Archive for August 2011
Aromatherapy Massages
Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils. It is the ancient science of healing, relaxing and energizing the body by the use of plants and their parts. The word aromatherapy is derived from two words aroma which means smell and therapy which stands for healing.
Essential oils are the basis of aromatherapy the roots, barks, flowers, fruits, seeds and nuts are used for the distillation of oils. Each essential oil is an aromatic essence, distilled from a single botanical source. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should not be used directly. These oils can be blended together and this blend is called synergy. The synergy is more potent than the individual oils. Since these oils are so potent in their concentrated form they are mixed with simple oils called carrier oils like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grape seed oil.
Essential oils can have many different effects on the body, mind and spirit. They can be sedative or stimulating, analgesic and antispasmodic and antibacterial. They enter through our olfactory system and affect the nervous system, thus improving mood and relaxing or energizing us. This helps is alleviating stress and speeds up healing.
There are many different ways of using essential oils therapeutically – in baths, inhalations, compresses, creams or lotions, massage.
Massage
Massage therapy is also an ancient form of alternative medicine. It can affect the autonomic nervous system, and calms the mind, reducing the stress in the body. Massage stimulates the blood circulation, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen to cells. It also stimulates lymphatic flow, improving tissue drainage and in the immune system.
Hippocrates said: ‘The Physician must be experienced in many things, but assuredly in rubbing . . . for rubbing can bind a joint that is too loose, and loosen a joint that is too rigid.’
Depending on your need a synergy blend is created with the carrier oil. There are a lot of combinations that are specially made for specific diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, stress, sports injury, migraines, insomnia etc.
History of Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy Massage is the brain child of Marguerite Maury, née König of Austria. Marguerite trained as a nurse and surgical assistant. Her interest in aromatherapy began with the book of Dr Chabenes, Les Grandes Possibilités par les Matières Odoriferantes. Marguerite met and married a French doctor in the early thirties, and continued her research into essential oils.
She developed her particular method of using the ‘Individual Prescription’ blending several essential oils, for each patient, after an in-depth consultation and examination. She also pioneered the use of massage to administer the essential oils, partly perhaps because she was not a medical doctor, and therefore not qualified to prescribe internal use of the oils.
Basic Oils
There are a variety of essential oils that can be blended to create a perfect one for your needs, a few of them are
Lavender
Rosemary
Bergamot
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Geranium
Clary Sage
Geranium
Ashish Bhattacharya is an exponent of oriental and alternative medicine. Armed with a degree in East Asian Therapies from China, he has worked in an Luxury Spa resorts Mauritius, and is an expert in Ayurvedic Destination Spa Mauritius.
Are You a Registered Nurse Just Itching To Try Out
Are You a Registered Nurse Just Itching To Try Out Some New Opportunities
Are you a registered nurse looking for more opportunities?
Are you looking for more ways to broaden your skills and knowledge and earn more at the same time?
Good thing your career is in demand these days and a lot of companies and hospitals are in need of registered nurse. It’s up to you whether you wish to work for a company as a company registered nurse or if you prefer the busy life in the hospital. What is important is that you know exactly the level of your skills and knowledge before you settles on any of these places so as to help you achieve the success you desire from your nursing career.
So what are the other places where registered nurse may apply and work? Here are some of the most common and preferred places where an RN can work.
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nursing Homes
- Doctor’s Clinic – Company
- School
- Private Homes (Private Nurse)
Usually registered nurse supervises licensed practical nurses (LPN), nursing aides and orderlies. Although the standard working conditions may vary with the place of employment, nearly all nursing jobs consist of close contact with patients. Good health along with emotional stability is the most valuable assets which an RN must possess.
Nurses should be careful workers who actually take their duties by heart. They must always follow rigid instructions to guarantee the health and safety of themselves as well as their patients.
Registered nurses normally work forty hours every week. But there are times they may have to work night and weekend shifts, particularly if they work in hospitals and nursing homes.
Advancement in nursing actually depends on the level of education attained, experience and skills, and place of employment. Registered nurses can also become supervisors of departments or specialists in certain fields of nursing.
Those who hold Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees are more likely to be promoted to higher-level jobs. A lot of great positions in research, teaching, as well as administration entail Master’s degrees or even doctorates in nursing.
The increases in demand for RN are due to technological advances in patient care, which allow a larger number of medical issues that need to be treated. Additionally, the number of elderly people is anticipated to grow fast, which must encourage the demand for RNs in nursing homes as well as in long-term care facilities.
Considering all the necessary details will certainly help you reach the top of this in demand health career.
——
If you are interested in a career as a travel nurse, let Jennifer Green, RN help you. She has created an amazing program to coach you along the way for you to land a dream Travel Nursing Assignment. Visit her website for a FREE 4 day training course on how to get started at http://www.makemoneyasatravelingnurse.com.
Apply For Travel Nurse Jobs and Nurse Practitioner Jobs
Travel nurse jobs and nurse practitioner jobs have become increasingly in demand as a result of the shortages in nurses in the United States. Travel nurses respond to the need of health care industries all over the U. S. And fill a wide variety of positions. Nurses are in high demand and these nurses help to fill this need. There is a need for Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and LPNs and LVNs.
Applying to be a travel nurse requires filling out a lengthy amount of paper work. Temporary jobs like these are filled through agencies that help to place nurses with health care facilities. Many agencies will require that health test are done and that one can provide a physicians proof that they are fit to work. It is required to fill out a work application and many other forms that will tell about ones nursing specialty, work history, certifications and verification of licenses. All of this information will be put together into what is called a profile.
After paperwork is completed and turned into the agency the agency then matches ones profile to open temporary jobs. Then profiles will be submitted to hospitals or other health care facilities where nurses are needed by fax or email. It may be a good idea to apply with a few different agencies because no agency has access to all the open temporary jobs out there.
Agencies do get paid for placement of employees. This is what is called a bill rate for helping to place an applicant. The employers pay this and then an offer is made to the potential employee. One of the perks of travel nursing is that the pay rate is usually higher than other nursing jobs.
When an offer is made it is important for it to include the dates of employment and the location. It also may state benefits such as insurance, housing, details of pay and any other benefit that may be included. Many extra benefits are paid for by the agency. There can be a wide variety of benefits offer with different agencies so be sure to be informed.
If an offer is accepted by the applicant, a phone interview is often arranged afterwards. After a successful phone interview a formal contract will be written up. Remember that pay and other benefits are all negotiable and it is important to come to an agreement between two parties.
Traveling Nursing provides the ability to determine what type of setting one would like to work in. Positions are available in a number of different areas. It is possible to work in large cities or rural areas. Many teaching facilities also hire these nurses. To be qualified to become a traveling nurse one must have successfully completed an accredited nursing program.
There are a wide variety of work opportunities that are available. It is possible to work as a traveling nurse in the area one lives. This is referred to as a local position. The wide range of travel positions available make it possible to find on to fit the needs of the applicant.
Antimicrobial Medical Scrubs For Improved Nurse And Patient Safety
What is very interesting is that even though a hospital is quite often deemed to be one of the safest places on the planet, it is also known to harbor some of the biggest threats to our health. While hospitals are among the absolute best places to seek cures for our sicknesses, it is because of this that hospitals hold the unfortunate nature of possibly making things worse since there is so much sickness and so many potential pathogens found there. Fortunately, there has been some really great research and development over the last few years that have helped to make a significant impact on the health and safety of those who work at medical clinics and hospitals as well as for those who go to these facilities seeking help for their health problems. One of the best solutions that is now available to medical professionals and nurses is antimicrobial medical scrubs; also referred to as bioshields in some medical garments.
First, these antimicrobial medical scrubs create an ideal solution since they are among the absolute most convenient solutions that you have in the name of helping to maintain a safer working environment for both you and your patients. All you need to is simply put them on without having to carry out any complex procedures beyond the simple donning of your medical scrubs. Of course, this is not to say that you can stop washing your hands and maintaining safe medical practices thinking that the antimicrobial properties of your scrubs will do all the preventative work for you.
Among the more effective antimicrobial medical scrub options that you have are those that feature a water based anti microbial which is infused within the fabric. Interestingly, these antimicrobial molecules feature properties that actually allow them to puncture microbes which effectively kill them and stop them from spreading or further infecting.
Since the killing of potentially harmful microbes is done through puncturing, this means that this is actually a mechanical process achieved at a microscopic level. What exactly does this mean for you health and wellbeing? It means that this is actually not a chemical process. This naturally makes the process much safer for you and your patients since there are no potentially harmful chemicals involved that could either irritate your skin or jeopardize the sterile zone in surgical units or medical facilities.
The antimicrobial properties in these special medical garments not only helps to fight off bacteria, it can also help to protect your scrubs from mold, mildew, algae growth. Not only that, but these bacteria fighting properties also help to eliminate odors caused by certain microbes.
In addition, what comes as an even greater convenience regarding these scrubs is that most of them are safe for standard machine washing. Research demonstrates that many of the top antimicrobial medical garments will retain their microbial fighting abilities at 98 percent effectiveness even after about 50 – 60 washes. And what comes as even more exciting news is that there is current research being done to develop medical scrubs with permanent antibacterial properties.
An Overview Of The Traveling Nurse Profession
Travel nursing is a wonderful way to merge the nursing profession that you love, with a fondness for travel, meeting new people, and gaining new experiences. You can travel to and work in different locations and medical facilities around the country as a travel nurse or as a travel nursing professional. By joining an agency for traveling nursing professionals, you can gain the experiences of meeting people and seeing the landscapes of different areas and develop a broader range of nursing skills by working in the top notch medical facilities scattered throughout the nation. The travel nursing profession offers you the opportunity to share your skill and compassion as a nursing professional with people from all over.
Travel nursing is unlike most other forms of business travel. Usually with travel for business purposes there is little leisure time available between business meetings, conventions, tradeshows, and the like, for treats such as sightseeing excursions, shopping, and entertainment experiences. But in the travel nursing profession you will be living and working in the areas you accept assignments to. When you are not working, you will be able to take in the sights and soak up the local cultures, shop, dine, and attend the entertainment and sporting events held in different regions, which makes traveling away from home so exciting.
Don’t grab a suitcase, throw in some clothes, and head out for destinations unknown expecting that any hospital or medical facility you walk into will have a position just waiting for you. The travel nursing profession is open to a variety of nursing professionals from RN’s, and LPN’s to Radiologists, Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapists and other nursing professionals. But there is a process involved and requirements that must be met before you can begin working in the travel nursing profession. You must have successfully graduated from an accredited US or Canadian nursing program. You will be required to keep your nursing license current, and if you are entering to work in the United States from Canada, you will need to provide proof of a valid nursing license and a valid work permit for working in the United States. Furthermore, keep in mind that each state has its own requirements for allowing out-of-state health care professionals to practice within their borders that must be met before you can begin working in that state.
Some people may try to persuade you into thinking that you do not need to join a travel nursing profession agency. Although you most certainly can put yourself through the lengthy and cumbersome process yourself, there are many hoops to jump through in order to inquire about their regulations and asking for applications to be sent to you. However, remember that you will need to fill these out and mail them back to the agencies that sent them to you, and then wait for a notice that your applications have been accepted. All of this work and you have not even contacted any of the hospitals and other medical facilities in that state to inquire if they have positions for traveling nursing professionals. You may even be unable to secure the no cost lodging that is made available to many members of the travel nursing profession belonging to professional travel nursing profession agencies. It is true as well that many hospitals and other medical facilities prefer working with travel nursing professionals affiliated with a travel nursing profession agency over those traveling professionals that approach them on their own.
A professional agency representing the travel nursing profession simplifies the process of finding and requesting applications from state nursing regulatory agencies around the country, and also provides many other benefits to its members. They are in contact with top notch hospital and medical facilities from around the country and they are knowledgeable about the positions that are open to travel nursing professionals wanting to work in those states. They are also more able to secure no cost lodging arrangements, high pay and bonuses for the travel nursing professionals they serve. You can learn more about the agencies that represent travel nursing professionals and about the travel nursing profession online. Of course you should check out the credentials of any travel nursing profession agency before giving them your personal information in the same way that you need to protect yourself and your personal information using the internet.
The travel nursing profession pays well and the demand for traveling nursing professionals is large with the nursing shortages that are occurring throughout the United States. Travel nursing is a wonderful way to broaden your skills as a nursing professional as you work in a variety of nursing faculties and with different nursing professionals. It is an excellent way to experience meeting new people and learning about the cultural flavors in different areas. The travel nursing profession is a perfect merging of providing those in need with quality health care, and traveling to regions you have always wanted to see and experience.
All About Dialysis Nurse Jobs
Kidney problems are some of the most difficult medical problems to cure or maintain. Renal-related problems are also very fatal and have been on the increase thus the reason why there is an overwhelming demand for dialysis nurses.
There are several aspects of being a dialysis nurse. The permanent dialysis nurse is one who is stationed in a particular renal facility and works there for several years before moving. This type of job offers the job security and also gives the nurses a chance to familiarize themselves with the regular patients thus can be in a position to offer them more personalized care.
The other category is the travel dialysis nurses who move from one health institution or renal facility to another after short periods of time. Being a travel dialysis nurse has certain advantages such as one is able to enhance their skills by gaining different experiences from the different health facilities, one is likely to earn a more competitive salary especially in the fast-growing regions. The travel dialysis nurse also gets the opportunity to explore and visit many locations within the country and is able to better plan for career advancements.
There is a special category of nephrology nurses called the acute dialysis nurses. These are nursing professionals who care for patients whose kidneys have completely failed. These renal nurses should be aware on each detail on the operation of the dialysis machine and patient care. Apart from the basic nursing training, he/she should have experience in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Intravenous (IV) set up.
To qualify for a job as renal nurse, one needs to be a graduate from an accredited nursing school. An associate degree takes 2 years to complete, the nursing diploma will take approximately 3 years. A bachelors degree program in nursing, however, takes 4 years to complete. The graduate then sits for States Nurse Certification Exam. However, to become a dialysis nurse, one should sit for and pass the Certified Dialysis Nurse Examination also called CDN exam.
Becoming a dialysis nurse does not only require the academic qualifications but the person should also have a willingly helpful heart. Patients suffering from renal problems tend to be very difficult to deal with and thus need a strong-willed person who will give them personalized care no matter the patients reactions.
Finding dialysis nurse jobs is not difficult as there are a number of websites that post job openings. Due to the high demand of these kinds of nurses, most graduates are likely to land a job as soon as they are through with college. Some hospitals and health facilities source for renal nurses when in the final year of their study. Various health magazines and newspapers also contain lists of available vacancies in this field.
Air Travel Tips for Travelers with Health Issues or Disabilities
Air Travel Tips for Travelers with Health Issues or Disabilities
Travel by air for people with health issues, handicaps, disabilities or special needs, can be challenging. The following air travel tips will help make your flight and trip, whether domestic or international, easier, cheaper and safer.
When making your travel reservations, request any carts, wheelchair services or any other transportation you’ll need. Fully describe your limitations and needs. Get your airline ticket and boarding pass well ahead of time so you don’t have to wait in any lines. You’ll be able to arrange travel at a discount, get better travel deals, and avoid last minute travel headaches.
Talk with your airline representative or travel agent regarding the type of restrooms that are on the airplane. Call your airport and find out as much information as possible about the restrooms and handicapped parking at the airport.
You’ll need to find out how you’ll be boarding the airplane at each of the airports involved in your trip. You may need another type of airplane or alternative route so you’ll have Jetways, or jet bridges, into the plane from the airport and not have to worry about stairs.
One year my mother and I were going to fly out of the San Jose, California airport and discovered after we arrived that we had to go outside on the ground level with the wheelchair to the tarmac. Four airline employees had to carry my mother in the wheelchair up the steep steps to board the plane. This might be impossible if there are weight issues.
Think about what seat arrangement will work best for you needs. Would an aisle seat make it more convenient to get to the restroom? You’ll want to avoid sitting in the emergency exit row. The passengers in this row may be asked to help others in an emergency situation.
Let the airlines and flight attendants know if you have any assisting devices. Find out the best way to store them so they arrive without damage.
Always keep in mind what you can do easily and without assistance, as well as situations that would require help.
Can you transfer to seats by yourself? Will you need a transfer board or assistance from airline staff?
Consider hiring a travel nurse if you have serious health or medical issues. There are traveling nurses networks.
Can you describe your wheelchair, scooter or walker, dimensions, weight, type of tires, type of batteries, etc.? You may need to take along spare batteries. You also may need to rent or buy a travel wheelchair.
Make sure to mention to your travel agent or airline representative any assisting devices you may need or already have like canes and crutches. Do you need a slow pace or are you a slow walker?
If you will be traveling through different time zones, how will jet lag affect your situation?
Consider how the following will be of concern during your trip and discuss with your travel agent: upper body strength, communication ability, speech issues, voice issues, vision problems, hearing problems, heat issues, medication needs, oxygen requirements, and dietary requirements such as gluten-free meals.
Try to arrange or book your air travel through experienced travel agencies or tour operators that specialize in disabled travel. There are a large number of agencies throughout the U. S., Canada, Europe, Australia and many other countries.
Just in case you need them, it’s also good to know if there are any travel agencies that specialize in disabled travel at your destination, for return travel, local resources or travel services.
At the airport let airline boarding personnel know that you may need extra time to board the plane. Sit close to the door at the gate so you’re called first and then board at a comfortable pace.
After the plane has landed, never get off the plane until you see or have your assisting device, wheelchair, travel wheelchair, etc. Flight attendants have to stay on the airplane until the last passenger leaves. They will help you while you’re on the plane but once you’re off the plane they won’t be able to help you.
Make sure you carry your medications and back-up prescriptions with you onto the plane, along with doctors’ names, addresses, fax numbers for faxing prescriptions, phone numbers, medical diagnosis, names and dosages of medications you’re taking and any allergies you have.
Photocopy passports, airline tickets, American Express Travelers Cheques, credit cards, any important papers.
Carry your health insurance information with you on the plane. Know what you’ll do if you encounter a health problem or medical emergency on your trip. Get travel insurance to ensure less costly medical assistance. These emergency bills may not be covered under your health insurance policy. It’ll ease your mind to have this back-up travel insurance and prevent costly emergency medical charges on your trip. Emergency medical costs can run considerably higher than standard medical fees.
These air travel tips should provide good insurance and help make your airplane travel, with health issues, handicaps, disabilities or special needs, easier, safer and cheaper.
For more information on air travel tips for the disabled and travel tips for people with health issues, go to www.AllAboutDisabledTravel.com a website specializing in travel and transportation tips, advice and resources including information on travel nurses and travel insurance
Advance Your Nursing Career Work As An Independent Nurse
Advance Your Nursing Career Work As An Independent Nurse Contractor
Many nurses today are frustrated with their work situation. Are you one of them? If so, it is time you take control and make that first step. Quit thinking about a change …DO IT …quit saying I am going too… DO IT…quit day dreaming ….DO IT. Now is the time to expand your nursing career and enjoy the many benefits offered as an Independent Nurse Contractor.
Nurses wake up and take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity. Are you tired of having no input in your career, little money in the bank, lack of respect for your profession and little compensation for the long hours and years of dedication? Independent Nurse Contractor is a great way to renew your interest and rejuvenate your nursing career. As An Independent Nurse Contractor you will Gain back your independence and enjoy freedom: more choices; as to how often, when and where you practice, substantially increase your wages, increase overall job satisfaction and best of all just plain recognition of your worth as a professional. Now is the time to Achieve your goals and recognize your dreams Do not settle for mediocre pay and benefits when you can have the best .
An exciting, yet somewhat frightening career alternative for nurses, is business ownership. Owning your own business is a risk, but there is no better prepared professional than the nurse to take on the business world. Nurses are often risk takers, that demonstrate confidence, ambition, and a sense of personal accomplishment and can easily channel their expertise into personal, financial, and professional success.
Nurses are the perfect business owners. They have the communication skills and the ability to assess, implement and organize a plan. These are the same criteria
that any business owner uses.
An Independent Nurse Contractor contracts with a healthcare facility to provide nursing services, usually by the hour. An Independent contractor can contract his or her nursing services directly with a healthcare facility or with a patient and continue bedside practice. The contract is similar to those used by nursing agencies and travel companies outlining the services to be provided, the responsibilities of both the healthcare facility and the nurse, and the length of time the services are to be provided.
Nurse Contractors practice in all aspects of the Healthcare Industry; Home Health, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Rehab. Centers, Doctors Offices and all aspects of Nurse Consulting just to name a few. No advance degrees are necessary unless your business includes diagnosing and treating medical problems.
State nurse practice acts for registered nurses do not prohibit independent contracting, consulting, entrepreneurship, or small businesses ownership.
When you are a self-employed Nurse, your hard work and professionalism benefits you, not your employer. Your job satisfaction will increase to unexpected heights and frustrations will disappear! Be your own boss. Never be fired, laid off, called off, forced to work, forfeit family vacations or feel trapped again. Enjoy your career and feel satisfied again.
Our mission at Mericle RN Staffing LLC is to encourage, educate, and empower nurse entrepreneurs to realize their full business potential. Visit http://www.independentrncontractor.com and get excited about your career again.
Achieving A Nurse Practitioner Education
Pursuing a nurse practitioner education presents an opportunity for a working nurse to advance his or her career.
What do they do?
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has a specialized graduate education, a minimum of a master’s degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NP’s “diagnose and treat acute, episodic, or chronic illness, independently or as part of a healthcare team.” Some of these healthcare workers might focus on promoting healthy behaviors which can prevent disease. They also order diagnostic patient tests like lab work and X-rays, then perform these tests and interpret the results for the patient.
Where do they work?
Today, many health insurance companies are allowing NP’s to serve as primary care providers, meaning that they can see patients just as a physician would. NP’s are not taking the place of doctors, but are seeing the surplus of patients that doctors are unable to see, and treating patients with less-serious, minor illnesses and injuries. They often work in hospitals, schools, physician’s offices, or any other location where a doctor might work. Some states allow NP’s to work in their own facilities, if they can prove that they have an agreement with a physician who will accept referrals.
What nurse practitioner education is necessary?
A nurse practitioner is required to have a minimum of a master’s degree, and many go on to pursue a doctorate degree. Becoming a registered nurse requires an associate’s (ASN) or bachelor’s degree (BSN), and successful completion of licensure exams. There are some accelerated programs available for working nurses with an ASN to earn their master’s degree, but otherwise, a nurse must first obtain a BSN before enrolling in a master’s degree program.
What’s the advantage?
By becoming a nurse practitioner, a nurse is qualified to take on higher-level responsibilities and to earn a comparably higher salary. NP’s function similarly to doctors and are financially rewarded for having achieved a higher-level and more specializednurse practitioner education.
Emily writes about Online Education for University-bound.com – a resource site for those interested in earning a degree online.
About Flight Nurse
Flight nurse must have specialized training in rescue and high level trauma. You have to be a registered nurse when you want to become a flight nurse. You will be able to find this type of nurse everywhere from crews of flight that are associated with hospitals. You will easily find this type of nurse in remote areas like Alaska and Appalachia.
As stated before, you must hold the license as registered nurse to become a flight nurse. To obtain the license, there are many things that you should do. You should pass the examination from the state board for your respective state. Also, you should have the experience in CCU, ICU, or ER situation. But, you will also find that there are some programs need registered nurse to have an EMT.
Flight nurse needs great physical condition. You are required to have great stamina to do the job. You will find that this type of nurse also requires the employers to have strong physical and agility. You will find that this can be a very damaging career for you since sometimes you have to wade in icy water while holding your equipment pack overhead, climb the incline or repel down the deep ravine.
Moreover, since this type of nurse has more extreme jobs than regular nurse, you should have excellent skills in decision-making and patient assessment at least Level 1 Trauma ER. You should also have the up-to-date professional certifications.
In short, becoming a flight nurse might not easy for some people. Those previous explanations explain why the job is very hard to obtain. You will find that there might only few people that can become this type of nurse. Thus, if you want to become a flight nurse, you should prepare yourself so that you can fulfill all the requirements needed.