Top Ten Online Graduate Nursing Programs

We all want a work-life balance that enables us to live up to our full potential.  Sometimes that includes continuing education, either formal or informal.  The growth of distance learning programs has made it possible for healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge base, complete their degrees and expand their career options, without  having to give up their current positions.  Recently, U.S. News and World Report put out its rankings for graduate online nursing programs, and here are the top ten:

1. Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI (MSN) : all graduate level, online course
recorded and posted for easy access of materials.
2. Lamar University, Beaumont, TX (MSN) : requires licensure but not practical nursing experience for admission.
3. University of Michigan-Flint, Flint, MI (DNP) : tracks are available for both BSN and MSN degree holders with clinical courses arranged in the student’s area.
4. Clarkson College, Omaha, NE (MSN) : practical nursing experience is required. With the exception of Nurse Anesthesia, all majors may be completed online.
5. Graceland University, Independence, MO (MSN) and (DNP) : a leader in distance learning since 1988, MSN students are required to attend 2 on campus focus sessions.
6. Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA (MSN) and (DNP) : Both degrees prepare nurses for leadership roles or Integrated Behavioral Health concentrations.  
7. Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA (MSN) and (DNP) : degree graduates will be able to transform the current healthcare delivery system and design new ones.
8. Stony Brook University-SUNY, Stony Brook, NY (MSN) and (DNP) :  both degrees carry on-site requirements and are research-centric.
9. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA (MSN) and (DNP):  highly interactive studies led by university faculty and practice focused.
10. East Carolina University, Greenville, NC (MSN) :  7 specialty areas, including Gerontology and Midwifery are available online and approval is pending on an online DNP.

Check out the complete list to find a program that will fulfill your aspirations and open new opportunities, and contact the Centra Team at 800 535 0076 for immediate outstanding NP, RN and Nursing Manager positions.

Close the Interview, Don’t Close the Door

You came to your interview fully prepared...or at least you thought you did.  You researched the facility/clinic/hospital; you practiced answering any and all possible interview questions; you dressed appropriately; and you arrived on time.  You even answered interview questions in a very positive and enthusiastic manner. The process seems to be going well, when the questioner signals its end, by either rising or extending their hand.  This is a crucial point in the interview process and is often underprepared for or completely overlooked.  But it can make all the difference in having a successful outcome.

As you well know, there are often numerous candidates vying for the same Therapy or Nursing position. So how do you close the deal? The first step is perhaps the most obvious, but sometimes the most ignored..actually closing.  You should prepare pre-interviewing a statement that briefly but clearly summarizes at least five skills and assets you will bring to each potential employer.  Then practice, practice, practice your closing statement until the words flow easily and naturally.   Equally important at this stage, is resolving any potential obstacles to your candidacy, and nailing down the next step in the hiring process. Just remember, it is a fine line sometimes between aggressively “tooting your own horn” and leaving a positive lasting impression on a potential boss.

Post interview follow-ups are also essential to any successful closing.  These will include among others:  thank you notes/emails to the interviewer; providing support materials such as references, and acquiring specific contact information. Numerous websites and videos are available to help you learn how to close, but none more effective than your staffing recruiter.  Centra’s recruiters are invested in your career search from initiation of the process to successful hiring.  Call us at 800 535 0076 and let us help you “open doors and close the deal.”

Glaucoma and the Role of the OT

January is “National Glaucoma Awareness Month”.  The Glaucoma Research Foundation estimates there are about 2.7 million Americans, 40 and older, living with the disease.  This figure is expected to almost double by 2030, with African American and Latino communities affected in disproportionate numbers. Thankfully, due to medical and pharmaceutical advances, glaucoma is no longer synonymous with blindness. When indicated laser/microsurgery relieves the intraocular pressure, but often leads to scarring at the surgical site.  A new antibody-based drug developed in England shows great promise in preventing post-surgical scarring. When caught early, medicinal eye drops, along with magnifying devices and “tweakings” in the home environment, allow most glaucoma sufferers to live full and productive lives without the need for surgical intervention.

Occupational therapists play an increasingly significant role on the low vision management team, particularly regarding issues of compliance and adaptation.  OTs assiset patients with eye drops insertion, sorting of medications into weekly pill boxes, selecting home lighting by room/task, and removing safety hazards such as rugs or cords, etc. In optimizing patients’ daily living environments, therapists help create a functional quality of life in the face of an otherwise limiting visual field.  Products like the uBox - a smart pillbox for improving medication compliance; the Pebble Mini - an ultra-compact, hand-held magnifier; and the Optik LED Bar Light - an attachable, lightweight light source for eyewear; ... all are new designs useful to the implementation of any glaucoma therapeutic plan.

Expect to see more of these low vision technologies emerging in the coming years, along with medical innovative treatments as researchers push towards an eventual cure for the disease.  Occupational therapists can expect to remain at the forefront of the field, providing invaluable patient support.  If you are an OT or COTA interested in working with glaucoma or other optically impaired patients contact Centra at 800 535 0076 and let us help you “see” your way to a better future.

2013 Brings New Technology for Therapists and Nurses

A Further Taste of Technology.

Over 250 health and fitness exhibitors participated in the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held January 8-11 in Las Vegas.  That number represents a 25% increase in this sector.  Below is a sampling of some of the most innovative products that we believe are most relevant for use by therapists and nurses.

1. Dakim BrainFitness Software, Professional - for use by speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, rehab facilities and nurse practitioners for treatment of older patients with TBIs, strokes or general cognitive decline.  These evidence-based programs provide a variety of real world exercises. Pricing based on number of patients.
2. MyBrainSolutions for Parents - In combination with PoweringUp, computer-based exercises and assessment tools designed to build cognitive skills in children, particularly ADHD diagnosed children. Parents pay a monthly/quarterly/yearly fee.
3. NSD Powerball - a device for rehabilitation professionals and certified hand therapists for use with carpal tunnel and tendonitis/ repetitive stress injury sufferers, and patients recovering from wrist or hand surgery.  A variety of models are available for $19.99-189.99.
4. Aiptek MyNote Pen -  a rubber-tipped utensil for writing/drawing on iPad, iPad2 and iPad3 screens.  Captures patients’ notes, memos and handwritten correspondence to share with colleagues using Facebook/Twitter/email. 99 Euro plus tax.
5. Celluon The Medic - available soon, a medical version of their popular Magic Cube - a projection keyboard and multi-touch mouse. Designed to reduce keeyboard viral and bacterial cross-contamination by medical personnel and patients.

If the above is any indication, next year’s show should yield even more exciting and practical inventions that any CHT, PT, PTA, OT, COTA, SLP, RN, Nurse Manager or Rehabilitation Manager  will find useful and if you would like to work in an environment that encourages technology call Centra at 800 535 0076 and we will find you your ideal position.

Mobile Devices Increase in Healthcare Settings

A Taste of Things To Come:

Technology is developing at a dizzying pace, and has infiltrated virtually every aspect of human existence. The number of smartphones, tablets and other advanced technologies in clinical settings has risen exponentially, with more healthcare professionals bringing their own devices to work.  According to FierceMobileHealthcare, 2012 saw a 15% increase in mobile device usage for patient data collection, monitoring and visual representation.  This convenience of capturing, storing and sending real-time patient data is offset by serious concerns regarding security and information management.  The variety of devices and operating systems also presents a challenge for healthcare facilities, as they try to organize and coordinate the data being collected. In an effort to address this issue, a group of healthcare professionals created Happtique, an indexing mobile health application store/app management solution.  Currently available only for iOS devices, we expect an Android version to be not far behind.

Technologies borrowed from gaming, sports and films are also making inroads into healthcare.  Italian researchers have been able to produce a low cost wearable garment with strain sensors to monitor torso stability and flexibility.  Economical data collection solutions enable monitoring of patients’ ADL and PT movements outside the clinical setting, and patient/ clinician “tweaking” of therapies. We have also discussed the use of gaming consoles as a therapeutic tool (See “Thinking Inside the Box...”, September 2012).  Now biomedical engineering companies are retrofitting movie making technologies, particularly green screens and virtual reality, for the healthcare sector.  GestureTek Health, a leading innovator in the field, was recently featured on the TV show “The Doctors”.  Their touch-free, motion activated solutions can keep patients engaged in physical therapies, enhance sensory stimulation/relaxation or entertain them in the waiting room.

Centra would love to hear how technology plays a role in your life as a healthcare professional.  And if you are a CHT, PT, PTA, OT, COTA, SLP, Director of Rehabilitation, RN or Nurse Manager who wants a stimulating and innovative setting to work in, then contact us at 800 535 0076.