Weather you’re an RN or LVN, it’s very easy to make some extra cash in your career. Per diem nursing is becoming a hot trend in the current nursing community. With the current economic situation we’re facing, nurses are looking for extra money and flexability, and that’s what per diem nursing offers.

How Does It Work?

Per diem nurses are needed to work on temporary medical assignments thru various medical staffing companies, such as ourself. They are often on call, scheduled for a long period of time or responding to requests to fill in for regular nurse staff who can’t make it to work at the last minute. Some work in the per diem industry, however, is to cover medical professionals who are on vacation or maternity leave.

Why Should You Do Per Diem Nursing?

Those who work per diem shifts love the flexibility of determining their own schedules. “Per diem nursing is perfect for someone who likes the adventure of exploring new environments, wants a higher pay rate then their current full time work, wants to avoid hospital politics and someone who enjoys working when and where they want.” ~ T. Doss, RN

Your schedule is completely at your control. You will have the choice of when and how often you want to work.

Anytime you advance your education, it is a plus for you. On that note, we encourage everyone to attend classes and certification courses and we will assist with tuition and class fees.

The decisions you get to make as a per diem nurse – where you work, when you cover shifts, and how often you do so – are very enticing for some nurses. If you’re interested in per-diem, click here to take a couple of seconds to fillout our quick online employment application.

What Qualifications Do I Need To Work As A Per Diem Nurse?

Per diem nurses need to be licenses RN’s with at least one year of recent experience and strong references. Many hospitals prefer that per diem staff be qualified to work in at least two practice areas so they can fill vital slots in more then one department.

To quote what I swear the white collar hippie sporting this plate said when he looked my way: “Yeah man, just like, don’t die, cause like, being alive is like, ultimate.” Then he exhailed…

Het ministerie van LNV gaat in een proefproject veehouders intensief begeleiden die om psychosociale redenen hun dieren verwaarlozen. Controles, boetes of ontruimingen hebben dan weinig effect.

Het begint met een proef voor veebedrijven die de afgelopen vijf jaar meerdere keren zijn bezocht door de Algemene Inspectie Dienst (AID) of de Landelijke Inspectiedienst Dierenbescherming (LID).

In Nederland zijn er tientallen bedrijven waar dieren structureel worden verwaarloosd. De bedrijven zitten vaak langdurig en diep in de problemen. Omdat de verwaarlozing van de dieren vaak psychosociale oorzaken heeft, zijn eigenaren niet in staat op eigen kracht de situatie verbeteren. Regelmatig controleren, beboeten of zelfs ontruimen heeft dan weinig effect.

Begeleiding
Het project moet uitwijzen of intensieve begeleiding van de veehouders een definitieve oplossing oplevert voor zowel dier als mens. De begeleiding is maatwerk en duurt ongeveer twee jaar. Daarbij wordt aandacht besteed aan bedrijfseconomische aspecten, de lichamelijke en geestelijke gezondheid van de veehouder en zijn sociale omgeving. In totaal doen in vier jaar tijd ongeveer twintig bedrijven aan de proef mee.

For Imediate Release

Phoenix Arizona

Phoenix Arizona welcomes A Better Solution In Home Care LLC to our state. This San Diego based homecare agency has been doing great elderly care for the past 8 years. Owner Lia Smith is a dedicated member of our Elderly advocacy groups in San Diego instituting safe and economic care in this profit driven climate. A Better Solution In Home Care offers free case management with services and tailors all services to specific client needs Companion care starting at only 17.00 per hour, these employees are fingerprinted, and drug tested, and put through a series of skills and physiological tests to ensure the quality of care. Lia Smith opened her first branch in Chula Vista where she was a Certified Nursing Assistant and live in caregiver herself for over ten years. Being in the home care field for over 25 years Lia Smith was instrumental in the success of companies like California Home Care and others in San Diego Lia says “In an era of “Franchise Home Care” where any business person can create an agency I am proud to say that we are one of a kind, putting our clients first and knowing that with good care comes great benefits”

Contact Info For A Better Solution In Home Care

www.a-bettersolution.com

fax: 619-585-9647

office: 619-585-9011

School of Vocational Nursing

The purpose of this program is to help the student develop the nursing skills and human understanding needed to care for both chronically and acutely ill patients in a variety of settings. The program combines classroom study with clinical experience in a variety of settings. Upon completion of this program, the graduate will be able to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse (NCLEX.PN).

Course Descriptions

General Education

AP101: Anatomy & Physiology 101
Credit Hours: 3.00

This course covers an introduction to anatomy and physiology of the body systems. The systems
covered will include muscular, skeletal, integument, cardiovascular, immune and respiratory. The structure and function of the major organs of each system will be discussed and how they relate to the overall status of the body.

BIO101: Microbiology
Credit Hours: 3.00

In this course, students learn a branch of biology dealing with microscopic forms of life. They will learn how microorganisms on humans can be both beneficial and harmful. Students will have an insight on different viruses and how they affect humans, the environment and the future of genetics.

ENG110: English Composition
Credit Hours: 3.00

In this course, students will focus on writing as process of sentence structure and paragraph development. Through instruction and practice, students will improve their grammatical skills and enhance their writing ability and style.

CT101: Critical Thinking
Credit Hours: 3.00

This course covers the fundamentals of critical thinking such as identifying claims and arguments, constructing good arguments, evaluating premises, and reasoning from experience. Students complete writing and practice exercises that demonstrate critical thinking processes. This course is designed to improve a student’s ability to make decisions clearly and effectively.

ALG110
Credit Hours: 3.00

In this course, students will be taught a blend of beginning and intermediate algebraic topics. The course will begin with basic graphing concepts and beginning algebraic equations, which are integrated throughout the course.

PSY101: Psychology
Credit Hours: 3.00

This course provides a broad overview of the diverse field of psychology. Throughout the course, discussions and exercises are used to relate psychology to common experiences and practical problems in daily life. The course is designed to promote interest in human behavior and to encourage critical thinking.

SOC101: Sociology
Credit Hours: 3.00

This course covers major sociological perspectives; research methods, culture, social structure and interaction; deviance and crime; stratification and social class; politics and government in global perspectives, family, religion, education, population and urbanization, health, health care and disability; social movements and change.

CS101: Computer Science
Credit Hours: 2.00

This course provides instruction in the basic operation of personal computers Windows® applications, and word processing software. The student will explore and practice basic functions necessary for the creation of typical documents in a Windows®environment. Students will also be introduced to the internet including basic searching and use of information. Essential skills are presented relevant to the operation of a personal computer to help the student become confident in its use.

Advanced Courses:

VN102: Personal & Practical/Vocational Concepts
Credit Hours: 2.00
This course introduces the student to the role of a student, basic skills for success, nursing history and trends, nursing ethics, legal aspects of nursing, practical relationships in healthcare, including the role of the practical/vocational and professional nurse, and nursing education.

VN 102: Foundations of Nursing
Credit Hours: 2.00
This course introduces the student to basic nursing concepts and principles. The student is given a broad overview of the nurse-client relationship, principles of therapeutic communication, and the cultural diversity of clients. Patient care is discussed through the life span, including care of the geriatric client. Death and dying concerns are introduced and discussed. The steps of the nursing process are presented as the framework for determining and meeting client needs within the scope of practice.

MATH 110: College Mathematics
Credit Hours: 3.00
This course covers principles and applications of whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios, proportions, measurements, statistics, basic algebra and geometry. The metric system, the apothecary system, and conversion between systems are presented. Allied health applications are discussed.

AP110:Foundations of Anatomy & Physiology
Credit Hours: 3.00
This course introduces the student to the structure and function of the body. Directions, geometric planes, and cavities of the body are presented. Cells, tissues, organs, and systems are discussed. The major organs of each system and how they relate to the overall status of the body are covered.

PHARM110: Pharmacology
Credit Hours: 3.00
This course focuses on dosages, applications, side effects, toxicity and laboratory tests performed to monitor actions and effects of specific drugs. Issues involved with I.V. (intravenous) monitoring will be covered. Drug calculation examinations must be passed with a score of 85%. (Prerequisite: Math110)

VN103: Clinical Practice 1
Credit Hours: 3.00
This course provides the student with the opportunity to learn and practice in the skills, laboratory basic nursing principles, and procedures related to meeting the daily needs of clients. Safety as a key element in care is introduced. The nursing process is integrated with emphasis on all components utilizing standardized nursing language. Nursing skills include gathering data related to vital signs, bed/bath of the client, skin care, standard precautions, asepsis, basic care procedures, and activities of daily living (ADL) support skills. Documentation is emphasized in this course. And the student is introduced to providing appropriate client information. The nursing student is introduced to computers and the Windows environment. The student is given the skills necessary for basic Life Support certification (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – CPR).

MED-SURG121:Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing
Credit Hours: 2.50
This course introduces the student to head-to-toe client data gathering, care of the pre- and post- operative client, and care of clients with self-care deficits. Asepsis, elements of the infectious process, cause of disease, basic intravenous (I.V.) practicum (site rate, solution identification), and the body’s normal defenses are discussed. The student learns to incorporate the nursing process in the care of pre- post-operative clients, as well as those with self-care deficits. (Prerequisite: PN/VN 102)

NUT122: Nutrition
Credit Hours: 3.00
This course covers the functions and food sources of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and identifies current recommendations for intake of each. A discussion is included of the changes in nutrient needs throughout the life cycle and suggestions to ensure adequate nutrition during each stage of life. The student is introduced to standard diets and modifications of diets for disease processes.

VN123: Mental Health Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.00
This course emphasizes nursing care of the client and family, which includes assisting them in achieving satisfactory and productive ways of coping with daily living and lifestyle changes. The course includes discussions of eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction, anxiety, defense mechanisms and major mental disorders.

VN124: Integumentary Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes common diseases and disorders of the integument system, including related treatments, and pharmacological agents used. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with integumentary problems. (Prerequisite: AP110)

VN125: Clinical Practice II
Credit Hours: 4.50
This course presents nursing care and procedures in the skills laboratory and the use of nursing process while providing client care in clinical setting throughout term 2. The student will apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the skills in laboratory scenarios and in clinical setting with related client assignments. The hours of skills laboratory and clinical setting are designated and concurrent with each course.

VN131: Cardiovascular Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes common diseases and disorders of the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. It includes common related treatments, and pharmacological agents used. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with cardiovascular and lymphatic diseases and disorders. (Prerequisite: AP110)

VN132: Respiratory Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes common respiratory system disease processes. It also includes related treatments, and pharmacological agents used. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with respiratory problems. (Prerequisite:AP110)

HUMGRO133: Human Growth and Development
Credit Hours: 3.00
This course identifies and discusses all stages in the life span from infancy through late adulthood. Cultural considerations, types of families, changes affecting modern families and family patterns, and qualities of functional families are presented. Related nursing considerations to the various stages of life are included.

VN134: Genito-Urinary Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes the common disease processes, treatments, and pharmacological agents used for disorders of the genito-urinary and male reproductive systems. Sexually transmitted diseases are introduced. The student is provided with knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with renal/urinary and male reproductive problems. (Prerequisite: AP110)

VN135: MusculoSkeletal Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes the common disease processes, treatments, and pharmacological agents used for disorders of the musculoskeletal systems. The student is provided with knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with musculoskeletal systems.

VN136: Clinical Practice III
Credit Hours: 4.00
This course presents nursing care and procedures in the skills laboratory and the use of the nursing process while providing client care in clinical setting throughout term 3. The student will apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the skills laboratory scenarios and in clinical setting with related client assignments. The hours for skills laboratory and clinical setting are designated and concurrent with each course.

VN140: Gastrointestinal nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes the common disease processes, treatments, and pharmacological agents used for the gastrointestinal disorders. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with gastrointestinal problems.

VN141: Neuro-Sensory Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes the common disease processes, treatments, and pharmacological agents used for neuro-sensory disorders. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with neuro-sensory problems and disorders of the special senses. (Prerequisite: AP110)

VN142: Endocrine Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course emphasizes the common disease processes, treatments, and pharmacological agents used for endocrine disorders. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with endocrine problems. (Prerequisite: AP110)

VN143: Immune System & Oncology Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.50
This course focuses on diseases caused by disorders of the immune system. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in caring for clients with immunodeficiency disorders. The course will include oncology, its disease process, diagnostic procedures, and treatment modalities. Psychosocial aspects of immuno deficiencies and oncology are considered. (Prerequisite: AP110)

VN144: Community Health Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 1.00
This course explores the role of the Practical/Vocational Nurse in community settings. Home health, Hospice, and Skilled Nursing are discussed. The student is introduced to concepts of terrorism and bio-terrorism. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in the delivery of comprehensive nursing care as a member of the healthcare team.

VN145: Clinical Practice IV
Credit Hours: 4.50
This course presents nursing care and procedures in the skills laboratory and the use of nursing processes while providing client care in clinical settings throughout term 4. The student will apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the skills laboratory scenarios and in clinical setting with related client assignments. The hours for skills in laboratory and clinical settings are designated and concurrent with each course.

VN150: Maternal & Child Health Nursing Care
Credit Hours: 2.50
This course emphasizes the common disease processes, treatments, and pharmacological agents used for the female reproductive disorders. Included is a study of the childbearing process from pregnancy to birth and postpartum period. Content reviews normal pregnancy, and stresses the high-risk client with each phase of pregnancy. The student is provided the knowledge necessary to utilize the nursing process in the care of female clients with reproductive system disorders, normal pregnancy, and high-risk pregnancy. Common childhood diseases and disorders, treatments, pharmacological agents, and the use of nursing process in the care of the ill child from infancy through adolescence are covered. (Prerequisite: AP110, & HumGro133)

LEAD151: Leadership
Credit Hours: 1.00
This course introduces management principles and the role the practical/vocational nurse as a leader and member of the healthcare team.

VN 152: Clinical Practice V
Credit Hours: 4.50
This course presents the nursing care and procedures in the skills laboratory and the use of nursing process while providing client care in clinical settings throughout term 5. The student will apply knowledge learned in the classroom to the skills laboratory scenarios and in clinical setting with related client assignments. The hours for skills laboratory and clinical setting are designated and concurrent with each course.

VN154: NCLEX Review
Credit Hours: 1.00
This course presents a review of the Practical/Vocational Nursing program with the emphasis on NCLEX questions and the critical thinking necessary for successful completion of the test.

Program Summary
Semester Credit Hours: 62.0
Total Class Hours: 645.0
Clinical Hours: 955.0

The NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure EXamination-Practical Nurse) is a computer adaptive test of entry-level nursing competence. Passing the exam is required of candidates for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) by all continental US state .

Most of us have been patients. If we’re really lucky it’s only been well care, check ups or the occasional minor illness/injury. The less fortunate have serious or chronic illnesses or have been the recipients of hospitalization or major surgery. In any case you’ve probably met numerous people besides your doctor who said they’re there to help. But who are they? What do they do? Do you need them? In the next few issues we’ll look at them more closely.

Nurses
The last 50 years have seen an enormous expansion of nursing duties and scope of care. All nurses in all states must have a license. Licenses are issued by states after successful completion of a prescribed course of study at a qualifying institution. What does that mean? They’ve all been to some school in addition to a high school diploma or equivalent. Many nurses have advanced degrees, special qualifications, or advanced skills. Some of you have met the nurse practitioner in your primary care physician’s office.

Registered Nurse
The registered nurse or RN is the basic diploma or degree for nurses. Many states also permit LVN (licensed vocational nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse). These other nurses frequently have limited scopes of practice and act as an “extender” for the RN. When choosing a hospital you should always ask what the nurse to patient ratio is for each shift. Also you should ask if the nursing staff is all RN or mixed RN/LVN. If the staff is mixed then the important ratio is RN to patient. The reason is that many states or hospitals limit LVN care. LVNs fequently cannot administer some medications. If the RN is the only one who can administer a particular medication that you need, you may have to wait until the RN takes care of several other patients with similar needs. It may not be bad but if you’re waiting for pain medication that could be a pain couple of hours.

Several years ago I worked at a tertiary care hospital. The RN was overloaded and way behind schedule so she allowed an LVN to hang a particular medication that she was not permitted to hang. The LVN made the mistake of hanging an intravenous medication for a different patient. Additionally, the medication was run into the patient’s epidural catheter instead of the IV resulting in a massive overdose. The mistake was recognized and treated appropriately with no adverse effects.

Such occurences are uncommon but dangerous. You should always question any medication administered.

Advance Practice Nurses
Nurse practitioners are one of the most common form of advance practice nurses. Another comon form is the certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA). Each of these nurses have a nursing degree, nursing license, advanced training, and special state rules defining an advanced scope of care or specialization. The degree of practice latitude that an advance practice nurse is permitted varies by state but generally requires some form of physician association or supervision unless the nurse is acting under an approved protocol (again this varies widely in some cases).

If your physician uses nurse practitioners or your anesthesiologist uses CRNA’s you should ask the role that each advanced practice nurse plays as well as the limits placed upon him/her in the specific context of your care. Some primary care physicians insist that each patient be seen initially by the nurse practitioner- particularly for primary follow-up care. Patients should be aware of the limitations and discuss the implications with the physician.

Patients should also interview the nurse practitioner or CRNA. Reasonable questions include: How long have you been doing this? How long have you been a nurse? Does the doctor check your work or confirm your findings and conclusions? Is care protocol driven? Each of these questions are appropriate for you to ask your physicians therefore they are appropriate for any health care provider. No reasonable provider should be offended by these questions. If they are- you need a new provider.

Your nurse practitioner can be a strong ally in your health care. (S)He can facilitate referrals. (S)He generally can expedite prescription refills, lab tests, and eliminate the need for some follow-up visits. Once you establish a good relationship with your nurse practitioner treat it like a doctor-patient relationship.

Finally, remember that nurses, like doctors, make mistakes. Question everything. The need for lab work- who will interpret the results and how? How will the results change therapy? When the nurse in the hospital brings medication make sure it’s for you. Make sure the dose is correct. Learn what each of your medications look like and make sure it’s the right drug.

Next time I’ll address all those young looking people who are called doctor- residents.

Your health care is yours. Take control.