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Is there a job that you’re looking for and you’re probably wondering if you’re qualified? Well, sometimes you could be qualified but your resume is saying otherwise. So what you need to do is work on your resume since it’s the most important thing. When you have a great professional resume, it will set you up for success before even getting into that interview room. Below are things that you should consider and others which you should avoid. So consider the following points and you will stand out.

Do’s:

1.   Be Precise

Go straight to the point and avoid providing so much information. This will make it interesting to read.

2.   Apply Bullet Points Where Necessary

When you are mentioning about your previous job, outline the details in bullet form. Also, use bullet points for other concise parts.

3.   Use a Resume Template

If you want your resume to look more professional, you need to use a modern template. What really attracts people to read your resume is the layout used. Tis is often the first impression.

4.   Tailor It

Ensure that your resume is matching the specific job that you’re looking for.

5.   Provide your Personal Information

What employers want is to see your contact information in the header. This is because if they’ll need to contact you it will be easy for them. So try and make their work easier.

6.   Include a Cover Letter

What actually sells you the most is your cover letter. So if you want In addition to tailoring the resume, adding a cover letter for that specific job will definitely help you stand out.

7.   Talk about your accomplishments Instead of Responsibilities

Responsibilities of past jobs were things you were supposed to do and can be found in any job description. Instead, say how you did them.

Don’ts:

1.   Avoid being General

When you are general when describing yourself, there won’t be a difference between you and other people. Always find a way of standing out from the rest of the interviewees.

2.   Do not provide inaccurate Information

However how small the false information provided is, it can cost you your job. So ensure that you provide correct information in your professional resume. It is always good to be honest.

3.  Avoid Spelling and Grammar Errors

These errors won’t get you anywhere except for the not interviewing pile. Edit carefully!

4.   Do not use Crazy Fonts and Bright Colors

When we say that you should stand out, it doesn’t mean you should overdo it. Just stick to Times New Roman or Cambria fonts.

5.   Do not Write More Than a Page

Depending on the country you’re in, the USA style is one page. This is because the purpose of your professional resume is to let the employers know what your achievements are. So you’re not telling them the whole story of your life.

6.   Avoid Sounding General

Using tons of keywords and phrases that everyone else does to make themselves sound more professional doesn’t describe who you really are and what you are capable of.

7.   Do not Write Irrelevant Information

What the HR office is more interested in is they want to know more about your achievements and experiences. They do not care about other things that are not work related. So keep other things away from your resume.  

Looking for a job is definitely not an easy task. Therefore, we wish you all the best in the journey of discovering what you love. Make use of the above do’s and don’ts and soon you will land that prestigious job.

Geriatric nurse specialize in the care of older patients and are a crucial part of the healthcare team in helping older adults maintain their mobility, independence, and quality of life. They are trained to anticipate the needs of aging adults and work closely with primary care physicians, attending physicians, social workers, and families to provide individualized care to elderly patients. Geriatric nurses focus on age-related diseases and health concerns, including the following:

• Osteoporosis
• Cancer
• Stroke
• Alzheimer’s disease/dementia
• Arthritis
• Chronic pain
• Poly-pharmacy
• Medication tolerance
• Falls
• Nutritional deficiency
• Impaired mobility
• Incontinence

Geriatric nurses can also address psychosocial issues. Older adults may have impaired mobility that can result in feelings of loneliness, depression, and isolation. Mental health is as significant in geriatric patients as physical health. Additionally, abuse (physical, psychological, and financial) and neglect are a concern among the elderly. In fact, an estimated 4 million older adults experience abuse and neglect, according to the American Psychological Association, and geriatric nurses can work as advocates for them and provide them the resources they need.

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Those considering a position as a geriatric nurse should have experience and interest in caring for an aging population. These patients present a unique set of challenges and require a unique set of skills to address them. A nurse willing to act as an advocate, resource, and liaison is an added benefit.

What are the Education Requirements for a Geriatric Nurse?

Nursing students can begin their careers in geriatric nursing by completing courses in nursing programs. Many nursing schools have geriatric nursing modules that are incorporated into the program. Nursing students can also perform clinical rotations in healthcare facilities that specialize in geriatric nursing, such as skilled nursing facilities or geriatric-centered hospital units.

Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Practicing Registered Nurses can obtain certification in gerontological nursing. RNs must complete an examination for certification, which lasts five years. The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) offers certification for nurses who:

• Currently hold an RN license
• Have two years of full-time RN experience (or equivalent)
• Have a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical practice in the specialty of gerontological nursing within the last three years
• Have completed 30 hours of continuing education in gerontological nursing in the last three years

Where Do Geriatric Nurses Work?

Geriatric nurses can work in a variety of healthcare settings such as:

• Hospitals
• Skilled nursing facilities
• Nursing homes
• Retirement centers
• Memory care centers
• Outpatient ambulatory care clinics
• In-home care/ Home health
• Clinical educators in healthcare facilities, universities, and community colleges
• Case management (BSN-prepared RNs)

What Does a Geriatric Nurse Do?

Geriatric nurses are trained to anticipate the needs of an aging patient population, and possess the skills needed to act on their behalf.

What Are the Roles & Duties of a Geriatric Nurse?

The roles and duties of a geriatric nurse may include:

• Patient education
• Medication management
• Liaison between patients, family, and care providers
• Maintaining functional mobility
• Maintaining psychosocial health
• Bedside nursing care of geriatric patients

Geriatric Nurse Salary & Employment

While the field of nursing is rewarding in and of itself, specializing in geriatric nursing can be especially rewarding. In the United States, Baby Boomers are growing older and often account for more healthcare visits than younger Americans. This means the demand for geriatric nurses is increasing. The median salary for a geriatric nurse is $66,169 annually. However, salaries can vary depending on the state and city, years of experience, employer or facility, and degree and certifications held.

Forensic nurses specialize in caring for patients who are the victims of trauma, violence, and abuse. They have a foundation in the criminal justice system as well as nursing. They are on the front lines when victims of crimes need help the most, providing sensitive, compassionate care while meticulously collecting relevant evidence that may be needed later in court. Some forensic nurses choose to specialize in sexual assault/trauma by becoming certified as Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).

Becoming a Forensic Nurse

Those who are interested in forensic nursing should have an interest in not only direct patient care, but also in being a patient advocate. They should also have an interest in criminal justice and the legal system. Strong attention to detail is also a quality valued in forensic nursing. Forensic nurses are exposed to emotionally draining and potentially disturbing cases, so having a stable work-life balance and support from family and friends is essential.

What Are the Educational Requirements for a Forensic Nurse?

Completion of an accredited nursing program is required. Aspiring forensic nurses can obtain an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). While a master’s degree in nursing (MSN) is not required, it may make a nurse more hirable. Additionally, specialty forensic nursing graduate degrees are required for certain types of forensic nursing certifications.

After completion of a nursing program, successful completion of the NCLEX-RN exam is required for licensure as a registered nurse.

A nurse may choose to practice as a registered nurse or advance to a nurse practitioner role specializing in forensic nursing.

Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

Obtaining certification in forensic nursing is highly recommended. While not necessarily required, certification demonstrates a commitment to the profession and a higher standard of care within the field of forensic nursing.

Registered nurses and advanced practice nurses can complete a formal forensic nurse specialist program. The American Institute of Health Care Professionals offers comprehensive training in forensic nursing to include 250 contact hours of continuing education. The requirements for this program include:

• Completion of formal training as a registered nurse
• A current/valid RN license

While an Advanced Forensic Nursing certification used to be offered through the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the ANCC retired it in late 2017.

Where Do Forensic Nurses Work?

Forensic nurses can work in a variety of patient care areas. In the hospital setting, forensic nurses may work in the following departments:

• Emergency rooms
• Urgent care departments assisting with trauma cases (intentional and unintentional trauma), injuries, and assault/abuse

In the community setting, forensic nurses may find work with:

• Coroners
• Medical examiners
• Pathologists
• Local government agencies
• Non-profit organizations that serve trauma/abuse survivors

Forensic Nurse FAQs

A Forensic Nurse may be subpoenaed (ordered to attend court) under two circumstances:

• As a “Fact Witness”- This involves the forensic nurse that delivered care to the patient/victim following the crime including interviewing, evidence collection, injury identification, and evaluation. This nurse worked specifically with the patient and can attest to the documentation they have provided. It is important to note that as a fact witness, the nurse may testify about anything observed or said during the exam but cannot provide an opinion on the causation of any injuries. For example, a nurse that collected evidence such as swabs for DNA can testify regarding his or her methods used to collect that evidence. The nurse may be asked to describe in detail how it was collected or stored.
• As an “Expert Witness”- This designation is achieved after a forensic nurse has attained a high level of experience. It qualifies a nurse to provide special knowledge while testifying as to whether or not an injury is consistent with the patient’s account of the assault. An expert witness may not be able to speak to the evidence collected and presented in court, but can provide general information about current practice and protocols that are based on experience and medical literature.

What Does a Forensic Nurse Do?

Forensic nurses have many duties that may differ based on where they work. Forensic nurses basically wear two hats — a nurse hat and a law enforcement hat. This unique, dual role ensures that victims of a crime receive the best quality care during a very emotionally and physically trying time. Victims of sexual assault or battery may not trust caregivers, or they may be afraid to report to law enforcement. Forensic nurses on the front lines can act as both caregiver and liaisons, limiting the amount of interactions which, in turn, can help build trust with victims.

Forensic nurses who work in emergency departments/urgent care may:

• Take a thorough patient history
• Collect evidence such as debris, bodily fluids, bullets
• Perform physical examinations
• Photograph injuries/evidence
• Perform wound care
• Interview the patient and/or family
• Report victims of assault/abuse to local law enforcement and Child/Adult Protective Services

Forensic nurses working in the community may:

• Take blood/tissue samples
• Respond to the scene of accident/death
• Photograph injuries/wounds
• Photograph crime scenes
• Collect evidence
• Assist with autopsies
• Act as a deputy coroner

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Forensic Nurse?

Whether forensic nurses are employed in the hospital or community setting, working with deceased or living patients, their roles are the same. These include:

• Collect data and complete thorough documentation
• Act as a liaison between victims of assault and their families
• Act as a liaison with law enforcement and social services
• Testify in court
• Provide comfort to victims and families
• Provide resources to victims and families including mental health counseling, shelters, etc.

If you have hopes of pursuing a career in nursing, you’ve probably looked into the different specialties available to nurses. Each specialty demands its own skills and characteristics, which is especially true for those working in emergency nursing. Emergency nurses work in a fast-paced, often-stressful environment that requires a unique skill set above and beyond the standard nursing skills.

Your ability to stay calm and collected in urgent situations is one of the reasons you’re considering becoming an emergency room nurse. But the thought of working in the ER is intimidating—what if you can’t handle the pressure? Or is that part of the job overblown? You need all the info you can get as you research the ins and outs of emergency nursing. Keep reading to learn more about the skills and qualities you’ll need in this dynamic nursing specialty.

What do emergency nurses do?

ER nurses treat patients who are suffering from trauma, injury or severe medical conditions and require urgent treatment. Since these specialists work in crisis situations, they must be able to quickly identify the best way to stabilize patients and minimize pain.

“The nursing duties are the same wherever you work—except in the emergency department, everything is compressed,” says former trauma and transport nurse Pat Carroll. She shares that ER nurses are often evaluating and treating patients almost simultaneously, and they work with a team of specialists, such as radiologists and orthopedic experts, to provide the highest-quality care.

Working in an emergency room isn’t all excitement all the time. “Every shift is not as exciting as a shift on TV,” Carroll says. “The interesting and unusual cases they treat in one day may happen over a month or two in a typical emergency department.” Lauren Elliott, author and RN, adds that, depending on the hospital, ER nurses can spend much of their time performing other duties like preparing rooms and updating electronic health records.

Emergency nursing careers may also come with the important role of educating the public. Some ER nurses participate in public programs that promote wellness and prevent injuries, such as alcohol awareness, child passenger safety, gun safety, bicycle and helmet safety and domestic violence prevention.

What are the most common conditions treated in the ER?

Emergency nurses encounter many conditions with varying degrees of severity—ailments range anywhere from a sore throat to a heart attack. According to data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, the top-five reasons for ER visits in 2014 were^*:

• Abdominal pain
• Upper-respiratory infections
• Strains and sprains
• Superficial injury (an injury that does not affect muscles or organs)
• Chest pain

The injuries ER nurses encounter most often depends largely on where they work. Hospitals in large metropolitan areas are more likely to see extreme cases like gunshot or stab wounds, but they also receive patients with less-acute problems who are simply seeking primary care, according to Carroll.

Rural areas typically have more trauma injuries resulting from vehicle crashes or accidents with farm equipment. “And, today, everybody is seeing significantly more overdoses regardless of where we practice,” Carroll adds.

Geographic region also plays a role. Elliott notes that emergency departments in southern states are more likely to see illnesses that affect the elderly, such as chest pain or fractures from falls, since many “snowbirds” head for warmer climates to escape harsh winters in their home states.

Where do emergency nurses work?

The majority of emergency nurses work in the emergency departments of hospitals or medical clinics, but there are a few other work environments you may not have guessed for this nursing specialty.

Emergency nurses can be found working as “Flight nurses, on search and rescue teams, in the film industry as movie medics or in urgent care facilities,” Elliott says. If the prospect of practicing your medical skills in the air or on the set of a Hollywood movie isn’t exciting enough, ER nurses can also serve patients by working on cruise ships. Emergency nurses are particularly well suited for this unique work environment since they’re used to seeing patients with a variety of ailments, according to Carroll.

There are also calmer options for emergency nurses, such as schools or walk-in clinics, where their emergency skills can serve a vital role. “We are particularly valuable if we have emergency department experience and can pick out that one person with symptoms that seem appropriate for a walk-in center but are, in fact, more serious,” Carroll says.

Nurses who specialize in emergency situations are limited only by their own preferences when it comes to choosing a work environment. “I think we could work virtually anywhere,” Elliott says. “ER nurses see and deal with everything.”

Managed care nurse acts as liaisons between patients, healthcare providers, insurance companies and government organizations, working to ensure patients receive quality, cost-effective healthcare. Managed care nurses have specialized knowledge of the managed care system in which patients can only see designated medical professionals, such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Plans (PPOs) or government funded healthcare assistance programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Managed care nurses evaluate a patient’s healthcare needs and connect them to cost-effective healthcare providers, counsel patients on the importance of preventative healthcare and work to keep costs down for patients and insurance companies.

Becoming a Managed Care Nurse

In order to become a managed 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. Managed care nurses generally begin their careers as staff nurses in clinics or private practices before moving into managed care. Others have a background in social work or social services before becoming an RN. RNs who want to specialize in managed care nursing may also seek the Certification in Managed Care Nursing credential administered by the American Board of Managed Care Nursing.

A typical job posting for a managed 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 Managed Care Nursing credential a plus
• Experience working with managed care systems
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for coordinating with patients, healthcare providers, insurance companies and government organizations on a daily basis
• Strong computer skills for inputting patient health assessments, updating records and completing required insurance documents

To search and apply for current managed care nurse positions, visit our job boards.

What Are the Education Requirements for Managed Care Nurse?

A position as a managed care nurse requires an ADN or BSN degree in addition to an active RN license. During the course of the nursing education, elective courses in social work are particularly helpful for a career in managed care nursing, as most managed care nurses work with patients who are using social services to pay for their healthcare. Generally, an advanced degree is not required, although some managed care nurses may choose to pursue a Master’s of Science in Nursing degree if they wish to move into nursing management or leadership.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While not always a requirement for managed care nursing positions, earning the Certification in Managed Care Nursing credential administered by the American Board of Managed Care Nursing, is certainly a competitive advantage for managed care nurses seeking employment.

Where Do Managed Care Nurses Work?

Managed care nurses often work for health management organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Plans (PPOs) or government agencies and social services programs. They may also work in:

• Hospitals
• Specialty clinics
• Community health centers

Managed care nurses use specialized knowledge of the managed healthcare system to connect patients to cost-effective healthcare providers who can deliver the quality of care they need. Managed care nurses educate patients about the importance of preventative healthcare, such as regular check-ups and vaccinations, healthy nutrition and exercise, which can decrease medical costs in the long term for both patients and insurance companies. Often working with the elderly and low income individuals who rely on government assistance like Medicare and Medicaid for their healthcare needs, managed care nurses act as a coordinator between patients, healthcare providers, hospitals and insurance companies to ensure patients have consistent access to quality medical care.

 What Are the Roles and Duties of a Managed Care Nurse?

• Act as liaison between healthcare providers, nurse facilities, hospitals, patients and insurance companies to ensure consistent and cost-effective care
• Evaluate patient’s plan of care and make recommendations about care alternatives that will aid in the quality of care for patients while keeping costs low
• Educate patients and caregivers about preventative healthcare, such as regular doctor’s visits and vaccinations, as well as disease management
• Conduct physical, psychological and emotional assessments of patients to ensure they are receiving timely interventions and high quality care

Managed Care Nurse Salary & Employment

Managed care nurse supervisors can expect a median salary of around $70,545, with a range of $64,000 – $88,322. Employment of registered nurses overall is projected to grow 16 percent from 2014 to 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The outlook for managed care nurses should also grow as the population ages and more individuals depend on managed care plans like Medicare.

As all nurses are trained to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, infection control nurses specifically specialize in preventing the spread of infectious agents such as that of viruses and bacteria. With no two bacteria alike, infection control nurse works diligently to prevent dangerous outbreaks from occurring in a hospital setting. All medical professionals are trained to take standard precautions that include hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and isolation precautions according to the patient being cared for. Even so, such precautions do not completely eliminate the possibility for infectious agents to spread. It is an infection control nurse’s job to perform and educate others on how to prevent and contain outbreaks and to prevent further incidents from occurring.

How Do I Become an Infection Control Nurse?

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Upon graduating with a bachelor’s of nursing degree and passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), one can secure a position in infection control after obtaining some experience in the nursing field.

What Are the Education Requirements for Infection Control Nurses?

The education requirement to become an infection control nurse is to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Although a nursing diploma or an Associate’s Degree in Nursing has been the minimum requirement, many employers prefer graduate nurses to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing. A BSN degree typically takes four years to complete in a university or college.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

With the proper nursing degree and a couple years of experience under one’s belt, the nurse will then be eligible to sit for the certification exam with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

The expertise of an infection control nurse is needed in the following healthcare settings:

• Hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Home Care
• Ambulatory Care
• Hospices
• Emergency Preparedness
• Public Health
• Behavioral Health

The role of an infection control nurse is to determine, prevent, and contain infectious outbreaks in the healthcare setting. Even in a sterile and sanitary environment, an infection can easily spread causing patients to become ill and possibly die. In order to prevent the spread of this infection to a large area, it is the job of an infection control nurse to not only contain these agents within a hospital community but also to prevent such illnesses on a larger scale.

What Are the Roles and Duties of an Infection Control Nurse?

With advanced skills and knowledge, the responsibilities of an infection control nurse include:

• Gathering and analyzing infection data, facts and trends to other healthcare personnel.
• Providing training and education to other medical professionals and civilians on prevention techniques.
• Develop plans to prevent patients from spreading diseases throughout the hospital or other patient care facilities.
• Often acting as a coordinator or leader of an Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Program.
• Reinforcing the implementation of infection control practices as provided in the guidelines of the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Bringing rates of infection down within a facility.
• Determining the origin of a particular pathogen by studying the makeup and composition of it.
• Working side by side with scientists and doctors to develop treatments for other infectious diseases.

Infection Control Nurse Salary & Employment

Infection control nurses can earn between $77,403 and $92,923 annually. The median salary for an RN in Infection Control is $84,794 per year. As the salary can vary widely depending on many factors, it is important to keep in mind the type of employer, years of experience, and state when comparing salaries.

Potential nurses should be experienced in proper chemical disinfection and sterilization practices. As a big part of one’s role as an infection control nurse is to instruct and educate patients and hospital staff, one should be comfortable with public speaking and giving direction. As an effective infection control nurse is a big asset to a healthcare facility, these nurses can find employment through hospitals and health care centers.

A burn care nurse specializes in the care of patients who suffer from burn injuries, and in many cases, have also experienced other kinds of trauma. The burn care nurse treats and monitors burn wounds, and plays a critical role in the assessment of emotional and psychological trauma that so often accompanies a burn injury. This specialty calls for a wide range of clinical skills including triage, pain management, critical care, and trauma recovery.

Becoming a Burn Care Nurse

In order to become a burn care nurse, a nursing student must complete their degree and pass NCLEX-RN. Most nurses enter burn care after beginning their professional experience in the ICU or other trauma unit. In fact, most employers prefer an applicant who has at least some professional experience in critical care. Because burn injuries often carry severe emotional and psychological implications for the patient and their families, a high level of compassion is required for those entering the burn care nursing field.

What Are the Education Requirements for Burn Care Nurses?

Burn care nurses must hold either an Associate of Science in Nursing degree or a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing degree, as well as an active RN license. The amount of additional education desired varies from employer to employer. Some hospitals and healthcare employers require a burn care nurse who holds additional certifications such as Advanced Burn Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support before being considered for BCU positions. Most employers prefer a burn care nurse have some level of work experience in the ICU or other critical care unit.

Are Any Certifications or Credentials Needed?

While there is no certification specific to burn care nursing, many hospitals and healthcare employers require applicants to hold other certifications critical to the care of burn patients. These may include:

• Advanced Burn Life Support
• Basic Life Support
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

Where Do Burn Care Nurses Work?

Burn care nurses work primarily in the Burn Care Unit (BCU) or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of hospitals. They may also work in a hospital’s Emergency Room or Trauma Center, as well as in outpatient facilities that provide ongoing care and rehabilitation services for patients recovering from burn injuries.

What Does a Burn Care Nurse Do?

Burn care nurses treat a wide range of patients who are suffering from different types of burn injuries, which may include chemical or electrical wounds as well as accidental and non-accidental traumas, such as an automobile or household accidents. Burn care nurses use a variety of equipment and techniques to clean, bandage, and monitor burn wounds, as well as educate the patient and their caretakers on the ongoing treatment and dressing of burns, pain management techniques, and how to prevent infection. They also play an important role in monitoring the patient’s emotional wellbeing and recommending additional mental health care interventions when appropriate.

What Are the Roles and Duties of a Burn Care Nurse?

• Stabilization of acutely burned patients
• Assess, dress and monitor burn wounds
• Maintain patient’s comfort, assess pain levels and assist in pain management
• Administer medications intravenously, by injection, orally or by other methods
• Monitor the patient’s emotional well-being and determine whether mental health interventions are needed
• Educate the patient’s family and other caretakers in ongoing burn wound care, rehabilitation procedures and provide emotional support
• May also help educate the community-at-large about burn prevention techniques and best practices

Burn Care Nurse Salary & Employment

The median salary for a critical care nurse, which includes many burn care nurses, is $68,250 with a range of $39,453 – $89,794. Factors that affect this salary range include geographic location, professional experience, education level, and quantity of professional certifications.

The employment outlook for RNs as a profession is very positive, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting employment for all nurses to grow by 16% between 2014 – 2024. While this projected growth is mostly attributed to factors not related to burn care (aging population, preventative care, etc.), the demand for skilled critical care and trauma professionals will always be high.

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.