How to Get a BSN

Have you recently completed your high school diploma or GED? Are you looking for a career change? If so, you might be wondering what kind of profession to pursue or what type of college program to attend. 

Nursing allows you to connect with others and really make a difference in patients’ lives. Nurses enjoy a diverse range of options when it comes to clinical settings and patient demographics. Keep reading to discover the steps you will need to take to obtain your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become a licensed nurse.

Determine Nursing Degree Options

To start your journey to receiving a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, research nursing program options. To make sure you are making the right choice, you will want to learn the difference between becoming a licensed registered nurse (RN) and getting a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). 

As a licensed medical professional, RNs provide medical treatments and care to a wide range of patients in many types of clinical settings. A person only needs an associate’s degree in nursing to become a RN. However, a nurse with a BSN—who is also a registered nurse—has completed additional education (up to a year or more than those with an associate’s degree).

Two key differences between the two are that those with a bachelor’s degree can be considered for leadership roles, such as a charge nurse. A higher salary often follows this. The other key difference is that having a bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for entering graduate programs such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree.
 
Choose an Accredited Nursing School

The accreditation process safeguards the quality of a nursing program, giving you confidence that a nursing school’s curriculum is up to date and on par with professional standards. Attending an accredited nursing program is important for your career goals, as you can have confidence that your clinical education is training you fully for the demands of nursing.

Two important nursing accrediting bodies recognized by the Department of Education include the Higher Learning Commission and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). 

Research Nursing Program Requirements

The next step is to find out what prerequisites you must complete before applying for your BSN. Typically, nursing prerequisite courses include mathematics, English and science sequences.

Some programs require that you complete one or two years of prerequisites before applying to nursing schools. Other nursing schools incorporate those prerequisite courses directly into the nursing program curriculum. Going this latter route can sometimes mean completing all of your schooling more quickly, in as few as even three years of full-time study.
 
Apply and Enroll

Once you have completed prerequisites for your chosen nursing program, or if you have opted to attend a nursing school that incorporates prerequisites into the curriculum, the next step is to fill out applications. This step usually requires filling out an application form, submitting transcripts of completed academic courses and degrees, a personal statement, recommendation letters, and sometimes an application fee.
 
This step also involves finding out what your financial aid options are. Determining how you will pay for your nursing program by learning about the kinds of scholarships, grants, and loan programs your potential nursing school has. Because the financial aspect can be a bit overwhelming, connect with a financial aid advisor for guidance, and to make sure you are completing the required paperwork.
 
Complete Nursing School Requirements

The next step on the journey to obtaining your BSN is to matriculate into nursing school, take the required courses, and dive into clinical education. This part of your education will take about three years.

While many nurses will tell you that nursing school requires hard work and dedication, most also describes the school as a meaningful and even fun time. You will meet new friends and find yourself growing as a person, discovering your strengths, and learning new skills with each course and clinical day.

Take Full Advantage of Your Clinical Experience

Clinicals are important for several reasons. This is the time when you learn bedside manner by interacting with patients, work alongside nursing student peers, and practice new skills. Not only will you form bonds with nursing mentors and clinical preceptors, but clinical experience is where you will get to apply what you learn from textbooks and nursing lectures. 

Going through the motions, so to speak, and putting nursing techniques to practice are great ways to commit textbook information to memory. These experiences will shape the kind of nurse you become and prepare you to take the licensing examination.
 
Apply to Become a Licensed Nurse and Take the NCLEX-RN Exam 

After you have made it to the end of nursing school, the final step to becoming a licensed nurse is to take the NCLEX-RN exam. This is a comprehensive test that measures your readiness to become a full-fledged nurse. 

You’ll want to devote several weeks to studying hard for the exam and, because it covers so much material, should try to take it as soon as possible after completing nursing school. There are many studying and test-taking strategies, as well as phone apps, to help you prepare to tackle this significant milestone.

Completing nursing school is an achievement to be celebrated, one that will positively shape the rest of your life.  

This is a guest blog entry.

What is CBD isolate?

     CBD isolate in Australia is becoming very popular. You can buy them on almost every corner nowadays, and as the government takes new steps towards regulation and legalization, there is a good chance that medical marijuana will become one of the top exports for this nation. Australia has an ideal climate for hemp. Because of that, products such as CBD isolates are usually of high quality.

    By purchasing a CBD isolate, you get cannabidiol in its purest form. While this might sound ideal, using just CBD can have its advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we will talk about cannabidiol in general, CBD isolates, and all the benefits you can experience when using this product.

What is CBD?

    Strangely enough, there is still a lot of people who don’t know what CBD is.

    CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is a substance that can be found in cannabis and hemp plants. Oftentimes, people also call it medical cannabis or medical marijuana. Even though we often put focus on CBD, there are other substance within hemp that promote health and wellbeing. The plant is full of terpenes and other cannabinoids which is why it has such a wholesome impact on our bodies.

    Besides CBD, most people have heard of THC. It is the psychoactive substance that gets us high. Unfortunately, most medical cannabis products have THC and sometimes, the quantity of THC can be so high affecting your therapy in the process. The last thing that a patient need is having to flush out the toxins. Because of that, a lot of people turn to CBD isolates as a way of avoiding THC.

What is CBD isolate?

    CBD isolate is not actually a product; it is more of a product type.

    You see, we can categorize all cannabidiol products as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolates. 

    Full spectrum items are the fullest type of products. They are a mixture of all the cannabinoids present in hemp and cannabis. Once you extract all these substances, you add them to a carrier oil. Then, the mixture is added to gummies, edibles, capsules, etc. In other words, full spectrum medical cannabis is very similar to natural hemp in a sense that it doesn’t omit anything.

    Broad-spectrum is very similar to full spectrum with one minor difference – it doesn’t have THC. Broad spectrum medical marijuana is ideal for people who want to avoid THC, but still want all the benefits of medical cannabis. It is a small twist, but most people will appreciate it.

    Lastly, CBD isolate focuses on just one substance which is cannabidiol. There is nothing else within these products besides CBD. They are ideal for people who just want to ingest cannabidiol while avoiding all other cannabinoids present in hemp and cannabis.

Are CBD isolates better than full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD?

    It is really hard to give a straight answer to this. Each one of these product groups is specific in its purpose.

    Experts often say that full spectrum is the best one as it gives you the full potency of all cannabinoids combined. This effect is also called “entourage effect”. The substances work in conjunction providing a stronger effect than the individual matters. Even THC should have certain medical properties, regardless of its psychedelic impact on the body. 

    Broad spectrum CBD excludes THC from the mix. This makes it much safer, but it also means that it isn’t as potent medically. Whether you use broad spectrum or full spectrum depends on your ability to withstand THC. Keep in mind that most CBD products are made of hemp which has a very low concentration of THC. Because of that, you can use full spectrum without getting high.

    When we talk about cannabis isolates, there is much more than just CBD. For example, there are also CBG, CBC, THC isolates. With these products, you can focus on just on specific substance while avoiding all others. In theory, CBD is the best option out of this group of isolates. Still, we shouldn’t neglect the potential that other substances have. 

    Writer’s bio: Nikolay Stoyanov is the founder of CBD advertising agency – a US-based marketing company that drives higher rankings and more Google traffic to its clients. Nikolay’s expertise lies in SEO and content marketing and he’s been working in the CBD niche since 2015.

The Best Foods for Controlling Your Diabetes

For people with diabetes, a healthy lifestyle is a balance of insulin management, blood sugar regulation, exercise, and diet. Diet plays an essential role in diabetes management, which is why people with diabetes need to know what foods to avoid, and what foods can contribute to a healthy lifestyle. 

Although the primary goal of diabetes management is to regulate your blood sugar level, it is also essential to maintain a diet that can help you prevent related complications like heart disease.

Creating Your Diabetes Management Plan

The reality is that diet alone will not be enough to manage your diabetes. However, you can work with a medical professional to establish a diabetes management plan that balances your insulin administration, fitness, blood sugar monitoring, and diet. 

Managing your diabetes can be challenging when you live in the United States, where convoluted processes and high insulin costs can make it hard to get the medication you need. The good news is that online prescription referral services like BuyInsulin can make it possible to order your insulin online from Canada.

Vegetables: Leafy Greens, Broccoli & Squash

Leafy greens: Leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach are high in vitamins and minerals, and low in calories and digestible carbs (which can increase your blood sugar levels). They are also full of nutrients and antioxidants, which are great for maintaining eye and heart health. 

Heart and eye problems are both common complications associated with diabetes. Integrating these foods into your diet is a great way to lower your risk of experiencing these complications.
 

Broccoli: Like leafy greens, broccoli is low in calories and digestible carbs. They also contain antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, which help prevent eye complications.

Studies conducted by the same researches and published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition and European Journal of Clinical Nutrition have even linked broccoli to lowered insulin levels. The studies show that broccoli may help lower insulin levels in people with diabetes and help protect cells from the harmful free radicals produced during metabolism.

Meats: Fish

Fatty fishes like salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are great additions to a diabetic diet. They are high in omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which are known to be great for maintaining a healthy heart, reducing inflammation, improving artery function, and protecting the cells lining your blood vessels. 

Proteins: Eggs & Nuts

Eggs: Eggs — egg yolks specifically— are a great addition to any diet as they reduce inflammation. They can reduce the risk of heart disease, increase your good cholesterol, and even improve your insulin sensitivity. Eggs contain properties to control your blood sugar and antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin), which helps reduce the risk of eye complications.

Nuts: Nuts tend to contain less digestible carbs and a lot of fiber. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts are all great for a diabetic to integrate into their diet. One particular study examined people with type 2 diabetes who incorporated 30 grams of walnuts into their daily diet for a year. These individuals experienced reduced insulin levels, weight loss, and overall improved body composition.

Dairy: Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a great dairy option for people with diabetes as it has fewer carbs and sugars than other yogurts and is higher in protein. Studies have indicated that probiotics in Greek yogurt can also improve blood sugar regulation and prevent heart complications.
 
This is a guest blog entry.

Having Cataract Surgery? Which Type of Lens Is Best for You?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, fully half of adults will have developed cataracts by the time they reach age 75. This common condition occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision. 

Surgery to remove the natural lens and replace it with an artificial one, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), is safe and effective. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthetic (and, in some cases, a sedative to relieve the patient’s anxiety or fear).

Before you go under the laser, however, you will need to decide which type of IOL will best suit your needs. Your ophthalmologist will conduct a pre-surgery examination, at which you’ll discuss the differences between each kind. They will make a recommendation, based on your eye’s health, your vision, and your lifestyle, as to which is the best choice.

Monofocal Lenses

This is the most common type of lens used by cataract surgeons. As you may know, the prefix “mono” indicates something singular, and of course “focal” refers to vision and focus. A monofocal lens provides sharp, clear eyesight, but at only one particular distance. For example, some people choose to have clear vision between 18 and 36 inches away, so that they can easily see their computer screen. You could choose distance vision, and wear glasses for up-close activities such as reading or crafting. Or you might decide to opt for lenses that give you good vision at a shorter distance, but use glasses if you need to see far away – say, when you are driving.

Multifocal Lenses

As you might have already guessed, multifocal lenses allow you to see at different distances, just like bifocal, multifocal or progressive glasses do. In theory, this choice means that you won’t have to augment your vision with eyeglasses. 

These lenses do have something of a “learning curve” associated with them. For instance, the zones of focus provided by multifocal lenses might not have very good depth perception, and so at first, you’re liable to stumble when going down steps or misjudge the distance between your cup of coffee and the tabletop.

Over time, your brain will adjust and learn how to select the right focus automatically.

One disadvantage of multifocal lenses is that they can cause more visual disturbances such as glare or halos, making it much more difficult to drive at night. If that activity plays a big role in your life, multifocals might not be right for you.

Accommodative and Toric Lenses

Lastly, there are two newcomers to the cataract correction landscape: accommodative lenses and toric lenses. Both of these lens types are an option for folks who don’t want to wear glasses, but who are concerned about the side effects of multifocal lenses. Just like your eye’s natural lenses do, these lenses move and shift in shape as they focus on objects that are near, far, and in the middle distance. 

Toric and accommodative lenses are very similar and work in the same way, flattening or curving as needed to provide visual acuity at any distance. There is one significant difference, however: while accommodative lenses only correct for nearsightedness or farsightedness, toric lenses can also correct astigmatism. 

“Both of these types of lenses are very new,” says a Clarity Vision eye doctor in Holly Springs. “They show a great deal of promise when it comes to helping cataract patients regain their vision without the problems associated with traditional lens types.”

Additionally, accommodative and toric lenses, because they use advanced technologies, are more expensive than their mono- or multi-focul counterparts. Expect to pay between an additional $1,500 and $3,000 per eye, on top of the standard cataract surgery costs, for one of these specialized lenses. They are usually not covered by either most private insurance policies or Medicare.  

This is a guest blog entry.

When Was Health Insurance Established in the United States?

As is the case with many of the groundbreaking institutions and systems that have come to define the United States of America, establishing health insurance in the U.S. was an arduous journey characterized by a century’s worth of innovation. A single seed (Franklin Health Assurance Company of Massachusetts, an insurance firm founded in 1850) eventually bloomed into a bounty of crops for beneficiaries to enjoy (aka, 60 other organizations providing accident insurance by 1866).

Unfortunately, citizens around the world shrug off the current health insurance system, as "the American Way”: the tendency to place greater value on generating profits than treating patients in need of care. When looking just across the border to Canada, American citizens are wrought with a sense of envy and disbelief—disbelief in the fact that another reality exists where, if you fall gravely ill, there’s no need to worry about managing your finances or declaring bankruptcy to pay off your medical expenses.

Due to the skyrocketing costs of health insurance coverage, some Americans are dying from viruses thought to be eradicated decades prior. With unprecedented developments in healthcare, there’s no reason a healthy individual living in the 21st century should die of the flu. If you’re looking to shop short term health insurance plans, visit AHiX marketplace, an online health insurance marketplace where you can select plans best suited to your family’s needs.

While neighboring countries consistently point out the U.S. health care system’s life-threatening pitfalls, it’s important to understand how we came to adopt this current system. After all, studying history is an excellent way to avoid repeating history. To prevent future missteps, it’s absolutely pivotal to examine the early stages of our national healthcare system.

The beginning
Before 1908, there was very little discussion regarding a standardized system for treating the ill. Apart from wartime medical units and standard practices spread through printed texts and education, most doctors treated patients in their homes, and modern hospitals were only beginning to take form. Care providers were paid modestly for the services they offered. Much like society today, these patients are far more concerned about the loss of income they’d face if doctors forced them to stay at home to recover.

This reality changed dramatically in the 1930s in the midst of “The Great Depression”. Along with countless other national programs birthed from this overriding sense of desperation, the medical industry saw a real need to modernize and standardize to meet the nation’s health and safety needs.

Before private health insurance was institutionalized, the government began sponsoring coverage for workplace injuries. Following the Great War and the development of the Labor Rights Movement, this focus on health care intensified as the burgeoning industry of health insurance began to take its shape.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield
The great success of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, two distinct but related groups of health insurance providers, influenced the way insurance would be administered for decades to come. The targeting of groups of people less likely fall ill, and thus were less liable to benefit from their policies, proved extremely profitable. Their aggressive marketing to labor unions and individual workers increased the number of insured people in the United States drastically between the 1930s and 1960s.

The government partnered with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 1965 to later establish Medicare. Founding Medicare posed a challenge, as the American Medical Association had been advocating strongly against any government intervention in the realm of health insurance since the 1910s. The association feared its “socialistic” qualities and argued that it would negatively affect physicians and private insurers’ profits.

Proponents of this theory were numerous as 700 private insurance companies existed in the US in the early 1960s [AMA Journal of Ethics]. Once it was acknowledged that total reformation proposals weren’t likely to garner success, advocates of a more nationalized, regulated system started to adopt a more subtle approach. In 1965, Congress established Medicare and Medicaid aimed at serving the elderly and the poor. However, these two programs adopted the same structural problems of reimbursement found in the private health insurance industry, which accelerated price inflation.

A defining step for the health insurance movement came in 1970 when the phrase "health maintenance organization" was coined to underline certain programs’ clinical prevention efforts. In the efforts to reduce resource utilization rates, hospital admissions rates, and lengths of stay, these founders created programs to make the industry even more profitable. This revelation was followed by The Health Maintenance Organization Act of 1973, which encouraged the growth of the HMO marketplace.

Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, health expenditure climbed dramatically, due to new medical technologies that were becoming more and more costly. In response, another failed attempt to reform the industry took place during President Clinton’s presidency. 

Final thoughts
Fast forwarding to the 21st century, there are no real signs that the healthcare industry is redefining itself in opposition to a profit-centered market. Most political attention is directed toward minor reforms. Today, around 15 percent of the United States population remains uninsured.

Searching for a viable option for health care can be a complicated process. Luckily there are many resources online to help, such as these two lists of useful medical links.

This is a guest blog entry.

What You Should Do To Prepare For Licensing Boards Interview

An investigation carried out on you by the Medical Board is a stressful experience, regardless of how friendly the experts and experienced the officers are when interacting with you. Your license and career may be in jeopardy the minute that you get called in for questioning, which is why preparation is mandatory. 

The California Medical Board Investigations aim to establish a possible deviation from Board practice. The interview is where you get the chance to litigate your matter, which is why you should be well-prepared for the interview.

Here are a couple of things you can do to prepare for a licensing board interview: 

1. Contact An Attorney

The minute you receive the notice of investigation, you need to find an attorney. Attorneys are experienced professionals in the matter and can adequately walk you through the preparation steps of the interview. Left to your discretion, you might unknowingly disclose information with investigators under stressful conditions, which can be used against you in the case. With the expertise of lawyers, interaction guidance with investigators is provided. 

Lawyers provide information that you might otherwise have not known. For example, your right as a licensee is to be represented by counsel at the interview, which is information you might not find without expert advice. Thus, having an attorney on your team increases the chances of you retaining your license. 

2. Understand The Complaint That Is Filed Against You

Before attending your interview, you need to be fully equipped with the complaints that are filed against you. You have the right to learn the conviction, settlement of malpractice, public complains, and discipline reports that may be from other health facilities.

 Having read the complaints against you, there might be confusing terms and dynamics that attorneys can analyze and interpret in the interest of your case. 

3. Know Your Case 

Having understood the general complaints that have been made towards you, you must thoroughly go through the information on your case. Attention to detail, as well as your recollection of the events, is crucial in the decision that investigators derive. 

Attorneys can provide objective points of view that may be relevant in the interview.

4. Understand How To Respond 

The questions that you’ll be asked in the interview will determine whether you can continue your practice. You must understand how to respond to questions for a favorable outcome. 

Lawyers have encountered Licensing Board Investigations and have taken part in interviews countless times. Part of their job is to help you understand the questions as well as the responses. Left to your discretion, you may be caught off guard or answer questions inappropriately or not to your full defense.
The point is to answer the questions in full honesty in a style that still serves to exonerate you.

5. Dress For The Occasion

During the interview, you must dress the part. Since the medical board interviews are held formally, formal wear is expected of you.

 
You may have prepared your responses and understood the complaints and cases against you, however, the first impression may also influence the outcome of the case. Dressing in casual wear or inappropriately can communicate a nonchalant disposition or that of mockery. You wouldn’t want to jeopardize your license because of non-verbal communication relayed that’s through the way you dress. 

6. Calm Your Nerves

An interview with the Medical Board determines your career path going forward. It’s either you get to keep your license or you have to surrender it, depending on the investigation and the outcome of the interview. This places one in a stressful situation, which can cause anxiety. 

When interacting with the interview panel, it’s important that you calm down and lean into confidence. If you’re nervous, you might forget how to respond to the questions that you had prepared for. Also, you might not understand the questions that are posed, which can result in incorrect responses.
Find methods of relaxing before the interview that can work for you, such as breathing exercises, quality sleep, or meditation. 

Conclusion

An investigation carried out by the licensing board is a stressful one. You have to be well-equipped for the interviewing process for the best possible outcome regarding your license. 

The first point of contact is to find an attorney to provide expert advice and guidance. Your lawyer can then assist you with the interview preparations, which include knowing the claims filed against you, familiarizing with your case, and understanding how to respond in the interview. You also have to play your part by dressing for the occasion and remaining calm before and during the interview. 

Left to your discretion, you may become overwhelmed by the process, confused by the information required, and run the risk of losing your license. Thus, hiring an attorney increases your chances of litigating your case.

Austin Duffy

Austin Duffy is a successful blogger who produces articles about careers, finances, and parenthood. Austin has been blogging for years and has published content in many online platforms. 

Why Your CBD Should Come from Organic Hemp

It is easy to be confused by the term "organic hemp". After all, isn't all hemp natural and organic? The answer is not as straightforward as you would think. In order to be labeled "organic," a product has to meet a strict set of standards. While hemp is a natural product, organic hemp provides additional protections for consumers.

The Standards

Organic hemp must meet a strict set of standards in order to earn the designation. These standards are set by the USDA and are therefore not hard to find.

For one thing, these standards mandate that the hemp must be "produced and handled" without the use of any synthetic substances. However, it makes exceptions for those synthetic substances listed in sections 205.601 and 205.603, which are considered innocuous:

• Alcohols (used for cleaning and disinfection purposes)
• Chlorinated water (as long as it's within legal standards)
• Hydrogen peroxide (also for cleaning and disinfection)
• Soap (used as an herbicide)
• Sodium carbonate (better known as washing soda)
• Plastic covers/containers (no PVC allowed)
• Newspapers or other recycled paper (compost ingredient)
• •Boric acid (pesticide, no contact with product allowed)

There are also certain non-synthetic substances that are not allowed to come in contact with the hemp at any time. This makes sense because "natural" doesn't always mean "safe." These prohibited substances include:

• Ashes from burnt manure
• Arsenic
• Lead
• Sodium nitrate (saltpeter)
• Strychnine
• Tobacco
• Sewage sludge
• Radiation

You would never put well-known poisons like strychnine or arsenic on your hemp, but some fertilizers do contain sodium nitrate (or its cousin, potassium nitrate). However, these are considered to be chemical fertilizers and are not allowed for certified-organic products.

Why These Standards Matter

The qualifications for labeling CBD derived from hemp as "organic" matter because, without them, companies could (and would) cut all kinds of corners to save money.

The law is forced to make this distinction between "natural" and "organic" because of the potential for some companies to manipulate language in their favor. Technically, fecal matter is natural, but you probably don't want that in any of the products you buy. Without specific definitions, there is nothing to stop companies from misrepresenting their products.

At the same time, it is nearly impossible to do something "100% natural and organic" without using stone-age tools and methods. Thus, the law makes certain exceptions for substances that are useful and known to be harmless. For instance, alcohols are included because they are easy to remove by applying heat. Likewise, recycled paper should not pose a risk to consumers.

How Much Difference Does Buying Organic Hemp-Derived CBD Make?

Hemp as a crop is a bioaccumulator, meaning that it absorbs material from within the soil at a faster rate than it can eliminate it. If there is lead in the soil, there will likely be lead in the hemp. While this may be helpful in cleaning up compromised land, hemp products grown in contaminated soil are not ideal for human consumption.

So, if you are committed to buying organic hemp-derived CBD, how much of a difference does it really make? Let's remember that you aren't trying to gain a positive here, but are trying to avoid the negatives that come from putting toxic things into your body. These negatives often take years (even decades) to manifest, so it can be hard to put any exact figures on this one.

From a business perspective, the "organic" label has a lot to do with the maintenance of customer confidence. You want people to know that your company offers products that are both safe and effective, and there is no way to "fake it." If you are not using safe and clean production standards, it will eventually show in one way or another. At that point, you could very well be looking at some expensive lawsuits.

When it comes down to it, it really is wiser to buy organic hemp-derived CBD products. It might come with a slightly higher price tag, but you can be certain that your hemp has been grown and harvested in the most responsible ways.

This is a guest blog entry.