NC/NURX 211 Part 2 of 15- Video Freebie!

December 5th, 2009 by Admin

RNBP is a video based learning system that helps nontraditional, or distance learning, nursing students earn their ASN-RN degree from home.

Instead of grinding through hundreds of pages of text books at the end of a long day in the medical field we have created a balanced combination of video lessons and live interactive lecture that virtually eliminates the need for reading textbooks and study guides.  It’s all the structure, support and live lecture of a traditional program but all from home!  Getting your RN degree doesn’t have to mean quitting your job or neglecting your family and friends.

With RNBP you can earn your accredited RN degree in as a little as 7 months by watching just 5 hours of video a week!

Here’s a freebie so you can see for yourself.

211-2 Heart-Blood Vessel Impairments - This video focuses on blood vessel impairment problems such as peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, gangrene, arteriosclerotic heart disease, and angina pectoris.  Nursing theory for these problems will include description, signs and symptoms, factors influencing these problems, risk factors, treatments both pharmacological and non-pharmacological, the nursing process with specific nursing interventions.  Click here to view more videos!

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Need a Laugh Today? Nursing Humor…

November 28th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

A big shot businenursing-humorss man had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. He was a royal pain to the nurses because he bossed them around just like he did his employees. None of the hospital staff wanted to have anything to do with him. The head registered nurse was the only one who could stand up to him. She came into his room and announced, “I have to take your temperature.” After complaining for several minutes, he finally settled down, crossed his arms and opened his mouth.
“No, I´m sorry, the nurse stated, “but for this reading, I cannot use an oral thermometer.” This started another round of complaining, but eventually he rolled over and bared his rear end. After feeling the nurse insert the thermometer, he heard her announce, “I have to get something. Now you stay JUST LIKE THAT until I get back!” She leaves the door to his room open on her way out. He curses under his breath as he hears people walking past his door laughing. After almost half an hour, the man´s doctor comes into the room. “What´s going on here?” asked the doctor. Angrily, the man answers, “What´s the matter, Doc? Haven´t you ever seen someone having their temperature taken?” After a pause, the doctor confesses, “Well, no. I guess I haven´t. Not with a carnation anyway.” (from http://www.lifetips.com)

Nurses Go To Heaven

Three registered nurses went to heaven, and were waiting turn to plead their case to St. Peter to enter the pearly gates. The first registered nurse said, “I worked in an emergency room. We tried our best to help patients, but occasionally we did lose one. I think I deserve to go to heaven.” St. Peter looks at her file and admits her to heaven. The second registered nurse says, “I worked in an operating room. It´s a very high stress environment and we do our best. Sometimes the patients are too sick and we lose them, but overall we try very hard.” St. Peter looks at her file and admits her to heaven.  The third registered nurse says, “I was a case manager for an HMO.” St. Peter looks at her file. He pulls out a calculator and starts punching away at it furiously, constantly going back to the nurse´s file. After a few minutes St. Peter looks up, smiles, and said, “Congratulations! You´ve been admitted to heaven … for five days!” (from http://www.lifetips.com)

Know any funny (but clean) nursing jokes?  Leave them in the comments section and I’ll add them!

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Why Traditional Nursing Schools Can’t Keep Up with the Nursing Shortage

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

registered-nurse

Nurses are the backbone of the U.S. healthcare system–this statement is not an exaggeration, nor is it disputed by experts whose task it is to devise strategies to combat the current nursing shortage, which shows no signs of abating and, in fact, is projected to worsen. By 2020, it is estimated that there will be a shortage of registered nurses in the US surpassing 800,000.

The seemingly simple answer to the question of how to reduce the nursing shortage is to increase the number of nursing school graduates. This, however, has not turned out to be a simple proposition. Why? There are several explanations, but the lack of available faculty and infrastructure to support the graduation of higher numbers of nursing students are the two most common reasons cited.

Lack of Qualified Instructors

The shortage of qualified nursing instructors has been blamed on the lack of perceived support for nurses to complete their education at the master’s level. Low wages make the prospect of becoming an instructor unattractive for those nurses who do have the necessary credentials. Many of those who have the necessary requirements to instruct at the university level are attracted by higher salaries outside academics. Teaching is often compensated at a lower pay rate than the wages earned by nurses working in hospitals.

Colleges Unable to Keep Up with Demand

Nursing colleges have not been able to keep up with the increased demand for nurses, citing lack of funding, lack of space, and lack of governmental funding support. The AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) has stated that almost 50,000 qualified nursing school applicants were turned away from nursing schools in 2008. Of this number, 6,000 were seeking entry to post-graduate programs, who might have become future instructors of nursing students.

Traditional Universities See the Value of Distance Learning

Many “traditional” universities are beginning to add online courses to their programs in an effort to stay competitive. Today’s students are less concerned with a school’s name or reputation and more cognizant of which school can offer a stellar education for their money. Students are becoming more discerning as to when and where they can pursue their education.

Non-Traditional Student Demographics

Today’s students are often non-traditional; they are older, are working full time and often have to juggle a family as well. A Distance Learning Today Report conducted by USA Today found that more than half of online students enrolled were registered as over 30 years of age, and 18% were over the age of 40. These are adults who want to change or further their career and need greater flexibility regarding when and how they attend classes in order to be able to handle their many responsibilities.

The Future of Nursing Education

It seems obvious that the future of nursing education will be increasingly shifted to the distance learning or online domain. Although there may be some nursing courses which will need to be taken in the traditional form, most courses can be taken online, freeing up space and resources in colleges which will allow for an increase in the number of graduating nurses.

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About the Nationwide Nursing Shortage

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

nurse-and-gun-picture

Today’s nursing shortage looks like it’s here to stay, showing no signs of abating any time soon. The current shortage is a national crisis in the making.  It can’t go on being ignored or addressed with feeble attempts to restructure traditional universities that are turning away qualified applicants by the thousands!

Consider the following:

  • A large and prolonged shortage of nurses is expected to hit in the latter half of the next decade, as the average age of working RN’s increases and large numbers of nurses retire (Journal of the American Medical Association, 2008)
  • More than 19,400 RN vacancies exist in long-term care settings (American Health Care Association, 2008)
  • 116,000 nursing positions are open; the national RN vacancy rate is 8.1% and growing (National Hospital Association, 2007)
  • The nation’s nursing shortage will grow to more than 1 million nurses by the year 2020 (Health Resources and Services Administration, 2006)

An Aging Population

The ironic thing about the current nursing shortage is that advances in the medical field have played a major role in growing the shortage.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy for both sexes was 47 years in 1900; this figure increased to 68 years by 1950, and to 78 years today. Better technology and advances in medicine have led to a longer life span. People can now expect to live longer than ever, thanks to the miracles of modern medicine.

Demand for nurses is expected to increase dramatically as baby boomers hit their 60’s and beyond.  Living longer often means that the elderly must be cared for in skilled facilities such as nursing homes, and visits to the hospital are required more often. With a population of nurses who are aging as well, and too few nurses being trained to replace them, it is easy to see where this situation is leading–to a shortage that is worsening each year, and is not expected to improve any time soon.

Combating the Shortage

What are nursing schools doing to combat the shortage? Many nursing programs are facing their own problems arising from the shortage. In 2008, US nursing schools turned away 49,948 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs due to insufficient classrooms, sites, preceptors, instructors and budget constraints. Although the AACN reported a 2.2% enrolment increase in entry level baccalaureate programs in 2008, this small increase can in no way be deemed sufficient to meet the projected future demands (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2008).

The Future of Nursing

What does all this mean for those who are contemplating nursing as a career? It means that nursing is a wide-open profession, with limitless possibilities. Choosing nursing as a career means that employment opportunities will be endless, job security is virtually guaranteed, and wages will continue to grow as the shortage continues and employers attempt to attract qualified nurses.  In fact, despite heavy job loss in almost all job sectors, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the healthcare sector of the economy was continuing to grow. (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2009) Unlike years ago, when nurses were undervalued and underpaid, the nurse of the future will enjoy competitive salaries and benefits. All of this, on top of being able to serve people in a special and unique way, will make nursing an increasingly attractive career in the future.

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Nursing; You Get to Touch People. (But not in a creepy way.)

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

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How to Give a Subcutaneous Injection

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

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Why Nontraditional LPN to RN programs?

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

computer-nurse

Looking into an LPN to RN program but not sure how you can fit it into your already busy schedule and adult obligations? That’s a challenge many people face.  In today’s world most adults have to come up with solutions to many challenges before they can begin schooling:

  • Adult responsibilities such as family and work
  • Time limitations
  • Need for flexibility
  • Budgetary concerns
  • Part time considerations
  • Commuting issues
  • Child-care considerations

For many people, traditional LPN to RN bridge programs don’t adequately address the challenges that must be overcome for adult students. The cost, time, and personal sacrifices can be prohibitive.  Taking a close look at the real cost, in terms of money and personal sacrifices, with traditional schooling need to be considered, and can include:

  • Full-time tuition
  • Day-time hours have to be dedicated to school
  • Hard copy textbooks,
  • Commuting time, stress of sitting in traffic
  • Car expenses such as maintenance and repairs (oil changes, new tires, etc.)
  • Day care expenses if you have small children
  • Working evening and week-ends
  • Sacrificing family time to work evenings and weekends to finance school

A favorable solution to these limiting factors for the contemporary student is to consider a nontraditional LPN to RN bridge program like RN Bridge Program which  fits well into most adult’s hectic schedules, family and work obligations for the following reasons:

  • Flexible, fluid schedule, can be part-time but get full time results
  • Choose your study hours and the pace of your classes
  • Choose if you want to study on your own or with live instructors- all from home
  • No high tuition bills because it’s a flat monthly membership fee to study as much or as little as you want
  • On- line support system including video instruction, tests, reference material and live, interactive support
  • You can study around your work schedule and keep family as a priority

But is it a quality education?

Yes!  RN Bridge Program is a quality nontraditional LPN to RN bridge program that will help you earn a fully accredited degree from the nation’s largest and highly respected school of nursing. The question to ask yourself is what type of learning style will best suit your life?  Nontraditional nursing students must demonstrate the same level of proficiency in clinical skills and system knowledge as the student who is enrolled in a traditional program.  If you can extract that knowledge base from just reading stacks of text books and without any outside assistance or support, then conventional nontraditional LPN to RN bridge programs will be a great fit.

If you need the support and structure of a traditional program, like instructors to help you stay on track and to answer questions about difficult nursing theory, then RNBP is what you need.  (It’s the best of both worlds; flexibility in your schedule but structure to keep you moving!)

Either way though, the quality of nursing education in nontraditional programs is no less accredited or less prestigious than traditional schooling.  The most important thing to ask when you enroll into an online LPN to RN bridge program is are they accredited and will you be able to get licensed in your state with your degree.  With RN Bridge Program you can know for sure that we’ve got you covered.  After graduating you will be fully prepared to take and pass the NCLEX-RN just as you would after a traditional program.  The ONLY difference is that you did it in less time, for less money and all on your schedule!

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The Modern Registered Nurse

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

nurse-smiling

So what is it you actually do?!

The nursing profession has made some dramatic changes since the day this opinion was written:

” It is customary with many nurses to carry with them a small pocket case filled with instruments, such as scissors, dressing forceps, caustic holder, tongue depressors and so forth, but. . . intended only for show, and . . . quite unnecessary” [1,4].

That sure isn’t the case anymore! The nursing profession has experienced rapid changes during the 21st century; some because of hard-earned respect for the profession, others due to the amazing technological advances made in medicine.  So, what does it mean to be a “modern nurse”?  Nurse’s work is patient driven in a fast-paced environment with rapid-decision making and frequent use of modern technology. Nurses now have more opportunity for leadership roles, autonomy in decision- making and advances in their career. Modern nursing looks something like this:

Choices, Choices and More Choices; Choose your specialty:

Modern nursing has become specialized and nurses today have a nearly unlimited choice of specialties and advanced nursing opportunities. Some of the choices available are:

  • forensic nursing
  • occupational health nursing
  • peri-operative nursing
  • nursing informatics
  • environmental health
  • Genetics
  • case management
  • infectious disease
  • community health
  • clinical nurse specialist
  • public health nursing
  • tele-nursing

Choices in How to get your education

The technological boom, particularly the growth of the internet, allow nurses the advantage of being able to obtain their nursing degree, certification and specialized education on-line and in virtual classroom and through distance learning. You can take your CEU classes online, you can renew your license online.   Just a generation or two ago, the only way to obtain a nursing degree would have been in a  “traditional classroom” setting, which excluded many prospective students because of its inflexible schedule, cost and inability to accommodate for other priorities like family and jobs.  Now LPN to RN bridge programs online are allowing more people than ever to reach goals that one day would have been unattainable.

The Human Factor

Patients are more educated and involved than ever. Nurses are taking care of patients and families who often know far more about their disease process then in generations past. The internet is a major tool used in self-education.  Patients may want to be intimately involved in the nursing process and expect answers to all medical questions, treatment options and second-opinions before making health care decisions. The nurse has an increased responsibility to help the patient separate fact from fiction.

Technological advances: keep the patient in mind

In most hospitals, long gone are the days of handwritten nursing notes and doctors orders. Computerization has completely replaced this, and many other areas in medicine. The rapid pace of technological changes can become overwhelming; but specialized classes, training, and peer proctoring can help to keep the nurse proficient. Another challenge with the flood of technology is to overcome the possibility of de-humanizing the nursing process. Being the patient’s advocate and keeping their needs–which include human compassion and interaction– as the priority is the core of nursing.

Modern nurses have the unique challenge of mastering the technological advances of the 21st century, such as:

  • Computerization of patient records and nursing notes
  • Wireless communication in health care communication
  • Computerized patient monitoring systems
  • Tele-conferences on patients and education
  • Advanced computerized life-saving equipment
  • Mobile- computing systems using PDAs. Point of care data processing.

It’s an exciting time to be in the nursing profession. Nurses will continue to see advances in technology, increased opportunities for leadership and specialization and expansion of virtual classrooms and distance learning.

If you’re trying to bridge your nursing education to a higher level then RN Bridge Program can make it happen quicker and for less money than conventional LPN to RN bridge programs.  Incorporating old school teaching and new school technology, RNBP offers an innovative and proven learning system to help you bridge your existing nursing experience to a higher degree.  Unlike other LPN to RN programs, RNBP offers all the flexibility of distance learning PLUS the structure and support of traditional nursing schools.  100% accredited!  100% proven!

[1,4] An 1895 Look at Nursing, author unknown<http://enw.org/1895_Nursing.htm<

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How to Give an Intramuscular Injection

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

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How to Pay for Nursing School

November 25th, 2009 by RNBP Admin

fan-of-money

Want to become a registered nurse but don’t know how you’re going to pay for it?

Getting a degree in nursing has similar costs to getting other four and two- year degrees. The great news is that there has probably never been a better time to consider nursing school. Nursing will always be in demand, but the current critical nursing shortage in the U.S. means there is an abundance of financial resources available from many sources–public and private–to help cover the costs of nursing school.

Average Costs:

Getting a 2-year associate degree in nursing is an affordable choice for a nursing degree and typically ranges from $4,600 for in-state students and $10,000-$21,000 for out-of-state students, according to the American Association of Community Colleges.

The average cost of a 4-year bachelor’s degree at a university or public college is around $20,000-$27,000 for in-state residents and between $36,000-$99,000 for students who attend out-of-state programs. Four years at a private institution averaged $80,000 during 2006-2007[1,1]

Some additional costs associated with becoming a registered nurse include  uniforms, shoes, stethoscope, book fees ($1,000-$3000 per year), hospital insurance (which the school may or may not include in the tuition) that averages around $1,600, and the NCLEX-RN exam, which costs about $200.00. Taking an NCLEX-RN preparatory course is voluntary and fees vary greatly. Taking an online preparatory course is generally the most cost-efficient and convenient.

FAFSA application

When looking for financial aid for your nursing education, one of the first things you should do, like all other prospective students-no mater the major– is to fill out the FAFSA form. FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.edu.gov/). This is the first form that you will fill out to see if you qualify for virtually all types of federal financial aid.  This application can be submitted each year of schooling.

Some specific types of aid that may be available for nursing students include:

Government Incentives

  • In 2007 congress created the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program to encourage people to enter into various types of public service occupations. Nursing is a qualifying occupation. This program lets borrowers apply for loan forgiveness after they have made 120 payments on loans under certain repayment plans while employed full-time by certain public service employers (www.federalstudentAid.ed.gov). Although this is not up-front financial assistance, over the long haul it can save you thousands of dollars depending on your schooling costs and loan interest rates. There are specific qualifications so be sure to check these out prior to considering this type of aid.
  • Nursing Education Loan Repayment Program is ” is a competitive program that repays 60 percent of the qualifying nursing educational loan balance of Registered Nurses selected for funding in exchange for 2 years of service at a critical shortage facility”. Check out their website for further specific information at: http:/bhpr.hrsa.gov/nursing/loanrepay.htm
  • A Nursing school scholarship application should be filled out to see what other scholarships, grants and loan programs may be available to you.

Special Grants and scholarships:

  • If you know what nursing specialty you would like to practice in, you may be eligible for grants and scholarships offered by professional organizations and associations. You should contact the specific association that governs the specialty that you are considering and apply directly with them

Student loans:

  • Federal Stafford Loans are federal student loans that are available to college and university students to supplement personal and/or family contributions, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Almost all students qualify for Stafford loans. Stafford loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized, depending on the student’s need. The benefits of a Stafford loan are low fixed interest rates, increased borrowing limits and no payments due while you are in school.
  • Federal Perkins Loans are low-interest loans (about 5%)  for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. The school you attend is the lender. This type of loan is made with government funds and the school you attend contributes a portion. This loan needs will need to be repaid to your school.
  • Private Student Loans: these loans help to supplement where other financial aid ends and allows you to borrow the difference between what federal and other financial aid covers.

[1,1] http://www.costhelper.com/cost/education/nursing-school.html

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