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Long-term care nurse care for patients who have an illness or condition that requires care for an extended period of time. Often working with the elderly or patients with disability, long-term care nurses work in nursing homes, long-term care facilities and rehabilitation centers. They provide direct patient care, including monitoring and recording vital signs, administering medication and performing therapeutic treatments such as massage and range of motion exercises. Long-term care nurses also often assist patients with the tasks of their daily lives, including feeding, dressing, using the toilet and bathing.

In order to become a long-term care nurse, students must first complete their Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Registered nurses may then seek employment as a long-term care nurse. RNs who want to specialize in long-term care nursing may want to take additional courses in gerontology during their degree programs or even earn their Gerontological Nursing Certification, as most long-term care nurses work with the elderly.

A typical job posting for a long-term care nurse position would likely include the following qualifications, among others specific to the type of institution and patient population:

• ADN or BSN-level education and active RN license
• Certification in Basic Life Support and/or CPR required; Gerontological Nursing Certification a plus
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with patients, caregivers and medical teams on an ongoing basis
• Physical ability to assist in lifting, moving and transferring patients and assisting them in their daily tasks such as using the toilet, bathing and dressing

To search and apply for current long-term care nurse positions, visit our job boards.

What Are the Education Requirements for Long-Term Care Nurse?

A position as a long-term care nurse requires an ADN or BSN degree in addition to an active RN license. Generally, an advanced degree is not required for long-term care nurses, but elective courses in gerontology are particularly helpful for RNs pursuing a career in long-term care.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Most long-term care nursing positions require applicants to hold the Basic Life Support Certification, offered by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Additionally, some long-term care nurses may consider pursuing the Gerontological Nursing Certification offered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, which requires nurses to hold a current RN license, to have practiced a minimum of two years full-time as an RN and have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the area of gerontological nursing within the previous three years.

Long-term care nurses often work in settings that care for the elderly, disabled or other patients affected by chronic conditions, including nursing homes, assisted living communities or long-term care facilities. They may also work in home health care or rehabilitation centers.

What Does a Long-Term Care Nurse Do?

Long-term care nurses provide care for patients affected by illnesses, injuries or conditions that require extended care. Long-term care nurses work with a patient’s full medical team to coordinate and implement a patient’s plan of care, and are frequently a source of emotional support, guidance and comfort for patients and their loved ones. Depending on their place of employment and patient population, long-term care nurses may perform vital sign checks, administer medications and intravenous therapy and provide wound care. Often, long-term care nurses also assist patients with their daily tasks such as bathing, feeding, dressing and using the toilet. Long-term care nurses also perform therapeutic treatments such as massage and range-of-motion exercises.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Long-Term Care Nurse?

• Coordinate with a patient’s full medical team to implement and evaluate a comprehensive plan of care
• Perform vital sign checks, intravenous therapy, enteral tube feedings, wound care, respiratory therapy and/or administer medications
• Assist patients with daily tasks such as feeding, dressing, sitting/standing, using the toilet and bathing
• Perform therapeutic treatments such as range-of-motion exercises
• Prepare equipment and assist physicians during patient examinations
• Provide emotional support for patients and their loved ones and educate them about their conditions and ongoing care plan.

What Are the Challenges Long-Term Care Nurses Face?

There are two major challenges that Long-Term Care (LTC) Nurses face, and they stem from the rise in acuity of patients and associated staffing issues.

Higher acuity simply means more complex. Patients are living longer with more chronic conditions and requiring more care. This means long-term care nurses are tasked with more challenging medical patients in a setting that is not acute. While this presents challenges, it is also a great opportunity for nurses to practice and advance their nursing and time-management skills.

Piggybacking on the higher acuity challenges, LTC facilities may have only one or two doctors that are responsible for the care of patients. There are teams of clinical staff including nurses, a social worker, case manager, nursing assistants, med techs, and others to assist with patients. However, due to the complexity of some patients, the time it takes to complete patient care is higher and spreads staff thin.

Both of these challenges can be improved. Staffing changes to account for acuity of patients has been practiced and implemented in many facilities. The previous model was based on numbers rather than acuity. These updates have improved patient and employee satisfaction, ensuring the nurses have adequate support and time for their patients.

Long-term care nurses can expect a median salary of around $67,493, with a range of $52,541 – $82,155. Employment of registered nurses is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics due in large part to an aging population in need of care. Given that long-term care nurses play a large role in the care of this patient group, an increase in long-term care employment opportunities is also expected.

•  Seizures in children have many different types of symptoms. A thorough description of the type of movements witnessed, as well as the child’s level of alertness, can help the doctor determine what type of seizure your child has had.

• The most dramatic symptom is generalized convulsions. The child may undergo rhythmic jerking and muscle spasms, sometimes with difficulty breathing and rolling eyes. The child is often sleepy and confused after the seizure and does not remember the seizure afterward. This symptom group is common with grand mal (generalized) and febrile seizures.
• Children with absence seizures (petit mal) develop a loss of awareness with staring or blinking, which starts and stops quickly. There are no convulsive movements. These children return to normal as soon as the seizure stops.
• Repetitive movements such as chewing, lip smacking, or clapping, followed by confusion are common in children suffering from a type of seizure disorder known as complex partial seizures.
• Partial seizures usually affect only one group of muscles, which spasm and move convulsively. Spasms may move from group to group. These are called march seizures. Children with this type of seizure may also behave strangely during the episode and may or may not remember the seizure itself after it ends.

What Causes Seizures in Children?

Although seizures have many known causes, for most children, the cause remains unknown. In many of these cases, there is some family history of seizures. The remaining causes include infections such as meningitis, developmental problems such as cerebral palsy, head trauma, and many other less common causes.

About 25% of the children who are thought to have seizures are actually found to have some other disorder after a complete evaluation. These other disorders include fainting, breath-holding spells, night terrors, migraines, and psychiatric disturbances.

The most common type of seizure in children is the febrile seizure, which occurs when an infection associated with a high fever develops.

Other reasons for seizures include:

• Infections
• Metabolic disorders
• Drugs
• Medications
• Poisons
• Disordered blood vessels
• Bleeding inside the brain
• Many yet undiscovered problems

A large portion of seizures in childhood can be grouped into the following categories:

• Myoclonic: A seizure characterized by jerking, spasming muscle groups with no loss of consciousness
• Myoclonic absences: A seizure characterized by spasming muscle groups with brief loss of consciousness
• Myoclonic tonic seizures: The seizure includes jerky muscle spasms and motionless spasms that cause rigidity.
• Other seizure disorders in children are not discussed here

Seizure disorders in infancy and early childhood often are caused by a genetic mutation, but a significant percentage of children with seizure disorders don’t readily fit into established disorders and diagnoses – the cause is a mystery. The following are some types of myoclonic seizure disorders in children:

Early infantile epileptic encephalopathies: This includes early myoclonic encephalopathy (EME) and early infantile epileptic encephalopathy (EIEE). These are severe disorders with a grave prognosis.

Causes of early infantile epileptic encephalopathies include brain malformations, inborn errors of metabolism, and neurogenetic disorders.

Myoclonic epilepsy occurring as part of a mixed generalized epilepsy syndrome: This includes:

• Doose syndrome (myoclonic-atonic epilepsy)
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
• Dravet syndrome (severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy)
• Progressive spasticity is frequently seen in older children and adolescents with Dravet syndrome, often associated with the development of crouched gait or walk.
• Causes may include brain malformation and mutations that cause neurons to malfunction, such as SCN1A mutations.
• Other syndromes that feature several kinds of generalized seizures are also included in this classification.

Nonprogressive myoclonic epilepsies: This group of disorders overall has a more favorable prognosis and includes:

• Benign neonatal myoclonic epilepsy,
• Familial myoclonic epilepsy, and
• Autosomal dominant cortical myoclonus and epilepsies.

Nonprogressive myoclonic encephalopathies may also occur, with a worse prognosis. These disorders are usually genetically determined conditions.

Progressive myoclonic epilepsies: In this class of myoclonic epilepsies, seizures occur in the context of an underlying neurodegenerative disorder. Representative diseases include:

• Unverricht-Lundborg disease
• Lafora body disease
• Myoclonic epilepsy with ragged red fibers (MERRF)
• The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, sialidosis, and dentate-rubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA).

Seizures in the context of these disorders may be stimulus-sensitive or action-induced.

A legal nurse consultant is a nurse who works as an expert on cases involving medical issues. This can be in court or with insurance companies, healthcare providers, and other agencies. Legal nurse consultants are valuable in that they bring clinical experience, medical education, and a scientific background to the legal arena, assisting attorneys in the litigation process.

Those seeking a career in legal nurse consulting should have experience in the medical field and knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and current standards of care for various disease processes. They also should value patient advocacy and patient rights. Interest in, and knowledge of the legal field is encouraged.

What Are the Education Requirements?

Those interested in the field of legal nurse consulting should first pursue a nursing degree through a two- or four-year university. Obtaining an associate’s degree (ADN) or bachelor’s degree (BSN) in nursing is required.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While not required, certification as a legal nurse consultant is recommended. Formal certification demonstrates the nurse is committed to the field and adheres to the highest standard of care and professionalism. Coursework to become a Legal Nurse Consultant Certified (LNCC) is offered via online study and prepares students to take the LNCC exam. Eligibility to take the exam requires the following at the time of application:

• Have a current, unrestricted RN license
• Have a minimum of five years’ experience as a practicing RN
• Have, and demonstrate evidence of,2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting experience within the last five years

Certification is valid for five years. Renewal criteria for LNCCs include:

• Have a current, unrestricted RN license
• Have evidence of 2,000 hours of legal nurse consulting within the last five years
• Completion of 60 contact hours that meet the recommended criteria OR successfully complete the LNCC exam

Depending on where the LNC is employed, additional education is recommended. For example, med-legal courses and learning legal terminology is beneficial.

Where Do Legal Nurse Consultants Work?

Legal nurse consultants can work in various settings. From courtrooms to government agencies, their expertise is highly valuable in legal proceedings. A legal nurse consultant can work in the following areas:

• Law offices
  • Personal injury
  • Medical malpractice
  • Product liability
• Insurance companies
  • Worker’s compensation
  • Disability
  • Billing/ billing fraud
• Government agencies
  • Government-funded healthcare billing/claims
  • Assist in defending state agencies
• Hospitals
  • Risk management
  • Case management
  • Licensure concerns

Additionally, many LNCs work independently, running their own consulting businesses. This allows for flexibility and being able to determine their own wages.

Legal nurse consultants are nurses first. This means that safe and high-quality patient care is top priority. Legal nurse consultants work to ensure that any malpractice concerns or insurance claims are handled appropriately, leading to the best outcome for patients.

What Are the Roles and Duties of Legal Nurse Consultants?

The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants outlines how to get started as an LNC. It describes the various roles in detail and many opportunities and roles are listed. For example, LNCs working in a law firm or for a private attorney usually focus on medical malpractice cases. Duties include:

• Review and summarize medical records
• Review current standards of care
• Act as a liaison with healthcare providers
• Attend depositions, arbitrations, and mediations
• Serve as an expert witness

LNCs employed with insurance companies also have specific duties. Their primary focus is to ensure that healthcare benefits are paid appropriately per the policy. Duties include:

• Serve as case managers
• Utilization review
• Audit medical bills
• Work as case managers

LNCs working in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities usually work in-house in risk management or med-legal departments. They typically have the following responsibilities:

• Investigate patient claims of medical malpractice
• Review and summarize medical records
• Staff education
• Work alongside the facility’s legal team
• Ensure adherence to compliance/healthcare privacy laws

Legal Nurse Consultant Salary & Employment

Many nurses are lured by the benefits of becoming a legal nurse consultant. Being able to work from home, setting your own wages and hours, and learning a new field is attractive to nurses looking for a change from bedside nursing. Best of all, there are no long, 12-hour shifts. According to payscale.com, the average salary for a legal nurse consultant can range from $55,092 to $211,399. Salary is dependent on the state, city, organization, and whether the LNC is self employed.

Hospice Nurse is a health care professional that care for patients at the end of their lives. The term “hospice nurse” is used by many as an umbrella term for a number of different professions. When individuals refer to themselves as hospice nurses, they’re most likely employed as one of the following kinds of nurses: Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants (CHPNA) or Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurse (CHPLN). Hospice nurses typically work with terminally ill patients and help ensure their and quality of life during their remaining days, as opposed to working to cure or fix a patient. Their primary responsibility is to help people live as comfortably and independently as possible and with the least amount of pain during their last days.

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One of the main parts of being a Hospice Nurse involves helping patients, and their families feel more comfortable about death and providing them with the emotional support they need. Additionally, hospice nurses will do their best in assisting family members to manage any practical details that may be involved when caring for a dying loved one.

What Are the Educational Requirements for Hospice Nurses?

For Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants (CHPNAs):

• CHPNAs will have a high school diploma or GED
• Must have to have at minimum 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing assistant experience in the most recent 12 months, or 1,000 hours in the past 24 months, all under the supervision of a registered nurse in the United States.

For Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurses (CHPLNs):

• Individual must have attended college or university and have obtained a BSN, ADN, or have graduated from a state-approved program in vocational nursing
• Must currently be a licensed RN or LVN in state of residence
• Should have at least two years of related experience

For Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPNs):

• Individual must have attended college or university, earning either a BSN or ADN
• Must currently be a licensed RN in state of residence
• Should have at least two years of related care settings

For Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (ACHPNs):

• Will hold a master’s or doctoral degree in advanced practice nursing program from an accredited university that includes both clinical and didactic segments
• Must currently be in possession of an unrestricted active registered nurse license in the US.
• Must be a functioning Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) with 500 hours of hospice and palliative nursing practice in the most recent 12 months, or 1,000 hours in the past 24 months before applying to take the ACHPN Examination

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants (CHPNAs)

• Must pass standardized HPCC CHPNA® Examination to obtain credential
• Certification is valid for four years; to renew one’s certification, one must retake and pass the recertification examination and keep current in the field through continuing education courses

Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurses (CHPLNs)

• Must pass standardized HPCC CHPLN Examination
• Certification is valid for four years; recertification is given to those that take and pass the recertification examination and stay up to date on happenings in the field through continuing education courses

Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPNs):

• Must pass standardized HPCC CHPN Examination
• Certification is valid for four years; recertification is granted either by taking and passing recertification exam or by submitting approval for continuing education and other approved activities

Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (ACHPNs)

• Must pass standardized ACHPN Examination
• Candidates who sit for and pass the ACHPN examination are granted the credential of ACHPN

Typically, hospice patients are expected to live six months or less. It is for this reason that most hospice care takes place at the patient’s place of residence. Hospice nurses will work:

• At the patient’s home or family’s home
• At a hospice center
• At a skilled nursing facility
• At a geriatric nursing home
• At a hospital

Hospice care helps patients who are terminally ill to die in a dignified way in their own home instead of in a hospital setting. One of the main jobs of a hospice nurse is to provide emotional support to assist their patients to live as independent and as comfortable as possible near the end of their lives. Often, hospice nurses are expected to stay in communication with family members, physicians, priests, or other spiritual advisers. Hospice nurses should comfortable navigating in crisis situations. In most cases, hospice nurses are part of a larger interdisciplinary health care team, which administers nursing care to individuals and their families. A hospice nurse’s role will depend on the certification they hold (i.e. CHPNA, CHPLN, or CHPN).

Because they’re RNs, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPNs) are considered the senior nursing professional on the hospice team. CHPNs are responsible for providing education, supervision, and direction to the other nursing staff. Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants (CHPNAs) and Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurses (CHPLNs), on the other hand, are responsible for providing hands-on nursing care around the clock. CHPNA’s and CHPLN’s are in charge of day to day nursing activities like managing the patient’s pain symptoms, and comfort level. They are also responsible for maintaining the patient’s hygiene and making sure they take their prescribed medication at the correct times.

Both CHPNA’s and CHPLN’s must keep an open line of communication with the CHPNs and Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse on the case. Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse’s (ACHPNs) are on the periphery of the hospice team, but maintain a vital role in evaluating the overall condition of the patient and appropriately prescribing the most effective medication.

Hospice Nurse Salary & Employment

Hospice nurses who are registered nurses with advanced degrees will almost invariably have larger salaries than their nursing counterparts that do not have advanced degrees.

According to payscale.com, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants (CHPNAs) and Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed Nurses (CHPLNs) will on average make an hourly wage between $11.35 to $17.53 per hour or $58,000 annually. The salary of Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses (CHPNs) ranges between $49,831 at the low end all the way up to $82,023 annually. Lastly, Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurses(ACHPN) make an average of $96,126 annually.

A healthcare administrator plays a key role in the operations of a healthcare organization, managing a variety of clinical and administrative procedures. They typically have oversight over an entire department or area in terms of budgets, staffing, professional development, maintenance of patient records, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This is a good position for someone who has an interest in healthcare but may possess more business acumen than clinical knowledge.

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To get started on this career path, the education path is somewhat inflexible, so it will require a secondary degree, and most often a graduate degree for positions at higher levels. But in addition to just the education, having relevant work experience is extremely valuable. This can be obtained through internships while in school, or sometimes entry-level jobs as healthcare coordinators, or in supporting roles to current healthcare administrators.

What Are the Education Requirements for Healthcare Administrators?

While a bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement for healthcare administrator roles, this is often limited to more entry-level positions within smaller organizations. More advanced roles or larger clinics or institutions will usually require a master’s degree in a relevant area, such as a Master’s of Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), or a Master’s of Public Health degree (with most programs lasting two years). Registered nurses looking to enter the healthcare administrator role may find it beneficial to pursue a Dual MSN/MHA degree, a Dual MSN/MBA degree, or a Dual MSN/MPH degree.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Certifications aren’t required for this position, but some people may choose to pursue the ones that most closely match the jobs they are seeking. There are existing certification programs and offerings for those who work within the revenue cycle of a healthcare organization or in patient compliance. Both of those certifications are offered by the American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management. Professionals interested in technology and informatics may also pursue a certificate in health informatics and health information management.

Related: Find out more about an MSN in Healthcare Informatics

Where Do Healthcare Administrators Work?

Traditionally, most healthcare administrators have worked in hospitals, covering different departments or clinical institutes depending on how the overall system is set up. But more and more positions are becoming open in nursing homes, long term care facilities, larger private practices representing multiple providers, and other environments as healthcare continues to expand as an industry. In terms of geographic representation, healthcare administrator jobs can be found in every state, though those in bigger cities may have higher salaries.

What Does a Healthcare Administrator Do?

Healthcare administrators are typically involved with the planning and operations of a healthcare facility. There are various types of roles they perform, including clinical management, administration of residential facilities including managing staff, admissions, financing, and operations, or health information management with a focus on patient records (likely electronic) and data. Particular skills that would be useful that could be gathered from any field include strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills, as well as a knack for problem-solving, decision-making, and managing personnel.

What Are the Roles & Duties of a Healthcare Administrator?

• Ensure all departments comply with existing healthcare laws and regulations and maintain an awareness of new and emerging updates or policies
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff members and oversee scheduling of various employee types
• Manage the finances of the facility, such as patient fees and billing
• Prepare and monitor budgets to ensure efficiency and quality in the delivery of services
• Coordinate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to identify issues and evaluate training needs to encourage growth and development
• Identify, develop and execute strategic opportunities to increase access and drive revenue while meeting compliant regulatory standards

Healthcare Administrator Salary & Employment

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a healthcare administrator currently falls at around $60,477. Average hourly wages are roughly $19.75. While these figures are averages, the geographic location and type of environment will likely be determining factors over the salary offered. For example, government and hospital positions are paid the most, and nursing and residential facilities are at the lower end of the pay grade. There are also many levels of positions within this broad category, so those with more experience or advanced degrees will likely assume the higher-paying jobs. Job outlook for this type of position is also very favorable, similar to the rest of the healthcare field, predicted to grow nearly 20% from 2018 – 2028, much faster than other sectors. This is partially due to the rapidly aging cohort of Baby Boomers as well as the rise in chronic diseases and expansion of the healthcare industry to include other sectors and customized features like prescriptions by mail.

Dermatology nurses specialize in the treatment and care of a variety of skin diseases and conditions. Working in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, dermatology clinics and plastic surgeons’ offices, dermatology nurses provide care for patients with psoriasis, skin cancer, burn wounds and acne among many other skin conditions. Dermatology nurses may also specialize in cosmetic dermatology, performing various procedures such as laser treatments and chemical peels.

Becoming a Dermatology Nurse

In order to become a dermatology nurse, students must first complete their Associate’s Degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Registered nurses who want to specialize in dermatology may then work for a minimum of two years in dermatology before sitting for the Dermatology Nursing Certification Examination offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

A typical job posting for a dermatology nurse position would likely include the following qualifications, among others specific to the type of institution and patient population:

• ADN or BSN-level education, active RN license and Dermatology Nursing Certification preferred
• Prior professional nursing experience in the dermatology and/or cosmetic/aesthetic dermatology fields
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with patients, caregivers and medical teams on an ongoing basis
• Attention to detail required in the performance of skin exams and recording of patient’s medical histories and test results

What Are the Education Requirements for Dermatology Nurses?

A position as a dermatology nurse requires an ADN or BSN degree in addition to an active RN license. Generally, an advanced degree is not required for dermatology nurses, but those interested in becoming a Dermatology Nurse Practitioner will need to complete a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree. In addition to an active RN license, dermatology nurses may choose to attain the Dermatology Nursing Certification offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Some dermatology nursing positions require RNs to hold the Dermatology Nursing Certification offered by the Dermatology Nurses’ Association. While optional for many job openings, RNs who hold this certification will certainly have a competitive edge when applying for dermatology nursing positions. In order to sit for this exam, RNs must have an active RN license, two years nursing experience and 2,000 hours working the dermatology field.

Where Do Dermatology Nurses Work?

There are a number of settings in which dermatology nurses work, including:

• burn units within hospitals
• private clinics
• dermatology practices
• plastic surgeons’ offices

What Does a Dermatology Nurse Do?

Dermatology nurses assist in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of skin injuries and conditions, including burns, skin cancer, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, acne and impetigo among others. Dermatology nurses assist in the performance of skin exams, assess a patient’s condition and record patients’ medical history and test results. Often, dermatology nurses provide pre-operative and post-operative care for patients who have undergone various treatments and surgical procedures. Patient and caregiver education is also an important aspect of the dermatology nurse’s job description. Dermatology nurses educate patients and their caregivers on how to care for skin conditions and recover from treatments once the patient has returned home. Dermatology nurses may also specialize in cosmetic procedures, such as laser treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Dermatology Nurse?

• Assist in the performance of skin exams, and monitor and record a patient’s medical history and test results
• Provide pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing treatment for a variety of skin conditions and diseases
• Perform various cosmetic dermatology procedures, such as chemical peels
• Assess, monitor and treat skin wounds, including burns
• Educate patients on how to protect their skin and how to care for skin diseases and conditions at home

Dermatology Nurse FAQs

In most states, RNs may administer treatments or procedures utilizing laser light. Laser, light and energy-emitting devices (LLED) is a growing field as more institutions and private physician offices are offering elective LLED services to patients.

Lasers are used in dermatology and other areas of medical practice to remove hair or superficial layers of skin. The Dermatology Nurse’s Association (DNA) position paper for laser therapy states that nurses who provide laser therapies to patients must have documentation of appropriate competency and credentialing. The DNA recommends nurses seek education from validated sources such as professional organizations (including the DNA), physician organizations, or laser manufacturers.

Most states regulate the use of lasers by non-physician providers through the Board of Nursing, the State Electrolysis Board, the Department of State Health and Human Services, or a radiation regulatory agency. Although states will vary on how much regulation occurs, all states require written documentation of training and competency.

The National Laser Institute offers courses to provide the nurse a certificate of education and continuing education units. Other organizations, such as the National Council on Laser Certification, offers proctored exams to certify nurses and other professionals in laser light therapies. Certification exams include Certified Aesthetic Laser Operator, Certified Hair Removal Specialist, Certified Laser Hair Removal Supervisor, Certified Medical Laser Safety Officer, and Certified Laser Repair Technician.

Dermatology Nurse Salary & Employment

Dermatology nurses can expect a median salary of around $52,035. Geographical location, career length and experience level are all factors that may impact a dermatology nurse’s salary.

The dermatology field is a very large one, with a range of patient populations and a variety of conditions to treat, which creates a wealth of potential job opportunities for dermatology nurses. Additionally, an increase in skin cancer in the United States as well as advancements in cosmetic dermatology has resulted in a very positive career outlook for nurses interested in pursuing dermatology.

A nurse advocate is a nurse who works on behalf of patients to maintain quality of care and protect patients’ rights. They intervene when there is a care concern, and following the proper channels, work to resolve any patient care issues. Realistically, every nurse is an advocate. There are, however, certain positions which allow nurses to specialize in patient advocacy.

Becoming a Nurse Advocate

All nurses are patient advocates. The art of intervening for patients is taught from day one in nursing programs. It takes skill (and courage) to be able to question superiors, report to a higher supervisor, or to verbalize ideas that may be considered unconventional. Nurses must be confident, skilled in the art of having difficult conversations and assertiveness and be able to keep an open mind and maintain professionalism.

Those interested in nurse advocacy should first pursue a nursing degree through a two- or four-year university. Obtaining an associate’s degree (ADN) or bachelor’s degree (BSN) in nursing is required.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While formal certifications or credentials are not required, there are learning opportunities available to strengthen the practice of nurse advocacy. Obtaining certification identifies the nurse as an experienced provider who knows the ins and outs of the healthcare system, and who is knowledgeable about patients’ rights as a consumer.

One certification program trains nurses as patient care liaisons and prepares them to be able to handle situations including ethical dilemmas, complex medical cases, and seeking second opinions. This program takes nine months to complete and requires continuing education to maintain certification. The program is open to medically trained as well as licensed professionals. Hospital, clinic, and extended care nurses may complete the program to better assist the patients they serve.

Another program teaches nurses how to become independent RN patient advocates (iRNPAs). This program is open to experienced RNs who wish to work independently—setting their own hours and wages while acting as a voice for patients as they try to navigate the healthcare system. The program consists of a five-month online training, followed by a six-day immersion course. Nurses must have an active RN license and a minimum of six years’ experience in clinical nursing.

Where Do Nurse Advocates Work?

Nurse advocates can work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, specialty departments, long-term care facilities, non-profit organizations, or as independent healthcare consultants. In the inpatient setting, nurse advocates can work in:

• Patient care coordination
• Discharge planning
• Med/legal
• Risk management
• Management
• Patient services

What Does a Nurse Advocate Do?

Nurse advocates are the voice for patients and families when they feel lost in the healthcare system. They operate as a liaison between patients, healthcare providers, and healthcare organizations or insurance companies. They help assess the needs of patients and families and develop a plan to meet those needs, utilizing available resources and ancillary staff.

What Are the Roles & Duties of a Nurse Advocate?

The roles and duties of a nurse advocate is multi-faceted, but the cornerstone is patient education. Roles and duties may include:

• Assessing patient care needs during hospitalization and discharge
• Reaching out to community resources as needed
• Educating patients about diagnoses and referring to specialties
• Advocating for treatments/procedures/tests that are appropriate for patient care/diagnoses
• Reviewing patient care concerns or grievances
• Providing education on insurance benefits
• Educating patients on current standards of practice in healthcare
• Demonstrating compassion and empathy with patients and families with regards to their healthcare wishes
• Educating patients on necessary healthcare decisions without bias or coercion

Nurse Advocate Salary & Employment

The ever-changing healthcare world combined with a greater number of consumers accessing information with the click of a computer mouse has led to more patients speaking up for their own health. Conflicting information can confuse patients and create dissention between a provider and patient. Nurse advocates work to bridge the gap between providers and patients, using research education as a tool to ensure care needs are met. This means that nurse advocates are now needed in many areas of healthcare.

According to payscale.com, nurse advocates can earn from $45,006 to $85,312 annually. This may differ based on degrees or certifications held and the state/city of employment. If working as private consultants in which nurses set their own wages, hourly rates can be $150 – $200 an hour.

A neuroscience nurse specializes in the care of patients with nervous system diseases and/or disorders. They help manage the disease processes as well as assist in rehabilitation. Some neurological disorders neuroscience nurses may help manage are:

• Stroke
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Encephalitis

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Neuroscience nurses specialize in the human neurological system. Those interested in this field of nursing should have an interest in in the functions of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It is a difficult specialty in that neurological diseases and disorders can affect the other systems of the body. Moreover, healing and rehabilitation can sometimes take time, so a neuroscience nurse should have strong assessment skills and a lot of patience.

What Are the Education Requirements for a Neuroscience Nurse?

Those looking to become neuroscience nurses must first complete an accredited nursing program and obtain a nursing license. They can choose to earn an ADN or BSN nursing degree. BSN nurses have a broader range of opportunities, as they can pursue supervisory roles as well as become clinical nurse educators.

After completion of an accredited nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN is required for licensure.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Depending on where the nurse works, certification may be required. For example, a nurse working on a stroke unit or intensive care unit may be required to have certification in stroke care. Sometimes certification is not required, although a neuroscience certified RN demonstrates competency, commitment, and professionalism in the specialty.

The American Board of Neuroscience Nurses offers certification in neuroscience nursing as well as stroke care nursing. Eligibility criteria include:

• Have a current, active RN license
• Have provided direct or indirect nursing care in the field of neuroscience or stroke care for at least two years within the last five years.

Certification for neuroscience nursing or stroke care lasts for five years, and can be renewed either by exam or completion of continuing education units.

Where Do Neuroscience Nurses Work?

Neuroscience nurses can work in many different care areas. These include:

• Hospitals
  • Stroke units
  • Intensive care
  • Pediatric nursing units
  • Operating rooms
  • Clinical education
• Outpatient clinics
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Elder care facilities

What Does a Neuroscience Nurse Do?

Neuroscience nurses perform many tasks. These include:

• Performing physical assessments
• Performing neurological exams
• Assist with mobility
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Assist with physical rehabilitation
• Wound or surgical site care
• Medication management
• Assist physicians with procedures

What Are the Roles & Duties of a Neuroscience Nurse?

The roles and duties of a neuroscience nurse mainly focus on stabilizing and rehabilitating patients who have neurological disorders or suffer from a spinal cord or brain injury. Some roles and duties include:

• Assess and identify the needs of a neurological patient
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to implement medical or pharmacological interventions
• Evaluate a patient’s response to treatment
• Offer comfort to patients and families
• Provide resources to patients and families to assist with the discharge process
• Document thorough and detailed information in the patients’ medical records to track the healing process

Neuroscience Nurse Salary & Employment

Neuroscience nursing can be a challenging yet rewarding career. As medical technology evolves to better meet the needs of patients, neuroscience nurses are necessary in the care of patients undergoing procedures and treatments for their neurological disorders. According to payscale.com, neuroscience nurses can earn from $71,000 to $125,714 depending on their role — from staff RN to advanced RN practitioner. This also depends on state and city of employment, and any certifications held.

Complex and challenging, Intensive Care (ICU) or critical care nursing requires an advanced technical skill set, a calm manner, and a positive life philosophy. ICU nurses provide care for life-threatening medical conditions and injuries and may work with patients from the neonatal ward to seniors. These patients have often experienced traumatic illnesses or accidents. The role is complex, as ICU nurses work to maintain and restore health to patients through careful management of their various bodily systems. Many nurses choose to specialize in working with a particular segment of the population. ICU nurses require excellent communication and leadership abilities, as well as the capacity to carry out complex directions.

What’s the Difference Between an ICU Nurse and Floor Nurse?

A patient admitted to the floor, meaning medical-surgical, orthopedics, or other specialty, is considered to have a stable condition or disease process, which may or may not deteriorate to unstable.

If the floor patient’s condition deteriorates, the ICU team responds rapidly and appropriately to stabilize the patient’s condition; the patient may be transferred to the ICU for closer monitoring.

ICU nurses care for patients who are considered unstable. This means either they have an unstable respiratory system or cardiovascular system, or have a high likelihood of one or both of these systems becoming unstable and require closer monitoring.

ICU interventions such as intubation, starting vasopressors, or pacing a patient’s heart (among other interventions, which are highly situation-dependent) may be initialized quickly and efficiently due to the higher level of care in the ICU.

What Are Common ICU Standards of Care

ICU standards of care are guided by the hospital’s policies and procedures and by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN). Generally accepted standards of practice include:

• Check and record vital signs every hour
• Head-to-toe assessment and documentation every 4 hours
• Lab draws usually at least daily
• Repositioning and skin integrity check every 2 hours
• Wound care every shift
• Frequent evaluation of continuous telemetry monitoring
• Constant critical thinking to determine worst case scenarios for each bodily system and systematic preparation for each scenario

There are some interventions that are practiced much more often by ICU nurses, and may include administering vasoactive drugs for hemodynamic instability, hypothermia protocol after a cardiac arrest, intubation for respiratory failure, CPR, performing Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and others.

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Nurses with a love for data and management of a single patient’s condition and outcomes generally do well as ICU nurses. An inquisitive mind and attention to processes is equally important. ICU nurses are deeply compassionate and are unafraid to advocate on behalf of their patient to family members who are distraught.

What Are the Education Requirements for an ICU Nurse?

With good undergraduate marks and nursing licensure, any nursing student who is interested in ICU nursing should seek a Nursing Student Externship. Usually available to senior nursing students in the final year of their program, the externship allows students to assist RNs in the ICU, benefiting greatly from the nurses’ experience and mentorship. Formal externship programs are often posted online by hospitals; your college or university will often have these opportunities posted for nursing students as well. Many Nurse Externs transition into an RN New Graduate Internship program once they pass the NCLEX.

For experienced RNs, making the transition into the ICU requires applying to an ICU position and usually engaging in a training program either before applying or concurrently with the application. These positions and criteria are hospital-specific but often include a didactic and mentorship portion, working under the guidance of a senior ICU nurse until success criteria and leadership in the role have been achieved.

Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

At present, RN licensure requires either an ADN or a BSN degree; many hospitals prefer to hire BSN candidates, or those who finish their degree concurrently with employment.

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers many certifications. For adult ICU nurses, the CCRN is a certification for acute/critical care nurses. Additional modules focused on pediatrics and neo-natals are offered too.

Contact hours are required to renew the CCRN. Options are to renew by retaking the exam or by completing Synergy CERPs in the required areas, paying the fee of up to $200, and maintaining an unencumbered RN license.

Due to the nature of the work that they do, and that they need specialized equipment and resources to care for their patients, it’s common for hospital networks to share resources, locating an ICU unit (and its nurses) at larger hospitals, centralized hospitals, and teaching facilities in order to maximize the resources that patients might require. Hospitals without critical care facilities have transfer agreements with the nearest intensive care unit. ICU nurses work almost exclusively within their unit; not much work is done by way of policy or outreach due to the nature of the role.

What Does an ICU Nurse Do?

A critical care nurse works in the intensive care unit of a hospital with either pediatric, neonatal, or adult populations. They may specialize, depending on the needs of the patient demographic and the size of the hospital in which they work.

ICU nurses work at high ratios with patients who already have, or have a high likelihood of developing, a life threatening complication, and trauma or disease process as ICU patients require intensive and frequent nursing care, assessments and monitoring.”

What Are the Roles & Duties of an ICU Nurse?

• Work with the interdisciplinary team to develop a plan of care to stabilize patients
• Adept at communicating, critical thinking, leadership and patient advocacy – both on behalf of the patient and the medical team
• Utilize highly developed physical assessment skills
• Make quick decisions while multitasking
• Administer a variety of lifesaving treatments efficiently and effectively
• Closely monitor one or several patients
• Prioritizes patient care plan based on patient needs and care resources
• Identifies patient and family learning needs; educates appropriately
• Closely documents patient care, protocols and unit procedures
• Is culturally aware
• Demonstrates understanding and ethics surrounding patient confidentiality and risk management
• Move patients to comfort care for end of life

What Specialties Exist for ICU Nurses?

Neurological ICU Nurse

Neurological ICU nurses work with patients that have experienced a traumatic brain injury and/or spinal cord injury of some type. The work includes:

• Frequent neurological assessments
• Intracranial devices are common
• Extensive knowledge of spinal cord and brain injuries
• Use of medications to lower intracranial pressure and control blood pressure are common

Cardiac ICU Nurse

Cardiac ICU nurses are involved with patients who have had or who need cardiac surgery or a cardiac catheterization procedure, are experiencing a non-ST elevated myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and need medical management. Cardiac ICU nurses regularly perform the following duties:

• Frequent hemodynamic and telemetry monitoring
• Use of intracardiac devices including Swan-Ganz (pulmonary artery) catheters and intra-aortic balloon pumps (IABP)
• Use of medications to control heart rate, rhythm, cardiac output, and blood pressure are common

Medical ICU Nurse

Medical ICU care for patients with sepsis, pneumonia, withdrawal from a substance such as alcohol or drugs, stroke, myocardial infarction, active gastrointestinal bleeding, or other complications. Medical ICU nursing procedures can include:

• Frequent hemodynamic monitoring
• Use of ventilators and hypothermia equipment common
• Use of medications and fluids for fluid resuscitation, hemodynamic instability, and infections are common

Trauma ICU Nurse

Trauma ICU nurses work with patients who have sustained injuries due to a motor vehicle crash, fall, attempted homicide, attempted suicide, drowning, or similar events. Trauma ICU nursing may include:

• Rapid assessment and detection of complications from trauma
• Broad knowledge of brain, spine, chest, orthopaedic, and abdominal injuries
• Close monitoring for small changes which may require emergent interventions

Burn ICU Nurse

Burn ICU nurses care for patients with a large surface area of burn injury. Procedures can include:

• Assess, treat, and manage wounds
• Treating sepsis
• Maintain airways and ensure adequate perfusion
• Pain management

Transplant ICU Nurse

Transplant ICU admits patients who have received or are about to receive an organ transplant such as cornea, heart, liver, or kidney. Transplant ICU nurses are responsible for the following:

• Monitor closely for organ rejection
• Maintain hemodynamic stability
• Equipment such as chest tubes and ventilators are common depending on the type of organ transplanted

Pediatric ICU Nurse

The PICU nurse sees miraculous recoveries as well as heartbreaking losses; some nurses find this especially difficult when children are the patients. Pediatric ICU nursing care includes:

• Close monitoring of hemodynamics and respiratory status
• Treatment of congenital diseases

Neonatal ICU Nurse

Neonatal ICU or NICU nursing is for infants with life-threatening injuries or diseases. NICU nurses perform the following practices as part of their role:

• Extensive knowledge of congenital illnesses and diseases affecting newborns
• Trauma and accidental injuries are common

Am I certain to lose my teeth?

No. With the right home care and help from your dental team, it is possible to keep your teeth for life. Gum disease and tooth decay can be prevented whatever your age.

What problems may older people have?

Your gums may recede (shrink back) as you get older, and your teeth may become a little more sensitive as a result. Your dental team will be able to show you the best brushing methods to keep any gum problems under control, and may suggest a mouthwash to deal with the sensitivity.

You may find it more difficult to clean your teeth properly if you have problems with your hands or arms, or if your eyesight is poor. Your dental team can give you help and advice on the best aids to use. A magnifying mirror and a good light are often helpful.

If you have lost some teeth in the past, and have bridges or dentures, you may have particular cleaning needs and problems. Your dental team can help you with these.

Some people take regular medication which makes their mouth dry. Saliva helps to protect your teeth against decay, so if you have less saliva than usual ask your dental team for advice. Or you can buy special products, including artificial saliva, in most pharmacies without a prescription.

Should I expect to have problems with my gums?

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of bacteria called ‘plaque’. Plaque forms constantly on your teeth. It is important to remove this plaque to avoid gum inflammation (swelling and soreness). If the plaque is not removed, the gum disease will, in time, affect the bone under the gums. This bone supports the tooth roots, so your teeth may gradually become loose.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

As it is often painless, many people may not know that they have gum disease. Some common signs are:

• Gums that bleed when brushed.
• Loose teeth.
• Receding gums.
• Bad breath.

Not everyone has all these signs. You may have only one.

Can I still get tooth decay?

Yes. The same dental plaque that causes gum inflammation can cause decay, particularly if you have sugary foods and drinks often. There is a particular risk of decay at the gum edge when the gum has receded, as the ‘neck’ of the tooth is not protected by enamel (the hard coating that covers most of the tooth).

How can I prevent gum disease and tooth decay?

• Thoroughly remove plaque from your teeth (and dentures if you have them) last thing at night and at least one other time during the day.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste containing 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. There are many special toothpastes on the market, including tartar control and total care toothpastes. Your dentist may prescribe a higher-fluoride toothpaste if they think you need it.
• You should clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or dental floss.
• Cut down on how often you have food and drinks containing sugar – especially sweets that last longer in the mouth such as boiled sweets or mints.
• Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.

What do I need to clean my teeth properly?

You need a small-headed, soft- to medium-textured toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. To help clean between your teeth you could use an ‘interdental brush’, floss or tape. If you have arthritis you may find it difficult to grip a toothbrush handle, but you can get handle adapters.

Electric or ‘power’ toothbrushes are also ideal for people with limited movement. The handles are thicker and easier to hold and the oscillating head does most of the work.

Power toothbrushes have been proven to remove more plaque than manual toothbrushes, so everyone can benefit from using them. There are many products available, and your dental team can help you decide which are best for you.

How do I know if I have removed all the plaque?

Plaque can be stained with a special dye painted on your teeth with a cotton bud, or with special ‘disclosing tablets’ from the dentist.

This stain is harmless and will show any areas of your mouth which need closer attention. Look particularly where the teeth and gums meet. A further brushing will remove the stained plaque.

Dentures, bridges or implants replace lost or missing teeth so that you can enjoy a healthy diet and smile with confidence.

What causes mouth ulcers?

Mouth ulcers can be caused by broken teeth, poorly fitting dentures or sharp pieces of food. Once the cause is removed, ulcers should heal within 3 weeks. If you notice an ulcer which does not heal, see your dental team straight away. Many serious conditions, such as mouth cancer, can be better treated if diagnosed early at a routine check-up.