Therapeutic Communication in the Nursing Profession By ROBYN KNAPP

Nursing is a caring profession. It is also a profession that is more and more evidenced based in practice. In as much as the scientific aspects of nursing is increasing due to the complex technological advancement of medicine and the machinery that is used at the patients bedside, the fact remains that the nurse is the first person that the client usually comes in contact with in any emergency or hospital setting.

Having said this, the term, “caring” is an essential emotion that all nurses, for that matter, all individuals in the health profession must possess. With caring comes the trained ability of the nurse to facilitate therapeutic communication. One might ask, what is therapeutic communication? To better answer this question, the term communication should first be defined.

Communication can be defined as “The Process of transmitting messages and interpreting meaning.” (Wilson and others, 1995) With therapeutic communication, the sender, or nurse seeks to illicit a response from the receiver, the patient that is beneficial to the patients mental and physical health. Just as stress has been proven to adversely affect the health of individuals, the therapeutic approach to communication can actually help. In any given situation everyone uses communication.

Everyone has seen the individual that looks like they are either angry, stressed, feeling ill or maybe sad. These emotions are communicated to others not always by words, but by gestures and facial expressions. A nurse must always be aware of these expressions in clients, for these expressions may be the only way that the nurse can tell if there is something else going on that needs their attention. The term given to this type of non-verbal communication is called, meta-communication. In meta-communication, the client may look at their amputated stump and say that it doesn’t really look that bad, while at the same time tears are rolling down from their eyes.

In a case such as this the nurse should stay and further explore how the person actually feels. There are many factors associated with the healing and comforting aspects of therapeutic communication. Circumstances, surroundings, and timing all play a role in the effect of therapeutic communication. If a client is being rushed down for an emergency surgery there might not be time for a bedside conversation, but the holding of a hand could convey much more than words to the client at such a moment.

Ideally, for therapeutic communication to be effective the nurse must be aware of how they appear to the client. If a nurse appears rushed, for example, they are speaking quickly, their countenance looks harried, and they are breathing heavily, their eyes not on the client but perhaps on an intravenous bag on the client in the next bed. In a case like this, there is nothing that this nurse could say to the client in a therapeutic manner that the client would believe. The helping relationship has not been established and therefore therapeutic communication cannot be facilitated. Some of the emotions associated with therapeutic communication include but are not limited to the following: Professionalism, Confidentiality, Courtesy, Trust, Availability, Empathy, and Sympathy. (Potter, Patricia A., Perry, Anne G., Co. 2003, Basic Nursing Essentials for Practice, pg. 123, Mosby)

All of these emotions go into the client nurse relationship, which must be established by the nurse as soon as possible upon first meeting the client. To begin to establish this nurse client relationship, the nurse must assess the overall message that the client is communicating to the nurse, such as fear, pain, sadness, anxiety or apathy. The nurse should be trained in keying into the message that the client is sending. Only then can the nurse determine the best therapeutic approach. Anyone that has to be thrust in to a hospital or emergency room environment has level of anxiety.

This level can go up considerably when the client feels that they have been abandoned or that there is no one there that really cares about how they feel. When a client is the recipient of therapeutic communication from a caring individual, a level of trust is achieved and more than, that the clients entire countenance can change for the better. Their blood pressure, respirations and levels of stress can simultaneously decrease. When this takes place, the management of pain, if any is involved, can be resolved more quickly. The goal for a nurse is to become proficient in the medical.

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Forensic Nursing Online Degree Programs By Ethan Edison

If you are the one who likes challenging tasks and interested in a career in health care but do not want to spend eight years in a university then forensic nursing online degree programs are the best option for you. As a forensic nurse your job will require you to involve in criminal cases and the people who have suffered the criminal activities and are affected both emotionally and physically. You will be expected to work along with the doctors, detectives and police forces for solving the cases, collecting evidences and information. This is certainly the best choice for you if you desire an exciting career. If investigative sciences and victim encouragement grab your interest then forensic nursing is the career for you. If you are one of those who desire to work along with studying then various online nursing degree programs are available.

Forensic nurses are called at the crime scenes re accidents for teaming up with detectives, to collect evidence and blood samples. They have to treat the survivors of sexual assaults, accidents, the prey of disregard and mistreatment. The job will let you work with real issues and is both fast-paced and exciting. The online forensic nursing degree programs are a unique option for students who desire an elastic learning option. These online forensic nursing degree programs are also professional studies just like the on-campus programs.

He online degree programs in forensic nursing are amongst the most popular courses available online offered by the various recognized universities and colleges. The reasons are not so mind boggling. Generally, professional working nurses have to render their services for irregular hours. Therefore, the online forensic nursing degree programs offer maximized scheduling suppleness. The rich, interactive and user friendly course substance augments better understanding and retention of the compound scientific and medical material. The online programs are expanding continuously to cope up with the regularly occurring changes in the field of health care, newly formed specializations and the increasing demand for skills in health care management.

The forensic nursing online degree programs are specially designed for the nurses at all levels who yearn to develop their qualification and skills, trail specialized areas for performance, or move forward into the managerial roles or coaching positions.

The Registered Nurses (RN) can proceed towards earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) if they have acquired a related degree or diploma certificate to develop their qualification as well as education. The online forensic nursing degree programs also qualify their students to avail the opportunity of entering programs for BSN and even MSN (Master of Science in Nursing).

In the huge lists of forensic nursing online programs you have to decide the best one for yourself. It is advised to request for all of the necessary details which would help you to distinguish between the various programs. With the respective colleges and institutions at your service, you can be confident enough about fulfilling your certification requirements applicable to the objectives of your line of business.

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Career Choices Beyond Nursing - What Could Be Next? By GrantEc Eckert

While you might have started out your education with the idea of being a lifelong nurse, sometimes things change. Perhaps you want to extend your skills or help people in different ways than in the care setting. Or maybe you simply want to do more with your education and begin to reach out to a wider audience of the general public. You might also choose a different career path in order to reduce your hours or your workload without completely giving up your nursing degree. The choices are endless, but here are a few to consider.

Public Health Sector

There will always be a need for people to work in the public health sector, but for those with educations founded in health sciences, the demand is even greater. As a nurse, you can provide a more medically founded opinion of matters of public health, from the way illnesses should be handled in an emergency situation to how to care for the homeless and uninsured. Public health is popular field to get into as the rise in health care costs soars and as the number of people who require health care grows. You might simply work in research or extend your role into the community with various city or nationally based programs.

Health Insurance Companies

Of course, when you are dealing with health, you typically need to deal with health insurance in some way. To help insurance companies and hospitals with health insurance, a registered and trained nurse can be a great help. You can provide your own professional opinions on claims, read medical charts, and help to ascertain the condition of a patient and whether or not a claim is realistic or something that is unnecessary. As a part of the health insurance system, you will be able to create a link between patient care and how to pay for it with the benefits the patient has. You will often be fighting for the patient in this position or helping to sort out false claims.

Volunteer Work

If you're a nurse that still wants the hands on experience without the stability or the pay of a traditional job, volunteer work is a great way to use your skills. By volunteering at the local Red Cross or your local blood bank, for example, you can still interact with patients, but also have time working with those that require the most basic medical care - the homeless, poor, and underserved.

Military Positions

Some nurses also decide that the military life might be a good place in which to use their nursing skills. Since the military will always need medical staff, you can find yourself with unlimited career options here. From a medic to a front line surgical nurse, there are plenty of shoes for you to fill.

Taking that Nursing Degree Farther

But beyond these roles, you might also want to continue your education and get an additional degree in order to help patients. Many nurses are continuing their education to get a Master's degree in order to teach, while others are getting their N.P. or Nurse Practitioner degree in order to have a more independent role in a doctor's office or hospital. Some nurses can also find themselves applying for medical school to complete their medical training and become a doctor.

The options for your nursing career are endless and extend well beyond changing bedpans. What you need to realize is that your skill set is not only rare, but also quite valuable to society. You can take this degree to in a number of different directions, all of which provide an immediate benefit to the patient.

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Common Band Mistakes By Ty Cohen

When working on how to get signed there are common mistakes that artists and bands make that they may not even realize. Record companies are only going to offer that record deal to the complete package, that has been established. And literally one mistake or one flaw can cause your band to lose that record deal.

First, let's talk about power struggles within the band. One wouldn't think when working on how to get a record deal that this would necessarily play in. But honestly, band politics are extremely common and cause some groups to lose out on that holy grail, the record deal. Greed is the main factor when it comes to power struggles within the band. Some members of the band believe they deserve more royalty rights or publishing rights or profits or whatever! Or you have the leader of the band who believes he is entitled to more than the others. Either way you look it, this is going to cause an apparent problem, the label is going to see this and the record deal will never come through.

Differences in the band are going to arise especially when you all are working on how to get a record deal. The problem truly arises when the label sees any sign of this. When they see this, they are going to mark your group as a gigantic risk and most likely move on to the next aspiring musicians. It is true, most bands do have 'more valuable' members and industry people can clearly see that but if problems arise because decisions can't be made ahead of time then you will not get signed.

Next, you must understand completely how the music industry works. The music industry is not all about music. It is comprised of risks, investments, business, power, image, games, perceptions and then music. The music industry is truly a game and figuring out how to get a record deal is all a part of the game. Try not to focus on how you wish the music business would be and focus on how it really is. It is cut-throat, diehard competition! The sad reality is you are using the label and they are using you because that is the way the music business is.

Ideally, you could figure out how to get signed with a major label, perform in front of millions, sell billions worth of albums and just be a star. But honestly, that is too idealistic. If you don't want to be involved with the politics and requirements that arise when signed with a major label then a word to the wise is to become your own independent label. Or you can just stay an Indie musician and make, record, release and promote your music yourself, to your standards.

If you truly want to know how to get signed then pay attention to the above information. Most importantly, before you meet with any label, you MUST resolve any power struggles that may arise. This may mean that you have to make everything equal or pinpoint each person's area of worth and have it set in stone before you stroll into that office to discuss a record deal. Don't make fools of yourselves because it will result in a loss of the deal. Don't be unrealistic about how the industry works. There are great aspects of signing with a major label and their are bad aspects, depending on who you are as a musician. Make sure you know who you are and what you want before you go sign that record deal.

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Closing Sales Deals is a Milestone By Jon Caldwell

It is innate for a person to be shy. In a certain extent, everybody tends to be shy. This is primarily because we are social creatures and we are probably worried or we care a lot about what other persons might be thinking about us.

When it becomes a hindrance in the success of our relations and dealings with other people and becomes a disadvantage in our jobs, then we should work on it.

So how can you prevent being shy? Basically, being shy is being afraid to be rejected therefore you should be optimistic with everything circulating you. You should really practice, starting from scratch until you improve. The saying that practice makes perfect is very applicable in these kinds of work, so earn success by getting yourself prepared everytime you face a customer.

One of the determining factors in having transactions with clients and in performance of work is the self-esteem. Here are some guides and tips on how to boost your self-esteem, so that the next time you’d face your client, you’d be more confident.

Imagine and picture yourself doing your work. Practice mentally. This will heighten your self-confidence and will make you feel that the task is simpler the next time you will do it. Don’t compare yourself with other people. At specific points of your work, you can be better or worse than your other co-employees, so comparing yourself with other people does not make you any better, you can either gain bitterness or unnecessary pride because of this.

A week ago, you have read some tips on how to detect those who are not into buying what you’re selling, so here are some tips on detecting which ones are GONNA BUY.

Those who spends time scanning at one product kind after another or searching in a small category might be wanting your help or advice on something.Those who lurks longer, are most likely to purchase the product.

Some people who are fond of looking everywhere for somebody to notice them and help them, catch a stare, they are prospective buyers!

Those who are querying detailed questions might mean interest on the product. Check your data or lists for efficiency of the product. Know what they want to seek and answer what they want to know.

Give important and relevant data and information. You have to be precise on what you’re teaching, moreover make it seem essential and beneficial. Be certain that anything you offer will make things better and not worsen the situation.

Do not linger on irrelevant details or pointless particulars. Do not engulf your customer with informations that might lead them to confusion, leading them to be puzzled with the primary point of what you’re talking about. Make it short but remarkable.

You have to be more expressive and straightforward rather than being critical in dealing. You have to see through what kind of listener you are dealing with.

Sometimes, you just have to know if you’re gonna get someone to buy your product. But sometimes, you should be able to detect those who won’t so that you’ll be ready.

First, if they’re not looking at you or they’re preventing themselves to look at you, then that means they don’t need your help. But still be prepared.

Managing a constrained limit of products, and using time searching at some stuffs, then be ready. Because when they get your attention by trying to look at you with a longer stare, that means they’re interested. Move quickly and start the selling.

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What is the Code For Nursing? By ROBYN KNAPP

Nursing is a profession that places on its participants a great responsibility for maintaining the highest possible standards to ensure superior quality of care. Each state has its own Board of Nursing which is responsible for the regulation and licensing of nursing practice. As the profession of nursing continues to grow and change the practicing nurse will bear more responsibility as well as legal accountability for their actions. This truth is evident in the various professional licensures that are available for nurses, such as Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwifes and Nurse Anesthetists. It therefore behooves each licensing board to not only self regulate judiciously but to also refine the scope of nurse practice from time to time.

The individual states must also act in accordance with the overall nursing theory in mind. Self regulation is done by continually refining such goals as 1) Defining its scope of nursing practice, 2) Developing a code of ethic, 3) Establishing standards for nursing education and practice and for structures through which nursing services will be delivered,4) Developing a system of credentialing, 5)Providing for peer review and quality assurance, 6) Providing for research and continuing development of the knowledge base for nursing. (Michigan Nurses Association, Legal & Professional Regulation,, Co. 1999, ISBN0-9634643-1-0, Okemos, Michigan)

As with most professions there is a code of ethics that are inherent to each. Nursing is no different. The code for nurses consists of eleven major topics that each nurse across the nation is required to adhere.

Code for Nurses

1. The nurse provides services with respect for human dignity and the uniqueness of the client unrestricted by consideration of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems.

2. The nurse safeguards the client’s right to privacy, by judiciously protecting information of a confidential nature.

3. The nurse acts to safeguard the client and the public when heath care and safety are affected by the incompetent, unethical or illegal practice of any person.

4. The nurse assumes responsibility and accountability for individual nursing judgments and actions.

5. The nurse maintains competence in nursing.

6. The nurse exercises informed judgment and uses individual competence and qualifications as criteria in seeking consultation, accepting responsibilities, and delegating nursing activities to others.

7. The nurse participates in activities that contribute to the ongoing development of the profession’s body of knowledge.

8. The nurse participates in the profession’s efforts to implement and improve standards of nursing.

9. The nurse participates in the profession’s efforts to establish and maintain conditions of employment conducive to high quality nursing care.

10. The nurse participates in the profession’s effort to protect the public from misinformation and misrepresentation and to maintain the integrity of nursing.

11. The nurse collaborates with member so the health professions and other citizens in promoting community and national efforts to meet the health needs of the public. (Michigan Nurses Association, Legal & Professional Regulation,, Co. 1999, ISBN0-9634643-1-0, Okemos, Michigan)

One can interpret from the above Nurse Code that many of the hospitals employ a similar code to their organization for promotion of client health care needs. Some of the principals that hospitals employ include the responsibility of each of its employees to maintain the highest standards of care for each client served, to judiciously guard the privacy of clients, to maintain a safe environment and to take independent action when a situation arises where they are the only one that can act.

There are states that allow nurses that have attained advanced practice degrees to write prescriptions and bill insurance agencies independently. With the health care field burgeoning continuously with a growing aging population, the need for Nurse Practitioners will also continue to grow as well as the responsibilities of the Registered Nurse.

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So You Finally Passed the Boards By ROBYN KNAPP

Congratulations! So you finally passed your boards, and now you are a real Registered Nurse. How does it feel, to have passed the final test of all tests? Great? Absolutely! Now what? Well, to begin, you need to celebrate. There are many loved ones that are also looking forward to taking part in the celebration. After all, they were your support through those trying years in nursing school. They stood by you, through your highs and lows. Yes, there were those low points. But now, it’s over. Now begins a new chapter in your life. No longer are you a student nurse, or a graduate nurse, you are a REGISTERED NURSE. Yeah baby! Did you know, that now you can actually practice anywhere in the United States?

The horizon is endless and you are in the driver’s seat with an unlimited gas card. Before all of this wonder and responsibility actually sinks in, it is time to do something nice for yourself. Do something that you have always wanted to do. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, nor does it have to be something that is going to break the bank, although there may not be much in the bank at this moment. It is the small things that can mean the most. Here are a few suggestions, go out with those special people in your life to a restaurant that you have always wanted to go to, spend a couple of days at a local hotel that has a pool, spa, and amenities for kids and adults, treat yourself to a manicure, a pedicure, a makeover, get your hair done, buy yourself a new outfit, go to a car dealership and test drive the most expensive car on the lot, but be sure you stop at a drive through gourmet coffee stand so that everyone will see you in your ride, go out to a park and just spend the day there, paint a picture, go out to the theater, or simply stay home and spend quality time with the ones you love. You have many things to talk about. Now you can let your guard down and speak your mind about all of the challenges in nursing school and how you managed to actually get to this point in your life. You need to vent and whether or not you realize it; you have stuff to vent about.

It is a relief to be done with school. It was not an easy road. You put in many clinical hours doing the work of a Registered Nurse without pay.

You faced many personal challenges and challenging personalities. The frustrations that you had to overcome must be vented, because you overcame them all. Not everyone can make the journey to Registered Nurse. Remember, you did, and that is really a life accomplishment. Yes, you really did pass the NCLEX®. Those forty eight hours of waiting for those two words to show up on the testing web site, PASS, or FAIL,was more than anyone could stand, but you waited, with fear, anticipation and excitement, but probably more fear than excitement. Then to finally find out that you PASSED. Wow, talk about a rollercoaster ride. It’s over in less than one minute. You read the words on the computer screen, “ PASSED”, and then you draw a blank, as you sit there staring at the screen. You feel like you're going to cry, no, laugh, no, just sit there in utter amazement wondering how you did it. Then it sinks in, minute after the next, and you say to yourself, “hey, I am an R.N., a Registered Nurse, a real Registered Nurse.” But you’re still not sure, until you actually get your license from the state. Wow, talk about paranoid. Yes, we all are. Your licensure from your state will only take a few days to arrive.

When it arrives, you see the number, it's your number, so yes now your are for sure now that you are an real REGISTERED NURSE. Take time to let it sink in, go over all of your hurdles, look at all of your books and remember how many hours you put in studying day after day. The journey to becoming a Registered Nurse was a grueling and arduous road. It took courage, perseverance, patience, self control, time management, self sacrifice, diligence, fortitude and above all the love of helping ones fellow man, and yes, you did it. You are now in the ranks of one of the most noble professions, one that challenges the mind, soul, body and spirit, and one that never stops giving strength when you can actually see your efforts bringing forth wellness, dignity, and health.

Your true learning will soon begin, and you will experience nursing in all of its facets. Life is of course a learning experience, and you still have so much to learn. With all of that said, take some time, look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I like me, and I am proud of myself and of my accomplishments!”, and so you should be. You stand in the ranks with those who came before you and laid the foundation on which you now stand such as Florence Nightingale You will also make your mark in the history of the nursing profession. But right now, it is time to celebrate.

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