The debate in Washington continues to rage with regards to President Obama's Proposal for Healthcare Reform. Although the sides remain divided, there is a strong push toward accepting the proposal now without further debate. Clearly this is a hot button issue that affects every American, but the impact of healthcare reform is substantial for the healthcare professional.

President Obama's plan deals heavily with the idea that middle-income earners who would normally not qualify for health care should receive benefits they can afford. He proposes a middle class tax cut that will allow those who could not afford health care premiums to obtain care. His proposal will also assist those who have small businesses, as it is often small businesses owners who forgo even the most basic of health care. In a country like the United States, those without health care often become seriously ill or even die because they cannot afford the cost of a doctor's visit.

Based on President Obama's plan, once these individuals have access to good health care, the medical community will need to be staffed adequately to provide that care. The Act will add more primary care providers across the Country, focusing on those areas where assistance is underprovided right now.

A specific focus of the Healthcare Reform Plan is on the current and projected nursing shortage. A huge problem for the United States, the medical community is bracing for a nursing shortage as the baby boomers begin their retirement. The current intake into US based nursing programs is not meeting the demand in medical care facilities. The Act will increase the amount of nurses in the United States, and assist in nurse retention by eliminating financial barriers that are preventing both registered nurses and nurse faculty from achieving their goals. In addition, the Act puts into place grants for nursing schools to both improve and retain nurses. Student loans will be increased, as will a nurse's eligibility for scholarships and loan repayments if they choose to become faculty.

President Obama's plan goes beyond the increased support of nurses in the United States. At the most basic level, the Act will assist students in public school programs to prepare for careers in health and medical. According to the plan, if health professionals support health sciences in the schools, it is far more likely that these students will enroll in post secondary medical programs such as nursing.

The President's Healthcare Reform Proposal is said to put the individual in the driver's seat as far as their health care options. As President Obama recently stated, "We have debated health care in Washington for more than a year. When's the right time? If not now, when? If not us, who?" Although there are challenges to passing such an Act, the issues of providing medical care to all who need it as well as the added benefit of combating the growing nursing shortage will far outweigh any detriments that may arise to changing the system.

Labels: Government, Health Insurance, Healthcare, Nurse Internship, Nursing Career, Nursing Jobs, Nursing Scholarships, Nursing School, Obama, Universal Healthcare

If you asked a nurse what they duties they performed for their job, they would probably stare blankly at you and state, "What jobs don't I do?" A nurse is a jack-of-all-trades, someone who manages the patient care and makes the call when the doctor isn't there. The need for nurses has literally never been higher, and although students are entering nursing programs at a record rate, the supply doesn't meet the demand. Once a nurse graduates, she or he has many choices to make, including where to do an internship.

Nurse internships are a way to gain practical knowledge on the job. During an internship, new nurses are able to diagnose patients, assist doctors, get acquainted with medical equipment, and become familiar with drugs used to treat patients. Although going to school for nursing will give you the practical knowledge you need to perform your job, an internship will give you the hands on experience that is necessary to accurately care for patients.

Typically, a nurse internship lasts 14-16 weeks, and during that time the nurse will have hands on experience with patients. Supervised by a senior nurse or mentor, nurse interns will gradually work their way through a set program. Throughout the process, the nursing intern is guided through the many different aspects of the job. Internships are available in many departments of the hospital, including labor and delivery, emergency or acute care, pediatrics, and surgery.

Internships take place both inside and outside the classroom and as a supplement to online nursing degree programs. Instruction is provided in a classroom setting along the way, and at the same time the nurse is given hands on experience in the hospital. The goal is to ease the transition between being a student nurse to gainful employment. As there is such a shortage of nurses in the US right now, stress and fatigue are a large part of the job. It is more important than ever to make graduates entry into the workforce as simple as possible.

Landing an internship requires excellent academic grades and a keen desire to succeed in nursing. A student candidate seeking an internship should begin by researching hospitals of interest and comparing the intern programs. Often the co-op department of the University the student attends provides detailed information on specific nursing internships. Co-op departments can also assist in placement of the student nurse in an internship that would best suit them.

Finding the best internship for you are based on two vital issues: curriculum and support. The internship should cover in detail as many areas of the actual department as possible. Becoming familiar with your area of specialization is vital to your success on the job, and an internship should make you feel comfortable in your choice of department. Support on the job is extremely important. Often new graduates feel as though they are being thrown to the lions when first starting out. The reality of starting the job can come as a huge shock when you pair the learning curve with fatigue and demanding hours. Internships should offer on the job support in the form of a mentor, and encourage feedback and discussion from the new nurse.

If you are interested in obtaining a nursing internship, begin by asking questions of your instructors. Often they will have information on specific internships. Choose a few hospitals that you'd be interested in working in and inquire about their programs. Spend as much time as possible researching various intern opportunities. Your choice can affect your entire future.

Labels: Nurse Internship