5 Benefits to Certification Every Nurse Should Know

This article highlights the 5 benefits of nursing certification, including public safety, career advancement, salary raises, public recognition and personal growth. The piece ends with a call to action and mentions the possibility of online education as a path to certification.

Certification, as defined by the American Board of Nursing Specialties in 2007, is “the formal recognition of the specialized knowledge, skills, and experience demonstrated by the achievement of standards identified by a nursing specialty to promote optimal health outcomes.”
Since achieving certification in your specialty requires you to meet strict educational and practice requirements and pass a challenging comprehensive examination, you may be wondering if the benefits are worth your time and effort. Here are the 5 benefits you should be aware of before making your decision.

1. Increased Public Safety

Although certification emerged as a way to designate remarkable excellence in a specialty, particularly in advanced nursing practice, it has developed into a requirement for many other nursing fields. Certification promotes public safety by setting a hallmark credential for health care employers and patients to evaluate competence.
Since many employers require nursing applicants to obtain and maintain certification in their area of practice, patients can feel reassured that the care they are receiving measures up to a national quality standard. In
addition, certified nurses are thought to be better able to promote positive outcomes in patient care, and to avoid common errors.

2. Higher Salary

In 2001, the Nursing Credentialing Research Coalition (NCRC) surveyed over 19,000 certified nurses across various specialties. Nineteen percent of the nurses reported a salary increase connected with their certification.
In addition, certified nurses’ salaries were shown to be significantly higher than nurses without certification in their practice specialty. And according to Nursing 2005’s Salary Survey, nurses who have certification in their specialty area earn about $8,000 per annoum more than nurses who don’t have certification.

3. Better Career Opportunities

According to the NCRC’s 2001 survey, liZ of the nurses advanced their career after becoming certified. “Obtaining a national certification in medical investigation complemented my risk management training and definitely enhanced my knowledge of investigative techniques,” says Dr. Dianne Dimer, a clinical nurse educator at Kettering Medical Center in a 2006 interview published by The Forensic Examiner. Dr. Ditmer has a background in risk management and emergency nursing. She goes on to add, “Credentialing has enhanced my current role as educator and led to national speaking engagements, program development, and respect among peers and colleagues.”

4. Recognition by Patients and Co-Workers

Nearly 40Z of nurses surveyed by NC RC re ported receiving recognition from their peers for being experts in their field. An additional 32Z said that their certifications were recognized or publicized in their places of employment. “I have had many nurses tell me how great it is (that I am a) certified emergency nurse,” says Amy Solomon in the Indiana State Nurses Association Bulletin.

5. Personal Growth

Nearly 100% of NCRC-surveyed nurses reported experiencing personal growth as a result of certification. They said they felt more satisfaction as professional nurses, as well as an increase in confidence, overall competence, and credibility. Certified nurses also scored more highly in self-esteem tests.
Amy, the nurse mentioned above, was encouraged to take the certification exam by her mentor. She displays significant personal and professional growth, saying confidently, “..few nursesn in my neck of the woods have taken the initiative to study and take the test. I am very proud and very happy to have passed. I plan on taking the ((RN next, and continuing to get my Bachelor’s degree and then my Masters. I would like to encourage every RN to take the initiative and take the BCEN exam. If I can do it, you can too.”

Think about your own nursing career goals and personal growth path. If you are serious about promoting public safety and would like to enjoy expanded career and salary options, as well as receiving recognition and a boost in self-esteem, find out what you need to do to qualify for certification in your specialty. You may need to take additional educational courses or compete a certain number of practice hours before you can attempt the exam.

Fortunately, most educational requirements can be completed while you continue working, as many accredited institutions offer online programs to help you attain certification. Take the first step today on the path to certification, and in less time than you think, you could be enjoying the rewards.

Top Ten Tips for a Successful Job Interview

Job interviews can be very stressful, but being well prepared in advance can help to ease the situation and greatly improve your chances of success. This article provides the reader with some top tips to ensure that they get the most out of every interview they attend.

Attending a job interview can be a nerve-racking experience, so it is important to make sure that you are well prepared for the event beforehand. Good planning and preparation will help to boost your self-confidence and make you feel more relaxed about the interview process.
Getting to the interview stage is obviously half the battle when applying for a new job, but there is still plenty of hard work to do once you get into the interview room. Consider the following points carefully.

1. Do your homework. 

 it is important to do some research about the company to find out exactly what they do and who their customers are. It may also be a good idea to dig a little deeper, as you may find out some unusual facts about the company that could assist you during the interview.

2. Be punctual .

 try to arrive at your interview location about 15 minutes before your appointment. If you aren't sure exactly where the place is, do a dry run a few days before and work out an approximate journey time. On the day of the interview, it may also be a good idea to take some reading material with you in case you need to occupy
yourself for any period of time.

3. Dress appropriately.

 Unless the interviewer states otherwise, you should always dress well for an interview. Clothing plays a major role in the interview process and it is obviously important to make a good first impression.

4. Remember your résumé and portfolio .

you can’t always rely on the interviewer to have a copy of your résumé in front of them. They may also want to see some sample of your work, and you will create a very good impression ،f you have all these things ready for the interviewer to read.

5. Make notes.

 having a pen and paper handy at a job interview is always a good idea in case you need to jot down any relevant information. It ،s also useful to be able to make a note of any questions you want to ask before you go in for your interview, as nerves can have a nasty habit of making people forget things.

6. Ask questions.

interviewers tend to gauge your interest in their company by the sort of questions you ask. It is a good idea to prepare a few good questions in advance so that you don’t have to sit there trying to think of something to say. It is also important to remember that if you are asked any questions you don’t understand, you should ask the interviewer to repeat or rephrase them. If you are asked a question that you really don’t know the answer to, it is often best to admit that you don’t know the answer rather than saying the wrong thing
altogether.

7. Try to relax and appear confident.

 even though it is not always easy, you should try to relax and look as confident as possible. If you do get nervous at interviews, try to look at the process as an adventure rather than a chore. Remember that every interview you go to will give you experience, even if you don’t get the job.

8. Adopt a friendly approach .

 it is important to smile and be friendly during your interview, as this will help to establish a good first impression and rapport with the interviewer.

9. Maintain good eye contact and body language.

 always make sure that you keep looking at the interviewer during the interview, as looking around the room can make you appear disinterested and inattentive. It is also important to paradise good body language, as this can say a lot about you and how you are feeling at the time.

10. Use a firm handshake.

 a firm handshake can leave a lasting impression, and studies have shown that a strong handbrake can set the tone for the rest of the interview. It is also important to remember to speak slowly and clearly during your interview, as people often tend to speak faster when they are nervous. If you smoke, don’t smoke just before an interview because the smell of smoke can linger for a long time. Coffee is best avoided too, as it can cause bad breath and increase feelings of nervousness You should always aim to perform at your very best during an interview, as you won’t get a second chance to make a good first impression!

Pharmacy Technician Careers

This article is a comprehensive piece that discusses in detail the career of a pharmacy technician. It includes information about pharmacy technician training programs, employment opportunities, work environments becoming certified and job duties. This article discusses information pertaining to obtaining and renewing a pharmacy technician’s license.

 A career as a pharmacy technician provides individuals with the opportunity to work in the drug industry without spending excessive amounts of money and time on training. Pharmacy technicians find employment at pharmacies and health-care facilities across the globe. They assist pharmacists and patients. They provide customer service and keep the pharmacy running smooth and efficient. Individuals interested in pursuing a career as a pharmacy technician should complete an accredited pharmacy technician training program, receive certification and obtain a state license. Employers look to hire those who have successfully completed a pharmacy technician-training program because they know these candidates have the knowledge, background and skills needed to perform the job. 

 Training

Pharmacy training programs are available in both a traditional classroom setting and on-line. Technical schools, colleges and universities offer pharmacy technician training programs  Hospitals, clinics and retail pharmacies may provide their own training programs for those hired to work as pharmacy technicians. 

Training programs last from several months up to two years. Program length is dependent upon the state and school requirements. Training programs provide individuals with the knowledge needed for a successful pharmacy technician career. Students learn about different kinds of medications, their effects on the body, drug interactions and contraindications. Contraindications refer to reasons - a medication should not be taken. Students in a pharmacy technician training program are taught skills and techniques on how to perform their job duties. Educators offer tips and advice along with the course material to help better prepare students for work in pharmacies.

Certification & Licensing

To be issued a license to work as a pharmacy technician, one must become certified and challenge the state licensing exam. Certification occurs when an individual successively completes an accredited pharmacy technician-training program. The school will award a certificate, or diploma, that acts as proof the student has fulfilled all of the state requirements necessary to become a pharmacy technician. 

 Once certification has been received, one can take the state licensing exam. A person must complete the application process by sending in an application and proof of certification. After the application is approved, the individual will receive information pertaining to testing dates and times along with location and any items the applicant must bring to the testing site, such as a photo ID. Each state determines the minimum passing score.  Individuals who pass the exam will receive a license to work as a pharmacy technician.

Unseen Renewal
A pharmacy technician license is issued with an expiration date. Individuals must renew their license prior to this date in order to continue working as a licensed pharmacy technician. The length of time each - license is good for is determined by the issuing state. To renew their license, a pharmacy technicians must complete the recommended amount of continuing education required by the state. The expiration date is printed on the license card or certificate.

Continuing education classes can be taken on-line or through schools that offer a pharmacy training program. Certain employers, such as hospitals or clinics, may provide employees with the opportunity to complete their continuing education requirements while at work. Others may be responsible for accruing the necessary classes on their own. Continuing education classes can be taken separately or collectively in what ،s known as a refresher course. A pharmacy technician must send in their certificate, issued upon the completion of the continuing education training, along with a completed application to-be eligible for renewal.

Employment Opportunities

Pharmacy technicians find employment anywhere medicines are used to treat patients. They have the opportunity to work in a variety of environments. Employers that hire pharmacy technicians include retail pharmacy chains, drugstores, supermarket and department store pharmacies. They are also hired to work at health-care facilities like hospitals, clinics and outpatient centers.

These employment opportunities offer various scheduling options. For example, traditional drugstore pharmacies offer a schedule that induces day-shift hours while hospitals offer multiple shift choices including day, - afternoon or night shifts. This allows pharmacy technicians to find jobs that best suit their family’s needs which makes them less likely to be late or miss work.

Job Duties

A pharmacy technician helps patients pharmacists and heath-care providers futility medication needs. They are responsible for obtaining a patient’s information including birth date, address and insurance information.

Each time a patient fills a prescription a pharmacy technician make copies of all insurance cards. They ask patients if there are any changes in their personal information including insurance information, address and telephone number where they can be reached. They update patient files each time information changes.

Pharmacy technicians may also ask patients about any additional medication they are taking. Additional medication refers to over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or medication for the common cold, and prescriptions filled at other pharmacies. They may also ask about any new diagnoses or allergies. This information is important because it helps the pharmacy technician spot medication errors.

For example, if a patient brings in a prescription for an antibiotic such as Omoxycillin, which is a member of the penicillin family and the technicians finds out through questioning the patient is allergic to penicillin, then she can suggest the patient return to their doctor, inform them of their complete allergy list and obtain a prescription for a different medication used to treat their condition. 

 They verily prescriptions by checking their date, the meditation name, dosage and refill quantities pharmacy technicians calculate, measure, combine, count and pour medications to fill prescriptions. They print and attach labels that contain important prescription information such as frequency and amount of the medication prescribed. Pharmacy technicians alert the pharmacist should they suspect a problems, which occur in the forms of eligible handwriting or a question regarding the authenticity of a physician’s signature.

Thew responsibilities include customer service included answering questions about medical conditions medications and reactions. They instruct patients how to take their medications and warn about possible side effects and drug interactions. Pharmacy technicians may also be responsible for stocking shelves, answering phones, using a cash register and cleaning. 

how to land a job with no experience

Finding employment in this day and age is very difficult. As a recent college grad with little experience, you will have to muster all your skills to search for a job. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to enhance your ability to land a job.

How to Land a Job

Finding a job is this economy is no easy feat.with over 50% of college grads unable to find work in their field, it’s a sobering statistic. If you are graduating from college, you may need to garner all your skills and talents just to find employment.

The first thing you need to do in searching for work is to make sure your regime is impeccable and that it reflects the jobs you have held and schooling you have completed. It should be concise and only ito 2 pages long. You need to accentuate the specific skills that make you qualified for the particular job in question. - If you haven’t graduated from college yet, utilize the free career services that are offered on campus Some universities will have alumni that are working in various industries come in and do mock interviews with you. 

They also will review your resume and provide constructive criticism that can provide invaluable tips for you.
Then hit the pavement hard. Attend job fairs and sign up for interviews. Send out resumes to every company in the area where you want to work. Follow through on every lead.

You may have to do some cold calls too. Check websites such as Monster and Career Builders for job listings. Enlist the help of a headhunter. His job is to hook you up with the right employer. You should never have to pay the headhunter for his services, If you should be hired by a company, the headhunter will receive an agreed - upon percentage of your salary as payment for his work.

Sign up with a temp agency. It may not be an ideal tuition initially, but it could get your foot in the door. If a job opens up ،n your field and the company knows of your work since you have temped for them, they may consider you. There are also other opportunities to freelance online if you know how to write or are an expert on anything.

Network with everyone that you know, whether it be relatives, friends, neighbors, or church members. You may have to accept a job waiting tables or working as a clerk in a store. None of these jobs should be beneath you. You can earn a wage and still have time to look for employment in your line of work. 

Volunteer in places where you can use your skills. You may not be getting paid for the work, but it can strengthen your resume. Volunteer work can give you experience that you may be lacking. Also you are contributing and helping someone or an organization in need.

Make sure your Facebook page or any online presence reflects kindly on you. Your potential employer could see a photo of you getting drunk with friends, and it could jeopardize you being hired. So be aware that others will be checking you out online, and it does matter what they see.

You may be the most qualified person in the world, but if you are not out there scrapping for a job, it just won’t happen. The people who are the most successful at landing a job are those that make finding work a

full-time endeavor. You may have to maintain a pit bull - mentality to not give up when the rejections keep coming in. One last piece of advice is to be kind to everyone you meet. Chance meetings with strangers could translate into job opportunities down the road. You just never know.

Best Jobs for Animal Lovers

People looking for a career that benefits animals or allows them to work hands on with pets have more options than becoming a veterinarian or running away to join the circus. This article lists the lo best jobs for animal lovers, and includes salary information and expected job growth.

Jobs with animals are fulfihling careers for adults who used to bring home strays as a kid and whose idea of a perfect Saturday was heading to the zoo, not watching cartoons. Veterinarians work with animals every day, but there are many other career choices for animal lovers.
People considering a pet job should decide what they want to do for animals. Do they want to care for animals? Train animals? Educate the public about animal welfare? Fight for animal rights? All of these options exist among the best pet lobs available.

1. Veterinarian

Veterinarians give animals vital care to improve their health, relieve suffering improve health and prevent future problems Vets often pick a specialization. A vet can work on small animals, large animals, do surgery, work - in pathology, or even specialize in holistic medicine.

2011 Mean Annual Wafle: Sql,25o
Employment Rise: 1.7 percent

2. Marine Biologist

Kids who loved visiting the local aquarium and had their own pet fish or turtles may enjoy a career as a marine biologist. Marine biologists get to study and interact with all types of animals that live in water.

Expected Salary $46,000-$64,000
Employment: Faster than average growth.

3. Animal Welfare Lawyer

Another career choice that is pet or animal related but does not call for much face time with animals is an animal welfare lawyer. Animal welfare lawyers protect the interests of animals and may support tougher legislation to protect both wild and domestic animals.
As many as 4 million homeless pets are killed every year in shelters in the United States, which is significantly higher than that of many developed nations even when compared to the number of people in those countries. Animal welfare lawyers and activists can work on many different issues to improve the lives of pets and give them better legal protection, including laws against euthanization of adoptable pets, veterinary malpractice, pet cruelty, and animal custody battles Around 90 law schools offer animal - law classes for students considering entering this field.

2010 Lawyer Medيan Wage: $112,760
Expected Growth: lo percent.

A Student’s Guide to Career Success

Even though the job market is still in recovery mode, a college graduate can still take steps leading to his or her dream career. There are steps that can be taken while in college and in the years following graduation that can help the career-minded individual to achieve those goals Some of those steps include networking, college course selection, developing talents, and a positive attitude through it all. 

Opportunities abound in the workplace if you have the proper skills and mindset. Even in a down economy you can advance and shine in your career if you allow yourself to be flexible, have a good attitude and are willing to learn from your experiences.

First you should start your networking while in school. Your fellow students of today will be tomorrow’s executives Keep in touch with them and build up your contacts. You never know who might be the one to help you to achieve your goals and dreams in the workforce.

While in school you also want to take a variety of classes that will make you marketable in the workplace. Develop knowledge of business, politics, finance, literature and history. You will also need to excel at both verbal and written communication. Those skills are a must in just - about every career. 

Decision-making skills are another area that will be required to rise to the top in any field. You must be able to think on your feet in a fast and efficient manner. School is the perfect place to develop these talents

Do not think you have to get that dream job directly out of school. Most people wind up taking a number of jobs before finding the perfect fit. You are still young and should be open to experiences of every nature. The career you believe to be the perfect fit right out of school may not be so in the future. The most menial low wage jobs can offer much in the way of experience and know Iede. The object is to avoid being afraid to try different areas in your chosen field.

Eventually you will fire out who you are and where you want to be. every employer you come in contact with will have a wealth of knowledge to teach you, so take advantage of that. Ask questions of everyone you meet on the job and learn from what you are told. Do not be afraid to take on tasks that may sound beneath you. All tasks can offer a learning experience if you look at them in the correct way. Always complete every task with your best performance. After you have proven you are worthy, those assignments that you want the most may be offered to you. If not, go after them. 

Show them that you have what it takes to perform those tasks. Make sure you keep a good attitude no matter what comes your way. Employers like to see employees who are not afraid to arrive early, stay late and always be willing to take on tasks of any nature with a smile. This attitude is good for the morale of everyone else in the company. 

Is Temping for You? What You Should Know About Temporary Work

Temporary work, or “temping”, occupies a funny place in the job market. While far from being “desirable” or stable work, temping can provide many advantages and suit many people’s lifestyles. Here’s everything you need to know to decide if temping is right for you.

What is Temping?

Temporary work, or “temp work”, refers to work done for a company on a temporary basis. A temporary job can last for one day, or for several months. Temporary employees are sometimes hired directly by a company. More often than not, employees are hired through a temporary agency. The company will ask a temporary agency for employees to do a specific job for a set period of time.

The temporary Aeneas will assign someone from their list of employees to go do the work on site with the company. Temporary assignments can be in any kind of field.  They may be in an office, outdoors, in a factory, a warehouse, you name it. You may do more complexed “skilled” labor, or you may be doing repetitive “unskilled” labor, like assembling parts, or packing boxes. - The temp agency will call the employee proposing the job. A temp worker can agree to accept the work, or decline it. A good temp agency shouldn't “blacklist” you if you choose to decline the work for whatever reason. It’s a good idea to research a temp agency before signing up.

 See what workers y about the staff, service, and honesty. There are a few drawbacks to temporary work, the most obvious one being that it’s not exactly a steady income. However, for some, the lack of steady work and rigid 9-5 schedule for all but two weeks of the year may be the best bonus. Temping, even for a short while, may fit your lifestyle needs very well.

Advantages to Temping

Temping allows you the flexibility to travel and pursue other things in life while still earning a bit of money. I  you are amongst the ingeniously frugal and can get by on much less than you would make with a normal job, this can be a great source of income that doesn't bind you to working every single business day with limited vacation time (two weeks, for most jobs in the United States). If you want to work for a few months, then take a few months to go trekking, meditating, what-have-you, temping allows you to make money during your “working period” without outright quitting a job.

 When you come back to the world and need to make some more money, temporary work y still be available, and you’ll usually be back to work faster than going through the traditional job hunt. - Man people prefer tem ping to ordinary jobs because it allows them to work without being at one place to long.

They enjoy the variety of location, assignments, and not getting sucked into company politics and rat races. You might have your own commercial venture or small business. New ventures can be difficult, and it often takes a while until they’re really profitable. In this case, temping can be a great way to cover a few bills in the meantime while still keeping most of your time to focus on your own venture.

For people struggling in the job search, temporary work can open doors. Working in a variety of businesses in different temp assignments can be a good way to network. Often, firms will try out an employee as a temp, then hire them to the company. Unlike many internships, you can get paid during - this “company testing period”. Temp work can pay pretty decently, too. You won’t earn a fortune, but you can expect to earn a living wage, sometimes better. Temping can pay as well as $10-13 dollars an hour. This may or may not suit your needs or lifestyle.

However, a frugal person can do very well temping! There are a few “drawbacks” to temping you should be aware of. Most notably, you won’t receive company benefits. If you’re hoping for a 401(k), paid holidays, paid sick leave, and bonuses temp work isn't for you. If you don’t work one day, you don’t get paid. That’s that. - The benefit of most concern these days for people working in the United States is health insurance. In fact, one of the reasons companies prefer to hire temp workers as opposed to part-time staff is because they don’t need to pay for a health insurance plan- they can just pay for the labor.

You may be in a position where you are covered by your spouse’s plan, or have an affordable monthly rate. If not, be aware that some temp agencies offer group plans for their workers, which might help you get a more affordable monthly premium. People often look down upon temping, but this is your life, and you get to call the shots. If temping provides you with what you need, there is absolutely no shame in it.