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HCP

All you need to know about California CNA CEU renewal

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

All you need to know about California CNA CEU renewal

The nursing world is constantly changing. Evolving technology, new scientific discoveries and unpredictable medical trends forces HCPs and facilities alike to stay on their toes. To ensure that their training is up-to-date, state licensing boards make nurses fulfill continuing education requirements before they can renew their licenses. Exact requirements vary by state and California is no exception to this.

To help you stay on top of your certification renewals, we will go over all the CEU requirements for California nurses.

Contact Hours and CEUs

For the uninitiated, a couple of terms need to be defined. State boards of nursing and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) count continuing education requirements in two ways: contact hours and continuing education units. Although they are commonly used interchangeably. They are not the same.

Contact hours are 50 to 60 hours of nursing lessons. Continuing Education Units (or CEUs) are roughly equivalent to 10 contact hours. How many CEUs you will need (along with other miscellaneous requirements) is dependent on your profession and location. Below, we will go over various HCPs and their CEU requirements in California.

Certified Nursing Assistant: California CNA In-Service training entails 48 contact hours. Only 24 of these hours can be completed online. For CNA CEU renewal, at least 12 contact hours must be completed annually, within the 2-year certification period.

RN/LVN: CEU requirements in California are similar across these professions. These HCPs must complete 30 contact hours in two years.

Accepted Courses

To fulfill your CEU requirements, your classes should be relevant to your specialty, approved by the California Nursing Board and accredited by a school, employer or recognized institution.

These are courses that meet this criteria, per the California Board of Nursing.

Home Study Courses

CME Category 1

University or College Credit:

  • 1 quarter = 10 contact hours
  • 1 semester = 15 contact hours

To fulfill California’s CEU requirement, the course must be above the knowledge needed for licensure. Examples include:

  • Physical, Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Physical sciences-pathophysiology
  • Basic physical, social and behavioral science courses
  • Direct Patient Care
  • Skills courses (stoma care, etc.)
  • Patient education strategies
  • Cultural/ethnic diversity
  • Indirect Patient Care
  • Nursing administration
  • Nursing education
  • Statistics
  • Legal aspects of nursing

For a full list, refer to the California Board of Registered Nursing.

Exemptions

You are exempted from CEU requirements in California in your first two years as a nurse. You also qualify if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • The licensee is requesting inactive status for the license
  • Employed overseas for 1 or more years, or overseas residence for 1 or more years and currently employed.
  • Employed by a Federal Institution or Agency or one of the Military Services (USA), where that person is practicing nursing outside of the state of California on a California license (see Renewal Fee Waiver for Active Duty Military Personnel)
  • Experienced one of the following hardships for 1 or more years:
  • Total physical disability for 1 or more years, along with verification of ability to return to work.
  • Total disability of an immediate family member that you are responsible for, for 1 or more years.
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HCP

3 points to consider when choosing a nurse staffing agency

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

3 points to consider when choosing a nurse staffing agency

Between evolving medical technology, aging populations and a pandemic that has changed everything, healthcare as we know it is continuously adapting to changing demands. In the midst of all these changes and trends, medical staffing agencies have risen to prominence. For the uninitiated, these companies secure nurses to contractual gigs, for facilities who need to fill out temporary or permanent shortages. This per diem nursing offers HCPs unparalleled flexibility and diversity. In essence, nurses can book as many shifts as they need while working in a variety of different settings.

While this all sounds nice, you want to be sure that you find nurse recruiters that will do right by you. To help you with this, we will go over everything you need to consider when choosing an agency.

Look for References and Reviews

To find the best nursing jobs you want to be absolutely sure that you are joining an upstanding organization. Checking site reviews is a good start, but you want to take things a step further. Sites like Linkedin, online nursing forums or even some Facebook groups could give you a clearer picture of what it is like to work with the company. To take it a step further, you want to look for references from HCPs actively working with that nurse recruitment agency. These are as trustworthy an account as you can get, in today’s working environment. You ideally want one from someone you are familiar with, but that is optional.

Find Agencies That Offer the Right Jobs

Part of the magic of per diem nursing is the diversity. HCPs will find themselves working in multiple different facilities and specializations. As a result, their experiences are far more diverse than your typical full time nurse. However, there is still a possibility that you want to narrow your focus on a specific field of interest. Maybe you want to build experience to further your education or stay in your lane. If that is the case, you want to see if jobs within your specialization are offered. Some agencies cast a broad net, while others prioritize certain areas.

Find Agencies With Ongoing Support

Different institutions have different environments, cultures and priorities. When a nurse works multiple side jobs, they need to learn to get acclimated with new facilities in an instant. Ongoing support from your nurse staffing agency can make all the difference in the world. Ideally, there is staff that will answer any questions you might have, regarding your assignments and bookings. Should any complications arise or if you need any clarifications, you want to be sure that your agency will provide mid-assignment assistance when needed.

A world of opportunity

A good nurse recruiter will expand your horizons as a nurse. Per diem nurses can essentially try out different specializations and gain experience in various environments while earning highly-competitive salaries. It comes with its fair share of challenges, but. Provided that you remember these three key considerations, you will be rewarded with career flexibility or opportunities you cannot find anywhere else.

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Facilities HCP

Around One-Third of Nurses Are Expected To Quit in 2022

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Around One-Third of Nurses Are Expected To Quit in 2022

Around One-Third of Nurses Are Expected To Quit in 2022

COVID-19 has taken its toll on the healthcare industry. At its peak, hospitals were filled to capacity and nurses were struggling with low supplies, long hours of grueling work and anxiety regarding infection. Surveys from various agencies confirm where things are trending: all this stress is resulting in burnout and turnover.

As much as 33% (around one-third) of nurses stated that it is “highly likely” that they will quit their jobs around the end of 2022. 45% of these respondents cited burnout and a high-stress environment, while 32% pointed to insufficient pay and benefits.

Abusive workplace interactions was another common sticking point. As much as 64% of correspondents reported dealing with physical or verbal abuse from patients and their families. Within these cases, frustration around COVID guidelines (51%) and perceived insufficient staff or care (48%) were the main instigating factors. On a different note, as much as 31% of nurses detailed cases of workplace discrimination or racism. A majority of this came from patient interactions, but 45% of these RNs mentioned dealing with this kind of abuse from their workplace peers. Though not necessarily “abusive,” as much as 65% of nurses felt underappreciated by their communities for their efforts in controlling COVID-19.

Not all resigning nurses were quitting healthcare completely. A considerable 41% of nurses planned to work in different healthcare facilities, while 31% of nurses were either going to leave nursing or retire outright. Surveys also found that 41% of correspondents had already found new nursing jobs by January 2021. Common motivations behind this move included better pay (57% of these nurses), desire for a new role (34%), better scheduling (32%), location (24%), advancing their careers or training (23%) and improved staffing (25%).

Regardless, it is undeniable that the nursing workforce is bleeding manpower. Facilities have been scrambling to find ways to retain high-end talent, like dramatically increasing sign-on bonuses. There has been a significant 161% increase in job contracts with sign-on bonuses. In Texas, 57% of job offers had such bonuses, compared to 15% from the year prior.

The sign on bonuses themselves have almost doubled from $5,600 to $10,500 in the same amount of time. Nationwide, the highest sign-on bonuses belong to Florida at an average of $13,000. California remains at the top of base salary, at 21% higher than the $80,000 median pay..

The US Bureau Labor of Statistics estimates that over 90,000 people have left the hospital sub sector since March 2020. Various Nurses Associations predict that there will be as much as 100,000 vacant nursing jobs next year.

Last year, they formally declared a national nurse staffing crisis and enacted policies to address the issue. Nurses’ mental health, retaining staff and the limited education of new nursing students were among the biggest issues that needed addressing.

On the bright side, more and more nurses are opting to get their vaccines. 89% of nurses have received their COVID-19 doses, compared to last year’s 73%. Considering how 32% of nurses reportedly had no intentions to receive their shots, this is a considerable improvement. Nursing facilities will now be safer and more prepared for the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak.

There are no easy fixes to this ongoing nursing shortage. Experts believe that this will persist well beyond 2022. However, hospitals can do their best to retain staff by addressing the issues outlined above. Truly competitive wage offers, more opportunities for career advancement and further training, and flexible scheduling are just a few of the ways that healthcare facilities can make their staff feel valued. Making your staff feel valued and being transparent with key concerns will go a long way in making things better for everyone.

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HCP

Tips on How to Pass the 2022 NCLEX-RN on the First Time

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Tips on How to Pass the 2022 NCLEX-RN on the First Time

Tips on How to Pass the 2022 NCLEX-RN on the First Time

Nurses are expected to be knowledgeable, practically skilled and more. Even after you have completed your nursing program, none of this is guaranteed. For public safety, nurses must pass the National Council Licensure Examination – Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), before they are licensed. All your efforts will be for naught, if you take the test unprepared. In this article, we go over important tips on passing the exam. If you take all this to heart, you could even pass the NCLEX in 75 questions.

What is the best way to study?

You cannot build a study plan for the NCLEX, without good resources. These days, there are a host of learning materials available online. Online NCLEX practice tests, for instance, let you gauge your progress in your studies. No two tests are the same, but these materials let you gauge your current progress as you review. The Kaplan NCLEX-RN Test Prep is one such learning resource. Additionally, the NCSBN provides test exams on its own website. As far as accessible learning material goes, this just scratches the surface.

How Many Hours In A Day Should You Study for the NCLEX-RN?

2 to 3 weeks is not nearly enough time to study for the NCLEX. At the same time, studying every waking hour of the day, all week long is a quick and easy way to burn yourself out. As with all things, you want to strike a balance. Generally, it is advised that you allot 1-2 months for studying. It is highly advised that you create a study plan for the NCLEX-RN, that encompasses this timeframe. That way, you can provide order and clarity to your efforts.

For example, you can designate study days where you can spend two to four hours on your reviews, with breaks in between. Split time between practice questions, chapters on your reviewer and working on sections you struggle with. Do not forget to set rest days as well. We all need to recharge, every now and then.

What should I focus on for NCLEX-RN?

There are four main categories of NCLEX exam questions: Safe and Effective Care Environment, Health Promotion and Maintenance, Psychosocial Integrity, and Physiological Integrity. Any subtopics branch from these four. When you are choosing your reviewer, you need to make sure that all four of them are extensively covered.

How Hard is the NCLEX-RN:

Obviously, you should not coast when you take the nursing licensure exam. At the same time, it is unhelpful to view the test as this insurmountable monolith. If you take the time to prepare yourself, the nursing exam is perfectly reasonable. The 2020 passing rate reached as high as 86.5%. Most people who are qualified to take the exam will pass it. Even if you do not, you can always try again.

What is the NCLEX-RN passing score for 2022?

The nursing entrance test uses an adaptive testing mechanism that estimates your ability, based on your answers to questions of varying difficulty. The test then asks additional questions to affirm its assumptions, until it is 95% certain of your abilities. Afterward, you are assigned a “logit,” which is a unit of measurement that corresponds to your capabilities.

The NCLEX passing score, as of 2022, is a logit of 0. This is the equivalent of correctly answering 50% of all medium-difficulty questions. As long as your logit is positive, that means you have passed.

Do not forget to register for the test

Before you even ask what you should focus on for the NCLEX-RN, you need to register for the exam itself. To do this, you need to apply for the proper nursing credential from your state’s board of licensure and registration. Once you are done, you have to take the NCLEX-RN at least a year after registration. Do remember that there is typically a $200 fee and that licensure requirements can vary from state to state. To avoid confusion, check your state’s requirements with their regulatory board.

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HCP Facilities

What’s the Difference Between DNP and DNAP CRNA Degrees

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

What’s the Difference Between DNP and DNAP CRNA Degrees

DNP vs DNAP: Which is the best CRNA degree?

Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are in charge of assisting surgeons and supervising physicians with the administration of anaesthesia, along with post-operative care. It should be no surprise that CRNAs are one of the most in-demand careers in the healthcare industry. The BLS projects a staggering 14% growth in the employment rate from 2019 to 2029. At present, CRNAs are handsomely paid with a median annual salary of $184,570.

So how do you become a CRNA? At the moment, you can become a CRNA by taking a master’s program. By January 2 2022, however, nursing students entering CRNA programs must enrol in a doctorate program. By 2025, CRNAs will require a doctorate in order to practice. Students can choose between a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) or a Doctorate of Nursing Anesthesia Practice (DNAP). For the sake of your career, you want to select the program that suits you best. To help you pick, this article will compare and contrast both doctorate programs.

Overview:

DNP courses emphasize clinical practice, with the intention of producing highly-credentialed leaders. Nurses who want to directly treat patients can further specialize in the Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (APRN) route. These RNs are trained to diagnose and treat patients in specialized ways. These are where DNP CRNA programs fall under.

In comparison, DNAP classes mainly focus on the research of anaesthetic practices. From the clinical setting, education, and even on the administrative level, the goal is to improve nurse anaesthesia on all levels with detailed studies. This can mean applying physiological theory in a manner that improves the quality of care, across the board. Students may also be expected to resolve ethical dilemmas in the industry with effective and creative strategies.

DNAP Program Length and Requirements.

Specific requirements for a nurse anaesthetist program can vary from school to school. Whether it is a DNP CRNA program or a DNAP, you will typically need a bachelor’s degree, a nursing license and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Most doctorate programs will also require one to three years of experience in an intensive care unit or a critical care program.

Once you have met the requirements and enrolled, students can choose between a variety of tracks. DNP students must specialize in DNP CRNA programs, while DNAPs are already specialized. Both programs tend to take 33 to 43 credits and around 500 hours. How long it takes depends on your approach and track of choice. The BSN to DNAP/DNP track can take up to 3-4 years full time and 4-7 years part-time. Meanwhile, MSN to DNAP/DNP programs can take 1-2 years full time, and 2-3 years part-time.

Accreditation

The DNP curriculum is set by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), while the DNAP is approved by the Nurse Anesthetists Council of Accreditation (NACA). Thanks to the efforts of the AACN, the DNP CRNA programs are widely recognized as terminal degrees (or the highest possible nursing education), compared to DNAP ones. Unless you want to become a university faculty member, this is negligible.

DNP and DNAP Salary:

There is no major discrepancy between a DNAP and a DNP CRNA salary. However, there are a number of other factors that can determine your income. Entry-level salaries can sit at around $100,000, while senior CRNAs with eight years of experience can earn up to $220,557. Salaries can also depend on where you work. Currently, the highest DNP/DNAP salaries can be found in outpatient care centres and speciality hospitals. There, income sits at around $224,810 and $201,220, respectively. Certain states also pay their CRNAs better than others. Be sure to also consider the cost of living, before making any major decisions.

How to Become a CRNA After Education:

As soon as you finish your studies, you are allowed to take the National Certification Exam (NCE). This 3-hour computerized test consists of 100-170 test questions, including 30 random non-graded questions. Preliminary results are immediately given, but official results are sent two to four weeks later. Additionally, there is a $995 entrance fee.

The contents of the exam can be broken down into four parts: basic sciences (25%), equipment, instrumentation and technology (15%), basic principles of anaesthesia (30%) and advanced principles of anaesthesia (30%).

Conclusion:

In the DNP vs DNAP comparison, we find that both programs are more similar than different. There is no doubt that both programs diverge in some key aspects. The DNP emphasizes practice, while DNAP is focused on the application of research. The DNP is more widely recognized, because of the efforts of its governing body. Despite this, both degrees have equal merits for any aspiring CRNA. Which one suits you mostly depends on personal preference, and what is available to you.

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Facilities HCP

Everything You Need To Know About California’s New Mask Policies

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Everything You Need To Know About California’s New Mask Policies

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tweaked their mask guidelines. Rather than raw case counts, mask policies will be determined by the actual effect of COVID-19 on hospitals and the community. With this new standard, the CDC identified that 70% of people reside in low to medium risk areas, and can stop wearing masks as a result. Universal masking will still be in place for counties under high COVID risk, and the requirements will not change for public transportation. The CDC also clarified that people with COVID symptoms or positive tests must continue to wear masks as well.

In response to this, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) have updated their own mask policies. It is important to remember that the CDC guidelines are not federal law. Even if you live in a “low-to-medium” risk county, local governments and private institutions can still enforce their own separate policies. Before you throw away your box of N95s, here is everything you need to know about the changes to the California mask mandates.

Mask Requirements Indoors

Previously, unvaccinated individuals were mandated to wear masks in indoor public settings. As of March 1, 2022, this will no longer be the case for most places. Universal masking will still be required in certain areas identified as high risk. This includes:

  • Public Transit (examples: airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares) and in transportation hubs (examples: airport, bus terminal, marina, train station, seaport or other port, subway station, or any other area that provides transportation)
  • Emergency shelters and cooling and heating centers
  • All healthcare settings
  • State and local correctional facilities and detention centers
  • Homeless shelters
  • Long Term Care Settings & Adult and Senior Care Facilities

The CDPH still strongly recommends that you wear your mask indoors in indoor public settings and businesses, regardless of your vaccination status. This includes retail, restaurants, theaters, family entertainment centers, meetings and state and local government offices.

New School Mask Policies

Schools and childcare used to be marked as high risk public areas where masks were mandated. After March 11, 2022, these universal requirements will be lifted. This was announced in a joint statement by the California, Oregon and Washington governors. Declining case rates and hospitalizations were cited as the main reason behind these guideline updates. The CDPH still suggests that individuals continue wearing their masks in these settings, even when the requirements are removed.

Strong Recommendations?

Even in areas where the mask requirements are being lifted, masking in indoor spaces is still highly recommended. If the CDC suggested that 70% of Americans are no longer at risk, why are they still recommending masks? In this case, context matters. 30 out of 58 counties in California are still identified as high risk based on the CDC’s new metrics. In line with the agency’s recommendations, individuals with COVID symptoms or positive tests will still be required to wear their masks.

This begs the question: can I finally put down the N95s? If you live in one of the 30 “high risk” counties in California, it is best to err on the side of caution. If you are fully vaccinated, and you live in “medium-to-low” risk zones like San Francisco, it is possible to walk outside maskless with a clear mind. At the end of the day, it all depends on your circumstances and preferences. Many people are itching to go back to normal, but things will not turn around overnight. All you can do is stay informed and updated, as the situation unfolds.

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Facilities HCP

4 Things Healthcare Professionals Can Expect During the COVID-19 Case Surge

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

4 things Healthcare Professionals can expect during the COVID-19 case surge

Omicron has spread across the United States like a wildfire, with unprecedented transmissibility and efficiency. According to Chief Medical Advisor to the President. Anthony Fauci, it is likely that Omicron will find “just about everybody.” The strain is less fatal, but healthcare facilities are still buckling under a nursing crisis. Hospitalization rates have skyrocketed past previous records, while Omicron patients make up 98% of all COVID cases. Healthcare workers can expect many challenges and changes in the days ahead.

The nursing shortage crisis will worsen

Turnover has always been a problem in healthcare, but the beginning of the pandemic escalated the problem. According to a poll conducted by the International Council of Nurses, 90% of National Nurses Associations (NNAs) were concerned that stress and burnout coming from the extreme workload would lead to increased turnover in the coming years. Presently, nurses are retiring at an unprecedented rate. Taking into account existing RN shortages, the workforce aging out and the effect of COVID-19, the ICN posits that 13 million nurses would be needed to fill in the nurse shortage gap, in the future.

The surge of Omicron cases will likely accelerate this nursing staff shortage, if left unchecked. Neil Sehgal, a professor from University of Maryland School of Public Health, began questioning “whether or not this was the week the healthcare system would break.”

Infections could hinder hospital operations

Thanks to Omicron’s highly mutated and contagious nature, it can more easily infect vaccinated individuals than any other strain. Whether or not they are symptomatic, nurses will be forced to isolate at home for a couple of days. Hospitals will have to account for the sudden RN shortage, thus complicating matters even further.

Demand for nurses will rise

Even before Omicron, demand for nursing was trending upwards. Nurse staffing demand saw an increase of 245% (around 50,000 nurses) from September 2020 to December 2020. One year later, finding healthcare staff is still harder than it has ever been. On top of the record turnover, facilities have to account for nurses who were sidelined by the Omicron variant. This can be especially tough for hospitals in small rural communities. As a result, demand for nurses has soared. Openings for healthcare jobs are currently double their pandemic lows.

Nursing wages will continue to increase

Following LPN, RN and CNA shortages (just to name a few), hospitals are struggling to retain staff. As a direct result, Wages have skyrocketed, across the board. Last November alone, labor expenses per patient was 26% higher than they were two years ago. LPNs and NAs in particular saw a significant 9.4% and 5.7% increase in hourly earnings. Meanwhile, RNs saw a non-significant increase of 2.0%. Traveling nurses and per-diem nurses will especially benefit, since they can serve as last-minute solutions to staff shortages. Salaries for temporary healthcare jobs have risen throughout the pandemic, and have even doubled during notable spikes.

Silver Linings

That we are in a nursing crisis is undeniable. The spike in Omicron cases is pushing facilities and staff to their limits. There is no doubt that nurses are being tested like they never have before. As bad as the situation currently is, though, there are still silver linings. Between the rise in demand for nurses and the salary increase, there are a slew of opportunities for HCPs willing to weather the storm. It is a turbulent time to be an HCP, yet in some ways that is the most exciting part.

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Facilities HCP

Lessons to learn from first and second wave of COVID-19 in the USA for health care providers

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Lessons to learn from first and second wave of COVID-19 in the USA for health care providers

Over the past two years, the pandemic has completely rocked the healthcare industry. Facilities have had to keep up with two waves of COVID-19, multiple strains and hospitalizations before and after vaccines. Thanks to surging cases exacerbating a stressful work environment, the nursing industry is also experiencing unprecedented turnover. Despite these challenging times, the public still needs their healthcare heroes. Facilities have no choice but to rise to the occasion, and learn from the last two waves of COVID.

Omicron symptoms resemble a mild cold

There is still some variance in omicron cases, but a few recurring symptoms have been identified. Runny nose, headaches, fatigue, and sneezing are currently among the top Omicron symptoms. Meanwhile, loss of smell/taste has become much less common. A study in the UK found that only 13% percent of Omicron cases exhibited such symptoms. Fever and cough are also considerably less common. For the most part, Omicron symptoms resemble a mild-to-severe cold. Though not as potent as other strains, it still poses a threat to the immunocompromised. As such, healthcare providers should remain vigilant.

Delta variant hospitalization has the highest risk

Both Delta and Omicron were found to be considerably more infectious than the original strain of COVID. KKF reported that Delta spread 50% faster than the original SARS-CoV-2. Meanwhile, Omicron is 2.7 to 3.7 times more infectious than Delta, among the vaccinated individuals. Despite this, the risk of delta variant hospitalization is triple that of Omicron. In addition, the possibility of requiring emergency care for Delta was double the risk for Omicron. Though the latter spreads faster, the former is the more pressing threat to healthcare providers.

Hospitalization after vaccine is possible, but not likely

While the vaccines have successfully prevented infections and complications, it is not 100% effective. There are still “vaccine breakthrough infections”, where fully vaccinated individuals still manage to catch COVID-19. In particular, omicron’s numerous mutations have allowed it to infect vaccinated individuals at a higher rate than any other strain. As previously mentioned, however, symptoms are less severe and hospitalization after vaccination is much less likely. In a brief from Health System Tracker, only 15% of COVID-19 hospitalizations between June and December involved fully-vaccinated patients.

A different sort of herd immunity is possible

Normal herd immunity may not be possible with COVID-19, the same way that it is for the measles. As mentioned earlier, vaccine protection is important but not 100% effective. Some members of the population are also hesitant to take the vaccine, for political reasons. As a result, it is likely that most of the population will eventually be exposed to a COVID-19 variant. Though total herd immunity is impossible, we can still reach a point where the virus exists in a less harmful form. COVID-19 will still be a major health concern, but with sufficient vaccination levels, it will be far more manageable to deal with.

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Facilities HCP

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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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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