One of the Best Healthcare Agencies in Portland Explains How Nurses Must Understand Veteran Patients

At some point being a nurse, you will have a patient who is a veteran, who are men and women from 18-80 years old that have served our country. Many of these patients have special healthcare needs, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), old injuries, prosthetics, and more. So, what can nurses do to help better understand veteran patients? A leading provider of Portland healthcare staffing explains how.

1. Ask the question “Have you ever served in the military?”

Asking “Have you ever served in the military?” is the most important question that you can ask one of your patients. When you ask this question, you learn much more about the patient and how you will care for them. The American Academy of Nursing created an initiative that focuses on this question called the Have You Ever Served in the Military? Initiative. The initiative aims to improve the health of veterans. It also gives providers and nurses a way to find important information on what to look for and what to ask when they are caring for their veteran patients. The site gives access to what military members may have been exposed to and what they might have a higher risk of.

2. Watch for health and well-being concerns.

There are many health concerns that you must watch for in veteran patients. These concerns include PTSD, blast concussions, military sexual trauma (MST), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and exposures, such as nuclear weapons, radiation, and more.

For example, veterans who served during the Vietnam War before 1992 became exposed to hepatitis C. The website “Have you ever served in the military?” gives important information such as this to help nurses understand and provide the best care to veteran patients. Musculoskeletal injuries plus associated pain, substance abuse, physical stress, PTSD, and suicide are some of the biggest health concerns with military members.

Take the time to build trust with your veteran patients and gain more knowledge regarding them and their health. Thanking them for their service is also a big help. It’s important to surpass a superficial relationship with a veteran patient, so they understand that you are truly there to help and care for them, explains healthcare agencies in Portland.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

One of the Leading Healthcare Agencies in Portland, OR Discusses Solutions for Nurse Burnout

A major safety issue in the nursing profession is burnout. A medical staffing agency in Portland explains that nurse burnout can include cynicism, exhaustion, and inefficiency. All of this can negatively affect nurses and can even affect patients through lack of safety and satisfaction. Here are a few solutions that can help with nurse burnout.

1. Resilient Environment

The leaders need to build a resilient working environment. The first step to preventing nurse burnout is to know that it does exist. As a leader, take the time to evaluate, find the cause, and take the necessary steps to eliminate burnout. Your staff should be able to openly communicate with you about any concerns they may have.

2. Staff Awareness

Of course, the nursing staff must have a part in watching for burnout. They should watch out for burnout in themselves and other coworkers. Tough situations such as clinical scenarios or challenging patients can increase stress and decrease resilience while other nurses embrace the challenges and can adapt. Even communication among the staff can help nurses thrive during their shift.

3. Research

Healthcare agencies in Portland, OR share that a big step to helping with burnout is to do your research. There are plenty of nurse literature materials and resources to learn more about nurse burnout, how to address it, and how to strategize around it. Both nurse leaders and staff must learn how to begin the conversation and discuss burnout with each other.

4. Safety Actions

A few safety actions to consider for any nursing facility is to provide the education needed to identify burnout and fatigue. You’ll want to have positive role models for other nurses to learn from. Create or use current tools to be ahead of issues and opportunities. Work internally to figure out if the current electronic health record system efficiently helps with the workflow. Schedule staff meetings to talk about new policies, processes, and outcomes and any changes that need to be made going forward and make sure that the staff is engaged.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

Healthcare Agencies in Portland, OR Discuss about Choosing Your First Nursing Job Wisely

Nursing school is a journey that has had several steps, including earning your degree, passing the NCLEX, and getting your license. So, what’s next? Your first job. You may be worried about the transition from a nursing student to now being in the field. Will you do well, fit in, and be successful? What will happen if you make a mistake?

There are two important steps with starting your career path with RN or CNA jobs in Portland. The first step is finding a job, and the second step is choosing the right one.

Narrow down the job searching.

Researching the job search can help you a lot. Make sure you’re updated on the job market and network with nurses who you went to school with. Have discussions with your past professors. You can also search online for chat rooms to speak with other new nurses. Find out what jobs are trending in the area. You may end up relocating to a different city and state. One of the leading healthcare agencies in Portland, OR suggests making decisions like where you want to work, the role you desire, and the benefits and salary that you need.

Think about other positions.

You don’t have to only work in a hospital. There are many other positions for nurses besides a hospital setting. You may be interested in working in nursing homes or medical clinics. You may even work as a case manager or academic nurse writer. Your options are open considering the nurse hiring market is competitive, so you can accept or decline certain job offers.

When you think about which nursing job you want, think about your personal goals, and what you want to get out of your nursing career.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

One of the Top Portland Healthcare Agencies Shares What Nurses Should Know about Pressure Injuries

Nursing practices can change frequently, so it can be a challenge for a nurse to stay updated. Wound care updates can be very hard to stay current with from new treatments, new products, to the best medical practices for several wound types. Pressure injuries can happen in all sorts of environments such as acute care, home health, and long-term care. CNA staffing agencies in Portland want to share what nurses should know about pressure injuries.

1. Wound care changes constantly.

What may have worked yesterday may not work tomorrow. A great example would be the Braden Scale wound assessment which used to be done in twenty-four hours upon being admitted. Now, the wound assessment is to be done in 8 hours of being admitted.

2. Documentation and terminology frequently change.

Not only do healthcare practices change but so does terminology. You may want to know what’s so important about staying up to date on healthcare terminology. Staying up to date helps to use the terminology that is current for charting. A great example would be the outdated term, pressure ulcers or decubitus, that is now known as a pressure injury. Also, instead of using Roman numerals for the staging system, Arabic numbers are now used.

3. There is a healing rate for wounds.

A wound should be reduced by fifty percent in size within 3 to 4 weeks after treatment has started. If the wound hasn’t decreased in that size by that time frame, another treatment option needs consideration.

4. You should help educate your coworkers when needed.

If you notice that wrong materials or practices being used, help educate them on what to do. Don’t judge them or approach them in an insulting way. Instead, collaborate with them and teach them the correct practices. Webinars or educational sessions can be given by the company with lunch can be a great way to help nurse staff learn the proper practices, explains Portland healthcare agencies.

5. New products for wound care can change.

Each product will most likely have specific instructions on usage. All staff should be shown how the product should be used when there are new products on the floor.

Staying updated on pressure injuries will help give the best possible outcome for the patient.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

Why We Should Continue Assessing Patient Safety and Nurse Staffing in Portland, OR

Florence Nightingale had several famous quotes, but there’s one that has been well-known for centuries. She said, “For the sick, it is important to have the best.” What does this mean? Well, the best care should be provided for all patients with only the best nurses, which means the nurses have received top training and there is top staffing. A Portland medical staffing agency also explains it as patient safety and nurse staffing. The nursing profession has grown because of the above, excellent skills, continuing and advanced education, and satisfactory orientation and training.

What about the roles of nurses and patient safety?

The role of a nurse is to care for their patients, ensure the patient’s safety, and help patients feel better. There is a long list of safety concerns from patients, though. Safety concerns range from infections, falls, poor communication, needle sticks, medication errors, and incomplete handoffs. The biggest concern is nurse staffing in Portland, OR. Many nurses simply do not have enough time and hands to care for their patients efficiently. For a nurse to give their patients the best care, you need the correct care delivery systems, nurse staffing patterns, work schedules, interprofessional teams, and nurse-patient ratios.

What about the reasons that have influenced care outcomes?

The reasons range from the shift length, the staff mix, the patient acuity (the intensity of nursing care required by the patient), to environmental, administrative, and financial. More states are looking at the use of nurse to patient ratios and requiring bills and legislation for them, which involves restriction of overtime hours, staffing plans, and minimum staffing levels for healthcare employees.

It’s not just a numbers game.

In order to implement great care to patients, nurses must be able to work in a safe environment, which includes the correct amount of staff. Several healthcare experts build up the nurse to patient ratio system while others have yet to support it. Many factors such as changing RN roles to switching patient populations to restructuring the care delivery systems and hospitals will affect nurse staffing and patient safety.

Healthcare agencies in Portland explain that nurse staffing and patient care matters. To provide the best possible care, nurses need to have great staffing, education, skills, competence, and compassion while working in a safe environment for both nurses and patients.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

A Provider of Nurse Staffing in Portland Discusses National Nurses Week

National Nurses Week is a full week to celebrate people who contribute to nursing careers and healthcare shares the nurse staffing agency in Portland, OR. Nurses work in a variety of positions such as education, clinical practice, ambulatory care, advanced practice, throughout the community, and many other positions. Where did it all start, though?

Step Back in History

All 50 states partake in National Nurses Week which begins on May 6 and goes through May 12. May 12, Florence Nightingale’s birthday, has been known as International Nurse Day since 1974. By 1978, New Jersey Governor, Brendon Byrne, made May 6 as Nurses Day. By February of 1982, the American Nurses Association Board of Directors recognized May 6 as National Nurses Day, which was agreed upon by the U.S. Congress. On March 25, 1982, President Ronald Reagan declared May 6, 1982, to be National Recognition Day for Nurses by signing a proclamation.

Jump forward to 1990, and the ANA Board of Directors recognized nurses for a whole week as National Nurses Week from May 6 through May 12 of 1991. By 1993, the dates were set permanently to start in 1994 and thereafter. 

Our Nurses

Without nurses helping doctors, physicians, and other healthcare workers, patients would not get the same level of care that is provided in hospitals and doctor’s offices. The news, healthcare workers, and families share their gratitude for nurses during National Nurses Week. Even Hallmark creates cards specifically made for nurses. There are a lot of sacrifices that take place being a nurse from long hours and time away from their families to help those in need. The celebrations have changed over the course of time, but all the creative and scientific achievements have made a lasting impact. The provider of nurse staffing in Portland reminds to thank a nurse for their contributions to our nation today.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

A Nurse Staffing Agency in Portland, OR Explains How It’s Okay to Make Self-Care A Priority

A nurse’s job can affect their health in many ways from burnout, fatigue, and stress. Exhaustion that comes with the job can be mental, physical, and emotional. These things don’t have to come with the territory though. It’s important to make self-care a top priority as sleeping habits and nutrition can impact your life at work and home. One of the leading CNA staffing agencies in Portland shares how to make self-care a top priority.

1. Healthy Eating Habits

Nurses make it a goal for their patients to eat healthily and stay hydrated, so why shouldn’t nurses follow their own advice and do that for themselves? The first step of healthy eating habits is to buy healthy food such as lean meats, fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, preservatives, artificial coloring, and trans fats. The best tip is to make breakfast a top priority and meal planning.

2. Quality Footwear

As a nurse, the footwear you own is very important. You need to take care of your feet since you are on your feet for long shifts. Make sure to have a shoe that supports the arch of the foot and cushions the balls of the feet. You’ll be thankful for spending money on quality shoes later.

3. Exercise

Exercise is also an important factor of self-care for nurses explains the nurse staffing agency in Portland, OR. You need to make time for exercise outside of work, but there are a few exercises that can be done during the work shift as well. A few exercises that can be done while sitting are seated chair dips, seated shoulder rolls, and seated arm circles. If you don’t have a chair at your immediate use, you can do standing toe raises, butt-kickers, or squats.

Remember, your job takes a lot out of you by the end of your shift. Self-care can help you de-stress from the work day and prepare your mind and body for your next shift.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

One of the Leading CNA Staffing Agencies in Portland, OR Shares Qualities of a Great Nurse

There are certain characteristics that nurses have that help them be great in their roles. Nurses hold a multitude of characteristics that are both professional or personal, and nurses usually need both to be proficient in their career. A nurse staffing agency in Portland wants to share some of these characteristics to give a better understanding of what qualities make a great nurse.

1. Strong Communication Skills

Nurses must have strong communication skills in order to work with their patients and coworkers successfully. A nurse needs to understand the terms and advice from the doctor and be able to help the patient understand critical medical information as well. Many people experience their worst days in a hospital, so to have nurses there to take care of them and help them through these situations is an important attribute.

2. Quick Critical Thinking Skills

Nurses must act fast sometimes and be able to solve problems and fix them when scenarios switch up quickly. They also need to help refine protocol with patient care. It’s critical thinking skills that help them and their colleagues improve in their jobs while still taking care of their patients.

3. Team Player

A nurse works with many individuals including doctors, other nurses, patients, and families explains CNA staffing agencies in Portland, OR. A nurse needs to have the quality of being a team player to do his or her job correctly and communicate efficiently with everyone.

4. Attention to Detail

Having great attention to details helps nurses follow through with detailed orders. It also helps them improve their care of each individual patient. No patient will be the exact same, which requires a high level of attention.

5. High Level of Respect

Nurses are people who deserve respect. On a personal level of characteristics, nurses hold the qualities of being kind, honest, fair, empathetic, compassionate, and caring. They give their all with their careers to help people and should be respected.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com

One of the Leading Portland CNA Staffing Agencies Shares the Difference Between part-time and Per Diem

When it comes down to your work schedule, you want flexibility. You may have just become a new parent and want to stay at home more, but you don’t want to lose your license either with CNA jobs in Portland, OR. part-time or per diem positions are an easy way to keep an active license while still getting to have the flexibility to enjoy your new little one or enjoy other parts of your life.

What is the difference between the two? You need to know which one to choose as the best fit for your life.

Part-Time

Of course, part-time hours are determined by your employer and can determine if you are eligible for benefits or not. part-time workers are normally on the schedule but do not work as many shifts as a full-time worker. Hours are figured out by the status you were hired on for and the FTE (full-time Equivalent) position. If there is a small census, you’d receive credits for any time not worked for FTE to keep your part-time status. Remember that you may get more time with family, friends, or furthering education, but you may have to pay more of your health care benefits since you aren’t full-time.

Per Diem

Per diem employment means as you are needed. You won’t be promised any hours, and you may work fewer hours than a full-time employee. You may or may not have benefits. A per diem employee can be hired as a 0.1 FTE and work full-time, but your status will still be per diem. Per diem staff are substituting for other nurses who call in sick, are out on FMLA, or take a vacation. You may work a full 40-hour week. The next week, you may work no hours. The downside to per diem is that a low census does not exist. You get more flexibility with your hours and higher pay; but if you need more income, you may need more than one per diem job to maintain that income explains Portland CNA staffing agencies.

Questions

What should you ask yourself when thinking about part-time or per diem employment options? You’ll want to think about how much income you need every week. You’ll also have to make the decision about how much you want to pay towards healthcare benefits. If you choose per diem, you need to know if the hourly pay will cover your expenses and if you’ll be fine now being promised hours every week. Per diem workers also need to have more open availability than a part-time worker explains a nurse staffing agency in Portland.

Express Healthcare Professionals in Tualatin, OR is one of the top Full-Service Nursing Agencies that progressively surpasses expectations by placing clinical staff in per diem and contract positions throughout the Greater Portland area and across the nation.

Express Healthcare Professionals

7401 SW Washo Ct #101

Tualatin, OR 97062

(503) 612-1550

https://www.ExpressHealthcareNW.com