Your Healthcare Professional Digest Has Arrived

June 2009

Issue 6.6

FEATURE STORY

When the Hiatus Ends

Healthcare Professional Digest speaks with Carol West, director of human resources and corporate training for Interim HealthCare, Greenville, S.C.

Remember your first day of school -- ever? You were probably excited but nervous. Eager to learn but afraid you might not "get" everything you were taught. Happy to meet so many new people but unsure of how you'd fit in.

Almost every nurse thinking about a return to the medical field after being away for two years, five years or more experiences some of the same emotions. Yet, despite their trepidation, most opt to come back to the jobs they love.

EDITORIAL CORNER

Returning to work ... Depleted energy levels ... A sick co-worker

Hello. I'm Linda Shaub, Interim HealthCare's vice president of marketing.

At this time of year, many nurses are finishing up classes and coming back into the workforce. Others may be thinking about going back to school in the fall. Is continuing education a good idea? What's the best way to return to work after a hiatus? Should you work for an agency or at a facility? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this month's feature article, based on an interview with Carol West, Interim HealthCare's director of human resources and corporate training.

In a past issue, an RN asked how other people keep themselves going when their get-up-and-go is gone. See what your peers have to say. What would you do if a co-worker insisted on coming into work and providing patients care -- even though that person was "under the weather"? A reader would like to know.

If you have a dilemma of your own or any input you'd like to share, please contact us. With your help, we can make our newsletter even better and more relevant for you.

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Take a minute to consider what's important to your quality of life.

Because we do. We provide the flexibility and opportunities that help create rewarding careers.

Every day we post great jobs and make it easy to apply.

Visit our CareersbyWeb page often.

COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR AND CEU

Attend this complimentary webinar and earn a CEU

Home care management of patients with diabetes

Diabetes is 7th most common cause of death among adults in the U.S.

The primary role of the nurse in providing care to the individual with diabetes is to assist the patient to achieve the knowledge, skills and motivation to remain independent in managing his or her chronic condition at home.

Attend this webinar, earn a CEU and learn how to:

Guide patients to develop self-care behaviors such as healthy eating, being active and monitoring blood glucose.
Use a collaborative approach when working with patients with diabetes to guide them through the process of gaining the knowledge and problem-solving and coping skills needed to successfully self-manage the disease and its related conditions.
Succeed in having patients demonstrate appropriate self-monitoring abilities.
Teach patients to interact effectively with the health care system.

Tuesday, June 23 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT

WHAT'S YOUR BEST ADVICE?

This Issue's Dilemma

Should my mouth be the one that's covered?

I'm a member of a team that provides home health care to an elderly gentleman. Twice in recent weeks, another nurse on the team has been in this client's home while she's obviously been suffering from contagious conditions, i.e., the flu and a cold. I don't think she should be around a patient who has compromised health. Should I speak to her, report her to a supervisor or just look the other way? -- Gretchen, RN

Share your experience. You could win funds toward CEUs.

Previous Issue's Dilemma

How do I keep going when the going gets tough?

As with many health care professionals, it seems like my workload is getting bigger every day, and sometimes I feel totally overwhelmed. How do my peers stay balanced and energized through a long, overloaded day? I'd really appreciate any pointers.

-- Cecile, RN

Read the best responses from your peers.

SURVIVE AND THRIVE: Helping you be all you can be

That Elusive Work-Life Balance
Tips to find it at last
by Edward Aldama - The Sideroad

Taking to the Friendly Skies this Summer?
Packing tips to avoid the hassles
from linkroll.com

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? Ways to better communication

Person-Centered Comments and Criticism
Why they only cause more problems
by Robert Bacal - work911.com

What's Your CQ?
Evaluate your communication quotient
by Craig Harrison - California Job Journal

REGULATORY & POLITICAL FRONT: Effects on you and your patients

States Consider Cutting Drug Help for Seniors
Faltering economy to blame
by Associated Press - The Boston Herald

The Medicare Doughnut Hole
Is there a way to keep clients from falling into it?
by Lori K. Parham - The Gainesville Sun