Prescription for Success: The Role of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutical Sales Call

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After countless hours of training and product development skills and build relationships, efforts will end when the prescription is filled at the pharmacy.

When you consider that pharmacists speak the same doctors who you talk to, the treatment of the same patient spoken of handling, it is obvious that pharmacists play an important role in your success.

Why wait longer to establish or improve relationships with pharmacists in your country?

A licensed pharmacist is a pharmaceutical expert. Although doctors are experts in diagnosis and treatment, pharmacists are experts in pharmaceutical disease management.

Many physicians rely on pharmacists to train patients to use metered-dose inhalers, blood pressure monitors and injectable drugs. Doctors also expected that pharmacists will monitor potential drug interactions and recommend appropriate drug substitutions.

A pharmacist is a patient care provider. He or she is a link between patients and physicians, and can Triage routine illnesses like cough, cold or flu. Patients rely on their pharmacist to tell them how to take their medications, what outcome to expect and how to react if something goes wrong.

A pharmacist is a pharmaceutical sales partner. Pharmacy support is critical for successful application pull through, patient education and supplemental physician contact. Pharmacist may be able to provide information on managed care formularies and drug pricing, as well as alert you to patient questions or concerns.

Pharmacy calls are sales presentations

Well pharmaceutical sales reps prepare and implement pharmacy calls with the same care as they approach the doctor calls.

Implementation of the basic pre-call planning to identify your goal for the call. Do you need permission to publish prescription vouchers or coupons? Do you want to inform the pharmacy staff about the new drug launch? It should only take a few minutes to mentally outline what you hope to achieve, but those few minutes make a difference.

Begin each call with a presentation and statement purposes. Most people recognize you before they remember your name, so until you have developed a relationship, put the pharmacist at ease by re-introducing you to each call.

Get right to the point to visit . A clear statement of purpose will help the pharmacist assess how much time they have to spend with you, and if they can afford the time now. “May I have two minutes of your time to tell you about a new indication for extended release tabs Hoozlefritz?” is useful to the pharmacist, “Hi, I’m new Hoozlefritz representative.”

Delivering information succinctly and effectively. Pharmacists do not prescribe drugs and do not want to be “sold” on the merits of the product. They do, however, want to know the indication dosing, mechanism of action (MOA), pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic (PK / PD) profile and incidence of adverse events. This is important information for consultation with their doctors and patients.

close call your asking, “What I can do to be a resource for you and your customers?

Here are specific recommendations from pharmacists in three different modes you are likely to encounter in your country: retail chain, independent and hospital pharmacy

recommendation retail pharmacists’: ..

develop cooperation with pharmacists Paul, New York state licensed pharmacist, points out that he and physicians and pharmaceutical reps all have the same goal :. providing excellent patient care “We are all interdependent. The cycle starts with drug companies and links to doctors and pharmacists, related directly to patients. We are all in patient care business. “

Suzanne, a licensed pharmacist in Tennessee, agrees.” My customers are end customers product is Rep. For both of us, “success” means our customers healthier “

Chain pharmacists across the country agree that pharmaceutical reps can be more effective if they do :.

o Providing a pharmacist objective clinical data.

o Invite pharmacists programs to physicians, or sponsor special programs for local pharmacy institution.

o Follow through with what they say they are going to do.
or Respect time pharmacist’s.

o Offer your business card every time. Make it easy for pharmacy staff to contact you.

o inform pharmacists of any prescription voucher, rebate or coupon programs ahead of time. This gives the pharmacy staff time to learn the quirks of the program so that they can facilitate the introduction of the patients.

Paul says: “One of the drug reps in the region launched before Auth product in a crowded class. I stock vouchers at any given my stores, and she informed her doctors target of this. Doctors appreciate simplicity, patients were happy to get a free trial, I benefited from the increase in customer traffic, and this representative led the country in sales. “

DO NOT:

o Make pharmacy sales calls on Mondays or early in the morning

o Ask your pharmacist to sell the product.” To be ready for the first prescription which doctors are writing my product “

recommendation of independent pharmacists'”

o Ask the pharmacist confidential information, such as ,. “?

Masood runs a small chain of independent pharmacies in southern California. Him respect is an important sales call.” Some reps think that because I’m not a big name chain I is not as important, or maybe they do not have to be polite to me. But that is not the way to think about it. I am very busy here with many customers every day. The field reps know that I’m a big business for them in this city. “

Consensus of independent pharmacists is that reps will be more successful if they do

o Provide NDC # ‘s

o understand that pharmacists customers are the first priority.. Be patient .

o instruct pharmacist about possible side effects.

o Ask for the opportunity to organize educational lunch presentation.

o treat independent pharmacists as well as they treat chain pharmacists.

“I have worked in both groups, and I’ve seen a lot of reps drug overlook independent pharmacies,” says Alan, a pharmacist in Wisconsin. “Maybe they think that because we are small we are not” real “pharmacists. But we have the same education, and we have the same interactions with doctors and patients that other licensed pharmacist “

DO NOT :.

o Ask confidential.

o Ask your pharmacist to sell the product without a prescription.

o “sell” pharmacist.

Hospital pharmacists’ recommendations:

hospital pharmacy may serve only medical facility, only outpatients or a combination of both inpatient pharmacy are usually restricted to stocking products on the hospital formulary Hospital-based outpatient pharmacy act like everyone .. other retail pharmacy. They are usually not confined to hospital formulary.

Tim is a hospital pharmacist in Maine who welcomes drug reps. “reps are a great source of information for me. I know that if I tell the representative that the patient had an unusual reaction to the drug their representative is going to go to their company to investigate. Drug companies are very eager to check it out and follow, which helps me serve my clients better. “

Recommendations for pharmaceutical reps when calling on hospital pharmacies do: ..

o Ask about scheduling an educational lunch presentation

o Check on Formulary process; offer yourself as a resource for information.

o Ask about a plan for the hospital P & T committee.

o Know your medications. be prepared to explain and support any information that is included in your product PI

NOT :.

o ask for a list of doctors who are on the P & T Committee

o Pressure pharmacist to stock product without a prescription..

o make a sales call without a clear reason for the call

which brings us back to the bottom line :. pharmacy calls are sales presentations and just like prescriber calls, pharmacy calls are. powerful tools to improve patient care and running a business.

If you make the effort to develop productive relationships, you will find that every pharmacist in your territory is an extra person on your sales team!

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Source by Sally Bacchetta

What is Karaya? Origin and use of Karaya gum in Ostomy Supplies

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Karaya is the material used in Ostomy supplies such as barriers and skin powder, but what exactly is it, and why is it used?

Karaya, or “Karaya gum” is a vegetable-based all natural products made of soft Sterculia urens tree native to India and Pakistan. The Karaya gum is produced by collecting gum by removing bark or drilling holes in the trunk of the tree.

Recognized as safe and non-toxic, Karaya is used in many products, from food binders, adhesives, laxitives, dentures, lotions, and of course, Ostomy supplies.

best, purest medical grade Karaya gum is clear to white in color and can also come in powder form. From a chemical point of view, Karaya will absorb water quickly and forms a “rubber”. It can absorb as much as 100 times its weight in water. With higher levels of water, Karaya forms a gel or paste that can be used to conveniently and safely reduce the rough or uneven skin.

Why is Karaya used in Ostomy supplies?

Usually, you will find Karaya either as a powder or applied to the skin barriers / wafers.

– prevents Bacterial infections: – Karaya has chemical properties to help reduce the adhesion of bacteria, the same reasons that make it great for denture adhesive.

– Helps irritated and sensitive skin: – irritated skin is a common affliction of the skin around the colostomy or illeostomy stoma, and unique chemical Karaya’s properties allow it to create a protective gel over the affected skin and absorb excess moisture. This ensures that the skin is protected for attaching a barrier and Ostomy devices to the skin. This is also good for patients who may have sensitive or fragile skin that does not synthetic skin barriers.

What kind of Karaya Ostomy supplies are available ?

– Karaya Powder – Powder is applied before to use the skin barrier, generally for irritated skin to serve as an extra layer of defense against bacterial infections and to keep the skin from further irritation because the adhesion of the new barrier. When using the powder, it will absorb moisture from the skin to create a sticky and mildly adhesive “gel”. Powder is sold in small bottles blow that make it easy to apply evenly.

– Karaya Paste – A karaya paste is applied to the skin to prevent irritation and help smooth out irregular Ostomy skin surface when the device is applied. The skin is protected from leakage of natural hydrocolloid Karaya gum. The pastes are generally sold in squeeze tubes.

– Karaya Skin Barriers – Skin obstacles natural Karaya serve many of the same benefits; it prevents skin damage crops growing on the skin and offers some flexibility and convexity of the barrier, allowing it to conform to irregular stomata, stomata redness or skin folds. Also, keep in mind Karaya skin barriers are only mildly adhesive so it is likely that the tape border is essential for strong adhesion.

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Source by Kyle Jindel

The three important characteristics of Successful Medical biller and coder

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Not all jobs in the health care field involve hands-on patient care. As medical billing and coding is the control job that guarantees health care without having to directly interact with patients most of the time. Nevertheless, it is important in the field of health care industry.

Medical billers & codecs responsibility

– Review notes from doctors and other health care professionals. This is to identify the procedures and services that patients received.

– Follow-up with doctors and other health care professionals to Verity services and techniques that they have provided their patients.

– Download the corresponding code using the coding system

– Method and application for damages

– follow the requirements of

– Prepare and submit monthly accounts

– Report of delinquent accounts to collection agencies

Although medical billing and coding are different, the job can be handled by one person .

When thinking about starting a career in this field, you have to develop some of the personal qualities mentioned below.

– Able to manage stress. This profession requires a long time. It is a very stressful job. Therefore, if you want to be in this area, you need to know how to manage stress while performing your duties. You should learn how to say “no” to unreasonable work to prevent you from experiencing the physical and emotional exhaustion.

– Compassion. You can not interact with patients and families always, unlike nurses do. However, you should know how to be compassionate and sensitive to patients and families who are dealing with serious conditions or injuries. With compassion, you can offer them a positive experience while dealing with their situation.

– Patience. As mentioned earlier, this job is very stressful one. You need to have a high level of patience when interacting with patients and perform your role. Some patients can be annoying when they are in stressful situations, especially when they hear that their insurance provider will not cover some of the methods and medication they received. So, you need to be patient with them when trying to explain why they need to pay for their medical procedures or medications.

Education requirements for this profession

This profession requires a person to have a post-secondary education, such as business, health information systems, and other related courses. These programs are available through the part of the associate, Bachelor or Master. Challenges involved will include business, technology and health care. With general education, you will be able to experience hands-on training and gain extensive knowledge of the process medical billing and coding.

Pursuing a career in this field is not that difficult. However, you will gain a solid foundation in this area so as to help you become proficient medical biller & coder.

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Source by Dorothy G Johnson

Benefits of Targeted Appointment Recall for Healthcare

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targeted appointment recall is an effective method for appointment scheduling. Instead of sending a patient reminder to order by postcard, phone, or email, the patient is given a temporary appointment ahead of time, even when the command is in the distant future. This technique involves patients timing of the conclusion of the current visit. Patients are then informed that they will get a reminder near their command that can be used to confirm or change their appointments. Patients appreciate timely notification about the future of their appointment. Patients who have appointments targeted for the future are more likely to return. calendar is full, patient care is enhanced, and your job thrives.

feasibility of targeted recruitment Remember
An important benefit of targeted recall is that it maintains the status of patients. The cost of implementing and maintaining an effective targeted appointment recall system is minimal in comparison to the resources and costs required to attract new patients. Effective implementation holds between 70 to 80% of their patients.

Front Office Staff
It is important that the front office scheduler understand the importance of targeted recall. Make sure that the front office person knows how to succinctly explain targeted appointment recall to patients. A simple “just for the annual exam” is not sufficient reason for many patients. Have your secretary memorize an answer that may be useful for patient inquiries. For example, “It would be a good time to monitor your health and take care of the problem early.”

Targeted Appointment Recall
Patients are accepting when the front office person says, “We will reserve the interview in the first week of next year. We will automatically remind you when the time comes to pass we can change it if necessary. “the key is that office staff to select the target date because most patients have no idea what they will be doing next year let alone next week.

Target Appointment Recall Management
The next step for office staff to organize targeted recall. Your efforts to commemorate the patients are useless unless you have an effective system to remind patients on time. Organized management systems that optimize database of patients are key to successful patient recall. This can consist of postcards that are completed by the patient or office at the time the current command, and then cataloged according to the time the patient may go back to the office. Postcards are most effective when sent months before systematically re-visit them. Postcards Remember systems have been the backbone of many practices over the years. But very effective and user-friendly recall management systems are now computer-based.

Computer Appointment Recall Management
A database application can be setup to print a monthly report for patients who need to be reminded about their upcoming appointments. The program can print stickers with patient names and addresses for mailing reminders. However, the overhead costs for mailing reminders is considerable. The combined cost of postage, printing and labor is about $ 1.85 for each recall reminder by mail.

Modern recall systems take advantage of email communication and text messaging. Sends alerts by e-mail is a very effective method command remember there are no mailing or printing costs and effort is minimal. A computer-based system for targeted recall may also keep track of recall rates, recall compliance, and no-show policy. Electronic trail of appointments targeted recall is useful for medical-legal documents. Online appointment Recall systems that are HIPAA compliant and free for patients and health care professionals are available on the Internet. Healthcare professionals who implement effective targeted appointment recall add significant value to their operations.

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Source by George Ruth

Implementation of electronic medical records

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survey report says that health care in the United States costs about $ 2000000000000 a year, or more than $ 6,600 for every man, woman and child in the country. With respect optimizing health with the elimination of medical errors, increasing labor costs and general expenses caused by the massive use of paper could benefit up to $ 300 billion each year, according to the national coordinator for health information technology under George W. Bush’s former president.

The essence of consensus is the implementation of electronic health record (EHR) the extent to change the paper based system of paperless save the economy on a massive scale. The true implementation of electronic medical records would distribute vast network; connect all offices hospitals, clinics and doctors. This would help in the exchange of patient data with a few clicks anywhere anytime.

Initially, few provide got suspicious of approved electronic medical records based on what prevents good time between patient and physician. They did not stick with the added chore of learning a new computer system, no matter what virtues does it offer. However, the user Ehrs restored inspection doctors gradually doubled the rate of EHR over the past two years, according to a notice from the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The current rate of use of EHR increased from 16% in 2009 to 35% in 2011.

EHR implementation benefits are not confined solely to patient care and easy access of data, but it also helps in quick disease diagnosis, improved monitoring, quality comparisons, benefit society on a larger scale. One of the big barriers to EHR adoption, the high cost charged by each vendor. This needs to be taken care of on a larger scale to improve its implementation. Now many manufacturers offer very user friendly and cost effective EHR software for doctors.

As the US government policy, it has become mandatory for all, to adopt EHR for 2014; after it was punishment in annual revenue when measured by the government. Approved EHR not only rely on the providers, it is heavy duty on sellers offering a very economical and user-friendly product which itself could appeal to the physicians. Implementation is a major concern not only benefit the individual and the country’s economy as well on a larger scale.

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Source by Asima Sadiia

Medical devices: Address Reimbursement Agreements and Patient Access Issues

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In the past 10-15 years, reimbursement and patient access related issues for large drugs have been addressed at great depth, especially where they belong to animal biologics. The same can not be said for the diagnosis and medical devices. The rules of the game, such as market access model and type of FDA requirements, can be very different for bringing medical devices on the market, vis-a-vis BIOLOGICS. In this article, we are addressing the medical device access issues.

To deal with some of the above differences, Congress has set a number of laws that affect Medicare reimbursement and coverage of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and supplies (DMEPOS). In 2003, Medicare prescription drugs, Improvement and Modernization Act (MMA) mandated a temporary freeze in annual increases in payments for durable medical equipment (2004 through 2008), and established a new condition for payment and quality standards based on a competitive bidding process: Medicare pays only those suppliers selected through regional competitive bidding process. Current auctions program effective 1 January 2011 in nine regions and reimbursement to contract suppliers averages 32% of the Medicare DMEPOS tariff for nine product categories currently in the program. Plans are to expand the categories in the near future.

More recently, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law March 23, 2010, is designed to increase access to affordable health insurance , control health care costs and improve health care quality. Several provisions of the ACA deal especially medical industry. For example, ACA eliminates full inflation update on DMEPOS tariff for the years 2011 through 2014. In particular, the ACA reduces inflation update DMEPOS in 2011 by “productivity adjustment” factor based on a 10-year moving average of annual changes in the overall economy private nonfarm business productivity gains in the provision of health care. For 2011, productivity adjustment is calculated by taking 1.1% inflation and reduce the productivity gains of 1.2%, resulting in a 0.1% decrease in DMEPOS tariff levels.

In addition, beginning in 2016, the ACA requires the Secretary of HHS use auctions payment information set DMEPOS payments in areas outside the areas competitive bids. ACA also proposes a new annual federal excise tax on certain medical device manufacturers and importers. Especially for sale on January 1, 2013 or later, manufacturers, producers and importers of taxable medical devices must pay excise tax of 2.3% on the price of the appliances are sold.

Finally, a medical device may also be affected by changes in state health care legislation and regulatory policies that are expected to approve the state budget due to contraction. Examples are planned reduction in provider and supplier compensation levels under state Medicaid programs. Also proposed federal fiscal year 2012 budget Obama – the 14 February 2011 proposes to reduce federal reimbursement to states for their Medicaid DME spending (proposal calls for reimbursement equivalent to what the government would have paid under Medicare DMEPOS competitive bidding program). The proposal requires congressional approval, but if the set is expected to reduce Medicaid reimbursement for DME of $ 2.35 billion over five years.

Although the potential impact ACA health reform provisions are still uncertain, it is possible that the legislation will have a significant negative impact on the medical devices business.

All of the above suggests that the states continue to face significant financial pressures, the medical device company will likely be reduced, resulting in reduced profitability for years to come.

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Source by Nick Poulios

Importance of Patient Education in the Hospital Setting

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Shorter hospital stays related to cost containment with managed care, make another area important. That is patient education.

In hospitals who set the highest standards and have the budgetary ability for its support, there is a patient education department or at least the ability to provide to patient educational material. In most hospitals the nursing standards includes the provision of education to patients and families along with the appropriate literature related to their illness and incorporates this into nursing care.

Budget cutting that excludes the process of patient education falls short in meeting the needs of patients and fails miserably in our health care system.

What does this mean to a patient? It means from the time you enter a hospital until and including their discharge, there should be ongoing information provided.

It begins with instruction on the use of your call bell, with essential confirmation that you understand by feedback to your nurse. All the questions you are asked provide healthcare staff of important information, such as any allergies you may have. A wrist band should include your name and allergies.

Every procedure that is done to you as a patient should be preceded by an explanation as to what it is evaluating and how it is done.

Everytime a medication is administered to you, its name and action should be explained along with the provision of printed educational material.

When there is a change in your condition requiring a new plan of care you and your family should have input into it.

If you or your family member needs additional support not available through the hospital such as your community or religious support, they can be notified. Patient confidentiality prevents the hospital from making your stay there public.

Do not fear the hospital environment, but be alert to anything unusual, if your medication looks different or if you are suddenly being whisked off for a test you have not been advised of, notify your nurse. Make sure the hospital staff uses your last name in your care with frequent checks of your ID band.

When your injury or illness causes you pain. It is best to request medication before it becomes too severe as it will take time for the nurse to visit you and then obtain it for you. They should be using a pain scale to assess your pain and to be sure your pain relief is adequate.

Remember your nurse and your doctor should also be your teachers.

It is critical that any sudden pain or distress, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, be addressed promptly and it is most appropriate to call out for help if there is a delay in answering your call bell.

At the time of your discharge from the hospital, which can be overnight or a day or two.You should be given in writing discharge instructions with a verbal review for you and your family It should include new medications how they are to be taken and matching literature for reinforcement. It should advise diet and activity level, as well as return visit with doctor. There should be phone numbers and instructions for contact in the event of any complications.

In this harried time in health care try to understand the hospital has to triage in the emergency room, that means that the most critically ill patient must be seen first and often that means you must wait your turn. For non emergency type health problems it is best to use the office visit.

Ask questions freely, the harried staff will appreciate this and will give you clarifications rather then having things come undone through misunderstandings.

We are all part of this system as it is today, those who care for you also get ill and experience the same frustrations as everyone else. But, with all its imperfections, we have made great advances in healthcare and most of us will have a better quality of life because of it.

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Source by Ruth Bredbenner

Some Disadvantages Of Hospice Care

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Hospice care is for terminally ill patients, who have less than 6 months to survive. The care ensures that the patients are comfortable in the last days of their life. The care does not try to prolong a terminally ill patient's life, and it does not try to hasten the end. Instead the care tries to offer comfort and relief from the symptoms and pain. While hospice care is often preferred for terminally ill, it has its advantages.

In a hospital setting even if the patient has a terminal illness, the doctors will continue treating the patient with the hopes of prolonging their life until the patient's body beats the disease or until the doctors can figure out a cure. On the other hand, this care stops all forms of treatment and finding a cure is not a priority. The medications that the patient is given are meant for easing discomfort and pain brought on by the disease. While hospice care tries to make the patient as comfortable as possible in the last days of the life, it does not attempt to treat the patient with medications to restore the person's health.

Hospice care can be emotionally tiring for family members. Family members do realize that their loved one is doing to die sooner or later. However, the helpless that they experience that they can not do anything to prevent the dying can be emotionally exhausting. In addition, the stress of caring for the patient is also exhausting. The family has to stop doing everything else and spend their time taking care of their loved which is a 24-hour job. So when a patient finally succumbs to the illness, the family may actually feel a sense of relief which can make them feel guilty.

Hospice care can be provided at home or in a hospice. Today, more and more patients are opting for home hospice care. As a result family members have to bear the responsibility of providing 24-hour care for their loved one. If a family has financial means, it can hire a professional nurse. However, most families do not have the means and end up taking care of their loved one which is extremely exhausting and tiring. Feeding, giving medications, bathing, toilet needs, changing linen and constantly checking on the patient is a full time job where the primary caregiver gets no rest or respite. This care giving continues until the patient finally dies.

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Source by Kum Martin

Difference Between a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner

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Nurses have always played a vital role in the health care industry. They spend their lives caring for people who are afflicted with illnesses and injuries. Two types of nurses that are highly respected members of the medical community are Registered Nurses (RN) and Nurse Practitioners (NP). There are a number of differences between a Registered Nurse and Nurse Practitioner.

Registered Nurse (RN)

A Registered Nurse is a licensed medical professional who has completed a four-year nursing degree from a reputable nursing school. These nurses provide all types of nursing care to their patients and act as health advocates for the patient. As well, they evaluate, plan, and implement nursing care treatment for the sick and injured in conjunction with physicians and other health care providers. Registered nurses carry out a number of medical tasks such as: explaining and educating patients about their medical conditions, dispensing treatments such as medications and fluids, performing selected medical procedures, monitoring a patient's vital signs, advising and supporting patients, maintaining patient health records, and keeping families advised on a patient's health status and progress. A registered nurse can work in most areas of the health care field. With advanced training and experience, registered nurses can specialize in a specific medical area such as surgical procedures.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has normally completed either a master's degree or doctoral degree and undergone training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions. The Nurse Practitioner degree program is explicit in its educational goals that include physical assessment and screening, diagnosis, diagnostics, therapeutic treatment, pharmacology and drug interactions, assisting with patient emotional support and counseling, patient intake, referral and discharge procedures, and case management practices .

In the US, Nurse Practitioners are licensed by the state where they practice. They have national board certification which is normally done through the American Nurses Credentialing Center or American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The specialized training and educations allows a nurse practitioner to perform many medical tasks usually performed by a doctor. Such tasks include diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. A few states permit nurse practitioners to write prescriptions. The nurse practitioner has advanced comprehension and clinical proficiency in assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care practices. Nurse practitioners treat health conditions within their range of practice through the utilization of physical exams, physical therapy, ordering tests, and implementing therapies for patients,

Nurses are the first medical professionals people see when faced with a health problem. They can be found working in the community in such places as health clinics, schools, doctors' offices, home care, family planning clinics, rehabilitation centers, and hospices. In a hospital, nurses can be found working in emergency, intensive care, operating room, maternity, cardiovascular (heart), oncology (cancer), psychiatry, pediatrics, palliative, and geriatrics.

They provide important and essential support to doctors and other healthcare providers, patients, and families. A career as either a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner is satisfying, lucrative, and meaningful.

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Source by Amy Nutt

Eight Types of Nurses

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Nurses are respected and valued members of the medical community. They play a critical role in the health care field. Although the medical field is made up of many types of nurses, they are all exciting and rewarding careers. The following list outlines many types of nursing careers:

– Registered Nurse (RN): Registered Nurses work in almost all areas of the health care profession. They perform many tasks that include: administering treatments such as medications, performing certain medical procedures, monitoring vital signs, advising and supporting patients, educating patients about medical conditions, and keep families up-to-date on a patient's status. Registered Nurses can specialize in certain medical areas

– Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA): Certified Nurse Assistants are also known as nurses' aides, patient care technicians, home health aides, and home health assistants. CNAs are employed in a number of health care fields. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, private homes, and adult living homes. CNAs perform a number of duties that include: monitoring health such as recording a patients temperature, pulse, and respiration, helping patients eat, bathe, and dress, helping patients walk, keeping patients rooms in order, providing nutritious meals, answering patients' call bells, and making beds. They may also help patients to exam rooms and even assist with simple procedures. CNAs report to a Registered Nurse.

– Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Although Licensed Practical Nurses have less training than Registered Nurses, they are employed in all areas of health care. They work in hospitals, nursing homes, and medical clinics. LPNs perform such duties as monitoring a patient's overall condition, giving injections, recording vital signs, and applying dressings. They will also assist patients with personal hygiene and report any treatment reactions

– Critical Care Nurse: A Critical Care Nurse works with seriously injured and ill patients in the hospital. This type of nurse works in the ICU (intensive care unit) or CCU (critical care unit). Their job is to care for patients who are being treated for serious and life-threatening illnesses.

– Travel Nurse: A Travel Nurse is a nurse that travels to different areas and provides short term support when there is a nurse shortage. They will fill in when a full time nurse goes on maternity leave, during peak work times, if a nurse has a long term illness, or if a nurse is on an extended vacation. There assignments are short term but they are highly paid. An assignment usually runs for about 13 weeks. Travel Nurses often work in hospitals and medical clinics. Employers will provide many benefits such as free housing and health insurance.

– Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN): Theses nurses perform the same job function as licensed practical nurses. LVNs provide certain medical services such as giving enemas, treating bedsores, bandaging wounds, and recording vitals. They also assist patients with bathing and dressing.

– Public Health Nurse (PHN): These nurses are registered nurses who have specialized in community health. They often go to community centers, homes, and schools where they assist individuals and families with health concerns. They work with community organizers regarding health related issues. They also perform the same duties as registered nurses.

– Nurse Practitioner: A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who has specialized training and education which allows them to carry out many tasks normally performed by a doctor. Such tasks include diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. Some states allow practical nurses to write prescriptions.

These are just a few of the more popular areas of nursing. Nurses are on the front lines of health care and are usually the first people patients meet when faced with a health issue. Nurses provide valuable support for patients and their families making them an indispensable part of the health care community.

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Source by Amy Nutt