Don't try this at home......
Norwalk (WTNH) - A woman that worked as a registered nurse, administering medication and doling out advice to patients at a Norwalk doctor's office, has been charged with posing as a nurse.
Betty Lichtenstein, also known as Betty Trudel, 56, worked for Dr. Gerald Weiss.
Police began investigating Lichtenstein back in March 2009 after a patient complained that she was acting unprofessionally. They found out that she had never been licensed to practice nursing.
Lichtenstein even went so far to fool her employer that she staged a dinner honoring herself as 'Nurse of the Year', hosted by the Connecticut Nursing Association. Police say she paid more $2,000 of her own money for the dinner and that the Connecticut Nursing Association does not exist.
Illegal use of the title 'registered nurse' is a felony. Lichtenstein has also been charged with reckless endangerment and criminal impersonation.
Back in May, she was arrested by Norwalk Police in an unrelated case and charged with illegally obtaining prescription drugs and forgery. That case is pending in Norwalk Superior Court.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Elder Rights Protection CONSUMER ALERTS
Connecticut Better Business Bureau Warns Consumers about Chimney Cleaning Con Game(Press Release)
Dishonest Operators Use Fear, High Pressure Tactics and Lowball Estimates to Cheat Consumers
Wallingford, CT - July 23, 2009 - In light of the recent arrest of two New York men who tried to cheat a Milford homeowner, Connecticut Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about chimney cleaning scams.
The arrests followed an investigation by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), which alleges the men turned a $39.95 chimney cleaning estimate into a recommendation for $3,200 in unnecessary repairs. Charges against the pair ranged from impersonating home contractors to performing work without a license.
According to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, this is not a new scam, and the intervention by DCP shows its potential to cheat consumers. "When a contractor tells you that your life is in danger or part of your home needs urgent repairs to prevent serious damage, your first instinct is to protect yourself and your property.Unlicensed and dishonest contractors often use fear tactics to turn routine maintenance into an unnecessary costly and potentially unsafe job."
Chimney cleaning fraud usually starts with a postcard, flyer, an unsolicited telephone call or e-mail and an unusually low price, typically around $40.00.Once the scammers perform an inspection, they may say that there is structural damage, problems with the chimney cap (also known as a spark arrester), and may even bring in dead birds or chunks of concrete to illustrate the "problems."They often claim there is a carbon monoxide leak or that the chimney liner needs replacing.Chimney liners cost thousands of dollars, and some con artist contractors may replace a perfectly good liner with one that may not even fit properly, or only line part of the chimney.
Connecticut Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to consumers to prevent them from becoming victims of chimney cleaning fraud:Don't be taken in by low prices:An inspection usually costs $75 dollars; the cleaning is another $150 and should take about an hour. No reputable chimney cleaner will do an inspection and cleaning for $40.
Protect yourself from being pushed or frightened into immediate action:A chimney carbon monoxide leak is extremely rare. There are instruments to measure this. If they make this claim, ask them to prove it.Ask for documentation:Check to see that the company is licensed and insured.You can check to see if it has a history of complaints by checking their Reliability Report at www.bbb.org.
In some cities and towns, the local fire department may provide free chimney inspections.How often does a fireplace chimney need to be cleaned? If it is used more than three times a week it should be done every year. One clear sign that it needs attention is if soot falls from the damper when it is opened. Once you have reputable experts doing the job, they also can tell you whether your furnace chimney needs cleaning.
The independence of many elderly is threatened by abusive situations ranging from financial exploitation to severe neglect. For others, independence is hindered by limited financial resources, disability, and lack of information on rights and benefits. To help address these issues, the federal government’s Administration on Aging administers a number of Vulnerable Elder Rights Programs operated through the State Unit on Aging (Aging Services Division of the CT Department of Social Services) that provide important protections against threats to the independence, well being, and financial security of seniors.
From time to time you will be receiving consumer alerts from Aging Service’s Elder Rights Protection Programs including CHOICES SMP (educating and empowering seniors to identify, prevent and report health care related fraud and abuse), Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (training how to recognize and respond to elder abuse; supporting outreach and education campaigns to increase public awareness of elder abuse and how to prevent it and supporting the efforts of state and local elder abuse prevention coalitions); and Legal Assistance Developer (developing and coordinating the state’s legal services and elder rights programs to ensure consistent service and quality results). We ask that you provide your widest dissemination of these Alerts to persons or programs of interest that may not otherwise be on our distribution list
Dishonest Operators Use Fear, High Pressure Tactics and Lowball Estimates to Cheat Consumers
Wallingford, CT - July 23, 2009 - In light of the recent arrest of two New York men who tried to cheat a Milford homeowner, Connecticut Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about chimney cleaning scams.
The arrests followed an investigation by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), which alleges the men turned a $39.95 chimney cleaning estimate into a recommendation for $3,200 in unnecessary repairs. Charges against the pair ranged from impersonating home contractors to performing work without a license.
According to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, this is not a new scam, and the intervention by DCP shows its potential to cheat consumers. "When a contractor tells you that your life is in danger or part of your home needs urgent repairs to prevent serious damage, your first instinct is to protect yourself and your property.Unlicensed and dishonest contractors often use fear tactics to turn routine maintenance into an unnecessary costly and potentially unsafe job."
Chimney cleaning fraud usually starts with a postcard, flyer, an unsolicited telephone call or e-mail and an unusually low price, typically around $40.00.Once the scammers perform an inspection, they may say that there is structural damage, problems with the chimney cap (also known as a spark arrester), and may even bring in dead birds or chunks of concrete to illustrate the "problems."They often claim there is a carbon monoxide leak or that the chimney liner needs replacing.Chimney liners cost thousands of dollars, and some con artist contractors may replace a perfectly good liner with one that may not even fit properly, or only line part of the chimney.
Connecticut Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to consumers to prevent them from becoming victims of chimney cleaning fraud:Don't be taken in by low prices:An inspection usually costs $75 dollars; the cleaning is another $150 and should take about an hour. No reputable chimney cleaner will do an inspection and cleaning for $40.
Protect yourself from being pushed or frightened into immediate action:A chimney carbon monoxide leak is extremely rare. There are instruments to measure this. If they make this claim, ask them to prove it.Ask for documentation:Check to see that the company is licensed and insured.You can check to see if it has a history of complaints by checking their Reliability Report at www.bbb.org.
In some cities and towns, the local fire department may provide free chimney inspections.How often does a fireplace chimney need to be cleaned? If it is used more than three times a week it should be done every year. One clear sign that it needs attention is if soot falls from the damper when it is opened. Once you have reputable experts doing the job, they also can tell you whether your furnace chimney needs cleaning.
The independence of many elderly is threatened by abusive situations ranging from financial exploitation to severe neglect. For others, independence is hindered by limited financial resources, disability, and lack of information on rights and benefits. To help address these issues, the federal government’s Administration on Aging administers a number of Vulnerable Elder Rights Programs operated through the State Unit on Aging (Aging Services Division of the CT Department of Social Services) that provide important protections against threats to the independence, well being, and financial security of seniors.
From time to time you will be receiving consumer alerts from Aging Service’s Elder Rights Protection Programs including CHOICES SMP (educating and empowering seniors to identify, prevent and report health care related fraud and abuse), Prevention of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (training how to recognize and respond to elder abuse; supporting outreach and education campaigns to increase public awareness of elder abuse and how to prevent it and supporting the efforts of state and local elder abuse prevention coalitions); and Legal Assistance Developer (developing and coordinating the state’s legal services and elder rights programs to ensure consistent service and quality results). We ask that you provide your widest dissemination of these Alerts to persons or programs of interest that may not otherwise be on our distribution list
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Freelance Health Writer- How to Become One
From: http://ezinearticles.com/?Freelance-Health-Writer---How-to-Become-One&id=1459568
Freelance health writers can be found anywhere. With just a simple search in Google, you will find some freelance health writers in an instant. The question is, "Are those freelance health writers capable of doing the job"? In finding a technical writer there are factors to consider. You can`t just hire someone who prefers to write about technology to work on your health article.
Anybody can be a writer and everyone has his own specialty in writing. To be a freelance health writer, you need to have at least the basic idea about the human body and health. You cannot do writings for health related topics if you don`t value your health. As we all know that writing reflects oneself.
Most workload for a freelance health writer is going to be on how to become physically fit. Are you physically fit to be a freelance writer? Research is not enough in becoming a writer. You have to do your part, enjoy physical fitness and apply it on your writings.
Know the basics of how to get fit. This requires a lot of reading, working, and research, but will help you in writing health articles. Magazines, books and articles are available for you to read and gain knowledge.
Just like any other writers, freelance health writers are valuable. Becoming the fittest writer may be hard, but as a writer is it your job to be dynamic to your requirements. So if you want to be a health writer, be fit.
If you want to know more about Freelance Writing Career then feel free to visit http://www.uniquearticle.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jitesh_Arora
Freelance health writers can be found anywhere. With just a simple search in Google, you will find some freelance health writers in an instant. The question is, "Are those freelance health writers capable of doing the job"? In finding a technical writer there are factors to consider. You can`t just hire someone who prefers to write about technology to work on your health article.
Anybody can be a writer and everyone has his own specialty in writing. To be a freelance health writer, you need to have at least the basic idea about the human body and health. You cannot do writings for health related topics if you don`t value your health. As we all know that writing reflects oneself.
Most workload for a freelance health writer is going to be on how to become physically fit. Are you physically fit to be a freelance writer? Research is not enough in becoming a writer. You have to do your part, enjoy physical fitness and apply it on your writings.
Know the basics of how to get fit. This requires a lot of reading, working, and research, but will help you in writing health articles. Magazines, books and articles are available for you to read and gain knowledge.
Just like any other writers, freelance health writers are valuable. Becoming the fittest writer may be hard, but as a writer is it your job to be dynamic to your requirements. So if you want to be a health writer, be fit.
If you want to know more about Freelance Writing Career then feel free to visit http://www.uniquearticle.net
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jitesh_Arora
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Professional Geriatric Care Manager
A Professional Geriatric Care Manager is a human service professional who specializes in assisting elders and their families with decisions and planning for an integrated and coordinated approach to dignified living.
A Professional Geriatric Care Manager is trained and experienced in assessment, coordination, monitoring, and direct delivery of care management services.
A Professional Geriatric Care Manager receives referrals from family members, physicians, attorneys, bank trust officers, financial planners, hospitals, other medical facilities, conservators, community agencies, home care agencies, and corporate employee assistance programs.
Contact Elder Caring LLC for more information about Geriatric Care Management
33 Old Pawson RoadP.O. Box 917Branford, CT 06405-5130
Areas Served: Connecticut: Branford, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, North Haven and Wallingford
Phone: 203-214-0928Fax: 203-458-2988
A Professional Geriatric Care Manager is trained and experienced in assessment, coordination, monitoring, and direct delivery of care management services.
A Professional Geriatric Care Manager receives referrals from family members, physicians, attorneys, bank trust officers, financial planners, hospitals, other medical facilities, conservators, community agencies, home care agencies, and corporate employee assistance programs.
Contact Elder Caring LLC for more information about Geriatric Care Management
33 Old Pawson RoadP.O. Box 917Branford, CT 06405-5130
Areas Served: Connecticut: Branford, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Meriden, Milford, New Haven, North Haven and Wallingford
Phone: 203-214-0928Fax: 203-458-2988
Monday, April 13, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Nursing Students Participate in Blessing of the Hands
Posted on 11.MAR.09
| Nursing students enrolled at Piedmont Technical College are being prepared not only in mind, but in spirit through a recent Blessing of the Hands service, presented by the Pastoral Services Department of Self Regional Healthcare. The purpose of today is to remind you that what you do is sacred, said Chaplain Steve Lemons, director. The non-denominational ceremony was for all first year students. This is a wonderful starting point to teach them about the caring side of nursing, said Holisa Wharton, instructor and organizer. You can't go into nursing without faith. You can't try to help the body without helping the spirit. Students were welcomed by the members of the Pastoral Services Department with prayers and audience participation activities. Holy God, as oil was used as a base for medicine in ancient times, we ask you to bless our use of this oil today, said Chaplain Bob Albert. May its texture remind us that the soothing work of our hands is also pleasing to you. Following the prayer, students were invited to participate in the anointing ceremony. Chaplains anointed each student's hands with the oil and said a prayer of blessing. Lemons then reminded students of the importance of compassion in their chosen field. You start out with a heart and compassion for the people. You will be tempted to become institutionalized, he said. It is up to you to keep your heart tender and remember you have a calling. Students left the ceremony with a new appreciation of the nursing profession and what is required of them. This ceremony brings us together in a creative way to unite us with our hands because they are important in what we're doing, said Daniel Bange from Ward. It makes us sit down and think about the career we have chosen. I felt the spirit, said Annie McGee from Newberry. They shared a lot of things today - caring, love and compassion and being a nurse -being part of the healing. from greenwood today |
Learn the Basics on Chiropractic Schools and Careers
The word “chiropractic” comes from the Greek meaning “done by hand”. It sprang up in 1895 in an era in which modern medicine was very much a fledgling and scores of alternative healing practices were being advanced and promoted. Chiropractic is a health care approach and profession that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Chiropractic was officially started by a Canadian, David D. Palmer, from Port Perry, Ontario who was by training a “magnetic healer” and living in Davenport, Iowa at the time. The mechanical disorder of the musculoskeletal system affects general health via the nervous system. It is generally considered to be complementary and alternative medicine, a description that many chiropractors reject. It is often holistic and often touts the fact that the body is self-healing and usually doesn’t need drugs or surgery. The main treatment involves manual therapy. It includes manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissue. Spinal manipulation allegedly unblocks nerves so the body can heal itself. Also, the treatment includes exercises and health lifestyle counseling. Chiropractic seems like a materialistic version of Chinese acupuncture that uses needles. In chiropractic, hands and fingers are used in manipulating nerves rather than the flow of chi in acupuncture.
For More Information, Visit medschoolsphere.com
For More Information, Visit medschoolsphere.com
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Ten healthcare fields that can't wait to hire you.
From answerfaqs.com
Healthcare is one of the hottest career fields in America today. The aging and retiring of the largest population segment in the country, known as 'baby boomers', has left the healthcare industry racing to find enough employees to fill the void. Advances in medical technology and treatment are causing people to live longer as well. Add the fact many universities and colleges don't have enough teachers to train new employees; there becomes a ripe market for healthcare careers. You would be amazed as to how many types of healthcare careers there are available. This article will discuss three main categories; patient care, non-patient care and operations.
We'll also discuss an amazing new trend with tremendous opportunity ' home health.
Three main healthcare jobs in the category of patient care are nursing, medical assisting and dental hygiene.
Nursing consists mainly of direct patient care, but this can take place in a hospital, private doctor's office, or an institution like a school, ski resort or cruise ship. With additional education or experience, some nurses become nurse managers, shift supervisors, epidemiologists, or counsel to insurance companies and law offices.
Medical assistants primarily provide patient care; performing routine medical functions to free up the time of the doctor. In the past, some of these medical services could only be provided by doctors. Medical assistants administer medication, take vital signs and update medical history.
Dental hygienists perform a similar function to medical assistants, only in a dentist's office. A hygienist will clean teeth, advise patients on proper dental health and assist dentists with more complex procedures. The outlook for this profession is excellent, with demand far outpacing supply.
Many non-patient care positions also exist in the healthcare field.
Medical coding is one such profession. Medical coders must know terminology and how to read a patient's chart. They update medical records every time a patient receives healthcare. Some upward mobility is available in management. Many people secure a job as a coder as a way to subsidize further medical education.
Medical office administration is another healthcare position that doesn't involve patient care. These positions answer phones, coordinate with hospitals and check in/out patients. Moves to office management or medical coding/billing are advancement opportunities. Some people also use this position to further their education.
Healthcare institutions are a large employer of operational positions as well.
Information technology professionals are in strong demand since hospitals utilize state of the art databases to store patient's medical and billing records. Database administrators and web programmers are a vital part of a hospital's daily operations.
Medical billing and administration is another key component of healthcare operations. Medical facilities hire for billing positions, collections and administrative support. Special courses / experience are required in medical terminology and billing to obtain these types of jobs.
A rapidly growing sector of healthcare where all of these positions are required is that of home health. In the next six years, Medicare funding of home healthcare is expected to double. Over 7.6 million patients are being treated at home for both long term and short term care. Home healthcare is considered by the medical field and health insurers to be the most cost effective, humane and compassionate method of care.
The shortage of experienced healthcare workers in the United States is creating a boom for people who want to enter this field. There are many career options including positions that involve patient care and those that don't. The current shortage of employees has created excellent starting salaries, generous benefits and signing bonuses.
For more information on how you can get the proper training, go here www.top-colleges.com.
Healthcare is one of the hottest career fields in America today. The aging and retiring of the largest population segment in the country, known as 'baby boomers', has left the healthcare industry racing to find enough employees to fill the void. Advances in medical technology and treatment are causing people to live longer as well. Add the fact many universities and colleges don't have enough teachers to train new employees; there becomes a ripe market for healthcare careers. You would be amazed as to how many types of healthcare careers there are available. This article will discuss three main categories; patient care, non-patient care and operations.
We'll also discuss an amazing new trend with tremendous opportunity ' home health.
Three main healthcare jobs in the category of patient care are nursing, medical assisting and dental hygiene.
Nursing consists mainly of direct patient care, but this can take place in a hospital, private doctor's office, or an institution like a school, ski resort or cruise ship. With additional education or experience, some nurses become nurse managers, shift supervisors, epidemiologists, or counsel to insurance companies and law offices.
Medical assistants primarily provide patient care; performing routine medical functions to free up the time of the doctor. In the past, some of these medical services could only be provided by doctors. Medical assistants administer medication, take vital signs and update medical history.
Dental hygienists perform a similar function to medical assistants, only in a dentist's office. A hygienist will clean teeth, advise patients on proper dental health and assist dentists with more complex procedures. The outlook for this profession is excellent, with demand far outpacing supply.
Many non-patient care positions also exist in the healthcare field.
Medical coding is one such profession. Medical coders must know terminology and how to read a patient's chart. They update medical records every time a patient receives healthcare. Some upward mobility is available in management. Many people secure a job as a coder as a way to subsidize further medical education.
Medical office administration is another healthcare position that doesn't involve patient care. These positions answer phones, coordinate with hospitals and check in/out patients. Moves to office management or medical coding/billing are advancement opportunities. Some people also use this position to further their education.
Healthcare institutions are a large employer of operational positions as well.
Information technology professionals are in strong demand since hospitals utilize state of the art databases to store patient's medical and billing records. Database administrators and web programmers are a vital part of a hospital's daily operations.
Medical billing and administration is another key component of healthcare operations. Medical facilities hire for billing positions, collections and administrative support. Special courses / experience are required in medical terminology and billing to obtain these types of jobs.
A rapidly growing sector of healthcare where all of these positions are required is that of home health. In the next six years, Medicare funding of home healthcare is expected to double. Over 7.6 million patients are being treated at home for both long term and short term care. Home healthcare is considered by the medical field and health insurers to be the most cost effective, humane and compassionate method of care.
The shortage of experienced healthcare workers in the United States is creating a boom for people who want to enter this field. There are many career options including positions that involve patient care and those that don't. The current shortage of employees has created excellent starting salaries, generous benefits and signing bonuses.
For more information on how you can get the proper training, go here www.top-colleges.com.
‘Giving kisses’: Hamilton resident publishes a book on caring for Alzheimer’s victims
By Stephanie Silverstein / ssilvers@cnc.com
Tue Mar 10, 2009, 05:26 PM EDT
from wickedlocal.com
Hamilton -
Hamilton resident Barbara Smith did not always have a close relationship with her mother. Growing up in New York City with a mother who worried provided challenges that teenagers are typically faced with.
As Smith grew up, moved to New England, and started her own family, her relationship with her mother, Sarah Smith, grew stronger. Toward the end of Sarah’s life, the pair were as close as could be.
Sarah had developed Alzheimer’s disease, and Barbara did everything she could to make her mother’s life the best it could be during her eight-year battle with the disease. Now, Barbara is sharing her experience and knowledge with other caregivers in her recently published book “Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer’s Victim You Love.”
“My book is a combination of the story of her earlier life, but also the transition into developing Alzheimer’s and what to expect in the different stages,” Barbara said.
The book describes ways to change the victim’s environment, such as adapting the living space to be more safe and comfortable, including removing matches and candles and disabling appliances. Barbara prepared food for her mother that did not involve cooking, such as sandwiches and raw vegetables.
Behavioral interventions are described in the book, as well. For example, if the victim is living in an assisted living facility and is unhappy, saying they do not want to live there and hate it there, the caregiver should redirect them, saying something like, “Let’s go for a walk right now, and we’ll talk about that later.”
Barbara, an occupational therapist, drew on her own knowledge that could be applied and read several books about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia before writing her book. In it, she includes an annotated bibliography of her favorite books on the subject that give different types of information and perspectives.
“It’s mainly for caregivers,” Barbara said. A caregiver is someone, such as a spouse, who takes care of their loved one, or is someone who visits the victim regularly and advocates for them. “It’s also written for healthcare professionals, or paraprofessionals like nurses aides who work in assisted living, home care, nursing homes, and senior centers.”
Sarah began developing Alzheimer’s disease while living in Connecticut. Barbara arranged for her to move closer so she could care for her and visit her more easily. Sarah moved to Heritage At Danvers, and then to a nursing home in Beverly, where she died at the age of 86 last April.
“I got the idea of writing this book during the last five years because I felt that so much happened. I developed so many activities and all the information, my experiences, I thought would be helpful for other people,” Barbara said.
When Sarah first moved into the nursing home, she spent a lot of time alone. Barbara put together a book with large print song lyrics so her mother could sit and sing, keeping her mind occupied when there was no other form of social stimulation. She also wrote a story for her mother, the story of Sarah Smith. Each page described a part of Sarah’s life.
“At first, she knew it was about her,” Barbara said. Then, she read it and seemed to be learning something new. “When she read this, it put material in her mind, something to think about.”
Barbara said her mother loved when she read the story to her.
“She felt like she was learning about herself,” Barbara said.
She made a point to incorporate Sarah’s religion into her every day life, as her mother had always done.
“I paid of lot of attention to try and help the facilities provide the Jewish culture that she really wanted,” Barbara said. “I wanted her to be happy and enjoy whatever simulation she related to and enjoyed.”
Barbara said people with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty learning anything new, so they are more comfortable and become involved with activities more easily if they are already familiar to them.
“Even though this is a depressing topic, I wrote my book and I have created presentations that are uplifting, and hopefully fun,” Barbara said. “There are positives aspects to the whole experience. People who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s don’t choose to become involved with Alzheimer’s. If you’re like me, and you have no choice, you should turn it into a positive experience.”
For more information about Barbara Smith’s upcoming courses and presentations, or to purchase the book, visit http://www.barbarasmithoccupationaltherapist.com/.
Upcoming events for caregivers
Barbara Smith will be presenting at Woodbridge Assisted Living, 240 Lynnfield St., Peabody at 6:30 p.m. on March 12. To register, call Doreen Tanzella at 978-532-4411.
Smith will be presenting at the Rosewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 22 Johnson St., West Peabody, on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. To register, call 866-747-2263.
Smith is scheduled to teach a course for caregivers at Salem State College, beginning March 24. For more information, visit www.salemstate.edu.
Tue Mar 10, 2009, 05:26 PM EDT
from wickedlocal.com
Hamilton -
Hamilton resident Barbara Smith did not always have a close relationship with her mother. Growing up in New York City with a mother who worried provided challenges that teenagers are typically faced with.
As Smith grew up, moved to New England, and started her own family, her relationship with her mother, Sarah Smith, grew stronger. Toward the end of Sarah’s life, the pair were as close as could be.
Sarah had developed Alzheimer’s disease, and Barbara did everything she could to make her mother’s life the best it could be during her eight-year battle with the disease. Now, Barbara is sharing her experience and knowledge with other caregivers in her recently published book “Still Giving Kisses: A Guide to Helping and Enjoying the Alzheimer’s Victim You Love.”
“My book is a combination of the story of her earlier life, but also the transition into developing Alzheimer’s and what to expect in the different stages,” Barbara said.
The book describes ways to change the victim’s environment, such as adapting the living space to be more safe and comfortable, including removing matches and candles and disabling appliances. Barbara prepared food for her mother that did not involve cooking, such as sandwiches and raw vegetables.
Behavioral interventions are described in the book, as well. For example, if the victim is living in an assisted living facility and is unhappy, saying they do not want to live there and hate it there, the caregiver should redirect them, saying something like, “Let’s go for a walk right now, and we’ll talk about that later.”
Barbara, an occupational therapist, drew on her own knowledge that could be applied and read several books about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia before writing her book. In it, she includes an annotated bibliography of her favorite books on the subject that give different types of information and perspectives.
“It’s mainly for caregivers,” Barbara said. A caregiver is someone, such as a spouse, who takes care of their loved one, or is someone who visits the victim regularly and advocates for them. “It’s also written for healthcare professionals, or paraprofessionals like nurses aides who work in assisted living, home care, nursing homes, and senior centers.”
Sarah began developing Alzheimer’s disease while living in Connecticut. Barbara arranged for her to move closer so she could care for her and visit her more easily. Sarah moved to Heritage At Danvers, and then to a nursing home in Beverly, where she died at the age of 86 last April.
“I got the idea of writing this book during the last five years because I felt that so much happened. I developed so many activities and all the information, my experiences, I thought would be helpful for other people,” Barbara said.
When Sarah first moved into the nursing home, she spent a lot of time alone. Barbara put together a book with large print song lyrics so her mother could sit and sing, keeping her mind occupied when there was no other form of social stimulation. She also wrote a story for her mother, the story of Sarah Smith. Each page described a part of Sarah’s life.
“At first, she knew it was about her,” Barbara said. Then, she read it and seemed to be learning something new. “When she read this, it put material in her mind, something to think about.”
Barbara said her mother loved when she read the story to her.
“She felt like she was learning about herself,” Barbara said.
She made a point to incorporate Sarah’s religion into her every day life, as her mother had always done.
“I paid of lot of attention to try and help the facilities provide the Jewish culture that she really wanted,” Barbara said. “I wanted her to be happy and enjoy whatever simulation she related to and enjoyed.”
Barbara said people with Alzheimer’s disease have difficulty learning anything new, so they are more comfortable and become involved with activities more easily if they are already familiar to them.
“Even though this is a depressing topic, I wrote my book and I have created presentations that are uplifting, and hopefully fun,” Barbara said. “There are positives aspects to the whole experience. People who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s don’t choose to become involved with Alzheimer’s. If you’re like me, and you have no choice, you should turn it into a positive experience.”
For more information about Barbara Smith’s upcoming courses and presentations, or to purchase the book, visit http://www.barbarasmithoccupationaltherapist.com/.
Upcoming events for caregivers
Barbara Smith will be presenting at Woodbridge Assisted Living, 240 Lynnfield St., Peabody at 6:30 p.m. on March 12. To register, call Doreen Tanzella at 978-532-4411.
Smith will be presenting at the Rosewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 22 Johnson St., West Peabody, on April 16 at 6:30 p.m. To register, call 866-747-2263.
Smith is scheduled to teach a course for caregivers at Salem State College, beginning March 24. For more information, visit www.salemstate.edu.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
By Brad J Jones
As other healthcare careers, jobs for occupational therapy assistants and aides are expected to rise significantly in the near future with the increasing demand for rehabilitation services and long term care. These jobs available in various healthcare firms in the United States provide occupational therapy professionals with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, gain valuable experience and improve their lifestyle.
Eligibility Requirements
To become an occupational therapy assistant, candidates must have an associate degree or a certificate from a recognized institution (school/college) along with a pass certificate in the national certification exam. In addition to a high school diploma, OT aides must have strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help people. Normally, they receive instructions on the job.
Duties of Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
With the essential educational requirements, candidates can look for part time, full time, long term, short term, temporary, permanent or traveling jobs in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, institutions, nursing clinics and residential care facilities. OT assistants and aides provide rehabilitation services to individuals with developmental, physical, emotional and mental impairments and help them regain their abilities under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists. OT assistants help the patients with rehabilitation programs and exercises specified by occupational therapists. Occupational therapy aides are responsible for assembling the equipment used during treatment. They do all clerical tasks, which involves filling out insurance forms, restocking or ordering depleted supplies, answering the telephone, scheduling appointments and other paperwork. As they are not licensed, they are restricted from doing as many different duties as OT assistants.
Comprehensive Benefit Package
Common benefits for assistant therapists and aides include:
• Professional liability insurance• Continuing education• High lucrative salary plus bonus• Section 125 Cafeteria plan• Paid housing• Health and life insurance• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan• Short-term disability insurance
Now, a number of recruiting agencies help both locally trained and internationally trained candidates to find preferred jobs in the therapy sector. These agencies assist the foreign candidates in obtaining the necessary immigration clearance, licensing and work visa. Candidates, who are looking to broaden their skills and experience, can grab these jobs by registering their names with these firms online.
From jobs.resumecandidate.com
As other healthcare careers, jobs for occupational therapy assistants and aides are expected to rise significantly in the near future with the increasing demand for rehabilitation services and long term care. These jobs available in various healthcare firms in the United States provide occupational therapy professionals with the opportunity to enhance their knowledge, gain valuable experience and improve their lifestyle.
Eligibility Requirements
To become an occupational therapy assistant, candidates must have an associate degree or a certificate from a recognized institution (school/college) along with a pass certificate in the national certification exam. In addition to a high school diploma, OT aides must have strong interpersonal skills and a desire to help people. Normally, they receive instructions on the job.
Duties of Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides
With the essential educational requirements, candidates can look for part time, full time, long term, short term, temporary, permanent or traveling jobs in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, institutions, nursing clinics and residential care facilities. OT assistants and aides provide rehabilitation services to individuals with developmental, physical, emotional and mental impairments and help them regain their abilities under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists. OT assistants help the patients with rehabilitation programs and exercises specified by occupational therapists. Occupational therapy aides are responsible for assembling the equipment used during treatment. They do all clerical tasks, which involves filling out insurance forms, restocking or ordering depleted supplies, answering the telephone, scheduling appointments and other paperwork. As they are not licensed, they are restricted from doing as many different duties as OT assistants.
Comprehensive Benefit Package
Common benefits for assistant therapists and aides include:
• Professional liability insurance• Continuing education• High lucrative salary plus bonus• Section 125 Cafeteria plan• Paid housing• Health and life insurance• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan• Short-term disability insurance
Now, a number of recruiting agencies help both locally trained and internationally trained candidates to find preferred jobs in the therapy sector. These agencies assist the foreign candidates in obtaining the necessary immigration clearance, licensing and work visa. Candidates, who are looking to broaden their skills and experience, can grab these jobs by registering their names with these firms online.
From jobs.resumecandidate.com
Monday, March 2, 2009
Breaking Down Obama's Health Care Cuts
By Ken Terry February 27th, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Under President Obama’s budget proposal, about half of the money required to fund his $634 billion “reserve fund” for health reform would come from changes in Medicare and Medicaid spending. Jacob Goldstein of the WSJ Health Blog has dug up a detailed list of these projected savings from 2010-2019 in the budget plan. The biggest savings ($176.6 billion) would come from changing the current method of paying Medicare Advantage plans, which has resulted in CMS paying these insurers 14 percent more per beneficiary than it does for traditional fee-for-service Medicare.
Other major categories include “change Medicare home health payments” ($37.1 billion), ”reallocate Medicare and Medicaid improvement funds” ($23.9 billion), “increase and extend rebates on drugs purchased by Medicaid patients” ($19.5 billion), “bundle Medicare payments for hospital and post-hospital care” ($17.8 billion), “create ‘quality incentive payments’ for hospitals” ($12.1 billion), “allow FDA approval of generic biotech drugs” ($9.24 billion), and “drive down hospital readmission rates for Medicare patients” ($8.43 billion).
Attempts to limit home health care payments have been ongoing since the 1990s but have had little success in the long run. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) advised Congress not to give home health agencies a payment increase in 2009. In its report, MedPAC noted that after being cut radically in the 1997-2000 period, Medicare payments for home health care had risen 55 percent from $8.5 billion in 2000 to $13.2 billion in 2006. The number of home health agencies, which had a 15.4 percent average profit margin in 2006, rose from 6,881 to 9,227 during the same period.
A few other comments are also in order:
Experts like Robert Berenson of the Urban Institute have advocated bundling Medicare payments for hospital and post-acute care for years. Yet it remains an untried approach, with uncertain savings.
The same goes for driving down hospital readmission rates for Medicare patients. While readmissions result, in some cases, from poor inpatient care or inadequate discharge planning, it’s not clear how CMS will factor case-mix severity into financial penalties for readmissions.
FDA approval of generic biotech drugs is a great idea, considering that the brand-name equivalents can cost up to $200,000 annually per patient. But will it save the government nearly $1 billion a year?
As fascinating as this breakdown were some of the comments on the WSJ blog. Besides the expected predictions that insurers would dump Medicare HMOs and that investors would abandon biotech drug companies, there was a spirited debate about whether specialist physicians are paid too much. One Boston doctor weighed in with the sage observation that specialists deserve their high pay because of their extra training. “Comparing pediatrician to interventional radiologist is like comparing control tower operator to airline pilot,” he wrote.
In light of this denigration of primary care, it was interesting to read the excellent article in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine by Elliott Fisher, Julie Bynum, and Jonathan Skinner. Entitled “Slowing The Growth of Health Costs—Lessons From Regional Variation,” the commentary argues that if physicians across the country practiced more like their colleagues in San Francisco and Minnesota, and less like those in New York and Florida, we could easily get health costs under control. To do that, they point out, health care fragmentation must be reduced, and physicians must be paid differently. Of course, their prescription for reform would reduce specialist incomes, because volume would no longer be the basis of reimbursement, and primary-care physicians would have incentives not to refer patients unnecessarily. But in the long run, patients would be healthier because of better access to primary care and better coordination of care.
Tags: Payment, Patient, Medicare, Health Care, Healthcare..., Vertical Industries, Enterprise Software, Software, Ken Terry
From industry.bnet.com
Under President Obama’s budget proposal, about half of the money required to fund his $634 billion “reserve fund” for health reform would come from changes in Medicare and Medicaid spending. Jacob Goldstein of the WSJ Health Blog has dug up a detailed list of these projected savings from 2010-2019 in the budget plan. The biggest savings ($176.6 billion) would come from changing the current method of paying Medicare Advantage plans, which has resulted in CMS paying these insurers 14 percent more per beneficiary than it does for traditional fee-for-service Medicare.
Other major categories include “change Medicare home health payments” ($37.1 billion), ”reallocate Medicare and Medicaid improvement funds” ($23.9 billion), “increase and extend rebates on drugs purchased by Medicaid patients” ($19.5 billion), “bundle Medicare payments for hospital and post-hospital care” ($17.8 billion), “create ‘quality incentive payments’ for hospitals” ($12.1 billion), “allow FDA approval of generic biotech drugs” ($9.24 billion), and “drive down hospital readmission rates for Medicare patients” ($8.43 billion).
Attempts to limit home health care payments have been ongoing since the 1990s but have had little success in the long run. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) advised Congress not to give home health agencies a payment increase in 2009. In its report, MedPAC noted that after being cut radically in the 1997-2000 period, Medicare payments for home health care had risen 55 percent from $8.5 billion in 2000 to $13.2 billion in 2006. The number of home health agencies, which had a 15.4 percent average profit margin in 2006, rose from 6,881 to 9,227 during the same period.
A few other comments are also in order:
Experts like Robert Berenson of the Urban Institute have advocated bundling Medicare payments for hospital and post-acute care for years. Yet it remains an untried approach, with uncertain savings.
The same goes for driving down hospital readmission rates for Medicare patients. While readmissions result, in some cases, from poor inpatient care or inadequate discharge planning, it’s not clear how CMS will factor case-mix severity into financial penalties for readmissions.
FDA approval of generic biotech drugs is a great idea, considering that the brand-name equivalents can cost up to $200,000 annually per patient. But will it save the government nearly $1 billion a year?
As fascinating as this breakdown were some of the comments on the WSJ blog. Besides the expected predictions that insurers would dump Medicare HMOs and that investors would abandon biotech drug companies, there was a spirited debate about whether specialist physicians are paid too much. One Boston doctor weighed in with the sage observation that specialists deserve their high pay because of their extra training. “Comparing pediatrician to interventional radiologist is like comparing control tower operator to airline pilot,” he wrote.
In light of this denigration of primary care, it was interesting to read the excellent article in this week’s New England Journal of Medicine by Elliott Fisher, Julie Bynum, and Jonathan Skinner. Entitled “Slowing The Growth of Health Costs—Lessons From Regional Variation,” the commentary argues that if physicians across the country practiced more like their colleagues in San Francisco and Minnesota, and less like those in New York and Florida, we could easily get health costs under control. To do that, they point out, health care fragmentation must be reduced, and physicians must be paid differently. Of course, their prescription for reform would reduce specialist incomes, because volume would no longer be the basis of reimbursement, and primary-care physicians would have incentives not to refer patients unnecessarily. But in the long run, patients would be healthier because of better access to primary care and better coordination of care.
Tags: Payment, Patient, Medicare, Health Care, Healthcare..., Vertical Industries, Enterprise Software, Software, Ken Terry
From industry.bnet.com
Friday, January 23, 2009
Interesting Blog!
Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative
The primary goal of the Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative (INQRI) program is to generate, disseminate and translate research to understand how nurses contribute to and can improve the quality of patient care. INQRI supports interdisciplinary teams of nurse scholars and scholars from other disciplines to address the gaps in knowledge about the relationship between nursing and health care quality
Visit Site
The primary goal of the Interdisciplinary Nursing Quality Research Initiative (INQRI) program is to generate, disseminate and translate research to understand how nurses contribute to and can improve the quality of patient care. INQRI supports interdisciplinary teams of nurse scholars and scholars from other disciplines to address the gaps in knowledge about the relationship between nursing and health care quality
Visit Site
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Are You Job Trendy?
You heard me right. Are you up on the latest job fashion? And I don't mean interview or work attire... Meaning do you know what your job's trend is? There's another useful tool on SimplyHired.com that will help you in your job search called Employment Trends. This search tool helps you find the number of jobs throughout the nation in your particular field. For example, we did a trend on nursing jobs.
Now the results search listings from May 2007 to today. Here's what this graph shows:RN jobs increased 17%LPN jobs increased 55%CNA jobs increased 50%PN jobs decreased 21%LVN jobs increased 57%Nursing jobs increased 125%As you can see, not all job markets are decreasing. In fact, nursing is booming. Especially the LPN and CNA positions. Check out our Guide to Careers: Nursing Jobs post for more information on what the differences between RNs, LPNs and CNAs are.This is good information for both job seekers and recruiters to know what kind of availability is out there in your field, to stay in the know on your industry and to just see what the market looks like.Related Stories:
Ignite Your Job Search
Recession Recruiting: What to do when they cut the budget- Rosie Reilman
From southtexaslouisiana.blogspot.com
Now the results search listings from May 2007 to today. Here's what this graph shows:RN jobs increased 17%LPN jobs increased 55%CNA jobs increased 50%PN jobs decreased 21%LVN jobs increased 57%Nursing jobs increased 125%As you can see, not all job markets are decreasing. In fact, nursing is booming. Especially the LPN and CNA positions. Check out our Guide to Careers: Nursing Jobs post for more information on what the differences between RNs, LPNs and CNAs are.This is good information for both job seekers and recruiters to know what kind of availability is out there in your field, to stay in the know on your industry and to just see what the market looks like.Related Stories:
Ignite Your Job Search
Recession Recruiting: What to do when they cut the budget- Rosie Reilman
From southtexaslouisiana.blogspot.com
CDH offers scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers
By Staff reports
Suburban Life Publications
Mon Jan 19, 2009, 04:46 PM CST
Western suburbs, IL -
Central DuPage Hospital’s Auxiliary will be awarding scholarships to high school, college and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
Scholarships will be issued to students attending a college, university or graduate program in the fall of 2009. In order to qualify, applicants must document academic excellence, plan to pursue a career in healthcare and live within Central DuPage Hospital’s service area.
Scholarship guidelines and applications will be available online starting Sunday, Feb. 1, at www.cdh.org. The completed application, personal statement, transcripts and reference letters are due by Tuesday, March 31.
For more information about the scholarship program, leave a message at the CDH Auxiliary voicemail at (630) 933-4119 or TTY (630) 933-4833 and your call will be promptly returned.
From mysuburbanlife.com
Suburban Life Publications
Mon Jan 19, 2009, 04:46 PM CST
Western suburbs, IL -
Central DuPage Hospital’s Auxiliary will be awarding scholarships to high school, college and graduate students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare.
Scholarships will be issued to students attending a college, university or graduate program in the fall of 2009. In order to qualify, applicants must document academic excellence, plan to pursue a career in healthcare and live within Central DuPage Hospital’s service area.
Scholarship guidelines and applications will be available online starting Sunday, Feb. 1, at www.cdh.org. The completed application, personal statement, transcripts and reference letters are due by Tuesday, March 31.
For more information about the scholarship program, leave a message at the CDH Auxiliary voicemail at (630) 933-4119 or TTY (630) 933-4833 and your call will be promptly returned.
From mysuburbanlife.com
New law requires free language services from HMOs
Posted: 01/20/2009 12:15:00 AM PST
For millions of Californians who don't speak fluent English, visiting the doctor or pharmacist just got easier.
A groundbreaking new law requires California heath plans to offer free language services — by phone, video or on-site interpreter — for members who aren't proficient in English.
"We are the first state in the nation to have this kind of law," said Cindy Ehnes, director of the California Department of Managed Health Care. "And I believe this will fundamentally change the fabric of health care in California."
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, more than 40 percent of Californians speak a language other than English at home. Language issues are a huge barrier to health care access in this population, Ehnes said.
The new law, passed in 2003 but not fully implemented until Jan. 1, requires health plans to provide interpretation in doctors' offices, pharmacies and laboratories, as well as in administrative offices. Health plans must also translate official documents into languages that are spoken by a significant percentage of its members.
To ensure compliance with the new law, Ehnes says, the Department of Managed Health Care is using "secret shoppers" — government officials posing as patients — who will call for an appointment and request language services. Plans that don't comply may be subject to fines, she said.
Although many health plans will need to expand the language services
For instance, Kaiser Permanente has been providing comprehensive language services for years, said Gayle Tang, director of Kaiser's National Linguistic & Cultural Programs.
"Our approach is really going beyond simply having someone who speaks the language," Tang said. "We want to make sure people are not only fluent in the language but also culturally sensitive and appropriate."
Consumers say they are glad to hear about the new laws.
"Now I feel more comfortable seeing a non-Chinese-speaking doctor," said Kwan Choy, 81, who speaks Cantonese and lives in San Francisco. "I know there are some kinds of language-assistance programs in place."
Ehnes encourages anyone who might need language help to call the customer service line at their health plan.
"This is a law that every patient who is not English-proficient should actively embrace and use to improve the quality of their health care," she said.
If you're interested Anyone who has trouble accessing language services can complain to the Department of Managed Health Care, by calling (888) HMO-2219 or visiting www.hmohelp.ca.gov.
Contact Hadley Leggett at (408) 920-5064 or hleggett@mercurynews.com.
From mercurynews.com
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Milford school nurse selected best in state
From Connpost.comBy Noelle FramptonSTAFF WRITER
MILFORD -- A teenage girl cried hysterically down the hall. Another waited outside the office to talk about something personal, while still another received physical therapy in the next room.A voice came across the walkie-talkie: Two other students were outside, looking quite sick, but without passes."Just send them in," said Kathy Scarinzi, a public health nurse who's worked as school nurse at Foran High School since 1999.Scarinzi, an Orange resident, loves a challenge.
That's why she relishes each hectic day she spends at Foran, helping kids with ailments that range from minor cuts and the stomach flu to serious emotional and psychological issues.And perhaps that's why she's so respected by her peers that she was named Connecticut School Nurse of the Year by the statewide Association of School Nurses."This is like the highest honor you can get as a school nurse," she said, beaming. "I was totally shocked."
Since she came to Foran from Pumpkin Delight School, Scarinzi has made it her mission to foster respect and kindness, as well as physical health.One way she saw to do that was to start a Gay-Straight Alliance in 2002. With a social worker's help, she worked with students as alliance co-founder and is its adviser."I think we've done a good job "¦ because everybody's pretty nice to each other," she said, adding that the alliance has grown. "I just love my job. At the end of the day, you feel rewarded."
Students in the Foran alliance also helped Jonathan Law High School across town to start one, too, she said.With kind blue eyes and a ready smile, Scarinzi is a married mother of three grown children who's been a school nurse in Milford and Orange for roughly two decades. She wears a rainbow pin to signify solidarity with gay students and another that says, "Stop the name-calling."On her wall is a plaque stating, "You have the right to be yourself" and the waiting area and hallway are covered with posters illustrating issues like suicide, rape, drugs and safe sex."There's a lot of complex needs that have to be met," she said. "This [age] is when mental illness starts to rear its ugly head. Everyone is treated equally here. They know that it's a safe place -- you can talk about anything."
Scarinzi has written letters of recommendation for students, mentored younger nurses, taught about self-injurious behavior at Southern Connecticut State University, spoken at a statewide conference and more.President of the Milford school nurses union and recording secretary for the state association, she has testified to lawmakers about school nursing issues, advocating a certification requirement for school nurses."She's the smartest nurse I know," said her mentee, Foran school nurse Lisa Skawinski. "I haven't asked her a question she doesn't know the answer to."
Carla McNamara, the school nurse at Meadowside School, said she nominated Scarinzi for the award after planning to for years."I finally just put my foot down," McNamara said. "She deserves this. She goes above and beyond the call of duty. She just does so much, not only for the students at her school but for us, her colleagues. Any little thing that needs to be addressed, she will address it. Her office is a safe haven in the school for anyone."McNamara said she and others put together a portfolio of glowing letters from former co-workers and supervisors to include with the nomination form.Scarinzi brought a drug-prevention program to Foran in response to concern about drug use at the school, as well as inmates from York Correctional Institute to share their stories with preventative intent, her colleague said.
She will be honored Wednesday at a recognition ceremony in West Hartford.At least one person believes Scarinzi deserves an even higher honor. "You are the best nurse of America, not only of Connecticut," a Foran father from Pakistan told her in a thank-you voice mail.
MILFORD -- A teenage girl cried hysterically down the hall. Another waited outside the office to talk about something personal, while still another received physical therapy in the next room.A voice came across the walkie-talkie: Two other students were outside, looking quite sick, but without passes."Just send them in," said Kathy Scarinzi, a public health nurse who's worked as school nurse at Foran High School since 1999.Scarinzi, an Orange resident, loves a challenge.
That's why she relishes each hectic day she spends at Foran, helping kids with ailments that range from minor cuts and the stomach flu to serious emotional and psychological issues.And perhaps that's why she's so respected by her peers that she was named Connecticut School Nurse of the Year by the statewide Association of School Nurses."This is like the highest honor you can get as a school nurse," she said, beaming. "I was totally shocked."
Since she came to Foran from Pumpkin Delight School, Scarinzi has made it her mission to foster respect and kindness, as well as physical health.One way she saw to do that was to start a Gay-Straight Alliance in 2002. With a social worker's help, she worked with students as alliance co-founder and is its adviser."I think we've done a good job "¦ because everybody's pretty nice to each other," she said, adding that the alliance has grown. "I just love my job. At the end of the day, you feel rewarded."
Students in the Foran alliance also helped Jonathan Law High School across town to start one, too, she said.With kind blue eyes and a ready smile, Scarinzi is a married mother of three grown children who's been a school nurse in Milford and Orange for roughly two decades. She wears a rainbow pin to signify solidarity with gay students and another that says, "Stop the name-calling."On her wall is a plaque stating, "You have the right to be yourself" and the waiting area and hallway are covered with posters illustrating issues like suicide, rape, drugs and safe sex."There's a lot of complex needs that have to be met," she said. "This [age] is when mental illness starts to rear its ugly head. Everyone is treated equally here. They know that it's a safe place -- you can talk about anything."
Scarinzi has written letters of recommendation for students, mentored younger nurses, taught about self-injurious behavior at Southern Connecticut State University, spoken at a statewide conference and more.President of the Milford school nurses union and recording secretary for the state association, she has testified to lawmakers about school nursing issues, advocating a certification requirement for school nurses."She's the smartest nurse I know," said her mentee, Foran school nurse Lisa Skawinski. "I haven't asked her a question she doesn't know the answer to."
Carla McNamara, the school nurse at Meadowside School, said she nominated Scarinzi for the award after planning to for years."I finally just put my foot down," McNamara said. "She deserves this. She goes above and beyond the call of duty. She just does so much, not only for the students at her school but for us, her colleagues. Any little thing that needs to be addressed, she will address it. Her office is a safe haven in the school for anyone."McNamara said she and others put together a portfolio of glowing letters from former co-workers and supervisors to include with the nomination form.Scarinzi brought a drug-prevention program to Foran in response to concern about drug use at the school, as well as inmates from York Correctional Institute to share their stories with preventative intent, her colleague said.
She will be honored Wednesday at a recognition ceremony in West Hartford.At least one person believes Scarinzi deserves an even higher honor. "You are the best nurse of America, not only of Connecticut," a Foran father from Pakistan told her in a thank-you voice mail.
Friday, January 16, 2009
CNA/ HHA Training New Haven, CT
The Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut at 1 Long Wharf Drive, New Haven, is offering CNA/HHA training for people aged 55 and above!
You will be paid minimum wage as you attend this program, and learn the skills for a new career as well.
Contact Effie Nemat-Naficy,Program Manager, Senior Community Service Employment Program
203-752-3059
or
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Nursing students find community
After reopening to address a statewide shortage of nurses, the program will send off its first graduating class since 1995 in spring 2010
Daniel Schonhaut, Bruin Contributor (Contact)
Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Fifty-eight UCLA students currently enrolled in the School of Nursing are on track to graduate in 2010, constituting the first class of students to have completed the undergraduate nursing program since 1995.
The School of Nursing shut down its undergraduate nursing program over 13 years ago due to budget concerns.
The program was reopened in 2006 in response to a growing statewide nursing shortage of as many as 59,000 nurses, according to a 2007 UC San Francisco report.
“California ranks 49th in the nation in nursing-to-patient ratio,” said Lindsay Williams, president of Nursing Students of UCLA, a student group. “I think UCLA recognized the problem, and the late (School of Nursing) Dean Marie Cowan worked really hard to get the nursing program back up and running.”
Few specific changes have been made to the new program, but the school plans to focus more on “the wide use of technology in caring for our patients,” said Courtney Lyder, the current dean of the School of Nursing.
Lyder said that the main goal of the undergraduate nursing curriculum is still to provide a general education in nursing. The general education covers “the arts and science of providing quality care for patients.”
He added that admission into the reopened undergraduate program is “extremely competitive.”
Fifty-five students were admitted to the program last year out of a pool of about 1,700 applicants, Lyder said.
“I think that because our program is relatively small, our students get a lot of one-on-one attention from the faculty,” Lyder said.
“They receive a good foundation in both the liberal arts and sciences, as well as how these are applied to actual patients. It’s a much more intimate learning experience than they would get with other, larger majors.”
Williams, a third-year nursing student, said she agrees.
“The level of support that you get from the School of Nursing is different from any other major,” she said. “I’ve taken chemistry and life sciences and it’s really competitive because everyone is trying to get at one thing and that’s the way they structure the class.”
Williams said that in nursing, “The competition was to get into the program, but once you’re in they want you to succeed.”
“We have small classes that we all take at the same time, so there’s a real sense of collaboration with everyone else,” she said.
The 2010 nursing class is currently preparing to participate in clinical internships, which begin next quarter. They will work intensive 12-hour shifts in hospitals alongside experienced nurses, said third-year nursing student Lindsay Sandberg.
Sandberg described the undergraduate nursing curriculum as “challenging, but worthwhile.”
“It’s not easy to be in all the classes with the medical school kids and to have to take nursing classes at the same time, but it’s definitely a rewarding experience,” she said.
“This program is one of the best in the country, and it’s right out of high school, which is not that common.”
Sandberg added, “When I graduate, I’ll get my degree and be able to go directly into nursing.”
The undergraduate curriculum includes a number of labs designed to give students hands-on experience in the field.
“Last quarter, we had our nursing fundamentals class where we gave flu shots to students on campus, which was really fun, and we had a hands-on lab where we were able to administer intravenous (therapy) on each other,” said Emma Gauci, a third-year nursing student.
“We did a blood pressure clinic where we set up along Bruin Walk and took people’s blood pressure for practice, which was an amazing, exciting experience,” Sandberg said.
According to Lyder, the undergraduate program is designed to introduce nursing students to all areas of nursing and ready them for a career as general registered nurses.
“Our undergrads are being prepared to go directly into general nursing,” Lyder said.
After they graduate, Williams, Sandberg and Gauci all said they plan to work as registered nurses before going on to graduate school to train in a specialization and receive degrees as nurse practitioners.
UCLA currently offers two degrees in undergraduate nursing, according to the School of Nursing Web site.
The general four-year nursing program leads to a bachelor of science in nursing and eligibility to take the National Council Licensing Examination for certification as a registered nurse.
A two-year master’s-entry clinical nurse program is also available for students who wish to go into nursing but are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in other majors.
Daniel Schonhaut, Bruin Contributor (Contact)
Published: Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Fifty-eight UCLA students currently enrolled in the School of Nursing are on track to graduate in 2010, constituting the first class of students to have completed the undergraduate nursing program since 1995.
The School of Nursing shut down its undergraduate nursing program over 13 years ago due to budget concerns.
The program was reopened in 2006 in response to a growing statewide nursing shortage of as many as 59,000 nurses, according to a 2007 UC San Francisco report.
“California ranks 49th in the nation in nursing-to-patient ratio,” said Lindsay Williams, president of Nursing Students of UCLA, a student group. “I think UCLA recognized the problem, and the late (School of Nursing) Dean Marie Cowan worked really hard to get the nursing program back up and running.”
Few specific changes have been made to the new program, but the school plans to focus more on “the wide use of technology in caring for our patients,” said Courtney Lyder, the current dean of the School of Nursing.
Lyder said that the main goal of the undergraduate nursing curriculum is still to provide a general education in nursing. The general education covers “the arts and science of providing quality care for patients.”
He added that admission into the reopened undergraduate program is “extremely competitive.”
Fifty-five students were admitted to the program last year out of a pool of about 1,700 applicants, Lyder said.
“I think that because our program is relatively small, our students get a lot of one-on-one attention from the faculty,” Lyder said.
“They receive a good foundation in both the liberal arts and sciences, as well as how these are applied to actual patients. It’s a much more intimate learning experience than they would get with other, larger majors.”
Williams, a third-year nursing student, said she agrees.
“The level of support that you get from the School of Nursing is different from any other major,” she said. “I’ve taken chemistry and life sciences and it’s really competitive because everyone is trying to get at one thing and that’s the way they structure the class.”
Williams said that in nursing, “The competition was to get into the program, but once you’re in they want you to succeed.”
“We have small classes that we all take at the same time, so there’s a real sense of collaboration with everyone else,” she said.
The 2010 nursing class is currently preparing to participate in clinical internships, which begin next quarter. They will work intensive 12-hour shifts in hospitals alongside experienced nurses, said third-year nursing student Lindsay Sandberg.
Sandberg described the undergraduate nursing curriculum as “challenging, but worthwhile.”
“It’s not easy to be in all the classes with the medical school kids and to have to take nursing classes at the same time, but it’s definitely a rewarding experience,” she said.
“This program is one of the best in the country, and it’s right out of high school, which is not that common.”
Sandberg added, “When I graduate, I’ll get my degree and be able to go directly into nursing.”
The undergraduate curriculum includes a number of labs designed to give students hands-on experience in the field.
“Last quarter, we had our nursing fundamentals class where we gave flu shots to students on campus, which was really fun, and we had a hands-on lab where we were able to administer intravenous (therapy) on each other,” said Emma Gauci, a third-year nursing student.
“We did a blood pressure clinic where we set up along Bruin Walk and took people’s blood pressure for practice, which was an amazing, exciting experience,” Sandberg said.
According to Lyder, the undergraduate program is designed to introduce nursing students to all areas of nursing and ready them for a career as general registered nurses.
“Our undergrads are being prepared to go directly into general nursing,” Lyder said.
After they graduate, Williams, Sandberg and Gauci all said they plan to work as registered nurses before going on to graduate school to train in a specialization and receive degrees as nurse practitioners.
UCLA currently offers two degrees in undergraduate nursing, according to the School of Nursing Web site.
The general four-year nursing program leads to a bachelor of science in nursing and eligibility to take the National Council Licensing Examination for certification as a registered nurse.
A two-year master’s-entry clinical nurse program is also available for students who wish to go into nursing but are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in other majors.
Monday, January 12, 2009
“General Practice,” I Mean, “Family Practitice,” No, I Mean, “Family Medicine”
Have you ever gone to see your primary care physician, called him or her a general practitioner, or a GP, and had them give you a funny smirk or perhaps even a role of the eyes? Ever been embarrassed to ask what’s the difference between a general practitioner and a family practitioner or a family doctor?
Having been an eye roller and smirker myself let me take the opportunity this quiet Sunday morning to go into the difference between general practice, family practice, and family medicine.
Once upon a time medical students graduated from medical school and would do a one year intership at a hospital doing apprentice like work that we so often see on TV. When this was done they became licensed with the state, hung out their shingle, and went into practice. This is the general practitioner, the GP, that was the bedrock of primary care and provided so much of health care to rural areas for much of the history of the US.
In 1969 the American Board of Family Practice was formed in response to an overall trend toward specialization in American medicine. The percentage of medical school graduates going into general practice had declined from 47% in 1900 to 19% in 1964. Family Practice, changed from general practice, deserved to be a specialty of its own and deserved to have full residency training programs. Upon completion of residency training a test, and if all goes well, they could advertise themselves as “board certified.”
(Of note, many countries still use the term general practitioner and you won’t get any eye rolls there as its still the appropriate title.)
As time went on, family practice found that having its own specialty still wasn’t enough to avoid having sand kicked in its face by the specialists on the beach and decided that re-certification should take place to demonstrate physician currency. On a sabbatical-like cycle, family practitioners would retake their certification exam in addition to the continuing medical education (CME are workshops and lectures that most other specialties required of its members).
Eventually many specialties would come to join in on the re-certification parade, but if you ask around many doc still proudly hold lifelong board certification based on a test they took twenty years ago.Back in 2005 the American Board of Family Practice decided it was time for some other major changes. Mid-levels had impeded on the primary care turf. Specialists salaries really started to take off compared to primary care. It decided to start with the name. I began my residency training in family practice, but I graduated in family medicine. Sounds less mid-level-ish and more like we know what we’re doing. The term family practitioner is also probably outdated. Family physician or family doctor are more appropriate.
The other major change is how doctors maintain certification. The board spaced out the certification test to every ten years, but no requires some type of self-assessment or practice assessment on an annual basis. I’ve done computer modules to test my knowledge on cardiac disease, well child exams, and depression. This year I’m doing a chart review for my patients to look at the way I deliver asthma care. Those CME requirements from before, those haven’t gone away as well.
Now I hear rumblings that the other specialties are going to be changing to a similar model and undoubtedly my board will have to think of something new.
Being board certified is not equivalent to delivering quality care. In fact no study, to my knowledge, has ever shown board certified docs deliver better care than non-board certified and the same is true of family physicians that have been part of this new maintenance of certification pathway. Having said that, as board certification becomes more and more the norm and the expectation I would want a pretty good reason for a family member to see a doctor of any specialty that wasn’t board certified.
So if you find yourself fumbling around trying to remember if it’s the GP or family practitioners I recommend just sticking with “the doctor.”
The Country Doc
From thecountrydocreport.com
Having been an eye roller and smirker myself let me take the opportunity this quiet Sunday morning to go into the difference between general practice, family practice, and family medicine.
Once upon a time medical students graduated from medical school and would do a one year intership at a hospital doing apprentice like work that we so often see on TV. When this was done they became licensed with the state, hung out their shingle, and went into practice. This is the general practitioner, the GP, that was the bedrock of primary care and provided so much of health care to rural areas for much of the history of the US.
In 1969 the American Board of Family Practice was formed in response to an overall trend toward specialization in American medicine. The percentage of medical school graduates going into general practice had declined from 47% in 1900 to 19% in 1964. Family Practice, changed from general practice, deserved to be a specialty of its own and deserved to have full residency training programs. Upon completion of residency training a test, and if all goes well, they could advertise themselves as “board certified.”
(Of note, many countries still use the term general practitioner and you won’t get any eye rolls there as its still the appropriate title.)
As time went on, family practice found that having its own specialty still wasn’t enough to avoid having sand kicked in its face by the specialists on the beach and decided that re-certification should take place to demonstrate physician currency. On a sabbatical-like cycle, family practitioners would retake their certification exam in addition to the continuing medical education (CME are workshops and lectures that most other specialties required of its members).
Eventually many specialties would come to join in on the re-certification parade, but if you ask around many doc still proudly hold lifelong board certification based on a test they took twenty years ago.Back in 2005 the American Board of Family Practice decided it was time for some other major changes. Mid-levels had impeded on the primary care turf. Specialists salaries really started to take off compared to primary care. It decided to start with the name. I began my residency training in family practice, but I graduated in family medicine. Sounds less mid-level-ish and more like we know what we’re doing. The term family practitioner is also probably outdated. Family physician or family doctor are more appropriate.
The other major change is how doctors maintain certification. The board spaced out the certification test to every ten years, but no requires some type of self-assessment or practice assessment on an annual basis. I’ve done computer modules to test my knowledge on cardiac disease, well child exams, and depression. This year I’m doing a chart review for my patients to look at the way I deliver asthma care. Those CME requirements from before, those haven’t gone away as well.
Now I hear rumblings that the other specialties are going to be changing to a similar model and undoubtedly my board will have to think of something new.
Being board certified is not equivalent to delivering quality care. In fact no study, to my knowledge, has ever shown board certified docs deliver better care than non-board certified and the same is true of family physicians that have been part of this new maintenance of certification pathway. Having said that, as board certification becomes more and more the norm and the expectation I would want a pretty good reason for a family member to see a doctor of any specialty that wasn’t board certified.
So if you find yourself fumbling around trying to remember if it’s the GP or family practitioners I recommend just sticking with “the doctor.”
The Country Doc
From thecountrydocreport.com
OU-C partners with VA to offer nursing support classes
Collaboration gives more class space for program prerequisites
Nursing education in Ross County is growing again, this time through a partnership between Ohio University-Chillicothe and the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Classes started earlier last week at the VA, providing 30 additional people the ability to start prerequisites needed to be eligible for selection to the associate's of applied science degree in nursing at OU-C. Math, chemistry and English evening classes are offered on the VA campus by OU-C staff. Currently, a dozen of the openings are filled.
"I think it's an advantage to the VA because you have the hospital facility and you're training onsite," said Joyce Atwood, resource development coordinator.
The arrangement also makes it convenient for VA staff interested in the program, added Charlotte McManus, associate director of OU-C's nursing program.
"There are several LPNs out there who might be interested to go into our LPN to RN program. We could get them in a little sooner with the collaboration with the VA," McManus said.
The extent of the partnership still is being determined, but it is possible the nursing classes and labs could be offered at the VA as well, McManus added.
"They have what we need if we do offer it there," she said, adding her students already do some clinical work at the VA.
Jeff Gering, VA director, is excited about the partnership as well as another venture that beings this summer. Starting in July, the VA will be assigned a group of students doing their medical residencies, a first for the Chillicothe VA and unusual for a smaller VA facility, Gering said.
"They find 17 to 20 percent of residents stay in the area where they complete their residency, so this will help the whole community as well," Gering said.
Although OU-C has graduated more than 600 nurses since beginning the program in 1993 and the long waiting list for those interested in the program, neither McManus nor Atwood feel there is any danger of the industry getting flooded.
"I've never seen it flooded; I've been in nursing since 1978 ... I've never had any of my students turned away from a job. All of them get jobs before graduating or a few weeks after graduating," McManus said.
Actually, the need is continuing to grow as baby boomers become older and have more health care needs. However, the higher demand is for RNs, McManus added, and many places are encouraging and providing incentives for their LPNs to continue their education.
In recent years, OU-C has utilized partnerships to expand its program. The nursing program works with Adena Regional Medical Center, Berger Hospital and Ohio Christian University, to name a few.
(Ison can be reached at 772-9367 or via e-mail at jison@ChillicotheGazette.com)
Spiritual journey chronicled in new memoir
Thursday, January 8, 2009 9:09 PM EST
By DAVID SCALES,Special to Weekend
MIDDLETOWN — Picasso once said each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again.When Eleanore Milardo discovered a new personal universe in her life, it brought a new sense of clarity and the words to shape her book, "Sacred Journey: Healing Ourselves and our Planet," (Running Water Press, $20, July 2008).
Milardo may be known to residents as the owner of the house on Sisk Street with the spiral gardens, which was recently nominated for placement in the Smithsonian Institute’s landscape division. The gardens were selected by the Garden Club of America, the only organization who can nominate gardens for such an entry for their innovativeness and naturalness.
"I started on the gardens in 1996, when I attended a conference and walked into this room which had a spiral rope and candles and signs next to each candle telling the story of the universe," Milardo said. "I was so impressed with reading the story and I said to myself, ‘I must bring this to the people.’Filled almost exclusively with native New England trees, shrubs and plants, the gardens are sustainable (balancing resources) and educational.Visitors walk through 14 gardens, from the Peace Garden, the 60-foot spiral of the Sacred Universe Garden, the Rain Garden and the Robins’ Corner.Milardo’s two years of effort literally bore the fruit of recognition — for not only her reputation as a gardener, but her spiritual growth.
But it came at a high price.Milardo, a former registered nurse who began her career as an operating room supervisor in a local hospital, began practicing homeopathic medicine, a relatively new field in 1985.A nurse with a master’s degree and a specialty could be a nurse medical specialist."In the state of Connecticut, you weren’t allowed to practice homeopathic medicine unless you are an M.D.," Milardo said. "I was given a piece of paper to sign and promise never to practice this again and nobody would be the wiser.
But the way it was written, it didn’t really tell quite the truth. I said, ‘No. If I’m going to lose my license over this, I want it to be truthfully known why.’"Milardo chose to go before the Board of Nursing Examiners, which suspended her nursing license for six months."After that," she says, "I got interested in spiritual direction and my whole life took a completely different path. ""Even though the president of the Homeopathic Physicians approved of me and got me to go through the training, he had a heart attack and couldn’t defend me," Milardo said.Still, Milardo claims this potential disaster was the best thing to ever happen to her.
Embarking upon a journey of self-discovery, she began keeping a journal. As the years went on, she realized not too many people really knew her or her story. Considering how others might be helped by her insight; especially her grandchildren, who she wanted them to know, she embarked on a quest to have her work published.
Milardo later joined the International Women’s Writers’ Guild, which gave her a list of editors to contact who might assist in getting the book off the ground.She eventually reached Hazel Dawkins in Greenfield, Mass., who read the manuscript and said it definitely needed to be published. It gave Milardo the courage to keep going. Her interest in helping people know who they truly are and their connection to the divine mystery continued, like her gardens, to bloom.
And so the book was born."I learned how to walk people through difficult times and it’s called spiritual focusing," Milardo said."As children, we need to have our ego get strong as we’re growing up so we can survive our peers, family and culture. Then as an adult, we have to pass through that to the ‘True Self’ so we don’t do what everyone else thinks we are supposed to do. So we come to know what we are supposed to be doing."That’s the message of the book. Once you get past the expectations applied to you, then you understand the truth for yourself."It chronicles Milardo’s personal tragedies, including the loss of her son, and her departure from the Roman Catholic Church."I try to help people recognize the divine is everywhere and in everyone," Milardo said.To purchase the book, see www.spiraloflifegardens.com.
From Middletown Press
By DAVID SCALES,Special to Weekend
MIDDLETOWN — Picasso once said each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again.When Eleanore Milardo discovered a new personal universe in her life, it brought a new sense of clarity and the words to shape her book, "Sacred Journey: Healing Ourselves and our Planet," (Running Water Press, $20, July 2008).
Milardo may be known to residents as the owner of the house on Sisk Street with the spiral gardens, which was recently nominated for placement in the Smithsonian Institute’s landscape division. The gardens were selected by the Garden Club of America, the only organization who can nominate gardens for such an entry for their innovativeness and naturalness.
"I started on the gardens in 1996, when I attended a conference and walked into this room which had a spiral rope and candles and signs next to each candle telling the story of the universe," Milardo said. "I was so impressed with reading the story and I said to myself, ‘I must bring this to the people.’Filled almost exclusively with native New England trees, shrubs and plants, the gardens are sustainable (balancing resources) and educational.Visitors walk through 14 gardens, from the Peace Garden, the 60-foot spiral of the Sacred Universe Garden, the Rain Garden and the Robins’ Corner.Milardo’s two years of effort literally bore the fruit of recognition — for not only her reputation as a gardener, but her spiritual growth.
But it came at a high price.Milardo, a former registered nurse who began her career as an operating room supervisor in a local hospital, began practicing homeopathic medicine, a relatively new field in 1985.A nurse with a master’s degree and a specialty could be a nurse medical specialist."In the state of Connecticut, you weren’t allowed to practice homeopathic medicine unless you are an M.D.," Milardo said. "I was given a piece of paper to sign and promise never to practice this again and nobody would be the wiser.
But the way it was written, it didn’t really tell quite the truth. I said, ‘No. If I’m going to lose my license over this, I want it to be truthfully known why.’"Milardo chose to go before the Board of Nursing Examiners, which suspended her nursing license for six months."After that," she says, "I got interested in spiritual direction and my whole life took a completely different path. ""Even though the president of the Homeopathic Physicians approved of me and got me to go through the training, he had a heart attack and couldn’t defend me," Milardo said.Still, Milardo claims this potential disaster was the best thing to ever happen to her.
Embarking upon a journey of self-discovery, she began keeping a journal. As the years went on, she realized not too many people really knew her or her story. Considering how others might be helped by her insight; especially her grandchildren, who she wanted them to know, she embarked on a quest to have her work published.
Milardo later joined the International Women’s Writers’ Guild, which gave her a list of editors to contact who might assist in getting the book off the ground.She eventually reached Hazel Dawkins in Greenfield, Mass., who read the manuscript and said it definitely needed to be published. It gave Milardo the courage to keep going. Her interest in helping people know who they truly are and their connection to the divine mystery continued, like her gardens, to bloom.
And so the book was born."I learned how to walk people through difficult times and it’s called spiritual focusing," Milardo said."As children, we need to have our ego get strong as we’re growing up so we can survive our peers, family and culture. Then as an adult, we have to pass through that to the ‘True Self’ so we don’t do what everyone else thinks we are supposed to do. So we come to know what we are supposed to be doing."That’s the message of the book. Once you get past the expectations applied to you, then you understand the truth for yourself."It chronicles Milardo’s personal tragedies, including the loss of her son, and her departure from the Roman Catholic Church."I try to help people recognize the divine is everywhere and in everyone," Milardo said.To purchase the book, see www.spiraloflifegardens.com.
From Middletown Press
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Retraining offered to retired RN's
updated 2:47 p.m. ET, Thurs., Jan. 8, 2009
offers training to retired RN's who may want to get back into the field. The training would allow them to get up to date on methods and technology.
The program was unveiled during a news conference at the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce Thursday morning. Chamber President Austin Burke says training would be offered through Luzerne County Community College at the Scranton Community Medical Center's School of Nursing. On the job trainingwould also be offered at several hospitals in Lackawanna County.
With funding from five participating hospitals and a grant from the Workforce Investment Board of Lackawanna County the course will be offered for $225.00 per participant.
Applications are being accepted now. The course will begin on February 20th.
From MSNBC
Psychiatry
This is not a career listing, but an interesting article that psychiatric care providers may find interesting!
Video Game May Help to ReducePTSD, Psychologists SayUPI Science News - January 09, 2009
British researchers say the video game "Tetris" may reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
A study by psychologists at Oxford University suggests the game can help erase bad memories and reduce flashbacks, the Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.
Emily Holmes of the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University, said volunteers exposed to traumatic images and then half of the group played Tetris for 10 minutes, while the other half did nothing. The volunteers who played the video game experienced significantly fewer flashbacks over the next week, the report said.
Holmes said the findings suggest the game helps block the brain from storing painful memories.
"Tetris may work by competing for the brain’s resources for sensory information," she said. "We suggest it specifically interferes with the way sensory memories are laid down in the period after trauma and thus reduces the number of flashbacks that are experienced afterwards."
From Connecticut Network of Care
Video Game May Help to ReducePTSD, Psychologists SayUPI Science News - January 09, 2009
British researchers say the video game "Tetris" may reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
A study by psychologists at Oxford University suggests the game can help erase bad memories and reduce flashbacks, the Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.
Emily Holmes of the Department of Psychiatry at Oxford University, said volunteers exposed to traumatic images and then half of the group played Tetris for 10 minutes, while the other half did nothing. The volunteers who played the video game experienced significantly fewer flashbacks over the next week, the report said.
Holmes said the findings suggest the game helps block the brain from storing painful memories.
"Tetris may work by competing for the brain’s resources for sensory information," she said. "We suggest it specifically interferes with the way sensory memories are laid down in the period after trauma and thus reduces the number of flashbacks that are experienced afterwards."
From Connecticut Network of Care
Friday, January 9, 2009
Cost containment focus could have consequences for health care delivery
BOSTON – The drive toward containing health care costs could have the unintended consequence of reducing physician productivity, impairing quality and perhaps even increasing costs, two Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center physicians suggest in a New England Journal of Medicine "Perspective."Citing studies in behavioral economics and psychology, Pamela Hartzband, MD and Jerome Groopman MD, express the fear that assigning a monetary value to every aspect of a physician's time could prove to be self-defeating."There is also a communal relationship, an expectation and obligation to help when assistance is needed," Hartzband and Groopman write in NEJM's Jan. 8, 2009 edition.
"We believe that in the current environment, the balance has tipped toward market exchanges at the expense of medicine's communal or social dimensions."The physicians, an endocrinologist and hematologist-oncologist respectively, note the environment in which they work has long been one where a colleague would not hesitate to stop in a corridor and offer a colleague his or her thoughts on a complex case."Now imagine that they had just left a departmental meeting where a divisional budget was reviewed and goals for individual relative value units (RVUs, the monetary metric of physicians' time and effort) were presented. Would their interaction be different?"The physicians cite studies that suggest the answer is yes. Experiments found money-primed subjects were consistently less willing to extend themselves to those who needed help.In one study, a control group asked to do a favor without compensation was significantly more willing to help move a sofa than those offered a token payment.These experiments have a greater meaning in a profession where marketplace and communal relationships live side by side."Many physicians we know are so alienated and angered by the relentless pricing of their day that they wind up having no desire to do more than the minimum required for the financial 'bottom line,'" they write. "In our view, this cultural shift risks destroying some essential aspects of the medical profession that contribute to high quality health care, including pride of profession, sense of duty, altruism and collegiality."Extending oneself to patients, families, trainees and colleagues not only is a traditional element of care, but translates into more effective care."Hartzband and Groopman suggest that new trends in primary care may offer an opportunity to restore balance. The "patient-centered medical home" is being envisioned as a "compassionate partnership" between caregivers and patients, with compensation for what is now unreimbursed time."Caregivers should be appropriately reimbursed but should not be constantly primed by money. Success in such a model will require collegiality, cooperation and teamwork – precisely the behaviors that are predictably eroded by a marketplace environment."
Hartzband is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Groopman is the Dina and Raphael Recanati Chair of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and is Chief of Experimental Medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and consistently ranks among the top four in National Institutes of Health funding among independent hospitals nationwide. BIDMC is clinically affiliated with the Joslin Diabetes Center and is a research partner of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox. For more information, visit www.bidmc.harvard.edu.
"We believe that in the current environment, the balance has tipped toward market exchanges at the expense of medicine's communal or social dimensions."The physicians, an endocrinologist and hematologist-oncologist respectively, note the environment in which they work has long been one where a colleague would not hesitate to stop in a corridor and offer a colleague his or her thoughts on a complex case."Now imagine that they had just left a departmental meeting where a divisional budget was reviewed and goals for individual relative value units (RVUs, the monetary metric of physicians' time and effort) were presented. Would their interaction be different?"The physicians cite studies that suggest the answer is yes. Experiments found money-primed subjects were consistently less willing to extend themselves to those who needed help.In one study, a control group asked to do a favor without compensation was significantly more willing to help move a sofa than those offered a token payment.These experiments have a greater meaning in a profession where marketplace and communal relationships live side by side."Many physicians we know are so alienated and angered by the relentless pricing of their day that they wind up having no desire to do more than the minimum required for the financial 'bottom line,'" they write. "In our view, this cultural shift risks destroying some essential aspects of the medical profession that contribute to high quality health care, including pride of profession, sense of duty, altruism and collegiality."Extending oneself to patients, families, trainees and colleagues not only is a traditional element of care, but translates into more effective care."Hartzband and Groopman suggest that new trends in primary care may offer an opportunity to restore balance. The "patient-centered medical home" is being envisioned as a "compassionate partnership" between caregivers and patients, with compensation for what is now unreimbursed time."Caregivers should be appropriately reimbursed but should not be constantly primed by money. Success in such a model will require collegiality, cooperation and teamwork – precisely the behaviors that are predictably eroded by a marketplace environment."
Hartzband is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Groopman is the Dina and Raphael Recanati Chair of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and is Chief of Experimental Medicine at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article were reported.Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School, and consistently ranks among the top four in National Institutes of Health funding among independent hospitals nationwide. BIDMC is clinically affiliated with the Joslin Diabetes Center and is a research partner of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox. For more information, visit www.bidmc.harvard.edu.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
LPN vs NP
I have had several people ask me the difference between an LPN and NP this week. So, here it goes:
LPN = Licensed Practical Nurse: an LPN is a nursing degree that is more of a technical degree. It requires about 2 years of schooling and is often what people do before going on for their RN (Registered Nurse).
NP = Nurse Practitioner: an NP requires additional schooling following an RN license. Being an NP does not always require a Master's degree but typically nurse practitioners have a Master's degree.
Hopefully this helps those of you who were wondering.
Have a great day!
Posted by The Peppler Family at 1:17 PM
From Peppler Family Blog
LPN = Licensed Practical Nurse: an LPN is a nursing degree that is more of a technical degree. It requires about 2 years of schooling and is often what people do before going on for their RN (Registered Nurse).
NP = Nurse Practitioner: an NP requires additional schooling following an RN license. Being an NP does not always require a Master's degree but typically nurse practitioners have a Master's degree.
Hopefully this helps those of you who were wondering.
Have a great day!
Posted by The Peppler Family at 1:17 PM
From Peppler Family Blog
Hospital Scrubs Are a Germy, Deadly Mess
Bacteria on doctor uniforms can kill you.
By BETSY MCCAUGHEY
You see them everywhere -- nurses, doctors and medical technicians in scrubs or lab coats. They shop in them, take buses and trains in them, go to restaurants in them, and wear them home. What you can't see on these garments are the bacteria that could kill you.
Dirty scrubs spread bacteria to patients in the hospital and allow hospital superbugs to escape into public places such as restaurants. Some hospitals now prohibit wearing scrubs outside the building, partly in response to the rapid increase in an infection called "C. diff." A national hospital survey released last November warns that Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections are sickening nearly half a million people a year in the U.S., more than six times previous estimates.
The problem is that some medical personnel wear the same unlaundered uniforms to work day after day. They start their shift already carrying germs such as C.diff, drug-resistant enterococcus or staphylococcus. Doctors' lab coats are probably the dirtiest. At the University of Maryland, 65% of medical personnel confess they change their lab coat less than once a week, though they know it's contaminated. Fifteen percent admit they change it less than once a month. Superbugs such as staph can live on these polyester coats for up to 56 days
Do unclean uniforms endanger patients? Absolutely. Health-care workers habitually touch their own uniforms. Studies confirm that the more bacteria found on surfaces touched often by doctors and nurses, the higher the risk that these bacteria will be carried to the patient and cause infection.
Until about 20 years ago, nearly all hospitals laundered scrubs for their staff. A few hospitals are returning to that policy. St. Mary's Health Center in St. Louis, Mo., reduced infections after cesarean births by more than 50% by giving all caregivers hospital-laundered scrubs, as well as requiring them to wear two layers of gloves. Monroe Hospital in Bloomington, Ind., which has a near-zero rate of hospital-acquired infections, provides laundered scrubs for all staff and prohibits them from wearing scrubs outside the building. Stamford Hospital in Connecticut recently banned wearing scrubs outside the hospital.
Across the pond, a British study found that one-third of medical personnel did not launder their uniforms before coming to work. One British surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacements reduced postoperative infections by two-thirds at her hospital by protecting patients from contaminated uniforms. Before approaching any patient's bed, nurses put on disposable, clear plastic aprons that were pulled off rolls like dry cleaning bags. Each one costs a nickel.
In response to this evidence and public outrage over infections, the cash-strapped British National Health Service is providing nurses with hospital-laundered "smart scrubs." The smart design includes short sleeves, because long sleeves spread germs from patient to patient.
The new British policy will protect patients and prevent superbugs from being carried outside hospitals. In one study, more than 20% of nurses' uniforms had C. diff on them at the end of a shift. The germ can cause extreme diarrhea, dehydration, inflammation of the colon, and even death.
In a hospital, C. diff contaminates virtually every surface. It spreads when traces of an infected person's feces get in another person's mouth. Patients who touch objects in their room and then eat without washing their hands unknowingly swallow the germ. Many otherwise healthy patients who go into the hospital for elective surgery, such as hip replacement, have contracted C. diff and died.
Outside the hospital, C. diff is also difficult to control. It isn't killed by laundry detergents or most cleaners. Researchers at Case Western Reserve and the Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center found that even after routine cleaning, 78% of surfaces still had C. diff. Only scrubbing with bleach removed it. That's not the kind of cleaning restaurants are prepared to do after serving hospital workers.
Imagine sliding into a restaurant booth after a nurse has left the germ on the table or seat. You could easily pick it up on your hands and then swallow it with your sandwich. Hospitals should provide workers with clean uniforms and prohibit wearing them in public.
Ms. McCaughey, former lieutenant governor of New York state, is a fellow at the Hudson Institute and chair of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths.
from wsj.com
By BETSY MCCAUGHEY
You see them everywhere -- nurses, doctors and medical technicians in scrubs or lab coats. They shop in them, take buses and trains in them, go to restaurants in them, and wear them home. What you can't see on these garments are the bacteria that could kill you.
Dirty scrubs spread bacteria to patients in the hospital and allow hospital superbugs to escape into public places such as restaurants. Some hospitals now prohibit wearing scrubs outside the building, partly in response to the rapid increase in an infection called "C. diff." A national hospital survey released last November warns that Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections are sickening nearly half a million people a year in the U.S., more than six times previous estimates.
The problem is that some medical personnel wear the same unlaundered uniforms to work day after day. They start their shift already carrying germs such as C.diff, drug-resistant enterococcus or staphylococcus. Doctors' lab coats are probably the dirtiest. At the University of Maryland, 65% of medical personnel confess they change their lab coat less than once a week, though they know it's contaminated. Fifteen percent admit they change it less than once a month. Superbugs such as staph can live on these polyester coats for up to 56 days
Do unclean uniforms endanger patients? Absolutely. Health-care workers habitually touch their own uniforms. Studies confirm that the more bacteria found on surfaces touched often by doctors and nurses, the higher the risk that these bacteria will be carried to the patient and cause infection.
Until about 20 years ago, nearly all hospitals laundered scrubs for their staff. A few hospitals are returning to that policy. St. Mary's Health Center in St. Louis, Mo., reduced infections after cesarean births by more than 50% by giving all caregivers hospital-laundered scrubs, as well as requiring them to wear two layers of gloves. Monroe Hospital in Bloomington, Ind., which has a near-zero rate of hospital-acquired infections, provides laundered scrubs for all staff and prohibits them from wearing scrubs outside the building. Stamford Hospital in Connecticut recently banned wearing scrubs outside the hospital.
Across the pond, a British study found that one-third of medical personnel did not launder their uniforms before coming to work. One British surgeon who specializes in hip and knee replacements reduced postoperative infections by two-thirds at her hospital by protecting patients from contaminated uniforms. Before approaching any patient's bed, nurses put on disposable, clear plastic aprons that were pulled off rolls like dry cleaning bags. Each one costs a nickel.
In response to this evidence and public outrage over infections, the cash-strapped British National Health Service is providing nurses with hospital-laundered "smart scrubs." The smart design includes short sleeves, because long sleeves spread germs from patient to patient.
The new British policy will protect patients and prevent superbugs from being carried outside hospitals. In one study, more than 20% of nurses' uniforms had C. diff on them at the end of a shift. The germ can cause extreme diarrhea, dehydration, inflammation of the colon, and even death.
In a hospital, C. diff contaminates virtually every surface. It spreads when traces of an infected person's feces get in another person's mouth. Patients who touch objects in their room and then eat without washing their hands unknowingly swallow the germ. Many otherwise healthy patients who go into the hospital for elective surgery, such as hip replacement, have contracted C. diff and died.
Outside the hospital, C. diff is also difficult to control. It isn't killed by laundry detergents or most cleaners. Researchers at Case Western Reserve and the Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center found that even after routine cleaning, 78% of surfaces still had C. diff. Only scrubbing with bleach removed it. That's not the kind of cleaning restaurants are prepared to do after serving hospital workers.
Imagine sliding into a restaurant booth after a nurse has left the germ on the table or seat. You could easily pick it up on your hands and then swallow it with your sandwich. Hospitals should provide workers with clean uniforms and prohibit wearing them in public.
Ms. McCaughey, former lieutenant governor of New York state, is a fellow at the Hudson Institute and chair of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths.
from wsj.com
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Hartford Hospital, University of Connecticut Health Center discuss merger
Hartford Courant, November 24, 2008
Hartford Hospital and the financially-troubled University of Connecticut Health Center are proposing a merger. Many of the details are still being worked out, but a statement envisions one entity situated on two campuses. The facility in Farmington will be owned by UConn and run by Hartford Healthcare; the one in Hartford will continue to be owned and operated by Hartford Healthcare.
Full Story
Hartford Hospital and the financially-troubled University of Connecticut Health Center are proposing a merger. Many of the details are still being worked out, but a statement envisions one entity situated on two campuses. The facility in Farmington will be owned by UConn and run by Hartford Healthcare; the one in Hartford will continue to be owned and operated by Hartford Healthcare.
Full Story
Sunday, January 4, 2009
EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR F/T RNs!
As Connecticut's premier Home Health Care Agency with over 1,000 employees throughout all areas of the state, opportunities abound for
F/T Medical and Behavioral RNs
in the Greater New Haven Area!
Excellent Salary, Hourly and Per Diem Rates
Shift and Weekend Differentials
Paid Orientation and In-Services
Medical, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance
401(k) with Employer Match
Direct Deposit
Employee Credit Union
Payroll Deducted 529 College Savings Plans
Shift and Weekend Differentials
Paid Orientation and In-Services
Medical, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance
401(k) with Employer Match
Direct Deposit
Employee Credit Union
Payroll Deducted 529 College Savings Plans
Cohesive Team
Call New England Home Care at 203-874-6667 today to learn more!
Or on the web newenglandhomecare.com
Join a dynamic, patient-centered team!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
College prepares students for nursing career
Patsy Joyner
Published Friday, January 2, 2009
Responding to a critical need, Paul D. Camp Community College established an associate of applied science degree in nursing. This five-semester program prepares selected students to qualify as practitioners of technical nursing in a variety of healthcare facilities.
After successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employment opportunities for the registered nurse include staff positions in hospitals, nursing homes, health departments, physicians’ offices, clinics, day care centers, industry, hospices, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers and home health care agencies.
The program also provides a background for maximum transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities.
Following is a sample course schedule:
SEMESTER 1
NUR 111: Nursing I; BIO 141: Human Anatomy and Physiology I; ENG 111: College Composition; SVD 100: College Success Skills; NUR 136: Principles of Pharmacology I.
SEMESTER 2
BIO 142: Human Anatomy and Physiology II; PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology I;
NUR 170: Essentials of Medical/Surgical Nursing; NUR 180: Essentials of Maternal/Newborn Nursing; NUR 137: Principles of Pharmacology II.
SEMESTER 3
NUR 201: Psychiatric Nursing; BIO 150: Introductory Microbiology; SPD 100: Principles of Public Speaking.
SEMESTER 4
NUR 212: Second Level Nursing II; PSY 230: Developmental Psychology; HUM Elective.
SEMESTER 5
NUR 246: Parent Child Nursing; NUR 202: Medical Surgical Nursing I; NUR 254: Dimensions of Professional Nursing.
ADMISSION ROUTES
In addition to starting from scratch, students who qualify for admission can be accepted into the program through the following routes:
CNA-RN Bridge Program: This option provides an opportunity for certified nurse aides to enter the nursing program to advance their careers and, at the same time, recognize the skills and knowledge they have already obtained through their Nurse Aide Program. A transition course is offered (NUR 106) for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) who have graduated from certain regional Nurse Aide programs within two years. Candidates must meet all criteria for the nursing program, including maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all nursing and general education course requirements.
LPN-RN Bridge Program: This option provides an opportunity for licensed practical nurses to enter the nursing program to advance their careers and at the same time recognize the skills and knowledge they have already obtained through the Practical Nurse Program. Those who apply for this program must have graduated from an accredited practical nursing program within five years and have completed BIO 141-142, ENG 111, STD 100, and PSY 201. Applicants must currently hold an unrestricted license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, candidates must meet all criteria for the nursing program, including maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all nursing and general education course requirements. A transition course (NUR 115) is offered for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who have graduated from a regional LPN program.
Advanced Placement: LPNs may apply for advanced placement in the nursing program sequence. Those who apply for this program must have graduated from an accredited practical nursing program and currently hold an unrestricted license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, candidates must meet all criteria for the nursing program, including maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all nursing and general education course requirements.
Transfer of Previous Nursing Credits
Students seeking to transfer credit received from nursing courses at other institutions will be considered on an individual basis by the nursing faculty. Students may be asked to provide course descriptions, course syllabi, pre-admission testing or achievement test scores, and selected data from the course instructor in order to determine placement in the nursing program, subject to space availability. Since there are frequently differences among nursing programs, students desiring to transfer should be aware that there might be an interruption in program progression.
DR. PATSY JOYNER is the vice president for institutional advancement at Paul D. Camp Community College. Her e-mail address is pjoyner@pc.vccs.edu.
From Tidewater News
Published Friday, January 2, 2009
Responding to a critical need, Paul D. Camp Community College established an associate of applied science degree in nursing. This five-semester program prepares selected students to qualify as practitioners of technical nursing in a variety of healthcare facilities.
After successful completion of the program, students will be eligible for the National Council Licensure Exam-Registered Nurse for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Employment opportunities for the registered nurse include staff positions in hospitals, nursing homes, health departments, physicians’ offices, clinics, day care centers, industry, hospices, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centers and home health care agencies.
The program also provides a background for maximum transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities.
Following is a sample course schedule:
SEMESTER 1
NUR 111: Nursing I; BIO 141: Human Anatomy and Physiology I; ENG 111: College Composition; SVD 100: College Success Skills; NUR 136: Principles of Pharmacology I.
SEMESTER 2
BIO 142: Human Anatomy and Physiology II; PSY 201: Introduction to Psychology I;
NUR 170: Essentials of Medical/Surgical Nursing; NUR 180: Essentials of Maternal/Newborn Nursing; NUR 137: Principles of Pharmacology II.
SEMESTER 3
NUR 201: Psychiatric Nursing; BIO 150: Introductory Microbiology; SPD 100: Principles of Public Speaking.
SEMESTER 4
NUR 212: Second Level Nursing II; PSY 230: Developmental Psychology; HUM Elective.
SEMESTER 5
NUR 246: Parent Child Nursing; NUR 202: Medical Surgical Nursing I; NUR 254: Dimensions of Professional Nursing.
ADMISSION ROUTES
In addition to starting from scratch, students who qualify for admission can be accepted into the program through the following routes:
CNA-RN Bridge Program: This option provides an opportunity for certified nurse aides to enter the nursing program to advance their careers and, at the same time, recognize the skills and knowledge they have already obtained through their Nurse Aide Program. A transition course is offered (NUR 106) for Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) who have graduated from certain regional Nurse Aide programs within two years. Candidates must meet all criteria for the nursing program, including maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all nursing and general education course requirements.
LPN-RN Bridge Program: This option provides an opportunity for licensed practical nurses to enter the nursing program to advance their careers and at the same time recognize the skills and knowledge they have already obtained through the Practical Nurse Program. Those who apply for this program must have graduated from an accredited practical nursing program within five years and have completed BIO 141-142, ENG 111, STD 100, and PSY 201. Applicants must currently hold an unrestricted license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, candidates must meet all criteria for the nursing program, including maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all nursing and general education course requirements. A transition course (NUR 115) is offered for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who have graduated from a regional LPN program.
Advanced Placement: LPNs may apply for advanced placement in the nursing program sequence. Those who apply for this program must have graduated from an accredited practical nursing program and currently hold an unrestricted license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. In addition, candidates must meet all criteria for the nursing program, including maintaining a grade of “C” or better in all nursing and general education course requirements.
Transfer of Previous Nursing Credits
Students seeking to transfer credit received from nursing courses at other institutions will be considered on an individual basis by the nursing faculty. Students may be asked to provide course descriptions, course syllabi, pre-admission testing or achievement test scores, and selected data from the course instructor in order to determine placement in the nursing program, subject to space availability. Since there are frequently differences among nursing programs, students desiring to transfer should be aware that there might be an interruption in program progression.
DR. PATSY JOYNER is the vice president for institutional advancement at Paul D. Camp Community College. Her e-mail address is pjoyner@pc.vccs.edu.
From Tidewater News
Friday, January 2, 2009
EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR F/T RNs!
As Connecticut's premier Home Health Care Agency with over 1,000 employees throughout all areas of the state, opportunities abound for
F/T Medical and Behavioral RNs
in the Greater New Haven Area!
Excellent Salary, Hourly and Per Diem Rates
Shift and Weekend Differentials
Paid Orientation and In-Services
Medical, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance
401(k) with Employer Match
Direct Deposit
Employee Credit Union
Payroll Deducted 529 College Savings Plans
Shift and Weekend Differentials
Paid Orientation and In-Services
Medical, Dental, Life and Disability Insurance
401(k) with Employer Match
Direct Deposit
Employee Credit Union
Payroll Deducted 529 College Savings Plans
Cohesive Team
Call New England Home Care at 203-874-6667 today to learn more!
Or on the web newenglandhomecare.com
Join a dynamic, patient-centered team!
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