My apologies to James Carville. I plagiarized his tagline because the insurance industry has forgotten about sick people during our national healthcare debate. I remember when nurses and insurance companies use to get along with each other. Back in the 1960s, these nurses even took time out of their busy schedules to pose for one of their ads. We took care ...

It’s said that ignorance of the law is no defense—but how do we know we’re breaking a law if we don’t know it exists? Luckily, we do know the serious laws, particularly those that have to do with practicing nursing. We know about HIPAA, that diverting narcotics is a Bad Thing, and that we can’t strangle a visitor who is getting ...

Getting an article published in a nursing journal may seem daunting to novice writers, but the rewards far outweigh the challenges. RN editors and authors offer these pointers to help aspiring authors convert good ideas into published work. Recognize the Opportunity Most nursing journal articles are written by nurse educators required to conduct and publish research. However, staff nurses, nurse managers ...

We all have dreams and goals for our personal life and career. Whether you are a brand new nurse straight out of school or a seasoned nurse looking toward your future, we all need a little bit of help and guidance. That is why a mentor is so important. Not only to help you as a nurse just managing like I ...

Have you heard of the value of networking but don’t know how to get started? Do you consider yourself shy and uncomfortable striking up conversations? Then join the crowd. Most people feel exactly as you do and dread going out in public and meeting new people. However, once you learn a few practical tips on how to get started and get ...

Would you like to get a competitive edge in the workplace? Do you want to stay sharp with your knowledge and skills? Would you like to develop your leadership, speaking, and writing abilities? Do you want to have a voice in issues that affect nursing practice, licensure, and other areas? You can do all of this and more by becoming active ...

Despite the economic downturn, the healthcare industry continues to thrive. Over 50,000 healthcare jobs were added in January, and that number is expected to climb. The best part? Some of the countries top hospitals are hiring! Using Fortune's Best Places to Work, US News & World Report's list of the top hospitals, and information regarding the number of open position at ...

First impressions count in the job search, and that's why a dynamite cover letter can mean the difference between success and failure in your healthcare job search. But what makes a dazzling healthcare cover letter? Several career experts share their advice. Get to the Point State the purpose of your letter in the first paragraph. Small talk is generally a waste ...

When President Obama campaigned for the presidency, he was endorsed by the American Nurses Association because he took the time to listen and understand the role of nurses in health care today. He listened to the struggles and challenges of nursing, and promised that if elected, he would address and help resolve these issues. The result of this promise is the ...

By Kristina Cowan Do you enjoy writing resume cover letters about as much as you relish root canals? Dread isn't uncommon when it comes to resume cover letters. "It's an area where job-seekers could do the most to improve, because it does require a certain amount of heavy lifting," said Anna Ivey, a career counselor based in the Boston area. "Most ...

Did you know that bullying affects at least half of the American workforce? According to a study published in 2010, back in 2007, 35% of workers in the U.S. reported having been bullied, while another 15% witnessed workplace bullying. That’s half the American workforce who admitted to experiencing or witnessing bullying behaviors. Bullying goes beyond the playground; it's more than just ...

All workplaces have people that you might not get along with. Hospitals and care centers are no different. The only difference is the stress levels can be even higher because you're dealing with actual life and death situations. For nurses who already have their hands full with multiple patients, long shifts, and the inevitable unexpected situations, the last thing they ...

Every interview has a unique focus, but some questions are asked so often, it makes sense to do all you can to prepare for them. In order to be successful, you need a strategy -- not scripted answers. Your goal should be to emphasize the experiences in your background that best fit what each interviewer is looking for. In this series, ...

Non-traditional nursing roles Let’s examine how you can use a nursing degree for a career outside of the traditional venue of Registered Nursing, Licensed Practitioner Nursing or Master of Science in Nursing. To begin exploring alternative nursing employment opportunities, try conducting a web search for: Nursing specialties. Most of these career choices allow nurses to work with patients in direct care ...

The doctor/nurse working relationship has its ups and downs. When the two work well together, the most difficult of patient cases seems like a breeze. But if there is any contention, if one rubs the other the wrong way, tackling even the simplest problem is like climbing Mount Everest in the off season – a nightmare. We know what doctors ...

Prepping for an important interview means researching the company and making sure you have smart responses to anticipated questions. It also means being strategic about what to wear to an interview. Specifically, you want to choose job interview clothes — and colors — that will put you in the best light and may give you an advantage. Research has shown that ...

Are you making as much money as you should be? If you've been pondering this question, you're not alone. A 2006 survey by staffing services company Randstad USA and Harris Interactive found that 39 percent of employees surveyed believe their salary is lower than market rates, up from 28 percent surveyed in 2005. Meanwhile, 50 percent of employers think the salaries ...

Job hunt going nowhere? You could be looking in the wrong place. Your current metropolis may not have a high unemployment rate, but your healthcare industry could be at a stand-still when it comes to hiring fresh talent, despite the overall need for healthcare professionals. If you are willing to relocate for your career, then you can substantially expand your job-seeking ...

Perhaps you always dreamed of becoming a nurse when you were younger or you may have been attracted to nursing as a second career. At some point you understood the true value that nurses contribute to the lives of patients, the community and humanity. There were many hurdles to stride getting into and surviving nursing school. The competition was intense and ...

Your day is already full juggling budget cuts, staffing demands, regulatory requirements and reimbursement issues. Your patients are older and sicker than ever before and their procedures are more complex. The staff needs an in-service on a new piece of equipment that the surgeon wants to use tomorrow. Who has time to plan a career? Is there a trend or event ...