by jbrenanth

Travel Nursing Basics

August 6, 2011 in Uncategorized by jbrenanth

By: Sally Ryan

The demand for nurses is a worldwide phenomenon. Healthcare professionals are not evenly distributed across the globe. There are many areas that do not have enough nurses to fill local health care demands. In response, the travel nursing industry was born and is prospering.

Unfilled nursing positions in the United States and around the world are posted with travel nursing agencies. These agencies help nurse applicants with the paperwork and licensing required to secure a travel nursing position. They negotiate salary and benefits and prepare a contract between employer and nurse; subsidized housing can often be secured through the agency. The average travel nurse also enjoys excellent medical and dental benefits.
Applying for a position as a travel nurse requires a tedious amount of registration paperwork and documentation. It is therefore wise to sign up with a travel nursing agency which will help with the job search, contract negotiation and paperwork. The agency will become your best friend, giving you all the necessary details regarding the nursing position and requirements.
Travel nursing positions are usually 13 weeks in duration, although that may vary with special circumstances. A travel nurse can work in 4 different healthcare settings a year, or sometimes can opt to extend at a particularly favorable position. It is therefore important that a travel nurse be flexible, with the ability to rapidly adjust to new working environments.
Another important characteristic of a good travel nurse is the appreciation of different peoples and customs. For international travel nurses, living in a foreign country can pose its own set of problems in day to day living. Most countries do not have as many conveniences as households in the United States and the lack of a refrigerator/freezer large enough to hold more than a day’s food can be a challenge. Language can be a barrier to social integration, making life as a travel nurse lonely at times.
Travel nurse positions are temporary; therefore, it is not necessary to permanently move away from family and friends. A return to a permanent position is always possible at the end of any travel nursing contract. However, if you are a nurse and the travel bug lives within you, a career as travel nurse can be a unique and rewarding experience.
If you are interested in becoming a travel nurse, read the other travel nurse articles posted on this and other websites so you will be prepared to make an educated decision before you jump into the travel nursing industry.

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by jbrenanth

Travel Nursing Series: Nursing in Saudi Arabia

August 6, 2011 in Uncategorized by jbrenanth

By: Sally Ryan

 

One of the easiest careers to “take on the road” is that of the health care professional. Physicians and nurses are in demand in every country in the world. Due to globalization, it is now easy for countries to make up for nursing shortages by recruiting workers from other countries. Nursing skills are universal and those of nurses in the United States are among the most advanced. Getting certified to practice in a foreign country, although a bit tedious, is relatively easy. Usually a placement agency can help guide the US nurse through the process.

Some of the best overseas nursing jobs can be found in Saudi Arabia. With a growing economy, Saudi Arabia has a bustling business sector resulting in growth in community support services. Hospitals and health clinics are being built to take care of the increasing demand for health care services of the population. To fill vacant nursing positions the Saudi Arabian medical institutions offer a very enticing package to travel nurses.
While the pay rate for nurses in Saudi Arabia is much higher than that paid in Third World countries, it is somewhat comparable to that paid in Western hospitals, except that is tax free depending on the travel nurses country of origin. US citizens must pay tax on income earned outside the United States. However, most travel nurses receive free or subsidized, fully furnished housing that is shared with another nurse. Usually, even the utility bills are paid by the hospital. It is not possible to house family members in travel nursing housing. Many hospitals are located in compound-like areas with living quarters located nearby. These compounds often have their own swimming pool, work-out areas and other amenities for their residents, much like the US gated communities.
A typical work week in Saudi Arabia is 48 hours with nursing shifts lasting 8 – 12 hours, depending on the staff rotation guidelines of the particular hospital. Overtime pay is usually offered. A generous 4 – 10 week paid vacation based on annual employment is an added benefit. Some hospitals also offer paid holidays and sick leave, free medical insurance, travel allowances, cell phones, and bonuses on completion of the travel nursing contract. You will need to check whether your employer will provide nursing uniforms or whether you will need to pack your uniform scrubs and nursing shoes. Hospitals in Saudi Arabia tend to be new and very large. It is often easy for even the local nurses to get lost in the maze of hospital corridors and wings. Your travelling nurse agency will be able to provide exact specifics for each employer.
An important concern for the travel nurse is the adjustment to local culture, traditions and religion. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country with stringent restrictions on what men and women are allowed to do. Because men are not allowed to care for women and children, nursing positions for men are limited. Women are the preferred caregivers even on a hospital men’s ward. Female travel nurses are expected to wear the traditional abaya when leaving a compound to socialize or go to the local stores, but need not follow the Saudi tradition of walking behind the men.
Men not accompanied by their family are considered bachelors and follow the Saudi customs governing bachelor behavior. There are separate facilities for bachelors and families. It is against the law for a man to be accompanied anywhere by a woman who is not his wife or a family member. This limits social activities for the male travel nurse.
A woman not accompanied by her husband or family is considered single and will be admitted to family facilities but never to the bachelor facilities. It is against the law for a single woman to be accompanied by a man who is not her husband or a family member and punishment for this offense is worse for the woman than for a bachelor. In order to create a social life, a foreign woman and her male friend often claim to be married in order to mingle freely in Saudi society, although if caught, the consequences can be harsh.
Travel in Saudi Arabian cities is best accomplished by means of taxis and fares within the larger cities are standardized. Flying is the preferred method of long-distance and travel and fares are reasonably priced. Buses are available, but slow, with many bus stations being located outside of the city. Cars are available for rent but travel in the modern highway system is dangerous, at best. Saudi Arabia has one of the highest accident rates in the world. Being involved in an accident is a time consuming process as those involved are not allowed to leave the scene of the accident until the usually non English speaking Traffic Police arrive several hours later. Accident paper work is time consuming and car repairs cannot be done until an official report is issued.
One of the easiest ways to run afoul of Islamic law is by taking pictures. Strict Wahhabi beliefs prohibit creating images of living beings so it is imperative that you ask permission to take photos of Saudi men. It is absolutely forbidden to take pictures of Saudi women. The government is sensitive to having pictures taken of government related facilities so it is best to concentrate your photographic efforts on the scenery.
Saudi Arabia has some of the most restrictive travel regulations in the world and if you are considering a position as a travel nurse here it is best to be thoroughly versed in local law and customs before making a commitment. That being said, if you are an adventurer looking to experience life in an Islamic country Saudi Arabia is an excellent location and will certainly provide many unique experiences. So grab your uniform scrubs, nursing shoes, stethoscope and travel gear and head off to a new adventure of travel in Saudi Arabia.

 

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by jbrenanth

Nurses An Important Part Of The Healthcare Community

August 6, 2011 in Uncategorized by jbrenanth

By: Josh Stone Home |

 

A nurse is a health care professional who is engaged in the practice of nursing. Nurses are men and women who are responsible (along with other health care professionals) for the treatment, safety and recovery of acutely or chronically ill or injured people, health maintenance of the healthy, and treatment of life-threatening emergencies in a wide range of health care settings. Nurses may also be involved in medical and nursing research and perform a wide range of non-clinical functions necessary to the delivery of health care.

Nurses develop a plan of care, sometimes working collaboratively with physicians, therapists, the patient, the patient’s family and other team members. In the U.S. (and increasingly the United Kingdom), advanced practice nurses, such as clinical nurse specialists and nurse practitioners, diagnose health problems and prescribe medications and other therapies. Nurses may help coordinate the patient care performed by other members of a health care team such as therapists, medical practitioners, dietitians, etc. Nurses provide care both interdependently, for example, with physicians, and independently as nursing professionals.

According to the US Department of Labor’s revised Occupational Outlook Handbook (2000), “Registered nurses (R.N.s) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, responses, and progress; assist physicians during treatments and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. R.N.s also develop and manage nursing care plans; instruct patients and their families in proper care; and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health.”

The nursing career structure varies considerably throughout the world. Typically there are several distinct levels of nursing practitioner, distinguished by increasing education, responsibility and skills. The major distinction is between task-based nursing and professional nursing.

In various parts of the world, the educational background for nurses varies widely. In some parts of Eastern Europe, nurses are high school graduates with twelve to eighteen months of training. In contrast, Chile requires any Registered Nurse to have at least a bachelor’s degree.

At the top of the educational ladder is the doctoral-prepared nurse. Nurses may gain the PhD or another doctoral degree such as Doctor of Nursing Science (DNSc) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in research, clinical nursing, etc. These nurses practice nursing, teach nursing and carry out nursing research. As the science and art of nursing has advanced, so has the demand for doctoral-prepared nurses.

Registered Nurses generally receive their basic preparation through one of three basic avenues:

Graduation from an Associate of Science in Nursing degree-granting nursing program (two to three years of college level study with a strong emphasis on clinical knowledge and skills) earning the degree of ASN/AAS or ADN in Nursing.

Graduation with a three-year (Diploma in Nursing) certificate from a hospital-based school of nursing (non-degree). Few of these programs remain in the U.S. and the proportion of nurses practicing with a diploma is rapidly decreasing.

Graduation from a university with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (a four – five year program conferring the BSN/BN degree with enhanced emphasis on leadership and research as well as clinically-focused courses).

There are also special programs for “LPN to RN”, for people who hold undergraduate degrees in other disciplines, and for paramedics or military medics. Graduates of all programs, once licensed, are eligible for employment as entry-level staff nurses.

A typical course of study at any level typically includes such topics as:

  •  Anatomy and physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology and medication administration
  • Psychology
  • Nursing ethics
  • Nursing theory
  • Nursing practice
  • Legal issues in nursing practice

All pathways into practice require that the candidate undergo clinical training in nursing. Care is delivered by the student nurses under academic supervision in the hospital and in other practice settings. Clinical courses typically include:

  •  Maternal-child nursing
  • Pediatric nursing
  • Adult medical-surgical nursing
  • Geriatric nursing
  • Psychiatric nursing

While in clinical training, student nurses are identified by a special uniform to distinguish them from licensed professionals.

In many nursing programs in the United States, a computerized exam is given before, during and upon completion to evaluate the student and nursing program outcomes. This exam upon completion of the nursing program is done to measure a student’s readiness for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN state board licensure exam. The exam identifies strengths and weaknesses and provides the need for remediation prior to taking the state board exam. This is not a requirement of all nursing programs in the United States, but has increased its usage in the past three to four years.

It is common for RNs to seek additional education to earn a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Science to prepare for leadership or advanced practice roles within nursing. Management and teaching positions increasingly require candidates to hold an advanced degree in nursing. Many hospitals offer tuition reimbursement or assistance to nurses who want to continue their education beyond their basic preparation.

Many nurses pursue voluntary specialty certification through professional organizations and certifying bodies in order to demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in their area of expertise.

All U.S. states and territories require RNs to graduate from an accredited nursing program which allows the candidate to sit for the NCLEX-RN, a standardized examination administered through the National Council of State Nursing Boards. Successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for state licensure as an RN.

Nurses from other countries are required to be proficient in English and have their educational credentials evaluated by an association known as the Council of Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools prior to being permitted to take the U.S. licensing exam.

Government regulates the profession of nursing to protect the public. In the U.S., the individual states have authority over nursing practice. The scope of practice is defined by legislative and regulatory laws which are administered by State Nursing Boards.

Many states have adopted the Model Nursing Practice Act and Model Nursing Administrative Rules created by the National Council of State Nursing Boards (NCSNB). In addition, many State Nursing Boards model their licensure requirements on the Uniform Core Licensure Requirements which set forth competency development and competency assessment principles.

Nurses may be licensed in more than one state, either by examination or endorsement of a license issued by another state. In addition, the states which have adopted the Nurse Licensure Compact allow nurses licensed in one of the states to practice in all of them through mutual recognition of licensure.

 

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by jbrenanth

A Foreigners Guide To Renting An Apartment In Canada

August 6, 2011 in Uncategorized by jbrenanth

By : Adriana Noton

So you are moving to Canada. Congratulations! Whether you are coming to Canada to go to school, for work or to be close to family, there is a lot to learn about living in Canada. Check out this great Foreigners guide to renting an apartment in Canada.

When you are looking for a place to live in Canada, there are a number of different ways to find apartment listings. In larger cities such as Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg and Vancouver, you will find listings in the local newspaper. The listings will be broken down into subgroups such as one bedroom, two bedroom, three bedroom or more. You can sometimes find duplexes to rent, and maybe even a condominium.

Another place you may look for rental information is at the store or laundromat. Check out the student housing office at the University or College and sometimes apartment buildings list their vacancies on a board outdoors. Try also online, where you can find apartment listings by city and even neighbourhood.

First you need to decide how many will be sharing the apartment. Your landlord will demand the names of all the people who will be living there, so be prepared to provide that information when you go see an apartment. There are limits as to how many people can live in a rental property, depending on the number of bedrooms. Find out what the limitations are in your community.

You will also need to determine what you can personally afford for your rent. When you are looking for an apartment, look at the amount that is listed as the rent. If it is unusually lower than the rest of the advertisements, it is probably because the heat and hydro costs are not included in the rent. As much as possible, try to find a place that includes heat and hydro in your rent.

When you are new to Canada, it can be difficult to find a place to rent. This is not because of your background, but because some landlords are concerned about being paid. With no background information on you, they may be reluctant to rent to you. Most landlords will run a credit check on you before they rent, so having a good credit history, wherever you may be from, can be very important. Alternately, it is important to have someone who has a good credit history, (a parent, sibling or cousin) available to co-sign for your lease. This will remove any concerns for your prospective landlord and should grease the wheels in your ability to get a good rental property.

Always ask, when looking for an apartment, what appliances are included on the property. Most will include a refrigerator or stove, most of the times both. Some may include a washing machine for your clothes and a clothes dryer. Some apartment buildings have a laundry room where tenants can wash their clothes on the premises. In smaller buildings and duplexes you may have to walk or drive to the closest laundromat to do your laundry.

When the landlord approves your application to rent their property, they will ask you for a security deposit. This deposit is usually the same value as your monthly rent, and is held by the landlord as your last month’s rent. This amount earns interest throughout the year, and the landlord must pay you the interest on that amount at the end of your lease. Your lease will normally be for a period of one year, although some leases are for less time and some are for longer.

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