Ladders > Solving the Nursing Shortage

Solving the Nursing Shortage

By Que Schafer

For years, hospitals all over the United States have experienced a shortage in nurses, nurse administrators, nurse managers and nurse practitioners.
Unfortunately, the shortage doesn't appear to be getting any better.

According to a report by the Health Resources and Services Administration, 30 states currently have shortages of registered nurses (RNs).
The shortage is expected to intensify over the next two decades, with 44 states expected to have RN shortages by the year 2020.
Furthermore, the demand for nurses in 2012 is expected to be 2.9 million, up from the 2.3 million that were needed in 2003.

There has never been a more appropriate time to pursue a career in nursing in the United States.
The total job openings, including new jobs and replacing nurses who no longer are practicing, will be more than 1.1 million from 2002 to 2012.

The main reasons for the high demand of nurses in this country include an 18 percent growth in population, an aging, health-obsessed baby boomer population, and extended lifespans.
According to a report released in May of 2001 by the Nursing Institute at the University of Illinois College of Nursing, the ratio of potential caregivers to the people most likely to need care?the elderly population?will decrease by 40 percent between 2010 and 2030.

The problem is one of simple supply and demand.

Demand for nurses will grow by 40 percent by the year 2020, while the supply of nurses will increase by only 6 percent over the same period.
The aging population of nurses in this country is another factor.
The median age of nurses continues to increase, and a large wave of retirements is unavoidable.

In August of 2002, the Nursing Reinvestment Act of 2002 was signed by President Bush to address the problem of our nation's nursing shortage.
It was intended to promote people to enter and remain in nursing careers, thus helping to lighten the growing nursing shortage.
The law establishes scholarships, loan repayments, public service announcements, retention grants, career ladders, geriatric training grants and loan cancellation for nursing faculty.

Funding for these programs is provided through 2007 by law.

To address the growing needs of today's population, at least one college in particular is offering both undergraduate and graduate degrees to motivated individuals interested in the nursing/healthcare arena.
Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is one of the original accredited universities to offer online college education with complete degree programs by use of the Internet.
It is the nation's largest accredited university, with over 17,000 highly qualified instructors, 170 campuses and Internet delivery worldwide.

University of Phoenix offers two Nursing/Health Care undergraduate degrees: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN license required) and Bachelor of Science in Health Care Services (BCHCS).
The graduate degrees in the same field are: Master of Science in Nursing (RN license required), Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner (RN license required) and Master of Science in Nursing/MBA/Health Care Management (RN license required).

"The nursing shortage in this country is a major problem, but there are some pluses to the dilemma," said Barbara Sanner, the Arizona Marketing Manager for University of Phoenix.
"One of the benefits to the shortage is that you can virtually write your own ticket, meaning that you can work anywhere in the country, in any environment and the job pays well."
Typically, starting registered nurses earn salaries in the $40,000+ range.

University of Phoenix's nursing program has been accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) since 1989.

It is currently seeking nursing program accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
It is changing its accreditation from NLNAC to CCNE because most baccalaureate and higher degree programs in nursing are now accredited by CCNE.
Currently in the U.S., about 70 percent of baccalaureate nursing programs and 79 percent of master's nursing programs are accredited by CCNE.

The BSN program is designed to develop the professional knowledge and skills of working RNs.
One must have a minimum of 30 nursing credits to become eligible for this program.
However, a valid RN license satisfies this requirement.

There are 13 courses offered in this program, and three of them have a clinical component.
Most of the courses are online, but students have the opportunity to do some of the class work in-person in residency programs, for example.
Students also have several opportunities to interact with fellow students.

The curriculum consists of biological, physical and social sciences, which contribute to the science of nursing and focus on the development of the nurse's role as caregiver, teacher and manager of care.
All three of the clinical components require spending 20-45 hours of practicum in five weeks.

"One of the key areas that distinguish us from others is that you can take classes at night," Sanner said.
"That is a big plus for nurses, and our local campuses try to fit courses that work for the tough schedule demands that nurses have."

"We also have a strong foundation in the bio and physical sciences," Sanner added.
"There is probably a perception in the market place that we don't have it, but that is not true.
We're also not just offering courses strictly for nurses going into hospital care.
We have courses that prepare you to become nurse supervisors, managers of small-care facilities, geriatric wards, etc.

We offer a broad basis for different kinds of nursing opportunities, not just hospital nurses."

The MSN/MBA/HCM program is intended to provide nurses with the blend of advanced nursing and business management skills necessary to manage today's health care delivery systems. The MBA/HCM curriculum emphasizes the identification, analysis and solution of multifaceted management problems that require technical understanding and balanced decision making.
If you are the type of person who is driven by a desire to help people and to make a difference in people's lives, pursing a career in nursing might be the perfect career option.
Enrolling in a nursing program such as University of Phoenix's gives students the opportunity to aid people and make a very good living while helping to eliminate this country's alarming shortage in nurses.

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Safety Products Make Innovative Holiday Gifts

(ContentDesk) November 26 2003--Clothes, games and electronics will probably still rule this year as popular Christmas gifts, but it's a sign of the times that safety products are gaining in popularity. Practical, yet still thoughtful and fun (in many cases) at the same time, safety kits can provide piece of mind as well as a present."People are much more safety aware with everything going on in the world," says Gary Maher, president of Safety Think Inc, a safety products retailer and distributor. "Our philosophy seems to be catching on which is simply that by thinking about safety now we can all relax and enjoy life. Besides there really are some safety products out there that make great gifts."Maher points out the NightstarII Battery-less flashlight as a popular item this year. "You shake it to generate power," said Maher.

"It's a great home safety tool and neat gadget at the same time" Other safety gift items recommended include fire extinguishers, emergency escape ladders...

Safety Products Make Innovative Holiday Gifts

Ladders > Safety Products Make Innovative Holiday Gifts

Amazing New Digital Measuring System Saves Sign Shops Time, Effort And Money

La Mesa, CA (ContentDesk) June 16, 2006 -- Commercial sign shop owners, operators, and graphic designers now have an innovative new tool to save time , effort and reduce costs when measuring projects.
Thanks to the Amazing Sticky Yard" Digital Measuring System, sign makers can take measurements of any size object quickly and easily using a digital photo, their computer and the Amazing Sticky Yard software.
With the Sticky Yard www.stickyyard.com
as a reference, measurements can be taken as often as neededwith just a few clicks of a mouse.
The Amazing Sticky Yard Digital Measuring System saves valuable time during the estimating phase of a new sign project.
Sticky Yard eliminates the need for ladders, clumsy measuring tapes that do not stay in place, and repeat measuring trips.

Graphic designers and sign makers can even forget about spending time sketching...

Amazing New Digital Measuring System Saves Sign Shops Time, Effort And Money

Ladders > Amazing New Digital Measuring System Saves Sign Shops Time, Effort And Money

I Want a Cold!

"Honey, can I have a cup of lemon tea," my wife asked me the other day. Normally, my wife doesn't ask me to do anything, knowing my laziness has no bounds. But my wife had a cold - a very bad cold. For most illnesses, my wife would just "suck it up" and get her cute little behind out of bed, fully realizing that nothing would get done around the house without her. But today, she was lingering beneath the bed covers.

That's how I knew she was really sick.My wife is tougher than Randall "Tex" Cobb on his best day (and for those of you who don't know who Randall "Tex" Cobb is - shame on you!). Her finely developed sense of martyrdom compels her to force herself into activity, even in the face of the killer cold. Being the caring husband that I am (and not wanting her germs spread through the entire house), I suggested she stay in bed.So, even though it was a Sunday, which is a very inconvenient day for her to be sick (because I usually park my large, ugly behind on my favorite chair...

I Want a Cold!

Ladders > I Want a Cold!

Escaping "Paid Slavery"

February 3, 2003 I remember that day well. I even celebrate it every year. That was the day I finally decided to make my escape from the Rat Race. For Ten years I lugged Welding Equipment up and down Train Car Ladders, doing the repair work on them so the company could make a fortune in their shipping business. Corporate downsizing required me to work 12 hours a day 6 to 7 days a week to fill the void of layed off workers.

And any complaining I did was met with the same response: "You should be lucky you even have a job". But the pain in my legs and back were telling me something different. It was telling me to GET OUT, NOW!
So I did (God Forbid we should listen to our own Instincts) But every ending is a new beginning. Thus started my two years of Internet Marketing Purgatory. Buying every product promising me financial freedom.

Throwing failed project after failed project out there on the internet while I paced the floor at 4:00 A.M. wondering how I was going...

Escaping "Paid Slavery"

Ladders > Escaping "Paid Slavery"

Be a Carenter for Uncle Sam - Part 1

Carpenter Grade 7General: Carpentry workers at this grade level measure, cut, construct, install, repair, and modify wood; composite, and wood substitute items where specific fit and accuracy are within allowable limits to produce a serviceable product. Finished appearance of work products is not the primary consideration at this grade level. Grade 7 carpentry workers apply standard measurements, specifications, and instructions when constructing, installing, or repairing items such as frame structures, decking, partitions, shelving, doors, forms, siding, and scaffolds. They apply a general knowledge of wood, composite materials, wood substitutes, and woodworking techniques, as well as basic shop mathematics to plan, measure, and lay out materials according to dimensional requirements and specifications. Workers at this level typically follow specific instructions and are aided through the use of templates, or preplanned, or precut materials.

Skill and Knowledge: Grade 7 carpentry...

Be a Carenter for Uncle Sam - Part 1

Ladders > Be a Carenter for Uncle Sam - Part 1

How To Measure and Install Blinds like a Pro

How do I measure for Blinds to ensure that they fit great?

Its easy if you will follow a few general guidelines, take your time, and use a quality 1" wide Tape measure.
We build to the nearest 1/8" so the better you measure, the better your blinds will look.

Inside Window Case Mounts (Inside Mount)
1. Measure the width inside the window opening in 3 locations - at the top, middle and bottom. The top measurement is critical because the headrail must fit and you will want the Valance to fully cover the mounting brackets! Record the actual dimension of the shortest width to the nearest one eighth of an inch.
Tip... If the window doesn't taper in more than 3/8", you can simply provide the width where you intend to mount the support brackets.

2. Measure the height inside the window opening at left, right and center. Record the actual dimension of the longest height to the nearest one eighth of an inch.

How To Measure and Install Blinds like a Pro
Ladders > How To Measure and Install Blinds like a Pro

Shopping for a swimming pool

When the summer rolls around and the air heats up, we all dream of having pools in our own backyard. However, before shopping for pools, it is important to be aware of safety issues. Make sure you are willing to take on the responsibility before you buy.

Do you have a lot of kids in your neighborhood? Pools are magnets for children! Be aware that if the pool is on your property, you may be liable for any accident that may occur. For safety reasons, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend installing pools until your children are at least 5 years old. While they are certainly a lot of fun, pools can also be hazardous if the owners don't take proper precautions.

Fences should be placed around pools to prevent accidental falls as well as uninvited guests.

The fences should be at least 4 feet high and gated. Ideally, there should be latches and locks for when the pools are not in use. Ladders from above-ground pools should be removed when...

Shopping for a swimming pool

Ladders > Shopping for a swimming pool