The Aging Population: Nursing Geriatric Patients

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In 2016, the population of Americans over 65 years of age reached 50 million. By 2040, that number will rise to more than 83 million as scores of baby boomers reach retirement age, according to the Administration on Aging. Who will care for these vulnerable seniors? With primary care providers stretched to their limits, it’s the perfect mission for professional geriatric nurses.

Why are American Demographics Changing?

America’s changing demographics are a reflection of a steep increase in births following the end of World War II. Between 1946 and 1964, the United States experienced unprecedented economic growth. Couples felt secure starting families, and today, their children are known as the Baby Boomers. They’re the largest group of medical consumers in the country, and their needs are growing. State and federal spending on healthcare for people over 65 is expected to double in the next two decades.

What is geriatrics, and How Can Nurses Help?

Geriatrics is the study and care of aging adults. It focuses on the physical, emotional and social needs of the elderly, and it’s deeply rooted in preventive medicine.

Aging is not an illness, it’s a perfect storm of physiological and cognitive changes that increase a seniors’ susceptibility to disease and loss of independence. Unlike generations past when elder parents were cared for by their adult children, the Baby Boomers want to take care of themselves. It’s a concept called aging in place, and it has benefits for both patients and the healthcare system on the whole.

Today’s seniors want to:

  • Live comfortably and safely in their own homes
  • Remain active and independent
  • Manage their long-term healthcare expenses
  • Enjoy personalized, holistic care

But unlike young adults, seniors face a broader range of complicated medical issues, including:

  • Chronic disease
  • Impaired mobility
  • Higher rates of acute illness and injury
  • Sensory changes
  • Cognitive decline

These issues are not only threats to their health, but they also impact their ability to take care of themselves and live at home safely. For every senior who ends up in a nursing facility because of disease, there are others with equally complex illnesses who successfully age in place because they have a better support system.

How can geriatric nurses help? The focus of geriatric nursing is different than for other age groups. Emphasis shifts from curing disease so patients can return to a normal life, to managing illness and promoting independence. By intervening early in the lives of seniors, geriatric nurses create a safer living environment that supports well-being. Whether that’s in a facility or at home, geriatric nursing seeks to help aging adults live the best lives they can despite their challenges.

Where Do Geriatric Nurses Work?

From preventing disease and injury to advocating for safe housing and nutrition programs, geriatric nurses help seniors meet their needs wherever they may be.

Hospitals

Geriatric nurses in hospitals see patients mostly due to injury or for exacerbations of chronic disease. But in addition to tending to their physical health, nurses caring for the elderly must also consider patients’ long-term well-being. An otherwise healthy adult with a broken leg can still care for themselves at home with adaptive equipment. With crutches, they can cook, bathe, pay their bills and arrange for their medical aftercare. They can manage their own pain medication, and there’s not much risk of secondary injury or illness.

But a senior with a similar injury is at a much higher risk for developing complications. Perhaps their mobility was already limited, or they’re forgetful due to cognitive decline. Even with the right equipment, they may not have the physical strength or clarity of thought to avoid injury. They may struggle to fix meals or remember when to make a follow-up appointment with the doctor. Since pain and pain medications affect seniors differently, life-threatening adverse effects are possible.

In a hospital setting, nurses work with case managers and social workers to ensure their patient’s care continues at home by arranging for home health services or a temporary stay at a rehabilitation center.

Rehabilitation Facilities

Rehabilitation centers are places where seniors who are ready to leave the hospital, but who are not well enough to return home, can go for additional monitoring and therapy. Because most patients are stable, their care is a perfect match for the skills of LPNs.

In addition to administering medication and monitoring for changes in condition, geriatric LPNs help their patients work toward independence through education. They work in concert with therapists to promote healing and to give seniors the skills they need to be safe in their own homes.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Centers

More geriatric nurses work in long-term care than in any other setting. Seniors who are not safe to live alone or have medical needs that exceed what a home care nurse can provide can receive temporary or life-long care in centers explicitly designed for their age group.

Nursing homes and assisted living centers are institutions dedicated to helping them live to the fullest. Nurses take care of residents’ daily needs and support their social wellness through activities while empowering them to make their own decisions. Their foremost mission is to make the facility as home-like as possible.

Doctor’s Offices

An LPN working in a doctor’s office is ideally positioned to help seniors who want to age in place. They see them early in the course of illness and can intervene before complications snowball. Private practices are fast becoming hubs for senior care, initiating home nursing, therapy and social services when it becomes evident that seniors need assistance. So-called community case managers work with seniors, their families and interdisciplinary teams of medical professionals to ensure home support addresses all activities of daily living.

Hospices

Seniors with terminal illnesses may seek care through hospice. Built on a life-affirming, holistic philosophy, hospice emphasizes comfort when curative medical interventions become futile.

Geriatric hospice nurses care for their patients’ physical needs, managing their pain and assisting with activities of daily living, but they also provide social, emotional and spiritual care. As a patient advocate, a geriatric nurse supports the needs of terminally ill seniors and their grieving family members. Patients with tough-to-manage pain may receive hospice care in a hospital or nursing facility, but most services are provided at home.

Public Health

Managing seniors’ medical needs is paramount to both their health and to control medical expenditures nationwide. Public health departments recognize that as the Baby Boomers reach retirement age, most will lose their employer-based insurance coverage and transition to Medicare, America’s national health insurance program for those age 65 and older.

Controlling costs requires lowering the incidence of disease and injury, but it’s not easy. How do geriatric public health nurses help? It begins with programs that support seniors at home.

Safety, nutrition and transportation are top concerns. When the elderly can no longer drive, even simple activities such as cooking healthy meals and seeing the doctor can be a challenge. By seeking out seniors who can benefit from services such as Meals on Wheels and handicapped-accessible transportation, geriatric nurses improve their well-being and access to essential care.

As the population of seniors who have no immediate family members nearby to care for them, geriatric public health nurses are the medical community’s eyes on the ground. They visit homes to conduct safety assessments, and when a senior can’t get to care, they bring it to them. Mobile immunization initiatives, for example, bring vaccines for flu and pneumonia to senior centers and private homes, saving both lives and millions of dollars in unnecessary hospitalizations.

Home Care

Geriatric nurses may also work exclusively in private homes. While nursing assistants provide most personal care, LPNs manage medications and services that require professional assessment such as wound care or tube feeding. In most cases, the cost of supportive care at home is significantly less than comparable full-time care at a nursing home.

Tips for Interacting with Seniors

Research shows that seniors are more likely to act on medical advice when they trust their provider. Geriatric nurses can build trust by being respectful, recognizing sensory changes, supporting seniors’ autonomy, and keeping things simple.

Being Respectful

Seniors may have child-like needs, but they’re still adults who have paid their dues, they deserve respect. Nurses should avoid negative stereotypes suggesting elderly persons can’t be productive or are cognitively impaired. Instead, they should focus on the individual while still remaining generationally sensitive.

Recognizing Sensory Changes

Age-related changes in hearing and vision can affect how seniors communicate. Adaptive equipment such as hearing aids and eyeglasses can help. But because nurses have vital medical information to share, they should assess patients for sensory impairments and adapt their teaching methods as needed. A hearing-impaired patient, for example, may appreciate written material while a senior with poor eyesight may prefer verbal instructions or paperwork in large print. Well-informed patients trust their healthcare team.

Supporting Seniors’ Autonomy

Aging adults, including the Baby Boomers, hold generational world views that others may not understand. They can struggle to communicate with well-meaning doctors and family members who assume they can’t make sound decisions just because they disagree with their recommendations. As a patient advocate, a geriatric nurse engenders trust by supporting seniors’ right to make their own decisions whenever possible.

Keeping Things Simple

Seniors come from a simpler time. As people, they’re less introspective, and they don’t appreciate unnecessary complexity. Nurses can build trust by offering clear and simple medical information.

Final Thoughts

If the growing number of seniors who need care is a problem, then geriatric nurses are the solution. Their medical know-how and accessibility make them the ideal team members to bring older adults the advanced but holistic care they deserve.

Did learning about the aging population and nursing geriatric patients interest you? Are you ready to become a licensed practical nurse? Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients.  The Practical Nursing diploma program provides the didactic and skills training needed to take the NCLEX-PN examination.*  

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam.  College students must be mindful throughout their entire school training program that licensure is a required prerequisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming a licensed practical nurse at Gwinnett College.

How to Become a Paralegal

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A career as a paralegal can be a very rewarding experience. While you will learn the ins and outs of the job through a diploma or degree program, you will continue to learn certain skills while working as a paralegal. Whether you work for a law office or another type of agency, you will be working under the supervision of an attorney, doing a lot of the work used in multiple cases.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

A day in the life of a paralegal can vary. For example, answering the phone and keeping files organized can make a paralegal feel like a secretary at times. Other days, you will be out of the office performing research or speaking with witnesses from varied socioeconomic backgrounds. You may even assist your lawyer in court.

What you will be doing is assisting the attorney in getting all the information needed to complete upcoming cases. Even though you may find yourself working alone a good portion of the time, you do work as a team. You will be working for an attorney, and everything you do will fall to the lawyer’s responsibility. Because the attorney is ultimately responsible for your work, it is important that you give your best for every task that you need to accomplish.

Not every paralegal will find themselves working in criminal law. There are many fields of law from which to choose. Some other fields of law that might interest you include:

  • Family law
  • Business law
  • Estate and probate law
  • Civil rights law
  • Labor law
  • Environmental law

While all work can be interesting, it helps to have a real desire to work as a paralegal. You should truly have an interest in the law, in helping others, and in seeing that justice is served.

The Law

You will spend hours researching case law. With an interest in the legal matters, you will tackle the cross-referencing and detailed searching that needs to be completed to get enough information for each case. The research that you do could make or break a case in a court of law.

Helping Others

A strong desire to help others is a necessity in becoming a paralegal. Although you may be a people person, sometimes you have to deal with people that are hard to work with. Whether the person is easy to get along with or not, you need to care enough to do your job effectively.

Justice

You should have a good moral compass and love to see justice served. Even if you feel that a person does not deserve to have a good case outcome, you need to believe in the laws and system enough to help your client get the justice that is offered.

What a Paralegal Does Not Do

A paralegal cannot accept clients or decide on client fees. As a paralegal, you cannot represent a client in court, or provide legal advice of any kind. Only a qualified attorney can complete these tasks.

How to Become a Paralegal

The quickest way to learn the information that you need to become a paralegal is by attending a vocational school. A diploma or degree program can be completed in a short amount of time. This paralegal program will provide you with the information that you need to successfully get started as a paralegal. You can also take this time to add to your skill set to prepare for a job once you complete the paralegal program.

Once you complete a vocational school program or perhaps while you are attending school, you can gain real work experience in the field. You can do this through an internship or by working in a law office as a legal secretary under the supervision of an attorney or a paralegal. Once you complete your training program, you may even find employment as a paralegal. Either way, you will want to get out there and find a job to gain more experience.

Skills and Qualities of a Good Paralegal

Although it takes a certain kind of person to fulfill all the duties required of a paralegal, it is good to know that many of these qualities are skills learned over time. Much of this can be learned with practice while the rest may be learned when you complete your paralegal program.

Communication

Written and verbal communication is important for a paralegal to succeed. You will need to know how to write letters and the legal documents, such as briefs, pleadings, and motions, that are a necessary part of your work. Knowing how to take detailed messages for the appropriate person in the office is also a must.

Attention to Detail

Your job as a paralegal focuses on the details. When you are performing research, you must be diligent because you do not want to miss that one point in the law or from previous cases that could make or break the results for your client. Documents, especially those filed with the court, must be precisely completed in the proper way to ensure acceptance. There is a certain way that each document must be worded and set up. Being a detail-oriented person is a must as a paralegal.

Organizational Skills

Organization can be key to getting through your workday. You must keep everything organized, from your own desk to the files for the attorneys. When your boss needs something, you must be able to access it quickly. There are many deadlines to meet when you work in the field of law, so time is of the essence.

Problem Solving

As you will be working independently for much of the time, it is imperative that you are adept at solving problems. You need to think quickly and rationally to avoid potential issues that could be detrimental to the cases. Problem solving ranges from keeping everything in the office running smoothly to dealing effectively with a non-compliant witness.

Attention to Deadlines

When it comes to cases, there are deadlines that must be adhered to. Being a paralegal is not like some other jobs that have a soft deadline or where you can complete your work by the end of the week. In many cases, you will have to have all of the information you need, and documents completed for submission to the court by a certain time. The court has a schedule that must be kept. If this work is not completed on time, a case can be lost.

Research Skills

Much of the time you spend as a paralegal will be on research. You will be looking at previous cases that are similar to what you are working on to see what the courts have ruled in the past. While this may seem clear cut, it is not always so easy. Sometimes, you will need to find a related case without cross-referencing other cases that are similar or even those that may not seem related at all. You may have to research through law books and files that are available at a law library.

Computer Savvy

You should know how to use a computer, a copier, a fax machine, a multi-line phone system, and any other equipment that will be required to complete your job properly. All documents will be completed on the computer and saved to the hard drive even if you have hard copies in the files. Although you may have access to a law library, much of your research will be done on the computer. You will need to know how to access databases and how to search for relevant cases.

Time Management

To keep yourself from having to work overtime to continue to meet your deadlines, it is important that you are able to manage your time effectively. Make sure you set aside time each day to check and respond to phone messages and emails

Interpersonal Skills

Whether you are speaking with someone over the phone or in person, it is imperative that you know how to deal with people from all walks of life. You will need comfortable with other attorneys that may come to speak with your boss regarding a mutual case, a judge in a case, your clients, and potential witnesses who may or may not be cooperative. Being a compassionate person helps but remember to always maintain an air of professionalism every time you speak with a client or a witness.

Have some or all of the skills that make a successful paralegal? Interested in becoming a paralegal or legal assistant? The Gwinnett Colleges & Institute diploma and degree programs in Paralegal Studies provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the legal skills necessary to perform many paralegal functions including research, writing, investigation, and interviewing. Contact us today or complete the Request More Information form on the top of the page to take the next step towards your new career in the Paralegal Studies field.

The Definitive Guide to Swedish Massage

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Whether you are considering a profession as a massage therapist or simply interested in getting a massage, there is a lot to consider. There is a fair amount of overlap between many of the different methods. They also have very distinct differences that have to be navigated. There are a lot of different methods and techniques that all serve a different purpose. Trying to figure out what kind of massage therapist you want to be or what kind of spa to make an appointment can be stressful. It can be hard to know what to choose. Let’s take an in depth look at one of the most popular massage methods that is focused on stress relief, Swedish massage.

Swedish Massage Techniques and Methods

To understand the techniques and methods used during a Swedish massage a massage therapist should first understand the objective of a Swedish massage. This classic method of manual manipulation is meant to relax and rejuvenate, where other methods are more tailored to repair and rehabilitation. It utilizes gentler techniques to facilitate the release of muscle tension and help revitalize a client. The kinds of manual motions a massage therapist will see throughout this method are deep circular movements, long strokes, passive joint movements and kneading.

Deep Circular Motions: The deep circular motions are meant to help unknot areas of tension that are most often associated with stress. These circles can be small and concentrated or they can be large for a greater area of impact.

Long Strokes: Employing lengthening strokes with varying pressure on various muscle groups can help loosen muscles that have become stiff from stationary, sedentary work such as office or call center work. Tightening can often happen when the muscles aren’t stretched or engaged in enough exercise.

Passive Joint Movement: This kind of joint manipulation is different from aggressive joint movements because it is meant to be relaxing rather than rehabilitative. Passive manipulation of the joints is gentler than those used for combating and repairing injuries.

Kneading: The alternating pressures and varied pace of the kneading motion aid in relieving tension by loosening stiff areas. Kneading can be done with different parts of the hand and at different speeds to create a different effect on the muscles.

What to Expect with Swedish Massage?

If a client has never had or heard of a Swedish massage, they might be curious about what they could be in for. The exact details of their experience will depend on what spa they visit and who their massage therapist is. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common questions people have before getting their very first Swedish massage.

What area of the body does Swedish massage include?

Since this particular method of massage is focused on restrained movements relaxation, the anatomical focus can be nearly any area of the body with stress or tension. If a client just needs to relax in general, they may want to consider the option of a full body massage rather than having their massage therapist focus on a specific area. On the other hand, if a client has a specific area that is giving them trouble or causing them discomfort, they may want to request a massage focused on their trouble spots.

Will the body be sore or uncomfortable during or after?

Methods like deep tissue and other intense techniques can cause discomfort and even pain because they are attempting to undo knots quickly and repair the body in pretty significant ways. Swedish massage, however, is all about making the client feel good. Sometimes there can be some slight discomfort from various pressures that are applied, but a massage therapist will likely ask if the client prefer light, medium or heavy pressure before the appointment even begins and will ask periodically if they need any adjustment. A client’s relaxation and ultimate comfort are the priorities.

Do I have to be naked for a Swedish massage?

Absolutely not. No professional massage therapist should pressure a client to be more revealing than they are comfortable with. However, the massage therapist will need to have access to the areas they are going to be massaging, so if a client is getting a full body massage it is often helpful to remove their clothes. This might seem uncomfortable, but the massage therapist will cover them with a sheet and move the sheet as needed to access different areas of their body. They will probably ask a client to move from their back to their stomach (or vice versa) at some point during the massage, but all of that can be done beneath the sheet. A client can also ask for a focused massage, such as a neck and shoulder massage, that can help them relieve tension without removing their clothing. Regardless of a client’s specific appointment, most professional massage therapists will do what they can to work with a client if they have a specific modesty issue or are uncomfortable in some way.

What will the atmosphere be like during a Swedish massage?

The precise details of a client’s experience will depend on where they get their massage and who provides it for them. Some Swedish massages can include aromatherapy, relaxing lighting, and soft music or natural sounds such as a fountain or nature recording. The client may even have a choice in the kind of oil their massage therapist uses during the massage. The sights, smells and soothing sounds often add to the experience and serve to deepen the relaxing effects of the Swedish technique. The point of this method is to relax the client and elevate their mood by making them feel better both internally and externally. There are a lot of different things that contribute to their experience beyond the actual techniques being used.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

The most obvious benefit to receiving a Swedish massage is the relaxing effects it has. Relieving tension and decreasing physical stress are an incredibly important part of having a healthy and happy life. Although relaxation may be the primary focus in both the development and application of Swedish massage, it is far from the only benefit. Here are some of the other ways Swedish massage can have a positive impact on a client’s physical health.

Nerve Stimulation: The varied pressures utilized during these kinds of muscle manipulations stimulate the nerves in many different areas of the body. This kind of repetitive, intermittent pressure can stimulate nerves in a way that relieves certain kinds of chronic pain. It can also improve nerve health by unknotting muscles and unbinding those knotted nerves that cause discomfort and pain.

Increased Blood Flow: Circulation is crucial to overall health. A person’s blood flow is the transportation that sees in nutrients and removes waste and toxins. Manual manipulation can be good for strengthening and stimulating the blood vessels in the skin and muscles. Swedish massage stimulates the blood flow throughout many different areas of the body and promotes healthy circulation.

Lymph Drainage: Lymph drainage is something that occurs naturally during voluntary muscle movement. However, if a client does not regularly move their muscles, or do not move them often enough, there can be a build-up of toxins and a blockage of nutrients that begins to occur as a result of built up lymph fluids. Swedish massage can help combat that toxic build up and help cleanse your body.

Breaks Down Knots: Knots, also sometimes referred to as adhesions, can be worked out through massage. The location and severity of the knot will determine the best technique to use. The pressures and movements of Swedish massage warm up the muscles and gently break down some of these painful binding spots. Large adhesions may take several sessions to work out. Severe or extreme knots may require a more intense method of massage all together.

Increased Flexibility: When a client is relaxed, and their muscles are loosened up it makes sense that they would also see an increase in their flexibility and range of motion. Swedish massage can help a client feel more capable of certain stretches and exercises. Increasing your flexibility can help maintain healthy joints and can help prevent against joint and muscle injury.

Improved Overall Health: Cortisol is a hormone caused by stress that does serious damage to a person’s body. If there is a build-up of Cortisol, or it is introduced frequently, it can have destructive effects. It can lead to physical problems such as severe and sudden weight gain, cardiovascular issues, a weakened immune system and renal difficulties. The relaxation and total wellness focus of Swedish massage helps decrease the amount of cortisol in the body by combating and eliminating stress and helps to support overall health.

Did learning about Swedish massage interest you? Ready to become a massage therapist? Upon graduation, Massage Therapy Program students will receive diplomas and be qualified to seek entry-level positions as clinical, medical, or deep tissue massage therapists in wellness clinics and centers, spa environments including resorts and franchises, and self-employment.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a massage therapist today.

Do Medical Assistants Draw Blood? Phlebotomy & Venipuncture Explained

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Medical assisting is a dynamic career with plenty of opportunities to specialize. From tackling administrative responsibilities to working in a lab, a medical assistant can do it all, or they can choose to focus on a single area of interest. Phlebotomy is one such specialty that may appeal to students with an aptitude for science and a love of hands-on patient care.

What is Phlebotomy?

Phlebotomy, also called venipuncture, is the art of drawing blood from veins using a needle and special collection vials. Samples help diagnose, monitor and treat disease, and they have significant clinical importance. So-called arterial sticks, or blood draws from deep arteries, are performed only by doctors, nurses or specially trained respiratory specialists and are not within a medical assistant’s scope of practice.

The Medical Assistant’s Role

Depending on the practice, phlebotomy may be a medical assistant’s sole occupation, or it may be only one part of their job. Regardless of how it fits in, the duties and the venipuncture process remain the same.

Review the Venipuncture Order

What goes on inside a patient’s body is often reflected by changes in the blood. As part of an examination, doctors may choose to investigate specific symptoms by ordering blood tests. In most cases, routine tests require only venipuncture. So, a medical assistant with phlebotomy training is the perfect person to take samples in an office setting.

When receiving an order, the medical assistant should review it for completeness and verify that the tests ordered match the diagnoses codes. A perceptive medical assistant can catch mistakes. It’s also critical to check test parameters before drawing blood. Some require a period of fasting or other criteria before venipuncture can be done.

Educate the Patient

Before performing venipuncture, medical assistants should first and foremost educate patients on the purpose of testing and how tests are performed. A phlebotomist in a hospital can’t always answer a patient’s questions about why a test was ordered. But the medical assistant who takes care of the patient’s other needs may have more insight. When it comes to venipuncture, a medical assistant is truly a doctor’s partner.

Obtain Consent

Like all medical treatments, venipuncture is performed only with the patient’s consent. Once the order has been reviewed, and the patient understands the purpose of the testing, the medical assistant is responsible for obtaining a signed consent for treatment. If the patient is a minor, consent is obtained from the parent or guardian. This is also the ideal time to clarify to whom the results may be released. Anxious patients will also want to know when and how they will receive results.

Performing the Venipuncture

There are strict rules to follow when taking blood samples. A standardized process improves quality control and ensures that blood is correctly drawn the first time, every time. Samples mishandled through a faulty technique may not be usable because the equipment that processes blood is carefully calibrated. Samples that don’t meet stringent criteria may be rejected, delaying treatment, and the patient may have to endure a second draw.

What Kind of Equipment Does a Medical Assistant Use for Venipuncture?

Tools of the trade include:

Gloves – universal precautions require considering most body fluids, including blood, as potentially contaminated. Anyone performing venipuncture must protect themselves with gloves.

Alcohol Pads– used to cleanse the area where the needle will be inserted. Whenever the outer layer of the skin is punctured, there’s potential for infection. Alcohol doesn’t sterilize skin, but it does help disinfect it when combined with a vigorous scrubbing motion.

Needles – come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate different veins. Their diameter is measured by gauge from 14 to 27. The larger the gauge, the smaller the needle is. Why so many choices? Because a medical assistant may need to draw to blood from patients of all ages. A 25 G needle, for example, is recommended for children. Most adults require a 20 or 22 G.

Needles are also measured by length. In an office setting, blood is most often drawn from the medial cubital vein at the bend of the elbow. But in some patients, the vein runs deeper than usual, and it can be difficult to reach with a standard one-inch needle. Phlebotomists choose the most appropriate needle length based on the size of the patient, the location of the vein and the angle of approach.

Vacuum Tubes – blood draws were once done with the same type of syringes used to give injections. Today, they’re done with specialized vacuum tubes. The phlebotomist screws the covered needle into a plastic needle holder. Once the needle is inserted into the patient’s vein, the vacuum tube is pressed onto the back of the rubber-coated needle. The strength of the vacuum alone pulls the blood out of the vein.

Tubes are color-coded because they contain different additives required for specific tests. Tube colors vary by brand, and how they’re used by different laboratories is consistent, but not standardized.

Tourniquets – the purpose of using a tourniquet for venipuncture is to confine blood to the extremity from which it will be drawn. It helps keep the vein full, making it easier to locate and giving it a firmer texture though which to insert the needle.

Gauze and Bandages – when the draw is complete, the site is compressed with gauze to stop any bleeding. A quick bandage is recommended to catch any remaining drops and to keep it off the patient’s clothing.

Expediting Results

Fast and accurate test results depend in large part on the medical assistant’s efficiency after the blood draw. Some physician’s offices may perform select blood tests, but most are processed and sent to outside labs via courier.

Tubes must be clearly and accurately labeled per the laboratory’s instructions, and samples must always be processed and stored as directed by the test catalog. Some need to be separated via centrifuge, while others must be kept refrigerated or shipped on ice. Even a small error can be cause for rejection.

Doctors do order blood tests for routine monitoring, but in many instances, the patient is unwell and waiting anxiously for results. Following procedures by the book is the fastest way to expedite results. If practice management software doesn’t keep track of result due dates, the medical assistant should keep a calendar and plan to follow-up with the lab as needed.

When results return, medical assistants are never responsible for their interpretation, but the doctor may ask them to call the patient to explain results and schedule follow-up care.

Common Blood Tests

Simple blood tests can diagnose a host of medical conditions including:

  • Anemia
  • Cancer
  • Diabetes
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • High Cholesterol
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Nutritional deficiencies
  • Heart, liver and kidney diseases
  • Infections

Blood samples are also used to establish a patient’s blood type so they can donate their own blood before surgery. And they’re also useful for monitoring medications that have specific therapeutic thresholds such as some blood thinners, anticonvulsants and antibiotics.

Skills for Venipuncture

A medical assistant performing venipuncture needs many of the same qualities that an administrative assistant does, but these skills are among the most helpful. These skills include empathy, critical thinking, manual dexterity, and attention to detail.

Empathy

Venipuncture isn’t major surgery, but for the patient afraid of needles, it feels like it is. An empathetic medical assistant understands that and takes the time to make the client as comfortable as possible during the procedure. Patients who have a history of fainting when blood is drawn should be carefully positioned for safety.

Critical Thinking

Venipuncture is a dynamic procedure that requires clinical judgment on the part of a medical assistant. From questioning an order that isn’t clear to troubleshooting how to best obtain a sample from a frail elderly patient with small, sunken veins, the process is never identical twice. Medical assistants should feel confident assessing patients for phlebotomy needs. And they should be equally comfortable asking for help or acknowledging if a draw is too difficult for their level of expertise.

Manual Dexterity

Using vacuum tubes to draw blood is mostly advantageous, but there are also challenges. Doctors often order more than one test at a time. So, to avoid having to puncture a vein several times, phlebotomists fill multiple tubes of different colors to match each test. This is made possible by the unique design of the tube and needle holder. But it does require a bit of manual dexterity to hold them firmly in place with one hand while removing and replacing tubes.

A slight change in position could withdraw the needle from the vein or force the point thorough it, stopping the flow of blood. At several points in the venipuncture process, the medical assistant will have each hand doing a different task.

Attention to Detail

Mistakes in medicine are not only costly, but they can also adversely impact a patient’s health. A simple error in labeling the date or time on some draws, for example, affect how the test is interpreted. Names that don’t match between the tube label and the test requisition are cause for immediate rejection. No medical assistant wants to ask a patient to come back for another blood draw because of an error, so attention to detail is a must.

Final Thoughts

As physicians seek to offer more in-house services for their patients’ convenience, medical assistants with venipuncture skills are in high demand. Training programs teach the basics, but with experience, medical assistants can pursue certifications that only add to their credentials and resume. For medical assisting students interested in working a lab, there’s no more exciting specialty than phlebotomy. It’s both an art and a science.

Did learning about a medical assistant’s role in venipuncture and phlebotomy interest you? Ready to become a medical assistant? Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting courses to gain essential skills and training. The core curriculum focuses on the medical assisting skills and training you will need to seek entry-level employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings needing the services of associates trained in both front and back office medical assisting skills. These medical assisting courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

How to Become an Office Administrator

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Finding the right career is something that many people take their time to get right. They want to do something that has meaning but also pays decently. They want to be challenged, but often don’t want to be so busy that they can barely think straight. When considering the various options that exist in the world, a person might consider becoming an office administrator.

This position is an integral part of making sure that different companies run smoothly and efficiently. Office administrators may have a variety of different tasks and duties that they have to conduct, so having the right skills is imperative.

What Does an Office Administrator Do?

An officer administrator is the center of the company. They are needed across a variety of different industries, from medical offices to insurance companies to real estate to engineering and everywhere in between. Some of the typical day-to-day activities that an office administrator might engage in include answering phones, making appointments, setting schedules, creating and maintaining a filing system, and entering data into a computer.

Depending on the company that a person works for, they might also have other duties that they take care of throughout their day that might include the following:

  • Greeting visitors
  • Directing visitors to appropriate offices or conference rooms
  • Responding to emails
  • Preparing documents
  • Coordinating project deliverables
  • Performing accounting tasks, which might include budget tracking and invoicing
  • Scheduling meetings or making travel arrangements for other employees

Work Environment

In general, a person will be in an office setting to fulfill their role as an office administrator. They may share a space with others who perform similar duties, or they may have their own space. They will more than likely have their own computer and phone. Depending on their job, the office administrator may have other equipment such as a copier or fax machine.

Skills Required to be an Office Administrator

There are many different skills that will be required to ensure a person is successful in their role as an office administrator. The following is a basic list that can apply to all industries. However, depending on what industry a person goes into, they may need some specific skills for that industry.

Organized

Being expected to do many different tasks throughout the day will require that an office administrator can stay organized and know where their items are. If they have things that need to be filed, those should have a certain place on their desk. If they are in charge of scheduling appointments, they should know what times are available and access that information quickly and easily.

Everyone is different when it comes to what they consider to be organized, but having this skill is a great way to ensure that a person will be successful as an office administrator. They will also be able to quickly and effectively grab information for others in the office if they request it.

Able to Multitask

An office administrator is expected to handle many different tasks and duties. Being able to handle more than one task at a time is a good skill to have, and it will ensure that an office administrator is able to accomplish their goals and get everything they need to take care of taken care of.

Able to Prioritize

In addition to having a lot of tasks that need completion throughout the day, an office administrator will need to determine which ones have priority over others. Being able to do this will ensure that things don’t slip through the cracks and everything gets taken care of in a timely fashion.

Flexibility

It’s more than possible that an office administrator’s priorities will change throughout the day. The report that may have been due at the end of the week could get pushed up or someone might need tickets to an emergency business meeting. By being flexible, an office administrator will be able to change their priorities without getting unduly stressed or anxious about the situation.

Typing Skills

Since some of an office administrator’s duties might be to take minutes or input data, having typing skills is a must. Many office programs are currently automated and having computer skills is also imperative for an office administrator.

People Skills

Being an office administrator means that a person is often the central contact for customers and employees within the company. They will interact with a lot of different people. The people skills an office administrator has should be for both in-person conversations and over the phone. Having people skills, and enjoying being around people, will ensure that an office administrator is successful at their job.

Accounting Knowledge

Depending on the type of duties expected, an office administrator may or may not need a lot of accounting knowledge. However, having some will increase an office administrators job options and give them an advantage over the competition. Having knowledge of accounting computer programs can also come in handy.

Work without Supervision

If an office administrator constantly needs to be told what to do and given tasks to complete throughout the day, then this might not be the best position for them. While an office administrator may receive certain tasks by coworkers or supervisors, they should also be able to keep themselves busy without being told what to do.

Ability to Use Various Office Equipment

In addition to using a computer, many office administrators require the use of copy machines, scanners, and fax machines. While this knowledge is learned on the job, it may give a person a better chance of standing out from the competition if they are equipped with these skills beforehand.

How to Become an Office Administrator

If being an office administrator sounds like the job you want to do, you will need to head down the path to accomplish that goal. There isn’t one way to get to become an office administrator, but there are some basic things you will need for the job.

Have the Right Hard Skills

Hard skills are those traits that a person will need to be successful no matter what industry they are working for. These include knowing how to write business correspondence, taking minutes, record management, filing systems, various computer applications, word processing, and email management.

Since every industry is different and may have their own process for how they want these tasks completed, it may be possible to learn these on the job. However, having a basic understanding and ability to perform these skills is beneficial.

Have the Right Soft Skills

When it comes to desirable soft skills to be successful as an office administrator, these include the ability to make decisions, being good at customer service, and having great communication skills, both written and verbal. There are many ways to acquire these skills and perfect them.

Who Can Become an Office Administrator?

The role of an office administrator is an important one, and they are often the central part of many companies. This position is great as an entry-level position, but it can also be ideal for individuals who are more experienced.

Anyone who exhibits the right skill sets and abilities has the opportunity to become an office administrator. However, since office administrators work in various industries, a person might decide they want to narrow down their choices to specific places.

Is There a Demand for Office Administrators?

Currently, there is a need for people who have office skills in a variety of different industries. Companies staff their offices with skilled individuals who can take on a variety of administrative tasks and keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.

Making the Decision

For many people, the role of an office administrator is incredibly appealing. It gives them a chance to use a variety of different skills, work in different industries, and interact with different people. The job requires specific skills but also general knowledge, so it’s something that anyone with a desire to do can be successful at.

Did learning about how to become an office administrator interest you? The Administrative Assisting diploma program is designed to train Gwinnett College students to seek entry-level positions in the office administration or secretarial field. The Administrative Assisting graduate may work as a secretary, receptionist, executive assistant, or administrative assistant.

Contact us to learn more about becoming an office administrator.

How to Become a Registered Nurse (RN)

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Becoming a Registered Nurse, or RN, is a fast and easy way to launch a rewarding career in healthcare. Top talent is in demand, and whether being a nurse is a student’s forever-goal or a stepping-stone to higher credentials, there are valuable job opportunities in nursing just waiting to be filled.

What is an RN?

All nurses are licensed professional caregivers, but their titles and job descriptions vary based on their level of education. An RN’s responsibilities include both patient care and supervising paraprofessional staff. An RN’s training is focused less on patient assessment and more on practical skills.

Where do RNs work?

RNs are needed everywhere nurses are including hospitals, but because they’re best equipped to care for medically stable patients, they’re in high demand in doctor’s offices, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, assisted living centers and home health care.

What Qualities are Needed to Become an RN?

The only real prerequisites are compassion and a desire to help others, but it’s beneficial to have solid communication skills, a willingness to learn and an appreciation of science and medicine.

If a future making a difference in people’s lives sounds exciting, follow these steps to land a job as an RN.

An RN’s Pathway to Success

Education Requirements

The fastest way to become a registered nurse is to obtain an associate’s degree through a vocational school.  Education consists of both classroom time and clinical experiences, so when choosing a school, it’s important to consider its location and how course offerings fit into a busy lifestyle.

Getting Through School

RN programs are fast-paced and demanding. Each is a little different, but core classes usually include:

  • Microbiology
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Pharmacology
  • Practical math
  • Adult, child and maternal nursing classes and more

In addition to time spent in the classroom, clinical experiences in different healthcare settings allow students to work alongside experienced nurses and practice what they’ve learned. It’s also a valuable networking opportunity where graduates get to know others in the field and make connections that could lead to a job after graduation.

After Graduation

The good news for students is that in most states, RN program graduates can work under supervision for a designated period while waiting to take the licensing exam — known as the National Council Licensure Exam or NCLEX-RN. This the perfect time for friends to get together and study or sign up for a formal exam preparation course.

Sending Out Resumes

To land a great job as an RN, start contacting potential employers at least a few weeks before the big day. Students should reach out to facilities where they had clinical experiences, check local employment listings and connect with the school’s job placement services.

Healthcare is a rapidly growing field, and new openings are continuously created, so even if a preferred employer doesn’t have an opportunity when it’s time to apply, sending in a resume shows initiative and gives graduates a leg up on future postings.

Resumes are an all-important first contact with prospective employers, so experts recommend that as a reflection of an applicant’s skill and professionalism, they should always be polished, error-free and printed on top-quality paper. Cover letters that address the employer or human resources manager by name make an impression and distinguish candidates from the rest of the crowd.

Skills for Becoming an RN

There are many different skills that make a registered nurse successfully, the main skills include communication, flexibility, work ethic, time management, attention to detail, and leadership skills.

Communication Skills – may be verbal or written. Both show that applicants can express themselves with confidence in a busy healthcare setting, and that’s a must for nurses who interact with the public daily and need to write accurate notes about changes in their patient’s conditions.

Flexibility – means an applicant can adapt quickly to change. For employers, it signals a potential hire will be satisfied working in a fast-paced medical facility where responsibilities vary.

Work Ethic – having a good work ethic means a nurse is committed to a job well-done. That is particularly important to healthcare providers who want staff who are devoted to their clients.

Time Management – noting time management skills on a resume shows an applicant understands the value of using time wisely and can work efficiently and productively without feeling overwhelmed.

Attention to Detail – nurses need to be both thorough and accurate in their work. Any experiences that demonstrate attention to detail are a plus.

Leadership Skills – RNs typically supervise paraprofessional staff like nursing assistants and LPNs. Leadership skills help them guide others effectively while fulfilling an organization’s broader mission.

Preparing for Interviews

Job interviews can be intimidating, and it’s easier for applicants to be confident when they’re well-prepared. These steps will help keep the anxiety at bay.

Get to Know the Employer in Advance

Learning about an organization before the interview helps candidates anticipate tough questions and demonstrates a willingness to be prepared. Have a few questions prepared for the end of the interview so you can show the employer that you did your research and ask relevant questions.

Know Where to Go

Nothing makes a worse impression at a job interview than being late. Before the meeting, candidates should drive to the employer’s location, so they’ll know how long it takes to get there and where to park. Leave at least fifteen minutes early in case there are traffic delays.

Dress Comfortably and Professionally

Looking good for an interview makes a good first impression. Choose clothing in a neutral color that is professional, but not overly formal, and to avoid being distracted by an itchy wool sweater, opt for something comfortable.

Be Prepared to Fill Out an Application

Filling out an application is part of the pre-employment process for many medical facilities, regardless of whether the information is on a resume or not. Impress a future boss by having all the data necessary including contact information for schools, previous employers and references. For nurses, having a copy of their immunization records, CPR card and state license is helpful.

Practice

It’s impossible to anticipate every question an interviewer may ask but role-playing with a friend in advance can help ease the jitters. However, try not to memorize answers as this can make you sound unenthusiastic. Instead, remember the bullet points for each question so you have an outline of what you want to say so it does not sound rehearsed.

Feel Good

A good night’s sleep and a snack before the interview is the best defense against yawning and hunger. When an applicant feels their best, it shows.

After the Interview

Sending a thank-you note after an interview puts an applicant back in the forefront of an employer’s mind. It shows a willingness to go above and beyond to achieve goals and suggests to a boss that a candidate is willing to do the same on behalf of their business.

Notes should be typewritten and thank the interviewer for their time, reiterate contact information and recap how the applicant is a good fit for the position. Should it be sent on paper or via e-mail? Interview coaches say that either way is acceptable, but they recommend sending it in the same way the employer made contact with the candidate.

For Applicants Who Don’t Get the Job

The best jobs usually attract multiple applications, so graduates with limited experience who don’t get a position they really want shouldn’t be discouraged. Always remain gracious with potential employers and thank them for their consideration. Chances are, they will have another opening in the future, and it’s good to leave the door open.

Nursing is a fresh and dynamic field that offers career stability, advancement potential and professional respect. For anyone interested in a personally fulfilling, hands-on career where what they do matters, becoming an RN is the perfect way to get started.

Did learning about how to become a registered nurse interest you? The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program at Gwinnett College provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse.  Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position. 

Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the college graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.*   Upon graduation and licensure, college graduates will be eligible to seek employment in hospitals, clinics, private duty, urgent and acute care centers, and various other medical or business facilities requiring the services of registered nurses.

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam.  College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an RN at Gwinnett College.

Small Business Administrative Assisting: Accounting & Office Administration

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Interested in getting a job that is at the center of a small business? The administrative assistant is the glue that holds the small business together. An administrative assistant may have the title of the secretary, receptionist, or executive assistant. The fundamental job is the same. Usually small business administrative assisting duties consist of making sure that co-workers have the information they need to complete their daily tasks and managing the day-to-day activities in the office. Additional duties may include:

  • Greet customers and clients
  • Act as a customer service representative
  • Answer phones
  • Maintain document and file system
  • Take memos
  • Send emails and faxes
  • Operate a variety of office machines
  • Manage inventory of office supplies
  • Send invoices
  • Coordinate and schedule events, meetings, and interviews
  • Perform basic bookkeeping

The first person a client or customer interacts with when they enter a small business is the administrative assistant to the manager. It’s essential for the person assisting management to make an excellent first impression since their treatment of visitors reflects on the business.

The person who assists management in a small business must handle a variety of tasks and must always maintain a professional and pleasant demeanor, especially when dealing with clients and customers. It’s vital that the administrative assistant keeps up with business correspondence. The administrative assistant must reply to letters and emails and re-route incoming mail.

Administrative assistant duties require you to be proficient with computer applications including spreadsheets, databases and word processing programs. Many vocational programs train administrative assistants on Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access.

One of the essential qualifications of an excellent small business administrative assistant is the ability to schedule meetings and conferences, special events and interview applicants for positions in the company.

Virtually every business or industry has the need for qualified administrative assistants. Small business administrative assisting is an essential position in:

  • Government agencies
  • Hospitals
  • Law firms
  • Medical offices
  • Schools

Small business administrative assisting requires specific tasks depending on the specialty of the administrative assistant, their experience, and their job title.

What an Administrative Assistant Does

An administrative assistant performs an array of clerical duties that are essential for an office to run efficiently. Small business administrative assisting involves all the daily operations in an office from preparing documents and keeping files organized to scheduling appointments.

An administrative assistant must be flexible and well organized because the job provides different challenges each day. The administrative assistant may have to schedule appointments or meetings and update calendars of the management staff accordingly. The minutes of meetings and accompanying notes must be prepared in advance and checked for accuracy.

Another of the duties that a small business administrative assistant may perform is drafting presentations, documents, and billing invoices. Each of these tasks must be done on a schedule. The administrative assistant must be meticulous in making sure that plans are adhered to. When billing or inventory of supplies and assets is involved, the administrative assistant must have necessary bookkeeping skills.

As many as four million jobs in the United States are held in administrative assisting in virtually every industry in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most workers who hold administrative positions work full-time. Depending on the sector, some may work part-time jobs. During the day, administrative assistants have interaction with executive staff, co-workers, customers, and clients.

Small Business Administrative Assistant Employers

Most administrative assistants work in offices for businesses that provide:

  • Education
  • Government agency services
  • Healthcare
  • Scientific services
  • Social services
  • Technical services

Examples of industry specific duties may include an administrative assistant in a law firm who must have knowledge of preparing legal documents that include subpoenas and motions or an administrative assistant in a medical practice that must process insurance claims.

An administrative assistant in a law firm may have to conduct research for a specific case and work with a paralegal to prepare all the legal documents before going to court, under the supervision of an attorney. In medical practice or research setting, the administrator assisting the doctor or scientist may take dictation and prepare articles or reports.

In school and university settings, the administrative assistant may work for a university president or the head of a department, and handle responsibilities that are complex. These responsibilities may include writing reports and managing research. The administrative assistant may be in charge of clerical staff. The person who handles duties in an educational setting must possess integrity and discretion when dealing with sensitive matters. In public or private schools, the administrative assistant may be the person who handles communications between, students, staff, and parents.

Office Administration Duties

The knowledge that an administrative assistant must have is often business and industry specific. For example, an administrative assistant who works for a real estate developer must be competent in geography and know a lot about different areas of the country; while the administrative assisting coordinator in a web design firm may require basic knowledge of web design and programming. Some administrative assistants may even manage libraries or stockrooms.

An administrative position often requires handling tasks including sending and signing for deliveries or handling invitations that aren’t directly related to work. Some administrative assisting management personnel have more duties and higher pay rates than in other businesses; in such cases, the administrative assistant may delegate specific tasks to other co-workers.

Light Bookkeeping Duties

Small business administrative assistants may handle clerical duties, including data entry, sorting mail, and other functions necessary for the small business to operate efficiently. They must possess skills required to prepare invoices, handle company deposits, plan budgets, prepare financial reports, process payments, and submit tax forms.

Core and Advanced Accounting Skills

An administrative assistant must have proficiency in software programs including Microsoft Office and be able to type at 50 words per minute. The administrative assistant must be familiar with using office equipment, including copiers, scanners, and fax machines. The administrative assistant must possess the necessary mathematical skills. They must have basic knowledge of financial principles and accounting.

Some employers don’t require advanced or preferred skills but may include them in job listings. Preferred qualifications include proficiency in QuickBooks or related software.

Skills Needed to Succeed

It takes a special kind of person to succeed as an administrative assistant. Assisting management in a small business setting requires specific knowledge of the field in which you work, a combination of personal traits, and the ability to work well as a team member.

You must be conscientious and have a strong will to succeed. Some administrative assistants tend to be conservative and take their duties seriously. They have excellent organizational skills and earn an orderly approach to business.

Other people who enter the field of administrative assisting take their position equally as serious but have a more adventurous attitude toward life and are enterprising in their business dealings. People who are ambitious and confident inspire their co-workers.

The administrative assistant who is energetic and enthusiastic about their job and is the person who often finds solutions to problems. Being assertive is a plus if you want to succeed in administrative assisting at a small business.

Top Qualities of The Successful Administrative Assistant:

  • Ability to multi-task
  • Collaboration and teamwork skills
  • Courteous
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Customer focused
  • Detail oriented
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Professionalism
  • Productivity
  • Reliability
  • Strong work ethic
  • Technical abilities
  • Time management skills
  • Well-organized

Multi-tasking is part of the job in a successful small business. A successful administrative assistant keeps up to date with their skills and is willing to learn new procedures quickly.

The assistant is willing to collaborate, can work well with a team, and doesn’t quibble about small details that are counterproductive. Presenting solutions rather than discussing problems will get the job done faster and more productively. The administrative assistant always possesses a pleasant demeanor when greeting clients. Since the administrative assistant represents the business and their manager, it’s essential that they are customer focused. Professionalism is vital to the administrative assistant who must always possess a positive attitude in the office. Personal problems must be left at home.

A successful assistant must possess a strong work ethic. They must be well-organized and be able to manage their time effectively to complete tasks on schedule. The administrative assistant must be reliable. A busy office doesn’t have time to deal with a person who is consistently late for work and makes excuses. Punctuality is an essential key to managing an office.

A conscientious assistant has excellent grammar and spelling skills and can interpret their manager’s notes, even if their handwriting is challenging to read. The person who assists the manager must always remember that everyone in the office has schedules and deadlines and should know when a problem should be brought up to their manager and when to find a solution to the problem.

Did learning about small business administrative assisting interest you? The Administrative Assisting diploma program is designed to train Gwinnett College students to seek entry-level positions in the office administration or secretarial field. The Administrative Assisting graduate may work as a secretary, receptionist, executive assistant, or administrative assistant.

Contact us to learn more about becoming an administrative assistant.

Ten Skills Needed for Entry-Level Nurses

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Graduation day for a licensed practical nurse is a time to celebrate accomplishments, but it also marks the beginning of a new phase of learning. School teaches students what they need to know to be confident on the job, but it’s only with real-world experience that knowledge comes full circle. For new nurses, an entry-level job is a safe space where they can gain technical expertise and develop the soft skills that pave the way for success. To make the most of those opportunities, these are ten skills every entry-level nurse needs.

Skill #1: Clinical Skills

Practical nurses provide primary patient care under the supervision of a doctor or a registered nurse. The role is task-heavy and includes taking vital signs, administering medications and performing treatments such as dressing changes and catheterizations on medically safe and stable patients.

It’s expected that an entry-level nurse can safely perform these basic clinical tasks, but employers also realize that new graduates have rarely been exposed to complex situations, so they offer both support and supervision until entry-level nurses gain confidence.

Clinical skills are only grown through practice, and to qualify for positions with greater responsibility, nursing students and new graduates should take every opportunity to practice what they learn and be open to taking on new tasks as soon as they’re ready.

As professionals, it’s always incumbent upon entry-level nurses to not perform functions they are not qualified or trained for, but it’s equally vital that they become proficient in the clinical skills that will define their practice. Nurses working in a cardiology office need to master doing electrocardiograms while those working in surgical practice should hone their skills at removing stitches.

Skill #2: Communication Skills

Practical nurses are front line caregivers, and as the professionals most likely to have dedicated one-on-one time with patients and their families, they serve as an essential link between members of the healthcare team.

Licensed practical nurses are responsible for taking physicians’ orders and communicating them to patients and their families as well as to the paraprofessional staff they supervise like nursing assistants. Since they monitor patients closely for changes in condition, they may be the first person to recognize new symptoms, and they’re often the patients’ go-to resource for information when they have a question.

Nearly every task and human interaction a practical nurse participates in requires some form of written or verbal communication. In a fast-paced medical setting, excellent reading, writing, and medical terminology skills are a must, but more so is the ability to articulate ideas quickly and concisely.

Skill #3: Time Management Skills

Most of an entry-level nurse’s duties are time-sensitive. Doctors’ orders, especially those for medication, come with parameters that must be carefully observed. A dose of antibiotics given too late could be less effective than it should be, while blood pressure medication given too early could result in dangerous hypotension and a serious fall.

Administering medications and treatments on time while assisting patients with activities of daily living and being prepared to tackle emergencies as they happen can be overwhelming without top-notch time management skills. For an entry-level nurse, adjusting to the consistent time crunch is challenging, but the right attitude, tools and support help keep it from becoming too stressful.

Skill #4: A Team-oriented Attitude

When healthcare providers work as a team, everyone wins. As medicine becomes more complex, a single doctor, nurse or therapist rarely has the knowledge it takes to meet all of a patient’s needs. Research shows that the best outcomes occur when care is approached collaboratively by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals. Patients’ benefit from input and different perspectives. Individual providers feel supported and less stressed knowing that they don’t bear the entire weight of every clinical decision.

A team-oriented attitude requires excellent communication skills and respect for other professionals’ opinions. It also demands a willingness to share ideas that might not be accepted. As an entry-level nurse, that can be intimidating, so it helps to cultivate trust and openness toward colleagues while learning the ropes.

Skill #5: Motivation to Learn

Experience comes only through practice, and the best opportunities to practice come to those with a strong desire to learn. No two days are the same in healthcare, and the chance to learn new things is always right around the corner.

To make the most of opportunities, entry-level nurses need to stretch beyond their comfort zone to try new tasks that may seem to be ahead of their learning curve. When combined with additional education, it’s the key to both comfort on the job and future advancement.

Skill #6: Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is the foundation of the nursing process. It’s the combination of education and experience that helps nurses solve problems and make sound, evidence-based decisions that are in the best interest of their patients.

Critical thinking comes more naturally to some than others, but because such a large part of it is based on knowledge and exposure to new situations, it’s a skill that develops over time. An entry-level nurse is expected to make safe clinical decisions within their scope of practice upon graduation, but by being mindful of how they think and observing how seasoned nurses use the critical thinking process, they can quickly learn to be effective problem solvers.

Skill #7: Confidence

After a successful career as a student, it’s tough for an entry-level nurse to suffer their first on-the-job failure. Making an error, especially if it’s a serious one, can lead to cause a crisis of confidence. If it continues, a nurse may become tentative and second-guess their every decision, making practice stressful at best and in some cases, impossible.

As a trait, confidence is hard to quantify, but as a skill, it’s easy to cultivate by remembering that no one is perfect, and that failure can sometimes be the best teacher. It takes confidence to go to nursing school, nurture it by setting realistic goals and allowing room for mistakes.

Skill #8: Flexibility

In nursing school, students have the opportunity to stretch their wings in clinical rotations, but these experiences are limited and carefully planned. In the real world, there won’t be an instructor standing by to take over in an emergency.

A quiet afternoon planned to reorganize the supply room or catch up with documentation might suddenly become a foot race as patients’ conditions take a turn for the worse and new admissions arrive. For nurses, the ability to switch gears, mentally, emotionally and physically, is a must.

Skill #9: Assertiveness

Assertiveness is the ability to express opinions positively and insist they be respected without being aggressive or infringing on the rights of others to be heard. For an entry-level nurse, being assertive can feel uncomfortable, but as a patient advocate, it’s an essential skill.

It’s also a skill that reduces workplace stress and improves job satisfaction. When members of a team feel they can discuss their thoughts without fear of judgment or repercussion, they’re empowered to make suggestions without reservation for the sake of the patient. They are also more comfortable and relaxed working with each other.

Skill #10: Reliability

Reliability is a make-or-break skill in an entry-level nursing position. In a busy hospital, patient care can’t be deferred because a team member couldn’t make it in or couldn’t be counted on to fulfill their responsibilities. Other members of the team must pick up the slack. Like other professionals, a nurse’s success in practice is in part dictated by their reputation and a large part of that is how reliable they are.

Nursing is a commitment, and it can be a balancing act to meet the needs of both family and colleagues, but reliability is measured less by an occasional failure to meet responsibilities as it is the way those instances are handled. A reliable nurse who needs to miss a day of work because of a sick child, for example, calls colleagues and offers to swap shifts to minimize the impact on patients and other staff.

Final Thoughts

Graduating from nursing school is just the beginning of a lifelong adventure in learning, and the first position an entry-level nurse takes teaches them almost as much as the long months spent hitting the books in preparation for it. Every day brings opportunities to master old skills and get the hang of new ones. School teaches students what they need to know, but it’s experience that builds confidence, and ultimately, it’s confidence that paves the way for success in nursing.

Did learning about the important skills needed for an entry-level nurse interest you? The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program at Gwinnett College provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse.  Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position. 

Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the college graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.*   Upon graduation and licensure, college graduates will be eligible to seek employment in hospitals, clinics, private duty, urgent and acute care centers, and various other medical or business facilities requiring the services of registered nurses.

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam.  College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an RN at Gwinnett College.

Vaccinations & Patient Immunization: A Nurse’s Guide

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Vaccinations have been a mainstay of public health for more than two centuries, and without them, millions might have been lost to preventable disease. As front-line healthcare providers, nurses regularly administer vaccines and have a responsibility to educate patients about immunization, the role vaccines play and how to stay safe. These are the basics.

What is a Vaccine and How Does it Work?

When a person contracts a bacterial or viral illness, the body attacks and neutralizes it. In the process, it creates unique proteins called antibodies that recognize and defend the host against future infection by the same pathogen. A vaccine is a solution containing a weaken or killed bacteria or virus. It can’t cause illness, but it provokes the same immune reaction and protects the host against that disease.

Vaccination vs Immunization

Vaccination and immunization are two terms that are often used interchangeably but mean different things. Vaccination is the physical administration of a vaccine; immunization is the process by which someone becomes immune to a particular illness.

Why the distinction? It’s two-fold. First, because immunity can be the result of actual illness, not a vaccine, non-lethal past exposure to disease can be a part of someone’s total level of resistance. Second, no vaccine is 100-percent effective, and there is significant variability in efficacy rates for a variety of reasons. Booster shots may be necessary for full immunity, and occasionally, less protection is conferred because of differences in people’s immune systems or because they were ill at the time they were vaccinated.

Are Vaccines Safe?

There is no shortage of controversy surrounding the safety of vaccinations, but the healthcare community is clear, they’re safe. The United States has one of the most comprehensive systems in the world for guaranteeing vaccine safety because they’re administered to millions of people each year.

All vaccines are subject to years of testing before the FDA licenses them and once in use, they’re continually monitored both for efficacy and adverse effects. Individual batches are tested for safety and quality, and the facilities where they are produced are routinely inspected. Like any medicine, allergic reactions are possible, but healthcare providers try to minimize that risk with careful patient screening.

Type of Vaccines

There four types of vaccines, each best-suited for certain types of pathogens including inactivated vaccines, live-attenuated vaccines, recombinant and conjugate vaccines and toxoid vaccines.

Inactivated Vaccines

Inactivated vaccines are made with killed germs. They offer less immunity than vaccines made with weakened versions of a virus or bacterium, so patients may need booster shots to remain immune long-term. Vaccines for influenza, polio, pertussis, rabies and hepatitis A are inactivated.

Live-attenuated Vaccines

Live vaccines use weakened pathogens, and they’re stronger than inactivated types. One or two doses is usually enough. They include smallpox, chickenpox, and the combined measles, mumps and rubella, or MMR vaccines.

Recombinant and Conjugate Vaccines

Recombinant and conjugate vaccines use a specific part of the germ to provoke immunity. Usually, the same the part the body’s immune system looks for to attack it. Booster shots may be required, but these vaccinations offer high levels of protection and are safe most patient populations. Vaccines for pneumonia, meningitis, hepatitis B and shingles are examples.

Toxoid Vaccines

These vaccines promote an immune response to toxins germs create, not the whole pathogen. Examples are diphtheria and tetanus. Booster shots are required.

Vaccines Through Childhood

Childhood vaccines are particularly important because they provide immunity before children are the most likely to be exposed to potentially life-threatening illnesses. The most important are measles, mumps, rubella, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis a, rotavirus, chickenpox, and meningitis.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

Measles, mumps and rubella, also known as the German measles, are all serious viral illnesses. Measles, characterized by a red, pinpoint rash and flu-like symptoms can lead to pneumonia, encephalitis and seizures. The mumps virus causes inflammation of the parotid glands in the neck. Before the widespread use of the vaccine, it was the leading cause of acquired deafness and can cause infertility in men. Rubella is relatively mild by comparison with a light rash and cold-like symptoms, but when contracted by pregnant women, it can lead to severe congenital disabilities. Today, children receive two doses of this vaccine between 12 months and six years of age.

Polio Vaccine

Polio is a viral disease that was once the number-one cause of disability in the United States. While it’s been eradicated in the U. S. since 1955, in large part due to an aggressive vaccination program, it’s still prevalent in some parts of the world and vaccination is always recommended.

Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccine

The diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine, or DTaP, protects against three serious bacterial illnesses.  Diphtheria causes respiratory issues, heart failure and paralysis and was once responsible for tens of thousands of child deaths annually.  Pertussis, or whooping cough, is less severe, but it can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure and death.  Tetanus, also known as “lockjaw,” causes severe muscle tightening and has a twenty-percent mortality rate.

Because diphtheria and pertussis are more often diseases of early childhood, infants and children receive five doses, and a booster may be required. Tetanus boosters should be received every ten years through adulthood and whenever possible exposure occurs.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

Hepatitis A is a severe inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. In this instance, because a child under six may not have symptoms of the disease despite being contagious, the vaccine not only protects children but also their adult caregivers. Two doses spaced six months apart are recommended starting at age 12 months.

Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus is a leading cause of fatal diarrhea in children worldwide. It’s highly contagious, and although it’s not as prevalent in the United States as in other parts of the globe, it’s still responsible for tens of thousands of hospitalizations and can be fatal. Doses are given at two and four months.

Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine

Chickenpox was once a childhood rite of passage, but few parents know that it can have severe and even deadly complications including pneumonia. The CDC recommends two doses, one between the ages of 12 and 15 months and the other between four and six years.

Meningitis Vaccine

Meningococcal disease is bacterial and is the leading cause of childhood meningitis in the U.S. This life-threatening disease is characterized by flu-like symptoms and can lead to brain swelling and death.  Depending on the brand of vaccine used, pediatricians recommend it between the ages of 11 and 18.

Adult Vaccines

Adults who are not sure if they are immune to certain high-risk diseases can request lab testing to find out, or they can simply be vaccinated. In most cases, it’s never too late to receive childhood vaccines. Routine vaccines for adults include varicella, pneumonia, shingles, influenza, and rubella.

Varicella Vaccine

Adults have a higher risk than children for complications from chickenpox, especially pregnant women. Two doses are given about six weeks apart for adults.

Pneumonia Vaccine

The adult pneumococcal vaccine protects against the most common types of bacteria that cause pneumonia. It does not prevent viral pneumonia. Pneumococcal pneumonia kills nearly 50,000 American annually and patients with chronic disease are at higher risk. The shot is recommended for healthy adults over 65, and any adult or child over the age of two with a chronic respiratory disease or a weaken immune system.

Shingles Vaccine

The same virus that causes chickenpox can return as a painful case of shingles in adult life. It produces a blistering rash that can damage the eyes and can stick around long-term as a condition called postherpetic neuralgia. One dose is recommended for adults over 60.

Influenza Vaccine

The seasonal influenza vaccine is based on several strains that researchers expect will be prevalent in the coming year. Occasionally, an unsuspected variant slips in, and the shot is not as effective as it could be. However, nearly a quarter of a million people annually are hospitalized due to influenza and more than 30,000 die. Of those, only a minority were vaccinated.

Rubella Vaccine

Because of the high risk of birth defects, women of child-bearing age may want to ensure they’re immune to rubella.

The Nurses Role

A patient looks to a nurse for education about vaccinations. In addition to the recommended schedules, clients usually want to know more about the disease they protect against and what the potential side effects of each shot may be.

Since vaccine formulas change frequently, nurses need to stay up-to-date in their knowledge and be ready to answer those questions. Epidemiologically, the medical reasons to get a vaccine rarely vary, and their side effects tend to be similar.

These are the seven most important points to share with patients:

  1. Vaccines are both safe and effective, and they do not cause illness. Allergic reactions are always a minimal risk for any patient, but they can be monitored for and treated.
  • A localized reaction at the site of the shot may occur with any vaccine. Comfort measures such as ice, heat and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to ease any discomfort.
  • Certain vaccinations can cause short-lived flu-like symptoms, but this is not the disease and shouldn’t be a barrier to vaccination.
  • In most cases, minor illnesses are not a contraindication for vaccination.
  • If a vaccine is recommended for a patient, in most cases, the benefits far outweigh the risks.
  • In other parts of the world, diseases that are not common in the U.S. are prevalent. Patients should talk to their physician at least eight weeks before going abroad.
  • Vaccines are available at a physician’s office, through public health departments and in the case of certain adult vaccines, at the pharmacy. In some states, patients who can’t afford vaccines for their children may qualify to get them free of charge.

Explaining Herd Immunity

A common misconception about childhood diseases is that they’ve been eradicated, and vaccinations pose an unnecessary health risk. Nothing could be further from the truth. Illnesses like polio and mumps are only rare because of vaccinations, and as immunization rates fall, diseases like measles and pertussis are again surging, in part because of lower herd immunity.

Herd immunity is the concept that the greater the number of individuals in a group that are immune to an infection, the less likely it is that those without resistance will contract the disease. As a nurse, this is the simplest way to explain to parents how vaccinating their children protects the entire family, other children at daycare or school and the community at large.

Educating the public about the importance of vaccinations is a critical public health mission, and as front-line healthcare providers, it’s one in which nurses should take a leading role.

Did learning about vaccination and patient immunization interest you? The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program at Gwinnett College provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse.  Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position. 

Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the college graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.*   Upon graduation and licensure, college graduates will be eligible to seek employment in hospitals, clinics, private duty, urgent and acute care centers, and various other medical or business facilities requiring the services of registered nurses.

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam.  College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an RN at Gwinnett College.

Gerontological Nursing: The Baby Boomer Boom

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More than 70 million baby boomers are fast approaching retirement age and with that comes a growing need for gerontological nurses. Gerontology, the study and care of aging adults, is poised to become a top medical specialty in the next two decades. Unlike geriatrics which focuses on the treatment of disease in the elderly, gerontology considers the entire spectrum of wellness issues older Americans face, and it’s a task professional nurses are uniquely positioned to address.

Who are the Baby Boomers?

America experienced a steep rise in birth rates between 1946 and 1964. World War II had just ended, the economy was thriving, and couples took the opportunity to start families. Today, children born in this generation, the so-called Baby Boomers, are in their 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s, and as the largest single demographic group in the United States, their evolving healthcare needs will necessarily change the landscape of medicine in the coming years.

How do Gerontological Nurses Fit In?

Getting older has its share of both medical and non-medical issues, but most are inexorably linked. Aging is not an illness, but it is associated with greater susceptibility to disease and loss of functional capacity due to a perfect storm of physical, psychological and social issues.

Aging adults like Baby Boomers have health goals. They want to:

• Age in place in the comfort of their home
• Remain independent and active as long as possible
• Manage their healthcare expenses effectively
• Receive care that is less medicalized and more focused on quality of life

Achieving this, however, requires coordinated care. Unlike younger patients, older adults face a wider range of medical issues including:

• High rates of chronic disease
• Increased vulnerability to acute illness
• Impaired mobility
• Cognitive and sensory decline

But they also face economic and social challenges that impact their ability to care for themselves such as:

• Homes that aren’t mobility-friendly
• Lack of access to shopping and transportation
• Social isolation
• Limited financial resources
• Lack of family support

The role of a gerontological nurse is to manage this full range of complex vulnerabilities that affect older adults’ quality of life and independence. As millions of baby boomers enter the healthcare system as medical consumers, they are needed more than ever. Gerontological nurses work in:

• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation centers
• Assisted living communities
• Nursing homes
• Hospices
• Public health departments
• Government
• Private medical practices

From managing acute illness and preventing chronic disease to advocating for safe housing and promoting elder nutrition programs, gerontological nurses are taking a leading role in meeting the needs of aging adults wherever they are.

Common Issues Affecting Older Adults

Consider these distinct health issues older adults at home face from a gerontological nursing perspective. The include Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, and influenza.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease. Its course is different for everyone, and in its early stages, symptoms like forgetfulness and changes in vision are manageable. However, when combined with unfavorable environmental and social circumstances, it can prematurely rob seniors of their independence.

Memory lapses and changes in depth perception, for example, can lead to:

• Medication errors
• Loss of ability to drive or cook safely
• Inability to manage finances
• Social isolation

These relatively minor symptoms, for an older adult without regular family or community support, can then lead to:

• Malnutrition
• Loneliness
• Depression
• Acute illness
• Falls with catastrophic injuries

Gerontological nursing treats this type of problem not just as an illness, but as wellness issue that impacts elder independence, recognizing that by addressing co-occurring medical and social concerns, both health and quality of life improve. To help a patient age in place in a case like this, a gerontological nurse might recommend:

• Home adaptations that allow a client to avoid using the stairs
• A medicine reminder system
• Grocery shopping and meal preparation support
• Transportation services for shopping and doctor’s appointments
• A peer support group

Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in older adults, and it can impact life in unexpected ways. Impaired mobility makes self-care difficult, increases the risk of falls and can lead to social isolation as seniors struggle to keep up with healthier peers. Pain, when severe, can also lead to changes in mood, depression and overuse of potentially addictive medications that can cause dangerous cognitive side effects. What could a gerontological nurse do for a client in this situation?

• Explore physical therapy, home modifications and the use of adaptive equipment
• Determine if prescribed medications are a risk factor for injury and ask about safer alternatives
• Help the patient to identify meaningful activities that are less physically challenging

Diabetes

Managing diabetes requires attention to both nutrition and medication, and that can be especially tough for older adults. Seniors who don’t drive may struggle to get food, medicine and exercise while others may lack the financial resources to buy critical medications. Adults with cognitive impairment may be unable to manage complex medication regimens. For seniors with arthritis, even self-administering insulin injections can be difficult.

Gerontological nurses help by identifying and addressing these types of challenges on an individual basis. Potential interventions include:

• Obtaining in-home assistance with personal care
• Working with physicians to simplify medication regimens
• Seeking alternative funding for life-saving drugs
• Exploring elder nutrition support programs

Influenza

Nearly a quarter of a million patients annually are hospitalized in the United States due to influenza, and of those, more than half are over age 65. With age, seniors become more susceptible to dehydration and secondary infections, such as pneumonia, as a result of the flu. Gerontological nurses can help prevent hospitalizations by:

• Education seniors about hand washing and the importance of getting a flu shot
• Offering in-home immunizations or help with getting transportation to a doctor’s office

For older adults who want to live out their retirement at home, these interventions are just some of the many ways gerontological nurses can help.

For seniors with an acute illness or chronic medical conditions that require more care than can be safely provided at home, the same wellness-based gerontological principles are applied in hospitals, assisted living communities, nursing homes and hospices. The goals always remain the same, to optimize health, maintain quality of life and maximize independence.

Top Skills for Gerontological Nurses

Critical Thinking

Gerontological nurses have a broad scope of practice, and the ability to think critically is a must. Every day presents challenges that require sound decision-making skills, and to be successful, it takes the ability to analyze data, assess complex situations and make logical connections between the many issues affecting older adults.

Open-Mindedness

Every patient is an individual with the right to self-determination. Patients will have vastly different thoughts about wellness and may make choices that are not always aligned with nursing recommendations. Only by remaining open-minded can nurses help patients make healthcare decisions that best reflect their goals.

Compassion

Compassion is more than kindness. It’s the ability to feel a patients’ suffering and the impact it has on lives from a holistic perspective. The elderly are particularly vulnerable and need nurses who can support them through times of physical, mental, or emotional pain as whole persons, not just as the sum of their symptoms.

Tips for Caring for Older Adults

Seniors are unique individuals with diverse needs and preferences, but they also share common characteristics and generational personality traits that affect the way nurses should approach care. To build a strong professional relationship with their clients, gerontological nurses should consider these tips.

Recognize Sensory Issues

With age, most seniors lose some visual and hearing acuity. Adaptive equipment including glasses and hearing aids can help, but it’s vital to recognize how these impairments affect the lives of patients, their ability to communicate and take care of themselves.

Demonstrate Respect

Older adults have paid their dues and deserve respect. Despite needs that may appear child-like, seniors should never be treated like children. The aging brain does lose some fluidity with age, and it can be harder to learn new things, but the knowledge and wisdom associated with extensive life experience rarely fade.

Keep Things Simple

The older generation is from a simpler time, and while that doesn’t mean they can’t or don’t want to learn new things, they rarely appreciate complexity for its own sake and prefer healthcare providers who give them concise, actionable information.

Build Trust and Rapport

Research shows that older adults are more likely to take action on healthcare advice when the information comes from a trusted source. By building personal rapport over time and demonstrating both knowledge and goodwill, gerontological nurses can be that source. Since nurses are the providers most likely to be on the front lines of care, a trusting relationship is the gateway through which medical recommendations are most likely to be accepted.

Support Their Autonomy

Older adults often feel like their independence is undermined by well-meaning healthcare providers who assume they can no longer make their own decisions. As a group, they are affected by negative stereotypes and struggle to communicate with doctors, nurses and even family members who have different points of view. As a patient advocate, it’s one of a gerontological nurse’s primary obligations to both respect and support aging adults’ right to autonomy to every extent possible.

As a generation, baby boomers are experiencing better health because of advances in medicine, yet many fear that they won’t age successfully because of social, cultural and economic challenges. These challenges include a healthcare system burdened with rising costs and capacity constraints. The good news is that gerontological nurses may be the solution. Their unique blend of medical skills and personal accessibility makes them the perfect front line healthcare providers to bring older adults the comprehensive, cost-effective, high-quality care they deserve.

Did learning about gerontological nursing interest you? The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program at Gwinnett College provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse. Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position.

Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the college graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.* Upon graduation and licensure, college graduates will be eligible to seek employment in hospitals, clinics, private duty, urgent and acute care centers, and various other medical or business facilities requiring the services of registered nurses.

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an RN at Gwinnett College.