Things Nursing Students Can Do Right Now to Prepare for NP School

Things Nursing Students Can Do Right Now to Prepare for NP School

Advanced Nursing 2021

So. You think you want to be a nurse practitioner? You’ve just started your nursing career journey, and you just discovered the role of the NP, and it’s piqued your interest. Maybe it’s a career for you? You want to learn more about this new role, but where do you start?

Instead of waiting until you start practicing as a nurse, what about taking steps now to figure out if the NP role is for you?

Here are 15 things nursing students can do right now to prepare for NP school:

Online

• Membership to organizations including the AANP
• Reach out to online NPs – FreshNP!
• Reach out to NP students

While in school

• Introduce yourself to NPs
• Ask the RN and the NP questions
• Engage in learning
• Observe and volunteer every day
• Job shadow multiple NPs

Once you graduate

• Continue relationship with mentors and NPs
• Create new relationships with mentors and NPs
• Research NP programs and contact them directly
• Gain experience that will help you
• Attend a nursing conference – NTI
• Visit NP program campus (if possible)
• Make an informed decision before applying

Online

Membership to organizations including the AANP

This is the best place to start. You can learn about the role, including the history of the nurse practitioner role in healthcare. You can start creating professional connections with other like-minded students. I would encourage you to gain membership in as many organizations you can afford (we all know finances are tight for students).

Reach out to online NPs – FreshNP!

I mean c’mon, you know I had to mention this. You ARE reading a blog post online, so follow through and seek out as many nurse practitioners you can find online (there are many). The least of which is following me, The Fresh NP, and all of our online resources- including our Podcast!

Reach out to NP students.

Both in person and online. Who better to explain what you’d be in for than the nurses who are walking in those shoes? If you have the chance, follow them during a clinical day. See all the things you’d be experiencing, including talking to them about how difficulty nurse practitioner school really is.

While in school

Introduce yourself to NPs

Break the ice and approach every nurse practitioner (NP) you find. Establish a rapport with all of the NPs who work in your facility. Make sure they know your name and know your interests. This will lay the groundwork for networking connections later in your NP school journey (we’ll explain that one later).

Ask the RN and the NP questions

Go right to the source. Approach any and every nurse practitioner (NP) you find. It doesn’t matter where they work, what setting or how long they’ve been in the role. Talk to them. Get some insight. Ask them how they decided to become an NP. And of course, ask for any tips or advice they have for a pre-NP student. Then when you’ve exhausted those efforts, burn the ear off of the nurses who interact with the NP. Learn things.

Engage in learning

Everywhere. I mean everywhere. There are free learning opportunities available online, at your clinical site, and in school. While I know you are overwhelmed with nursing school, pay attention to other learning opportunities that may shed some light on the NP role. I mean, maybe there’s a CEU activity offered, and a nurse practitioner is teaching it?

Observe and volunteer every day

I preach this to all my students both in person and online. Volunteer for everything. Get your hands dirty and become a master as anything and everything that crosses your path. Become resourceful and skilled so that when the opportunity arises, you can assist and work side by side with a nurse practitioner in a prepared and confident manner.

Job shadow multiple NPs

Walk in their shoes for a shift. Walk in all of their shoes. Soak up the different approaches, the different jobs, the different levels of experience, the different clinical responsibilities and of course the different views each nurse practitioner has about the profession itself. Take in the good and the bad to make an informed decision about your career aspirations.

Once you graduate

Continue relationship with mentors and NPs

Almost all nurses learn and start creating their professional portfolio during entry-level nursing school. It is a collection of all your experiences as a healthcare professional. Part of this collection is developing your reference list. If you have intentions of pursuing an advanced degree as a nurse practitioner (NP), having nurse mentors and practicing NPs on this list will help you get noticed and potentially increase your chances of placement when the time comes to apply for school or that next job.

Create new relationships with mentors and NPs

This parlays off the previous suggestion. Now you need to expand your professional networking by creating new relationships. This helps solidify your reputation because an outdated or old reference list screams laziness and stagnation.

Research NP programs and contact them directly

Be intentional with your choices. Don’t just enroll in a school because that’s where everyone else is going, or you heard “that’s a good school.” Do your research, talk with their curriculum director and any other faculty that is available. If possible, talk with current or former students to get a firm understanding of what the program offers and what to expect.

Gain experience that will help you

Don’t just coast through your career while waiting to enroll and graduate from nurse practitioner school. Seek out learning opportunities both formal and informal that will augment your career growth. Acquire certifications, enroll in leadership roles, volunteer to precept students and teach others every chance you get.

Attend a nursing conference

Networking is the cornerstone of professional growth. Attend a nursing conference no matter how small or large. Gain continuing education, while establishing new relationships with other nurses AND nurse practitioners. You never know when you may need to reach out, no one can predict their career future.

Visit an NP program campus (if possible)

If you have the ability or opportunity, make a physical visit to a nurse practitioner school. Talk with other students. Talk with faculty. Tour the campus and take in all aspects of the student life. You may discover something about the campus or program that convinces you of a decision you were unsure to make.

Make an informed decision before applying

After you’ve followed through with all the previously mentioned suggestions, you can confidently make an informed decision based on effort, research, and self-discovery. Weigh the pros and cons of each and formulate an honest plan.

Choosing and enrolling in nurse practitioner school is a monumental life event. You owe it to yourself to not take it lightly. 

For more about Advanced Nursing 2021, visit: https://nursing.nursingmeetings.com/

Code Blue in the Hospital: What to Do as a Nurse

Code Blue in the Hospital: What to Do as a Nurse

Advanced Nursing 2021

What is a Code Blue?

A code blue is called when a patient experiences unexpected cardiac or respiratory arrest that requires resuscitation and activation of a hospital-wide alert.

These cardiac or respiratory arrests are handled by the “code team” of the hospital. However, if a nurse is nearby, he or she will have to step in and begin immediately until the code team arrives.

There is Code Blue training for nurses so they can learn how to properly and quickly respond to these codes. If you haven’t taken one of these pieces of training, look for one near you.

When to Call Code Blue

The decision to call a code blue will happen in a matter of seconds, so you have to think fast. You will know to call a code blue when the patient isn’t pumping the oxygenated blood they need to survive due to cardiac or respiratory arrest. In other words, if their heart stops pumping or they stop breathing.

Before you call a code, make sure and do a quick assessment. Look for a pulse and signs of breathing. If either of these isn’t happening, that’s when you call a code blue.

When you call a code blue, the code team will respond. Keep attempting to resuscitate the patient until they arrive.

Role of Responders During a Code Blue

When someone calls a code blue, the following people will respond and begin the process of trying to revive the patient.

Here is what the first responders to a code blue will do:

1.   Call for help.
2.   Drop the head of the bead and remove the pillows so the patient is flat on the bed.
3.   Check the carotid pulse.
4.   Begin chest compressions.
5.   Bring the e-cart and other emergency equipment to the site.
6.   Put the backboard under the patient.
7.   Clear and manage the patient’s airway with an ambu bag or a pocket mask with a one-way valve.
8.  Turn on the AED/defibrillator and use it for pulseless patients.
9.   Verify that IV fluids and emergency medications are ready.
10.    Document everything.

Always check with your hospital and make sure you know their exact code blue procedures in case they are different from what is listed in this article.

Who is on the code team?

Your hospital might have different members on the code team. More often than not, these are the people that make up the code team.

•          Physician – typically the leader
•       Unit RN
•          Critical Care/ICU RN – might serve as the code team leader until the doctor arrives
•          Pharmacist
•          Respiratory Therapist – manages airways and respiratory assessments
•          Clinical Supervisor – the person in charge of communication between the physician and the patient’s family
•          ED Techs

What to Do as a Nurse During a Code Blue

Now that you know what a Code Blue is and who is going to respond let’s look at what you should do as a nurse during a code blue.

The most important thing of all is to stay calm and think quick. Mistakes could be costly, so take a deep breath and make sure you are doing the right things.

1. Practice First

Seek out opportunities to walk through mock code blues. Every chance you have to practice will make it so that your body and mind know what to do even when you are under the stress of the real thing.

2. Help Out During Code Blue

The best way to learn is to help out during a code. Keep in mind that if you have no idea what to do, it might be best to stay out of the way. But if you went through training and you know the procedures, begin helping. It will give you priceless hands-on experience.

3. Let the Doctor Be in Charge

Respect their authority and follow their lead. Your job as a nurse is to support them and the team. This might mean giving chest compressions or running and grabbing essential toils and supplies. When a code is called the doctor might use a defibrillator to shock the heart and make it pump again. There are also medications that they can give.

A code blue is a terrifying experience as a nurse. It’s stressful for experienced nurses and those on the code team, but even more for inexperienced or new nurses. Let’s look at what code blue is and how to respond as a nurse so that you are prepared.

What Not to Do During Code Blue

Just like there are some things you should always do, you need to remember the things to avoid too.

1. Do Not Yell

Keep your voice level and calm. It’s a very tense and stressful situation already, using a loud or excitable voice will only increase the anxiety and noise level of the room.

2. Do Not Guess

If you don’t know what to do, let someone else step in. This is not the time to make a guess and hope it is right.

3. Don’t Leave When the Team Arrives

Just because the code team is in the room doesn’t mean you get to leave. This is your patient and you were the last medical professional with them. They might have questions for you or need your help. Stay in the room.

4. Don’t Switch Roles

Communication is extra important during this critical time. If you are completing a task or in charge of a part of the process, don’t switch unless you communicate clearly and have someone take over for you.

Code Blue on DNR Patients

If you have a DNR patient, you won’t call a code blue. Typically, these patients have legal papers that say they don’t want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

How will you know if a patient is DNR? It should be noted in their charts. Some hospitals will also put this information on their wristband.

For more details about Advanced Nursing 2021, visit: https://nursing.nursingmeetings.com/

Nurse Managers urged to be active in promoting environmental sustainability

Nurse Managers urged to be active in promoting environmental sustainability

Advanced Nursing 2021, Tokyo, Japan

The RCN is lobbying healthcare providers to adopt strategies on environmental sustainability.

v  The NHS is the largest public-sector contributor to climate change in Europe.

v  A resolution passed by RCN congress requires the college to lobby healthcare providers.

v  Healthcare providers are urged to develop sustainable policies and raise awareness of climate change

Nursing managers need to be aware of sustainability and think about what it may mean in their workplaces, the RCN says as it addresses climate change.

Gwen Vardigans speaking at RCN Congress. The RCN wants nurses to lobby healthcare providers for strategies on environmental sustainability and raise awareness of climate change.

The college is taking action following a debate at its annual congress, in May, in which nurses spoke passionately about the need for it to lead on climate change.

Members passed a resolution putting the issue on the organization’s agenda for future action.

The congress resolution requires the college to lobby healthcare providers to develop environmentally sustainable policies and strategies, and to raise awareness of climate change.

During the debate Gwen Vardigans, from North Yorkshire, cited environmental protests by schoolchildren inspired by Swedish teenager Greta Thunberg, protests in London by the Extinction Rebellion movement and extreme weather events, as well as warnings from scientists and the World Health Organization.

She said action was critical and suggested that RCN representatives could become involved in their organizations, encouraging people to reduce waste, recycle and help reduce their carbon footprint.

‘Climate change is the biggest threat of our lives,’ Ms Vardigans told fellow nurses.

‘Sustainability is going to be with us for many years to come, and nurses are going to be at the center of managing and supporting it’

RCN sustainability lead Rose Gallagher says that despite the many kinds of healthcare setting and nurses in the UK, there are several things that all nursing managers can do on climate change.

Nurses urged to learn about the sustainable development

She says: ‘The most important thing for managers is to be aware of the increasing priority of sustainability and think about what that might mean in your workplace.’

Ms Gallagher says work on sustainability has been growing for several years and urges nurses to familiarise themselves with the Sustainable Development Unit, which is funded by and accountable to NHS England and Public Health England.

Its job is to ensure that the health and care system fulfils its potential as a leading sustainable and low-carbon service.

‘Sustainability is going to be with us for many years to come, and nurses are going to be at the centre of managing and supporting it, and bringing the public with us,’ says Ms Gallagher.

For more details about Advanced Nursing 2021, Visit: https://nursing.nursingmeetings.com/

What Is Nursing?

What Is Nursing?

Advanced Nursing 2021, Tokyo, Japan

21st Century nursing is the glue that holds a patient’s health care journey together. Across the entire patient experience, and wherever there is someone in need of care, nurses work tirelessly to identify and protect the needs of the individual. 

Beyond the time-honored reputation for compassion and dedication lies a highly specialized profession, which is constantly evolving to address the needs of society. From ensuring the most accurate diagnoses to the ongoing education of the public about critical health issues; nurses are indispensable in safeguarding public health.

Nursing can be described as both an art and a science; a heart and a mind. At its heart, lies a fundamental respect for human dignity and an intuition for a patient’s needs. This is supported by the mind, in the form of rigorous core learning. Due to the vast range of specialisms and complex skills in the nursing profession, each nurse will have specific strengths, passions, and expertise.

However, nursing has a unifying ethos:  In assessing a patient, nurses do not just consider test results. Through the critical thinking exemplified in the nursing process (see below), nurses use their judgment to integrate objective data with subjective experience of a patient’s biological, physical and behavioral needs. This ensures that every patient, from city hospital to community health center; state prison to summer camp, receives the best possible care regardless of who they are, or where they may be.

What exactly do nurses do?

In a field as varied as nursing, there is no typical answer. Responsibilities can range from making acute treatment decisions to providing inoculations in schools. The key unifying characteristic in every role is the skill and drive that it takes to be a nurse. Through long-term monitoring of patients’ behavior and knowledge-based expertise, nurses are best placed to take an all-encompassing view of a patient’s wellbeing.

What types of nurses are there?

All nurses complete a rigorous program of extensive education and study, and work directly with patients, families, and communities using the core values of the nursing process. In the United States today, nursing roles can be divided into three categories by the specific responsibilities they undertake.

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses (RN) form the backbone of health care provision in the United States. RNs provide critical health care to the public wherever it is needed.

Key Responsibilities

·         Perform physical exams and health histories before making critical decisions

·         Provide health promotion, counseling and education

·         Administer medications and other personalized interventions

·         Coordinate care, in collaboration with a wide array of health care professionals

·         Advanced Practice Registered Nurses

Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) hold at least a Master’s degree, in addition to the initial nursing education and licensing required for all RNs. The responsibilities of an APRN include, but are not limited to, providing invaluable primary and preventative health care to the public. APRNs treat and diagnose illnesses, advise the public on health issues, manage chronic disease and engage in continuous education to remain at the very forefront of any technological, methodological, or other developments in the field.

APRNs Practice Specialist Roles

·         Nurse Practitioners prescribe medication, diagnose and treat minor illnesses and injuries

·         Certified Nurse-Midwives provide gynecological and low-risk obstetrical care

·         Clinical Nurse Specialists handle a wide range of physical and mental health problems

·         Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists administer more than 65 percent of all anesthetics

Licensed Practical Nurses

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), also known as Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), support the core health care team and work under the supervision of an RN, APRN or MD. By providing basic and routine care, they ensure the wellbeing of patients throughout the whole of the health care journey

Key Responsibilities

·         Check vital signs and look for signs that health is deteriorating or improving

·         Perform basic nursing functions such as changing bandages and wound dressings

·         Ensure patients are comfortable, well-fed and hydrated

·         May administer medications in some settings

What is the nursing process?

No matter what their field or specialty, all nurses utilize the same nursing process; a scientific method designed to deliver the very best in patient care, through five simple steps.

Assessment – Nurses assess patients on an in-depth physiological, economic, social and lifestyle basis.

Diagnosis – Through careful consideration of both physical symptoms and patient behavior, the nurse forms a diagnosis.

Outcomes / Planning – The nurse uses their expertise to set realistic goals for the patient’s recovery. These objectives are then closely monitored.

Implementation – By accurately implementing the care plan, nurses guarantee consistency of care for the patient whilst meticulously documenting their progress.

Evaluation – By closely analyzing the effectiveness of the care plan and studying patient response, the nurse hones the plan to achieve the very best patient outcomes.

Nurses are Key to the Health of the Nation

There are over 4 million registered nurses in the United States today. That means that one in every 100 people is a registered nurse. Nurses are in every community – large and small – providing expert care from birth to the end of life.

According to the January 2012 “United States Registered Nurse Workforce Report Card and Shortage Forecast” in the American Journal of Medical Quality, a shortage of registered nurses is projected to spread across the country between 2009 and 2030. In this state-by-state analysis, the authors forecast the RN shortage to be most intense in the South and the West

Nurses' roles range from direct patient care and case management to establishing nursing practice standards, developing quality assurance procedures, and directing complex nursing care systems.

For more about Advanced Nursing 2021, Visit: https://nursing.nursingmeetings.com/