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Patient Safety Awareness
As nurses, our primary concern is ensuring the safety of our patients, but we don’t start out knowing the best way to accomplish that mission. Nursing schools across the country play a critical role in teaching the next generation of nurses how to ensure and advocate for patient safety. Patient safety awareness encompasses many areas and our mission at Galen College of Nursing is to make sure our students are well prepared to address the safety concerns of their patients.
Galen utilizes the Joint Commission’s National Patient Safety Goals in our clinical learning labs so that students can make connections between particular situations and patient safety. The 2016 National Patient Safety Goals cover a wide variety of settings and include the following areas:
- Identify patients correctly
- Improve staff communication
- Use medicines safely
- Use alarms safely
- Prevent infection
- Prevent mistakes in surgery
- Prevent patients from falling
- Identify patient safety risks
- Prevent bed sores
We teach our students that patient safety impacts everyone. From their very first nursing course, students begin learning the principles of patient safety. During bedside scenarios and simulations, students practice safe patient care based on the National Patient Safety Goals. Students begin with the basics: identifying the patient, addressing falls risk, proper hand hygiene, and medication administration safety. Then we build upon this foundation in our other nursing courses as students investigate ways to keep their patients safe in all types of settings and situations. Galen students explore a number of other concepts directly related to patient safety such as healthcare-associated infections, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication, learning the role each of these areas plays in maintaining patient safety.
Patient safety is emphasized throughout the college as we prepare students to meet the challenges of today’s complicated healthcare system. As nurses, we are on the frontline and can make a difference in establishing and maintaining a culture of safety for our patients and at our workplaces. We are all patients! Join us in making the pledge to keep our patients safe.
The Need for Nurses
We may keep hearing about the nursing shortage, but have you ever wondered what’s behind it?
The potential for a nursing shortage isn’t a new concern, just one that is becoming more prevalent. One of the main reasons is that the baby boomers are aging, which has led to an increasing demand for healthcare. An aging population generally has more chronic conditions, which means more need for care from providers, and you guessed it, a need for more nurses. According to the National Council on Aging, 80 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition, and 68 percent have at least two. All these patients with chronic conditions, means more nurses are needed to care for them.
An aging population also means an aging workforce, which means more people retiring, and that’s especially true for nursing. Today, nurses make up the largest segment of the entire healthcare workforce of the United States (3 million strong)! But even that number doesn’t match the demand. There are simply not enough schools to keep pace with the demand for new nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2022 there will be over a million openings for nurses nationwide. With a large number of experienced nurses nearing retirement, this means nursing positions will continue to open.
Take a look at this great article from The Atlantic, which provides a deep dive into the factors driving the nursing shortage, as well as what happens when healthcare facilities are low on nurses. They also discuss potential solutions to help ease the nursing shortage from national licensure for nurses, making it easier for nurses to move to places with a higher need, to opening up the path to a nursing degree, with more options in rural communities.
At Galen, we know one thing, the country needs nurses, and nursing needs you!
Nurses in the Top 100 of Best Jobs
Great news for nurses! Nursing continues to rank highly on best jobs in the U.S. list! You’ve probably already heard that nurses rank at the top of the list for honesty and ethics, but that’s not all. Apparently, out of all jobs one can have in the U.S. (didn’t count, but it’s a lot), nursing is considered up there with the best!
U.S. News and World Report just published its annual list of the best jobs and five nursing categories made it into the top 100.
- Nurse anesthetists
- Nurse practitioners
- Registered nurses
- Licensed practical and vocational nurses
- Nurse midwives
Why do nurses routinely rank so high on these lists? Good salaries, low unemployment, and work-life balance are just a few reasons. Plus, the healthcare sector continues to grow, meaning demand for nursing jobs will continue to rise.
Susannah Snider, Careers Editor at U.S. News, said, “Health care support occupations, for which demand is expected to grow as baby boomers age, are great opportunities for entry-level job seekers or those making a mid-career change.”
How to Succeed in Online Classes
Online learning isn’t easy for everyone and can present a slew of new challenges not seen in the traditional classroom. As technology advances and more classes move online, it’s important to adapt to a new learning environment. We spoke with our Online RN to BSN team to get their top online success tips.
- Familiarize yourself with the course.
Take time before the class begins to review the syllabus, make sure links work, and even say hello to your professor. This will allow you to plan accordingly and ensure you understand the course expectations.
- Confirm technical requirements.
No one wants to log-in to class and find out they don’t have the right software. Prior to your first class meeting make sure you have a reliable computer and internet connection. Perhaps just as importantly, make sure you have a back-up plan.
- Connect with faculty.
Despite being online and not face-to-face, it’s important to connect with faculty early on. This helps you build rapport with your instructor and also ensures that you understand expectations for communication and the course.
- Get organized.
It goes without saying that being organized is an important part of success. Organization is even more important in an online learning environment as you will be responsible for remembering homework and project due dates. Be sure to add important dates to your calendar, schedule time to study and create a plan, and be sure you have supplies ready before the term begins.
- Establish a regular study routine.
Make sure you have a dedicated area that is quiet, clean and organized for studying. Once you decide on a study plan, don’t deviate from it.
- Complete assignments before the due date.
This allows time for peer review, but more importantly, it will help you avoid some major stress if work, technology, or something else causes delays.
- Participate and ask questions.
Just because the class is online doesn’t mean it happens in a vacuum. Being engaged will help you better understand the concepts you are learning and logging in daily will help you stay ahead.
- Use your school’s online resources.
Give the various resources available a trial run, so you know how to use them when they are needed. Make sure you bookmark favorite resources so they’re easy to find.
- Find a study partner.
Connect with a classmate and do peer reviews. This will also help you create a professional network for after graduation.
- Be proactive, not reactive.
Take ownership of your education and look for potential roadblocks so that you can plan ahead.
Online learning can be an adjustment, but with time and these tips, it can also be a very rewarding way to learn.
Galen Leaders, Faculty and Staff Awards
Great nurses don’t just happen, they carefully grow with the help of teachers, leaders and mentors. Galen knows the dedication our leaders and faculty put into helping today’s students become tomorrow’s great nurses, that’s why we’re so excited to share the recognition a number of our staff has recently received.
Kathy Mershon MSN, RN, CNAA, FAAN, Board of Directors Chair and one of Galen’s founders, was recently selected for the Florence Nightingale Awards at the University of Louisville, School of Nursing. Kathy was one of six honorees selected from over 100 nominees. Kathy was also recently inducted into the NLN Academy of Nursing Education. The academy honors individuals who have made enduring and substantial contributions to nursing education as teachers, mentors, scholars, public policy advocates, practice partners and administrators. They provide a visionary leadership and are recognized for their expertise in nursing education. Kathy has more than 25 years of experience as a senior health care executive. Her background blends early clinical nursing with corporate senior management experience.
Jan Adams DNP, RN, Program Director for Tampa Bay, was recently appointed to the Committee on Honorary Awards Subcommittee for the American Nurses Association (ANA). ANA is served by its members who commit their time and energies to volunteering. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is the only full-service professional organization representing the interests of the nation’s 3.4 million registered nurses. The ANA advances the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the rights of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Congress and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.
Nancy Maebius PhD, RN, Educational Consultant, received the 2015 Nursing Leadership Award from the Medical Center Rotary in San Antonio. Nancy received this award for her lifetime contributions to nursing. Nancy has over 40 years of experience in medical surgical nursing, maternal child nursing, education, and clinical research. She has authored two textbooks and is a member of the Advisory Council on Education for the Texas Board of Nursing, and chairperson of the Legislative Committee for Texas Association of Vocational Nurse Educators (TAVNE).
Nicole Contreras RN, Student Success Coordinator in San Antonio, recently received the 2015 Nightingale Excellence in Nursing Award from the Medical Center Rotary in San Antonio. Nicole was recognized for her work and dedication in assisting LVN students. Nicola recently transitioned to the Student Success position in San Antonio after working as a faculty member on the campus.
Congratulations to all of our wonderful leaders, faculty and staff. Galen truly appreciates the dedication each of you give to all our students, fostering the path to a rewarding career in nursing.
A Bright Future for Nursing
Deciding on a career path is tough, there are so many choices. Even when you’ve narrowed it down to a field like healthcare, the options can still be overwhelming. And while the final decision is in your hands, you want to choose a career that has solid job stability and growth for the future. Nursing offers you just that and so much more.
Nursing is ranked as one of the top 10 jobs for the future by Kiplinger. Really, it’s no surprise with the baby boomers rapidly aging out of the workforce leaving a large hole to fill. Not only that but with an aging population and the affordable care act, there’s an even bigger call for healthcare professionals.
According to Kiplinger, the outlook for RNs is healthy. This already robust workforce “the fifth-largest of all occupations” is expected to add nearly 450,000 new positions by 2024. Advancing technology with a greater focus on preventive care and an aging population will mean a growing number of patients requiring care in hospitals, doctors’ offices, long-term care facilities, and even private homes.
With a current total of 2.7 million jobs, projected job growth of 16.6% between 2014 and 2024, and a median annual salary of $66,060, nursing’s future looks bright.
If you’re considering a future in nursing “do so knowing that your choice is a sound one.” It’s hard to beat the possibilities of a career field with such a bright future.
Related Articles: Americans Rate Nurses Highest in Honestly and Ethics
Galen College of Nursing Online RN to BSN courses Quality Matters certified
The nursing field is changing faster than today’s trending topics, and we’re here to help keep you in the conversation. Industry trends (as called for by the Institute of Medicine) show that, in less than five years, 80% of nurses are expected to hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Five years might not sound like a long time, but a lot can happen in a few years. (For example, Shirley Temple had already earned an honorary Oscar by the age of five!) With such a short time to prepare for the future of nursing – or for your award-winning speech – we’ve worked hard to make our online courses compelling, interactive and faculty driven, so you can learn while you work.
We know RNs love what they do and put everything into their nursing careers. That’s why we put everything into creating the best Online RN to BSN program possible. It was custom-built with a team of instructional design experts who work directly with regional and national industry experts, all to bring the material to life in a way that makes your experience truly worthwhile. As students make their way through courses like Disney Leadership Strategy for Nurses and Community Health Nursing, they’ll be enveloped in knowledge and skills they can immediately begin to apply.
Much like an IV pump that won’t stop beeping, we can’t keep quiet about the news any longer. We are proud to announce that Galen’s Online RN to BSN program has been recognized by Quality Matters, a faculty-centered, nationally recognized peer-review process that certifies the quality of online courses.
What does that mean, exactly? The first of our Online RN to BSN courses were put to the test with a rigorous review process which ensures online educational quality, and the diagnosis is perfect health. As a nursing student, you’re constantly trying to learn more and being asked to prove your expertise, so it’s only fair we hold ourselves to the same standards.
Want to learn more about our custom-built classes? Check out all the details, from a program overview to admissions requirements, or drop us a line to talk to an admissions representative.
Going Back to School for the Non-Traditional Student
The decision to go back to school can be a tough one to make.
Maybe you’re worried that too much time has passed, or you just aren’t sure how college can coexist with real adulthood, which often includes the responsibility of managing children, jobs, financial obligations, and the like. To be frank, it can be a really scary life adjustment! Add that to the stresses that you might have about being older than the average student and out of the loop, and well, it can get even scarier. We understand that, and guess what? You’re going to like what we have to say about the non-traditional student.
Let’s get technical for a moment.
A non-traditional student refers to a category of students that did not enter postsecondary education in the same calendar year that he or she finished high school, typically in the 26-40-year-old bracket and have a variety of educational and professional experience. They may attend on more of a part-time or flexible basis, and probably work at least part-time when enrolled. One thing they all have in common? This isn’t their first rodeo, and they have a little more life experience under their belts. While there are challenges to becoming a student later in life, there are also many perks.
Managing Your Time and Your Sanity!
Most non-traditional students have moved out of Mom & Pop’s long ago, and have been busy supporting themselves, and possibly a family of their own, for some time. Adding college into an already demanding schedule can seem impossible to do without losing your mind. There is a lot of pressure to be a superhero here, especially considering that nursing school IS hard. But having a solid game plan and a strong support network will make everything possible. You have experience juggling so much already, figuring this out will luckily be a little easier for you. Sit down and create a realistic schedule that you can live with. Communicate with your friends and family what you will need help with and let them help you. And remember that nursing school won’t last forever, so these adjustments will only be temporary. (And worth it!)
You Know What You Want
For some entering college right out of high school, it may be challenging to adjust to the culture, learn the ropes (and the lessons), experience independence for the first time, and simultaneously know exactly what they want out of their college experience. In fact, it’s not uncommon for younger students to switch majors a few times or spend time pursuing interests and goals that they may end up letting go of in a month or two. But an adult entering or re-entering the collegiate realm has a much more working knowledge of the way the world works, is more focused, and truly understands the importance of time management in a way that applies to the real world. So, remember – While it may be frustrating to sit in a classroom with a twenty-something who might be just a little green, don’t forget that we were all there at one time or another, and there may even be something you can teach that person to help them along their way. We’re all just trying to figure it out, but adult students definitely have the advantage when it comes to the built-in tools needed to succeed.
Better Coping Skills
It’s safe to say that if you’re returning to school as an adult, that probably means you’ve been managing your own life (and maybe even the lives of your children or family members) for quite a while now. You’ve got a firm grip on reality. You understand that it’s important to look at the big picture and are willing to work hard to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Not because this understanding was magically bestowed upon you, but because you’ve worked hard to earn this knowledge through what we like to call, “Life.” One bad grade doesn’t mean you should hang it up and quit nursing. You have the maturity to know that one bad grade means you have to ramp it up and try harder, and you also possess the confidence which will tell you that you will succeed if you work to continuously improve. While we can all agree that being an adult is sometimes overrated, we sure do appreciate it in these moments!
So, go on – make that information session appointment that you’ve been putting off. Now is not the time to be doubtful; it’s quite the opposite! You’ve spent a lot of time cultivating the awesome adult you’ve become, and you now have the skills needed to create the life you’ve always wanted with a rewarding career in nursing. Of course, it will be tough, but anything worth the work always is. You’ve got this.
Related Articles: Don’t Stress the (PAX) Test | Getting Into Nursing College | Emotional Rewards of Nursing | First Day on the Floor: ICU
First Day on the Floor: ICU Clinical
Galen ADN student Sonia Lisee looks back at her clinical experience on an ICU floor, and describes how it helped her build confidence and taught her how to start thinking like an RN.
Working in the ICU was one of the most beneficial experiences I had during clinicals. On my first day, I was assigned to a helpful nurse (we’ll call her Nurse C) who had been in ICU for 27 years. Admittedly, I was a little intimidated at first because telemetry is not my forte! Seeing patients connected to multiple tubes and machines – not to mention all of those beeping sounds – did nothing to ease my nervousness, but I was determined to overcome my fear and gain confidence as a new nurse. Nurse C asked me to tell her a little bit about my background, and we discussed my strengths and weaknesses, and things I would like to work on. She also asked if I would be willing to perform the entire care for one of her patients, under her supervision, of course.
So, the day begins. After we did rounds on all three of her patients, Nurse C assigns me to a patient on a ventilator, in congestive heart failure, on telemetry with a foley and a PEG. I did the head-to-toe assessment as thoroughly as I could since ICU patients require a more in-depth assessment. I asked Nurse C to guide me through it because I was not yet confident enough to do the cranial nerves assessment on my own. She was thankfully more than willing to do so, and explained everything in detail. Medication pass for my patient was due and she quizzed me on the use, side effects and labs to watch out for on each. Things were going pretty smoothly.
But, as most hospital floors tend to do, the pace quickly changed. (Pro tip: Never think to yourself that things around your floor are calm, because they will not stay that way for long. Trust me on this!) Not too long after we evaluated meds, the ventilator alarm starts to go off in my patient’s room. My heart is racing and my body surges with adrenaline. I have a moment of panic and almost freeze, but Nurse C came into the room and sprang into action, spurring me into action with her. As she worked, she explained ventilator settings and allowed me to suction the patient after verifying that I knew how to perform the procedure. A sigh of relief; I’ve totally got this.
Around noon, that patient’s sister came by to visit and was very upset because the patient was still in ICU instead of a step down floor. She was rude and using choice words with Nurse C, but I was amazed at how gracefully the ICU nurse handled the situation. By remaining calm and respectful, she was able to deescalate the situation until the family member calmed down. I learned so much from her just in this interaction, and I will carry that with me throughout my career. Treating each patient and family member with as much dignity as possible will ease a lot of tension and help them communicate more calmly.
ICU clinical was absolutely one of the best learning experiences I’ve had had in my nursing education. In one day I was able to overcome my fear of working on a telemetry floor, accurately read my patient’s telemetry strips, understand from experience what a high pressure ventilator alarm meant, and practice deep suction. I am so grateful that I found the courage to practice skills I had learned in theory, and was in turn able to feel confident practicing what deep down, I already knew I could do.
An added bonus? Through my unique clinical experience, I was able to discover that I really enjoyed OR nursing and anesthesia, and now I have an idea of where I should be applying once I pass my boards!
Overall, the clinical experience really does make it all come together, and all of the things that you learn in theory make more sense in a clinical setting. Theory gives you the knowledge you need to prepare for those real-life situations, and Clinical helps you develop the confidence and technique. I realized that I was using the nursing process, thinking critically, and lab results were beginning to make sense.
I was finally thinking like an RN. I began to understand that I am prepared and that I can do this! And this was just after Day One.
Instructor shout-out: I know that I wouldn’t have had an experience as meaningful as this if not for my wonderful clinical instructor, whom I will never forget – Mrs. Glower-Meyers. She helped me rise to challenges I was unsure of, and helped me conquer hurdles I didn’t think I was ready for. Her experience, knowledge and support were without a doubt a major contributor to my success this quarter.
Best of luck to everyone in clinical this quarter, and remember – You are prepared, and you can do this!
Getting Into Nursing College: Admissions
So – You’ve made the call, spoken to your nursing college of choice and have made an appointment to visit with the Admissions team. Congratulations! The good news? The hard part is over and you’re one step closer to starting your nursing career! The other news is that there’s still a lot of work to do before you’re actually enrolled in nursing courses. The most daunting part of the college admissions process can simply be uncertainty; not knowing what to expect can make you feel overwhelmed by all of the information you’ll begin to receive. We want to help rein in all of the pieces and simplify this process for nursing hopefuls so you can hit the ground running and earn your nursing degree.
Face the PAX: The Entrance Exam
Some people are just naturally great test takers (and yes, us anxious test takers are envious), while for others, just the idea of taking a test causes a cold, clammy panic. Either way, we’ve noticed that many people tend to either greatly over, or greatly underestimate the NLN PAX (National League for Nursing Pre-Admission Examination), which is the standardized entrance exam for nursing program students. But you can pass this test! First, determine the best learning style for you. We like this short quiz at EducationPlanner.org to get you started. Do you respond best to visual aids, audio, graphs, or by doing? What’s the best way for you to study?
More often than not, the test fee is non-refundable, so don’t schedule the test unless you are serious about taking it. (Note: You have up to a year to take it, so don’t worry if you’ve just got cold feet!)
Next up – Remember to breathe. You can do this! Hit the books and begin studying right away; there’s no use in prolonging the inevitable. Create a time line and stick to it, plain and simple. Most importantly, ask for help if you need it, and take advantage of ALL of the study guides and practice tests. It really can make all the difference. We recommend the National League for Nursing’s official self-published study guide, PAX PREP. This study guide is only available through the online NLN Student Store.
Scheduling
This is major. We are all guilty of overestimating how much available “free” time we really have. Think about it and honestly tally up the hours of each day that are not spent working, commuting, taking care of personal and family responsibilities, or sleeping. Until we find a way to add more hours into each day, we’re going to have to work with the 24 we’ve got. Nursing students must be willing to make temporary lifestyle changes in order to earn their degrees and pass boards. There are many hours where you’ll need to be physically and mentally present; in class, clinicals, and study time, in addition to life’s other demands. The key is to be honest with yourself and make sacrifices you can live with for a year or two, knowing that you can reevaluate at the next step. And no matter what, hold on tight to some of that precious “me time” because you’ll need it to recharge and stay healthy (and sane!). Last but not least, make sure you have a support network of reliable friends and family who will be able to step in to help when you’re thrown the occasional curveball. Always have a Plan B, and while you’re in nursing school – might as well have a Plan C and D just to be safe.
Come Prepared
If you have questions about specific transfer credits, you’re not alone. Your best bet to get a quick answer to those questions is to bring your Official (unopened) Transcripts from any previous college coursework to your information session. Also, make sure to bring your photo ID and high school diploma or GED (even if you’ve already completed a college degree). You’ll be taking in a lot of information, so bring a list of questions or concerns you’ve written out beforehand to help you stay on track. Get a head start and researching information on financial aid. Check out different types of loans and repayment plans, and have an idea of how you’ll be paying for school. Get a step ahead and fill out a FAFSA here. If you have questions, just give the Financial Aid department a call and they’ll walk you through it.
Most of all – Believe in yourself! Deciding on a career path is a huge decision and a pivotal moment in life. You should take great pride in joining the elite ranks of Florence Nightingale! We’re happy to help get you in a classroom seat and on your way to becoming the amazing nurse you were always meant to be.