If you’re considering a nursing profession, you already know that it requires a license issued by the state that you work in. The NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exam is a tough test not to be taken lightly because it is what determines if you will be working as a “licensed” practical nurse or registered nurse. In the December 2011 edition of The Oregon Board of Nursing Sentinel [December 2011] accessible online for free (the official publication by the Oregon State Board of Nursing) includes an article on the process of updating and creating questions for the NCLEX exam. It doesn’t involve flipping through a text book. A lot of effort and thought is put into creating the test, which is why you should put even more effort into studying and passing the test so you can be a highly respected and important member of the health care profession.
For the full article and the publication visit: http://epubs.democratprinting.com/publication/?i=93485. Here you can access archived editions of the Sentinel.
The whole topic of social media definitely has its critics. A good way to keep in touch? Efficient way to share information; important, personal, useless information? ALL of the above occurs through the different social media platforms. Sure it can be fun, but anyone that considers themselves a professional in any trade need to act with caution and really think about what you are posting and who will/could see it before you hit “submit” “post” or “enter”. If you work in an industry that deals with the public, private records and confidentiality, you really should keep the social aspect out of your professional life and conduct.
As nursing professionals you are dealing with sensitive subjects and private records and although it may seem obvious that you shouldn’t disclose or share ANYTHING involving your patients, and what goes on at work..sometimes things happen. Although this is a bit dramatic, this educational video put together by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing paints the picture and may bring up scenarios that you may not have ever thought about but could see happening.. Take a moment to watch and share with your fellow nursing professionals.
The Social Media Guidelines was also compiled as a white paper. For the PDF: https://www.ncsbn.org/Social_Media.pdf
The National Student Nurses’ Association also published a set of recommendations for Social Media Usage: http://www.nsna.org/Portals/0/Skins/NSNA/pdf/NSNA_Social_Media_Recommendations.pdf
If you’re wondering exactly what a state’s board of nursing is for; this video put together by CBS and The National Council of State Boards of Nursing will inform you in 30 seconds of their role in the nursing profession. Essentially each state’s board of nursing exists to make sure the public is protected and that nursing professionals are properly licensed and prepared to provide care.
The Oregon Employment Department just published an article stating that the aging workforce in Oregon that is approaching retirement will create openings that generation X (35-44 years old) and more so the generation Y-ers (25-34 years old) will be able to fill. The health care and social assistance industries may see the most retirements. Good news if you’re interested in becoming a nurse or other health care related careers.
For the full article, see below:
OLMIS – Key Workforce Challenges: Aging Workforce and Looming Retirements.