, take the opportunity to study for the test. At least two months will give you ample time to study and prepare. Luckily, there are many reviewers available online. Once the State Board of Nursing approves your application, you can register for the NCLEX-RN at Pearson Vue and schedule your exam at an approved testing centre. After you take the test, you will receive your results in 48 hours.

If you pass the test, then congratulations! You can now work with the top US nurse corporations in the country.

Link Up with a Reputable Us Nurse Agency

If you cannot be directly recruited by a hospital, you want to refer to a reputable nursing agency. Good agencies can sponsor your VISA application and help you find work. Refer to reviews or input from your nurse friends, to find the best agency for you.

Acquire Your Visa

Even after you secure your certification and employment, you still need a VISA. Green card holders enjoy full citizenship rights, which include the ability to live and work in America permanently.

With the right endorsement from an employer or your agency, and a VisaScreen certificate, naturalization can be sped up.

The application process ends with an interview with the US embassy. After a few days or weeks, you will find out if you passed. If you did: congratulations! You can now practice as a US Nurse. For further support and assistance, you can refer to the International Nurse Council website here.

Whether it is from their patients or visitors, workplace violence in healthcare has long been a massive problem. The World Health Organization claims that “8 to 38% of all nurses have suffered from healthcare violence, at some point in their careers.” It is impossible for HCPs to provide the best possible care, while they are suffering from harassment from the patients they are supposed to serve. Because of this, healthcare facilities have a responsibility to protect their staff from workplace violence. With the right strategies and systems in place, facilities across the country can do right by their healthcare workers.

What Is Workplace Violence?

Moving forward, workplace violence refers to physical, sexual, or verbal abuse committed by patients or visitors, towards HCPs. As was mentioned earlier, this happens far more often than it should. In fact, workplace abuse rates in healthcare are larger than in most sectors of the workforce.

Why Is Workplace Violence So Common in Healthcare Settings?

A number of factors have combined to make workplace violence so prevalent. Thanks to staffing shortages (among other things), HCPs are under increased pressure and stress. This lowers the quality of care, which increases frustration among patients and visitors. Staffing shortages not only exacerbate these problems, they also lower the capacity for patients across different hospitals. This means HCPs are more likely to come into conflict with patients who want to be admitted but cannot be.

Some of this is also the nature of the job. When you work with thousands of patients every day, you will eventually run into patients or visitors with violent dispositions and short temperaments. What is inexcusable is the lack of preventative measures and systems, on the part of certain healthcare facilities. Without assistance from the facilities themselves, HCPs will be exposed to patient violence no matter what.

What Are the Consequences of Workplace Violence?

Workplace violence is an extra source of stress, in an already stressful line of work. Regularly experiencing targeted violence can cause several mental problems related to stress, or exacerbate them. This includes but is not limited to, depression, anxiety, and burnout. All this eventually causes mass resignations and larger turnover, which makes the HCP shortage far worse than it already is.

In addition, healthcare workers can get injured by particularly violent and physical outbursts from a patient or visitor. They can get incapacitated by these injuries and/or traumatized by the whole ordeal.

What Can Be Done?

Facilities have both a material and moral imperative to address workplace violence. If left unchecked, staff will resign en masse and leave the facility shorthanded and crippled. More importantly, they need to ensure the health and safety of everyone who works under them. Not doing so would be a complete and utter failure for the nurse leaders and administrators in charge.

While there is no “one size fits all” solution, there are a number of measures that facilities can institute, to better protect their HCPs. Bringing in temporary HCPs is a good solution, as understaffing is one of the major causes of patient violence. When a facility’s patient-to-staff ratios are skewed, HCPs become more stressed and the quality of care diminishes, which results in increased patient violence. Bringing in temporary HCPs allows the facility to weather the storm until patient counts return to normal.

Instituting a proper reporting system is also paramount. HCPs should be able to notify administrators and leaders on workplace violence, as soon as possible. The facility has a responsibility to educate the staff on the existence of such a system, the policies regarding what does and doesn’t count as workplace violence, and how they would go about reporting. Not only that, but the facility should be responsive. If a reporting system is in place, but nothing is ever done about repeated abuse cases, then staff will know that it is completely useless.

Facilities must also look into investing in proper training programs. HCPs must be instructed and educated on what to do when they are confronted with violence, and how they can protect themselves in precarious situations. They need to know how to de-escalate confrontations, how to recognize hostile behaviors, and when they should retreat from the premises and ask for assistance.

This may go without saying, but investing in security should also be a top priority. In the event that a situation escalates beyond control, there needs to be emergency alarms on hand. A proper security system, trained guards, and a developed emergency response protocol would prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Acute care covers patients who develop sudden, life-threatening illnesses or diseases that require immediate attention. This can cover broken legs sustained from high drops, car crash victims, individuals injured by natural disasters and more. Since time is of the essence in these situations, these patients cannot just be placed on a waiting list. This is why acute care HCPs provide immediate, short-term treatment to get their condition stable enough for a swift recovery, or more long-term care.

Where Do Acute Care HCPs Work?

Acute care HCPs work in a variety of different departments and locations. This includes, but is not limited to:

● Intensive Care Unit
● Urgent Care Center
● Inpatient and Outpatient Medical/Surgical
● Neonatal Intensive Care
● Accident and Emergency Department
● And more.

Acute care HCPs can also work in nursing homes, long-term care centres, and other kinds of facilities.

What Do Acute Care HCPs Do?

The duties of an acute care HCP will depend on their role, unit, and specialization. That being said, HCPs in acute care often carry out the following tasks:

● Monitoring vital signs and symptoms to identify their status
● Defibrillation/Cardioversion
● Running diagnostic tests
● Providing medications
● Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
● Providing urgent treatment under strict time constraints
● And more

Is There a Material Difference Between Acute HCPs and Regular HCPs?

Compared to regular RNs or LPNs, working in acute care requires more training, and sometimes specialized certifications. Most facilities want at least two years of relevant experience in an acute care setting. It only makes sense, considering they want experienced and proven HCPs who can thrive under pressure, and solve problems with critical thinking, and on severe time constraints.

While additional qualifications are not necessary in most instances, it may provide the extra edge you need. Some facilities may prioritize applicants with Certified Critical Care Nurse (CCRN) qualifications. The advantage may be marginal, but it points to a commitment towards continuous improvement and self-study.

Should I Become an Acute Care HCP?

Acute care is not for everyone. HCPs are constantly working fast, and it is the most stressful part of an already demanding line of work. If the pace of work is not for you, or you are worried about burning out or overexerting yourself, then you want to reconsider this role. If you thrive under pressure, however, then acute care is the perfect role for you. It will push you to think critically and efficiently in as short a time as possible. Because of the demands of labor, acute care HCPs are also compensated more than their counterparts. If all this appeals to you, then becoming an acute care HCP is highly recommended.

The school has returned for nursing students of all levels. Whether you are working towards your associate’s degree or a master’s degree, every student has to deal with an adjustment period. It can take a while to get back into the rhythm of things, after months of rest and relaxation. To make things easier for you, we have gathered a list of back-to-school tips and tricks to help you start the school year right.

Set a Consistent Routine

Setting a daily schedule or routine offers a host of benefits for HCP students. It provides structure to your school week, as you are never going to be at a loss for what you need to do next. When you have a consistent checklist, you reduce the risk of forgetting to do something (whether it is an assignment or an important task) and cramming later as a result. In the long term, you will experience less stress and will become a more productive individual over time. With less of a mental burden, you experience better mental and physical health over time.

You can establish when you eat breakfast, leave the house for your classes, study, do your homework and more. It does not have to be rigid. You can adjust your schedule based on your needs and priorities, at a given time. If there is a big test or assignment coming up, then you allocate more time towards that. As long as you are following the basic structure, you will reap all the benefits of a daily routine.

Find a Good Place to Study

Healthcare students have a lot on their plate. They need to memorize and internalize countless complicated concepts and apply them practically in the medical field. To do this effectively, you want a dedicated space for studying, in your home. It has to be organized, quiet, and removed from any potential distractions. This is why you want to study far away from your entertainment devices, like your computer or your gaming console.

If your house is noisy for reasons beyond your control, then you have alternatives. You can study at a nearby library or coffee shop, provided they have Wi-Fi. If you have a friend, try asking if you could study at their place for the night. Failing all this, you can put on your headphones and play soothing music in an attempt to block out any and all distractions. Find whichever works best for you, at that time.

Do Not Cram

Cramming is a zero sum game. Attempting to catch up to days or weeks of studying will leave you tired and stressed out, and can potentially burn you out over time. In addition, people who cram may end up passing, but the knowledge does not internalize and they generally perform worse in comparison to their contemporaries.

Instead of cramming, you want to stay on top of your studies to the best of your capacity. Read the material of your lesson the day before your classes cover them, and complete all your assignments on time.If you feel especially industrious, you can even study material well in advance. You may make mistakes with this self-guided study, but this can all be cleared up during classes.

Reach Out to Your Classmates

No student is an island, and that includes nursing school. Healthcare is a very team-driven industry, and you will not make it very far if you cannot work well with others. In addition, friendships are a valuable part of the school experience and spending time with them can help you unwind, after a particularly tough week of school. Do not be afraid to reach out, and make an attempt to connect with your peers.

You will not be close friends with everyone, but that is OK. A close inner circle of friends will naturally develop, and you can maintain a good acquaintanceship with everyone else. Organizing study groups with friends can allow you to bounce ideas off of each other, and assist one another with material that you are collectively struggling with. Making friends is also a good way to establish connections and networks in the healthcare industry. The list of personal and professional benefits is endless.

Take a Breather

You cannot study effectively in an empty tank. Do not hesitate to provide yourself with a break in between study sessions. Scheduling naps, a lunch out with friends, or even indulging in your hobbies once in a while is totally fine. When you get back to work, your mind will be well-rested and refreshed. Provided it is in moderation and not at the expense of your productivity, then a good break may be just what you need for some mental clarity.

When you accomplish something with your studies or professionally, do not hesitate to reward yourself either. As with breaks, you do not need to go all out all the time, but some indulgence once in a while will do you good.

Although the pandemic is over, its effects on the healthcare industry can still be felt to this day. For one thing, it changed how facilities approached staffing. Thanks to the nursing shortage, facilities were pushed towards forward-thinking, short-term solutions. Suddenly, they had to meet safe staffing levels without overspending on labor. To understand where the future of the industry may lie, we must look at how healthcare staffing changed, why alternative staffing solutions have gained so much traction, and what the future may hold for hospitals, long-term care centres, and other healthcare facilities.

How Did Covid Affect the Healthcare Industry?

During the pandemic, facilities ended up contending with volatile spikes in demand and patient counts. COVID-19 admissions steadily rose throughout this time, reaching an all-time peak in 2022 with the spread of the Omicron variant. In January 2022, hospitals were dealing with 145,982 COVID patient admissions. These residents accounted for 30% of all Intensive Care Unit beds.

This led to crowded facilities and overextended HCPs. Suddenly, they were dealing with unsafe patient-to-HCP staffing ratios and unsustainable workloads. These conditions made them susceptible to stress and overwork, which could eventually lead to burnout. Quality of care directly suffered, as tired HCPs were more susceptible to costly medical errors. Inevitably, turnover rates increased as a result. Studies have even shown that HCPs who worked for three months during the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to consider leaving the industry altogether.

Meanwhile, non-COVID patients were left in waiting rooms for a long time. While waiting, their conditions only worsened. Both staff and residents were suffering greatly, during the peak of the Coronavirus.

How Did Healthcare Facilities Respond?

Facilities obviously needed to return to safer staffing levels. They needed to bring in more HCPs to account for the higher patient counts. Unfortunately, simply bringing in more full-time healthcare workers was not an option, in most cases. Eventually, the COVID patient spikes would settle over time. There would still be COVID-related admissions, but the average daily patient counts would come down to where they used to be. In these situations, facilities would find themselves severely overstaffed. Their spending on compensation, training, and benefits would increase, yet they would find no material gain. Over a long enough period of time, this overstaffing would lead to financial issues and even potential bankruptcy. For those reasons, bringing in full-time staff all the time would be impractical.

For this reason, facilities ended up turning to flexible staffing solutions. This lets them bring additional HCPs as needed (or per diem), through temporary contracts. They could work with a facility for a set amount of time. It could be weeks or months, or it may only last the span of a single shift. Hospitals could account for sudden spikes inpatient admissions, estimate how long this rise in demand would last, and bring in temporary HCPs to work within that time. While they would have to orient HCPs to the systems and operations of a facility, they did not have to invest seriously in their training either. Temporary HCPs typically come with significant experience and are prepared to contribute to their facility almost instantly. Whether you need more registered nurses, doctors, physicians, or nurse aides, there are a host of temporary staffing services available to you.

What Staffing Options Are Available to Facilities?

Right now, there are two main flexible staffing solutions that facilities can make use of staffing agencies and staffing apps. The former is an established temporary staffing platform that was successful, even before the rise of COVID-19. Staffing agencies partner with HCPs, and work in conjunction with partnered facilities to find the most compatible fit. They usually secure months or weeks-long contracts for HCPs with facilities that need to fill in these short-term vacancies. Overall, this matching process can take weeks, with staffing agencies facilitating negotiations, settling documentation and so much more. To this day, they remain a reasonable outlet for facilities looking for trustworthy, and qualified HCPs who can contribute in the short term.

By comparison, staffing apps are a much newer development, but they are no less useful or reliable. Staffing apps allow HCPs to take up single shifts with their facilities of choice. They process all the documentation and credentialing in a much quicker manner, as a result. Apps like VitaWerks have risen in prominence, thanks to their convenience and ease of use. Compared to staffing agencies, facilities can find RNs, LVNs, CNAs, and more on short notice, and can match with them in a matter of minutes. If you need HCP contributions as soon as humanly possible, then staffing apps are a perfectly viable option.

How Has the Healthcare Staffing Industry Grown Over the Years?

The rise of COVID-19 brought alternative healthcare staffing solutions to prominence. Although the pandemic is finished, staffing continues to expand and grow in influence and profitability, over time. A 2022 market analysis report concluded that the staffing industry was valued at over $36.9 billion USD in that year. From 2023 to 2030, staffing is expected to see a compound annual growth rate of 6.93 percent. The industry saw an increased demand for healthcare staffing that has not abated, ever since the start of the pandemic. Developments in technology and the various benefits of per diem employment have also been cited as major driving factors behind the industry’s growth.

How Do Hcps Benefit from Temporary Staffing?

Facilities are not the only entity that can benefit from a temporary staffing setup. Per diem HCPs get to enjoy unprecedented professional freedom, while they work with staffing agencies or through staffing apps. They can choose where they work, and when they work, without any input from their bosses or managers. As long as they complete their shifts and contracts, then they have full control over their careers. This allows them to discover what they want out of their HCP lives, by experimenting with different roles and experiments.

This also gives them invaluable work experience in a variety of different settings and environments, which always looks good in their resumes. Finally, there is even a monetary incentive. Because short-term staffing solutions are in high demand, this is reflected in per diem rates. This means that HCPs can earn as much, if not more than their full-time counterparts. Just keep in mind that because they are independent contractors, they need to do their own taxes as a result. This can be a major headache, and it is highly recommended that you seek the help of an accountant if you can.

A Bright Future

The staffing industry will only continue to grow. As the shortages continue, and different COVID variants develop, facilities will need short-term solutions now, more than ever. Staffing agencies and apps give them this flexibility while providing HCPs a sense of professional freedom they have never experienced. Instead of supplanting full-time HCPs, they assist them by lightening the load and keeping staffing ratios at safe, recommended levels. As time passes and technology evolves, the staffing industry will continue to innovate. In that time, companies like VitaWerks will keep finding new ways to make life better for facilities and HCPs alike.