Question Of The Day: Genitourinary Disorders

Q. A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Diagnostic testing reveals that the cancer has spread outside the pelvis. The client has previously undergone a right oophorectomy and received chemotherapy. The client now wants palliative care instead of aggressive therapy. The nurse determines that the care plan's priority nursing diagnosis should be:

A. Acute pain
B. Impaired home maintenance
C. Noncompliance
D. Ineffective breast-feeding

Correct Answer: A

Explanation: Palliative care for the client with advanced cancer includes pain management, emotional support, and comfort measures. The client is in the hospital, so home maintenance doesn't apply at this time. The client has chosen palliative care, so she isn't noncompliant. The client isn't breast-feeding, so the diagnosis of Ineffective breast-feeding doesn't apply.

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6 Wellness Tips for a Night Shift Nurse

Although the duties and responsibilities are no different for a nurse that works after the sun is down, the night shift (or shift work) does present unique challenges. The workplace atmosphere and schedule related to the night shift requires a nurse to make significant adjustments to his or her daily routine and personal life. With the majority of patients asleep during the late shift, nurses must also find ways to manage what is considered a less busy (or less stressful) workload in between the continuous monitoring of patients throughout the night.

While shifts vary according to a healthcare facility or hospital, the regular night shift is between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Some nurses may start a shift as early as 8:00 p.m.  At the end of a night shift, nurses return home where they usually rest and rejuvenate in the initial hours of the day. Unfortunately, sleeping throughout the day is sometimes difficult to achieve. Once awake, a night nurse often tends to their personal life, and then remains up until it’s time for their next shift.

There is a lot of information available discussing how hard it is on the human body to work a night shift. At some point, it has some grave consequences for all of us nocturnal folks. In response, I have a few pointers, some gleaned from the nursing literature, others from co-workers and my own experience:

⚈Working nights may have a “carcinogenic” effect on the body. If you start and stick to an exercise regimen and eat healthily, you will stay healthy! That is all there is to it. I even managed to lose weight and feel great just by taking better care of myself.
⚈Make your home as dark as possible. Include your bedroom. Sunlight wakes your body up, starting with your brain. Don’t send it conflicting messages. Tell your body, “I am going to bed now” by decreasing the amount of stimulation it receives a light. Wear dark sunglasses on your way home to get your body ready.
⚈Find a hobby you can bring with you. Particularly one that is mentally engaging and that you can set down. Some people knit, others do crossword puzzles or Sudoku. Reading is, of course, always a good idea. In fact, I went back to nights so that I can do a lot of this as I complete my Masters.
⚈Make sure that you have a set schedule. In my first night shift nursing job, I was all over the place with single days off randomly scattered everywhere. As a result, I used up quite a bit of sick time. Be assertive and tell your scheduling person that you need at least a couple of days off in a row to recuperate.
⚈Keep to your dental and medical check-ups. Working nights is linked to increased risk for cancer and even cavities. Make sure that you know where you are at physically and keep healthy.
⚈Be prepared for long chats with co-workers. Sometimes it can be about absolutely nothing. One of my supervisors pointed out that some of the most interesting conversations and bonding moments occur at 4 in the morning.
⚈Get off the unit for breaks. Be sure to still stay safe. Let people know where you are going just in case. Hospitals are not the safest places in the world, contrary to many beliefs, and 24/7 access means all kinds of people could wander in.

The concept of surviving the night shift doesn’t only pertain to the time spent in the workplace, but also extends to what a nurse does after his or her shift ends.

Additional tips on how to drive after night shift:

⚈Carpool with another nurse when possible, and hold a conversation with the driver.
⚈When applicable, choose public transportation.
⚈Do not stop for drinks with co-workers as a way to unwind.
⚈Wear wraparound sunglasses when driving home in the morning, so the body becomes less aware of the daylight.
⚈Embrace defensive driving techniques.

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Question Of The Day: Gastrointestinal Disorders

Q. A nurse is caring for a client with cholelithiasis. Which sign indicates obstructive jaundice?

A. Straw-colored urine
B. Reduced hematocrit
C. Clay-colored stools
D. Elevated urobilinogen in the urine

Correct Answer: C


Explanation: Obstructive jaundice develops when a stone obstructs the flow of bile in the common bile duct. When the flow of bile to the duodenum is blocked, the lack of bile pigments results in a clay-colored stool. In obstructive jaundice, urine tends to be dark amber (not straw-colored) as a result of soluble bilirubin in the urine. Hematocrit levels aren't affected by obstructive jaundice. Because obstructive jaundice prevents bilirubin from reaching the intestine (where it's converted to urobilinogen), the urine contains no urobilinogen.

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Why there be a Professional Dress Code in Nursing?

In the early 1800s and the turn of the century that followed, nurses strove to be viewed as legitimate, established professionals, bolstered by their significant role in caring for those injured in the many wars of the time. To aid sanitary conditions in hospitals, long gowns were worn, modeled after what nuns wore, to provide a “fever barrier” against infection. But, there was no covering for hands or for the mouth — only the nurse’s lower body itself was actually protected.

Shortly after, in the early 1900s, identification as a nurse began to creep in, typically through armbands or hats with symbols. Nursing uniforms of aprons and white hats remained standard until the 1980s, when personal expression and comfort became a driving force. Gone were the white hats, and nurses began to dress more casually in personal clothing or scrubs and smocks of varying color and pattern.

At the same time, facilities often didn’t develop standardized uniforms or codes, making it difficult to distinguish different nursing roles or individual caretakers.

Scrubs

The controversy rages on about going back to a standard uniform for nurses, namely whites. Being a self-proclaimed pragmatist, I’d like to point out that white is very difficult to keep clean. This is an argument I have made since nursing school, when I was required to wear whites.  Many of us can’t keep a white t-shirt free of ketchup; how will we keep a white uniform free of blood stains?

Whites may represent nursing from the not-too-distant past, but we are a different group of people from back then. We care for more critically ill people, we deal with more diseases, and we are responsible for completing more tasks and procedures. With that comes quite a bit of messiness.

As for nursing scrubs themselves, I think that these should be tasteful to ourselves and the groups of people we work with. You’ve got to know who you are working with. There are some people, young and old alike, who totally dig the Marvel and DC Comic characters. They can be some great icebreakers, also with young and old alike.  But, above all, try to avoid being provocative with low cut tops or bottoms. If you don’t want people looking down your shirt or at your butt, wear something else or cover it up.

Future Nursing Uniforms

In the Geisinger case, the study found that patients would be best served by nursing uniforms that included gray and white scrubs, with a nurse’s credentials and role embroidered into the uniform.

Another facility, Northwell Health in New York, recently began requiring nursing scrubs made of microbe-resistant materials as a method of limiting infectious transmission.

In both facilities, the jury is still out on patient response to the new uniforms. But as with all good evidence-based approaches, they plan to conduct follow-up research and iterate to further improve the nursing experience in the future.

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Question Of The Day: Oncologic Disorders

Q. A client who is undergoing radiation therapy develops mucositis. Which of the following interventions should be included in the client's plan of care?

A. Increase mouth care to twice per shift.
B. Provide the client with hot tea to drink.
C. Promote regular flossing of teeth.
D. Use half-strength hydrogen peroxide on mouth ulcers.

Correct Answer: C


Explanation:  Mucositis is an inflammation of the oral mucosa caused by radiation therapy. It is important that the client with mucositis receive meticulous mouth care, including flossing, to prevent the development of an infection. Mouth care should be provided before and after each meal, at bedtime, and more frequently as needed. Extremes of temperature should be avoided in food and drink. Half-strength hydrogen peroxide is too harsh to use on irritated tissues.

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Top Most Popular Nursing Degrees in US

The nursing field has seen outstanding growth in recent years, and this should continue for the likely future. In reality, there actually is a nursing scarcity in many areas. This is being driven by the aging US population, who require more health care services as they move through their retirement years.

The nursing shortage continues, and demand for nurses is expected to increase as the baby boomer generation ages and the nurses that are part of that generation retire. Nurses who specialize in various areas are often in even higher demand. The 20 specialties listed here were chosen based upon a combination of demand, salary, and settings.

Over 100 different nursing areas exist, each of them with different demands, settings, and schedules. Nevertheless, the specialties listed in this article were chosen to cover a wide range of nursing interests.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that nurses generally will see a 19% increase in demand by 2022. This demand could edge even higher for some specialties, the most popular of which are listed below. Note – we use average salaries from Indeed.com for each specialty, but your salary can vary depending upon where you work, education level and how much experience you have.

⚈ Neonatal Nurse

A neonatal nurse works with premature babies, most often in an intensive care setting. They provide extensive care for premature infants who usually have a variety of health problems. Neonatal nurses must work closely and effectively with other health care professionals.

How to Become One

You need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and some have a master’s degree. You also need to have specialized training and/or experience in working with neonates.

Job Growth Trends

Job demand for this field should increase by 17% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $65,000.

⚈ Nurse Midwife

A nurse midwife is a type of advanced practice registered nurse who provides and coordinates patient care for mothers and expecting mothers. These professionals do perform births, but they also work with mothers before, during and after delivery to ensure the health of mother and child.

How to Become One

Most nurse-midwives have many years of experience as a nurse, and then they earn their Master of Science degree in nurse-midwifery.

Job Growth Trends

Job demand in this field should increase by 31% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $79,000.

⚈ Clinical Nurse

A clinical nurse diagnose and treat patients who have more serious health problems in most cases. They usually work with these patients in a hospital in a clinical setting. Many of the patients are chronically ill, and suffer from heart and lung disease, cancer, or other chronic diseases that require specialized care.

How to Become One

A clinical nurse also is an advanced practice registered nurse who has a BSN, and also a MSN. This professional also needs to have specialized, clinical nurse training.

Job Growth Trends

This field will grow by 20% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $67,000.

⚈ Critical Care Nurse

A critical care nurse works most often in the intensive care unit, or ICU. Many hospitals now have ICUs for specific health problems, including burns and heart/lung problems. A critical care nurse can work in any of these ICU departments.

Critical care nurses may work in a hospital, nursing home or hospice. These types of nurses spend most of their shifts in the ICU carefully watching the health status os ICE patients.

How to Become One

Many critical care nurses just have a BSN, but they will need to have additional training beyond their bachelor’s program. Continuing education classes are needed to stay on top of the latest trends in critical care. They also have to work for at least two years in an ICU before they may certify as a critical care nurse

Job Growth Trends

This field will grow by 16% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $61,000.

⚈Dialysis Nurse

A dialysis nurse works with patients who have kidney problems and who must receive dialysis on a regular basis so that they can survive. When people have kidney problems, their kidneys are no longer able to filter the blood of waste products, which is then eliminated through urination. These patients need a dialysis machine to filter their blood for them.

These nurses are experts with all kinds of dialysis, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. They also work with patients who recently had a kidney transplant.

How to Become One

You must have a BSN, and should take classes in college that address dialysis specifically, such as nephrology and pharmacology.

Job Growth Trends

This field will grow by at least 19% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $64,000.

⚈Nurse Practitioner

A nurse practitioner (NP) today is a very important part of most family medicine offices. These professionals work under the eye of a doctor, and they do patient exams, diagnose various illnesses and prescribe drugs. Some NPs are even able to have their own private practices in some states.

NPs are becoming very much in demand, as there is a doctor shortage in the country.

How to Become One

You must earn your BSN and MSN and pass the exam for licensure. You will need to have several years of experience in the field before you can get your license from the American Nurses Credentialing Center of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners..

Job Growth Trends

This field will see growth of at least 25% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $94,000.

⚈ Health Policy Nurse

A health policy nurse does not work with patients in a clinical setting. This type of nurse actually works at an administrative level in various public and private organizations to come up with policies that will make people in society healthier.

A health policy nurse looks carefully at health care laws and devises strategies to change the attitudes of the public. This professional also helps to come up with more effective laws when necessary. You might work in a public health agency, a college or in a legislative body.

How to Become One

You have to have your BSN and MSN degrees and have worked for some period of time in nursing. You then will need to get into this specialized field by participating in a health policy residency, where you will gain necessary health policy experience.

Job Growth Trends

Job growth in this field should be at least 17% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $66,000.

⚈ Informatics Nurse

An informatics nurse collects, interprets and analyzes important medical data that comes into a health facility every day. An informatics nurse also often trains other nurses in the hospital on any new technology that is being introduced.

Informatics nurses often work for hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and government agencies.

The demand in this field is still growing, but the few nurses who have these specialized skills will find themselves in strong demand.

How to Become One

You need to have your BSN and be a practicing RN. As you work as a nurse, you should take classes in informatics nursing, which may often be taking as continuing education credits.

Job Growth Trends

Job growth in this field is probably not as high as nursing overall, but the demand should steadily increase in coming years as health care facilities rely more and more on analysis of digital medical information.

Salary

The average salary is $83,000.

⚈ Nurse Anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists belong to one of the most prestigious and well-paid fields in nursing. This field is in high demand and requires a high level of education, training and experience.

Nurse anesthetists provide anesthesia to patients who are going into surgery. They also help manage patient care in the OR, and they provide follow up care for many procedures that are done on an outpatient basis.

How to Become One

You need to have your BSN and obtain experience as a nurse for at least two years, then you should earn your MSN in nurse anesthesia. Then, you will need to work in acute care, such as an ICU or ER.

You may in coming years be required to earn your Ph.D. in nursing as well, but these requirements continue to evolve.

Job Growth Trends

This field will grow by 22% by 2022.

Salary

The average salary is $154,300.

⚈ Nurse Educator

A nurse educator teaches other professionals to become nurses. You can work in many areas of nursing education. You might be an instructor at an associates’, bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Given the high demand for nursing professionals of all kinds throughout the US, it makes sense that there also is great demand for nurse educators.

How to Become One

You first need to be a registered RN and have at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You also may need to have your MSN. If you want to get some of the more prestigious teaching positions at a college, you may need your doctorate in nursing.

Job Growth Trends

This field should grow by 19% by 2022, which is much faster than average.

Salary

The average salary for nurse educators is $65,000, but this can vary a lot depending upon if you work at a community college or a four year university.

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Question Of The Day: Cardiovascular Disorders

Q. A client is recovering from an acute myocardial infarction (MI). During the first week of the client's recovery, the nurse should stay alert for which abnormal heart sound?

A. Opening snap
B. Graham Steell's murmur
C. Ejection click
D. Pericardial friction rub

Correct Answer: D


Explanation: A pericardial friction rub, which sounds like squeaky leather, may occur during the first week following an MI. Resulting from inflammation of the pericardial sac, this abnormal heart sound arises as the roughened parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium rub against each other. Certain stenosed valves may cause a brief, high-pitched opening snap heard early in diastole. Graham Steell's murmur is a high-pitched, blowing murmur with a decrescendo pattern; heard during diastole, it indicates pulmonary insufficiency, such as from pulmonary hypertension or a congenital pulmonary valve defect. An ejection click, associated with mitral valve prolapse or a rigid, calcified aortic valve, causes a high-pitched sound during systole.

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Question Of The Day: The Neonate

Q. When performing an initial assessment of a post-term male neonate weighing 4,000 g (9 lb) who was admitted to the observation nursery after a vaginal delivery with low forceps, the nurse detects Ortolani's sign. Which of the following actions should the nurse do next?

A. Determine the length of the mother's labor.
B. Notify the primary health care provider immediately.
C. Keep the neonate under the radiant warmer for 2 hours.
D. Obtain a blood sample to check for hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer: B


Explanation: Ortolani's maneuver involves flexing the neonate's knees and hips at right angles and bringing the sides of the knees down to the surface of the examining table. A characteristic click or "clunk," felt or heard, represents a positive Ortolani's sign, suggesting a possible hip dislocation. The nurse should notify the primary health care provider promptly because treatment is needed, while maintaining the dislocated hip in a position of flexion and abduction. Determining the length of the mother's labor provides no useful information related to the nurse's finding. Keeping the infant under the radiant warmer is necessary only if the neonate's temperature is low or unstable. Checking for hypoglycemia is not indicated at this time, unless the neonate is exhibiting jitteriness.

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8 Finest Nursing Shoes for Female Nurse

Finding the best white nursing shoes for women is not as cut and paste as you might think. There is a range of features that go into determining what makes the best nursing shoes. Every nurse’s feet are different, and there is no one size fits all option for nursing shoes. However, I’ve compiled a list of top selling and highest rated white nursing shoes that will go great with your Caribbean blue scrubs (or really, any scrubs).

A few vital traits of each nursing shoe that are worthy of highlighting include:

● Price
● Rating
● Material
● Fit

Many nurses and nursing students have an only color choice when selecting nursing shoes: white. In most cases, these nurses can wear any type and style they like as long as they are white. Many nurses who have to wear white shoes are disheartened by the constraint of their footwear. However, they shouldn’t despair. There are many stylish and fashionable white nursing shoes available to fit any budget. Whether you want a simple clog or a set of sleek leather Mary Janes, there is something for everyone. So without further delay, let’s get right to the best white nursing shoes.

Finest White Nursing Shoes

1. Timberland Professional Women’s Renova Slip-On

Timberland Professional Women's Renova Slip-OnI’ve written about the Timberland Renova Pro in the past, and I love them. They are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I think a lot of that has to do with the anti-fatigue technology.  It could also have something to do with the heel-to-toe rocker sole that reduces forefoot pressure and aids in controlling proper joint motion through the ankles, knees, and hips.
Cost: $$$  Rating: 4.6 Stars Material: Leather Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: leg and back support, our top pick, slip resistant

2. Skechers Women’s D’Lites Sneaker

If you are a Sketchers fan, you will love these. Praised by walking enthusiasts and nurses alike, these shoes are a comfortable lace-up sneaker. They do come available in a wide, which is helpful if your feet swell after a long day. (We’d also recommend some compression hose to help with swelling.) Many states they keep buying this pair of shoe year after year.
Cost: $$ Rating: 4.6 Stars Material: Leather Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: comfort lasts all day, supportive, wide available

3. Alegria Women’s Paloma Flat

Alegria Women's Paloma FlatThese stylish Mary Jane nursing shoes are some of the most popular shoes a nurse can buy. They feel great the first time you step in and even better as they mold to your feet. They are great for someone with foot problems or back issues. These are quickly becoming a crowd favorite for nurses and nursing students alike.
Cost: $$$ Rating: 4.3 Stars Material: Leather Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: comfort lasts all day, supportive, wide available

4. Cherokee Women’s Exact Clog

These shoes are super comfortable and easy to slip on. Described by some as “walking on a cloud” they will help make long shifts more tolerable. Be aware they do not come in half sizes, and some have mentioned they squeak. But overall, most agree these are an excellent pair of shoes for the money. One Amazon reviewer even stated she has these shoes in 6 different colors!
Cost: $  Rating: 4.1 Stars Material: Leather Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: stylish and comfortable, footbed contours to your feet

5. Crocs Women’s Mercy Clog

Crocs Women's Mercy ClogIf you like to wear Crocs in your off time, these are a great option to wear to work. They do not have the holes that traditional Crocs are known for but do have the open feel in the back. They are an inexpensive option for nursing students who need a pair of white nursing shoes with their uniform and receive favorable reviews for comfort.
Cost: $  Rating: 4.0 Stars Material: Croslite Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: Lightweight and comfortable, slip resistant

6. Dansko Women’s Professional Box Leather Clog

Dansko Women's Professional Box Leather ClogI’ve meet so many nurses who simply swear by white leather Danskos. In fact, they were my very first pair of nursing shoes. I received them as a gift from my mother and also received many compliments on them.  They do come in European sizes, and they also have a hard sole, (some find this difficult to get used to) however, they are some of the best shoes around when it comes to preventing back pain.
Cost: $$$  Rating: 3.8 Stars Material: Leather Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: Support your back, prevent pain from standing

7. Cherokee Women’s Patricia Step In Shoe

These shoes are similar in style to Dansko, but are more lightweight and about half the price. Many with foot injuries or other forms of “bad feet” state that these are the only shoes they can wear comfortably. They do have a break in period but are great after that. The insoles are removable if you’re interested in that sort of thing.
Cost: $$  Rating: 3.8 Stars Material: Leather Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: slip resistant, padded collar, lightweight

8. Crocs Women’s Neria Work Clog

Crocs Women's 11773 Neria W ClogLook, we didn’t think that Crocs would make this list once, let alone twice. But frankly, these aren’t the garden shoes you are familiar with. These are a solid clog with a back that is easy to clean and super comfortable. These have a relaxed fit, and your heel will move up and down as you walk, as with many clogs. These are another option that has the look of Danskos but are considerably less, especially on Amazon.
Cost: $$  Rating: 3.8 Stars Material: Croslite Fit: As Expected
Reason to Buy: comfortable, easy to keep clean, slip resistant

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Question Of The Day: Intrapartum Period

Q. A client who has been in the latent phase of the first stage of labor is transitioning to the active phase. During the transition, the nurse expects to see which client behavior?

A. A desire for personal contact and touch
B. A full response to teaching
C. Fatigue, a desire for touch, and quietness
D. Withdrawal, irritability, and resistance to touch

Correct Answer: D


Explanation: During the transition to the active phase of the first stage of labor, increased pain typically makes the client withdrawn, irritable, and resistant to touch. During the latent phase (the early part of the first stage of labor), when contractions aren't intensely painful, the client typically desires personal contact and touch and responds to teaching and interventions. Fatigue, a desire for touch, and quietness are common during the third and fourth stages of labor.

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Question Of The Day: Psychotic Disorders

Q. At an outpatient visit 3 months after discharge from the hospital, a client says he has stopped his olanzapine (Zyprexa) even though it controls his symptoms of schizophrenia better than other medications. "I have gained 20 lb already. I can't stand any more." Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

A. "I don't think you look fat, why do you think so?"
B. "I can help you with a diet and exercise plan to keep your weight down."
C. "You can be switched to another medicine."
D. "Your weight gain will level off if you stay on the medication 3 more months."

Correct Answer: B


Explanation: Helping the client control his weight is the most appropriate approach. The nurse's contradiction of the client's complaint is inappropriate. Most atypical antipsychotics cause weight gain and are not a solution to the weight gain. There is little evidence that weight gain from taking olanzapine decreases with time.

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Question Of The Day: Mood, Adjustment, and Dementia Disorders

Q. A client diagnosed with a cognitive disorder is showing signs of confusion, short-term memory loss, and a short attention span. Which of the following therapy groups would be best suited for this client?

A. Insight-oriented.
B. Medication management.
C. Problem solving.
D. Reality-orientation.

Correct Answer: D


Explanation: Because the client has confusion, short-term memory loss, and a short attention span, a reality-orientation group is recommended to help the client maintain an optimal level of functioning, decrease isolation, and increase self-esteem. Focus is on the "here and now" and provides reality testing, structure, and social support. A client with a cognitive disorder is unlikely to benefit from an insight-oriented group, where the focus is on role relationships. Short-term memory loss and confusion interfere with the ability to learn about medication management. Short-term memory loss and confusion interfere with the ability to describe and solve problems.

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Question Of The Day: Anxiety Disorders

Q. Which of the following should the nurse teach a client with generalized anxiety disorder to help the client cope with anxiety?

A. Cognitive and behavioral strategies.
B. Issue avoidance and denial of problems.
C. Rest and sleep.
D. Withdrawal from role expectations and role relationships.

Correct Answer:  A

Explanation: A client with generalized anxiety disorder needs to learn cognitive and behavioral strategies to cope with anxiety appropriately. In doing so, the client's anxiety decreases and becomes more manageable. The client may need assertiveness training, reframing, and relaxation exercises to adaptively deal with anxiety.

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Advantages of Pursuing Nursing Education

With improved health literacy, persons are living longer than ever earlier than. At the moment, the average human life expectancy is around 80 years; however, with higher longevity comes extra advanced health issues. This makes offering the most effective care tougher and means it's much more vital to be nicely educated. Poor schooling and an absence of enough data can result in errors which are expensive for people’s health. Improved information is an important device for prevention of errors and offering increased high-quality care.

Training and understanding best practice care delivery is more than numbers earned annually; it’s dedication to being knowledgeable, holding up-to-date, repeatedly in search of to enhance, and in the end a dedication to supplying people with the very best care. Many individuals at present find it hard to seek out the time or money to pursue further nursing education, particularly when they're immersed in a full-time job. However, regardless of the additional effort required, there are numerous benefits in going again to high school and getting greater levels resembling a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and even Masters of Science in Nursing (MSN).

Here are the advantages link to nursing education

➤ Get more knowledge.

This can be some of the necessary instruments a nurse can possess to enhance the lives of their sufferers on a day-to-day foundation. Medical developments and new infectious sicknesses are consistently being found, in addition to up to date methods for remedy and new drugs. Therefore, it is vital to keep abreast of present analysis to ensure sufferers are given essentially the most up-to-date therapy.

➤ Broader nursing profession opportunities.

For instance, a nurse that has obtained an MSN diploma can only transfer from a hospital job right into an analysis job. Gaining a level may also imply alternatives to maneuver right into a specialty career corresponding to oncology, pediatrics, or turning into a nurse practitioner with a household apply.

➤ Future licensing legal guidelines 

Some states require that Registered Nurses (RNs) renew their nursing licenses to remain licensed. Renewal of certification could simply be finishing persevering with schooling lessons. Some nurses will even work towards a level whereas incomes their recertification on the similar time.

➤ Transitioning from an RN license to a BSN or MSN diploma is becoming simpler.

There are numerous on-line nursing faculties which can be accredited. They provide programs structured for individuals who are holding down a full-time job and seeking to fill a level that matches into their already busy way of life.

Since there are various entirely different colleges and online nursing programs to select from, nurses ought to take their time in selecting which program is the appropriate one for them. For instance, it ought to embrace a method to assist maintain college students involved with their professors through the use of internet scams, instantaneous messengers, and on-line message boards.

➤ Employers and hospitals are more and more seeking to hire a nurse who has a BSN.

Nurses with levels usually have an in-depth data of the career. Nurses with levels are relatively often promoted to supervisory positions and awarded larger pay. Whereas incomes a BSN, nurses achieve decision-making and demanding care expertise. This makes them eligible for positions comparable to head or employees nurse, division chief, or administrative supervisor.

There could be many benefits for a nurse to enter an RN to BSN diploma program. Along with incomes greater wages and qualifying for supervisory positions, continuing your education and attaining an advanced nursing degree can assist deliver the next degree of care to patients and the office.

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Question Of The Day: Infant

Q. An infant is hospitalized for treatment of inorganic failure to thrive. Which nursing action is most appropriate for this child?

A. Encouraging the infant to hold a bottle
B. Keeping the infant on bed rest to conserve energy
C. Rotating caregivers to provide more stimulation
D. Maintaining a consistent, structured environment

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The nurse caring for an infant with inorganic failure to thrive should strive to maintain a consistent, structured environment because it reinforces a caring feeding environment. Encouraging the infant to hold a bottle would reinforce an uncaring feeding environment. The infant should receive social stimulation rather than be confined to bed rest. The number of caregivers should be minimized to promote consistency of care.

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Question Of The Day: The Nursing Process

Q. Which of the following should be included in the plan of care for a client with a surgical wound that requires a wet-to-dry dressing?

A. Place a dry dressing in the wound.
B. Use Burrow's solution to wet the dressing.
C. Pack the wet dressing tightly into the wound.
D. Cover the wet packing with a dry sterile dressing.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: A wet-to-dry dressing should be able to dry out between dressing changes. Thus, the dressing should be moist, not dry, when applied. As the moist dressing dries, the wound will be debrided of necrotic tissue, exudate, and so forth. Normal saline is most commonly used to moisten the sponge; Burrow's solution will irritate the wound. The sponge should not be packed into the wound tightly because the circulation to the site could be impaired. The moist sponge should be placed so that all surfaces of the wound are in contact with the dressing. Then the sponge is covered and protected by a dry sterile dressing to prevent contamination from the external environment.

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Question Of The Day: Basic Physical Assessment

Q. Crackles heard on lung auscultation indicate which of the following?

A. Cyanosis.
B. Bronchospasm.
C. Airway narrowing.
D. Fluid-filled alveoli.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: Crackles are auscultated over fluid-filled alveoli. Crackles heard on lung auscultation do not have to be associated with cyanosis. Bronchospasm and airway narrowing generally are associated with wheezing sounds.

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Study Tips for NCLEX Exam

In preparation for the NCLEX, here are some study tips that will be helpful for you. For some, there's nothing worse than attempting to learning for a significant take a look at such because the NCLEX. The research course of will be simplified utilizing the following tips that may enable you kind a stable atmosphere that's conducive to studying. Keep in mind to create a examine plan that's particular to your studying fashion and one that may be just right for you as you put together in your examination.

➠ Study in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
➠ Make a research schedule you could realistically follow.
➠ Focus in your weaker areas first.
➠ You could perceive the the idea not memorize the data.
➠ Restrict distractions (e.g., silence your telephone).
➠ Take quick breaks to refresh your thoughts and physique.
➠ Don’t neglect yourself. There may be nothing flawed with taking a time without work from learning to have some enjoyable and simply calm down!
➠ Hearken to tender classical music (this was fairly soothing for me).
➠ Disconnect from all negativity.
➠ BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!
➠ Must Use NCLEX Study Resources

These resources have been helpful for me and I belief that they are going to be very useful for you as effectively.

It is believe that utilizing a number of resources helps to show you to an enormous array of NCLEX type questions that in flip will assist put together your thoughts for the precise check. All the assets that is listed have been utilized by nursing students for NCLEX examination preparation.

HURST NCLEX REVIEW

Hurst is a superb evaluate course for anybody who needs to solidify their information and have some additional assistance on any space they could be weak in. I selected the Three-day dwell assessment that comes with 30 day entry to the course materials in addition to six observe NCLEX exams. Hurst is a extremely good worth and the stay evaluate was useful. They give you sensible methods to consider conditions, the right way to break down the questions and learn how to assume “Nclexy”!

NCLEX MASTERY (MOBILE APP)

The NCLEX Mastery app is an effective way to review questions on the go. The total model of this app is $29.99 and comes with over 1800 questions. You may take apply quizzes in all nursing areas, in addition to evaluate widespread lab values. This app additionally retains monitor of your progress, contains detailed rationales, an inventory of your stronger or weaker topics and customized alerts that can remind you to do a day by day variety of follow questions.

1. One thing to remember is that the NCLEX is topic to vary. Ensure to brush up on the brand new tips and testing areas.

2. For my examination it was very heavy on delegation and prioritization questions. The NCLEX in the end seems to see if you may be a secure, accountable nurse who can maintain your sufferers.

3. Keep in mind that within the NCLEX world the one patient you're taking good care of is the one on the display screen. Be sure to know what duties as an RN you'll be able to delegate in addition to who would have to be seen first throughout shift change.

4. One other thing to remember is that the NCLEX is arbitrary, and never everybody might be given the identical variety of questions or be examined on the identical materials.

If you are focus, believe in your self, and give it your all you will be successful!

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What are the Requirements for Admission in Nursing School?

Careers in a nursing booming, getting right into a top-notch nursing program has grown to be an aggressive endeavor. In response to a report by the American Affiliation of Faculties of Nursing, U.S. nursing colleges turned away 69,938 certified candidates away due to the excessive demand for nursing training.

Nursing is a rewarding and demanding area with dozens of specialties. Proficient nurses hailing from the nation’s most prestigious nursing faculties are capable of finding work of their discipline at hospitals and in medical doctors' places of work all around the country.

When you're fascinated about selecting nursing in your profession, the next step is to put collectively a robust utility to impress the applications you are keen on. Feeling nervous about getting all of it executed?

Nursing Program Requirements:

The nursing program or its affiliate pharmaceutical companies could require background checks and drug screenings. Failure to go some those checks/screenings will imply that the scholar won't be allowed to attend scientific lab. The Scientific lab is a required course element. Thus, the coed shall be unable to fulfill the course necessities and should withdraw from this system.

Requirements for R.N. License: 

Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination, NCLEX/RN, for licensure as a registered skilled nurse. Candidates for licensure should meet all requirements as decided by the New York State Schooling Division. In making use of for licensure, you could reply the next query: “Have you ever been discovered responsible after trial, or pleaded responsibly, no contest, or nolo contendere to a criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor) in any court docket?” 

The Licensed Nurse Applicant Advanced Placement Credit:

The person should have met the same pre-requisites for entrance as the final admit scholar outlined above.

The person should maintain a current New York State License for Sensible Nurses.

If a graduate of the HFM Counties BOCES Sensible Nursing Program, the person should have attained a mean of 85% or increased.  Transcripts from different packages might be evaluated on a person foundation.

Completion of four credit of faculty stage Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 181) with a minimum grade of “C” course should be not more than seven years previous and three credit of Normal Psychology (PSY 101) with a minimum grade of “C” earlier than the entrance to NUR 106.

Accepted College students should efficiently full Nursing Course of (1 institutional non-degree credit score) Course supplied at Fulton-Montgomery Neighborhood School sooner than admittance into NUR 106.  This can be a prerequisite for his/her entrance into NUR 106.  This course can be provided within the January time period.

Last selections as to granting prior FM credit, switch credit, or equivalencies shall be made by the Dean of Tutorial Affairs in session with the Nursing Choice Committee.

Co-requisites for NUR 105

Concurrent registration in, or prior completion of four credit of Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 181) (with a grade of “C” or above and no more than 7 years previous) and three credit of Common Psychology (PSY 101) (with a grade of “C” or above)

Co-requisites for NUR 106

Concurrent registration in, or prior completion of four credits of Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO 182) (with a grade of “C” or above and less than 7 years previous) and three credit of Developmental Psychology (PSY 200) (with a grade of “C” or above)

Granting of Prior FM Credit Score 

The person will need to have met the same pre-requisites for entrance as the overall admit pupil outlined above.

Switch college students from different collegiate nursing applications are evaluated on a person foundation.  Change college students should submit a written request to the Affiliate Dean for Enrollment Administration mainly figuring out components that may enhance efficiency and improve success.

Prior FM credit score or switch credit score won't be granted for school stage Anatomy & Physiology I & II, and Microbiology if the programs are greater than seven years outdated. 

Pharmacology should be taken after completion of NUR 105 and NUR 106 and inside 12 months of commencement. 

A pupil should acquire a minimum grade of “C” in Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology Programs to be eligible for development to the following degree nursing course.

Ordinarily, switch credit score won't be granted for Nursing Science programs.  Since school nursing programs will not be standardized as to the content material for every semester, every candidate’s information has to be examined individually.  Usually, switch credit score will solely be given for Nursing Science I.

Closing choices as to prior FM or switch credit will probably be made by the Dean of Tutorial Affairs in session with the Nursing Selection Committee.

Readmission Applicants:

Along with the On-line Nursing Application, a pupil in search of readmission because of tutorial or medical failure should submit a written request to the Affiliate Dean for Recruitment and Admission mainly figuring out elements that can enhance efficiency and improve success. Readmission college students should present one new skilled letter of advice.  The Nursing Selection Committee will assessment the request.

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Question Of The Day: Basic Psychosocial Needs

Q. The health care provider at a prenatal clinic has ordered multivitamins for a woman who is 3 months' pregnant. The client calls the nurse to report that she has gone to the pharmacy to fill her prescription but is unable to buy it as it costs too much. The nurse should refer the client to:

A. The charge nurse.
B. The hospital finance office.
C. Her hospital social worker.
D. Her insurance company.

Correct Answer: C

Explanation: The social worker is available to assist the client in finding services within the community to meet client needs. This individual is able to provide the names of pharmacies within the community that offer generic substitutes or others that utilize the client's insurance plan. The charge nurse of the unit would be able to refer the client to the social worker. The hospital finance office does not handle this type of situation and would refer the client back to the unit. The client's insurance company deals with payments for health care and would refer the client back to the local setting.

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The Importance of Nursing School Rankings

How nursing school rankings and reviews may help you together with your nursing school search?

Nursing school rankings try to measure the caliber of particular person nursing faculties by comparisons primarily based on quite a few elements. To our data, there are solely two units of rankings of nursing schools: U.S. News & World Report, and NIH Analysis Funding. Every offers fundamental data on packages that may information you to other selective searches as you discover nursing schools.

Nursing school ranking data enhances the detailed analysis you need to conduct on every nursing school of curiosity. Most school students will discover schools with the particular nursing applications they want by specializing in a geographic space of their alternative; subsequently, they'll take a look at nursing school rankings data to know some the relative strengths and weaknesses of the nursing schools.

How are nursing school rankings decided?

The nursing school ranking system varies, however many are primarily based on the info collected from a survey designed by tutorial consultants, together with professors and advisors. This data is usually a sequence of responses from a mix of scholars, alumni, school directors, recruiters, and executives. The data solicited will be factual or extremely subjective. After the info is collected, the survey applies a superior system that enables elements to hold roughly significance—the incoming GPA could be “price” lower than the job placement fee after commencement.

NIH Funding

The Nationwide Institutes of Well being rankings are based mostly solely upon the whole quantity of analysis grant cash allotted to particular person nursing schools. NIH rankings are valued by analysis establishments, who consider they signify the top quality of school researchers, whose initiatives should be accredited by a peer-review panel of consultants. With a view to developing excellent analysis applications, many faculties focus analysis efforts on a limited variety of particular fields and recruit school members with expertise in these areas.

What are some of the issues around nursing school rankings?

In case you shouldn't have a brief listing of nursing schools in thoughts, ranking guides can present important beginning factors to check applications. There are some questions in regards to the validity of ranking info, nonetheless: Rankings tend to emphasize statistics, and it's arduous to place numbers on individual expertise.There are lots of facets of individual nursing schools that ranking guides can't charge, together with high quality of pupil life, Professor instruction and campus actions.

Even information that focuses particularly on healing could not look at every particular person division or specialty in depth.Your particular person wants and needs as a pupil could also be totally entirely different from the areas targeted on by ranking guides.

What should I ask after I have a look at nursing school rankings?

Earlier than consulting any classification guides, make sure you consider its credibility. Questions would possibly embrace:

What standards does the information use to rank schools?

Ranking techniques base their last lists on formulation which will have individual requirements: ought to a school’s student-to-school ratio rely on the kind of than 20 %?

Who judges the standards: are they neutral third events or schools and schools that will have conflicts of curiosity?

Are the evaluators aptly certified to estimate the level of nursing packages? A survey respondent could also be educated about one or two schools. However, she will not be well-informed in regards to the dozens of applications on the listing.

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Question Of The Day: Respiratory Disorders

Q. A client hospitalized for treatment of a pulmonary embolism develops respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical findings commonly accompany respiratory alkalosis?

A. Nausea or vomiting
B. Abdominal pain or diarrhea
C. Hallucinations or tinnitus
D. Light-headedness or paresthesia

Correct Answer: D

Explanation: The client with respiratory alkalosis may complain of light-headedness or paresthesia (numbness and tingling in the arms and legs). Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may accompany respiratory acidosis. Hallucinations and tinnitus rarely are associated with respiratory alkalosis or any other acid-base imbalance.

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The nurse’s role in promoting healthy lifestyle

Healthier nurses translate into more healthy patients? That is simply one of many questions that come up concerning whether or not nurses and various well-being care professionals ought to be the role model for wholesome dwelling and be held to increased requirements of wholesome conduct than most of the people.Nurses should follow wholesome behaviors to be an effective role model. The nurses in her research seen adopting and sustaining these behaviors as private selections they made.

"They either selected to or selected not to, have interaction in wholesome behaviors. However they might be model no matter selection," stated Rush, the well-known writer.Employers even have an accountability to create environments that encourage nurses in the making well-being part of their each day lives. Wholesome behaviors improve job efficiency by unleashing extra vitality, stamina, and psychological sharpness, she mentioned.

"Whether or not we imagine patients ought to or mustn't view nurses as model for a wholesome way of life, the easy fact is that many patients do anticipate nurses to information by instance," stated Tamara Walker, RN, a pediatric nurse in Edmond.

"Patients usually tend to hearken to and comply with the directions of a nurse who's modeling the wellbeing habits and behaviors they should develop themselves," Walker continued. "They're additionally extra more likely to tune out the nurse who takes a 'do as I say, not as I do’ strategy. 

Nurses, in fact, are solely human and can't be anticipated to be good examples. In some instances, it could be helpful for the nurse to share together with her affected person how she is working to beat an unhealthy behavior or attempting to develop a wholesome behavior in her personal life."

So, can overworked nurses kick unhealthy habits and grow to be models for life-style changes?

A nationwide effort, Tobacco Free Nurses, acknowledges the impression that nurses could make in serving to people who smoke quit. By enabling nurses to give up nicotine, they'll inspire patients to do the identical.The Tobacco Free Nurses Web site hosts many resources geared toward nurses, together with a library of tobacco management references written by or about their friends. One hyperlink on the location, serving to People who smoke Give up, connects nurses with analysis funded by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. A complete of 40 hospitals in California, Indiana and West Virginia are concerned in distance studying that coaches nurses in affected person smoking cessation.

Conclusion

Nurses play an important role in promoting public health. Historically, the main target of well-being promotion by nurses has been on illness prevention and altering the behavior of people on their well-being. Nonetheless, their function as promoters of well-being is extra complicated, since they've multi-disciplinary information and expertise of well-being promotion of their nursing practice.

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Question Of The Day: Neurosensory Disorders

Q. A nurse is monitoring a client for adverse reactions to atropine (Atropine Care) eyedrops. Systemic absorption of atropine sulfate through the conjunctiva can cause which adverse reaction?

A. Tachycardia
B. Increased salivation
C. Hypotension
D. Apnea

Correct Answer: A


Explanation: Systemic absorption of atropine can cause tachycardia, palpitations, flushing, dry skin, ataxia, and confusion. To minimize systemic absorption, the client should apply digital pressure over the punctum at the inner canthus for 2 to 3 minutes after instilling the drops. The drug also may cause dry mouth. It isn't known to cause hypotension or apnea.

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Question Of The Day: Musculoskeletal Disorders

Q. After surgery to treat a hip fracture, a client returns from the postanesthesia care unit to the medical-surgical unit. Postoperatively, how should the nurse position the client?

A. With the affected hip flexed acutely
B. With the leg on the affected side abducted
C. With the leg on the affected side adducted
D. With the affected hip rotated externally

Correct Answer: B


Explanation: The nurse must keep the leg on the affected side abducted at all times after hip surgery to prevent accidental dislodgment of the affected hip joint. Placing a pillow or an A-frame between the legs helps maintain abduction and reminds the client not to cross the legs. The nurse should avoid acutely flexing the client's affected hip (for example, by elevating the head of the bed excessively), adducting the leg on the affected side (such as by moving it toward the midline), or externally rotating the affected hip (such as by removing support along the outer side of the leg) because these positions may cause dislocation of the injured hip joint.

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