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Los Angeles Omicron Resource Kit & List of COVID-19 Testing Centers

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Los Angeles Omicron Resource Kit & List of COVID-19 Testing Centers

COVID-19 cases in Los Angeles have spiked, due to the Omicron variant. At the time of writing, 21 deaths and over 10,000 cases were reported in Los Angeles County alone. This was a staggering 15% increase from the count on December 23. Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer projects that the daily case count could reach as high as 20,000, the way things are trending.

In response to these trends, Los Angeles County is expanding access to free, confidential COVID testing. In this article, we will go over where and how you can get free testing in the Los Angeles area.

COVID-19 testing centers in Los Angeles:

 

1. Union Station (East Side) Testing Site – Walk-up only, no appointment required

City of Los Angeles

811 N. Vignes Street

Los Angeles

2. Axis Clinical Trials 1636 – Drive-up only, by appointment

Axis Clinical Trials

1636 Wilshire Boulevard

Los Angeles

3. Mexican Consulate – Walk-up only, no appointment required for COVID/Omicron testing

City of Los Angeles

2401 W 6th St

Los Angeles

4. Carbon Health – Echo Park – Walk-up only, appointment required

City of Los Angeles

2110 Sunset Blvd., Suite M, Suite M

Los Angeles

5. Lincoln Park – Walk-up only, no appointment required for COVID testing

City of Los Angeles

3501 Valley Blvd

Los Angeles

6. Anderson Munger YMCA – Pop-up testing site, walk-up only, no appointment required

County of Los Angeles

4301 West 3rd Street

Los Angeles

7. Poinsettia Recreation Center – Front Lawn – Pop-up site, walk-up only, appointment required for COVID Testing

County of Los Angeles

This is a pop-up testing site that travels to different communities.

7341 Willoughby Ave

Los Angeles

8. Via Care Community Health Center – Atlantic Blvd – Drive-in only, no appointment required

Via Care

507 S. Atlantic Blvd.

Los Angeles

9. CVS – Los Angeles – Drive-up only, appointment required for COVID/Omicron testing

CVS

5176 East Whittier Boulevard

Los Angeles

10. Hobart Elementary – KTPU Holiday Vaccination Fair – Pop-up site, walk-up only, appointment only

County of Los Angeles

980 S. Hobart Blvd.

Los Angeles

 
Complete list of COVID-19 testing centers in Los Angeles (267 centers)

Home testing options:

If you cannot reach any of the listed COVID testing centers in LA, you can avail of the newly relaunched Holiday Home Test Collection Program. County residents who are symptomatic or believe they were exposed can order a free home testing kit from Fulgent Genetics.

Users must sign up to the Picture by Fulgent Genetics website to have their kits shipped to their address (not a P.O. Box), via FedEx. On the same day they receive the COVID testing kit, users should take their nasal samples and mail them back. You can do this either via a scheduled one-time Fed-Ex pick up, or drop box. Results will be available 48 hours after the sample reaches the lab.

COVID-19 vaccine centers in Los Angeles:

Even with regular testing, you still want extra protection from the virus. Luckily, California provides free vaccinations for citizens aged 5 and older. While this can vary, you also do not need an appointment for many vaccination centers. For a complete list of LA vaccination centers, you can refer to this official site.

Symptoms of the new COVID Variant “Omicron”

While the virus is still being studied closely, there are a couple recurring symptoms of the Omicron variant that are worth noting. Across many cases, “common-cold” like symptoms along with fatigue are the frequently-found. Notably, classic COVID-19 symptoms like loss of taste or tremendous shortness of breath were not as common. Newer symptoms such as vomiting and loss of appetite further distinguish the Omicron strain.

Predictably, case severity frequently hinged on vaccination status. For fully-vaccinated individuals with their booster shots, symptoms were mild. “Lots of sore throat (…) some fatigue, maybe some muscle pain. No difficulty of breathing, No shortness of breath. Mostly fine” specified Craig Spencer, Director of Global Health in Emergency Medicine at Columbia Medicine.

Patients fully vaccinated with Moderna/Pfizer but not boosted experienced similar but slightly stronger symptoms. Unboosted J&J patients “felt terrible” with fever, fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath, but they didn’t need hospitalization or oxygen. Only unvaccinated patients displayed profound shortness of breath, as “they needed oxygen just to walk regularly.”

Frequently asked questions on OMICRON variant:

How severe is Omicron?

Currently, we cannot pinpoint how dangerous this strain really is. While a couple key patterns have been recognized, symptoms of the Omicron variant are inconsistent. Reinfections, breakthrough infections in the vaccinated, and deadlier cases are a possibility, but the data is too limited and it is far too early to make any strong conclusions.

Does vaccination work against Omicron?

As mentioned earlier, Omicron cases are milder for vaccinated individuals compared to previous strains. While a breakthrough case is possible, early signs are encouraging.

What can I do to prevent Omicron?

So far, pre-existing COVID-19 measures have still been shown to be effective. Along with vaccination, wearing a mask in high-density public settings is still strongly recommended by the CDC. COVID testing before going to populous gatherings or travel is another excellent preventative measure. Provided that one remains vigilant, they can protect themselves from Omicron to the best of their abilities.

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Nurse Floating Is On The Rise

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Nurse Floating Is On The Rise

Most nurses focus their training and education in one specific area, so that they can work in a single department for the rest of their career. This is not the case for float nurses, who have risen in prominence following the recent nursing shortages. For the uninitiated, a “floating nurse” means an HCPs with the capacity to move between departments. In doing so, hospitals can theoretically maintain sufficient nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for each of their units, without any long term commitments or staff changes. Float nursing is as uniquely challenging and demanding as it is rewarding, for the travel nurses who are up to the task. What exactly are these challenges? How can you find out if you are fit for per diem nursing? Read on to find out all this and more.

Floating nurse job description

Float nursing can be employed in a number of different ways. For example, it is not uncommon for permanently-staffed nurses to be asked to “float” between different units. This is done to cover for sudden shortages, turnover or structural shifts. Other times, they bring in “travel float nurses” with flexible skill sets as needed, for a few days or weeks. This is done by contacting staffing agencies or using cutting-edge applications such as VitaWerks, which instantly matches hospitals with the best per diem nurses in their proximity. Finally, there is sometimes a “pool” of float nurses who are hired for their ability to move between departments. These nurses know what they are signing up for, which can maintain staff satisfaction and lower turnover rates in the long term.

Why become a float nurse?

Although float nursing is not easy, it comes with its share of perks and benefits. The most obvious is flexible scheduling. Whether you are employed or a travel nurse, hospitals will typically allow you to choose your own hours. You can give yourself more freetime, or put in your 12 hour shifts for some extra income–the choice is yours. Understandably, full-time and part time nurses will usually have less flexibility, since they are guaranteed a number of hours. Depending on the facility, you either have to work on set days or your situation changes week-by-week. Per diem nurses, conversely, have complete control over where and when they work.

Nurse floating is also perfect for HCPs who are looking to diversify their portfolios. You get the opportunity to work in different departments, which lets you build diverse workplace experiences and skill sets that will look great on your resume. By trying a little bit of everything, you also get to discover what you prioritize in a work environment. For example: you may have never considered ICU or NICU work as you plan your career.. It is possible that a couple of shifts is all that it takes to convince you that this is what you want to do. If not, you did not commit to anything and you can move on to the next department.

Finally there is the income. Contrary to what you might have heard, float nurses have more earning potential than the average RN. On average, the floating nurse salary is 15% higher than a regularized nurse’s. When you think about it, the reasoning is obvious. Hospitals are rushing to fill critical vacancies with flexible and skilled temporary nurses. With such high and immediate demand for intense skilled labor, it only makes sense that these float nurses are compensated accordingly.

Are there downsides?

No job is perfect, and float nursing is no exception. Compared to full-time HCPs, float nurses have limited stability with their working environment. They have to adapt to different departments, floating nurse policies and protocol wherever they go. Just when you think you have a grasp on how things work, you are now in a different unit and must relearn everything from step one. For nurses with clear and narrow career plans, float nursing may also not be the best fit. You will have a hard time building experience in a single field, when you are spread out between so many different specializations. If you are a nurse who prizes set routines, this may not be the lifestyle for you.

Go out there!

Nurse floating is as exciting as it is daunting, in some ways. Within the field of per diem nursing, it allows you to take in a diverse array of looks, experiences, and skill sets. For nurses who are constantly pushing themselves to grow, both as professionals and as people, you will not find such opportunities anywhere else. It is true that the lifestyle can be a bit too volatile for professionals who prefer a steady pace. For those who can adapt and learn on the fly, then float nursing is a uniquely rewarding career path that is worth a try.

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How to Become a Medication Aide

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

How to Become a Medication Aide

Though certified nursing assistants take on important care roles, their duties do not extend far beyond basic care. For instance, they do not have the training to administer medication, even under the supervision of a nurse. If they want that authority, they must gain the certification needed to become Certified Medication Aides (CMA). In comparison, CMAs enjoy a greater scope of roles and responsibilities in a healthcare setting. What is a medication aide, exactly? How does med tech compare vs CNA and how can you become one? For nursing assistants looking to take that next step, this article will answer all these questions and more.

Medication Aide Job Description

CMAs are healthcare professionals with the training and authority to administer drugs (both prescription and nonprescription) to patients daily. They can find work in a number of different healthcare settings, from hospitals, to assisted living facilities, correctional homes and more. Like nurse assistants, they can only carry out their duties with the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). Other CMA duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Administering prescription and nonprescription drugs to patients
  • Monitoring and reporting potential adverse reactions to medications
  • Collecting biological samples for further analysis
  • Educating and instructing patients on how to safely use their medications
  • Monitoring patient dosage daily

How to become a medication aide

Step 1: Fulfill educational requirements for Medical Aide

Before you can become a CMA, you need to become a CNA. Most nursing assistant training programs have similar educational requirements. At the bare minimum, you will need either your highschool diploma or your General Education Degree (GED).

Step 2: Become a CNA

Once you obtain your educational requirements and you are above the age of 18, you can enroll into a 6 to 12 week CNA program. You can find nursing assistant programs in community colleges, vocational schools, Red Cross branches and even certain healthcare facilities. No matter where you enroll, it is important to verify that the program is state-approved or else you cannot take your state’s CNA certification exam. Different states use different exams, though it is worth noting that at least 20 states utilize the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). Once you pass the exam and fulfill any miscellaneous requirements, you can finally obtain your CNA certification.

Step 3: Obtain medication aide certification

As soon as you become a CNA, you can start enrolling in medication aide classes. These programs take around 4 months and around 140 clinical hours to complete. Even medication aide online classes will require you to complete these in-person clinical rotations. Just like your CNA training, you want to find medication aide training that will set you up for future success. Be sure to do thorough research on the curriculum, passing rate and reputation of every program you enroll in. Once you complete your education, most states will require you to take an exam before you can obtain your CMA certification. Any additional requirements and the specific number of required clinical hours will depend on your state.

Step 5. Gain experience before finding your first CMA role

Congratulations on becoming a CMA! Just because you obtained your certification, however, does not mean that you will be automatically accepted for medication aide jobs. To ensure a certain level of quality and competency, employers are looking for CMAs with at least one year of professional experience under their belts. During your training and clinical rotations, you want to take every opportunity to gain valuable experience and knowledge on medical and pharmacological technology. Once you have built your resume, you can begin sending applications to various healthcare facilities.

Medication Aide Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, CMAs earn around $32,722 annually. Your effective pay will greatly depend on your experience, additional certifications and your location. For example: New York CMAs see a $37,292 annual income, while North Carolina nurses only make $23,317 in the same time span. If you want to further maximize your earning potential, finding shifts at VitaWerks will do the trick. We will find you the highest paying rates at the best facilities, while providing you the freedom and flexibility to set your own hours. With enough hours at the right facilities, you will outearn a number of fully-salaried CMAs. Sign up with VitaWerks today and join a healthcare staffing revolution.

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HCP

Is Per Diem Nursing Worth It? A Breakdown

  • Vitawerks • February 8, 2023

Is Per Diem Nursing Worth It? A Breakdown

Per diem in nursing has risen to prominence over the last few years. More and more nurses are valuing all the advantages provided by the temporary nursing lifestyle. To say that nurse staffing is a perfect replacement for full time nursing would be misguided, however. Like with anything, it is a lifestyle that comes with a host of advantages and disadvantages. In the end, the best possible path will ultimately depend on your priorities, disposition, career situation and financial goals. This article will go over both the pros and cons of per diem nursing to help you figure out whether or not it would be worth it for you.

What is a per diem nurse?

Before we go any further, it is important to define what per diem nursing is to avoid confusion. Per diem translates to “per day” in Latin. Within a healthcare setting, this refers to hiring nurses on temporary contracts that can last either a single day or a certain number of days. These nurses are typically brought in to cover for unexpected nursing shortages or gaps in employment. There is a certain amount of overlap with these nurses and pro re nata (“as the situation demands” in Latin) nursing. With regards to the per diem vs PRN conversation, there are a couple of key differences. Per diem nurses can be employed by multiple facilities at a time, are not attached to a single unit but do not enjoy employment benefits. PRN nurses still have more flexibility than full time ones, but they are employed by a single unit, are required to follow in-house employment policies but can qualify for some insurance packages.

Pros

There is never a dry day

The doldrums of full time nursing are well recorded. Although anything can change at the mere drop of the hat, you will typically be expected to handle the same tasks and responsibilities for all of your shifts. This is completely not the case as a per diem nurse. Temporary nurses get to choose from a bevy of different jobs at different facilities. There is never a sense of sameness as you are constantly getting new looks, working within different systems and internalizing more information. This diversity of experiences helps nurses become more adaptable and experienced in a wide variety of areas, which will look incredible when you make your next resume.

Per diem nurse salary is higher

Contrary to what you may think, per diem nurses earn significantly more than their full time counterparts. Facilities want to fill vacancies with the best possible healthcare professionals on very short notice. With such high and immediate demand, the rates will often reflect on this. Though you will have to file your own taxes and put extra effort into planning your finances, the dividends may be worth it if you can stomach the tradeoffs. Parking up with VitaWerks further increases your earning potential, as our platform instantly matches you with the highest paying shifts in the best facilities in the nation.

Pros: Per diem nurses work on their own terms

When you work for your facility, you are expected to clock in your hours and work along a rigid set of guidelines. This is absolutely not the case for temporary nurses, who have full control over where and when they can work. You are essentially the boss of your own tiny business, in this regard. You can set your own hours, choose your preferred facilities and even reject shifts or offerings that do not sit well with you. You will not find this level of career flexibility or control from anywhere else in the healthcare industry.

Cons

There is very little stability

Under temporary contracts, per-diem nurses do not enjoy benefits or a steady income. This means they are only earning whenever they are working. By nature, you also have to continue picking up new shifts in different environments while adapting on the fly. You will not get the chance to build familiarity with your work environments, like you would as a full-time nurse. If you are a creature of routine, then the frantic and ever-changing nature of per diem nursing may not be for you.

More financial responsibilities

Per diem in nursing’s increased freedom comes with added responsibilities. While employers deduct employee salaries to pay for their taxes, self-employed nurses have no such luck. This means they are responsible for calculating and filing their own taxes. Per the IRS, you will be expected to create an annual tax return, while paying your taxes on a quarterly basis. Hiring an accountant is highly recommended for HCPS who want to cut down on the hassle. They can handle all the difficult calculations, while providing sound advice on tax-deductible moves.

Little staff continuity

Working with different facilities on a regular basis leaves you little-to-no time to build a rapport with the staff at a hospital. A per diem-nurse will constantly be seeing new faces with every shift they take on. Some HCPs value the connections that they forge with their co-workers, over countless long shifts. It provides a sense of companionship and purpose to their work, no matter how difficult the shifts can get. These connections also facilitate a smoother and seamless team workflow between specialists who are well-acquainted with their hospitals’ very specific systems and procedures.

Choosing what you value

As we mentioned before, whether or not travel nursing per diem is for you will depend on where your priorities lie. If you work best in stable contexts and prefer risk mitigation, full time nursing is the best possible option. Per diem nursing, meanwhile, is best suited for nurses who want to challenge themselves. Temporary assignments will bring you to all sorts of different facilities, jobs and team contexts. You will be saddled with additional financial responsibilities, but you will earn more than your counterparts. Provided that you can stay on top of it all, you can work completely on your own terms and choose shifts at your own discretion. The tradeoffs come with massive benefits, if you play your cards right. There are even full time nurses who take per diem jobs on the side for added income or experience. As long as you know your limits and where you lie on certain matters, you are sure to make the right decision.

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How to become a Med Tech

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

How to become a Med Tech

As hospitals push to modernize their operations, medical technicians (Med Tech) will only rise in demand. For nurses and aspiring HCPs looking to enter this exciting profession, this article is here to help. Below, we will go over med tech requirements, salaries, and the steps needed to gain certification, among other things.

Job description of Med Tech

Med Tech primarily involves laboratory work. Physicians and medical technologists will order you to run tests on biological samples, analyze lab findings and report these results to your superiors. Said samples include fluids like blood and saliva, as well as certain tissue samples. If you are a specific kind of Med Tech, like a phlebotomist, you will also have to collect said specimens from patients. Running these tests involves handling a lot of expensive medical equipments, which you will also be in charge of maintaining. Like any other nurse, you will also be required to train any rookies that need orientation.

Med Techs play a very important role in the healthcare field. Certain conditions cannot be diagnosed without these detailed and thorough laboratory tests. They allow for the early prevention of diseases, more accurate findings and better healthcare overall. Without their contributions, certain conditions may slip through the cracks and jeopardize patient health in the long term.

Med Tech Salary and outlook

The future of the profession is exceedingly bright. From 2021 to 2031, The Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects that Med Techs are expected to grow by about 7% percent. For reference, this translates to 25,600 new job openings within that time and is about in-line with the average. A number of factors will contribute to the steady demand for these kinds of healthcare workers. Older patients are expected to need more detailed medical tests for conditions like type 2 diabetes. Prenatal tests for genetic conditions have also risen in prominence, thus raising the demand for such nurses even further. Finally, most facilities have lab implements and equipment that will need constant upkeep.

Med Tech salaries are also expected to be favorable. Currently, the BLS pins the median medical technician salary at around $57,800. Per diem med techs will have the opportunity to earn even higher than this. With the help of VitaWerks, they can secure the best-paying shifts from the finest facilities in their area. This is all while working at their own pace and dictating their own hours.

Steps to become a Med Tech

Step 1: Fulfill educational requirements

Before anything else, aspiring med tech nurses need to obtain their high school diplomas. Certain Med Tech programs will require a number of prerequisite courses, such as Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and English. Even if they do not, completing such courses will look extremely favorable in your resume. Once that is out of the way, you can start applying for an Associate of Science or an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical laboratory technology. There are also Bachelor’s programs for this, but an associate’s degree is the minimum requirement. These classes will prepare you for work in the field with extensive studies mixed with practical testing. On top of academic courses such as Clinical Chemistry, Hematology, or Microbiology, you will also carry out laboratory tests that will teach you how to collect and examine biological specimens, analyze their results and maintain the equipment used. Depending on your program, you may even get practical clinical experience in real facilities.

Step 2: Searching for Med Tech jobs

Technically, you are eligible for employment as soon as you graduate. This means you can start sending your applications early. To maximize your Med Tech salary and employment, however, you may want to look into additional certifications. These are not requirements, but they are proof of additional competencies that will look very good on your resume. Be sure to gain certification from trusted organizations, such as the Board of Registry of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. If there is a specific path that interests you, you could even look for specialty certifications, such as the American Board of Internal Medicine’s course on Hematology.

(Optional) Continues education

Later down the line, obtaining your Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or clinical laboratory science is well worth considering. It is not a Med Tech requirement, but it will increase your earning potential and employment opportunities, in the long run. More HCPs with bachelor-level education or above has a correlation with quality of care, which is why facilities will prioritize Bachelor-level applicants. You may even find work in higher positions, such as medical laboratory technologist or clinical laboratory scientist. Depending on your school-of-choice, your associate’s degree credits could carry over. Most BSN tracks take 4 years to complete, and their classes cover topics like molecular diagnostics and advanced microtechnology.

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Facilities HCP

Everything you need to know about LNAs(Licensed Nursing Assistant)

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Everything you need to know about LNAs(Licensed Nursing Assistant)

Licensed nursing assistants (LNA) play a vital role in the healthcare industry. Under the supervision of nurses, they are responsible for providing essential services to patients, throughout their shift. What exactly does an LNA do, in a single shift? And what exactly is the difference between LNA nurses and certified nursing assistants (CNA)? Read on to learn about nursing assistants, how to become an LNA and more.

Tasks and responsibilities of Licensed Nurse Assistants

Though an “entry level position,” LNA work is uniquely demanding on multiple levels. Under the watchful eye of a registered nurse and other qualified staff, you will be providing basic care to a number of patients at any given day. This includes (but is not limited to) turning and moving them from room to room, feeding them and dressing them. You will also be expected to clean their rooms and replace the bed linens, to ensure a hygienic patient environment. Throughout the day, you have to monitor your patient’s condition by reading vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate. LNAs are expected to document any changes they observe, before submitting said documentation to their supervisors, who will make the appropriate changes to their care plans. There is also an emotional dimension to care work that is essential for holistic healing. Hospitalization can be an isolating, and grueling experience for the patients. LNAs have to provide them with emotional support and company throughout the process.

Job requirements of LNAs

Compared to other medical professions, becoming an LNA is not as demanding or costly. Specific educational requirements will depend on your area’s State Board of Nursing, but most LNAs have to finish a state-approved LNA job training program. This LNA requirement will only take 4 to 8 weeks to complete, and will teach you the basic medical skills and ethics of the profession. Most of these programs will require at least a high school diploma from you, although some will also ask for a criminal background check.

After you finish training, you may need to take a competency exam and a background check for certification. Most states use the NNAAP or National Nurse Aide Assessment Program, which is divided into written and oral sections. Other tests could even have demonstrative sections, depending on where you live. Before anything else, you want to consult your training program to find both the format of your exam and relevant learning resources. Once you pass the test, you will acquire certification and either the Licensed Nursing Assistant or Certified Nursing Assistant title. There is no functional difference between the two– while most states opt for the former, states like Rhode Island refer to their nursing assistants as LNA nurses.

Location

LNAs can be found in a number of different facilities:
Nursing care facilities – 34%
Hospitals – 32%
Continuing care retirement facilities – 10%
Home healthcare services – 6%
Government – 4%

This draws from a Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) census of 1.3 million nursing assistants held in 2021. Nursing care facilities are the most common place-of-work for LNAs, while hospitals are a close second. Though there are LNAs in government facilities and home healthcare, it is far less common.

Outlook

LNA employment looks to be trending upwards, in the coming years. According to the BLS, the profession is set to grow 5% between 2021 to 2031, which is in line with the average growth rate for most occupations. In practice, this translates to 220,200 annual job openings within that time span. With healthcare workers retiring in droves in the coming years, new CNAs will be in demand to fill these vacancies. Aging populations with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease will also require LNAs to look after them as they age.

Salary of LNAs

As for salary, nursing assistants were reported to earn around $30,290 per year or $14.56 per hour. It is important to keep in mind that this figure is not a constant. Your LNA salary will ultimately be determined by your work experience, location, facility and any additional qualifications. On average, you will be earning less than registered nurses or other nursing counterparts. If you want to increase your earning potential even further, then you want to sign with VitaWerks. By securing the best rates in your area, LNA nurses could have the potential to earn more than their fully-salaried counterparts.You can save money for further education down the line, or you can live happily and comfortably as an LNA–ultimately, the choice is yours.

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HCP Facilities

HCP of the Month October 2022 – Priscilla

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

HCP of the Month October 2022 – Priscilla

VitaWerks is partnered with hundreds of the best HCPs in all of America. We are proud to support and empower the nation’s finest with our staffing services, AI matchmaking, and market-leading rates. Every month, we take the time to highlight the achievements and stories of some of the most exceptional healthcare professionals we have ever worked with.

This October, we are extremely excited to name Priscilla as our HCP of the month. Reliable, flexible, and hardworking. Whenever she goes and whoever she works with, supervisors, co-workers and patients alike will tell you all the same things. Even compared to her peers, she approaches her job with unparalleled thoroughness and attention to detail, without sacrificing timeliness. Several of our partnered facilities have praised her for her schedule flexibility, punctuality, and willingness to accept any challenge.

What drives her to put in this extra effort? Like any great HCP, Priscilla is deeply motivated by a strong desire to help people in need. “Whenever I am on the clock, I want to make sure (my patients) are receiving the best healthcare available to them. I never want to settle for “good enough,” “ she explained.

Even in her free time, Prsicilla’s desire to help others shines through. You can find her teaching young children and relatives. We do not doubt that she would have been a great teacher if she was not already an excellent HCP! On other occasions, she is also known to love driving around town, by herself, or with a friend. Whenever she needs to clear her mind or enjoy new sites and experiences, a cruise across the surrounding area is her perfect remedy.

Passion in healthcare is an unquantifiable quality. At the same time, it is extremely easy to recognize when an HCP possesses it. Healthcare professionals that truly love their jobs are irreplaceable, in any facility setting. They brighten the days of the patients they care for. They energize and motivate the HCPs that they work with. HCPs like her are why VitaWerks goes above and beyond, to provide the best staffing services available.

VitaWerks is proud to provide a platform that supports outstanding healthcare providers like Priscilla. For the work and extra effort they provide, the least we can do is empower them with better career opportunities and earning potential. “(VitaWerks) is always easy to work with and quick to reply to. Working with them has been a great experience,” she exclaimed.

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Facilities HCP

Nurse Shortage Solutions by States, Schools and Facilities

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Nurse Shortage Solutions by States, Schools and Facilities

Nurses are the lifeblood of any hospital or facility. Quality healthcare is not possible without a staff of well-trained, satisfied nurses working under each unit. This is why the nursing shortage has seriously handicapped the healthcare industry. Between an aging workforce and pandemic-related burnout, nursing turnover is rising at unprecedented rates. In 2021 alone, the national RN turnover rates rose by 8.1%, bringing up the national average to 27.1%. The American Nurses Association (ANA) projects that at least 275,000 additional nurses will be needed from 2020 to 2030, in order to cover for these departures.

If left unaddressed, facilities will begin to buckle under the weight of mounting case counts and short staffed units. This is why state governments, schools and facilities have begun initiatives to curb these nurse shortages. Different organizations have different approaches to the situation, but the success of these programs will be important to the future of nursing, both immediate and long term. This article will highlight a handful of the most prominent solutions, thus far.

State funding for facilities

State governments across the country are allocating funds to tackle these nurse shortages head-on. Where and how the money is allocated will depend on the state in question. Some states are funneling these funds directly to facilities in the area. For example, the Arizona government allocated $85,000,000 for staffing and overtime expenses. Oregon secured $318 million in federal funding to support nurses in the 2023 fiscal year. Some of these funds will be directed to maternal child programs to increase access to community health centers.

Travel nurses

Travel nursing is a more immediate solution to the staffing problem. States have allocated billions of dollars to travel nurse agencies, in order to fill key hospital vacancies as soon as possible. Texas allocated as much as $7 billion dollars of federal funds towards these temporary nurses, while Alabama spent $12.3 million. Facilities are even pushing legislation that would expand their travel nurse pool. In New York and Illinois, lawmakers are working on potentially opting into the Nursing Licensure Compact. In effect, this would allow out-of-state nurses to pick up travel nurse shifts in NYC.

Expanding and developing educational programs

Hospitals will need a steady pipeline of well-trained and properly educated nurses, in order to combat these staffing shortages. This is why nursing education and its development is a major focal point, with many of these initiatives. In South Carolina, the Lexington Medical Center and the University of South Carolina collaborated to build nursing simulations and teaching spaces in the former, for better and more rigorous training. The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and City Colleges of Chicago’s Malcolm X College have collaborated to form an accelerated dual program that lets students earn their Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) in the latter, and their Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) in the former. As far back as 2018, Montana State University was granted $700,000 in order to recruit and train nursing students. Several schools are even expanding their nurse education offerings, to provide more options for aspiring students. St. John’s University in New York and Dallas College in Texas are expanding to include BSN programs. At the time of writing, Arizona is also working on legislation that would devote $15 million towards the Nurse Education Investment Pilot Program, which would fund nursing colleges and universities in the area. Hospitals in the area are also working towards expanding current preceptor training programs, in order to accommodate more clinical rotations for nursing students.

More scholarship initiatives

Currently, one of the biggest barriers to entry for nurse education is the cost. BSN programs alone would cost you at least $40,000 and up to $80,000 or even $100,000. This is why numerous nursing schools across the country have expanded their scholarship offerings. In New York, SUNY Erie Community College and Erie County Medical Center are offering over $1,500 in annual scholarships to over 50 students. Healthcare facilities in Texas have begun collaborating with each other to provide free nursing programs and scholarships. Together with the Texas Nurses Association, they are even offering faculty loan repayment programs. In South Carolina, the Self Regional Healthcare Hospital created a new scholarship program for finding and developing Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA). Not only do they reimburse the student’s educational expenses, they also provide employment opportunities and training for them following graduation. The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA)’s detailed nurse shortage initiative includes an emphasis on increasing both the number and scale of nurse scholarship and financial aid opportunities in the area.

Increased pay

To better retain talented nurses, various organizations have devoted their efforts towards increased salaries across the board. The previously-mentioned shortage initiative by the ONA also stresses the importance of raising the base pay for HCPs. Alabama Baptist Universities have dedicated funds towards increasing nurse salaries in-state, as well as financial incentives for nurses taking their Master of Science In Nursing (MSN) to become educators. Hospitals in Florida are not only increasing salaries, they are also providing hefty sign-on bonuses to attract and retain potential nursing hires. Illinois lawmakers have dedicated funds to nursing home facilities, in order to increase the wages for HCPs.

Scratching the Surface

We have covered a number of different initiatives from various hospitals, schools and state governments across the country. Some of these measures seek to address the nursing shortage immediately, while others are investing in the future of nursing years down the line. In truth, a balance must be struck if we want to secure the future of healthcare.. If states only allocated funds for nursing programs, it does nothing to address the current workforce shortage and vice versa. The nursing shortage is a complex, multifaceted issue that requires different angles of attack

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How to Appeal Your Nursing School Grade

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

How to Appeal Your Nursing School Grade

You only get so many chances, in nursing school. A low enough grade may get you expelled, and students are typically only allowed to retake one class. But what if you feel like the grade you were given was unfair? What if you have provable, concrete evidence that your professor gave you biased treatment? In that case, you can appeal your grade to the higher-ups. This can be a grueling and time consuming process, but the option is available for those who truly feel wronged by the system. This article goes over how you can appeal your grade and what to consider.

Resolve things one-on-one

Before anything else, it would help to discuss things with your professor first. If you have issues with how you were graded, the course content or their teaching methods, you can bring this up one-on-one to see whether or not the situation can be addressed moving forward. It is far preferable to settle things personally when you can, rather than bringing it up as a time-consuming appeal case.

Collect and present demonstrable evidence

If neither side is willing to budge, then you may have to file an appeal. To even be considered, any claims must be backed up with clear evidence of unfair treatment. There are a number of reasons that are legitimate grounds for appealing your grade:

  • The teacher simply marked your items incorrectly.
  • Grading did not comply with school policy or procedures.
  • The student was graded with clear bias based on race, ethnicity, marital status, nationality, religion, sex, gender, disability status or age.
  • The professor was behaving unethically or violated a student’s rights somehow.

It is impossible to proceed further without incontrovertible proof. For example, say that you suspect that your professor is marking you down just for being gay. You need to show evidence that points to this. You could collate a list of different grades, organize them by “gay’ and “straight’ to compare and contrast. Even then, you may have to dive into the nuts and bolts with individual test results.

Follow the appeal process

If you cannot sort things with your professor, you have to file an appeal to present your case up the chain of command, until it is resolved. Different schools have different appeal processes, which are usually outlined in the student handbook. You want to be sure that you follow this step-by-step process accordingly or your request may fall on deaf ears. Every step of the way, you want to record who you spoke to regarding this case, and when. This lets you maintain a consistent timeline of events, for when you have to present a case. If faculty asks you to submit documentation, keep a copy of each document to maintain that consistency.

Is it worth it?

If a student successfully appeals their grade, the dividends are enormous. They get to raise their GPA, avoid failing out of class and continue pursuing their dreams of furthering their nursing education. None of this is a given, however. Appealing your grade is a lengthy and stressful process that will take time away from studying or your hobbies. If your appeal fails or it turns out that your professor graded you correctly, all that extra effort would have been for naught. Your grades may even get lower, depending on what they find. This may fracture your relationship with your teacher as well, who would also be deeply affected by the ordeal.

Appeals need concrete evidence that shows that your teacher was treating you unfairly, and how that treatment extended your academics. Even when your case seems bulletproof, there is no guarantee that your request will be accepted or even heard. When you pursue an appeal, you need to be absolutely sure that you are in the right. If you can help it, however, it is best to resolve things behind closed doors.

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The Problem With CNA Burnout

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

The Problem With CNA Burnout

Nursing assistants are a vital part of any successful healthcare facility. They are expected to handle physically demanding aspects of HCP work, while treating patients with the compassion and patience that is expected of any nurse. Unfortunately, none of us are indestructible. The physical, mental and emotional stress of nursing assistant work can add up, if you are not careful. As a result, many CNAs often find themselves burdened with fatigue, depression and (eventually) nurse burnout. Even the most dedicated healthcare workers with the best of intentions have their limits–passion alone can only carry you so far. What exactly makes CNA burnout such a hot button topic in particular? What can nursing assistants and facilities do to address this trend? All this and more will be explored in short order.

What is nurse burnout?

Burnout is a condition of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion, as a result of overwork and prolonged stress. Human minds are closely interconnected to the body, and the well-being of one greatly affects the other. Burnout can directly lead to a number of health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and substance misuse. Signs of nurse burnout include fatigue, depression, anxiety disorders, insomnia, and irritability. If left unchecked, burnout can render CNAs incapable of fulfilling their nursing duties. Worst case scenario, it can eventually lead you to an early grave.

What are nurse burnout causes?

Mental exhaustion can be an issue across multiple levels of healthcare. Clinical work by its nature is a very stressful and demanding profession that demands a lot out of its workers. Nursing assistants in particular have been affected harshly by burnout, in recent years. As we mentioned earlier, CNAs are expected to carry out a number of demanding tasks in the workplace. Within a single shift, they can find themselves moving patients from room to room, grooming them, feeding them, moving around medical supplies, answering hospital calls and more. Not only are they asked to do a lot, but they are paid far less than their contemporaries. For reference, the BLS reported that registered nurses earn around $77,600 annually, while nursing assistants only make $30,290. Put bluntly, nursing assistants feel overworked and underpaid for the value of their labor. As far back as 2018, it was reported that CNA burnout had a 26 to 50% prevalence.

The pandemic problem

That number has undoubtedly spiked following the pandemic. The chaos and tumult of the COVID-19 outbreak has only fed to this overwhelming sentiment. Hospitals across the nation were filled to capacity and understaffed for the situation, at the height of COVID-19. Every HCP was affected negatively by this and CNAs were no exception. Nursing assistants suddenly found themselves dealing with even more tasks and commonly working overtime hours, while dealing with the fears of getting infected by the Coronavirus. Burnout was already a problem before then, but the pandemic undoubtedly accelerated the process dramatically. According to nurse burnout statistics, anxiety and depression spiked by as much as 40%, during the pandemic.

What can be done?

There are a number of effective nurse burnout prevention measures. For example, CNAs can take short periodic breaks in between shifts. Setting aside 10 minutes to catch your breath can make a surprising difference. Proper self care can also help. When you are well-rested and eating healthy, your body is better equipped to handle the stress and challenges of a regular shift. If your workload is especially high on a given day, do not be afraid to ask for help or assistance from your fellow workers. It can take the load off. These are just a couple relevant examples.

As time marches on, keeping nursing talent may get harder than it has ever been. The fallout of the pandemic has tested the systems in place, and pushed hospitals past their capacities. While caring for yourself is important, it is not a sufficient measure by itself. The best possible changes to prevent nursing burnout are on a systematic level. Ultimately, facilities should be the most responsible for addressing this ongoing issue. Before CNA burnout symptoms even appear, the proper measures, initiatives and interventions would go a long way in making nursing assistants feel valued and retaining key talent. While this is true, there are still a number of variables that are within the CNA’s control.

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