Tag Archives: registered nurse

Transitioning From RN to NP

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Change is something you’ve learned to work well with as a registered nurse (RN). However, transitioning to a new role as nurse practitioner (NP) is a change big enough to challenge even the most seasoned nursing professionals. Below are some insider tips that will help you better prepare for and breeze through your transformation from RN to NP.

 

How to Prepare for the RN to NP Transition

From new obligations to a new professional network, so many aspects of your professional life are going to change on your journey to becoming an NP. To prepare ahead of time, take a look at some of the tasks you’ll be taking on:

 

  • Working within the scope of what patients can afford and what their insurance will cover
  • Diagnosing illnesses, creating treatment plans, educating patients
  • Delegating responsibilities to other employees
  • Creating a brand-new network of peers and growing your connections

 

How to Step Into Your New Career

Just like your first weeks and months as an RN, the beginning of your career as an NP will not be without challenges. If you’re feeling nervous, overwhelmed, or a little lost at any point in your transition, refer to the following tips:

 

  1. Overcome the fear of asking questions. Patient health and safety always comes first, so don’t be afraid to speak up if you have any hesitancy or confusion about a particular task or topic.
  2. Keep a record of the answers you receive when you do ask for advice. This will help you avoid needing to ask the same questions twice.
  3. Find a mentor. While you shouldn’t be afraid to ask your coworkers and fellow NPs about patient-related inquiries, having a go-to mentor can be helpful for your deeper career questions.
  4. Listen to podcasts. If you’re struggling to keep up with medical literature, podcasts are a go-to source of information that you can absorb while on the go.

 

How to Find the Right Healthcare Job Opportunities for You

Whether you’re currently transitioning from RN to NP or are thinking about making a major change in your career, the healthcare recruiters at HealthCare Support are here to assist you every step of the way. We’ll alert you with job opportunities that match your goals and keep you updated throughout the application and hiring process. To learn more on how we find jobs and help healthcare professionals like you find success, contact HealthCare Support today at 407-478-0332.

5 Tips to Help Nurses Prepare for the Night-shift

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There are plenty of registered nurses that prefer to work the night-shift, but not all nurses are night owls. Fortunately, any nurse can adjust to a new clock-in time with a few hidden tricks and the right sleep training. To help you make the switch, here are some of the top transitional changes to make ahead of schedule.

Put Stock in Shift Changes

Because you won’t be able to communicate as much with your sleeping patients, you’ll need to rely on the previous shift for essential updates. Knowing even the most minor updates on your patients will encourage you to keep an eye out for subtle changes and prevent critical situations.

Pick the Right Pick-Me-Ups

Energy drinks and premade performance beverages might seem like a convenient choice for the night-shift, but these unhealthy options aren’t good for the long term. Instead of picking up a sugary supplement, reach for healthier forms of energy found in caffeinated teas or a coffee drink you can stir up yourself. If you have an aversion to caffeine, you can still boost your energy by prioritizing activity during your shift or trying an LED light therapy lamp to stimulate your brain.

Stay Hydrated and Satiated

Hydration is essential for day- and night-shift nurses — especially when consuming caffeine. If you have trouble remembering to run to the water fountain, bring your own reusable bottle to keep at your station. While paying attention to your water intake, pay attention to your food intake as well, because choosing the right food options can play a huge part in your night on the clock. You can make healthy eating just as convenient as the vending machine by meal prepping at the beginning of each week.

Set Aside Enough Sleep Time

While adjusting to the night-shift, you’ll need to rearrange your sleeping habits so you can get seven to nine hours of sleep in before the start of your shift. It might be tempting to try and reset your rhythm by pulling an all-nighter beforehand, but this can end up making it harder to get your sleep on track in the long term. Instead, try modifying your environment to be as sleep-friendly as possible by:

  • reminding your family that your sleep is important
  • setting up thick curtains to keep light out
  • wearing an eye mask or ear plugs
  • avoiding caffeine before bed
  • limiting phone and other screen usage before bed

Work With a Healthcare Recruiter

No matter how new you are to nursing, the right healthcare recruiter can help you find a position that fits your wants and needs. In fact, the team of healthcare recruiters at HealthCare Support will help you find the perfect fit for and lend you all the guidance needed to navigate your new role as a night-shift nurse. To join our talent network and take the next steps in your healthcare career, call us today at 407-478-0332.

Which States Have the Biggest Need for Registered Nurses?

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According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the largest amount of healthcare careers in the United States are made up of nursing jobs. The country’s healthcare system relies heavily on the services and experiences of nurses, but future projections by the HRSA suggest that multiple states are likely to experience a severe nursing shortage within the next decade. Here’s a look at the supply and demand outlook for registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) until 2030. 

Is There a Shortage in Nursing? 

The HRSA’s report finds states may eventually experience a nursing shortage, while others are likely to see a surplus—if the current level of healthcare improves accordingly. However, the report states, “if current level of [healthcare] is maintained,” multiple states will have an alarming outlook of shortages. This potential shortage may be the result of a number of factors, including:

  • Health insurance coverage
  • Location 
  • Population 
  • Retirement patterns 
  • Shifting social priorities 
  • Access to healthcare 

Which States Need Nurses the Most? 

If the healthcare system continues to progress with normal growth, the job outlook for RNs is expected to elevate 12% from 2018-2028. Here’s a ranking order of the top five states with the most significant shortages of RNs or their full-time equivalents (FTEs) if the healthcare system remains the same until 2030.  

  1. California – 44,500 FTEs
  2. Texas – 15,900 FTEs
  3. New Jersey – 11,400 FTEs
  4. South Carolina – 10,400 FTEs
  5. Alaska – 5,400 FTEs

For LPNs, however, the figures are slightly less significant. The states projected to have the greatest shortages of LPNs or their FTEs by 2030 include:  

  1. Texas – 33,500 FTEs
  2. Pennsylvania – 18,700 FTEs
  3. Florida – 10,300 FTEs
  4. Georgia – 10,500 FTEs
  5. North Carolina – 10,700 FTEs

Start Your Career in Nursing 

While it might seem like landing a career in nursing will only get easier, it can still be difficult to find the right professional fit for your experience, goals, and lifestyle. If you’re an RN, LPN, or other healthcare professional looking to start or advance your career, partner with the healthcare recruiters at HealthCare Support. Weighing your personal and professional information against the open positions that best fit your wants and needs, our team will help you secure a job where you can truly excel. To join our talent network and learn more about our professional healthcare services, call us today at 407-478-0332.

A Day in the Life of a Registered Nurse

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The amount of variation between each shift as a registered nurse is incredible. New patients, new treatments, and new technologies dominate the ever-changing schedule of an RN; however, many of these nurses actually follow a similar pattern of tasks across the board. For anyone interested in taking on the role of registered nurse, here’s a peek into what your day might look like.

Communicate with Other Staff

When a nurse first clocks in to his or her shift, the previous nursing shift often gives a briefing on any important patient activities or incidents that might affect their treatment going forward. Then, the nurse will typically review the patient schedules for their shift, evaluate treatment plans for the day, and schedule any doctor’s visits or time slots for equipment usage. To wrap up the start of their shift, the nurse may check their work emails to see if there’s anything in their inbox that needs priority.

Make Patient Rounds

Once a nurse has settled into their shift, they’ll typically head out to make the first patient rounds of the day. This includes communicating with patients, actively listening to their needs, taking vitals, and recording everything in the patient chart. Patient rounds are also an important window for med passes, or the scheduled time to deliver medications to each patient. Depending on whether a nurse is working a morning or night shift, they may need to assist patients with their morning meal.

Take a Lunch Break

Lunch breaks aren’t a guarantee for registered nurses. They can certainly dedicate time to stepping away to reenergize with a meal, but medical emergencies always take priority. So, if any unexpected changes happen over a nurse’s lunch, they’ll have to address the situation and make time for meals at another point in the shift. Many nurses bring quick and simple snacks, like granola or protein bars, so they can take bites on the go.

Finish the Day

Wrapping up a nursing shift is similar to starting one. At the end of their workday, nurses often conduct their final patient rounds to check on any last-minute needs, conduct final med passes, and assist patients with their final meals if the shift ends around dinnertime. Typically, they’ll then brief the incoming nurses that will take over for the next shift and check over patient charts to make sure that every document is in order. The next shift can then fully relieve the nurse to head home and catch up on some well-earned rest.

Becoming a Registered Nurse

The role of a registered nurse is one of the most fulfilling ones on the job market. If you’re interested in taking on this challenging and rewarding career, partner with a healthcare recruiter that can pair you with the right facility. At HealthCare Support, we strive to place RN’s in the setting they’ll thrive in most, which is why we dedicate our days to understanding our talent force members and our partnering healthcare providers. If you would like more information or are interested in joining our growing talent force, call 407-478-0332.