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Nurse Champion of the Month December 21 – Hazel M

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Nurse Champion of the Month December 21 – Hazel M

My name is Hazel, and I am a Nurse Champion at VitaWerks. I currently reside in the Philippines with my family. Early on, I decided to look for a job that let me achieve work-life balance. As an easy-going gal who loves to go out with friends, I wanted a profession that fit my lifestyle. I think that my bright attitude makes me an asset to the team. Fittingly, I am a huge fan of music. Singing karaoke is one of my favorite things in the world.

In this field, building a rapport with HCPs through good communication is important. Over time, VitaWerks management and my team have helped me blossom in my role. They taught me so much about company growth and interacting with different kinds of people.

I hope to continue aiding VitaWerks’ growth, virtually. I intend to provide the best, most reliable service to all our clients and HCPs. With plenty of experience in different industries, I will also help expand our reach with creative solutions and ideas. It is the least I can do for a company that has treated me so well.

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Nurse Floating Is On The Rise

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Nurse Floating Is On The Rise

Most nurses focus their training and education in one specific area, so that they can work in a single department for the rest of their career. This is not the case for float nurses, who have risen in prominence following the recent nursing shortages. For the uninitiated, a “floating nurse” means an HCPs with the capacity to move between departments. In doing so, hospitals can theoretically maintain sufficient nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for each of their units, without any long term commitments or staff changes. Float nursing is as uniquely challenging and demanding as it is rewarding, for the travel nurses who are up to the task. What exactly are these challenges? How can you find out if you are fit for per diem nursing? Read on to find out all this and more.

Floating nurse job description

Float nursing can be employed in a number of different ways. For example, it is not uncommon for permanently-staffed nurses to be asked to “float” between different units. This is done to cover for sudden shortages, turnover or structural shifts. Other times, they bring in “travel float nurses” with flexible skill sets as needed, for a few days or weeks. This is done by contacting staffing agencies or using cutting-edge applications such as VitaWerks, which instantly matches hospitals with the best per diem nurses in their proximity. Finally, there is sometimes a “pool” of float nurses who are hired for their ability to move between departments. These nurses know what they are signing up for, which can maintain staff satisfaction and lower turnover rates in the long term.

Why become a float nurse?

Although float nursing is not easy, it comes with its share of perks and benefits. The most obvious is flexible scheduling. Whether you are employed or a travel nurse, hospitals will typically allow you to choose your own hours. You can give yourself more freetime, or put in your 12 hour shifts for some extra income–the choice is yours. Understandably, full-time and part time nurses will usually have less flexibility, since they are guaranteed a number of hours. Depending on the facility, you either have to work on set days or your situation changes week-by-week. Per diem nurses, conversely, have complete control over where and when they work.

Nurse floating is also perfect for HCPs who are looking to diversify their portfolios. You get the opportunity to work in different departments, which lets you build diverse workplace experiences and skill sets that will look great on your resume. By trying a little bit of everything, you also get to discover what you prioritize in a work environment. For example: you may have never considered ICU or NICU work as you plan your career.. It is possible that a couple of shifts is all that it takes to convince you that this is what you want to do. If not, you did not commit to anything and you can move on to the next department.

Finally there is the income. Contrary to what you might have heard, float nurses have more earning potential than the average RN. On average, the floating nurse salary is 15% higher than a regularized nurse’s. When you think about it, the reasoning is obvious. Hospitals are rushing to fill critical vacancies with flexible and skilled temporary nurses. With such high and immediate demand for intense skilled labor, it only makes sense that these float nurses are compensated accordingly.

Are there downsides?

No job is perfect, and float nursing is no exception. Compared to full-time HCPs, float nurses have limited stability with their working environment. They have to adapt to different departments, floating nurse policies and protocol wherever they go. Just when you think you have a grasp on how things work, you are now in a different unit and must relearn everything from step one. For nurses with clear and narrow career plans, float nursing may also not be the best fit. You will have a hard time building experience in a single field, when you are spread out between so many different specializations. If you are a nurse who prizes set routines, this may not be the lifestyle for you.

Go out there!

Nurse floating is as exciting as it is daunting, in some ways. Within the field of per diem nursing, it allows you to take in a diverse array of looks, experiences, and skill sets. For nurses who are constantly pushing themselves to grow, both as professionals and as people, you will not find such opportunities anywhere else. It is true that the lifestyle can be a bit too volatile for professionals who prefer a steady pace. For those who can adapt and learn on the fly, then float nursing is a uniquely rewarding career path that is worth a try.

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How to Become a Medication Aide

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

How to Become a Medication Aide

Though certified nursing assistants take on important care roles, their duties do not extend far beyond basic care. For instance, they do not have the training to administer medication, even under the supervision of a nurse. If they want that authority, they must gain the certification needed to become Certified Medication Aides (CMA). In comparison, CMAs enjoy a greater scope of roles and responsibilities in a healthcare setting. What is a medication aide, exactly? How does med tech compare vs CNA and how can you become one? For nursing assistants looking to take that next step, this article will answer all these questions and more.

Medication Aide Job Description

CMAs are healthcare professionals with the training and authority to administer drugs (both prescription and nonprescription) to patients daily. They can find work in a number of different healthcare settings, from hospitals, to assisted living facilities, correctional homes and more. Like nurse assistants, they can only carry out their duties with the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). Other CMA duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Administering prescription and nonprescription drugs to patients
  • Monitoring and reporting potential adverse reactions to medications
  • Collecting biological samples for further analysis
  • Educating and instructing patients on how to safely use their medications
  • Monitoring patient dosage daily

How to become a medication aide

Step 1: Fulfill educational requirements for Medical Aide

Before you can become a CMA, you need to become a CNA. Most nursing assistant training programs have similar educational requirements. At the bare minimum, you will need either your highschool diploma or your General Education Degree (GED).

Step 2: Become a CNA

Once you obtain your educational requirements and you are above the age of 18, you can enroll into a 6 to 12 week CNA program. You can find nursing assistant programs in community colleges, vocational schools, Red Cross branches and even certain healthcare facilities. No matter where you enroll, it is important to verify that the program is state-approved or else you cannot take your state’s CNA certification exam. Different states use different exams, though it is worth noting that at least 20 states utilize the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). Once you pass the exam and fulfill any miscellaneous requirements, you can finally obtain your CNA certification.

Step 3: Obtain medication aide certification

As soon as you become a CNA, you can start enrolling in medication aide classes. These programs take around 4 months and around 140 clinical hours to complete. Even medication aide online classes will require you to complete these in-person clinical rotations. Just like your CNA training, you want to find medication aide training that will set you up for future success. Be sure to do thorough research on the curriculum, passing rate and reputation of every program you enroll in. Once you complete your education, most states will require you to take an exam before you can obtain your CMA certification. Any additional requirements and the specific number of required clinical hours will depend on your state.

Step 5. Gain experience before finding your first CMA role

Congratulations on becoming a CMA! Just because you obtained your certification, however, does not mean that you will be automatically accepted for medication aide jobs. To ensure a certain level of quality and competency, employers are looking for CMAs with at least one year of professional experience under their belts. During your training and clinical rotations, you want to take every opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge on medical and pharmacological technology. Once you have built your resume, you can begin sending applications to various healthcare facilities.

Medication Aide Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, CMAs earn around $32,722 annually. Your effective pay will greatly depend on your experience, additional certifications and your location. For example: New York CMAs see a $37,292 annual income, while North Carolina nurses only make $23,317 in the same time span. If you want to further maximize your earning potential, finding shifts at VitaWerks will do the trick. We will find you the highest paying rates at the best facilities, while providing you the freedom and flexibility to set your own hours. With enough hours at the right facilities, you will outearn a number of fully-salaried CMAs. Sign up with VitaWerks today and join a healthcare staffing revolution.

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How to become a Med Tech

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

How to become a Med Tech

As hospitals push to modernize their operations, medical technicians (Med Tech) will only rise in demand. For nurses and aspiring HCPs looking to enter this exciting profession, this article is here to help. Below, we will go over med tech requirements, salaries, and the steps needed to gain certification, among other things.

Job description of Med Tech

Med Tech primarily involves laboratory work. Physicians and medical technologists will order you to run tests on biological samples, analyze lab findings and report these results to your superiors. Said samples include fluids like blood and saliva, as well as certain tissue samples. If you are a specific kind of Med Tech, like a phlebotomist, you will also have to collect said specimens from patients. Running these tests involves handling a lot of expensive medical equipments, which you will also be in charge of maintaining. Like any other nurse, you will also be required to train any rookies that need orientation.

Med Techs play a very important role in the healthcare field. Certain conditions cannot be diagnosed without these detailed and thorough laboratory tests. They allow for the early prevention of diseases, more accurate findings and better healthcare overall. Without their contributions, certain conditions may slip through the cracks and jeopardize patient health in the long term.

Med Tech Salary and outlook

The future of the profession is exceedingly bright. From 2021 to 2031, The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that Med Techs are expected to grow by about 7% percent. For reference, this translates to 25,600 new job openings within that time and is about in-line with the average. A number of factors will contribute to the steady demand for these kinds of healthcare workers. Older patients are expected to need more detailed medical tests for conditions like type 2 diabetes. Prenatal tests for genetic conditions have also risen in prominence, thus raising the demand for such nurses even further. Finally, most facilities have lab implements and equipment that will need constant upkeep.

Med Tech salaries are also expected to be favorable. Currently, the BLS pins the median medical technician salary at around $57,800. Per diem med techs will have the opportunity to earn even higher than this. With the help of VitaWerks, they can secure the best-paying shifts from the finest facilities in their area. This is all while working at their own pace and dictating their own hours.

Steps to become a Med Tech

Step 1: Fulfill educational requirements

Before anything else, aspiring med tech nurses need to obtain their high school diplomas. Certain Med Tech programs will require a number of prerequisite courses, such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English. Even if they do not, completing such courses will look extremely favorable in your resume. Once that is out of the way, you can start applying for an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical laboratory technology. There are also Bachelor’s programs for this, but an associate’s degree is the minimum requirement. These classes will prepare you for work in the field with extensive studies mixed with practical testing. On top of academic courses such as Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, or Microbiology, you will also carry out laboratory tests that will teach you how to collect and examine biological specimens, analyze their results and maintain the equipment used. Depending on your program, you may even get practical clinical experience in real facilities.

Step 2: Searching for Med Tech jobs

Technically, you are eligible for employment as soon as you graduate. This means you can start sending your applications early. To maximize your Med Tech salary and employment, however, you may want to look into additional certifications. These are not requirements, but they are proof of additional competencies that will look very good on your resume. Be sure to gain certification from trusted organizations, such as the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. If there is a specific path that interests you, you could even look for specialty certifications, such as the American Board of Internal Medicine’s course on Hematology.

(Optional) Continues education

Later down the line, obtaining your Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science is well worth considering. It is not a Med Tech requirement, but it will increase your earning potential and employment opportunities, in the long run. More HCPs with bachelor-level education or above has a correlation with quality of care, which is why facilities will prioritize Bachelor-level applicants. You may even find work in higher positions, such as medical laboratory technologist or clinical laboratory scientist. Depending on your school-of-choice, your associate’s degree credits could carry over. Most BSN tracks take 4 years to complete, and their classes cover topics like molecular diagnostics and advanced microtechnology.

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How to Appeal Your Nursing School Grade

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

How to Appeal Your Nursing School Grade

You only get so many chances, in nursing school. A low enough grade may get you expelled, and students are typically only allowed to retake one class. But what if you feel like the grade you were given was unfair? What if you have provable, concrete evidence that your professor gave you biased treatment? In that case, you can appeal your grade to the higher-ups. This can be a grueling and time consuming process, but the option is available for those who truly feel wronged by the system. This article goes over how you can appeal your grade and what to consider.

Resolve things one-on-one

Before anything else, it would help to discuss things with your professor first. If you have issues with how you were graded, the course content or their teaching methods, you can bring this up one-on-one to see whether or not the situation can be addressed moving forward. It is far preferable to settle things personally when you can, rather than bringing it up as a time-consuming appeal case.

Collect and present demonstrable evidence

If neither side is willing to budge, then you may have to file an appeal. To even be considered, any claims must be backed up with clear evidence of unfair treatment. There are a number of reasons that are legitimate grounds for appealing your grade:

  • The teacher simply marked your items incorrectly.
  • Grading did not comply with school policy or procedures.
  • The student was graded with clear bias based on race, ethnicity, marital status, nationality, religion, sex, gender, disability status or age.
  • The professor was behaving unethically or violated a student’s rights somehow.

It is impossible to proceed further without incontrovertible proof. For example, say that you suspect that your professor is marking you down just for being gay. You need to show evidence that points to this. You could collate a list of different grades, organize them by “gay’ and “straight’ to compare and contrast. Even then, you may have to dive into the nuts and bolts with individual test results.

Follow the appeal process

If you cannot sort things with your professor, you have to file an appeal to present your case up the chain of command, until it is resolved. Different schools have different appeal processes, which are usually outlined in the student handbook. You want to be sure that you follow this step-by-step process accordingly or your request may fall on deaf ears. Every step of the way, you want to record who you spoke to regarding this case, and when. This lets you maintain a consistent timeline of events, for when you have to present a case. If faculty asks you to submit documentation, keep a copy of each document to maintain that consistency.

Is it worth it?

If a student successfully appeals their grade, the dividends are enormous. They get to raise their GPA, avoid failing out of class and continue pursuing their dreams of furthering their nursing education. None of this is a given, however. Appealing your grade is a lengthy and stressful process that will take time away from studying or your hobbies. If your appeal fails or it turns out that your professor graded you correctly, all that extra effort would have been for naught. Your grades may even get lower, depending on what they find. This may fracture your relationship with your teacher as well, who would also be deeply affected by the ordeal.

Appeals need concrete evidence that shows that your teacher was treating you unfairly, and how that treatment extended your academics. Even when your case seems bulletproof, there is no guarantee that your request will be accepted or even heard. When you pursue an appeal, you need to be absolutely sure that you are in the right. If you can help it, however, it is best to resolve things behind closed doors.

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The Problem With CNA Burnout

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

The Problem With CNA Burnout

Nursing assistants are a vital part of any successful healthcare facility. They are expected to handle physically demanding aspects of HCP work, while treating patients with the compassion and patience that is expected of any nurse. Unfortunately, none of us are indestructible. The physical, mental and emotional stress of nursing assistant work can add up, if you are not careful. As a result, many CNAs often find themselves burdened with fatigue, depression and (eventually) nurse burnout. Even the most dedicated healthcare workers with the best of intentions have their limits–passion alone can only carry you so far. What exactly makes CNA burnout such a hot button topic in particular? What can nursing assistants and facilities do to address this trend? All this and more will be explored in short order.

What is nurse burnout?

Burnout is a condition of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion, as a result of overwork and prolonged stress. Human minds are closely interconnected to the body, and the well-being of one greatly affects the other. Burnout can directly lead to a number of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and substance misuse. Signs of nurse burnout include fatigue, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and irritability. If left unchecked, burnout can render CNAs incapable of fulfilling their nursing duties. Worst case scenario, it can eventually lead you to an early grave.

What are nurse burnout causes?

Mental exhaustion can be an issue across multiple levels of healthcare. Clinical work by its nature is a very stressful and demanding profession that demands a lot out of its workers. Nursing assistants in particular have been affected harshly by burnout, in recent years. As we mentioned earlier, CNAs are expected to carry out a number of demanding tasks in the workplace. Within a single shift, they can find themselves moving patients from room to room, grooming them, feeding them, moving around medical supplies, answering hospital calls and more. Not only are they asked to do a lot, but they are paid far less than their contemporaries. For reference, the BLS reported that registered nurses earn around $77,600 annually, while nursing assistants only make $30,290. Put bluntly, nursing assistants feel overworked and underpaid for the value of their labor. As far back as 2018, it was reported that CNA burnout had a 26 to 50% prevalence.

The pandemic problem

That number has undoubtedly spiked following the pandemic. The chaos and tumult of the COVID-19 outbreak has only fed to this overwhelming sentiment. Hospitals across the nation were filled to capacity and understaffed for the situation, at the height of COVID-19. Every HCP was affected negatively by this and CNAs were no exception. Nursing assistants suddenly found themselves dealing with even more tasks and commonly working overtime hours, while dealing with the fears of getting infected by the Coronavirus. Burnout was already a problem before then, but the pandemic undoubtedly accelerated the process dramatically. According to nurse burnout statistics, anxiety and depression spiked by as much as 40%, during the pandemic.

What can be done?

There are a number of effective nurse burnout prevention measures. For example, CNAs can take short periodic breaks in between shifts. Setting aside 10 minutes to catch your breath can make a surprising difference. Proper self care can also help. When you are well-rested and eating healthy, your body is better equipped to handle the stress and challenges of a regular shift. If your workload is especially high on a given day, do not be afraid to ask for help or assistance from your fellow workers. It can take the load off. These are just a couple relevant examples.

As time marches on, keeping nursing talent may get harder than it has ever been. The fallout of the pandemic has tested the systems in place, and pushed hospitals past their capacities. While caring for yourself is important, it is not a sufficient measure by itself. The best possible changes to prevent nursing burnout are on a systematic level. Ultimately, facilities should be the most responsible for addressing this ongoing issue. Before CNA burnout symptoms even appear, the proper measures, initiatives and interventions would go a long way in making nursing assistants feel valued and retaining key talent. While this is true, there are still a number of variables that are within the CNA’s control.

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Comparison between LPN vs CNA

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Comparison between LPN vs CNA

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) both occupy similar roles in the healthcare industry. Both are entry-level positions that play a key role in ensuring smooth operations and high-quality care. When you look further into the specifics, you will see that they differ in several key areas. What is the difference between LPNs and CNAs? What is the best option for an aspiring HCP looking to enter the industry? Read on to learn all this and more.

Roles and Responsibilities of LPN and CNA:

CNAs are primarily responsible for basic care duties, under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), LPN, or other HCP. Patients are often in no condition to take care of these tasks on their own, which is why CNA work is so important. This includes:

  • Assisting patients with eating, feeding, and bathing
  • Cleaning out their rooms and replacing bed linen
  • Moving them from room to room by carrying them and/or transferring them via wheelchair.
  • Monitoring patient vital signs and reporting any changes to their superiors.

By comparison, LPNs take on more advanced responsibilities. Like CNAs, they also need direct supervision from an RN before they carry out their duties such as:

  • Collecting biological samples such as blood, urine, and saliva.
  • Administering medications and vaccinations
  • Carrying out the care plan created by RNs.
  • Performing emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  • Feeding patients through nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes,
  • Applying and maintaining medical tools such as tracheostomy tubes, ventilators, and urinary catheters.
  • Providing wound care.

In summary, LPNs provide more direct clinical patient care, while CNAs assist other HCPs (Including LPNs) and carry out a more limited scope of care services. Both are crucial for any healthcare facility to function.

Educational Requirements of LPN and CNA:

Compared to other HCP roles, both LPN and CNA have accessible educational requirements. Education and training for RN roles and beyond are a serious investment, both timewise and financially. By comparison, aspiring CNAs only need a General Educational Development (GED) or high school diploma to enroll in a state-approved training program that lasts around 4 to 12 weeks. Students can expect some supervised clinical work and coursework that covers anatomy, psychology, patient rights, and basic care practices. These classes can be found in most community colleges, vocational schools, Red Cross branches, and even some medical facilities. You can find some online classes, but even those will have a hands-on component.

The differences between LPNs and CNAs lie in the extent of their training. LPN training programs are more detailed and complex. These accredited certificate/diploma programs will take over 1 to 2 years to complete. Coursework will include more complex subjects such as pathophysiology, ethical issues in nursing, medication dosage, administration, and specialized care. Just like with CNA programs, however, you can find them in a lot of community colleges and vocational schools. These classes also emphasize hands-on clinical training, even if you enroll in an online course.

Certification

After you graduate from your respective training program, it is time to apply for certification. This ensures that you meet the state’s criteria for knowledge, training, and competence as an LPN or CNA. LPNs nationwide need to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Meanwhile, CNAs have to complete a state-specific competency exam. Pre-test requirements will vary from state to state, but they will generally ask for your high school diploma, proof of completion of an accredited CNA training program, a minimum number of CNA training hours, and sometimes even a criminal background check. As soon as you take and pass these tests, you will gain the certification needed to practice in your chosen role.

LPN Salary vs CNA Salary

For many nurses, income is the biggest deciding factor in which entry-level nursing career they ultimately choose. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), CNAs earn around $30,290 a year while LPNs earn $48,070 annually. Salaries will also depend on the experience, location, and facility you are working in, but LPNs will generally outearn CNAs in most contexts. Between their greater responsibilities and the increased difficulty of their tasks, it is no wonder why this is the case. Regardless, both will be expected to be in high demand for the years to come thanks to aging patient populations and increasing nurse turnover.

The best option

The differences between LPNs and CNAs are considerable, but they share much in common. Both HCPs are valued in the workplace and will allow you to build experience and capital for further education and training, down the line. Which one works best for you will depend on your circumstances. If you have limited resources or you want to start healthcare work as soon as possible, then CNA is the way to go. If you can invest in a longer training period and you prefer greater responsibilities and more intimacy, then LPN is the job for you. Regardless of what you pick, CNA and LPN are perfectly respectable entry-level career paths for aspiring nurses.

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The Best Tax Deductions for Per-Diem Nurses

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

The Best Tax Deductions for Per-Diem Nurses

The freedom of per-diem nursing work comes with increased financial responsibilities. Your employer does not automatically deduct taxes from your income, so you either handle your taxes on your own or with the help of an accountant. Navigating tax laws for travel nurses may seem daunting at first until you realize the benefits. Filing your taxes means that you get to select your write-offs. You would be surprised by just how many transactions can be filed under “work-related expenses.” Whether you are a 1099 nurse practitioner or a CNA, start writing off the following purchases to save on taxes in the incoming financial quarter.

Stipends

On long assignments away from home, travel nurses are sometimes provided stipends to make life easier. Stipends are provided periodically throughout your contract, to cover costs related to temporary housing, meals, and other related expenses. The entire stipend is tax deductible, though the costs that qualify for a stipend may vary from agency to agency. Once you know said costs, keep all your work-relevant receipts as you work through your travel contract. Nurses also need to present proof of a “tax home” before their stipends can be filed as tax-free.

For the uninitiated, your tax home is essentially your regular place of residence and work. The IRS formally defines a tax home as “the general area of your main place of business, employment, or post of duty, regardless of where you maintain your family home.” For example: if you normally pick up shifts in Los Angeles, then LA itself would be your “tax home.” In this case, stipends are only deductible if they are spent while you work outside LA. This is a common occurrence for travel nurses, who often accept contracts that take them away from their primary residences for months on end.

Proof of tax homes includes (but is not limited to) rental contracts, utility bills, and other relevant household expenses.

Travel

Under current tax laws for travel nurses, contractors can deduct travel expenses. This is especially relevant now with gas prices surging by the day. As you drive between new assignments, be sure to keep track of the miles traveled in order. Parking fees and toll fees also fall under this category. Hang on to relevant receipts to make things easier on yourself. Some travel agencies will even provide travel reimbursement once you are finished with your travel nursing contract. This is also deductible, provided you show proof of a tax home.

Travel costs are only tax-deductible if they are incurred outside your tax home. The money spent going from your primary residence to your regular place or area of work cannot be written off in tax returns. You also cannot deduct taxes from non-work-related travel expenses. If you take a Grab from your workplace to a local strip mall, then the cost of the Grab is not tax-deductible.

Uniform

1099 nurse practitioners can write off money spent on scrubs and lab costs, provided that they are not reimbursed by their facilities. Sometimes, you can also deduct expenditures for shoes you only use at work. If a hospital requires you to wear certain shoes, then your work shoes may also be considered tax deductible. Be sure to keep track of how much you spend on your work uniforms throughout the year.

Telecommunications

Whether you are booking shifts through the VitaWerks app or communicating with patients through the phone as a tele-health nurse, nurses are using their internet and phones more often when they work. They can write off part of their internet and phone bills as long as they only list the portion used for work. To calculate this, estimate or keep track of how long you use the internet or phone services as you carry out your nursing duties. If you have a phone subscription entirely dedicated to work, you can deduct 100% of the bill.

Continuing Education

In most states, nurses are required to fulfil continuing education requirements to maintain their licenses. As a result, CE course costs count as a tax break for healthcare workers in 2021 and beyond. However, any education that “prepares you for new employment” is not tax-deductible. This means that nursing students cannot file tuition costs on their tax returns.

Housing Costs

Nurses who take longer-term stints in far-off places will typically spend a lot on short-term housing. Whether it is a hotel, Airbnb, or housing provided by your employer, housing and utility costs can pile up if you are not careful. Thankfully, these costs can be filed as tax write-offs for 1099 employees. This is especially true for those already paying for their primary residences, whether it is a mortgage or rent costs.

Leaving no stone unturned

Keeping track of all these expenses and receipts can be a major headache. Despite this, it is ultimately worth it considering just how much you can save on tax deductions. Some financial apps and accountants can help you navigate through the most difficult parts of the process. Provided that you report your income and expenses accurately, meticulously document relevant transactions and brush up on your area’s tax laws for travel nurses, you will dramatically maximize your earning potential.

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5 incredible winter destinations for travel nurses

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

5 incredible winter destinations for travel nurses

Winter is an exciting time for travel nurses. At this time of year, each area grows rich with seasonal recreational activities, picturesque scenic views, and climates of all kinds. Whether you prefer warmer climates or you live for a White Christmas, there is something for everyone. The variety is such that it may be hard to choose where you will sign your next travel nurse contract. To help you choose the right place for you, this article will go over the best travel nurse winter destinations.

Arizona

The Grand Canyon state is a sight to behold, this time of year. Though notorious for its scorching temperatures, Arizona temperatures reach around 55°F in the wintertime. Between the striking red rock formations of Sedona, the mountainous cacti-laden tracks of Saguaro National Park, and the stunning view of the winter-dusted Grand Canyon, at this time of year, travel nurses will find no shortage of challenging scenic biking trails. If you do not care for long walks along rugged trails, then simply book yourself in some of the best resort spas in the country. There are even cold weather areas where you can partake in classic winter activities like skiing. However, there is no doubt that Arizona is the perfect place for an active nurse who prefers the weather on the warmer side. There is also no shortage of world-class facilities, primarily in the city of Phoenix. Mayo Clinic stands out as the top-ranked facility in the state, while two and three can also be found in Phoenix.

New York

New York is the perfect place for HCPs who live for a White Christmas. Across the entire state, temperatures drop as low as 7°F to 40°F, depending on where you go. Most people are well aware of the bright lights and stunning sights of places like Manhattan and Broadway. There are plenty of worthwhile sites outside the Big Apple, however. Sports fans may want to drop by Cooperstown to visit the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The Adirondacks, Catskills, and Chautauqua County are also fabulous winter getaway destinations. Enjoy seasonal sports like skiing, ice skating, and snowboarding, cozy bed and breakfast inns, and stunning winter mountainside views. NYC also provides a host of unique professional opportunities, as its top 5 facilities are nationally ranked in numerous categories. While you are working, gain experience and knowledge with some of the brightest minds and highest-end facilities in the country.

Colorado

CO’s mile-high altitude and mountainous terrain provide the perfect backdrop for classic winter activities. Despite the winter weather, daily high temperatures during this season regularly hover below 53°F. It drops below -7°F at night, but the winter Colorado experience in the day is a wonderful mix of sunny skies and snow-capped peaks. This proves to be the perfect weather for activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Between Viceroy Snowmass, Sonnelap Hotel, and Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, you will not be at a loss for world-class winter resorts. For nurses who want to immerse themselves in the culture, Denver alone is rich with fascinating exhibits hosted in sites like the Denver Art Museum and History Colorado Center, a rich local brewery scene, and a passionate sports culture that is raucous at this time of year. Colorado is not lacking in world-class facilities, either. In particular, UC Health University of Colorado Hospital ranks number one in the state and is nationally ranked in at least 5 specialties and 16 procedures/conditions, according to USNews.

Florida

If winter is not for you, then you may want to consider taking your nursing talents to South Beach. Through the winter season, Florida’s temperatures hover more at the 70°F and 80°F range. If you want summer fun at Christmas time, it does not get better than this. The state is rich with gorgeous beaches where you can swim, soak and tan to your heart’s content. Amusement parks like Disneyland are open all year round, but there is rarely a better time to go enjoy a depth-defying ride through Space Mountain. If you want to be more deliberate about your time, take a trip down the diverse pieces of the Lowe Museum or the diverse aquatic wildlife found at Key West Aquarium. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville currently ranks as the best in the state, as it is nationally ranked in 7 different specialties.

Texas

Down south, Texas is rich with several personal and professional opportunities. Like Florida, it is perfect for the warm-weather nurse who can do without the winter activities. Do note, however, that while daily high temperatures range around 59°F, it is common for the temperature to drop below freezing temperatures at night. As long as you are prepared for that, Lone Star State has much to offer you. Between its rich music and nightlife scene, Austin is the perfect getaway for the modern working adult. Both the San Antonio River Walk and Corpus Christi Beach come alive on Christmas nights, with bright and intricate decorations that illuminate their paths. For a different experience, Texas Hill Country offers the orange and auburn shades of fall well into the winter season. This but scratches the surface as to what you can do in Texas, at this time of year. Working in Texas is also a lucrative experience, as it is one of the bigger markets for travel nurses. Depending on your contract, you may earn up to $4,364 per week if you take the right shifts.

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Alarm Fatigue is Way Too Real (and Scary) For Nurses

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Alarm Fatigue is Way Too Real (and Scary) For Nurses

As an HCP, it is impossible to escape alarms. They follow you everywhere you go, especially when you are working in the intensive care unit (ICU). In theory, they notify you about patient condition changes and equipment failures immediately, so that medical personnel can tend to them. The reality is often more complicated than that, however. Research has found that 85 to 99% of all medical alarms are false or “clinically insignificant.”  That may not seem significant, but the noise eventually piles up. Alarm fatigue in nursing is a major problem. If you do not think it is, you are sorely mistaken. 

Nurses are still expected to stay alert throughout the whole shift, and respond immediately to these calls. The advancement of medical technology has also led to alarms being attached to more and more medical devices. To put things into perspective, hospitals will generate 150 to 400 alarms per patient. Just 40 years ago, this number was as low as 6. With all this in mind, it is no surprise that 35% percent of a nurse’s working time is spent answering these largely false alarms.

Nursing is already a very demanding profession. Staying on high alert for mostly false alarms piles on a significant amount of stress, on top of everything else. Nurses find themselves frantically scrambling between different large alarm devices, while they tend to their base duties for the day. This often causes nurse alarm fatigue, where nurses grow increasingly numb to alarms, thanks to the huge sensory overload. Either their responses are delayed or they stop answering them altogether. If left unchecked, alarm fatigue can directly lead to patient deaths. Tired nurses could leave serious patient alarms unanswered because they have grown desensitized by all the false positives. That is why alarm fatigue for nurses is a terrifying condition, for every party involved. 

What can be done to answer hospital alarm fatigue successfully? There are a number of avenues available to hospitals willing to invest in their patient safety. Reducing the number of false alarms should be the top priority of any organization. More thorough staff education, proper equipment upkeep, and examining what causes false alarms are just a couple examples of the kind of measures that hospitals must resort to. Though effective, these short term solutions can be rendered moot without longer term answers. Facilities owe it to their nurses to create a culture of continuous improvement and patient safety, as well as the right safeguard policies in place. Systemic and cultural changes will be the most effective way to combat this issue in the future. Until then, nurses and alarm fatigue will continue to be connected. 

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