Author: vitawerks

Before the 1870s, Black people were not legally allowed to attend nursing programs. Fast-forward to the present, and up to 11% of nurses in America identify as African American. This was all made possible by the sacrifices and contributions made by countless Black nursing pioneers, across centuries of healthcare history. This February, Black History Month offers us the chance to highlight the trailblazers who shaped the healthcare industry with their hard work, intelligence, and bravery. In educating ourselves on the past and present challenges faced by Black nurses and patients alike, we can eventually reach a deeper understanding with one another.

When did we start observing Black History Month?

Carter G. Woodson proposed the earliest version of Black History Month as a period of highlighting and celebrating the historic contributions of Black men and women across the country. By learning about the unique challenges faced by African American individuals, and how they overcame them to change the status quo for the better, Woodson wished to “shift race relations” towards a more positive place.. Although the format has changed, this spirit of greater tolerance and understanding has remained integral to Black History Month to this day.

How does Black History Month connect with nursing history?

Even before the advent of traditional nursing programs, Black healthcare providers have always existed. Harriet Tubman (1822-1913) braved the frontlines to provide wound care and food to injured Union soldiers, during the Civil War. Sojourner Truth (1797-1883) offered care services while advocating passionately for abolition and women’s rights. Most notably, she was the first Black American to win freedom for herself and her infant daughter, in court. Both rose from abusive slave backgrounds to uplift their communities, provide care to the wounded and sick, while inspiring countless African Americans as symbols of freedom and peace.

Though there were always exceptional Black healthcare providers, Black Americans were not allowed to attend formal nursing programs to achieve licensure, until 1845. Mary Eliza Mahoney explicitly pursued a nursing career in order to break barriers and promote racial equality across the nation. Even in the face of severe discrimination, Mahoney thrived as a private nurse for 40 years. Phillips School in Boston, the school she attended, became the very first integrated program in the entire country.  It is not an understatement to say that her bravery changed the entire healthcare industry for the better.

These are just some of the most prominent examples of exceptional Black nurses changing the course of healthcare history, for the better. Omitting Mahoney or Tubman from a comprehensive “history of nursing” would render it illegitimate. Without the contributions of these pioneers, 1/10th of the current nursing workforce would not be legally allowed to practice. In many ways, celebrating Black History Month is celebrating the history of nursing in America.

Why does celebrating black history month still matter?

 Though the nursing industry has progressed a great deal since the 1800s, discrimination continues to be a problem. According to a survey from the  National Commission to Address Racism in Nursing (the Commission), 63% of its correspondents had experienced racist acts from either their peers or superiors. Narrowing things down further, as much as 92% of the African American correspondents reported to be victims of racial abuse and harassment.

HCPs are not the only affected parties, as Black patients are repeatedly affected by racism in healthcare. In more extreme examples, they are completely withheld from treatment altogether on the grounds of discrimination. Even when they are able to secure a care provider, implicit bias or explicit racism has a direct link with worse health care outcomes and inaccurate diagnoses. One of the most infamous examples of this is the misconception that black people have “thicker skin” or are “less receptive to pain.” This has no grounds on actual science, and is primarily rooted in deeply racist assumptions held in the 1920s. As a direct result, Black patients may end up receiving an inadequate amount of pain medication or anesthesia, which can lead to complications with (potentially) fatal consequences.

Conclusion

Black History Month is an invitation to learn about the history of nursing’s history. Instead of existing as a bundle of racist assumptions in their head, people can learn and experience the rich history and culture of African Americans in nursing. By highlighting the different contributions, struggles and triumphs of Black nurses in the past and present, we can move closer to a place of mutual understanding and tolerance. It is not the singular solution to racism and discrimination in American healthcare, but it is a step in the right direction.

Psychiatric units within hospitals play a crucial role in providing specialized care for individuals grappling with acute mental health challenges. This comprehensive guide delves into the workings of these units, their significance, the types of conditions they address, and the treatment modalities they offer.

What is a Psychiatric Unit?

Psychiatric units (or psych units for short) are places in healthcare facilities that specialize in intense care for patients who suffer severe mental health conditions. These units are staffed with a multidisciplinary team comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and psychiatric technicians. Their collective expertise enables them to assess, diagnose, and formulate tailored treatment plans for patients with various psychiatric conditions.

Conditions Treated in Psych Units:

Psychiatric units cater to a wide spectrum of mental health disorders, including but not limited to:

• Depression: Severe and persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
• Anxiety Disorders: Conditions characterized by excessive worry, fear, or panic attacks.
• Bipolar Disorder: Mood disorder marked by alternating episodes of mania and depression.
• Schizophrenia: Chronic disorder involving distorted thinking, hallucinations, and delusions.
• Substance Use Disorders: Addiction to drugs or alcohol often co-occurring with mental health issues.

Treatment Modalities:

Psychiatric units employ diverse treatment modalities tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient. These may include:

• Medication Management: Prescription and monitoring of psychotropic medications to alleviate symptoms and stabilize mood.
• Individual Therapy: One-on-one counseling sessions with a therapist to address personal challenges and promote insight.
• Group Therapy: Participating in group sessions facilitates peer support, social skills development, and sharing coping strategies.
• Psychoeducation: Educating patients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, and coping mechanisms.
• Recreational Therapy: Engaging in recreational activities such as art, music, or physical exercise to enhance well-being and self-expression.

Admission Process:

Patients may be admitted to a psychiatric unit through various channels, including:

• Emergency Department Referrals: Individuals in acute crisis may be brought to the hospital’s emergency department for evaluation and subsequent transfer to the psych unit if deemed necessary.
• Physician Referrals: Primary care physicians or psychiatrists may refer patients for inpatient psychiatric evaluation and treatment.
• Voluntary Admission: Patients experiencing mental health crises can voluntarily seek admission to a psych unit for stabilization and treatment.
• Involuntary Admission: In cases where individuals pose a danger to themselves or others due to severe psychiatric symptoms, involuntary admission may be necessary for their safety and well-being.

Length of Stay:

How long a patient stays in the psych war will depend on several factors. This includes how they respond to treatment, the severity of their condition and how they react to their treatment plans. While some patients may require brief stays for crisis intervention, others may need extended hospitalization for comprehensive treatment and stabilization.

Safety Measures and Regulations:

Psychiatric units adhere to stringent safety measures and regulations to ensure the well-being of patients and staff. These may include:

• Suicide Prevention Protocols: Implementation of suicide risk assessments, monitoring, and interventions to prevent self-harm.
• Environment of Care: Designing the unit to promote safety, comfort, and therapeutic engagement while minimizing risks.
• Confidentiality: Upholding strict confidentiality standards to protect patient privacy and maintain trust in the therapeutic process.
• Restraint and Seclusion: Utilizing restraint or seclusion only as a last resort and in accordance with established guidelines and regulations.

Conclusion:

Psychiatric units in hospitals serve as essential resources for individuals grappling with acute mental health challenges. Through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing medication management, therapy, and psychosocial interventions, these units strive to stabilize patients and facilitate their journey toward recovery. By providing a safe, supportive environment and adhering to stringent safety measures and regulations, psychiatric units play a pivotal role in promoting mental health and well-being within the healthcare landscape.

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, one profession stands out as the cornerstone of trust and patient care: nursing. With a long-standing reputation for compassion, expertise, and dedication, nurses have consistently ranked as the most trusted healthcare professionals globally. As we enter 2024, the role of nurses is poised to expand even further, with opportunities for leadership and innovation across various healthcare domains.

The Trust in Nursing:

Nurses have consistently topped polls and surveys measuring public trust in healthcare professionals. For the 22nd consecutive year, nurses have ranked first overall at the Gallup Poll’s Most Honest and Ethical Professions Poll. This trust stems from the unique role nurses play in patient care – they are often the first point of contact for patients, providing compassionate support, holistic care, and advocating for patients’ needs. Their tireless dedication, empathy, and professionalism forge strong bonds of trust between patients and healthcare institutions.

Nursing Leadership in 2024:

Due to the trust placed on them, nurses are in a unique position to thrive as leaders in multiple spaces. As we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the healthcare landscape this coming year, these are key leadership positions that nurses are uniquely positioned to take up in 2024:

• Clinical Practice and Patient Care: Nurses are at the forefront of clinical practice, providing direct patient care, managing complex medical procedures, and coordinating interdisciplinary care teams. In 2024, nurses can further enhance their leadership in clinical settings by championing evidence-based practice, advocating for patient safety, and driving quality improvement initiatives.
• Healthcare Technology and Innovation: The rapid advancement of healthcare technology presents both challenges and opportunities. Nurses, with their frontline experience and understanding of patient needs, can take a leading role in the integration of technology into clinical practice. From implementing electronic health records to leveraging telehealth solutions, nurses can drive the adoption of innovative technologies to improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare delivery.
• Health Policy and Advocacy: Nurses possess a unique perspective on healthcare policy and its impact on patient care. In 2024, nurses can leverage their collective voice to advocate for policy changes that promote patient-centered care, address healthcare disparities, and improve access to quality healthcare services. By engaging in advocacy efforts at local, national, and international levels, nurses can influence policy decisions that shape the future of healthcare delivery.
• Education and Professional Development: Nursing education plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation of nurses and advancing the profession. In 2024, nurses can lead in educational initiatives by mentoring aspiring nurses, developing innovative training programs, and promoting lifelong learning among healthcare professionals. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development, nurses can elevate the standards of nursing practice and contribute to the advancement of healthcare as a whole.
• Global Health and Humanitarian Aid: In an interconnected world facing global health challenges, nurses have a vital role to play in humanitarian aid and global health initiatives. Whether responding to natural disasters, providing care in underserved communities, or participating in international health missions, nurses exemplify compassion, resilience, and cultural competence. In 2024, nurses can lead in global health efforts by advocating for health equity, contributing their expertise to international healthcare projects, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to address global health challenges.

Conclusion:

In a professional market filled with uncertainty and instability, nurses serve as a symbol of integrity, compassion, and kindness. In 2024, nurses have unprecedented opportunities to lead and innovate across various domains of healthcare. By leveraging their expertise, advocacy, and collaborative spirit, nurses can drive positive change, improve patient outcomes, and shape the future of healthcare delivery on a global scale. As we embark on this journey, let us recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of nurses in advancing health and healing in our communities and beyond.

It would be no exaggeration to say that the digital revolution has irreversibly changed the job market, from how workers discover jobs to how facilities link with prospective candidates. Without a doubt, staffing apps such as VitaWerks have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional staffing agencies, as it offers numerous advantages that cater to the needs of both job seekers and employers. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the reasons why choosing VitaWerks over staffing agencies can be a game-changer in your job search or recruitment process.

Accessibility and Convenience:

• VitaWerks provide unparalleled accessibility and convenience, allowing users to access job listings anytime, anywhere, via their smartphones or computers. Unlike traditional staffing agencies that operate within specific business hours and physical locations, VitaWerks eliminate the need for in-person visits and streamline the job search process with a user-friendly interface accessible at your fingertips.

Instant Access and Convenience:

• One of the most significant advantages of VitaWerks is the instant access it provides to a vast array of healthcare staffing options. With just a few clicks, healthcare facilities can browse through a robust marketplace of top quality per diem healthcare providers (HCPs.) Whether you’re searching for temporary, contract, part-time, or full-time positions, VitaWerks offer a comprehensive selection of job opportunities tailored to your preferences.

Transparency:

• By using VitaWerks, users can expect full transparency and communication while they look for the best HCPs for their current vacancies. When you set your rates, there are no hidden fees written outside the corner of your eye. For any inquiries and clarifications regarding the app’s functions or scheduling conflicts, users can enjoy 24/7 customer support from our nurse champions. No matter the time of day, our team will ensure that all your problems and concerns are resolved as fast as possible. This transparency and immediacy enhance the overall user experience.

Broader Reach:

• Unlike local staffing agencies limited to specific geographic locations, VitaWerks offer a broader reach, connecting job seekers with opportunities across different cities and regions in the United States. This expansive reach opens up a world of possibilities for both job seekers and employers, facilitating connections and matches that transcend geographical boundaries. Regardless of what you are looking for, VitaWerks provides access to a diverse pool of job listings tailored to your preferences.

Efficiency:

• With the help of state-of-the art AI matchmaking technology, VitaWerks instantly matches candidates with suitable job openings based on their skills, experience, and preferences. Vacancies that would take weeks to fill with traditional staffing agencies will only take mere hours to settle. This automated matching process significantly enhances efficiency, saving time for both job seekers and employers by identifying the best potential matches within seconds. With intuitive search filters and personalized recommendations, VitaWerks streamline the job search and recruitment process, maximizing productivity and effectiveness.

Cost-Effectiveness:

• Using a staffing app is often more cost-effective for both job seekers and employers compared to traditional staffing agencies. With readily available access to a freelance HCP’s relevant documentation and profile, VitaWerks even speeds up the administrative process This cost-effectiveness makes VitaWerks an attractive option for individuals and businesses looking to optimize their recruitment budgets without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Flexibility:

• VitaWerks offer unparalleled flexibility, catering to a diverse range of job types and preferences. Whether you’re seeking temporary assignments, contract positions, part-time roles, or full-time employment, our app will ensure that employers and HCPs alike will find the perfect match for them.

VitaWerks is the complete staffing tool for the modern HCP and healthcare facility. With unparalleled accessibility, real-time updates, broader reach, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, feedback mechanisms, and flexibility, VitaWerks offer a plethora of advantages over traditional staffing agencies. Whether you’re a job seeker looking to enhance your job search experience or an employer seeking top talent, choosing VitaWerks can be a transformative decision that accelerates your success in the dynamic world of work.

By embracing the power of VitaWerks, you can unlock endless possibilities, forge meaningful connections, and embark on a journey of professional growth and success. Whether you’re navigating a competitive job market or seeking to optimize your recruitment strategy, VitaWerks empower you to seize opportunities, make informed decisions, and achieve your career objectives with confidence and efficiency.

The healthcare industry is constantly changing and evolving, even as we speak. From a global pandemic to new technological developments, keeping up with the latest trends and adapting to changes in the business is the only way that healthcare facilities can continue to succeed. While no one can perfectly predict what will happen in 2024, you can project the trends that will define this coming year based on information from the previous year. If you are looking to improve your retention strategies or operation efficiency, these are the nursing trends that you want to keep in mind.

More remote care options

The telehealth industry has only continued to grow in recent years. Patients in remote areas, abroad, or are otherwise encumbered can receive a diagnosis or medical consultation through video chats, messages, or emails. Remote healthcare services provide greater reach and can offer facilities a significant revenue stream, without much investment. In addition, it provides some flexibility and remote working options for HCPs who feel burned out by clinical work. Remote healthcare services offer great potential for both growth and workforce retention.

Facilities need to stand out

It is getting harder to stand out, in an increasingly saturated healthcare market. Simply providing the best possible care is still effective, but healthcare facilities need to supplement this with strong and distinctive branding if they want to bring in a larger number of patients. A strong reputation as a trustworthy facility, high ratings on various professional workplace apps, and a distinct culture that emanates throughout your promotional material and facility itself are just a few of the ways that healthcare facilities can differentiate themselves from the crowd.

Healthcare professionals need support

Though additional compensation matters, providing healthcare workers with additional support is even more important. According to Reuters, around one third of nurses reportedly had intentions to quit the industry altogether, thanks to burnout, exhaustion or (in some cases) advanced age. The healthcare industry is already projecting a drastic workforce shortage, in part because of these premature retirements and resignations. Improving working conditions, offering better compensation packages, and flexible staffing solutions will be key to retaining talent long term.

More facilities are adopting flexible staffing solutions

Demand in healthcare is extremely fluid, as facilities can see a sudden surge in case counts for several different reasons. The world saw this firsthand with the pandemic, which had hospitals operating at or over capacity before the situation was brought under control. In these times, facilities have turned to staffing apps like VitaWerks to adopt their workforce to the current situation in front of them. With the app, hospitals can bring in as many healthcare providers (HCPs) as they need for a temporary amount of time. With healthcare being as dynamic and unpredictable as it is, temporary staffing will continue to be essential for healthcare facilities to operate steadily.

Healthcare is a uniquely dynamic industry, in a lot of ways. Demand can change at a moment’s notice, due to factors like seasonal changes. At the same time, you cannot bring in a large crop of full time employees in response, as you run the risk of overstaffing and incurring needless expenditure as a result.

This begs the question: How can facilities adequately adjust to the changing seasons? The answer lies with flexible staffing solutions. 

What challenges do changing seasons present?

For many reasons, hospitals see spikes in demand due to seasonal changes. Every year, there are over a billion cases of seasonal influenza. It is most common in winter months, which is also round the time when families start getting together for the holidays. This makes transmitting both influenza and other diseases all the more common. Thanks to all these factors, hospitals typically see increased traffic and demand during the winter time.

Why are facilities straining during winter?

Facility operations are complex and meticulously thought-out. The fluctuations in demand and admissions that they see complicates matters. Suddenly, they do not have the manpower needed to maintain adequate staffing ratios, or the supplies necessary to account for the increased patient count. Without alternative solutions, this could severely disrupt facility operations. 

How do flexible staffing solutions resolve any of this?

The major advantages of using short-term staffing solutions should be immediately obvious to most facility managers.

It provides a cost efficient solution for temporary spikes in demand for healthcare services. Facilities do not have to risk overstaffing once a pandemic, seasonal flu or accident has subsided, and they suddenly find themselves with more HCPs than they actually need. Because staffing levels are consistently manageable, both your full time and part time HCPs will be better rested and less stressed over work.

This allows them to provide their entire focus and efforts towards providing the best healthcare services possible, and boosts their morale for the foreseeable future. When HCPs feel better, they are more engaged in their work and less likely to burn out. As nursing continues to face a significant turnover crisis due to burnout, looking after and retaining staff will prove to be even more important for the foreseeable future.

What are the best flexible staffing options for seasonal flu?

Facilities have a bevy of staffing options available to them. What works best for them will ultimately depend on their own unique situations. Through agency staffing, HCPs can fill in workforce gaps quickly with short term contracts that can last weeks or even months. Facilities gain access to a robust pool of talent from across the country, and can scale up their operations without sacrificing on patient quality.

Recently, a number of per diem staffing apps have gained prominence. These are even quicker than traditional agencies, as they allow hospitals to book HCPs for single shifts and in an instant. The field is currently packed with several market options, and you want to be sure you are working with the right program

For instance; VitaWerks has gained prominence for its instant AI-matchmaking between HCPs and shifts, a convenient one-click platform that allows you to choose HCPs in your area and access the necessary information and documents, without a sweat. With VitaWerks, facilities can arrange temporary HCP shifts in a matter of hours.