What Is Tinnitus? Causes And Symptoms

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a medical condition typified by a hissing, buzzing or ringing sound produced inside the inner ear. The noises vary in pitch from person to person; they can be low or high frequency, intermittent or constant and can happen unilaterally (in one ear) and bilaterally (in two ears). Tinnitus can affect both sleep and concentration and it is estimated that approximately 15 % of the population have experienced it on some level.

Most of us have experienced 'phase change' which is a temporary buzzing in the ear after going to a concert with loud music or working in a noisy industrial environment. The ear ringing disappears after a few hours and most of us usually think nothing of it. However, those exposed to perpetual noise on a recurring basis are at risk of developing more long-term effects.

Tinnitus sufferers begin to notice they are missing obvious sounds like speech, doorbells or having to turn up the radio. Shortly after, they may begin to detect ringing or humming sounds at irregular intervals and initially in quieter settings, this later becomes a more constant sound.

What Causes Tinnitus?

Problems with tinnitus occur when the delicate hairs inside the inner ear become damaged and auditory cells send random electrical impulses to the brain which are translated into noise. This damage can occur as a result of age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) or through being exposed to loud and continuous noises, often in a workplace environment. This is commonly referred to as noise-induced deafness.

Where It Can Occur

Noise-induced deafness can be triggered in environments where some of the following equipment is used (amongst others):

• Welding tools


• Pneumatic drills


• Jackhammers


• Vacuum cleaners


• Lawn mowers

A report by Deafness Research UK has found that in 20 % of cases, tinnitus sufferers believe that working in a noisy workplace has given them the medical condition.

Treating tinnitus

In most cases of tinnitus there is no known cure. If you have the condition as a result of the build-up of ear wax then ear drops or ear irrigation are usually recommended. You should always seek medical attention if you have any symptoms as straining your hearing can exacerbate tinnitus.

Common treatments aim to handle the symptoms of tinnitus on a day-to-day basis and include the following:

Sound therapy

This involves filling quiet environments with indistinct repetitive sounds to detract attention away from the sound of tinnitus. Popular themes are natural sounds like rain drops or waves. Sound generators are electrical devices often placed on the bedside to aid tinnitus sufferers to sleep better.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

A popular treatment used for many conditions such as anxiety and depression. The notion of this therapy is based on the idea that people can change the focus of their behaviour through their thoughts.

Tinnitus counselling

A talking therapy usually administered by audiologists, it is designed to help suffers understand the condition and learn how to cope with the impact of tinnitus.

What you should do if you have any of the symptoms of tinnitus:

Contact a personal injury solicitor who will be able to assist you with a claim.

Contact your GP who will refer you to an Ear Noise and Throat Specialist for an audiogram to establish any damage. You will need a diagnosis in order to make a claim.

Begin a diary of when you are experiencing any of the symptoms as this will help you if you decide to make a claim against your employer.

Bear in mind that you will have 3 years from the date of discovery in which to make your claim for tinnitus.

5 Signs It's Time to Move Your Loved One Into Assisted Living

While assisted living homes can be comfortable, beautiful, and enjoyable places to live, many adults are not sure they are ready to make that transition. For these individuals and the people who care about them, determining when it is time to move into an assisted living home is a question that weighs heavily on their minds. Consider the following as you make this decision:

1. Is safety an issue?

If your loved one is putting themselves in danger in the normal course of their lives, it is probably a sign that they need to move somewhere safer. Potential hazards include falling down stairs, leaving the stove on, falling in the bathroom, and similar issues.

2. Is he or she able to perform the activities necessary for daily life?

As we age, some of the things that we took for granted when we were younger become much more difficult. Getting groceries, showering, getting dressed, and even using the toilet can become too challenging. If it is difficult to attend to these matters, then it is time to move to an assisted living home where you can get help to make your life easier.

3. Are family helpers or in-home care giving viable options?

In some cases, the problems that an elderly person is having can be fixed with some help from family members and in-home help. However, in many cases, the problems go beyond this scope, and it is time to move out of one's home and into an assisted living residence. For example, while family members are happy to help with groceries or cooking, it can be more difficult emotionally and physically to help with issues such as incontinence or getting up and down the stairs.

4. Is he or she handling medication properly?

If your loved one is not taking their medication as it is prescribed, is forgetting to refill prescriptions, or has expired medication around the house, it is time to get them help and consider moving into an assisted living home where their medication will be controlled an dispensed safely. This is of particular concern to those in the early stages of Alzheimer's Disease, when medication is helpful but often forgotten or taken too often.

5. Are there physical signs of poor health?

If you have not noticed any of the specific issues listed above, you may have noticed other signs of poor health that can indicate that it is time to move. For example, if you see signs of dramatic weight loss or significant mood swings, these can be signs of larger health problems that will be addressed in an assisted living home.

The most important thing you can do for someone who is considering this type of move is to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate the time has come to move. Waiting too long can result in injuries or serious complications that would have been avoided had the individual been residing where the care was more attentive.

Top Experiences of Being a Hospital Aide

Hospital Aides are commonly called hospital attendants, nurse aides or nursing assistants. According to the most current update from the US Department of Labor, the population of nurse aides is projected at an estimate of 2.9 million by 2016. Earning differ for nursing, psychiatric and home health aides. Their pay ranges from an hourly rate of $9 to $14, although some skilled ones can earn around $17.

Compared to the salary of fast food workers, the salary of the health aides are just slightly higher. Aside from the salary issue, there are several difficulties nurse aides are going through. Although an increasing demand of hospital aides was projected, there is also an increasing trend of these workers leaving the industry.

Here are some of the facts hospital attendants are going through:

1. Direct care workers typically earn poverty level wages.
2. An estimate of one third of all direct care workers are without health coverage. Considering their physical labor, some of them are not even covered by any insurance. This is especially prevalent on those home health care assistants.
3. Nursing aides have the highest rate of injuries and illness. Nursing homes are one of the most hazardous places workplaces. Musculoskeletal injuries, just like back pain, are just one of the many kinds of injuries they acquire while working. There are elderly patients who could be physically abusive. A majority of the nursing assistants were already able to experience being kicked in the chest, bitten, hit and etc.
4. Because of their job description, they too experience discrimination by supervisors and managers.

Nursing assistants are not all times the subject of abusive behaviors. There are those who initiate abuse to their patients. The Elder Abuse and Elder Law aims to protect the safety of elderly people from hospital aides who neglect giving the care required, which results to either physical or mental suffering. Aside from this, there were also reported incidents where nurse aides build rapport with their patients. All these friendly efforts are geared to aiming at their patient's wealth. There were those who were able to acquire their patient's estates leaving the real family with nothing.

The 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act was established to investigate abuse by the healthcare assistants to nursing home patients. But at the same time, it also provides that a due process is given to nursing assistants. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) ensures that the said reform is used for its main purpose. That is to make improvement on the patient and healthcare workers condition.

A nurse assistant isn't an easy job. If you aren't that lucky, aside from earning a minimal amount, you may have terrible experiences with some of the patients. If you think you are a victim of this abuse, you can contact the local authorities so that you may be informed about your rights as an employee. However, you are also responsible for your actions when you are not doing your job properly as a nurse aide.

A Career in Healthcare Management - What Does a Medical Manager Do?

Whether the title is manager, medical practice manager, physician practice manager, administrator, practice administrator, executive director, office manager, CEO, COO, director, division manager, department manager, or any combination thereof, with some exceptions, people who manage physician practices do some combination of the responsibilities listed here or manage people who do.

Human Resources: Hire, fire, counsel, discipline, evaluate, train, orient, coach, mentor and schedule staff. Shop, negotiate and administer benefits. Develop, maintain and administer personnel policies, wellness programs, pay scales, and job descriptions. Resolve conflicts. Maintain personnel files. Document Worker's Compensation injuries. Address unemployment inquiries. Acknowledge joyful events and sorrowful events in the practice and the lives of employees. Stay late to listen to someone who needs to talk.

Facilities and Machines: Shop for, negotiate, recommend, and maintain buildings or suites, telephones, hand-held dictation devices, copiers, computers, pagers, furniture, scanners, postage machines, specimen refrigerators, injection refrigerators, patient refreshment refrigerators, staff lunch refrigerators, medical equipment, printers, coffee machines, alarm systems, signage and cell phones.

Ordering and Expense Management: Shop for, negotiate and recommend suppliers for medical consumables, office supplies, kitchen supplies, magazines, printed forms, business insurance, and malpractice insurance as well as services such as transcription, x-ray reads/over-reads, consultants, CPAs, lawyers, lawn and snow service, benefit administrators, answering service, water service, courier service, plant service, housekeeping, aquarium service, linen service, bio-hazardous waste removal, shredding service, off-site storage and caterers.

Legal: Comply with all local, state and federal laws and guidelines including OSHA, ADA, EOE, FMLA, CLIA, COLA, JCAHO, FACTA, HIPAA, Stark I, II & III, fire safety, crash carts and defibrillators, disaster communication, sexual harassment, universal precautions, MSDS hazards, confidentiality, security and privacy, and provide staff with documentation and training in same. Make sure all clinical staff are current on licenses and CPR. Have downtime procedures for loss of computer accessibility. Make sure risk management policies are being followed. Alert malpractice carrier to any potential liability issues immediately. Make sure medical records are being stored and released appropriately.

Accounting: Pay bills, produce payroll, prepare compensation schedules for physicians, prepare and pay taxes, prepare budget and monthly variance reports, make deposits, reconcile bank statements, reconcile merchant accounts, prepare Profit & Loss statements, prepare refunds to payers and patients, and file lots and lots of paperwork.

Billing, Claims and Accounts Receivable: Perform eligibility searches on all scheduled patients. Ensure that all dictation is complete and all encounters (office, hospital, nursing home, ASC, satellite office, home visits and legal work (depositions, etc.) are charged and all payments, denials and adjustments are posted within pre-determined amount of time. Transmit electronic claims daily. Send patient statements daily or weekly. Negotiate payer contracts and ensure payers are complying with contract terms. Appeal denials. Have staff collect deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance and have financial counselors meet with patients scheduling surgery, those with an outstanding balance, or those patients with high deductibles or healthcare savings plans. Make sure scheduling staff know which payers the practice does not contract with. Liaison with billing service if billing is outsourced. Credential care providers with all payers. Perform internal compliance audits. Load new RBRVS values, new CPTs and new ICD-9s annually. Run monthly reports for physician production, aged accounts receivable, net collection percentage and cost and collections per RVU. Attach appropriate codes to claims for e-prescribing and PQRI. Have plan in place for receipt of Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) letters. Make friends and meet regularly with the provider reps for your largest payers.

Marketing: Introduce new physicians, new locations and new services to the community. Recommend sponsorship of appropriate charities, sports and events in the community. Recommend sponsorship of patient support groups and keep physicians giving talks and appearing at events. Thank patients for referring other patients. Track referral sources. Recommend use of Yellow Pages, billboards, radio, television, newspaper, magazine, direct mail, newsletters, email, website, blog, and other social media. Prepare press releases on practice events and physicians awards and activities. Recommend practice physicians for television health spots.

Strategic Planning: Prepare ROIs (Return on Investment) and pro formas for new physicians, new services, and new locations. Forecast potential effect of Medicare cuts, contracts in negotiation or over-dependence on one payer. Discuss 5-year plans for capital expenditures such as EMR, ancillary services, physician recruitment, and replacement equipment. Explore outsourcing office functions or having staff telecommute. Always look for technology that can make the practice more efficient or productive.

Day-to-day Operations: Make the rounds of the practice at least twice a day to observe and be available for questions. Arrange for temporary staff or rearrange staff schedules for shortages, meet or speak with patients with complaints, and meet with vendors, physicians and staff. Open mail and recycle most of it. Unplug toilet(s).

Stay Current in Healthcare: Attend continuing education sessions via face-to-face conferences, webinars, podcasts and online classes. Maintain membership in professional organizations. Pursue certification in medical practice management. Network with community and same specialty colleagues. Participate in listservs, LinkedIn and Twitter.

What did I leave out? Take a lunch?

The Ugly Face of Elderly Abuse in Modern Society

No one likes to think that there are actually people in our society that would stoop as low as to abuse the elderly. But then again, no one would like to think people abuse children either, or the disabled, but unfortunately, there are a lot of things about modern society that defy rationalization. So instead of wishing for a better world, sometimes we just have to take reality as it is and be aware of the dangers. And elderly abuse is too much of a reality to ignore, especially if you have a loved one being cared for by someone other than yourself or in a nursing home.

There are plenty of different forms of elderly abuse that occur, both in nursing homes and by in-home caregivers. One of the most common of these is simple negligence. And while this may not be as shocking as some the more intentional forms of mistreatment, it can still lead to a great deal of suffering for somebody who is just trying to live out the last of their life and may not be in control of all their functions.

Sometimes negligence may come in the form of rough or harsh treatment. After all, even caregivers and hospital workers are subject to be rational human tendencies that often play come in to play in these situations. Laziness, negligent thinking, or over active emotions can lead to rough treatment of patients, mishandling, or emotional abuse that may not be 100% intentional. Negligence can have dire effects on the patient, whether carried out with ill intent or not and should be taken very seriously.

But things get even more shocking when you start to look at the more intentional forms of abuse. One of these that is particularly common is financial abuse. A lot of dishonest people see elderly people as easy victims. Once somebody gets their hands it to their bank account, it is rather easy to start channeling that money somewhere else or to use at by stuff for themselves, and if the victim is not in full control of all their mental functions, it may be a simple case of tricking them.

For this reason, it is important that more than one person has access to at least reviewing what is going on with financial accounts. Even better, sometimes financial accounts of the elderly are best left in the control of a trusted lawyer. But as mentioned before, it is important that not just one person controls the account. Transparency is key.

Unfortunately, it gets even worse. Some sick people in the world seem to think it's okay or even draw pleasure from physically abusing elderly people in their care. They may do this out of anger, or they may do it from some psychological problems of their own. In some cases, this may even include sexual abuse.

You must always monitor the emotional and physical well-being of an elderly loved one in someone else's care. Keep an eye out for strange emotional dynamics between them and their caregivers, unexplained or common bruises, or anything else that may seem out of place.

When we turn to a nursing home to give someone we love the care that they need, we're expecting a nurturing environment where they can live out the rest of their days in peace and satisfaction. But the reality of what sometimes happens can make their last days the opposite of what we dreamed. If at any point you are suspicious that any of the above abuses may be being carried out against an elderly person that you know, notify the authorities, a lawyer, and if necessary, remove them from the situation.

What is the Dental Assistant Certification Test All About?

No matter what course a person has been taking, when it comes time to take the certification test they begin to panic. The dental assistant certification test is no different. The training course provided you with the data that will be covered on the test.

If you have had a period of internship at a dental office, then you have knowledge of what your career path is going to be like. Why are you so worried? Yet, regardless of how much you have studied or prepared, you may still be nervous about the upcoming test.

After you have secured your dental assistant certification, there are several different career pathways you can take. You can be a certified dental assistant, an uncertified dental assistant, a certified orthodontic assistant or a certified dental practice management administrator. Each of these career fields will require a different form of testing exam so you will have to prepare accordingly.

The certified dental assistant test has three components that make up the exam. The first is the general chair side exam. This exam consists of 120 questions and will cover the basics.

The second is the infection control exam and consists of 100 multiple choice questions. It is also part of the orthodontic assistant exam. The third component is the radiation health and safety exam. It also has 100 multiple choice questions.

The orthodontic assistant test has 210 multiple choice questions that cover the course of the program. The practice management administrator test focuses more on the front office than it does on the healthcare.

It will deal with book keeping, records, accounting and receptionist duties. The training for this program will cover computer classes as well as some of the typical anatomy and physiology classes.

Do not let intimidation stop you from taking the dental assistant certification test. There are some things you can do to help the test go much smoother. Make sure you do not try to cram the material in at the last moment. Cramming for an important exam is never a good idea!

Start studying a few weeks beforehand, and plan to cover a certain amount of information each night. Don't forget to review. Get plenty of sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast in the morning and wear comfortable clothing. Simple things such as these can help.

Personal Injury Lawyers Explained

We have all seen the numerous adverts on television for no win no fee personal injury lawyers. Perhaps many of us believe these to be a scam due to the less than favourable press which unscrupulous companies have attracted over the past few years. However you know that with an actual personal injury lawyer you will be in safe hands as the lawyer will be working with your best interests at heart.

When you have been involved in an accident which is not your fault you can feel isolated and very down. You may find that due to your injuries you cannot do as much as you once did before. This is a horrible feeling especially as it will feel so very unfair. When you speak to a personal injury solicitor they will take all this into account and will advise you of the best way forwards with regards to claiming compensation and also in assessing what medical and rehabilitation care you could potentially need.

A personal injury can render you unable to work or to earn a living in any way. You may have found your quality of life has lowered quite significantly as such and you may be having difficulty paying the bills. You may also be reliant on friends or family or even government agency workers in order to live from day to day.

Specialist lawyers can help you make a claim for the injury or injuries which you have sustained. Further to this they can make a financial claim for any losses you have suffered and with regards to the negative consequences the injury may have had on your life.

Personal injury lawyers are very sharp and shrewd individuals. They will do their utmost to get you the compensation you deserve and will strive consistently in order to get you the client real results. This type of lawyer is someone who is at the top of their game and who will be both perceptive and analytical. He or she will be able to fight your corner.

In the first instance you must give the firm of personal injury solicitors a call in order to arrange an appointment to talk through your story which could very quickly become a case. As stated previously many personal injury law firms work on a no win no fee basis however each company is different and will offer a slightly different service. You need to go with the personal injury claims solicitor whom you feel is the right fit for you as your relationship could potentially be one which is longer term. Some cases can be wound up relatively quickly whereas others can unfortunately drag on for some time.

If you have sustained an injury or have a work related illness which is not your own fault then you could have a case to claim sometimes quite substantial compensation. You will never know until you try! Suffering in silence is not the way forward however taking control of your life and finding out what you are entitled to is.

Distinguishing Assisted Living From Nursing Homes

First of all, assisted living is not a nursing home. Choosing to utilize such a facility's services does not mean that one is terminally ill or giving up his or her independence all together. On one hand, a nursing home prepares and provides the medical services or emergency aid required for each patient 24 hours a day for the regular monitoring of each person's compromised health and mobility. On the other hand, these two facilities are similar in that the regularity of meal preparations, safety and activities are planned for the residents. Meanwhile assisted living is a little bit more active.

Assisted living is just as it sounds: clients are provided with an apartment, condo or small home in a small community where the staff just helps the residents with their normal everyday tasks according to their level of needs. This help can encompass those simple tasks that have just become cumbersome with age such as hygiene, dressing, shopping and - in some states - reminders and distribution of medication assistance. The idea behind assisted living is to make sure that each resident feels as though he or she is at home with all of the normal comforts, privacy and socialization they would normally have access to. For example, if a patient is capable, he or she will have a full apartment or house including a small kitchen to accommodate basic food preparation. They are also able to bring their belongings and even a pet if they are capable of the full responsibility.

These campuses and services are not for elderly individuals who simply reached their retirement years and would like a little help around the house. And these apartments are not for individuals who require daily assistance with all aspects of movement, full time health care or anyone who is completely dependent upon 24 hour a day care. The objective of an assisted living facility is to lighten many of the burdens of home duties such as housekeeping, laundry and meal preparation (with careful attention to nutritional value) three times a day, while trying to keep residents social and active for mental and physical well being. Depending upon the community selected, a resident of any one of their area facilities or campuses can help plan events, group activities, and trips from happy hours to concerts.

Although not all senior living is exactly the same, assisted housing residents can receive elevated medical as they require it. These residents find it comforting to know that if their health begins to decline they will be able to incorporate medical care that will be added to the cost of their stay and they will not be relocated if they don't want to be. The fact is that states regulate these facilities. These regulations make sure that the standard of care and services are met throughout the community. They monitor all aspects from the care providers to the food safety therein. This puts not only the residents' minds at ease but their family's hearts as well.

Elder Abuse, Alzheimers and Our Aging Population

While taken seriously enough to be a legally reportable offense categorized alongside child abuse as either a misdemeanor or a felony - elder abuse does not seem to be taken as seriously by the public. Perhaps elders do not appear to be as helpless as children, but many times they are. And if helplessness is the yardstick, how does it account for the fact that domestic violence, which is not legally reportable, arouses more consternation and receives more attention and media coverage. Perhaps it's because of national neglect in respecting, supporting and caring for elders in general. Whatever the explanation, elder abuse is on the rise and in the coming years will become pervasive due to an exploding elder population and the simultaneous increase in Alzheimer's - a disease that ravages the mind and turns elders into confused, unruly and dependent children.

What constitutes Elder Abuse? It is the physical, sexual, emotional and/or financial abuse of older people (over 65 years), usually by family members or caretakers. Abuse occurs in both isolated settings and in nursing institutions by staff members. "Whether the behavior is termed abusive, neglectful or exploitative will probably depend on how frequently the mistreatment occurs, its duration, severity and consequences." (World Report on Violence and Health) It can happen for a variety of reasons - a debilitating physical or mental illness and/or unwanted long term proximity to the elder which wears down the family member or caretaker as well as greed, anger or money problems in the case of financial abuse. It is a growing problem presently affecting hundreds of thousands of elderly people in the United States, yet it is estimated that only one out of 14 incidents are reported.

In 2010, the eldest baby boomers turned 65. During the next 30 years this population - one of the largest segments of our society - is on track to live longer and more than double the cases of Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. "An estimated 10 million American baby boomers will develop Alzheimer's in their lifetime placing enormous strains on the U.S. health-care system and the already overburdened network of caregivers, a new report predicts." (Washington Post, 3/18/2008) Presently, there are 5 million Americans living with the disease - not all of them elders. With this statistic in mind, elder abuse will increase exponentially. Why? Because people afflicted with this disease are difficult to take care of and easy to exploit.

A recent article in the New York Times entitled "The Financial Time Bomb of Longer Lives" focused on age related expenditures by government. The demographic shift that is taking place - " for the first time in history, people aged 65 and over are about to outnumber children under 5 " - means that this group is likely to shape the future of our national economic health and financial policies. Having to care for and support our elder family members will impact health care, housing, jobs, business policies, retirement and retirement funding, environmental issues and education. We will no longer be able to ignore this population. We are going to have to take them very seriously and begin to adjust our institutions or we will drown under the enormous economic and emotional burden they create. To begin with, we need to make psychological shifts so that elders are no longer perceived as a burden and potential debt load but as viable, valuable individuals with a lifetime of experience and wisdom to offer. This "attitude adjustment" will have the added benefit of reducing elder abuse.

To address the impact in more tangible ways we have to take a look at the institutions presently in place and begin to alter them so that they will more effectively accommodate this population. Health care, residential centers, community services, support groups, non-profit and private sector jobs, and education for caretakers to stem elder abuse are all areas where attention, growth and transformation are required. We can no longer stick our heads in the sand and continue to view elders' needs as a personal problem confined to their immediate family. They are a significant part of our society. They are living longer, growing larger and the concurrent health and financial problems are looming - threatening to unravel our social fabric.

Spring is Recognition Time For Volunteers, Teachers, Nurses & Other Key Staff Members

Spring is a busy season for showing appreciation. Three nationally recognized events stand out, but there are many celebrations for the dedicated professionals who service schools, hospitals, nursing homes and general business and government. These events are held to let hardworking staff members know their efforts are recognized.

Department heads, administrators or event coordinators are responsible for decorating their facilities, lounges, hallways and work stations with themed items to proclaim their recognition and appreciation. Balloons, banners and posters help to make the workplace festive. Breakfasts, luncheons and ice cream socials are often held during short break periods.

Gifts are usually given out with the organization's name and a brief message imprinted on them. When you put your logo and a sentiment of thanks on a mug, shirt, tote bag, mouse pad or any other useful item, you are creating a keepsake that will be carried or worn with pride.

Here are some of the most notable recognition events:

National Volunteer Week April 18 - 24, 2010

Volunteers are almost everywhere and you may never know it. Sometimes hospitals, schools, nursing homes, senior centers and even businesses thrive by the unrewarded acts of some very generous people. National Volunteer Week allows everyone a chance to give a small reward to those who ask for nothing in return for their acts of kindness.

A small token of appreciation such as a coffee travel mug or a decorated chocolate bar will let the volunteers in your organization or community know that their time and efforts are cherished.

Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-9, 2010

Teachers spend as much and sometimes more time with children then parents. Young minds are molded by these dedicated professionals and sometimes their time and preparation is taken for granted. There are plenty of items that teachers will enjoy from brief bags and desk accessories to symbolic apple shaped novelties.

Superintendents, Principals, PTA/PTO and other parent group leaders and even students should organize a super celebration throughout their schools to let teacher and every other school staff member know how much they mean to the families in your community. Honor not only teachers, but valuable teacher assistants, secretaries, guidance counselors and maintenance staff members.

National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2010

Often overworked and underpaid, these healthcare professionals meet a demanding workload and schedule as they are responsible for the health and comfort of their patients. Hand out tote bags or backpacks with a sentiment of appreciation so they can carry books and a change of clothes home with pride. Massagers and stress balls with your imprinted logo will also be met with a sense of well deserved appreciation.

Honor not only the Nurses at your hospital, nursing home or facility, but supporting staff members and technicians who make your facility run. And Nursing assistants have their own event if you choose not to hold one blanket event (Nursing Assistant Week is held June 10-17).

Here are some other recognition events held this spring:

National Library Week - April 11-17, 2010
National Medical Lab Week - April 18-24,
National Hospital Week - May 10-16, 2010
National Nursing Home Week - May 9-15, 2010
National EMS Week - May 16-22, 2010

The price is small, but the rewards are great when you let caring individuals know they are appreciated.

Caregivers Do More Than Just Provide Care

In an assisted living environment, caregivers are often thought of only as "hired help."  In fact, both short and long-term relationships with caregivers offer benefits far exceeding assistance with daily living. 

The acceptance that caregivers are play an important role in the daily happiness of both the patient and family can lead to a far more positive assisted living experience.  

For residents, caregivers play a number of different roles, including:

• A friend. Just like having a roommate, the caregiver and your loved one will spend a lot of time together. And just like a roommate, a caregiver and your loved one can become great friends (or not, but that's a different discussion). The resident and caregiver have become very good friends, going to events together, watching movies together and chatting like good friends do. At many times, the "caregiver" side of their relationship is minimized, and they are friends. This is a good thing!


• A listener. The transition to assisted living can be difficult for many people. It was especially difficult for many to move from being so independent to becoming so dependent. Caregivers can be great listeners and counselors. In many cases, their experience gives them a far greater understanding of these challenges than you, and they can be a great resource for your loved one to talk through the issues.


• A cheerleader. It can be tough to get motivated for the activities of the day, physical or occupational therapy or just to get out of pajamas in the morning. It's often tough for all of us. Caregivers can serve as a great cheerleader, giving pep talks when necessary to get out and enjoy the activities of the day.


• A big brother or sister. Often in assisted living, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. A caregiver can be the first line of defense to ensure your loved one gets what they need, when they need it.

For families, caregivers can play a whole different set of important roles, including:

• Your eyes and ears. While I am lucky enough to live close to my mom, many families live far away from their loved ones. A caregiver can be your eyes and ears about general care, food, services, activities and all the other daily things. They can also share with you the reality of things, as sometimes situations can get exaggerated. Being defensive as we are, it's good to get both sides of the story before you approach management with a complaint. Example: sometimes residents think their kids are overprotective, but if they stay in touch with the caregiver, they can ensure things are okay while at the same time giving the resident his/her space.


• A concierge. It takes a lot of coordination to get your loved one to activities, doctor appointments, beauty appointments, therapy, etc. Each one of these things requires phone calls, follow up, etc. A caregiver can help to off-load much of these from you and help manage your loved ones daily weekly and monthly calendar.


• An influencer. As close as you may be with your loved one, there will always be certain topics or issues in which your opinions are not appreciated. Example: Many residents hate going to the doctor. No matter what family members say, residents can often gets defensive and and refuse to be convinced that a doctor visit is required. Because of their own experiences, they may have an aversion for doctors and hospitals. A caregiver can be an alternative communication channel, based on a different type of trust and many of the roles above, and they can be effective at helping to open them up to a different point of view.

There are more, but these are the big ones and certainly enough to get you thinking. 

While it may take a while to find the right caregiver, interviewing and evaluating caregivers on more than just their ability to provide care can be beneficial.

Your Entry Into the IT World With Hardware and Networking Courses

There are endless job opportunities in computer field; it has enormous scope for every I.T. professional and technicians. It is needless to say that computer is being used in everywhere now, from corporate offices, to small business houses, to colleges and to every household. Computer and internet have brought a revolution and globalized the world. Life has become easy and comfortable with computer technology. There are chunks of computer training institutes in Delhi which also offer hardware networking course.

There is a huge demand of hardware and networking engineers in I.T, sector. These networking engineers connect computers, printers, wireless communication devices and many other electronic instruments in order to share data and information with in a specific network. These networking engineers are the backbone of any I.T. company. All the big I.T. giants have a team of professional hardware and networking engineers who look after the entire computer infrastructure of the company. On the other hand the smaller companies cannot afford the expense of employing the team of these engineers so they summon the networking engineer at their work place, in case of any technical error. These engineers also design the manufacturing and installation of hardware. To succeed in I.T. sector you need to have proper implementation of your knowledge in hardware and networking course.

To become hardware and networking engineer the basic qualification required is science background (preferably) in plus 2. In addition with this, a sound knowledge of basic computers skills is an advantage to you. You could opt for degree or diploma in hardware networking. There are innumerable institutes and colleges in Delhi and India that offer you degree or diploma both in hardware and networking. However, one should only prefer well known colleges or institutes for the course because they provide job assistance along with quality education.

There are ample job opportunities for a networking engineer. These jobs are offered by hardware manufacturing companies, software companies, B.P.O.s, telecom companies and hardware repair stores.

Students with hardware and networking degree are in huge demand in various I.T. companies on the other hand candidates with diploma in networking and hardware often find job in hardware repair stores. Their skills and qualifications play a chief role to get them placed.

According to the recent survey it has been discovered that the hardware market in India is expected to grow above $60 billion landmark. Hardware and networking courses are huge popular among youngsters and professionals. As a working professional you can enhance your I.T. skills by joining evening classes of hardware and networking. There are institutes that offer you flexibility to do your course either in evening or during weekends.

Frequent developments and achievements in computer field have also attracted lot of computer savvies towards networking. You need to keep yourself updated with constant changes taking place in the networking area. As a networking engineer you can work as -

- Network System Administrator
- Network Programmer or analyst
- Network Managers
- Computer support Specialist
- Network Service Technician

Besides a sharp mind and good analytical skills in hardware and networking, the other thing you require is impressive communication skills. You have to work with many people who are not technically sound and to make them understand regarding any technical error, a communication and convincing skills are necessary.

Some of hardware and networking institutes in Delhi are-

- Jetking
- Institute of Network Technology pvt.. Limited
- CMS Computer Institute
- Networking Nuts
- Atlantus
- CMC Limited

Why Horticultural Therapy Benefits Seniors Living in Retirement Communities

Gardening programs for Seniors should be designed to meet the special needs of the specific Senior population you are working with. The physical, mental and emotional benefits of gardening activities may be slightly different when working with Memory Care residents compared to very able Independent Seniors. But gardening is beneficial for Seniors of all ages and ability levels.

Garden related activities and "enabled gardens" should be created so they are easily accessible to all. For example, raised garden beds, raised boxes, wall gardens, hanging plants and small individual containers can all be used in Garden Therapy programs. Wide paved paths are helpful for Seniors using wheel chairs and walkers.

Seniors with physical or cognitive limitations should be encouraged to actively participate in planning and caring for the garden or small container plants so they feel a greater sense of accomplishment and ownership. For Memory Care residents, hand over hand instruction is useful in helping the residents complete tasks independently.

Horticultural Therapy or Garden Therapy programs are unique in that they use living materials requiring nurturing and care. The natural life cycle of plants provides participants with plenty of horticultural tasks and activities that stimulate thought and exercise and encourages an awareness of the seasons and the environment. This is especially important for Memory Care participants.

Gardening with Senior Citizens in retirement facilities and communities is a very gratifying activity for all involved. A recent survey by the National Endowment for the Arts found that 63% of survey participants ages 65-74 and 53% of those ages 75-96 work with indoor plants or garden outdoors for pleasure. Another survey by the Roper Organization indicated that 33% of people 60 years or older are likely to say that gardening is an avid hobby or interest.

Garden Therapy classes help retirement housing providers and health care administrators provide Senior residents with meaningful activities that improve quality of life, provide sensory and visual stimulation, social involvement, and healthy exercise. As the Baby Boomer Generation ages, we anticipate the need for beneficial activities like horticultural therapy programs will continue to grow in demand.

Gardening with Seniors should be about getting dirty without feeling guilty, enjoying the results of a job well done and taking the time to soak up the sun and serenity that being in nature offers all of us.

Benefits of Garden Therapy include:

Improved Physical Functioning- Garden activities provide moderate exercise and builds fine motor skills by planting seeds or transplanting seedlings. Activities like digging and weeding improve gross motor skills.

Sensory Stimulation- Aging often involves loss or reduction of sensory capabilities so it becomes important to stimulate the senses that remain. Simple garden tasks improve hand-eye coordination and touching plants and smelling herbs and flowers can stimulate the senses and trigger happy memories from the past.

Improved Emotional Status- Garden projects and activities help build each participant's self esteem and confidence as they are encouraged to make decisions and think creatively when completing personal projects. Working with plants fosters a sense of nurturing and purpose and these tasks and projects can often provide structure and activities that alleviate depression and alter negative feelings.

Social Skills- Garden programs provide an excellent opportunity for participants to interact with group leaders and other participants through sharing materials and creative ideas, assisting others with tasks, and sharing stories and memories of previous gardening experiences with others.

Elder Care in the Los Angeles Area

Providing elder care for a loved one can feel like a heart-wrenching and all-consuming project. For those living in the Los Angeles area there are a multitude of care choices and it can all seem a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to be. While it still may not be easy, there are tools available to help you along the way.

In-Home Supportive Services in Los Angeles County

In-home care is the preference of many elderly and their families, but the reality of in-home care can put a strain on family caregivers with other responsibilities. Professional caregivers can be hired to come into the home as needed, whether to give a family caregiver a break, or to provide needed assistance. Adult Protective Services (APS) are available to dependent adults in the state of California. This includes individuals age 65 or older and people 18-64 who are dependent physically or who are mentally impaired. Under this protection, the Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC) is the arm that provides In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in Los Angeles County. PASC has a registry which provides referrals for IHSS consumers as well as access to training and support services. This training can help family members provide care and find the support they need.

Resources for In-home Care

There are a number of resources that provide in-home care in the Los Angeles area. Here are a few to help start your search:

• Acti Kare: Caregivers are trained to provide assistance in all aspects of daily living and help the elderly to live safely and independently. They also have individuals trained to aid those with Alzheimer's or dementia.


• Good Company Senior Care: Provides in-home help from as little as 4 hour visits to 24 hour live-in assistance. Along with help with day-to-day activities, they also provide help with shopping and errands, monitor diet, and will even help take care of pets. Help for Alzheimer's needs is also available.


• Home Instead: Offers homecare services including companionship, personal care services, 24 hour or live-in care and help for those with dementia and Alzheimer's.

Living Independently in Los Angeles

If you're looking for elder care in the Los Angeles area that offers independent living with some assistance, there is a consumer directed program that can be used as a resource to help guide you. LILA (Living Independently in Los Angeles) is an online project designed to benefit people with disabilities living in Los Angeles County. The information provided through this interactive project is a collection of knowledge offered by local residents willing to share their personal experience to identify independent living resources in the area.

Residential Care Facilities in Los Angeles

Residential care facilities in the Los Angeles area offer different levels of care. Assisted living facilities offer elder care that allows a level of independence paired with help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, management of meds, help in dressing and bathing and other day-to-day activities. This type of help is known as custodial care and does not involve skilled nursing care. Facilities that offer skilled nursing care are often covered by insurance, while custodial care facilities often are not. Take this into consideration as you search for a facility. This short list of facilities that offer elder care in the Los Angeles area are a good example of the types of care available:

• Ayres Residential Care Home: Offers assisted living options in three different private homes located in residential neighborhoods. The provide personalized care that includes home cooking, transportation, daily activities, rehabilitation, and amenities including professional hair stylists, and elegant surroundings.


• Raya's Paradise: Provides board and care for the elderly. Services range from assisted living for the elderly, accepts Alzheimer's and dementia residents, and also offers respite and short term stays and Hospice care.


• Hollenbeck Palms: This retirement community offers custodial care, skilled nursing care and wellness programs.

Seek a Professional Assessment

Before you decide on exactly what type of care your elderly loved one needs get a professional assessment to determine their current and future needs. This will help you find the right long-term care solution.

CNA Certification Classes and Benefits

Nowadays, people opt for careers that do not only provide emotional fulfillment but also financial security. And among the jobs that meet these requirements is a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). In fact, there is currently a huge demand for CNAs in major cities in the United States, such as New York, Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Boston, and St. Louis. What's more, according to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, this demand is expected to increase by 40% over the next 20 years. CNAs are expected to earn almost $30,000 per year, depending on experience, location, etc.

CNAs, as their name implies, provides support to nurses in providing basic patient care. Other functions of a CNA include maintaining medical equipment, checking patient's vital signs, providing both social and emotional support to patients and their families, stocking supplies which are used by nurses, helping patients move around and/or exercise, recording patient's progress, charting body functions, performing emergency procedures, etc. They are also known in the following titles: geriatric aides, unlicensed assistive personnel, orderlies, or hospital attendants.A career as a CNA can also serve as a stepping stone to bigger careers, like becoming a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).

Also, CNAs get to work not only in hospitals but also in other settings, such as nursing care facilities, community care facilities for the elderly, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, hospice nursing, sub-acute care facilities, doctor's offices, etc.

The good thing about becoming a CNA is that it does not require a college degree. Minimum requirements consist of only a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a clean criminal record, fluency in English, plus the completion of a CNA certification program, which usually takes 6 to 12 weeks or up to 120 hours in total.

Conducted by either Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses in community colleges or medical facilities, CNA certification classes involve topics like basic nursing skills, infection control, proper body mechanics, nutrition, anatomy, and physiology. Aside from this, it is mandatory that you also acquire a 75-hour clinical training. The American Red Cross also offers CNA courses, which are at much lower costs (and sometimes free) compared to those offered in community colleges, which usually cost $300 to $2,000, depending on the region. Other facilities that offer free CNA training courses are senior homes and state nurse aid training. These courses are also available online.

After completing the CNA training, you will need to take a state certification exam, admitted by your State's Board of Nursing. Upon passing the exam, your name will now be included in the registry of nursing aides, wherein you will already be allowed to perform CNA duties.

4 Factors Nurses Consider When Looking for a Job

No doubt, nurses are one of the most in demand jobs not only in the US but in other countries as well. Canada and the United Kingdom are two of the countries in need of nurses and other allied health practitioners. Japan is one of the countries in Asia which tops the nurse requirements. The primary reason for the surge of nursing requirements by these countries is the increased number of geriatric patients in hospitals and elderly homes.

Nurses coming from different countries seek employment in these countries because the benefits as well as the salaries offered are very lucrative. Nevertheless, let us take a look at the top factors nurses consider when looking for a job anywhere in the world.

Salary

Let's face it one of the primary considerations why anybody looks for a job is the salary or the compensation. Nurses rate before was not that high. In fact, they were one of the lowest paid professionals in the industry. But thanks to the current massive demand for nurses all over the world, the rates of nurses have increased dramatically.

Benefits

Salary is not the only consideration nurses look for in a job. Benefits are also a heavy consideration. Sick leave, vacation leave and emergency leave are very important in this kind of job. Nurses work practically 12 hours per shift and they are in a lot of stress related situations. That is why when they are already eligible; they will grab the chance to have a weekend getaway or a nice week long vacation with their families.

Family health insurance is also a big factor nurses consider when they are being offered a job in a hospital. The cost of health insurance today is very high compared before that is why a company or hospital that could offer this is already an opportunity. Law mandates night differential pay already but there are still some hospitals, which offer more than the night diff rate. That is already something nurses really look forward to.

Annual bonus and other monetary compensation are also attractive benefits that nurses are willing to consider when looking for a job in a hospital.

Schedules And Shifts

We all know that a nurse's job is very difficult most particularly when it comes to schedules and shifts. Nurses work 12 to 14 hours straight because of the insufficient number of nurses employed. That is why nurses today look for hospitals with reasonable amount of work as well as the shifting schedule

Hospital

Last but not the least is the hospital they are potentially going to work at. It is a fact that everyone would want to work in big, lucrative hospitals for a number of reasons. First is the extensive experience they are going to acquire from such multi-function hospitals. Also the broad scope of work will them advantage over those who just concentrate on a specific specialization.

Big hospitals are well known across the country and possibly in other countries as well. It will be great in their resume to have worked for big and well known hospitals.

Bottom line is everyone wants to work in an ideal place: no stress, 8-9 hours a day, less responsibility, good salary and benefits. If only this kind of work place exists then everyone is happy and contented. But it doesn't so people, particularly nurses try to find the next best thing. They try to look for hospitals with great benefits, high salary rate and good shifting schedules.

Resumes For Senior Caregivers

Senior caregivers assist seniors with either companion caregiving or hands-on care as Certified Nursing Aides. Positions are available for part-time, full-time and live-in caregivers with senior home care agencies nationwide. There are more than 5,000 senior home care agencies today that did not exist just ten years ago. This is because seniors are living longer, while also needing some care assistance and prefer to live in their own homes.

Many people think that you must be a trained nurse in order to be a caregiver and this is untrue. Professional senior caregiving companies provide training for their caregivers. In addition, some states, such as Illinois, have passed laws to require licensed senior home care agencies to provide a minimum level of training. In Illinois, 8 hours of training are required. You may obtain a Certified Caregiver training certificate after completing 10-hours of online training which will meet the Illinois requirement.

Seniors with memory loss may only require a companion caregiver to assist them to remember appointments, take medications on time and eat nutritious meals. Anyone who can demonstrate a caring personality and show dependability, will be qualified for these companion caregiving positions.

As there is a need for more senior caregivers, if you are looking for a job, you may want to consider entering the health care industry as there will continue to be employment opportunities. You can adapt your skills to caregiving by creating an effective resume.

Tips for Writing a Caregiver Resume

• Share Information About Volunteer Positions (Church? Nursing Home? Memory Walk?)


• Include Personal Reasons Sparking Interest To Be Caregiver in Objective


• Demonstrate Consistent Employment (Shows Dependability)


• Include Training

Many volunteer opportunities exist for working with seniors and supporting senior programs, such as the Memory Walk to raise money for Alzheimer's disease, Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to seniors in cities nationwide and senior centers. Nursing homes also will usually accept volunteers to assist with meals and activities and also welcome anyone who will conduct an activity for them. If you play a musical instrument or have another skill you can teach or demonstrate, you will be welcomed by the activity director at most nursing homes and senior living communities.

Caregiver training can be obtained online, through an online caregiver training course which you take at your own pace. You may also want to obtain training in C.P.R. and the Red Cross offers this training in most cities. By showing you are motivated to learn more, you may include this on your resume to stand out from the crowd.

Senior caregiving delivers fulfillment beyond a paycheck and as all of us hope to live to be a senior, you will also learn about the wisdom that comes with aging. Many career paths exist in senior caregiving, from becoming a Registered Nurse to a Geriatric Care Manager to an Eldercare Attorney and one of the best ways to find out if you like this industry is to begin working as a senior caregiver. Build a resume that shows you care and you will be on your way to employment in senior care.

A Simple Guide to Start Your Travel Nursing Agency

Ahead of the current mass shortage of nurses across America, travel nursing have markedly developed in an attempt to provide the necessary nursing workforce for healthcare facilities and patients in need of homecare health services. Travel nurses usually travel from one place to the other to fill temporary vacant nursing positions and fill in healthcare assignments in newly established medical facilities. A great proportion of American nurses nowadays prefer to find work through a travel nursing agency which can help them pick their own convenient working hours, travel to multiple work environments and gain tremendous experience through practicing several medical specialties.

To start a travel nursing agency, you don't have to be a nurse or a medical professional. The following outlines a simple guide to help you start a travel nursing agency.

Firstly, you will need to pay a visit to your state's secretary office to get a business license to enable you settle your nursing travel agency. It is also important to check your state health department to find out about other required licenses as the level of services provided by a certain nursing travel agency determines the types of state licenses required.

Secondly, it is crucial to affiliate with an insurance establishment that is specializing in providing insurance services to nursing personnel. This is important to ensure that all the contracts your nursing agency will take on will be properly covered. Nurses' Service Organization is a perfect example of an insurance carrier that can effectively endorse your business. Usually, high premium and insurance bonds are expected to be paid, so that your nursing travel agency is licensed to operate in a specific state.

After starting your travel nursing agency, it is important to carefully pick up nursing personnel that will represent your agency. Bear in your mind that travel nurses are independent healthcare service providers that should carry the appropriate licenses and qualifications to work in the healthcare industry. Always, double check the licenses of your candidates and ensure that all their state credentials are valid and updated.
Marketing your travel nursing agency is an important factor in determining the success of your business.

Design and print fliers and brochures that present your agency and the services you are capable of providing. Try to contact home healthcare agencies, governmental health facilities and nursing homes explaining the role of your agency with emphasis on its operation system. Moreover, it is always wise to contact nursing schools and provide them information to pass to newly graduated nurses who might be interested in working with you. It is also beneficial to use the internet as a marketing tool that could be both powerful and of low cost. Posting jobs on online job boards and Craiglist have been proven to add to the success of many nursing agencies across America.

Truck Accidents Caused by Defective Equipment

Truck accidents are not always caused by negligent driving. Poorly maintained trucks alone cause serious and deadly accidents every day. In fact, the Department of Transportation estimates that nearly 30% of all accidents are caused by problems with the truck's brakes.

If you have been injured in an accident, or if you have lost a loved one to a truck accident, you may be eligible for compensation. A poorly maintained truck could be the reason for your accident.

In 2010, the Department of Transportation instituted a new Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA) program in order to further ensure the safety of large trucks on our nation's highways. All trucks must be CSA compliant, and a big part of that compliance is ensuring that trucks are properly maintained.

Braking, lighting, and tires should be three major components of a truck's maintenance schedule. Failed brakes, an unlit or poorly lit truck, or a busted tire could all cause accidents.

The new CSA program expects drivers to routinely check these major components before operating a truck. If a truck's CSA scores indicate recurrent problems with brakes, lights, or tires, someone could be held liable for negligence in the case of an accident that causes serious injury or death.

But who is held liable? The liability could lie with several parties:

• The truck driver: If the truck driver was responsible for routinely inspecting their rig but was negligent in doing so, then they may be responsible for your injuries.

• The trucking company: If the truck driver reported a problem to their trucking company but the trucking company didn't fix it, or if the trucking company was responsible for inspection and maintenance of a truck, then they may be liable for any accidents.

• The manufacturer of the parts: If brakes or other parts were properly maintained and inspected but failed because of a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer may be liable.

Chronic back problems, traumatic brain injury, serious disabilities are all long term problems that often occur in victims who are fortunate enough to survive collisions with large trucks. Physical and emotional maladies resulting from an accident deserve compensation for medical bills, lifestyle changes, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured by an accident with a truck, you should contact an attorney specializing in truck accidents as soon as possible in order to help you ensure adequate compensation for your injuries.

Certified Nursing Assistant Job Description

The certified nursing assistant job description encompasses a vital responsibility in the medical care field. With the challenging requirement for health care globally, there is a high demand for assistants. By becoming a nursing assistant, you can become employed in a wide range of medical services including hospitals, nursing homes and medical offices. These assistants work under the administration of an in-charge nurse or a physician in the company or facility where they are employed.

While on the job, they perform many duties that are mandatory and often very demanding. They are the ones that spend a lot of time with the patients and ensure that the whole process is going well. The additional duties of the certified nursing assistant job description is that they lend a hand to patients requiring ambulatory care. Several patients may be in wheel chairs or using some kind of walker. The assistant is trained to appropriately help the patient to get around. Some other patients may not be strong enough to move around in their wheel chairs - this is where the nursing assistant helps the patients get to where they need to go.

Another part of the certified nursing assistant job description is to offer assistance to the patients during meal times. The assistant will help serve the meals, sometimes they may need to help the patients to cut their food if needed or even help in feeding the patients. Many patients may need to be moved to a different locations or need to be propped up when they eat. This is the assistants' duty to support them so the patient can eat the meal provided. In addition to this, after meal time, the assistant helps to clean the patients as required.

The other parts of the certified nursing assistant job description include hygiene and general housekeeping. When a patient needs their sheets changed and blankets washed, as a CNA you must make sure that this is done. This does not mean that you are the one who has to do the washing, but it means that it is you who is responsible for getting the bedding replaced and cleaned. Also, the CNA must bath their patients as well as helping them in putting on their clothes. If the patient needs any assistance for brushing their teeth or hair, this is just another task of the CNA. For the needy patients, assisting them in using the restroom is another responsibility of the assistant.

There are certain additional responsibilities that are part of the certified nursing assistant job description; like making rounds and vital sign checks of the patients, getting information such as blood pressure, heart rate and temperature. While not in the CNA job description, the CNA should always give emotional support to their patients.

As you can see, it is very difficult to define the certified nursing assistant job description with just words, this is actually much more than just a job.

The Procedure of Filing Injury Claims Explained in Details

The exact procedure that revolves around the filing of the compensation claims is not as well known and recognized among people as the availability of the very facility. Consequently, for many, the efforts put on filing a particular claim goes in vain in due to lack of knowledge of the appropriate set of legal actions. It is necessary to abide by a stipulated procedure of filing the claims in order to be able to achieve faster and effective outcome. Though it is primarily the responsibility of the personal injury solicitors to take on the ideal course, prospective claimants must also stay aware of the steps for it is they who are going to benefit from the success of the injury claims.

The basic procedure, which remains the same irrespective of the nature of accident or the injuries, begins with a locating of the specialized solicitors, usually registered with the claims management agencies. The details of the case and the purpose of the claim are communicated in details to the solicitors, who decide on representing only those claims that are sufficiently valid and credible. Once, they take up the case, immediate attention is paid on gathering all the evidence in the form of the witness accounts and so on as, they have a significant role to play in guaranteeing the ultimate success of the claim.

The outcome of the claim is largely determined by the manner in which a claim is presented and the firmness with which the innocence of the plaintiff and the faulty act of the opponent is highlighted. Alongside, the losses, resulting from both the general as well as the special damages are underlined for it is the intensity of the financial deficits that will determine the amount of compensation, the victim will be entitled to receive. There are some additional steps in the process depending upon the nature of the claim. For instance, with regards to the car accident claims, negotiating with the insurance providers does take some time.

An injury claim gets resolved in the most hassle- free manner if the opponent agrees on paying the amount that has been asked from them. However, this may not always be the situation, which paves the way for the case to be taken to the court. Claimants may not always be willing to take their claims to court, in which case, they can certainly communicate their desire for an out- of- court settlement to the respective solicitors.

How To Manage Nursing Home Care Without Losing Your Mind Or Your Cool

You've heard it said before, "If you want to have a quality nursing home experience plan in advance." Visit nursing homes in advance. Doesn't that sound like a great way to spend the day? Most people simply cannot rap their minds around the idea that they will need to be in a nursing home. The reality is that at age 65 your chance of needing long-term care is 45%. Look at yourself and look at your spouse; if it's not him/her it's you. Here are some tried and true methods to manage nursing home care without "losing it."

1. Realize, with age comes challenges. At the time of retirement, age 65, the chances of needing long-term care (nursing home/home health care) is about 1 in 2 and increases with age. The many age related medical conditions including joint instability, strength limitations, and systemic slow down often require some length of involvement with long-term care. It's probably going to happen to you, your spouse, or your parents. Now, what are you going to do about it?

2. Understand nursing home care can be long-term or temporary. When the words "nursing home" are spoken people often cringe with visions of the "Psycho" house or the "Hotel California" looming in their mind's eye. Breathe. You can leave...maybe. If you need therapy for a hip or knee replacement your nursing home experience may be short-term. Even more important than the reason you are there is if you have the resources and structures in place to get you out. If you don't have the financial and social support resources to remain at home after a disability, it may be a long-term stay.

3. Don't settle for less. The idea of being in a nursing home is difficult to stomach. The idea of having to fight with a bad nursing home is downright scary. Many people are not satisfied with their nursing home experiences and don't plan to return to the same facility. The key to avoiding this less than ideal scenario is to visit facilities in advance, be critical about the quality of your future home/rehabilitation center, and don't settle for less. If it doesn't feel right, look right, or smell right - move on. The future of your care will be affected by how critical and thorough you are in evaluating nursing homes.

4. Develop a tag team. The most powerful of human forces is a group of like-minded individuals bound together for a common cause. To ensure you and your loved ones get the care needed, make sure you have a tag team approach. The team should include other family members who visit often at varying times and a professional nursing home advocate who is at your disposal to help manage challenges with nursing quality of care and questions about therapy treatment programs.

5. Know what "Good" looks like. Most families have no idea what a good nursing home looks like, except maybe the opposite of the mental image in bullet number two above. If you are going to manage nursing home care well you want to find yourself in a good facility to start. No matter how good a nursing home is, there is always something to negotiate. Even if the food is decent, the staffing and response to call lights may be lacking, for example. Start higher on the rung of quality and you will have less territory to negotiate.

The long-term care systems, nursing homes in particular, are not transparent enough to make working with them easy for patients and their families. With due diligence and a backup plan you can manage nursing home care and keep your sanity.

Top Eight Feng Shui Deities and Godheads

In Feng Shui, Godheads and Deities are seen as essential enhancers as well as defenders - this is because of their capability to ward off negative energy and replace them with good luck and beneficial chi. When placed together, the effects of the deities and godheads are magnified; however, always remember to treat them with respect by never keeping them in bathrooms, closets or on the floor, and instead on places that are of eye-level or higher.

Below is a list of the most common Feng Shui Chinese Deities:

Eight Immortals - In both Taoism and Feng Shui, the Eight Immortals (who are made up of 2 women and 6 men) are revered as icons of good luck and longevity. According to myth, these beings descended from the heavens and gave humans strength when they were weak. They also gave them to support to attain their aspirations and reach their goals, in addition to giving them the blessings of knowledge, wellbeing and wealth.

Four Heavenly Kings - Also known as the "Great Dharma Protectors" by Buddhists as they are viewed in the Matreiya Buddha shrines, these four superior kings rule and defend the four corners of the earth. When depictions of the Four Heavenly Kings are displayed inside the home, they have the power to safeguard against harmful intentions and dangers in your direction.

Monkey God - Also known as the "Trickster God" or "Great Sage of Equal God", this exile from the heaven of Taoism was once again allowed redemption when he assisted Tang Xuan Zang, who was seeking Lord Buddha's lessons in the West. It is because of the Monkey God's protective role in this pilgrimage that he is now seen as a defender from evil and a keep of good health. For these effects, place him in the sector of his birth, the West or Southwest.

Chung Kwei - This amazing icon is known as the "Star God of Literature" - this is due to the fact that in his time, he was one of the most prominent and aspiring academics from Tung-nun Shan of the Shensi Province. He is also regarded as the "Great Spiritual Chaser of Demons"; this is because Chung Kwei was also an outstanding exorcist, and is now used to keep the home safe from dangerous spirits and evil intentions.

Kuan Yin - Known by other dialect names such as "Kuanyin" and "Quan Yin", this deity is the Goddess of Mercy and is highly admired and adored. Because she can hear the distress and pleas of help from those who need her, she is known as the "One Who Hears the Cries of the World" - she can also help these people to find the Western Heaven's joy and peace. The image of Kuan Yin a Feng Shui cure used for comfort, to help those who are ill, afraid and abound with misfortune.

Kwan Kung - Also known as "Kuan Ti", this renowned war general from Chinese history is known and the "God of War", and is best recognized as his powers to be the protector of all. For those who are weak, he is a protector; for those in the military, he is a supporter, and for those in business and politics, he is a sentinel. In addition to his defensive qualities, Kwan Kung is seen as an initiator and retainer of wealth, and being able to protect your own assets from theft or loss.

Wealth God - Also known as "Chai Sen Yeh", this god is a prominent icon of prosperity and affluence. All throughout the year, many Chinese festivals are held to invite this god's lucky charm into the home, to bless the household with luck and riches, in addition to luck for the year ahead.

Fuk Luk Sau - These Three Star Deities are a representation of the three basic aspirations of humans: in order, Prosperity, Authority and Longevity. They are also a display of unity and balance, as well as being able to continuously create good fortune. Simply keep Fuk Luk Sau in an important place in either your living room or dining room, and it is Chinese belief that they will provide you with everything you need.

Injury Claims For Accidents Involving Warehouse Workers

There are a number of hazards and dangers faced by people who work in warehouses. Some of these hazards and dangers include tripping hazards, falling objects and forklift trucks. Safety and health regulations are in place to protect workers from accidents in warehouses, but it is important that these regulations are implemented.

If you have had a warehouse accident in which you have sustained injuries, consider seeking legal help because you may be able to make an injury claim.

Common Warehouse Accidents

Warehouse workers can get involved in many different types of accidents. Common types of accidents taking place in a warehouse include:

Slips, Trips and Falls

Poorly discarded packaging and strapping, spillages of oil and water and obstructions on walkways are some of the main causes of slips, trips and falls. Warehouse floors must be kept free of these kinds of hazards to prevent such accidents from happening. Slips, trips and falls accidents can cause injuries ranging from nasty lacerations to broken bones and head injuries.

Hit By Falling Objects

Goods stacked on an upper floor can sometimes fall if they are not stacked properly. If there are people working underneath, these goods can fall on them and cause injuries. Even small items can cause serious head injuries if they fall from a height.

Falls From Heights

It is quite common for warehouse workers to work above floor levels to stack or remove goods from high shelving. Falls from heights can occur if ladders, platforms or mechanical pickers are faulty. Whenever workers are required to work at height, it is essential that they provided with appropriate equipment so they can perform their tasks safely. If they are not or if employers fail to provide adequate training, then an injury claim can be made against the employer if a warehouse worker gets in an accident at work.

Manual Handling Accidents

Manual handling tasks must be eliminated wherever possible, but if cannot be eliminated, then safe manual handling practices must be implemented. Manual handling accidents affects a large number of warehouse workers every year and some of the common injuries they sustain as a result of such accidents include crush injuries, foot injuries, back injuries and hand injuries.

Fork Lift Truck Accidents

An injury claim can also be made if a warehouse worker gets injured in a fork lift truck accident. Fork lift trucks are commonly used in warehouses, but it is important that they are used safely. If the fork lift truck is defective or if workers are not adequately trained to operate the equipment, an injury claim can be made against the employer.

Plan For Things That Medicare Does Not Cover

Do You Know What Medicare Doesn't Cover?

I the US, millions of American senior citizens and qualified disabled people rely upon Medicare for their health coverage. This large government program helps these people afford health services, but it does not cover everything! Some services may be covered, but not at a hundred percent. Even if you have Medicare, you will still have to pay some part of the costs for your health services. It is important to learn about you benefits so you know what is covered, and what is not covered.

Consider some common health needs that are not covered by basic Medicare benefits.

Long Term Nursing Care

The basic program limits the amount of nursing care that it covers. You may be limited to a specified number of days of regular nursing care expenses. If you need regular nursing care, either from a nursing home, assisted living facility, adult day care, or home health aid, you may run out of benefits if you rely upon Medicare. This is probably also true even if you have a supplement or Advantage plan.

Long term care insurance is another type of health insurance that is intended to cover this type of care. Otherwise, Medicaid may pick up the tab for qualified beneficiaries. There are also alternative ways to plan for this expense.

By the way, if you are researching retirement health insurance, make sure you understand the difference between Medicaid and Medicare. Medicaid is a federal and state health insurance program for people with very low incomes and few assets.

Travel Medical Expenses

The basic program rarely pays for any health services outside of the US. If you plan to travel to another country, you cannot count upon your Medicare benefits to help you. Some supplements may extend this coverage, or you may choose to purchase an additional travel health insurance policy. It is a good idea to research these plans if you want to travel outside of the USA.

This may seem surprising, but I can imagine there are several reasons for this limitation. Some of these reasons may be political, and some may be financial.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing

Seniors and disabled people need dental, vision, and hearing services, but Medicare provides very limited coverage of these services. You cannot count on your benefits to help you pay the dentist, eye doctor, or hearing aid company. These are serious health needs, but beneficiaries must find alternate ways to fund these services most of the time.

You may chose to pay for these services out of your own pocket. You may also decide to buy additional coverage from a private company. There are also resources to help people with low incomes get the services that they need.

Why Worry About Things That Are Not Covered By Medicare?

It is important to understand what your benefits will help you with, and what they will not pay for. That way you can do a better job of preparing yourself for a secure and comfortable retirement! You may need to allocate more money for these expenses, or you may choose to purchase private coverage. The right course of action really depends upon your own individual situation.

FHA Section 232 Is The Perfect Financing Solution for Nursing Home-Assisted Living Developers

FHA Section 232 is the best financing available today to develop Nursing Homes or Assisted Living Facilities.

And the need is much greater today more then ever! Why?

With the aging of the baby boomer generation, there is currently a huge strain on existing nursing home and assisted living facilities. There aren't enough beds to meet the demand. Now is the time for developers to get in and begin developing these properties. And the FHA Section 232 financing program is the best way to finance these developments.

What Is This Program?

FHA Section 232 is a Federal mortgage insured program. It doesn't mean that FHA is providing the funding...they are insuring the actual lenders against defaults. Section 232 is a section under the National Housing Act. It allows the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) to provide mortgage insurance to HUD approved lenders. This is to assist in the development or substantial rehabilitation of assisted living facilities or nursing homes. The loan program allows for long-term mortgages (up to 40 years) that can be financed with Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) Mortgage Backed Securities.

Who Can Use The FHA Section 232 Construction/Substantial Rehabilitation Financing?

This program is available for both non-profit and for-profit developers, public entities or investors. The maximum loan amount allowed with this type of financing is 95% of the estimated value of physical improvements and major movable equipment for non-profits and 90% for for-profit developers.

Eligible Property Types?

The facility must have a minimum of 20 beds and the residents must require skilled nursing care or continuous care. The facilities must be properly licensed/regulated by the appropriate state or local agencies.

What Are The Benefits?

There are so many good benefits of using this program. In today's times of credit crunch and tighter lending criteria, many developers are finding it increasingly hard to obtain good financing that makes their projects work. FHA Section 232 financing is usually the only way that developers can make their projects work (from a numbers stand point). I would recommend this program as the best on the market.

Surgical Nursing - Not All Nurses Are the Same

When one thinks of going to the hospital, it is normally in the context of having some sort of procedure done. Be it having an appendix removed or undergoing a more complicated operation, the operating room will be filled with all sorts of medical professionals.

Surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, and nurses will work together to assure proper patient care. Surgical patients understand and indeed demand that only specialists perform the various needed procedures. For instance, most people only wants a licensed anesthesiologist administering anesthesia. If someone is having heart surgery, they only want a cardiologist to operate on them.

But how many people have given thought to the type of nurse that is in the operating room? Some may think that a nurse is just a nurse and that all are the same. This is not true and you may be surprised to know just how specialized this field of nursing has become.

Who Is the Surgical Nurse?

Anyone who enters the hospital for a surgical procedure is going to interact with a surgical-nurse at some point during their visit. In addition to being a vital part of the actual surgical team, surgical-nurses can be found in preoperative and postoperative care units.

What They Do in Preoperative Care

The surgical nurse makes sure the patient is stable enough for surgery. They clean and prepare the area that will be operated on and discuss the procedure with the patient. In addition, the surgical-nurse is charged with updating the various specialists involved with the patient's condition as well as the patient's family.

During Surgery

The surgical-nurse will make sure the required surgical instruments are properly placed and available for the surgeons. They will monitor all of the devices and advise accordingly regarding status. Often a subcategory of surgical nursing, known as a circulating nursing, will be in place to ensure all is in order.
Role in Postoperative Care

After surgery, the input of a skilled surgical nurse is vital to a speedy patient recovery. Small deviations in diet and medication can be devastating so it is up to the surgical nurse to make certain these are correctly monitored.

In addition, dressing and vital signs must also be monitored very closely. As in preoperative care, the surgical nurse must interact with the family to help them understand what is happening to their loved one.
Education Requirements

Surgical nursing is a specialized nursing field that requires a Bachelor Degree in Nursing. Afterwards, a state exam is required and then further specialized training will be needed before you can be certified to work with a surgical team.

A good surgical nurse will also have exposure to many different types of surgical procedures. They must be familiar with the specialized preoperative and postoperative requirements for different kinds of surgery.
Other Requirements

Surgical nurses interact frequently with doctors, patients, families, and other nurses. They must deal with highly emotional people. Therefore, good communications skills are necessary. Surgical nurses are also patient advocates and disseminators of information

Nursing Schools Dirty Little Secret - A Students Experience

Are you thinking about applying to a nursing school? After all you have a high GPA and have always dreamed of being a nurse. Your heart is in the right place because you are a moral person and know that you will make a difference in a person's life. You are a kind and caring soul who believes in doing things right. Hold that thought right there.

What you don't know about nursing school now may cause you to have a moral dilemma and make you rethink if nursing is the right field for you later on. Did you know that nursing schools have a dirty little secret that you will only find out once you are in the program? That secret is that some of the instructors are bullies. You read right-bullies.

The nursing profession is full of bullies both in nursing programs and in the workplace. One reason for this is that nursing schools allow the instructors to teach however they please. The instructors themselves learned how to bully from their bully nursing program instructors and when they entered the workplace they saw bullying as the status quo of normalcy.

Even though bullying, harassment and horizontal hostility is legally wrong and if done in the workplace opens the door to a lawsuit by the victim; it is not that way in university and college nursing schools. Nursing schools are not held to the same legal standards as an employer. Even though the student is paying tuition to learn and gain a degree, it is not a contract situation. Therefore if a student is harassed and or bullied and the student complains, the nursing department can retaliate and not give the student their degree. The student can appeal through the proper administrative steps, but unfortunately, the student usually is stonewalled and still will not receive their degree.

The goal of nursing school departments is to make money for the college. The unwritten rule that the nursing student finds out once they are in the program is "You will sit down, shut up, take what we dish out, and if you question how we teach or complain you will not pass". A student can and will be subjected to intimidation, verbal abuse and harassment from some of the instructors because that is currently an acceptable behavior in all aspects of nursing.

The following are examples of the bullying that I endured while in the nursing program I went through. I had a 3.54 GPA, passed all the lecture courses with a B+ average and passed all clinicals until I reached the last one.

I was in a first semester nursing lab class and the instructor was talking about an assessment procedure that I wanted clarification on. I raised my hand and asked a question. The instructor lashed out and stated, "Do you know how silly you sound, Laura, even your classmates are rolling their eyes".

In one lecture class I received a B+ on a test and during a class break I went up to ask the instructor about a question on the test. The instructor's face became angry and she snapped back at me, "If you would have listened better and not asked so many questions you would have gotten a better score!" My classmates in the front row stopped talking and their mouths were hanging open. I walked back to my seat sad and about ready to cry.

In another lecture class I raised my hand when the instructor was taking questions and she answered everyone else's questions but not mine.

In the last clinical class I had, the instructor had a narcissistic personality and it was all about her. She regularly cussed, degraded and embarrassed us in front of each other in every post clinical conference because we had made her look bad that day.

In a closed door meeting this instructor tried to find out what other clinical instructors had said about me so she could help me pass. When I did not disclose the information she put me on a work plan as punishment. The week before the instructor had given me permission to give the hospital floor manager my resume. After I did not disclose what other instructors had said about my performance, she said "how do you expect to be hired when you can't perform the job, which makes me look bad".

This instructor constantly would correct us in front of patients. If we were late in giving reports to the instructor because we were taking care of a patient situation, she would get angry and blame us for delaying her from doing what she had to do. She would never ask what was wrong with the patient.

I and another student at different times finally complained to the nursing department about the bullying we were receiving in the last clinical. We both were pulled out of that clinical and put into other secondary separate clinicals. However, the instructors were also bullies whose goal was to find as many errors as they could to fail us both as retaliation for reporting the bullying.

In that clinical, the instructor was one who had passed me in a previous clinical and interacted with me in all aspects of patient care. The second time around she only interacted with me when I had to pass medications and she always found errors. Even when I did it correctly and she gave me the okay to give the medications to the patient, she then would come into the room and ask me a question she knew I could not answer. She then said it was a med error in front of the patient. This left the patient uneasy and I had to reassure the patient that the instructor was just being safe. She in turn said the patient's uneasiness was due to my lack of knowledge and created a safety hazard for the patient. I observed that when she was doing medications with my classmates, if they did not do something correct she never said that was a med error and taught them about the medication.

In her quest to prove I was an unsafe practitioner, she one time said she would wait by the patients open wall computer chart and medication bin while I administered the medications. This open bin had two vials of heparin and a needle package in it. When I came out into the hallway after I was finished, the chart and medication bin was unattended. She knew that anyone could have come down that hall and seen the open chart and taken the bin. I felt this was a set up because according to school policy, this situation would have been an automatic student failure. However, I caught it before a staff member did and I said nothing and I heard nothing further on it.

Every clinical day she told me I was an unsafe practitioner, unintelligent sounding and was not critically thinking. She would write out weekly error sheets for our group. Mine was always a page and a half, while my classmates were a half page even though she spent more time with my classmates teaching, talking about sports and her social life.

By the fourth week she said "If I had to today, Laura, I would have to fail you". By the fifth week I was put on a work plan and told me I had to be perfect and by the sixth week, two weeks before I was to graduate, she said she was failing me. However, I withdrew before that grade went onto my transcripts.

The other student was told by her instructor that the student had deeper issues and she needed to be evaluated by a mental health professional before continuing. However, she was not allowed to return for missing too much time and was failed two weeks before graduation.

Bottom line is when considering nursing school; find out if the school has a history of bullying. This may require talking to past alumni who in all likelihood will be honest because they are graduated. Do not be lulled into thinking that you will have no problem kow-towing down to the instructor so you can get through. If you are a moral, honest and God fearing person your resolve will be tested. You may face the moral dilemma of "do I risk losing my chances of passing by reporting the bullying or do I keep quiet". Remember, if your moral self wins out and you report it-you will lose just as I did. And if you think you have legal recourse-you don't.

There are attorneys that will take on your case but for a hefty fee. Most attorneys charge $250.00 an hour. The reason that attorneys do not work on contingent is because the client usually does not win money. And because schools know this and have expensive attorneys who will protect the school's reputation at any cost, hence, that is why the student loses and nursing school bullying continues.

It is recommended that all nursing students please read Kathleen Bartholomew's book, Ending Nurse to Nurse Hostility; Why Nurses Eat Their Young.