health

Preparing for a Career in Medicine: What You Need to Know

March 20, 2024 by Guest Contributor

Are you considering a career in medicine? Whether you have just graduated high school or are looking to make a career change, the field of medicine offers a rewarding and fulfilling path. However, before diving in, there are important factors to consider to ensure you are well-prepared for the journey ahead. In this post, we will discuss essential tips for starting a career in medicine that will help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Consider What Sparked Your Interest in the Field

The first step to starting a career in medicine is to carefully consider your motivations and goals. Medicine is a challenging field that requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine passion for helping others. Take some time to reflect on why you want to pursue a career in medicine and what you hope to achieve. This will not only help you stay motivated during the long and demanding training process, but also guide you in choosing a specialty that aligns with your interests and values.

A career in medicine should not be taken lightly. It is a calling that demands a significant commitment and sacrifice from those who choose to pursue it. The journey to becoming a doctor involves years of rigorous education, long hours of studying and training, and immense pressure to perform well. It also requires a deep sense of empathy and compassion for patients, as well as the ability to handle high levels of stress and make difficult decisions. Before embarking on this path, be sure to fully understand the challenges and responsibilities that come with the career.

Possible Medical Careers

There is a vast selection of possible careers in the medical field everything from Medical Coders, to Paramedics (EMTs), CNAs, Nurses (several types), Doctors, Surgeons, Lab Techs, Physician Assistants, and Heath Care Administrators to name just a few. Each requires different levels of training and requires different skills. So, you need to do your research on the niche you choose to pursue.

Is Your Job Making You Sick?

September 21, 2023 by Tim McMahon

Ways You Can Tell and What to Do About It

It’s not uncommon to feel a bit stressed or burnt out at work, but what happens when your job begins to hurt your mental and physical well-being? This can happen more easily than you might think, and it’s essential to recognize the signs early, so you can take action before things get worse.

In this post, we look at some of the telltale signs that your job is making you mentally or physically sick and offer some practical advice on what you can do to improve your situation.

The Mental Toll

You Feel Constantly Fatigued

Working long hours, feeling unfulfilled, and experiencing stress daily can all take a massive toll on your energy levels. This often leads to feeling physically exhausted, which can, in turn, exacerbate your mental state. If you’re feeling drained and find it challenging to muster the energy to focus on anything outside of work, then it might be time to re-evaluate your work-life balance.

You’re Irritable and Short-Tempered

Your job is likely to take up a significant amount of your time and energy, which can lead to feelings of frustration. This often causes irritability and a shorter temper than usual, which can create conflict with colleagues and even cause problems at home. If you find yourself struggling with your emotions and feeling overly sensitive or defensive, it could be a sign that your job is taking a significant toll on your mental health. [Read more…] about Is Your Job Making You Sick?

Excellent Six-Figure Careers To Consider

February 16, 2022 by Tim McMahon

It’s not surprising that many excellent six-figure careers are in the medical field but there are a few that aren’t. Of course, it is unlikely to start with a six-figure career in an entry-level job. So, in a time where most people face years of stagnant wages, it can leave you wondering what to do. Fortunately, there are some top-paying careers where you can earn six figures relatively rapidly but they usually require several extra years of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the top 10 Highest Paying careers are all in the medical field. Here are a few of them (not in any particular order).

Dentists

As we all know, dentists are responsible for helping patients with the health of their mouth, teeth, and gums. Between dealing with cavities to helping people whiten their smiles, these professionals usually make six figures a year and have work that is both in-demand and rewarding. It is difficult to get into school, but the long career awaiting you is worth your time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Dentists earn an average of $164,010 per year. About 5,000 openings for dentists are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Other less lucrative (but also less education intensive) professions in the Dental field include Dental Assistants ($41,180 per year), and Dental Hygienists ($77,090 per year). [Read more…] about Excellent Six-Figure Careers To Consider

Dealing With Temporary Disability After a Workplace Injury

March 25, 2020 by Guest Contributor

Since 1970, workplace deaths have been reduced by more than 60%, and occupational injuries have declined by 40%.

Although workplaces are safer than ever before, many jobs still carry a significant risk of injury and even death. After experiencing an injury on the job, many workers become temporarily disabled and unfit to work.

This type of sidelining from the job can cause a number of hardships. Many people find making ends meet difficult, especially if they have families, and mental health is frequently also negatively impacted. Here is a quick guide on strategies that can help you recover faster and get your life back on track.

Mental Health

Understanding why many injured workers slip into depression is easy. Unable to work, with nothing to occupy their time, workers often fall into the trap of repetitive thinking, obsessive thoughts, deflated morale, and lower self-confidence. Staying connected with friends and family is crucial for maintaining your mental health throughout the recovery process. In addition, many professional therapists specialize in treating injured workers who are experiencing a difficult recovery.

Stay on Top of Physical Therapy

For the fastest, most complete recovery possible, consult with a physical therapist who is trained to help patients with your particular injury. A good physical therapy regimen is medically proven to improve results by restoring your function closer to what it was prior to the accident than without the therapy. [Read more…] about Dealing With Temporary Disability After a Workplace Injury

Health Risks of Office Work and How to Avoid Them

April 24, 2019 by Tim McMahon

At a glance, office work may not seem dangerous. There isn’t a lot of heavy lifting going on and certainly no one wears a hardhat to their desk job. While working in an office may not seem like it could pose any health risks, there are several dangers of working in an office that you should be aware of. The good news is that they are avoidable when the proper measures are taken.

Obesity

Food at parties, meetings, corporate events, and random coworkers bringing in treats all add up to extra calories and extra inches around your waistline. If your company isn’t health-conscious, it may be time to take matters into your own hands. Advocate for healthier options at meetings and in the break rooms and vending machines. Bring your own lunch and stock your drawers with healthy snacks. If you are in a position of power, encourage your subordinates to have walk-and-talk meetings and to take breaks every so often. Get more exercise, take the stairs rather than the elevator, park further from the door take walks during your breaks. There are also several “chair exercises” that you can do right at your desk.

Stress and Depression

Many Americans cite work as one of their top stressors. Causes of stress at work include long hours, lack of support, and large workloads. All of these factors lead to very stressed and depressed office employees. It’s well-known how stress and depression can negatively impact a person’s health; issues range from increased illness to suicide. If you are an office worker, be sure to identify why you are feeling stressed. Talk to your manager about those specific things and try to work out a better plan. Also, be sure to use all of your mental health days! One of the major causes of depression is a lack of vitamin “D” aka. the “sunshine vitamin” and so being in an office all day you probably aren’t getting much sunshine. So if you can add the 5 or 10 minute walk in the sunshine that will help also taking a vitamin supplement can also help make up the deficiency. Of course not all depression is from a vitamin deficiency but it is a good place to start. And once again getting more exercise can also help increase your serotonin levels.

Neck and Back Pain

Sitting for too long or having an improper posture leads to [Read more…] about Health Risks of Office Work and How to Avoid Them

4 Tips for Avoiding a Workplace Accident in a Blue Collar Environment

March 12, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If you recently got hired to work a blue-collar job, there are some things that you should know if you want to stay safe at work. Industrial environments are known to have additional hazards that you’ll likely not find in office jobs, so it’s especially important to be diligent when it comes to looking after your well-being. These four tips can help you avoid a workplace accident in your blue-collar environment.

Use All Safety Equipment

If hardhats, safety goggles, and other types of safety equipment are available at your work, you should use them. Many job sites require that you wear a hardhat and not doing so can result in your termination. Your work environment may also have earplugs or headphones that can protect your hearing if you work in a noisy environment. Some employers even give employees the option of using back supports when lifting heavy objects. Your employer should provide instructions on how to use the safety equipment properly so that you can keep yourself better protected.

Avoid Taking Shortcuts

You might be tempted at some point to take shortcuts to finish your work quicker, but doing so may prove to be dangerous as you can see from the video below. If you try to complete a certain task while skipping important steps, you run the risk of causing an accident that could result in bodily harm. It’s important that you take the time to follow each process correctly, even if it means falling behind in your schedule. If your employer tries to pressure you into working faster and causes you to suffer an injury, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit. If you can’t work and need money there are now companies that offers settlement advances until a settlement has been reached. But be cautious, some companies offer lawsuit loans, or pre-settlement loans which you might have to repay if you lose your case. You should seek a non-recourse lawsuit settlement advance. That way, you owe nothing if you lose your case.

https://youtu.be/CfaozYDFxdY?t=15

Need Employment? 4 Jobs that are Always Hiring

February 18, 2019 by Guest Contributor

Being unemployed for any amount of time can be stressful. Whether you have a degree in your pocket or are just starting out, however, you’ll still be able to find employment if you know where to look. There are certain industries that are known to hire new employees regularly, and some that are currently suffering from a shortage of applicants. By searching any of these four industries for open positions, you may end up landing a stable job that will pay your living needs and beyond for as long as you need.

Medical

You don’t have to be a doctor to find a good job in the healthcare field. Nurses and medical assistants are always in high demand, but you may need additional education to be hired. Working as phlebotomist, which involves drawing patients’ blood, is another possible option that doesn’t require a lot of additional schooling. You can also become a medical office manager or an office administrator and play an important role in scheduling appointments, answering patient questions and keeping medical records in order. No matter what your education level, you’ll be able to find a hospital or clinic that is hiring and happy to have you on their team.

Technology

Skilled workers in technology are needed constantly to help companies keep up with modern demands. Information technology (IT) experts are often in high demand for their ability to solve basic computer problems. If you are interested in fixing the “guts” of a computer you should look into getting an A+ certification. On the other hand if the programming side is more your thing a Microsoft Certification will certainly help speed along your job search. You can also provide support through call centers in customer service, which is always hiring and rarely requires any prior experience. Even if you [Read more…] about Need Employment? 4 Jobs that are Always Hiring

Job Related Cancer Risks

December 21, 2013 by Guest Contributor

Over the years one of the highest risks of exposure to hazardous chemicals has been in the work environment. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has developed a list of the top priority substances to be aware of. This priority list is not a list of “most toxic” substances, but rather a prioritization of substances based on a combination of their frequency, toxicity, and potential for human exposure. The complete CDC list contains 275 substances including Arsenic, Lead, Mercury, Benzene, Cyanide and Asbestos.

The difference between most of these chemicals and asbestos is the way it affects your body. Most chemicals are absorbed and then cause problems as they travel through your bloodstream. The problem with asbestos on the other hand is that the little fibers get inhaled and stuck in your lungs and eventually they can cause a problem called Mesothelioma. [Read more…] about Job Related Cancer Risks

What’s the Latest Buzz on Online Medical Education

October 31, 2013 by Guest Contributor

The advent of the internet and personal computers revolutionized the way we receive information. Modern technology makes it possible to educate and train the next generation of health care providers in a virtual classroom (such as those at CNACertification-Training.com). While online education creates opportunities for many people, especially those unable to pursue an education otherwise, it does not come without challenges and concerns. Many professionals are concerned that the quality of education received online may be substandard. Lack of personal interaction, potential academic dishonesty, and inadequate training of instructors bring into question the reliability of these distant learning programs.

Team Work

A universal concern among skeptics of online curriculum is the seeming lack of interpersonal interaction between peers, students, and faculty. There is doubt that online programs provide the necessary training to prepare students for working as part of a group. All healthcare workers are part of a team of professionals providing patient care. Learning to communicate and cooperate with others is essential to building a cohesive unit, and without it, patient care suffers. An online classroom generally does not afford the opportunity of face-to-face collaboration. And an individual, knowledgeable in theory, may yet be ill equipped to work with others. Most online programs deal with this issue through the use of online forums requiring students to post a certain number of comments on each assignment. This allows students to provide and receive feedback on their ideas from other students and the professor.

The Honor Code

Academic honesty is another concern. The anonymity provided by [Read more…] about What’s the Latest Buzz on Online Medical Education

Becoming a Home Health Care Administrator

December 19, 2012 by Andrina Cagandahan

Patients prefer home care over an extended stay in a hospital or nursing home, and for the elderly, home care can actually be the more affordable option. Home health care agencies provide skilled nurses and medical workers to oversee older patients who need constant care and may be approaching the end of their lives. They also serve people with severe disabilities or patients who are recovering from serious accidents. Home health agencies also employ administrators to be in charge of both the business and the patient wellness aspects of the company. Not every health care administrator works at a hospital – some of them specialize in the best ways to provide this very personal home health care. Here are the steps to pursuing health care administration as a career.

1. Researching Health Care Administration

The duties of a home health care administrator can vary wildly based on the kind of agency they work for. The first step in getting involved in the home health care industry is finding out which kinds of agencies are near you and which services they provide. Some agencies specialize in hospice care, which can mean involving a person’s family in their end-of-life treatment. Others provide help with dressing and bathing for the elderly or disabled. Some agencies specialize in physical therapy, and others provide nurses who can administer medications and help patients with their diet. Every kind of home health care has different licensing requirements, and it’s important to know what kind of education or certification you need to pursue.

2. Gaining Health Care Experience

Before you can become the boss, you need to have a good grasp of medical practices. Many health administrators are also registered nurses, and even more have spent years working in hospitals and interacting with patients. Even if your knowledge and experience lean more towards the business side of things, you might want to look for work as a healthcare administrative assistant. This is a valuable way to [Read more…] about Becoming a Home Health Care Administrator