Understanding State Licensures

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST

In the interest of protecting the public, every state has adopted rules and regulations governing the licensure of nurses. Each state’s board of registered nursing regulates the practice of nursing in its home state, sets education and continuing education requirements, conducts licensure examinations, issues licenses and tracks disciplinary measures.

In 1996 the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) began development of a national licensure model. In 2000 the RN and LPN/V [...]

Resume tips for nurses

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST

Today, resumes need to be more than a chronology of positions held and skills learned. To sell yourself you need to show potential employers what you can do for them. Tailor your resume to the position you’re applying for by including key words from the job description. You want to create an obvious match with your abilities. Quantify accomplishments where possible. Bullet points, action verbs and white space make resumes easy to review. Always check grammar and spelling.

Bridging the Generation Gap in the Workplace

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST

Coping with the “Generation Gap” can be a challenge, particularly in the workplace. Each generation brings with it a unique perspective molded by the economic, political, and social events of its time. Generational differences in communication, task performance, and core values have the potential to either enrich the work environment or create uncomfortable friction.

Creating cross-generational understanding requires respect for the unique contributions of each generat [...]

Earning CE Credits to Further Your Career

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 EST

Learning doesn’t stop when you get your degree or license. A commitment to your profession as a nurse requires a lifelong commitment to education. It’s important to keep up with new developments in nursing and medicine.

Continuing education (CE) programs provide the opportunity to increase your knowledge, improve patient care and advance your professional development. Many states now mandate annual or biennial CE credit requirements for licensing and certification renewal.

Many un [...]

Using Trade Shows to Stay Current on Healthcare Advances

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

Healthcare trade shows and their smaller, local cousins, health fairs, provide unique opportunities to broaden your career horizons. Attending these industry exhibitions provides a convenient way to keep your fingers on the industry pulse and do some networking at the same time.

Trade shows draw exhibitors from all walks of the healthcare industry that are eager to showcase and demonstrate new products, technologies, and services. A typical regional show may draw representatives from ho [...]

Using Your Alumni Association to Advance Your Career

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 00:00:00 EST

Chances are you got your first job with a little help from your nursing school. But did you know that your school’s alumni association can help you advance your career well after graduation?

At many nursing schools, alumni associations make it possible for you to tap into the full services of your school’s career services network, even decades after graduation. Many offer specialized career advancement and career exploration services available only to alumni. Some services, particularly [...]

The Advantages of Joining a Professional Organization

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

Most healthcare roles are represented by a national society or professional association. These organizations play an important role in nursing and related healthcare professions, and to a large extent shape the public’s view of healthcare professionals. National organizations foster high professional standards in both performance and conduct and provide input into certification and continuing education standards. They promote the rights, health, and safety of their members in the workplace by [...]

What to Look For in a Healthcare Staffing Company

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EST

There are many advantages to working for a healthcare staffing company. For people starting out and those considering a change in focus, this work allows time to explore a variety of career options. Many nurses and healthcare workers turn to staffing companies to supplement their income. Some prefer the variety of work that staffing companies can offer. They enjoy the constant challenge of new assignments and new people. Veteran nurses who teach or have moved on to other fields often use this [...]

The Value of Networking

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EST

There’s a lot of truth to the old adage, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” Networking is the most effective way to find out about new job opportunities and get your foot in the door. Through networking you can connect with other healthcare professionals professionally, socially, and personally. Networking allows you to exchange information, share experiences, and cultivate professional relationships. By connecting with others in your profession you gain exposure to a broad spectrum [...]

Patient Advocacy is the Responsibility of Every Healthcare Professional

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EST

Nurses and other healthcare professionals serve as first responders in matters of patient advocacy. Patient advocacy is speaking on behalf of a patient to protect his or her rights, to ensure he or she receives quality care, and to help him or her obtain necessary information and services. Social workers, physicians, lawyers, and others may serve as patient advocates, but it is their professional knowledge and skill combined with their intimate involvement in a patient’s daily care that place [...]

Make the Most of Your Online Class

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST

Online classes are a blessing for busy healthcare professionals. They allow you to keep up with medical advancements, increase your skills, and meet continuing education requirements at a time that’s convenient for you.

Try these tips to get the most out of your next online class:

Get acquainted. Familiarize yourself with the course’s online delivery system. Find the course syllabus, schedule, calendar, requirements, methods of communication, where to go for [...]

Evaluate Career Goals to Plan for Future

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

To keep your career moving forward, it is wise to periodically re-evaluate your career goals and fine tune your plans for the future. A regular review of your career goals will help you position yourself to take advantage of career-enhancing opportunities as they arise.

Assess. Honestly assess your skills and abilities. Think about daily activities that bring you the most – and least – satisfaction. Which aspects of your job you would like to devote more time to? To assess your str [...]

How to Get the Most Out of a Trade Show

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EST

Attending a trade show is a little like a first date. You want to make a good impression and you want to leave them wanting more. Appearance, demeanor and professionalism count. Although you may only visit with a healthcare staffing representative for a few minutes at a trade show, that’s long enough to make that all- important first impression. Proper preparation will ensure that the impression you make is a good one.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 16% to 18% of all job seek [...]

How to Make a Smooth Transition to a New Nursing Position

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EST

It can be tough to be the new kid on the block, a position nurses frequently find themselves in. Nurses who work for staffing agencies are regularly required to adjust quickly to new work environments. The basic skills are the same whether you’re learning a new hospital culture, getting to know a new homecare patient or assigned to a different hospital floor. Learning to transition smoothly to new nursing position and integrate successfully with the existing staff is an invaluable job skill.< [...]

Nursing Tops List of Best Jobs for Retirees

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EST

With life expectancy pushing ever-closer to 80 and many Americans living healthy lives into their 90s, more Americans are working longer. It’s not unusual for retirees to work well into their mid-70s and beyond these days, and the impetus is only partially financial. It can be hard to fill those 20 years or more after retirement with satisfying activities. Working makes for a more vital life, provides mental and social stimulation, and gives people a sense of purpose. Retirement is no longer [...]

Great Opportunities Abound for Re-entry Nurses

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EST

If there was ever a time to come back to nursing, it’s now. With the nation facing an acute nursing shortage and aging Baby Boomers set to place record demands on healthcare services, nursing regularly tops employment experts’ lists of jobs offering the greatest growth potential. More than one million new and replacement nurses will be needed within the next five years, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections published in the November 2007 Monthly Labor Review.

Nurses r [...]

Valuable Interviewing Tips for Nursing Careers

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EST

Whether you’re about to enter the workforce, returning after a hiatus, or trying to advance your career, you want to do your very best during the interview process.

But what’s the secret to keeping your cool when several people are firing questions at you? How do you remain calm when you’re asked something you didn’t expect or prepare for?

Here are some good tips for interviewing from the experts at MaximNurses.com that could help you pass [...]

Post-Interview Tips for Nurses

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EST

You’ve just come home from your interview with the facility that may hire you for the job you’ve always wanted. You’re feeling very confident about how you performed under pressure.

So now what should you do?

Here are some great post-interview tips from the experts at Maxim Healthcare Services that may help you land that job:

• Send a thank you note. Sure, e-mails are convenient, but a hand-written letter or a personalized greeting card can have an immeasurable [...]

Picking Up Extra Shifts During the Holiday Season

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

The winter months are usually some of the busiest times for both hospitals and healthcare facilities across the United States. When these facilities grow more crowded, additional demand for healthcare personnel arises, bringing with it a greater opportunity for nurses like you to schedule an additional shift or two.

If you think you may be in need of some extra cash during the holidays, th [...]

Using Social Media to Find a Job

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are more popular than ever before. They are more than just a forum to connect with friends and family. They are also an excellent way to interact with people on a professional level, particularly when it comes to searching for employment. In fact, social networking sites now generate more Internet activity than personal e-mail.

More and more companies and businesses, including Maxim Healthcare Services, are [...]

Struggling With the Challenges of Working Night Shifts?

Tue, 25 May 2010 00:00:00 EST

Are you transitioning or currently working a night shift and not getting enough sleep? If your answer is "yes," check out these helpful tips for more successful shut-eye. Read more

The content found on this page comes from a third party Web site and is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily represent the opini [...]

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