NURSING JOB: IN-PATIENT MEDICAL CODING/QA AUDITOR

Company Name: HCCA Health Connections Inc. 

Address: 8th Floor Science Hub Tower 2, Campus Avenue Corner Turin Drive, Mckinley Cyberpark, Fort Bonifacio Taguig City

Contact: Gretchen Bonifacio

Requirements: 

1. Registered Nurse
2. 3-4 years experience on In-patient coding and Auditing
3. CCS holder

Send your resumes now at gbonifacio@hccahc.com or at recruitment@hccahc.com

Read More

TWO FILIPINO NURSES PASS LICENSURE EXAM IN GERMANY

MANILA- Two Filipina nurses successfully passed the Gesundheits-und Krankenpflegerin, Germany’s official state examination for nurses, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported yesterday.

According to DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, "The future of Filipino nurses in Germany looks bright with the initial success of nurses Krystel Anne Sumido and Eowyn Galvez, who were hired under the Triple Win Project through the POEA (Philippine Overseas Employment Administration)".

“This is a happy development because two Filipinos have achieved the record of being the first Filipino nurses to have passed as Qualified Nurses,” Baldoz added.

Meanwhile, of the 225 nurses under the said program, there are 70 Filipino nurses undergoing language class A1 and A2, and 114 others either waiting for language training, waiting for employers or waiting to be deployed.

“The challenge at hand is getting other qualified employers who can sustain the benchmark that has been established by the hospitals which started participating in Triple Win,” Hans Cacdac, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) chief, noted.

Cacdac, said they were looking for more employers who are similarly willing to invest in foreign nurses and pay for the costs involved in the nurses’ study of the German language, which they need in order to be deployed with the help of 2 agencies: BA’s International Placement Services (ZAV) and German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).

Sources:

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/10/05/1376677/2-pinay-nurses-pass-frankfurt-state-examinations

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/10/07/14/2-pinoy-nurses-pass-recognition-exam-germany

Read More

NURSE FOR CHANGE MOVEMENT TO HOLD A "MASS ACTION"

Nurse for Change Movement is set to conduct a protest on October 17, 2014 against the government after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) denied the proposed wage increase for Nurses last May. In a letter dated May 26, 2014 by DBM to Rep. Leah S. Paquiz, the department apparently turned down the proposed increase in wages of nurses.

Dr. Carl E. Balita, a recognized registered nurse and a radio commentator, called for nurses through social media to take action and conduct a “mass action,” or remonstration on October 17, 2014.

Balita, initiated to create Nurses for Change Movement with the help of other Nurses organizations and groups. Their advocacies are salary increase for nurses, stop false volunteerism, and have adequacy nurse-patient ratio.

Meanwhile, the Nurses for Change Movement is on the process of generating more supports for the cause.

Read More

NURSING RULES THAT YOU MAY FIND WEIRD

All professions, including nursing have set of rules and protocols which its practitioners have to follow. In nursing, we have Nurses Code of Ethics which guides us for carrying out nursing duties in a way consistent with the standard and quality nursing care and moral duties of the profession.

In trans-cultural nursing, it is important to know every rule related to your profession not only in your country but also in foreign nations. Most rules related to our profession are common and being practice everywhere but you may find some rules weird.

Here are the list of weird nursing rules I came across with and I hope you you’ll have fun time.

1. Color coded nursing uniforms

In Wales, United Kingdom, nurses must wear color coded uniforms depending on the level or type of nurses. This rule was established in mid-2010 for the convenience of patients. Example: A staff nurse must wear a hospital blue uniform while a clinical nurse specialist must wear a royal blue uniform; green uniform for health care support worker whereas aqua green for nursery nurse. One good thing is that the government is responsible for providing these uniforms. I hope nobody in Wales is colorblind.

2. Say “Please” before a blood test

This rule is being implemented at the Worthing Hospital in West Sussex, England. Nurses can decline to carry out orders involving blood work if the doctor forgets to write the magic word “Please” on his request. This was implemented to lessen the pressure of nurses from the doctor by making the latter think twice before writing the order.

3. You can’t be obese in Japan

As a healthcare professional, we would like to be an example of a healthy individual by being fit as much as possible. In Japan, they have passed a law officially known as the Standard Concerning Implementation Special Health Examinations and Special Public Health Guidance, more commonly known as “metabo law,” named after “metabolic syndrome” which is Japan’s official name for obesity. This law restricts not only nurses but all citizens of Japan from becoming fat. So if you are planning to practice your profession in Japan, you might want to consider this rule first.

The law was made effective in 2008 by the Japanese government that made it essential for the citizens to cut their waistline to a government-specified standard in order to prevent metabolic syndrome, commonly known as “metabo.”

4. No to pregnancy in United Arab of Emirates (UAE)

In UAE, single nurses are not allowed to be pregnant. It is forbidden to get pregnant without a husband. In Dubai, single women who are expectant have options to either marry the father or leave the country; the other option is being arrested for fornication. In the other countries of UAE, single women who are pregnant may be detained or deported.

sources:

http://scrubsmag.com/10-nursing-rules-youve-never-heard-of/11/

http://wafflesatnoon.com/illegal-to-be-overweight-in-japan/

http://studiofa.deviantart.com/favourites/3943740/Featured

http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/artists/417065768/cartoons/traditional/cartoons/mixedmedia?offset=10&view_mode=2

http://uniformscrubs.wordpress.com/

Read More

MNEMONIC FOR HYPERTENSION MANAGEMENT

Management of Hypertension comes in many forms, from lifestyle modification to the use of different anti-hypertensive medications. Always remember, a nurse "DEALS" with this common illness in a usual hospital setting. Below illustration shows the mnemonic to treat or manage Hypertension.

Diet Modification means avoiding foods that are high in fats such as organ meats, butter, lard, ghee, dairy fats and other meat products. This also include avoiding food that are high in Sodium (salted foods, ham, sausages, cheese, pizza, canned goods etc.)

Exercising regularly helps lowering your Blood Pressure, this may include walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming and many more. 

Below shows the list of the most common Anti-Hypertensive medications:

1. Diuretics
2. Adrenergic receptor antagonists
3. Renin Inhibitors
4. ACE inhibitors
5. Angiotensin II receptor antagonists
6. Aldosterone receptor antagonists
7. Vasodilators
8. Benzodiazepines
9. Calcium channel blockers

Meanwhile, lifestyle changes can also help a lot, this involves losing weight if you are obese or limiting yourself to drinking alcohol.

Lastly, the most crucial part of avoiding complications from Hypertension is to quit smoking.

Read More

MNEMONIC FOR HYPERTENSION SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

We always want to make sure that are readers will learn different nursing theories the easiest way possible. One way to grasp each information is through the use of different mnemonics. Here is the "CHIEF" mnemonic for  Hypertension Signs and Symptoms.

Change in vision is one of the signs and symptoms associated with Hypertension, this is due to the damage in the retina from high blood pressure within its blood vessels. Damage to blood vessels in the heart can also cause chest pain (angina).

During cases of hypertensive crisis, one may also experience headaches due to intracranial hypertension. Treatment program should begin when BP stays at 140/90 overtime.

Other symptoms include irritability, forgetfulness and epistaxis because of damage in the tiny blood vessels of the nostrils.

 

Read More

MNEMONIC FOR CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE MANAGEMENT

Congestive Heart Failure management includes number of non-pharmacological, pharmacological, and invasive strategies to limit and reverse the signs and symptoms of heart failure depending on the severity of the disease.

When thinking of the possible medical management for Congestive Heart Failure, always remember another condition called "DWARFISM" for it's mnemonic.

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE MANAGEMENT
D-iuretics/digoxin/deliver oxygen
W-eigh patient daily
A-minophylline
R-otating torniquet
F-owler's position
I-ntake and output monitoring
S-odium restriction
M-orphine/mechanical ventilation

Read More

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS MNEMONIC

Differentiating the signs and symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure between right sided and left sided can be very confusing.

Left Sided CHF signs and symptoms:

1.  fatigue
2. orthopnea
3. rales/restlesness
4. cyanosis/confusion
5. extreme weakness
6. dyspnea

Right Sided CHF signs and symptoms:

1. bloating
2. anorexia
3. cyanosis/cool legs
4. oliguria
5. nausea
6. edema
7. distended neck veins

 

 

Above illustration shows a helpful mnemonic for nurses, nursing students and other health professionals to easily differentiate the signs and symptoms between Right Sided Congestive Heart Failure and Left Sided Congestive Heart Failure.

Read More

Schedule of Registration for passers of the May 2014 Nurse Licensure Exam

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) hereby informs all those who passed the May 2014 Nurse Licensure Exam in Manila and Pampanga of the schedule of their initial registration at the PRC Registration Division in Manila: 

MANILA PASSERS

JULY 23 (Wednesday)	CHARMAINE T. ABAD	-	MERYLL ROSE A. BAYUDAN
JULY 24 (Thursday)	GRACE SHIELA S. BAZAR	-	LOUISE L. DACALCAP
JULY 25 (Friday)	DIANA ROSE D. DACANAY	-	BIANCA MAE G. GAMILLA
JULY 29 (Tuesday)	DAISY JANE G. GAMIS	-	HANAN M. MACAUMBANG
JULY 30 (Wednesday)	MIGUEL PAOLO J. MACAYA	-	MELISSA JOANA C. PAGUIO
JULY 31 (Thursday)	PRINCESS JANE O. PAGUIO	-	MAY RACHEL SANSON
AUGUST 1 (Friday)	MICHELLE ANGELI SANSON	-	ERIC E. ZINGAPAN

PAMPANGA PASSERS

AUGUST 4 (Monday)

EDELYN B. ACOSTA

-

JESZA MARIE D. ZARATE

Registrants are advised to download the Oath Forms HERE and to bring their duly accomplished Oath Forms during their schedule for registration. Registrants are also advised to strictly observe the schedule for initial registration to avoid any inconvenience.

Read More

PRC INITIAL REGISTRATION FOR NEW NURSES

Initial registrants are advised to observe the following steps:

1. Download your oath form HERE and bring the following:
   1.1 Printed Oath Form. Please note that there is NO NEED to have the Oath Form notarized.
   1.2 One (1) documentary stamp
   1.3 One (1) passport size picture in plain background with complete name tag (for Registry of Professionals)
   1.4 Current Community Tax Certificate (cedula) 
2. Present duly accomplished or downloaded oath form at designated counter/window (verification officer) for assessment of prescribed fees.
3. Proceed to the cashier window to pay the prescribed fee. Cashiers’ windows are located at the 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors of the PRC Annex Bldg and/or at the ground floor of the PRC Main Bldg.. 

4. After payment, proceed to the designated Registration counter/window. The Registration Officer will print Registry Sheet with assigned Registration / License Number to be signed and thumb marked by the Registrant.


5. Upon completion of the Registry Sheet, issuance officer shall issue claim slip/stub.
6. Receive claim slip/stub and claim your Professional Identification Card as scheduled indicated on your claim slip/stub.

Important Notices!

In case registrant is located abroad, please find below the following requirements:

1. Take the professional's oath before the Philippine Consul.
2. Special Power of Attorney notarized by the Consul.
3. Copy of passport page showing personal data.
4. Copy of passport page showing date of entry abroad

Source: www.prc.gov.ph

Read More

FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING HANDOUT

FUNDAMENTALS OF NURSING HANDOUT
This will include the following topics:

I. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK of NURSING PRACTICE

A. Nursing

B. Concepts of Health and Illness

C. Concepts of Stress

D. Homeostasis

E. Adaptation

F. Adaptation to Stress – Physiological Response (Hans Selye)

G. Physiologic Indicators of Stress

II. COPING STRATGIES (COPING MECHANISMS)

A. 2 Types of Coping Strategies

B. Relaxation Techniques

III. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESPONSE

A. Task – Oriented Behaviors

B. Defense Mechanisms

C. Common Defense Mechanisms

IV. TYPES of NURSING DIAGNOSES

A. Formulating the Nursing Diagnosis

B. Collaborative Problems

V. METHODS USED for ASSESSMENT

A.     Collection of Data: Objective and Subjective

VI.DOCUMENTING and REPORTING

A.     Guidelines for Good Documentation and Reporting

B.     Documentation

C.    Documentation Systems

D.    Nursing Care Plan (NCP)

E.     KARDEX

F.     Nursing Discharge / Referral Summaries

VII. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

A.     Purposes

B.     Preparation of Examination

C.    Order of Examination

D.    Skills in Physical Assessment

E.     Examples of Adventitious Breath Sounds

VIII. THE COMMUNICATION PROCESS

A.     Modes of Communication

B.     Verbal Communication

C.    Nonverbal Communication

D.    Factors Influencing the Communication Process

E.     Therapeutic Communication Technique

F.     Barriers to Communication

G.    Phases of the Helping Relationship

PRINCIPLES and PRACTICE of NURSING CARE

IX. PRINCIPLES of ASEPSIS and INFECTION CONTROL

A.     Chain of Infection

B.     Modes of Transmission

C.    Course of Infection

D.    Inflammation

E.     Immune Response

F.     Nosocomial Infection

G.    Factors Increasing Susceptibility to Infection

H.    Diagnostic Tests Used to Screen for Infection

X. THEORIES OF PAIN

A.     Specific Theory

B.     Pattern Theory

C.    Gate Control Theory

D.    Current Developments in Pain Theory

XI. TYPES OF PAIN

A.     Acute Pain

B.     Chronic Pain

XII.PAIN ASSESSMENT

A.     TOOLS/INSTRUMENTS USED

B.     A B C D E method of pain assessment

C.    P Q R S T assessment for pain perception

D.    Pain History

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS

XIII. DRUG NOMENCLATURE and FORMS

A.     Names

B.     Classification

C.    Forms

D.    Types of Drug Actions

E.     Principles in Administering Medications

XIV. BASIC HUMAN NEEDS

A.     Abraham Maslow

B.     Maslow’s Characteristics of a Self–Actualized Person

XV. MEETING OXYGENATION NEEDS

A.     Oxygenation

B.     Cardiovascular Physiology

C.    Structure and Function

D.    Steps in the Process of Oxygenation

  

XVI. MEETING NUTRITIONAL NEEDS

A.     Principles of Nutrition

B.     Nutrients

XVII.MEETING URINARY ELIMINATION NEEDS

A.     Normal Urinary Function

B.     Common Assessment Findings

XVIII. URINARY CATHETERIZATION

A.     Purposes

B.     Necessary Equipment for Catheterization

C.    Preparation of the Patient

D.    Retention or Indwelling Catheter (Foley)

E.     Procedure for Insertion

F.     Caring for the Patient with an Indwelling Catheter

G.    Removing the Indwelling Catheter and Aftercare of the Patient

XIX. MEETING BOWEL ELIMINATION NEEDS

A.     Factors that Influence Bowel Elimination

B.     Characteristics of Normal Stool

C.    Common Bowel Elimination Problems

XX. TYPES of ENEMAS

A.     Cleansing

B.     Oil-Retention

C.    Carminative

D.    Astringent

XXI. NASOGASTRIC and INTESTINAL TUBES

A.     Nasogastric Tubes

B.     Intestinal Tubes

XXII. LOSS AND GRIEF

A.     Loss

B.     Grieving Process (Theories of Grief, Dying, and Mourning)

C.    Anticipatory Grief

D.    Complications of Bereavement

E.     Symptoms of Normal Grief

F.     Nursing Health Promotion (to facilitate mourning)

 

Read More

250-ITEM NOVEMBER 2014 NURSE LICENSURE EXAM (NLE) PRACTICE TEST

250-ITEM NOVEMBER 2014 NURSE LICENSURE EXAM (NLE) PRACTICE TEST

The test will cover the following topics:

• Blood Disorders
• Endocrine Disorders
• Cardiovascular Disorders
• Neurolgical Disorders
• Pregnacy, Labor and Delivery
• Burns
• Psychological Disorders
• Immobility
• Digestive Disorders
• Wounds

1.   A 43-year-old African American male is admitted with sickle cell anemia. The nurse plans to assess circulation in the lower extremities every 2 hours. Which of the following outcome criteria would the nurse use?

A.Body temperature of 99°F or less

B. Toes moved in active range of motion

C. Sensation reported when soles of feet are touched

D.Capillary refill of < 3 seconds

2. A 30-year-old male from Haiti is brought to the emergency department in sickle cell crisis. What is the best position for this client?

A.Side-lying with knees flexed

B. Knee-chest

C. High Fowler's with knees flexed

D.Semi-Fowler's with legs extended on the bed

3.     A 25-year-old male is admitted in sickle cell crisis. Which of the following interventions would be of highest priority for this client?

A.Taking hourly blood pressures with mechanical cuff

B. Encouraging fluid intake of at least 200mL per hour

C. Position in high Fowler's with knee gatch raised

D.Administering Tylenol as ordered

4.     Which of the following foods would the nurse encourage the client in sickle cell crisis to eat?

A.Peaches

B. Cottage cheese

C. Popsicle

D.Lima beans

5.     A newly admitted client has sickle cell crisis. The nurse is planning care based on assessment of the client. The client is complaining of severe pain in his feet and hands. The pulse oximetry is 92. Which of the following interventions would be implemented first? Assume that there are orders for each intervention.

A.Adjust the room temperature

B. Give a bolus of IV fluids

C. Start O₂

D.Administer meperidine (Demerol) 75mg IV push

6.     The nurse is instructing a client with iron-deficiency anemia. Which of the following meal plans would the nurse expect the client to select?

A.Roast beef, gelatin salad, green beans, and peach pie

B. Chicken salad sandwich, coleslaw, French fries, ice cream

C. Egg salad on wheat bread, carrot sticks, lettuce salad, raisin pie

D.Pork chop, creamed potatoes, corn, and coconut cake

7.     Clients with sickle cell anemia are taught to avoid activities that cause hypoxia and hypoxemia. Which of the following activities would the nurse recommend?

A.A family vacation in the Rocky Mountains

B. Chaperoning the local boys club on a snow-skiing trip

C. Traveling by airplane for business trips

D.A bus trip to the Museum of Natural History

8.     The nurse is conducting an admission assessment of a client with vitamin B12 deficiency. Which of the following would the nurse include in the physical assessment?

A.Palpate the spleen

B. Take the blood pressure

C. Examine the feet for petechiae

D.Examine the tongue

9.     An African American female comes to the outpatient clinic. The physician suspects vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Because jaundice is often a clinical manifestation of this type of anemia, what body part would be the best indicator?

A.Conjunctiva of the eye

B. Soles of the feet

C. Roof of the mouth

D.Shins

10. The nurse is conducting a physical assessment on a client with anemia. Which of the following clinical manifestations would be most indicative of the anemia?

A.BP 146/88

B. Respirations 28 shallow

C. Weight gain of 10 pounds in 6 months

D.Pink complexion

Read More