Design Your Dream Nursing Career
By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN Just as little kids mull over the possibilities of what they want to be when they grow up, nursing students custom design their dream career. A few years on the med-surg floor first, then perhaps a move into the ER or ICU, followed by a return trip back to school for a Master’s degree and later on a nurse practitioner career. Nurses with a wandering spirit are more likely to map out a career as a travel...
Everything You Need to Know About Getting an LPN Online Certification
If you’re thinking about becoming an LPN, you likely have lots of questions. Below we’ll answer the pros and cons of getting your LPN online certification vs attending a physical classroom, what opportunities will await you once you have your certificate, and most importantly, the benefits of working as an LPN vs other nursing license types. Should you get your LPN online certification or go to school? There are pros and cons to...
Comparison of U.S. and Overseas RN Training
By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN In recent blogs, I have been exploring the ramifications of a statement made by President Obama in his recent health summit. The president expressed concern over the apparent need to bring additional foreign trained RNs into the country to help with our nation’s nursing shortage. Following are some highlighted training requirements for registered nurses overseas. It should be noted that all nurses...
Nurses: Now Is A Good Time for Learning
By Christine Whitmarsh, RN, BSN Yes, nurses are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is reporting that 500,000 new RNs are needed by 2016. Every single media story about job opportunities in the recession broadcasts nursing careers at the top of the list. This does not lessen the value of continuing education and skill advancement. Travel nurses in particular are attuned to the rapid progress of the healthcare industry. With...
Travel Nursing in Alaska: Northern Destination
By Christine Whitmarsh RN, BSN Before I had ever even contemplated Alaska as a leisure, work and relocation destination, I steadily started receiving rave reviews from friends and family members about our nation’s largest state. I will admit that prior to this, when I thought of Alaska I envisioned lots of snow and darkness and most recently a certain vice presidential candidate. In reality, Alaska is one of America’s hottest tourist...
Hospitals Having Trouble Retaining Staff Nurses
By Christine Whitmarsh The national shortage of nurses has definitely been making headlines lately, as the media works to cover the staffing challenge and possible solutions from all angles. An Associated Press article today discussed what hospitals are doing to retain new and veteran nurses. The article discussed how, on average, 1 in 5 “new grads” quit their hospital nursing jobs within the first year. Nurse managers and experts in...