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5 Stress Relieving Tips for Nurses

Being a nurse requires a great deal of patience, compassion, and resilience to care for patients who are often in pain or distress. However, the demands of the job can also take a toll on a nurse’s own mental and physical health. According to a survey by the American Nurses Association, over 50% of nurses report high levels of job-related stress. It is essential for nurses to prioritize self-care and find ways to relieve stress. In this article, we will discuss five stress-relieving tips for nurses.

The Importance of Self-Care for Nurses

Nurses are often so focused on caring for others that they neglect their own needs. However, self-care is crucial for nurses to maintain their physical and mental health, prevent burnout, and provide the best possible care for their patients. Self-care can take many forms, including exercise, healthy eating, meditation, and spending time with loved ones. By prioritizing self-care, nurses can recharge their batteries and avoid feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

Tip #1: Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for reducing stress and improving mental well-being. Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment, while meditation involves focusing the mind on a particular object or activity. Both practices can help nurses reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. One simple mindfulness exercise is to take a few deep breaths and focus on the sensations of the breath moving in and out of the body. Meditation apps such as Headspace and Calm can provide guidance for beginners.

Tip #2: Regular Exercise and Physical Activity

Exercise is another effective way to reduce stress and improve overall health. Physical Exercise can also improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. 

Nurses can incorporate physical activity into their daily routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, going for a walk on their lunch break, or joining a fitness class.

Tip #3: Maintaining a Healthy Diet and Sleep Schedule

Eating a healthy diet and getting enough sleep are critical components of self-care for nurses. A balanced diet can provide the nutrients and energy needed to perform well on the job, while poor sleep can lead to fatigue and decreased cognitive function. Nurses can make small changes to their diet, such as swapping processed snacks for fresh fruits and vegetables or packing a healthy lunch instead of relying on fast food. Creating a bedtime routine and avoiding screens before bedtime can also improve sleep quality.

Tip #4: Creating a Support System

Nursing can be a stressful and emotionally taxing job. Having a support system in place can provide nurses with the encouragement and assistance they need to cope with work-related stress. Support can come from colleagues, friends, family, or a professional therapist. Nurses can also benefit from joining support groups or online communities where they can connect with others who understand their experiences.

Tip #5: Finding Balance Between Work and Personal Life

Finding a balance between work and personal life can be challenging for nurses, especially those who work long shifts or irregular schedules. However, it is important to make time for hobbies, social activities, and relaxation outside of work. Setting boundaries, such as turning off work email notifications during off-hours, can also help nurses maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Additional Resources and Support for Nurses

There are many resources and support available for nurses who are struggling with stress or burnout. The American Nurses Association offers a variety of online courses and resources for self-care and stress management. The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides information and support for individuals with mental health conditions, including healthcare professionals. Nurses can also seek support from their workplace’s employee assistance program or human resources department.

Conclusion and Encouragement to Prioritize Self-Care

In conclusion, being a nurse is a demanding and rewarding profession that requires a great deal of physical and emotional energy. Prioritizing self-care is essential for nurses to maintain their well-being and provide the best possible care for their patients. By incorporating mindfulness and meditation, regular exercise, healthy eating and sleep habits, creating a support system, and finding a balance between work and personal life, nurses can reduce stress and improve their overall quality of life.

Olivia Monroe, a freelance writer, specializes in writing about technology, business, and health. She offers freelance blogging and content writing for SEO. When she’s not writing,Olivia likes to travel, cook, and write vacation plans.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Preparing Yourself for Your First Paid Nursing Internship

During your nursing education, you’ve gained a lot of theoretical knowledge and you’ve likely had a chance to complete your practicum, which is important for learning practical nursing skills. However, it’s a great idea to gain additional experience beyond your practicum before you start working as an RN.

Internships are perfect for helping newly qualified nurses get the practice they need under the watchful eye of an experienced nurse. Even better, many internships are paid, unlike practicum placements that you complete during the course of your nursing education.

So, how can you best prepare and get the most out of your internship? Here are some tips so you can focus on learning and becoming the best nurse you can be.

Set Goals Before You Start and Communicate Them

Many nursing students go into an internship with no clear goals. While you’ll still get some benefits from a nursing internship if you don’t set goals, you’ll get even more by getting clear on what you want to learn.

Ask yourself if there are any gaps in your knowledge or skills you encountered in your practicum that you’d like to improve. Would you like to work on your communication with family members? Learn how to place an IV? Get a handle on managing multiple responsibilities?

Your goals will be unique, based on what you’ve already learned. It’s important to share your goals with your supervisors— they can’t read your mind! As an intern, your work will require supervision, so it’s important to express what you’d like to learn so you can maximize your opportunities for gaining practical experience.

Make a List of Questions

Between your interview and the start of your internship, you’ve probably had more than a few questions come to mind. Start making a list of questions to ask your supervisor or HR before your first day. That way, you won’t forget to ask something important in the excitement of starting your internship.

Brush Up on Your Terminology

In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals are busy. They have to communicate about complex topics quickly, which often means using medical abbreviations and acronyms. As a nurse, you’ll be expected to understand medical terminology and use standard shorthand during your internship and beyond.

Before the first day of your internship, it’s a good idea to brush up on your terminology. With that said, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help if you don’t understand a term or abbreviation you encounter on the job. After all, you’re there to learn!

Bring a Notebook

Internships are all about learning, and it’s important for you to retain as much information as you can. Bring a notebook with you and take notes as you go. Not only will you be able to refer back to them later, but writing down valuable lessons and information will help with your ability to retain what you’ve learned.

Journaling at the end of each day can also be helpful. It will allow you to look back on what went well, what you need to improve, and any observations you have about patient care, your emotional response to the work, and other factors. Journaling will help you process each day so you can work through any problems and celebrate your successes as a new nurse.

Prep Your Meals & Make a Schedule

Internships are usually full-time, which means you’ll get a taste of what it’s like to balance your work with your personal life. It’s a good idea to practice your good habits during your internship and prioritize self-care musts like eating a healthy diet and making time for exercise.

Before your internship begins, consider meal-prepping some healthy lunches and snacks you can take to work. You might also want to prep some freezer meals that will make your life easier when you come home tired from a shift. The more you can make a schedule that prioritizes your physical and mental health, the better.

Get Ready the Night Before

Being late is a huge no-no for any internship or new job. Take some of the stress out of the equation by getting everything ready the night before. Put your clothes and travel mug out, put the coffee in the coffee maker, and decide in advance what you’re going to have for breakfast.

By prepping for the morning the night before your shifts, you’ll have a more relaxed mindset as you get ready for work. You’re also less likely to find yourself running late and rushing out the door!

Prepare Your Mind for Learning and Constructive Feedback

An internship is all about learning and building critical nursing skills. This means that you’re not going to do everything right the first time. If you did, you wouldn’t need an internship!

Prepare your mind for learning and curiosity. Prepare for the inevitable constructive feedback, and be ready to embrace it instead of getting defensive. Remember that everyone is on your side and wants you to get as much as you can out of your internship experience, so help them by showing up with a great attitude and being ready to learn.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

5 Steps to Become a Medical Director

A medical director is a physician who provides oversight for a clinical program or department within a healthcare organization. As a medical director, you will be responsible for ensuring that the quality of care provided meets or exceeds expectations and complies with all regulatory requirements. If you are interested in becoming a medical director, follow these five steps.

 

Earn Your MD or DO Degree

The first step to becoming a medical director is to earn your medical degree from an accredited institution. You will need to complete four years of undergraduate coursework followed by four years of medical school. Once you have earned your degree, you will need to obtain a license to practice medicine in your state.

Complete Your Residency Training

After you have obtained your medical degree and license, you will need to complete a residency training program. Residency training programs last for three to seven years, depending on your specialty. During your residency, you will receive hands-on training in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

 

Obtain Board Certification

Once you have completed your residency training, you will need to obtain board certification from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). To be eligible for board certification, you must pass an examination that tests your knowledge and skills in your chosen specialty. Once you have passed the examination, you will be considered board-certified in your specialty.

 

Join a Professional Organization

After you have obtained your medical degree, completed your residency training, and become board-certified, you should consider joining a professional organization such as the American Medical Association (AMA) or the American College of Physicians (ACP). These organizations offer many benefits such as networking opportunities, educational resources, and advocacy on behalf of physicians.

 

Apply for Medical Director Positions

Once you have completed all of the previous steps, you can begin applying for medical director positions at healthcare organizations. To increase your chances of being hired, it is important to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position and highlight any relevant experience or skills that you possess. Additionally, networking with individuals who work at the healthcare organization where you would like to work can also help increase your chances of being hired for the position.

 

If you are interested in becoming a medical director, follow these five steps: earn your MD or DO degree from an accredited institution, complete a residency training program, obtain board certification, join a professional organization, and apply for medical director positions at healthcare organizations. With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your goal of becoming a medical director!

Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Marketing and Design Tactics to Make Your Medical Website Standout

The patient is the heart and soul of any medical practice. Supporting patients and their loved ones through some of life’s most important, and often most difficult, moments is the mission of every healthcare provider.

 

However, the practice of medicine is also, fundamentally, a business. After all, you can’t do this vital work if you can’t reach the ones who need you most. This is where the significance of digital marketing shines through. A robust online presence and, in particular, the creation of a strong, functional medical website, can be instrumental in helping you acquire new patients and build meaningful relationships with existing ones.

 

The problem, though, is that all too often medical websites are geared toward a homogenous target audience that has little relevance or attraction for diverse patient populations. The result is a digital marketing strategy that threatens to reinforce the marginalization of traditionally disenfranchised patient populations, including people of color.

 

This article provides strategies for instituting marketing and design practices that will help your medical website stand out, increasing your access to historically underserved patient populations, including Black patients.

Understanding Your Target Audience

When it comes to developing a marketing and design platform that effectively reaches your target audience and solicits their engagement, the first and most important priority is to understand who your target audience is, what they want, and what they need.

 

Doing this, of course, is no mean feat. It requires both a strong grasp of consumer psychology and deep insight into your ideal customer persona. For consumers of health services, the most effective marketing strategies will be those that emphasize the provision of compassionate and highly competent care.

 

But this is only the baseline of what a healthcare consumer can expect when seeking a healthcare provider. They’re also going to want a healthcare team that knows, understands, and cares about them as individuals as well as members of a diverse community. Diversity and inclusive marketing approaches are of particular value in bringing this goal to fruition.

Marketing to Diverse Health Communities

The credo and guiding mission of the healthcare community is to first do no harm. For far too long, however, inequities within the healthcare system have contributed to disproportionate rates of morbidity and mortality in the Black community.

 

The good news, however, is that health systems are increasingly recognizing the long-standing racial disparities in both healthcare access and quality of care for Black patients and are taking proactive steps to address them.

 

Diversity in healthcare has become a core focus of healthcare practice and health policymaking. In light of this, the onus rests with healthcare marketers to reflect and respond to this shift toward diversity and inclusion within the healthcare system. After all, Black health consumers will never benefit from the health system’s move toward greater diversity if they are not first made aware of this ideological and tactical shift.

 

Making healthcare marketing more inclusive involves reimagining how audiences are represented as well as addressed. This means crafting marketing content that is more reflective of the lives and experiences of members of diverse communities while at the same time avoiding the stereotypes that are often not only just false but also misleading and offensive.

Diversity in Marketing Teams

If you’re seeking to more effectively reach Black patients with your medical website marketing and design, then building a marketing team that is as diverse as the audience you want to target is an ideal first step. There are, after all, cultural, social, and historical experiences that simply can’t be encapsulated in or captured through standard market research.

 

However, when you incorporate marketing team members who derive from the same communities you wish to speak to and serve, you’re going to have a depth of insight into the community perspective that might otherwise have been impossible.

 

For instance, members of the Black community may have unique and specific mental healthcare needs that neither clinicians nor marketers have been professionally trained to recognize. This might include, for example, anxiety and depressive disorders relating to generational trauma, systemic racism, and community violence.

 

Healthcare marketing approaches that speak to these particular needs, using the mental health-related discourse of the target community can help reach patient populations that have for too long been either misunderstood or entirely ignored by more traditional marketing strategies.

Diversity in Market Research

Diversifying your marketing team is one important prong in a broader strategy for better understanding and connecting with patients in the Black community, however. It is also incumbent on healthcare marketers to engage with the communities they seek to target.

 

This might include on-the-ground research using open-ended interviews and research surveys, or it may involve online studies, such as the analysis of online patient reviews, comments, and complaints.

 

Turning to a variety of social media platforms and online forums, particularly those oriented toward members of the Black community, can be an invaluable way to identify critical gaps not only in healthcare service but also in healthcare branding. You may also solicit similar information by developing and maintaining active discussion forums on your medical websites and social media. This kind of active engagement with the patient community can help you better understand the audience and to target your marketing strategies and website designs accordingly.

The Takeaway

For far too long, persons of color have been marginalized and underserved by the healthcare system. This has contributed to systemic racial inequities in healthcare access and quality, resulting in disproportionate rates of morbidity and mortality in the Black community. In recent years, however, efforts to redress racial bias and inequities in healthcare have continued apace.

 

Healthcare marketing is striving to keep in stride with these efforts. Indeed, proactive measures to more effectively reach Black patients are critical to the development of marketing and design tactics that will truly make your medical website stand out. The key lies in understanding who your target audience needs, what they want, and what they expect.

 Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, activism-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter. 

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

4 Ways to Enhance Your Therapy Practice

As a therapist, whether you’re new to the profession or have been practicing for years, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and resources in your field can help you make sure your practice is as successful as possible. In this article, also published on healthjobsnationwide.com, are four tips to enhance your therapy practice and ensure it runs smoothly.

Utilize Technology

Technology is becoming increasingly important in therapy practices for communication and record-keeping. Investing in a secure online platform lets you communicate directly with clients without having to worry about security issues while also allowing clients to book appointments online. Additionally, using digital records rather than paper helps you keep track of notes more easily. Plenty of tools allow you to do this, so be sure to look into what works best for you and your practice.

Network with Other Therapists

Networking with other therapists is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and resources available in the field of therapy. You can join professional groups or organizations that offer opportunities for networking with others who share your interests and goals, as well as attending conferences or workshops where like-minded professionals come together to discuss their work. This will give you a chance to learn about new ideas, techniques, and strategies that could help enhance your practice even further.

Implement New Services

If you’re looking for ways to increase revenue or attract more clients, consider implementing new services into your practice. This could be group sessions or specialized programs tailored toward specific client needs or demographics. For example, having your therapists get EMDR instruction can offer incredibly beneficial services to your clients and help attract new ones. Offering additional services allows you to expand your offerings and incentivizes potential clients to choose your practice over another one when they need counseling services.

Market Your Practice Online

Marketing is essential if you want people to know about your services so they can make informed decisions when choosing a therapist. Building an online presence through platforms such as social media allows potential clients to learn more about what services you offer and why they should choose your practice over another one. Additionally, taking advantage of SEO tactics can help ensure that any potential clients searching online will be able to find information about your practice quickly and easily too.

 

With these four tips in mind, enhancing your therapy practice doesn’t have to be difficult; by utilizing technology effectively, networking with other therapists, implementing new services, and marketing yourself online – all of which are outlined above –you can ensure that yours stands out from the crowd. Doing so will benefit current customers and attract potential ones, allowing your business to reach new heights of success.

Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

 

How Can We Improve Healthcare Education?

The educational aspect of the healthcare industry doesn’t get as much attention as it should. The reason for this is pretty simple. The majority of people never interact with it. And yet schools are where doctors and nurses are taught everything they know. It’s how they form the opinions and attitudes that they carry with them into their professional lives.

In other words, it’s important. In this article, we take a look at how we can improve healthcare education to make the field more effective and inclusive while also improving patient outcomes.

A Quick Note

Improve is a profoundly subjective word. A case could be made that changing the font on medical textbooks improves healthcare education. “My goodness! So much bigger. You don’t have to squint at all.”

Obviously not the metric most people are looking at. But you get the point. What does it mean to improve healthcare education? Better patient outcomes? A better student learning culture?

In the nineties, med school residents routinely worked one-hundred-hour weeks. Those hours have now been capped at 80 a week — still twice the national average for what most people think a work week should be, but progress. An improvement.

To systematically review and evaluate healthcare in a way that would comprehensively establish what improvements can and should be made would take more than the thousand or so words that this article will contain.

Instead, we take a broad-stroke look at changes that could make healthcare education more accessible and effective.

Tech-Driven Education

Medical technology has changed significantly over the last several decades. Surgery can now be performed largely by robots. Much more than a mere novelty — another way for a hospital to spend seven figures on a machine — these robots produce significantly smaller cuts than human hands can manage.

This results in quicker recovery times, and better overall patient outcomes.

Software innovations have been equally impactful. Data in particular drives many healthcare-related decisions, determining both how hospitals serve their communities at the macro level, and how nurses and doctors take care of individual patients.

During the height of the pandemic, it was sophisticated data that helped healthcare systems anticipate surges and prepare themselves for what was to come.

Data is also used more routinely throughout the course of the year. When a general practitioner advises their patients to get the flu shot early because it’s going to be a rough season, that’s data they are acting on.

Then there is the digitalization of healthcare records. An innovative development that allows patients to access their information easily, and have it on hand at the drop of a hat.

All important innovations. All things that weren’t taught in a medical education curriculum twenty years ago.

Naturally, this has changed somewhat in recent years. People do leave medical or nursing school with some understanding of all the technologies described above. As time goes on, however, it will be increasingly more important to emphasize the importance of these skills.

Improved Candidate Outreach

Healthcare providers in the United States are primarily white. This is problematic for several reasons. For minorities, it means they are being excluded from a career path that is both highly lucrative and rewarding. For—

Hold on. Excluded? Is there a sign medical schools have been posting that reads, “No minorities allowed,”?

Well, no. But inclusion is about more than leaving the door open and saying, “enter if you’d like.” It’s important to keep in mind that opportunities for inclusion in medicine, and in fact, most professional careers is a relatively recent development. For most of American history were laws and social taboos that excluded everyone who wasn’t a white man from pursuing lucrative careers.

These laws and attitudes have changed, but it doesn’t mean that inclusion springs up overnight. Bright young minorities who could be excellent future doctors might not feel inclined to pursue a medical education if they don’t see themselves reflected in the candidate pool.

That’s a shame for everyone. Study after study indicates that diversity benefits everyone. Organizations get unique perspectives. The community at large sees itself represented in the people serving them.

Universities can improve diversity attendance by changing their outreach materials and efforts to be more inclusive and comprehensive.

Improve School Culture

The higher education system in general is coming to recognize the need for mental health awareness and nurturing. Those one hundred-hour work weeks described earlier in the article aren’t conducive to good physical or mental outcomes.

Does it make sense to train a person on how to take care of human health while simultaneously forcing them to wreck their own?

Medical schools can’t afford to relax their standards. The stakes are too high, and anyway, the educational challenges are there as a deliberate barrier to ensure that only the best and most qualified wind up assuming jobs in the medical field.

That said, medical and nursing schools can provide students with resources to help talk about and take care of their mental health. Changing school culture is an important way to cater to the neurologically diverse, while also helping the wider population thrive in their education.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Jobs in the Medical Field You Probably Haven’t Heard of Yet

The medical field is full of exciting opportunities and jobs with a wide range of duties and responsibilities. But there are also some lesser-known positions in the healthcare system that you may not have heard of yet. In this blog, we’ll discuss four unique jobs in the medical field that you may want to consider for your next career move.

Surgery Facility Accreditation Compliance Consultant

This is an important job for any medical facility that provides surgery services. A surgery facility accreditation compliance consultant ensures that the facility meets all state and federal standards for safety and quality of care. They analyze policies and procedures, review records, and provide training to staff on how to comply with accreditation regulations. This position requires strong knowledge of healthcare regulations as well as excellent communication skills.

Medical Device Reprocessing Technician

Medical device reprocessing technicians are responsible for ensuring that reusable medical instruments are properly sanitized before being reused by another patient. Reusable instruments must be cleaned thoroughly using specialized cleaning equipment before they can be used again safely. It’s a highly particular job that requires attention to detail and technical proficiency, so it’s perfect for someone who enjoys problem-solving and working with their hands.

Medical Researcher

This is a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about advancing medical knowledge. Medical researchers conduct clinical studies and experiments to test new treatments, medications, or surgical techniques. They collect data on the results of their tests and present their findings in scientific papers or reports. Medical researchers need to be organized, analytical thinkers who are comfortable working with complex data sets.

Public Health Analyst

Public health analysts strive to improve the overall health of individuals and communities at large by studying population trends and behaviors. Their job is to identify potential risks that can negatively impact public health, such as environmental hazards or infectious diseases, and develop strategies to address them before they become widespread problems. It’s a varied role that requires excellent research and communication skills.

Clinical Research Coordinator

This is an essential role in any clinical research setting, as Clinical Research Coordinators are responsible for overseeing all aspects of a clinical research study—from recruiting participants to collecting data to analyzing the results at the end of the study. This job requires excellent organizational skills, as well as an understanding of clinical research protocols and practices. It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to explore cutting-edge technology while helping advance science in the process.

These are just four examples of unique jobs in the medical field that you may not have heard of before! There are many more out there, so if you’re looking for a new career opportunity or a way to break into the healthcare industry, make sure to do some research about these lesser-known positions! With hard work and dedication, any one of these careers can open up many opportunities for you both professionally and personally. Good luck!

Anita Ginsburg

Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University, and now writes articles about health, business, family, and finance. A mother of two, she enjoys traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. You can follow her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

Skills That Translate to Being a Quality Nursing Leader

Most people don’t go into nursing for the career mobility. There is room for promotions here and there, but for many, the work remains consistently the same for the entirety of their careers. And yet some nurses feel the pull to advance their careers a little bit.

Nursing leadership positions are a great way to continue doing the work you love while also incorporating more responsibilities, and yes, more compensation, into the equation. It’s not easy, but for the right person, it can be rewarding work.

Below, we take a look at skills that translate into quality nursing leadership.

Empathy

Empathy! Ha. I’m a nurse. I’ve got that in abundance. You probably, hopefully, do. It’s an intrinsic component of the work. It’s also a necessary feature of good leadership. As a supervisor, you need to be able to empathize not just with your patients, but also with the concerns of your staff.

Tech-Savvy

Nursing and healthcare in general are quickly moving into a more data-driven, digital landscape. Not only are patient records kept in the cloud now, but hospitals everywhere are relying more and more on data processing to improve patient outcomes and make better use of their limited resources.

You don’t necessarily need a degree in data analysis to work as a nursing leader — although some nurses do receive an education in digital technology.

However, you should at least be aware of what is out there. Many hospitals are technologically stunted not because they lack the means to grow into digital solutions, but because the old guard stands as a barrier.

Become knowledgeable about digital technology so that you can influence your hospital from an informed perspective.

Communication Skills

Nurses at every level wear many hats. You talk to the patient. You talk to the families. You talk to the administration and the doctors. As a regular nurse, the objective of your communication is usually to advocate for the patient. You want to make sure that their care aligns with their wishes.

You’ll still have that responsibility, but as a leader, you also need to represent the interests of the nurses working under you. They will bring their problems to you, and while you probably won’t be able to solve all of them, you’ll be the one talking it out with the other nurses, and the higher-ups.

Time Management

Just because you are a leader doesn’t mean that you don’t have your old workplace responsibilities to deal with as well. If you thought you were busy before the promotion, you’ll likely long for your old schedule after a few weeks at the new gig.

Time management is the skill that helps make the promotion negotiable.

Handle Discomfort with Grace

Leadership roles can come with natural tension. When things go wrong on your floor, you’ll often bear the brunt of it. We’re talking about anything. Patient outcomes, sure, but also scheduling conflicts, interpersonal spats that you will be expected to weigh in on and resolve and much more.

When it’s time for blame to go around, leaders can always expect a large helping of it to land on their shoulders. Fair? Maybe not but it comes with the territory.

A good leader knows how to handle these pressures with grace.

Sound Familiar?

Not surprisingly, most of the skills that make for a good nursing leader are trades that tend to be inherent to the profession in general. Nurses are usually empathetic people, and communication tends to be a key element of the job. If you can’t work as a go-between for the patient, the doctors, and the family, you’re probably not extremely effective on the job.

There are softer, harder-to-define qualities that make for a good leader as well. One of them is drive. You have to want to be a leader in a way that is distinct from simply desiring a promotion.

Think about it this way: nursing is already incredibly hard. Turnover rates are through the roof. Shifts are long and physically demanding. The work is stressful and emotionally demanding. And—

You’re preaching to the choir, love.

Right. It’s a tough job. Leadership responsibilities take those challenges and crank them up a level or two. The discerning nurse needs to ask themselves if they are up for that challenge. The western workplace mindset is such that stagnation is often seen as failure.

It doesn’t have to be that way — particularly not in healthcare. Before you pursue a leadership position, think long and hard about if you want all of the stress that comes with it.

Still There?

If you’ve weighed the consequences and still think you’d like to go ahead and try to get that promotion it’s time to start thinking about what it will take to land the job. The skills listed above might make you well adapted for the work, but that doesn’t mean they will automatically translate into the promotion that you are hoping for.

Most nurses are empathetic. Most nurses are decent communicators. You need to find ways to distinguish yourself from the pack. Continuing your education is one way to accumulate the prerequisite skills that most hospitals are looking for when they appoint their leadership roles.

Of course, getting a graduate degree is no small thing. However for a few years of your time, you might land a transformative job.

With a Bachelor’s in Health Science along with an MBA, Sarah Daren has a wealth of knowledge within both the health and business sectors. Her expertise in scaling and identifying ways tech can improve the lives of others has led Sarah to be a consultant for a number of startup businesses, most prominently in the wellness industry, wearable technology and health education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life with a focus on making America a healthier and safer place for future generations to come.

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

 

4 Benefits of Engaging a Medical Director for Your Practice

A medical director provides an invaluable service for any practice. Their experience and knowledge can help guide you through tough decisions, provide direction for your team, and even improve the quality of care your patients receive. Here are just a few benefits of engaging a medical director as part of your practice.

Improved Patient Care

A medical director will help ensure that all physicians provide the highest quality care to their patients. They can provide valuable insights into what is working well and what could be improved upon to ensure patient satisfaction. They can also advocate for patient safety, ensuring all protocols and procedures are being followed properly to minimize the risk of errors or complications.

Enhanced Team Communication

Having a medical director on staff can help foster better communication between different departments within the practice. They can act as a liaison between physicians, nurses, and other staff members to create a more cohesive environment where everyone works together towards the same goal—providing the best possible patient care. The presence of a medical director will also help reduce potential conflicts by creating more clarity when it comes to decision-making processes within the practice.

Increased Efficiency

A medical director should be knowledgeable in all aspects of running a successful healthcare facility, from financial management to compliance with industry regulations. Their expertise in these areas allows them to identify any inefficient processes within the practice so they can be streamlined or improved upon for maximum efficiency levels across the board. This increased efficiency translates into better patient care and cost savings for patients and providers.

Increased Profitability

The presence of a competent medical director in your practice has been proven to lead to increased profitability over time due to their ability to manage costs effectively while still maintaining high standards of quality care for patients. Their experience in managing finances combined with their knowledge of industry regulations means they can make informed decisions about how best to allocate resources for your practice to run more profitably over time.

When it comes down to it, having an experienced and knowledgeable medical director on staff at your practice is an invaluable asset that cannot be overlooked or underestimated. From improving patient care, enhancing team communication, increasing efficiency, and ultimately boosting profitability—engaging a medical director should be considered essential, if you want your healthcare facility to run efficiently and effectively over time. If you’re considering engaging one, don’t hesitate; it will be worth it in the long run!

Bio: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber; https://www.facebook.com/people/Rachelle-Wilber/100009221637700/

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.

The Reasons to Outsource Laboratory Billing – A Practical Guide

Medical billing is a crucial component of laboratory revenue cycle and it needs to be intact for increased profitability. To keep the financial side of labs efficient, laboratory medical billing should be handled professionally. Similarly, labs can hire billing teams and train their staff to get equipped with the latest industry knowledge. However, the process of hiring and training brings additional costs and lab owners need to spend time with new teams. Another solution to optimize the billing and coding process is outsourcing business processes to experts. Hiring third-party billing companies allow lab owners, pathologists, and staff to spend time on core business tasks. Here are some reasons why labs should outsource billing instead of hiring in-house teams.

Lab Industry Knowledge and Billing Expertise

Handing over the billing and coding process to experts helps labs to improve their financial growth. The billing companies which offer lab RCM services possess the latest industry knowledge. As the healthcare industry evolves, there are many changes in the billing and coding process which labs witness. So, outsourcing opens the doors of revenue maximization for laboratories of all types and sizes. Both clinical and reference labs can increase productivity and profitability with outsourced lab billing services. As a result, it minimizes the stress of losing money and having adverse effects on the RCM cycle.

Working with a lab billing company allows pathologists and lab owners to interact with professionals having extensive billing expertise. Also, professional billers have experience of dealing with the regulatory environment and what impacts it is likely to cause. So, labs can stay away from the fear of revenue leakages as the third-party billers have extensive experience. Staying complied with the latest healthcare industry regulations lead to accurate claim submissions and timely payments.

Faster Payments and Reduced Costs

Keeping the process of laboratory medical billing seamless leads to faster payments from insurance companies. Also, it helps labs to increase revenue opportunities, make workflows efficient, and uplift the revenue cycle process. In addition, maintaining a team of in-house billers and coders require additional costs spent on training, software installation, and employee benefits. However, outsourcing the management of the lab revenue cycle to professionals reduces costs and elevates revenue potential. Further, there is no capital investment required when labs hire third-party medical billing companies.

Outsourcing billing and collections to professional billers help to get rid of the stress of hiring teams. Also, it keeps the lab owners away from spending time on finding replacements when someone leaves. Likewise, labs do not need to spend on the office infrastructure. As a result, it saves costs and the staff can focus on weak areas and improve the overall performance of the labs by spending time on core tasks. Both reduction in costs and increased revenue collectively optimizes the revenue cycle process.

Less Billing and Coding Errors

Obviously, the professionals at a lab billing company do not make errors while submitting claims to payers. In addition, billers and coders know exactly about the lab RCM and ensure clean claim submissions for optimum reimbursements. In-house billing teams can make billing and coding errors which are harmful for the revenue cycle. Further, outsourcing billing to third-party companies ensures better results in terms of revenue growth. As a result, labs can gain financial control and make better business decisions.

It is easier to meet the financial goals with outsourced billing services and ensure maximum payments for claims. In addition, laboratories can improve the bottom line with lesser errors in the claim submission process. Also, it reduces the accounts receivable and makes sure the bills are paid seamlessly. Moreover, labs can increase operational efficiency and do not miss out on potential revenue. Therefore, outsourcing enables labs to achieve better financial outcomes as compared to in-house billing.

Compliance With Industry Rules

There are certain regulations which stakeholders of the healthcare industry need to follow. Similarly, the protection of patient data is essential according to HIPAA rules. In addition, there are other compliance requirements because the healthcare industry keeps on evolving. So, it is essential to stay on top of every change whether it is an industry regulation or payer guidelines. Failing to comply with the rules may lead to penalties and revenue losses. Moreover, the coding specialists are well versed with the ICD-10 codes and have complete idea where to use modifiers. As a result, labs can develop a mechanism of efficient billing process.

The laboratory medical billing experts stay updated with the latest updates of the healthcare industry. Similarly, the billing professionals stay updated with the payer guidelines to ensure maximum reimbursements. Likewise, adhering to compliance requirements ensure clean coding, on-time payments, and enhanced revenue cycle. As a result, outsourcing billing and coding to experts make sure that laboratories keep the revenue cycle intact without hiring in-house teams. So, making the best decision according to the requirements helps labs streamline billing and operations.

JOHN LEE
 

I have a B.S in Human Services from Virginia Tech. I have worked in the medical billing and coding field for over 6 years. Currently, I am converting my passion into my words & writing content for publications regarding RCM. 

 

Disclaimer: The viewpoint expressed in this article is the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the viewpoint of the owners or employees at Healthcare Staffing Innovations, LLC.