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WHO Unveils Free Mental Health Training Program for HCPs

sad female nurse at hospital corridor
  • Hello • February 8, 2023

WHO Unveils Free Mental Health Training Program for HCPs

The World Health Organization (WHO)’s Quality Rights e-training course for community inclusion, recovery and mental health have been officially endorsed by the International Council of Nurses (ICN). It covers recovery, community inclusion and mental health in the nursing space. With this free mental health training online, nurses learn how to tackle mental health problems, workplace abuse and prejudice in a firm but level-headed manner.

Thanks to the ICN’s approval, the course is now recognized as a legitimate continuing education source. Upon completing their online mental health training, nurses are rewarded with 24 International Continuing Education Credits (ICEC). This can be placed on a nursing portfolio for licensure renewal, and registration. Proof of continued competency, career advancement and more.

The value of such a program cannot be understated. Nursing education has to adapt its material to reflect the current needs and developments of the healthcare industry. Recent developments, such as the COVID-19 pandemic shone an unflattering light on the state of mental health in the nursing industry. Due to unforgiving working conditions, countless nurses experienced “high anxiety, depression and stress.” According to a survey conducted by the American Nurses Association, 71% of nurses felt “overwhelmed” while 66% of critical care nurses considered leaving the profession in 2021.

 Indeed, this widespread burnout naturally feeds into the current wave of nursing turnover. The 2022 NSI National HealthCare Retention & RN Staffing Report revealed that turnover rates increased by 8.4 percent in 2021, resulting in a 27.1% national average. Although mental health training online does not solve all problems, it is a step in the right direction. Nurses deserve to be sufficiently equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle common mental health problems that affect nurses worldwide.

 Mental health is also a growing sector in the healthcare industry. Per Indeed, the median mental health nurse practitioner salary is $137,397, annually. As the public perception of mental health continues to shift, demand for the field will only continue to grow. If you are a nurse looking to commit to a speciality, it is well worth considering.

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HCP Facilities

HCP of the Month January 2023 – Ibrahim

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

HCP of the Month January 2023 – Ibrahim

VitaWerks is proud of what the marketplace has become, and just how many lives we have been able to improve. We partner with so many excellent HCPs, that it is hard to count them all. With our platform, we want to bring attention to some of the best healthcare professionals picking up shifts on our app. 

This January we have happily selected Ibrahim as our HCP of the Month. Ask any co-worker, or healthcare facility he has ever worked with, and the first thing they will mention is his drive. He is easily one of the most driven and resilient healthcare professionals that we have ever seen. In any setting and no matter the task, you can always count on Ibrahim to provide 100% effort and attentiveness. All this is driven by an unstoppable passion for helping people in need. 

“No matter what we assign him, we never hear any complaints,” “Under no circumstances has Ibrahim ever called sick. He is one of the most hardworking individuals we have ever worked with. His character is exceptional as well,” noted a manager at one of our partnered facilities. “Very easy to work with, and he follows every single instruction without any issue whatsoever. I am not exaggerating when I say that everyone in the facility loves him.” 

On his off days, you can commonly see Ibrahim staying fit and active. He loves getting his reps in with a nice workout, shooting hoops at a nearby rec center, and playing football. When he is not on the move, he loves nothing more than taking his time with a compelling novel. It is clear that approaches his hobbies with the same kind of enthusiasm.

With an industry as demanding as healthcare, HCPs who stay motivated and energized are irreplaceable. They can galvanize and motivate their whole team, at the best of times. They can even inspire and uplift patients who are going through difficult personal struggles. 

HCPs like Ibrahim are why we developed the VitaWerks app. These heroes deserve the highest rates you can find on the market. They also deserve the flexibility to set their schedules and achieve work-life balance. That is why we have made it our mission to pay back the HCPs who have given our communities so much. “VitaWerks has been such a great agency to me,” Ibrahim lauded. “Customer service is excellent and always available. The staff always offers me competitive rates, as well.” 

We look forward to all the great things he will certainly accomplish! 

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HCP

Taking the Next Step: How to Advance Your Nursing Career

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Taking the Next Step: How to Advance Your Nursing Career

Nursing is a constant journey. Whether you want your master’s degree, doctorate or change careers entirely, HCPs are constantly looking to advance their station.

Without a plan-of-attack, it will be difficult to get anywhere. No matter your goal, this guide will go over how you can take the next leap in 2023. 

RN to BSN

It is no secret that hospitals lean towards accepting nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher. This is why RNs with associate’s degrees or diplomas are going back to school to acquire their BSN: to (hopefully) increase their hireability and earning potential.  If this applies to you, this guide is here to help. 

Accelerated BSN

If you want to become a nurse, but you already completed a different bachelor’s course, fret not. Non-nursing bachelor graduates can take Accelerated BSN programs where you can earn your nursing credentials at a faster pace. To learn more, refer to the “How To Become A Nurse If You Already Have A Degree” section of our BSN guide.

MSN

A Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) opens the possibilities for higher earning nursing jobs, in the future. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) in particular require an MSN at minimum, and are among the highest paid and most respected RNs in the industry. Our MSN guide covers everything you need to know about getting an MSN degree.

DNP

Your Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest level of nursing education attainable, at the time of writing. While relatively new, aspiring nurse administrators and APRNs want to keep their eyes out for this terminal degree. Learn more on our comprehensive, step-by-step DNP primer. 

Changing your nursing career

If you wanna move away from clinical nursing work, your nursing experience will carry over to a number of related, non-clinical roles. This list of common nursing career changes is not comprehensive, but it is a great starting point if you are looking for alternatives. 

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HCP

Registered Nurse RN Salary Guide

RN Salary Guide
  • Hello • February 8, 2023

RN Salary Guide

RN Salary Guide

As ageing populations and chronic conditions increase, registered nurses (RN) will only grow in relevance over the coming years. With the RN yearly salary sitting at $77,600 and a projected employment growth rate of 6% (between 2021 to 2031), the future for RNs looks to be a promising one.

Do not expect every healthcare facility to pay you $77,600 right out the gate, however. Your pay in practice ultimately depends on a number of factors and circumstances.

This salary guide will go over everything you need to know about RN pay, as of December 2022. Do note that all these numbers are subject to change.

 RN Salary Range

How much does an RN make starting out, really? RN nurses’ salary per hour sits at around $37.31.

However, it is extremely unlikely for nurses starting out to make this amount. Like with any other job, income for HCPs has a wide range determined by several key factors.

Education

Higher levels of nursing education usually equate to more experience, knowledge and top-quality training. Because of this, hospitals will offer you higher salaries and more varied job opportunities (both clinical and administrative.)

Below are the average RN salaries for each educational level, according to Payscale’s user base.

Speciality Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Salary $74,000 $91,000 $100,000 $109,000

At the bare minimum, becoming an RN requires an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). While Associate’s Programs are faster (around 3 years) and cheaper than their counterparts, they are accordingly paid less on average. Though RNs are higher than LPNs technically, some Licensed Practical Nurses may outearn you at this level.

BSN nurses go through a more extensive 4-year program that equips them with more significant theoretical and practical nursing skills. In addition to more clinical opportunities, BSN nurses can qualify for well-paying administrative positions with sufficient experience.

Two-year MSN programs are the minimum requirement for Advanced Practice Registered Nursing (ARPN) roles. Between nurse practitioners, nurse anaesthetists and nurse midwives, APRNs are the highest-level clinical positions in nursing. These nurses are afforded the best salaries and additional autonomy, depending on their state.

DNP is a newer terminal nursing degree and is not a strict requirement for APRN roles as of now. It is still worth considering, as it provides training for nurses looking to take on high-level administrative and managerial duties.

Location

Different states pay nurses differently. Where you live will hugely influence how much you can earn, as an RN.

Below are the current highest-paying nursing states, according to the BLS:

● California: $124,000

● Hawaii: $106,530

● Oregon: $98,630

● District of Columbia: $98,540

● Alaska: $97,230

Remember that the raw median salary is only part of the puzzle. Employment level determines the difficulty level of finding a nursing job in that area.

With that in mind, these are the states with the highest employment level:

● California: 324,400

● Texas: 217,630

● New York: 188,300

● Florida: 187,920

● Pennsylvania: 149,270

 

Cost-of-Living 

With the highest employment level and median salary, California appears to be the nurse-friendliest state in the nation. The highest income tax in the nation and expensive cost of living must be considered, however.

Your RN nurse salary per hour does not exist in a vacuum. It must be considered alongside cost-of-living before you accept a cross-state job and relocate.

We recommend this cost of living calculator, but there are a host of other resources available online.

Experience

In Payscale’s database, entry-level nurses with at least 1 year of experience earn around $99k while those with 20+ years can make as much as $198,000 annually. The RN starting salary per hour is naturally lower than a veteran’s hourly rate. Though the sample is small, it reflects the gap in salary between new and veteran nurses.

How much an RN makes starting out does not compare to a nurse with more years under their belt. Because of their deeper knowledge and more developed skills in the space, experienced nurses will earn more than their rookie counterparts.

Specialization and Role

Nurses can find work in a variety of different industries. Per the BLS, these are the current highest-paying nursing sectors and their mean salaries:

● Government Facilities: $85,970

● Hospitals: $78,070

● Ambulatory care centres: $76,700

● Nursing homes: $72,420

● Education: $72,420

Certain jobs are also more sought after than others, such as APRNs. Certified Nurse Anesthetists ($203,105), Nurse Practitioners ($119,387) and Nurse Midwives ($117,856) earn significantly more than their RN counterparts, because of their specialized skills and highly-demanded services.

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HCP

Licensed Vocational Nurse LVN Salary Guide

LVN Salary
  • Hello • February 8, 2023

LVN Salary Guide

LVN Salary

Whether they are called Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), hospitals rely heavily on their skills and experience. Between administering medications, supervising nursing assistants or supporting the nurses above them, good LVNs ensure smooth operations all around.

Currently, the average salary for LPN sits at $48,070 a year and the profession has a 6% employment rate between 2021 and 2031. Though more modest compared to works like registered nurses, this is still a respectable outlook. In reality, your income will be determined by a host of different factors and sits at a wide salary range. How much do LVNs actually make, then? If you are an HCP looking to maximize their value, this guide has you covered.

Location

Thanks to varying population densities and demand, the salary for LVN greatly depends on which state or city you live in. LVN salary in Dallas, Texas is not the same as the average rate in Wyoming, and Michigan.

Currently, the highest-paying LVN states are as follows:

  • California: $65,140
  • Alaska: $63,650
  • Washington: $63,250
  • Massachuestts: $61,820
  • Nevada: $60,490

The annual salary in a vacuum only paints part of the picture. CNAs also have to consider employment level, which can determine the difficulty of finding jobs in the first place.

  • California: 72,180
  • Texas: 64,680
  • New York: 40,470
  • Florida: 37,740
  • Pennsylvania: 36,810

 

Education

 LVN salary vs RN is not much of a competition, with RNs earning $77,600 on average. This is largely due to the disparity in training and education.

RN programs are 4-year long and cover both theoretical and practical nursing knowledge, in-depth. By contrast, LVN programs only take one year to complete and do not go nearly as detailed.

Although the gap cannot be fully closed, LVNs can increase their earning potential with additional certifications like IV Therapy, Long Term Care, Basic Life Support and more.  Provided they are relevant to the facility or department you are applying for, they will look incredibly good on any resume.

You can find these certifications in many community colleges and healthcare facilities.

Cost of living

California stands out as the state with the highest median salary AND employment rate. You might be wondering “is there a question at all,” for nurses looking to relocate?

You also have to take into consideration the high-income taxes and the expensive cost of living in general. All these expenses drag down your effective buying power, in the end.

Whether you are moving to California or Colorado, a state’s cost of living plays a significant role in determining how much money you actually see. This nifty cost-of-living calculator can help first-time LVN movers, and there is no shortage of insightful resources.

Industry

 Though LVNs can find work anywhere, certain facilities and industries will pay better than others. Of particular note, government facilities ($52,210/yr) and residential care facilities ($49,620/yr) require quality LVN services and will pay the best as a result.

Home healthcare and hospitals do not pay as well, but at $48,350/yr and $47,000, respectively, they still pay a reasonable amount. The former in particular has risen in prominence, with more people staying at home due to the pandemic.

Physician offices are the least lucrative of the highest-paying industries at $46,870. These roles are still well worth considering, especially if you want to become a physician in the future.

Experience

Facilities will always take proven HCPs over rookie ones. As a result, experienced nurses typically have a higher average LVN salary. According to Payscale, year 1 nurses earn around $22.57 per hour while nurses with 20+ years of experience make $25.66/hr.

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HCP

Why Nurses Should Set SMART Goals for 2023

Cheerful female doctor celebrating good news while working in the hospital.
  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Why Nurses Should Set SMART Goals for 2023

A new year is a new opportunity. Every New Year’s eve, we set goals and resolutions that we intend to accomplish in the following year. As the saying goes: it is better to work smarter, not harder. To grow professionally, you need both the right kind of nurse goals along with a well-developed plan of attack. In this article, we will show you how you can set and pursue SMART goals for nurses, in 2023. 

Defining SMART

Aspiring nurses need to know what they need and how they plan to get there. By setting SMART goals, you answer all these questions and provide your career with much-needed structure. 

For reference, a SMART Goal is: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timed.

You want to set specific goals that will provide your efforts with focus. If you want to become a registered nurse, “passing the certification test” or “submitting your first job applications” would be your specific goals. 

When your goals are measurable, you can quantify whether or not you have succeeded in them. If you tell yourself that “I will submit three job applications,” then you will only succeed if you submit three or more. 

You will set yourself up for failure if your goals are not attainable. Landing your first nursing job within three days is technically possible, but highly unlikely. When you know you can finish something, you are more motivated to take action. 

Be sure your goals are realistic when you consider your current situation and capabilities. It is OK to aspire for bigger things down the road, but those benchmarks will take a lot of time. 

Finally, giving your goal a specific time frame makes you conscious of your progress. Some self-imposed pressure helps in getting things done, and a reasonable time limit provides just that. 

Examples of Smart Goals For Nurses

Finding a new job 

Say you want to look for new registered nursing roles in the new year. Job hunting can be a tricky prospect, so expecting to immediately land a new gig is not very SMART.

In this instance, an intelligent goal example would be “submitting 6 nursing applications over the next 5 months.” You are setting a clear timeframe for you to gather all the required documentation and tailor your application to each facility. 

Making it a specific number of applications also ensures your progress is numerically measurable. 

Pursuing further education 

Nowadays, nursing schools let students learn at their own pace. To set SMART goals for nursing students, you want to know how long it will take to complete your program. 

If you are pursuing a Master of Science in Nursing, and you want to finish it as soon as possible, enroll on an Accelerated MSN program. Although the curriculum is compressed and very busy, it lets you earn your credentials much faster.

A SMART goal for nursing students would be “finishing your MSN within 15 months while finishing 103 credit hours per year.” This is a brutal schedule, but the benchmarks are clear and attainable for those who can handle the workload. 

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HCP

Why Every Nursing Student Should Know Their Learning Style

  • Hello • February 8, 2023

Why Every Nursing Student Should Know Their Learning Style

No two students are the same. Everyone retains and absorbs information in a completely different way.What works for you may not work for other people, and vice versa. For the nursing student who wants to maximize their time and potential, discovering your nurse student learning style is paramount. 

Why learning styles matter for nurses

Learning is a lifelong process. This goes for every walk of life, but nurses in particular are constantly studying.

To even become a nurse, you have to pass extremely difficult and technical university programs. After you graduate, you need to stay up-to-date with your licensure renewal requirements by completing some Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and classes, within the licensure period.

Even if your state has no CEU requirements, the industry is constantly changing. Nurses have to study and learn constantly if they want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in best nursing practices.

According to studies, nurses who find their preferred learning styles are more likely to enjoy “job satisfaction and years of experience.” 

How many learning styles are there?

Nurses can pick from countless amount of learning approaches. Luckily, most of them can be grouped into a handful of broadly-encompassing styles. 

The VARK model refers to a related set of theories. Created and published by Neil Flemming in 1987, this is one of the more prominent frameworks you will find for answering nursing student questions. 

Fleming posits that the learning styles can be separated into four main umbrellas: 

(V)isual, (A)uditory, (R)eading/Writing, (K)inesthetic

Visual: Some learners absorb information best with their eyes. If you fall under this category, you probably learn better with the aid of flashcards, images, diagrams, maps and other kinds of visual aid. 

Auditory: Other learners thrive in settings where they can speak and listen. As you might expect, these students excel in group discussions (especially in classes that follow the Socratic Method.) Outside of the classroom, listening to recordings and repeating information verbally are potent ways to retain information. 

Reading/writing: On the flip side, some learners need to take in information in text form. You can find these learners writing down notes during lectures or highlighting important passages in their textbooks. Some students may go the extra mile by rewriting their notes after class, to better retain everything they just learned. 

Kinesthetic: When you learn kinesthetically, you are physically interacting with the learning material. For nursing lessons, clinical rotations or laboratory trials would fall under this category. 

 In 2015, a study was conducted on multiple examples of nursing student learning outcomes. No learning preference was strictly better than the other. Instead, it was recommended that teachers “tailor their approach” to the individual student’s preferences. 

Someone who is an auditory learner is no better or worse than a kinesthetic learner. What matters the most is what works for you. 

Finding the style that suits you:

The VARK method is the perfect starting point, but other frameworks are worth considering. Honey and Mumford, for instance, organize learners into Activist, Reflector, Theorist, and Pragmatist. 

On a more simple level, you want to try and find your preferred learning environment. Some people study better with groups of people, while others prefer group learning sessions.

Though everyone has their preferences, there is value in trying every method to see what sticks. Eventually, you will find the best way to meet learning goals for nursing students. 

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