Everything You Need to Know About Burn Unit Nurses
Burn unit nurses are specialized healthcare professionals with experience in burn trauma. Nurses are part of a larger team of practitioners that help patients who’ve suffered burn injuries. Burn unit nurses practice what we know as critical care since most of their patients arrive from emergencies. If you’re interested in a nursing career with a high degree of specialization, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about burn unit nurses, their career path, salaries, and more.
What is a Burn Unit Nurse?
A burn care nurse specializes in caring for patients who suffer burn injuries and other kinds of trauma. They treat and monitor burn wounds, assess emotional trauma, and offer critical care and trauma recovery assistance. A burn care nurse helps trauma doctors evaluate burns, clean wounds, administer medication, and assist in the early rehabilitation stages.
National average salary: $68,250 per year
Job outlook: 16% increase by 2024
Where Do Burn Care Nurses Work?
It’s not surprising to find out that most burn care nurses spend most of their shifts in the Burn Care Unit (BCU) or the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals. However, they can also work in a hospital’s Emergency Room (ER) and their trauma center. Sometimes, burn care nurses also work in outpatient facilities providing support and rehabilitation services for patients recovering from burn injuries.
What Kind of Patients Are in a Burn Unit?
The burn unit is a specialized area that’s almost hosted within the ICU. Here, you’ll find patients who’ve suffered burn injuries from contact with fire, chemicals, electricity, or oil. However, you’re also likely to find trauma patients and anyone in critical conditions requiring immediate trauma assistance.
What Does a Burn Unit Nurse Do?
A burn care nurse has a multifaceted role that provides assistance where and when needed. They can help with triage, stabilization, fluid balance, and pain management. However, they can also help in the rehabilitation process by offering emotional support. Overall, burn nurses treat patients suffering from burn injuries. They clean, bandage, and monitor wounds, as well as educate patients about their ongoing treatment.
Most responsibilities include:
- Assess, dress, and monitor burn wounds
- Stabilize burned patients
- Maintain patient’s comfort and assist in pain management
- Administer medications
- Monitor the patient’s psychological state and emotional well-being
- Educate the patient and the family about burn wound care, rehab procedures, and how to seek emotional support
How Do You Become a Burn Unit Nurse?
The journey to becoming a burn unit nurse starts like many other nursing careers, with a nursing degree and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). Most nurses are looking for a job in burn care to get professional experience in the trauma unit or ICU. Overall, education requirements and preferences will vary by employer. However, certifications in Advanced Burn Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support can help position yourself as a valuable candidate.
Common certifications:
- Advanced Burn Life Support
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) for Adult Patients Certification
- Certified Wound Specialist (CWS)
- Wound Care Certified Certification (WCCC)
- Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Certification (WOCC)
- Trauma Nursing Core Course
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Burn Unit Nurse?
Burn nurses’ role is an advanced one that requires clinical and technical skills that allows them to provide comprehensive care to patients. They need to be knowledgeable in various treatments to assess the different types of injuries they treat.
Due to its nature, burn care is one of the most challenging specialties in nursing. This position calls for sharp critical thinking alongside specialized clinical skills.
Most common skills or burn unit nurses include:
- Triage experience
- Fluid balance experience
- Trauma recovery and rehabilitation experience
- Excellent communication skills
- Emotional stability and coping skills
- Critical problem-solving
- Compassionate
- Technical ability to utilize medical equipment
Starting Your Burn Care Nursing Career
A career as a burn care nurse is thrilling, challenging, but also extremely rewarding. If a nursing career in this specialty interests you, there are a set of steps that can help you position yourself as a great candidate. At Stability Healthcare, we place nurses in hospitals across the United States. You’ll earn high compensation, premium health benefits, PTO, guaranteed stipends, 401(k), paid compliance, and more. Search for your next placement and set up an interview today!
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Best Shoes For Nurses in 2021
Nurses are on their feet for hours on end, so having a good pair of shoes is essential. Too much time in the wrong shoes can lead to back issues and knee problems and no one wants that. The market is filled with options so we’ve put together some of our top picks based on what nurses need most.
Before we get to our favorites, let’s look at what the most important factors are when picking the perfect pair. We asked five nurses working in different units what was priority for them in a solid pair of work shoes. Here are their top concerns in order from most mentioned to least:
- Comfortable
- Good arch support
- Non-slip
- Easy to clean
- Breathable
- Water-resistant
- Durable
With these things in mind, here are our picks for the best shoes for nurses in 2021.
Dansko Clogs
Of course, you can’t have a list of the best shoes for nurses without including Dansko clogs. For years, these have been a staple in most nurses’ closets and for a good reason. Danskos provide an incredible amount of support and comfort for long shifts on your feet.
Clove
Clove is more of a newcomer in the world of nursing shoes. Clove was created for people on the front lines of healthcare, and it shows. Seemingly, these shoes do it all: comfort, strong grip, odor-fighting, easy to clean, and even fluid resistance.
Vessi
While Vessi’s Cityscape sneakers weren’t made specifically with healthcare workers in mind, that can be hard to believe with all of their key features. They’re 100% waterproof, breathable, stretchy, lightweight, and comfortable. The multiple layers in the shoe are each developed with a different goal in mind, all to keep you feeling your best. On top of all of that these shoes are made with a sustainable goal, buying these versus a competitor saves over 880 gallons of water and reduces every pair’s carbon footprint by 600%.
Brooks
Brooks Ghost 13 running shoe offers super smooth transitions plus soft cushioning so your run is the only thing on your mind and the same applies for you 12 your shift. You’ll be able to spend time focusing on your patients and not worrying about your feet. These shoes provide maximum support but still feel breathable and light. And Brooks and DICK’S Sporting Goods will donate USD $10 for each pair of shoes to go towards a charity that supports girls running programs.
Nike
The Nike Revolution running shoes might be the most stylish option that encompasses all day (or night) comfort. This shoe is made with a lightweight knit material that wraps your foot in breathable support. The flexible rubber sole will keep you walking and not sliding to your patient’s room. While these may not have the water-resistant features of some of our other top choices, they do come with a lower price point, making them a solid option if you’re on a budget.
Sketchers
Sketchers Sure Track shoe may not be the most stylish option, but with incredible benefits and a great price point, these had to make the list. They are light on your feet and provide comfort for long hours on your feet. The leather exterior also makes them easy to clean and take care of.
The Kanteen Clog is the ideal shoe for spending hours on your feet. This pair features a slip-resistant outsole and a custom PU footbed for all-day comfort and support. The exterior of the shoe is waterproof, which makes it easy to clean and keep looking good as new. This is a great choice for nurses with custom foot insoles as the footbed is removable and can be replaced with the sole of your choice. The best part? Keen uses a technology called CLEANSPOTY NXT for natural odor protection, your coworkers and patients will be grateful.
Ready to spend some long hours on your feet? Find youar next placement at Stability today.
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Stress Reducing Tips for Nurses
While nursing is one of the most rewarding professions, it is also one of the most stressful. For nurses, stress can lead to critical errors in patient care and even increased mortality rates. Stress can be caused by a myriad of reasons including (but not limited to) understaffing, overworking, difficult patients, issues with coworkers, a nurse’s personal life, the list goes on and on. Just because the work can be stressful, doesn’t mean that you’re stuck being stressed forever. Managing stress is essential to prevent burnout and provide your patients with the best care. We’ve got some tips and tricks to reduce stress, keep reading to find out.
Regular exercise
Travel nurses often have busy schedules, so finding time to exercise may seem daunting. If you can’t fit in a full workout a few times a week that’s okay, don’t let it add to your stress! There are tons of quick workouts available online and even taking a brisk stroll around the block will get those endorphins flowing. Endorphins boost serotonin levels, which can improve mood, appetite, and sleep cycles.
Meditation or yoga
Doing a yoga class or taking some time to meditate every day is a sure way to leave you feeling refreshed and clear-minded. Try your best to let go of everything going on around in your world and focus on you and finding a moment of peace. According to the NIH, practicing yoga can lead to an improved quality of life by reducing stress, lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and relieving anxiety. Whether you want a morning routine to keep you going through the day or an evening routine to unwind with before bed, we’ve got you covered. You can also download apps like the Calm to help you meditate and unwind.
Maintain a healthy diet – but treat yourself when you want to
It’s been proven that “eating a healthy diet can reduce the negative effects of stress on your body.” On a nurse’s schedule, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet can be challenging, but not impossible. One tip that can help is using one day to meal prep to keep you on track, here are three fun recipes to get you started. Another tip is to make healthy swaps. This means you don’t have to change your routine or diet, but instead of crabbing for those Doritos reach for some carrots and hummus instead. That being said, don’t forget to eat food that makes you happy, restrictive diets aren’t healthy or stress relieving. Listen to your body and what makes it feel its best.
Aromatherapy
According to a study at NIH, the “use of essential oils to decrease work-related stress among nursing staff may improve retention, workplace environment, and increase nurse satisfaction.” There are many ways that aromatherapy can be effective including candles, diffusers, lotions and body products, oils, and more. Some scents that aid in stress reduction are lavender, jasmine, bergamot, chamomile, rose, and lemon balm. Pro tip: carry a tiny satchel of lavender in your pocket and if you’re feeling overwhelmed on your shift take a deep breath and smell the pouch for a little moment of zen and rebalance.
Take a mental health day
If you’re feeling burnt out and feeling like you’re on the verge of cracking that’s a sure sign that you need a mental health day. Mental health days are just as important as taking a sick day if you aren’t feeling well. You can’t show up for your patients and deliver them the best care if you aren’t putting yourself first. Take a look at our article on signs that you need a mental health day.
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Everything You Need to Know About BMT Nurses
Bone marrow transplant (BMT) nurses are specialized oncology nurses that offer exceptional patient care. BMT nurses work on the front lines of health care. Beyond the typical nursing duties, their roles as specialized nurses bring another layer of challenges, complexity, and demands that set the stage for an exciting nursing career.
What is a BMT Nurse?
A BMT nurse or oncology nurse provides pre-and post-care transplant care to patients whose bone marrow has been damaged. They work with patients that need a bone marrow transplant to help with leukemia, anemia, juvenile osteoporosis, and Hodgkin’s disease.
National average salary: $93,904 per year
Job outlook: 12% increase by 2028
Where Do BMT Nurses Work?
Most BMT nurses work in hospitals as part of their cancer care team. They work alongside surgeons, radiologists, oncologists, bone marrow physicians, and others in the oncology unit. However, some nurses may also find themselves working for outpatient facilities that treat patients with specialized cancer treatments. Sometimes, BMT nurses work in physicians’ offices, hospice centers, and in-home care.
What Kind of Patients Are In a BMT Unit?
The BMT unit is usually part of the oncology unit. Most patients in this room are waiting for a bone marrow transplant or are recovering from one. It takes about six months for someone to recover from a bone marrow transplant, so it’s common for them to spend quite some time in the BMT unit.
What Does a Blood and Marrow Transplant Nurse Do?
Blood and marrow transplant nurses work with patients suffering from cancer and undergoing cancer treatments. They educate and provide specialized care to high-risk patients. BMT nurses monitor conditions, track symptoms, assist in treatments, and provide medications.
However, they also do typical nursing duties like maintaining patient records, checking vital signs, dressing wounds, and assisting patients with everyday tasks like bathing and dressing.
BMT nurses also offer support to family members providing educational resources and emotional support. Some specialize in pain management care, providing hospice and home care.
Most responsibilities include:
- Ensuring patients and family members understand the risks and potential complications of a transplant or treatment.
- Supervise patient safety
- Implement quality care assessments
- Perform daily administrative tasks
- Prescribe medication
- Support the oncology care team
How Do You Become a BMT Nurse?
The first step to becoming a BMT nurse is to complete either an associate degree in nursing (ASN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). You must then obtain a state license and pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Some institutions ask for experience working in the intensive care unit, completing chemotherapy courses, and other specifications. Many BMT nurse requirements also include advanced education in nursing oncology.
Common certifications:
- Oncology Nursing Certification
- ONS Chemotherapy & Biotherapy Certification
- ONS Chemotherapy & Immunology Certificate
- BLS Certification
What Skills Do You Need to Be a BMT Nurse?
To become a BMT nurse, you need to possess a unique set of skills. Patient care skills, including checking blood pressure, placing IVs, and taking blood samples, are essential. BMT nurses are known for their exceptional attention to detail to precisely follow physician orders and follow-up care.
Additionally, oncology nurses need to demonstrate compassion and understanding. They often work with patients suffering the emotional and physical tolls of their disease. Nurses need to offer support and assess the progress in patients’ conditions.
Most common skills for AntePartum nurses include:
- Excellent problem-solving and organizational skills
- Extensive knowledge of disease processes
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to demonstrate compassion and understanding
- Ability to deploy comprehensive and complex plans of care
- High standard of communication, respect, and privacy
Starting Your BMT Nursing Career
A BMT nursing career can easily be an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s also a highly gratifying and rewarding job. If you find this career path interesting, BMT travel nurses are in high demand. On most occasions, hospitals are willing to give out sign-in bonuses to bring high-quality registered nurses like you on board. At Stability Healthcare, we place nurses in hospitals across the United States. You’ll earn high compensation, premium health benefits, PTO, guaranteed stipends, 401(k), paid compliance, and more. Search for your next placement and set up an interview today!
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Top 5 Travel Nursing Podcasts of 2021
You are one of the elite group of about 25,000 that can call themselves traveling nurses. And, there are podcasts made just for you!
Podcasts for traveling nurses help to provide an outlet for information to stay current and updated with changes in the profession, and also to stay entertained. Have you tuned in to some of these nursing podcasts already, or are you just starting your search? Let’s check out the top 5.
Play That Podcast
Why podcasts? Nursing is a challenging profession, and when you add in the issues of traveling it becomes even more difficult. But, it’s our lives, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.
Podcasts are a way to become educated, informed, and even unwind with content that we can tune into, pause, and restart whenever we have time. Audio allows us to listen in as we travel by plane, train, automobile (or on foot.)
Do you have stories/experiences that you would like to share? Many of these podcast hosts would love to hear from you!
Good Nurse Bad Nurse
If you are going to get hooked on a podcast, at least let it be a long-running one. Good Nurse Bad Nurse podcast host Tina describes her work as educational and encouraging material for nurses. Episodes are long (30 mins-90 mins) which is great for those days when you have the time to relax and enjoy, or for long travel days.
Your Next Shift: A Nursing Career Podcast
With almost 200 episodes, this “cutting edge” podcast informs and educates nurses so that they can show up as their best self on their next shift- as host Elizabeth Scala claims. More than just another informative podcast, Your Next Shift is thrilling and entertaining with guest nurses from all over the world telling their stories about their nursing jobs.
This podcast gives you the strength to go on when you wake up feeling like you can’t. Remember why you chose this profession, and what the benefits of traveling nursing are.
Cardium
Their motto is “getting to the heart of travel healthcare,” and they cover not only travel nursing culture but all types of traveling healthcare workers. Relatable content from professionals and fellow travelers. Hosted by former healthcare workers, Sunny and Mark.
There are about 30 episodes with a lengthy write up describing the material that is covered in each episode so that you can read through and decide if you want to listen or skip to the next one.
Nursing Uncensored
Do you want to hear real people talk about real problems? Nursing Uncensored deals with the mental and physical health issues of nurses, and tons of other subjects surrounding the realities that nurses personally face every day.
This podcast is unique in that it covers some controversial topics, not just the vanilla stuff. There’s more to love about Nursing Uncensored with Adrienne’s blog, and videos on her website.
The Happy Traveler
Nurse Kelley talks about self-care, traveling with your family, working as a nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic, and much more. Episodes are short and sweet ranging from 8 minutes to about half an hour, available on Apple podcasts.
Nursing Podcasts
To take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. That’s what nursing podcasts are there for! Tune in, and tune out.
If you are looking for a new agency or just getting into the travel nursing field, look no further than Stability Healthcare. Start your next adventure now.
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Ways to Find a Roommate as a Travel Nurse
Nursing is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging work. No matter where your job as a travel nurse takes you, you’ll want somewhere comfortable to land at the end of the day.
But finding cozy, affordable travel nurse housing can be difficult. Before you commit to an assignment, it’s important to explore the area’s housing options. Make sure there are living spaces available that suit your taste and budget.
Finding a roommate is a great way to expand your choices, save money, and enjoy built-in companionship. Luckily, the internet makes it easy to connect with others who want to share housing.
Are you ready to meet your next travel nursing roomie? If you answered yes, read on for our guide on how to find a roommate as a travel nurse.
The Benefits of Living With a Roommate
Cutting costs isn’t the only benefit of living with a roommate. There are many reasons to share your space when you’re travel nursing.
Making friends in a new city doesn’t happen overnight. It can be hard to have a healthy social life when you move every few months. Finding a roommate means you’ll have immediate company.
Loneliness is a real bummer, and it comes with health consequences. You’ll be grateful to have a support system while you learn to live in your latest location.
It’s even better if you can room with a fellow travel nurse. They will be able to relate to the ups and downs of your transient career. Other travel nurses won’t be bothered by your unpredictable schedule and long hours.
With a roommate, it’s often possible to upgrade your accommodations. A space you wouldn’t be able to afford alone becomes an option when you split the rent. Keep in mind that your housing can make or break the travel nursing experience.
Additionally, if you rent a room from a homeowner, you won’t have to worry about maintenance. Your landlord will be your roommate and your property manager, so you can focus on work and recreation.
Now that you know why roommates are great while travel nursing, here’s how to find them.
Use Your Networking Skills
Many travel nurses find roommates through word of mouth. Do you know someone in the city you’ll be visiting? Ask them for tips.
You’ll be surprised to find out how much people love to help travel nurses find housing. Friends, family members, and friends of friends often have rooms to rent. Sometimes they are even looking for a housesitter.
Stay Social on Facebook
Facebook is a great place to look for accommodations. Search for a travel nursing group specific to your destination. These pages are full of helpful information from nurses who have successfully worked there before.
Someone might even be looking for a roommate. Post about yourself and let everyone know you need a place to live. Keep an eye on the comments for ideas and advice.
You can also look for rentals on Facebook Marketplace. Browse the Property Rentals section for shared, short-term apartments. This is a great tool for international travel nursing assignments.
Negotiate an Airbnb Stay
Travel nursing jobs are often located in places with thriving Airbnb communities. If you find an Airbnb listing you love, ask the host if they will negotiate an extended stay. You might be able to move into their extra bedroom for the duration of your contract.
It’s also possible to reserve an Airbnb for a week or two when you arrive. This will give you time to explore other rentals without worrying about where to sleep.
Browse Craigslist for Hidden Gems
There are hidden gems to be found in the shared housing section of Craigslist. We have heard from plenty of travel nurses who found great roommates this way.
Stay safe by meeting with potential roomies in a public place before you visit the house. Alternatively, bring a friend or co-worker along when you view properties.
Check Furnished Finder
Furnished Finder is a favorite among travel nurses. Landlords on the site are familiar with the domestic travel nursing schedule, and they often cater to nurses. You can request to be connected with potential roommates.
They even offer a travel nurse stipend calculator to help you budget for your next location.
Ask Your Agency for Ideas
If you’re still stuck, ask your agency for help. Travel nursing companies assist nurses with housing questions all the time. If they can’t answer your question directly, they will tell you who to contact.
You might be scheduled to begin your assignment with a group of other travel nurses. If that’s the case, your agency can put you in touch with them to coordinate shared housing.
Before You Sign on the Line
Did you find a roommate? Before you commit, talk about your habits and priorities to avoid future conflict.
Your roommate will need to know if you have pets. They will also want to know if they should expect frequent visitors.
Are you a smoker, a neat freak, or a night owl? Be upfront about these things.
You should also discuss how you will share responsibilities. Who will clean and who will call the landlord when something needs to be fixed?
There are no right or wrong answers, but good communication leads to happier living.
A Roommate Can Improve Your Travel Nurse Experience
Looking for someone to share your housing with can feel overwhelming at first. These tips will make the process smoother and faster. Keep in mind that you can always ask your agency for help if you need it.
Finding a roommate can make your experience as a travel nurse more enjoyable and more lucrative. You’ll gain a friend while saving money for adventures and experiences.
Even if your roomie doesn’t become your best friend, you’ll have a valuable support network in your new city. Over time, you’ll develop a network of contacts all over the world.
If you are interested in starting a travel nursing career, Stability Healthcare can help. Check out our open jobs today to get started.
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Everything You Need to Know About Psych Nurses
Psychiatric nursing is unlike any other kind of nursing. While psych nurses aren’t there to treat or reverse depression or dementia, they can offer the understanding empathy only a nurse can offer to help patients begin healing. Mental illness is by far one of the most challenging disorders to treat. Thus, it’s easy to see why psychiatric nursing can bring some unique challenges to the job and some rewarding moments. If a psychiatric nursing career interests you, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about psych nurses.
What is a Psychiatric Nurse?
First of all, there are two primary types of psychiatric nurses or career paths you can take. First, you can work as a psych registered nurse. You can also work in more advanced roles like a psychiatric nurse practitioner or psychiatric/mental health advanced practice registered nurse (APRN). Mental health nurses are essentially specialized nurses who focus on caring for those with mental illness’s psychological and physical well-being.
They also support the family members and friends of those with mental health conditions. Psych nurses may assess mental health needs and develop nursing plans for care.
National average salary: $74,651 per year with about $12,125 extra in overtime
Job outlook: 26% increase by 2022
Where Do Psych Nurses Work?
Like with other medical professions, psychiatric nurses find themselves working in both inpatient and outpatient care. These can be hospitals or psychiatric facilities that offer inpatient treatment. Or outpatient care in the patient’s home or a local clinic. Psych nurses have a bit more independence in terms of where they can work. They can also work with a wider variety of patients on their own, making outpatient care a standard option for many.
Other work settings for psychiatric mental health nurses (PMHN) include rehabilitation centers, correctional facilities, mental health agencies, schools, colleges of nursing, and military clinics or hospitals.
What Kind of Patients Are On A Psychiatric Unit?
Although psych nurses work with patients all over the place, they can work with almost every segment of the population. Patients in this unit can be children, adolescents, adults, and older people. They often work with people with substance use disorders and those with eating disorders, among other mental illnesses.
What Does a Psych Nurse Do?
Unlike other traditional nurses, psych nurses don’t treat any conditions. Instead, they work with a larger group of health care professionals to develop and implement care plans. Psych nurses can work with anyone who has a mental or behavioral condition that’s negatively impacting their life.
Depending on the path someone chooses, their duties will vary. The psych nurse essentially develops a nursing diagnosis and a plan of care, implements the treatment plan, and evaluates its effectiveness. On the other hand, APRNs also offer primary care and treat individuals and families with psychiatric disorders, sometimes even offering psychotherapy.
Most responsibilities include:
- Prescribe medications if needed
- Administer medications
- Implement nursing care plans
- Assist in basic needs
- Facilitate group therapy
- Create treatment plans
- Offer psychotherapy
- Coordinate with families, doctors, and other health professionals
- Provide self-care
- Evaluate mental health needs of patients
How Do You Become a Psych Nurse?
A career as a psychiatric nurse can be gratifying and exciting. The path starts by earning either an associate’s degree in nursing or a bachelor of science in nursing. There, prospects need to pass the NCLEX-RN licensure examination to become a registered nurse (RN). After this, many try to spend some time building up nursing skills before moving to a psychiatric nursing path.
It’s possible to work in psychiatry without certification. However, there are some certifications and advanced practices that can help. Those who wish to continue their education can become an advanced training registered nurse (APRN) to earn a master’s or doctoral degree in psychiatric-mental health nursing.
Common certifications:
- Psychiatric-mental Health Nursing RN-BC Credential
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Psych Nurse?
It takes a specific combination of skills to become successful as a psych nurse. Communication, empathy, and interpersonal skills are at the essence. However, setting healthy boundaries and excellent technical skills will also be beneficial. Psychiatric nurses are very hands-on with daily monitoring of their patients, requiring patience, empathy, and organization.
Most common skills for psych nurses include:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Extensive knowledge about medication effects and interactions
- A critical eye for signs of deteriorating mental processes or advancing mental illness
- Exceptional coordination and collaborative skills
- Good problem solving and adaptability skills
Starting Your Psych Nursing Career
Psychiatric nurses have a unique career filled with ups and downs. If you’re interested in a psychiatric nursing career, these are the steps you need to get started. Also, due to psych nurses’ nature and their flexibility, mental health nurses are often highly coveted travel nurses who can move freely across the country. At Stability Healthcare, we place nurses in hospitals across the United States, helping them find their perfect roles. See our open jobs today!
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Nurse of the Month: Carl
Everything You Need to Know About ER Nurses
An emergency room’s insides may be the background for many TV dramas, but it’s where everything happens for ER nurses. Nurses in the emergency room are prepared for the unexpected and fast-paced environment. They are self-sufficient and need to make decisions confidently and quickly to ensure patients are assessed and appropriately treated. For many, the ER can be intimidating, but it is the battlefield they come to every day for ER nurses.
What is an Emergency Room Nurse?
Unlike other units, the ER nurse can play different roles. Most emergency room nurses take on multiple roles throughout their careers. ER nurses treat patients suffering from trauma, injury, or severe medical conditions requiring urgent care. They work in crises that primarily require instant attention.
- Trauma Nurse: Works in Trauma Centers and helps patients who come in by ambulance, helicopter, or personal vehicles.
- Code Nurse: Works in Code Rooms where the sickest patients go in the emergency room.
- Triage Nurse: Works in the emergency room, sorting patients based on their vital signs, complaints, and resources to help decide who gets seen first by a provider.
- Flight Nurse: Works out of helicopters and planes to transport critically injured or ill patients transported between emergency departments.
- Critical-Care Transport (CCT) Nurse: Works in ambulances and cares for patients while being transported from one facility to another.
- Pediatric ER Nurse: Works in the pediatric emergency room caring for patients under the age of 18.
- Burn Center Nurse: Works in Burn Centers and are specially trained in burn victim resuscitation and burn care.
- Geriatric ER Nurse: Works in Geriatric Centers and cares primarily for elderly patients who require acute care.
- Charge Nurse: Works in the emergency room, and it’s the department captain, responsible for staffing, patient assignments, and more.
National average salary: $68,425 per year
Job outlook: 12% increase by 2028
Where Do ER Nurses Work?
Most ER nurses work in the emergency departments of hospitals or medical clinics. However, emergency nurses can also find themselves working as flight nurses on search and rescue teams. Interestingly, ER nurses can have a thriving career in the film industry as movie medics. ER nurses can also serve patients on cruise ships since they’re well suited for the unique work environment and challenges this presents.
There are also less hectic work environments for ER nurses, like at schools or walk-in clinics. Most ER nurses can work virtually anywhere. It depends on their certifications and particular skills.
What Kind of Patients Are On the ER Unit?
The emergency room receives every kind of patient. People can come in with headaches, skin infections, back pain, toothaches, and other complaints. Other typical ER visits include foreign objects in the body, skin infections, contusions, cuts, respiratory infections, broken bones, and sprains. These are patients that require immediate and acute care, on-the-clock monitoring, and accurate diagnosis.
What Does an ER Nurse Do?
Emergency room nurses follow very similar duties to other nurses, such as monitoring patients, recording vital signs, administering medications, and so forth. However, ER nurses also experience the pressure and fast-paced environment of the emergency room. An ER nurse’s fundamental role will also vary on her particular skill set, area of emergency covered, and department they work.
Most responsibilities include:
- Check medical equipment to ensure it’s functioning properly
- Keep supplies stock between patients
- Perform or assist with tests like EKGs, electrocardiograms, and blood draws
- Ask questions to get an accurate idea of the symptoms and condition
- Maintain detailed charting notes to ensure continuity of care
How Do You Become an ER Nurse?
The first step is to become a registered nurse (RN) by obtaining either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Next, pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to get your appropriate license. It’s important to get related emergency experience to later apply for the certification from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). While this isn’t required, it’s an added plus to your resume. ER nurse certifications will also vary by the type of work you wish to specialize in.
Common certifications:
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN)
- Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN)
- Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN)
- Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN)
- Certified Transport Registered Nurse (CTRN)
What Skills Do You Need to Be an ER Nurse?
There’s no specific set of qualities required to be an emergency room nurse. It’s more about having particular characteristics that make you well-suited for the job. Emergency nurses must be able to remain calm in highly stressful and high-pressure situations. Having a thirst for knowledge is a common trait among ER nurses that helps them stay on top of the latest developments to be flexible with their treatment recommendations and approaches to certain situations.
Most common skills for ER nurses include:
- Multitasking
- Confidence to be firm and direct
- Teamwork
- Quickness
- Calmness
- Coping skills
Starting Your Emergency Room Nursing Career
A career in emergency room nursing is ever-changing, exciting, and filled with challenges. If this career path interests you, there’s a journey towards becoming one. By specializing in ER nursing, you have the opportunity to explore working at different settings and locations as a travel nurse. At Stability Healthcare, we place nurses in hospitals across the United States, helping them expand their horizons in specialties like ER care. Contact us today and speak with one of our representatives to get started.
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Passing the NCLEX: 5 Effective Studying Strategies That Work
Have you just graduated from nursing school? If you have then congratulations! There’s just one more small but significant hurdle to overcome- the NCLEX exam.
Just hearing about the NCLEX exam can put fear into many young nurses, but it shouldn’t. Of course, it’s a major exam, but many people have passed it and you can too. If you’ve already graduated from nursing school, then you’ve proven that you know your stuff.
You’re already on the home stretch and once you finish, a rewarding career is waiting for you. You just need to put in that last bit of effort so you can hit that home run.
Studying for the test doesn’t need to take over your life. There are some simple tips you can follow to create a balanced study plan which suits you. This plan will help identify your strengths so you can get the most out of study sessions. You’ll then feel confident as you walk into the exam.
So what are some great study tips and how can you install them?
In this article, we’ll share 5 effective study strategies that work so you can pass the NCLEX exam the first time.
Read on for more information.
1. Make a Study Plan and Stick to It
Most people don’t write out schedules but we highly suggest you create an NCLEX study guide/plan.
A big mistake you can make in the beginning is to make a vague schedule in your head. You may decide to study on a certain day and time, but other things can easily get in the way or you could forget.
Instead, you should sit down with a diary or at your computer and work out a study schedule.
First, you should write down your daily routine. This would include when you’re at work, at the gym, looking after the children, etc. These are usually the times in which you cannot study at all.
Next, you should identify any future plans you may have such as vacations, parties, and medical appointments.
Finally, write down any weekly chores such as cleaning, shopping etc. You should also put aside time to meet up with family, friends and to chill out.
Once you have the schedule in front of you, start to identify suitable times in which to study. Ensure that you can stick to these and identify any hurdles you may face. For example, it may not be the best idea to study after a long gym session.
Once you have your study plan finalized, keep it somewhere you can easily access it.
2. Identify Your Study Style
You probably know by now how you study best, but if not then don’t worry.
Just think back to how you previously prepared for exams and what you focused on. For example, if you prefer watching and listening to lectures, then there are loads on Youtube to help. In fact, there are now even some great podcasts so you could listen to some in the car or whilst exercising.
Alternatively, you may have enjoyed being in a study group so you could discuss topics. If so, reach out to fellow graduates who are also preparing for the exam. You could hold weekly skype sessions or meet up for a coffee.
Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s helpful and beneficial to you.
3. Take the Test Not Long After Graduating
Ideally, you want to take the test within a few months of graduating if possible.
After you have graduated, you’re usually full of confidence and in the right frame of mind to pass the exam. You also will still have a lot of information fresh in your head. If you wait a year or more, you’ll likely forget important things and have to spend longer studying.
It’s ok to take a few weeks off for a vacation just after graduating but be clear on a return date to studying. If not, you could end up procrastinating and weeks turn into months.
4. Take Practice Exams
Before you enter the real exam, you want to know how it works and the type of questions you could be asked. Therefore, sitting practice exams should be at the top of your to-do list.
A practice exam will help you to understand what the invigilators are looking for in your answers. You’ll also be able to practice your time management skills.
Once you have completed a practice exam, you should go back and look at your answers. Focus on the questions you didn’t get right and research the correct answers.
Try to take as many practice exams as you can so it becomes a small habit. You’ll feel more confident on the day as you’ll know the structure of the exam.
5. Take Some Time For You
Whilst some people find it hard to start studying, others find it hard to stop. This may sound rather beneficial but it can negatively affect their exam results.
Stress and anxiety can be very damaging to our physical and mental wellbeing. So, you need to learn how to relax and know when to switch off from studying.
Eating healthy and exercising regularly will help you to stay calm and focused. The last thing you want to do is turn up to the exam a nervous wreck. If you do, you set yourself up to fail.
Ensure you take time out for yourself to just relax. This way, you’ll pass the exam in no time. You may even decide to gain advanced qualifications to further your career even more.
Helpful NCLEX Study Tips
We hope you have enjoyed reading our article and have found these NCLEX study tips useful.
As you can see, by being prepared you set yourself up to pass. You’ll also find studying a breeze and most likely enjoy it.
Finally, check out the benefits of being a travel nurse and why you should consider it once you pass the NCLEX exam.
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