2013 Salary Trends In Nurses Positions In The UK

How much do nurses make? Nursing is one of the few careers for which the demand is increasing. While nearly every other job is being replaced by technology or outsourced to cheaper workers overseas, nurses will always be necessary. Nursing is a satisfying career that is also financially rewarding.

Pay Rates

A nurse is paid according to her level of experience and the difficulty of the tasks she performs. The rate is also affected by where the nurse is working. Nurses who live and work in London tend to make the most money, but they also have to grapple with a higher cost of living. On average, a new nurse on the absolute bottom rung makes about £14 per hour. Experienced nurses with extremely specialised skills make nearly £100 per hour. Nursing specialties and pay rates are divided into tiers called bands. Nurses identify by their bands and aspire to jump up to the higher ones. Moving up a band affords greater prestige along with a pay raise.

The Life of a Nurse

Nursing is not an easy job. It has earned a bit of a bad reputation because of the way university drop-outs view it as a back-up plan. Nurses deal with the least appertising aspects of medicine. They handle blood and fluids and occasionally find themselves covered with those fluids. It is not a career for the fragile or faint of heart.

In spite of its unattractive aspects, nursing remains an appealing career. It offers scheduling flexibility and a comfortable salary. Nurses are given opportunities to work in foreign countries, essentially being paid to travel. Nurses who are burned out after working in hospital settings are able to work for private agencies or as in-home aides. There is room in nursing for everyone who wants to make good money and work in new environments.

Sources:

http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/working-in-the-nhs/pay-and-benefits/agenda-for-change-pay-rates/
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/adult_nurse_salary.htm

5 tips for applying to nursing school

Competition for the available spots in top nursing schools in the country can be fierce. In fact, in some schools, prospective nursing studies may apply for a spot in a nursing school for several semesters or more before they are successful. If you have the desire to enter nursing school, you should consider following some of these key tips to better position yourself for success.

Choose the Right School

First and foremost, you should make a list of your top schools and thoroughly research each one. Consider the acceptance rates for each of the schools to determine your likelihood of getting in. If you have excellent grades, for example, you may be able to get into most of the schools on your list with ease. However, if your grades are mediocre, it may be more advantageous to look at a school with a better acceptance rating.

Consider the Career Options

Some schools have enhanced programs in certain niche areas of nursing such as private nursing that may benefit you as you proceed down your career path. By choosing a school that most closely meets your educational needs for the career path you have in mind, you will be able to be more successful in your career. Research Nursing Organisations

Getting through nursing school can be a challenge, but you can make it easier to do when you researching nursing organisations more closely. These organisations may provide you with scholarships and grants, guidance on the selection of a school and other important educational and career advice.

Watch Deadlines and Special Event Dates

When you have your goals set on attending a specific school, you want to take every step possible to ensure that you get into that school. Take time to meet the faculty at the school at special nursing school functions the school hosts, and monitor application dates and other important dates on the school’s calendar.

Review Your Finances

As a final note, you should take time to review your finances in greater detail. Unless you will be paying cash for your education, you should consider applying for financial aid or a student loan early. You can also research scholarships and other options through the school, your employer and other sources.

Getting into nursing school can be challenging for most students. However, by following these important tips, you can most easily position yourself for success as you apply for admission to nursing school.

Sources: 

http://www.nursetogether.com/7-tips-for-applying-to-nursing-school

http://www.nursing.emory.edu/admission/application_tips.html

Top 5 Universities Around The World To Study Medicine

Those who have a passion in studying medicine may be interested in attending one of the top universities around the world that offer medical programs. By attending one of these top-notch schools, you can be guaranteed that you are learning the best and most up-to-date methods for treating different illnesses, performing surgeries and more by working with some of the best medical doctors in the business. Your medical career first starts by finding a program that best fits your needs. By opting to attend one of these top 5 universities, you are sure to find an excellent program that will teach everything from the basics to advanced medical procedures.

Harvard University

Each year, Harvard University enrolls around 700 students in their medical program. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this ivy league university is known around the world as one of the best out there. Harvard Medical School students study for 2 years before beginning their clinicals.

Students are evaluated by pass or fail grades rather than on a letter-scale as some other universities grade by. The average full-time tuition at Harvard University Medical School is $49,875.

A Day in the Life of a Nurse

Nurses can usually find employment in a wide variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment centers and other types of medical facilities. Some nurses can even join the military and work in military settings. No matter the setting that a nurse works in, his or her main responsibility is to provide care to patients. Sometimes, the patients nurses take care of babies, young children and/or adults. The type of nurse that a person becomes will dictate the atmosphere he or she works in as well as the patients he or she works with.

Working Long Hours

Nurses tend to work long hours. Some are able to find employment in places where they work three, 12-hour shifts each week. Others are able to secure employment working part-time. In emergency room settings, many times, nurses are asked to work overtime.

Types of Nurses

Pediatric nurses spend their time working with small children. Neonatal nurses usually work with infants who have been born prematurely as well as children who suffer from some type of severe medical condition.

What Does a LVN Do?

If a person does not want to become a Registered Nurse, it is still possible to become a nurse by becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse; this type of nurse is not granted the ability to carry out a wide range of duties. Instead, only a small amount of basic duties can be carried out, including changing bedpans and checking patients' vital signs. With proper training, some LVNs are allowed to draw blood.

Choosing to follow the career path of a nurse can lead to a very rewarding career. From great job stability to extremely good pay to exceptionally good health insurance benefits, this occupational field is one that tends to be very satisfying. There are many resources online to help you and nursing job websites such as Team24 and Team24 Private Nursing.

Essential Pieces Of Technology For Medical Professionals

Technology has made the medical profession considerably easier for its practitioners and has allowed them to diagnose diseases that previously would have been too late to cure or treat. Here are some essential piece of medical technology:

X-ray Machine

Though it’s been in use for many years, the X-ray machine is still invaluable. There are several types of X-rays. Radiography type X-rays are used by dentists to see the structure of their patients’ teeth. Mammography X-rays the breasts to search for tumors or other abnormalities. Tomography X-rays the patients one section at a time. Radiotherapy uses X-rays to kill cancer cells, and fluoroscopy can show the medical professional what's happening in the patient’s body in real time. A barium enema that aids in examining the gastrointestinal tract is an example of a fluoroscopy X-ray.

Electrocardiograph

This machine helps a medical professional detect abnormalities in the function of the heart. Electrodes are attached to the chest, the arms and the legs and the heart’s electrical waves are recorded on electrocardiogram graph paper. A technician can then read and interpret the waves that appear on the graph paper.

Laparoscopic Surgery

In this type of surgery, a tiny camera and light is inserted into the surgical site and an image is projected on a monitor that guides the doctor. Because of this, the doctor doesn’t need to make large incisions and can use miniaturized tools to operate. This reduces much of the risk of surgery to the patient. Laparoscopic surgery is used in everything from bariatric surgery to surgery on the joints and the spinal column.

Colonoscope

This device also uses a tiny camera and a light to examine the length of the colon for signs of abnormalities. In this way, any potential colon cancer can be caught early, while it’s still curable.

Lasers

Lasers are focused beams of light that are becoming more and more popular for medical procedures. Lasers can vaporize tissue with very little bleeding. They can be used to remove cataracts and to correct refractive errors in the eye as in LASIK surgery. They can also be used in cosmetic surgery to remove wrinkles, scars and sun damage and to stimulate the body into rejuvenating the skin by producing more collagen. Lasers can also be used to break up kidney and gallstones.

Improvements in medical technology continue and are eagerly awaited by both doctors and patients.

5 Career Advice Tips From The World's Most Accomplished Business People

The state of today’s economy gives hopeful entrepreneurs and business people something to be concerned about. Everywhere around us there’s news of jobs lost and foreclosed homes. It’s easy to fall into a trap feeling like there is no hope. There is hope, however, and the following advice from these successful businessmen can lead you to the right path.

Evolve

Always be open to growth and new ideas. The world around us is ever-changing. Change along with it, or you will be left behind. Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon.com once said, “What is dangerous is not to evolve”.

Know that what you want to achieve is possible

Andrew Carnegi said, “Think of yourself as on the threshold of unparalleled success. A whole, clear, glorious life lies before you. Achieve! Achieve!”

Be sincere

Howard Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks notes, “In this ever-changing society, the most powerful and enduring brands are built from the heart. They are real and sustainable. Their foundations are stronger because they are built with the strength of the human spirit, not an ad campaign. The companies that are lasting are those that are authentic.”

Remember you create your own reality

Do not let your pre-existing notions on what the world should be hold you back. Howard Schultz said, “If you examine a butterfly according to the laws of aerodynamics, it shouldn't be able to fly. But the butterfly doesn't know that, so it flies”. Forget what you think you can’t do and just do it.

Be Passionate

You must believe in what you are doing. John D. Rockefeller advised, “If your only goal is to become rich, you will never achieve it.”

Don’t let yourself be discouraged by these trying times. Fight the urge to give up and wait for better days. Listen to these entrepreneurs and become the best version of yourself.

Top 4 Ways You Can Make Your CV Stand Out From The Crowd

Making your CV stand out from the crowd is the first step to obtaining the job or position of your dreams. Understanding how to tweak your CV so you are not overlooked as a potential candidate can be done with a bit of preparation and creativity.

Personalise Your CV for Each Job You Desire

Personalising your CV for each position you are interested in is essential if you want to stand out from the crowd during your job-search efforts. Ensuring you create an entirely new objective and goal for each job you have in mind will help you to increase your appeal to potential employers.

Consider the Industry You Want to Work In

Before you make a CV for any job, consider the industry you want to work in to determine the type of CV you should create. A more creative and artistic position might require a bit more color and a unique CV letter. For a career in business, an extremely professional template is ideal.

Use a Professional Template

Using a professional template is another way to stand out from the crowd for any position you are vying to get. There are hundreds of downloadable and purchasable templates for CVs online using communities and resume communities. Use a professional template and tweak it to fit the job you have in mind.

Selective Wording

Use words that are relevant to the job you want when making your CV. Research buzzwords and words that are most frequently used in the industry you plan to work in to spruce up your CV properly.

Getting creative with your CV is a key factor in determining the success you will experience when you are actively searching for a job. The more involved you are, the easier it becomes to appeal to all potential employers and hiring managers.

Example of CV

The First Thing Recruiters Look For in A CV At First Glance

The job market is filled with people who are searching for employment. Think for a minute about all the prospects who are applying for the very same job. They all go through the same process which includes sending a resume to the prospective employer. The fact is that the average recruiter merely gives the resume a quick glance before deciding if the prospect is worth an interview. Consequently, it is vital to organize the resume to attract immediate attention. The resume must look attractive enough for the recruiter to keep on reading. Here is the first thing recruiters look for in a CV at first glance.

Appearance 
The prospect must start to think like an online marketer. They are the product. It is their objective to crawl out of the resume pile and get that interview. Even before reading the resume recruiters look at the overall attractiveness of the resume. They quickly scan their eye over the format, layout, paper, fonts, organization, and appearance in general. Consequently, it is important that the paper looks and feels substantial. The layout and fonts should look professional. This is not the time to design your own resume. It will pay dividends in the future to submit professionally created resumes to prospective employers.

Contact Information
Next, recruiters move to the contact information that is contained in the resume. The most important information is the applicant's name, address, and telephone number, in this section. It is surprising, the number of applicants who omit important contact information. Contact information demonstrates that the applicant is a real person and is easy to contact for more information. For example, the recruiter pays particular information to email and telephone numbers. Failing to include this might interfere with getting an interview.

Work Experience 
Recruiters scan the work experience section on the resume looking for relevant information that will convince them that you are perfect for the job opening. Write down the most striking details of the jobs held. The details should match what the recruiter is searching for in an applicant. Those with a very long work history should concentrate on the last few jobs held. Those fresh out of college should include relevant volunteer work and part time jobs.

The CV is an important marketing tool that should be designed to find the right job. Job hunting is a marketing campaign. The resume is the tool that should open the door to career opportunities.

A Guide To Becoming A Midwife

Midwives are women who work with expectant mothers to give them prenatal care and deliver their babies. Women turn to their midwife for support and comfort during their pregnancies.

The bond is one that can last forever so it is important for people to love what they do and have the knowledge to be successful. This medical profession requires both educational and work experience. Here is a guide to becoming a midwife.

The first step is to find out the requirements for becoming a midwife. Each country has differing laws regarding certification so it is important for people to know what is required. People who wish to become midwives should begin with working with a certified midwife to begin their clinical training. Most programs require that individuals have at least one year of hands on experience.

The second step is to focus on education. Most countries require that midwives complete a complex exam to become certified. This includes a written exam and a skills test to ensure that the midwife has the capabilities to administer medical care.

There are programs that women can choose to pursue so that they can become nurse midwives. Most of these programs are for two years or less depending on the course load that a person chooses to complete. It is important for women to know that midwives have to keep re-educating themselves to be as effective as possible at what they do. Women should consider reading medical journals while learning as well so that they can study about new procedures and medications that can benefit women.

The third step is for people to make sure that they work hard and are disciplined. Being a midwife can be stressful because child birth can take many hours. There are many responsibilities that will need to be learned.

Some of the responsibilities that midwives have include the following:

• Perform gynecological exams
• Order and review test results 
• Provide prenatal care and prescribe medications 
• Deliver babies and work in conjunction with physicians if cesarean sections are needed.

Becoming a midwife is a journey. Interested individuals should consider studying health, science, biology and other subjects so that they can have a solid foundation for when they pursue their education. The process takes several years to complete but it is a rewarding profession. Women become pregnant every day so widwife jobs are recession proof which is great for people who want job security.

How To Start A Career In Healthcare And Make A Difference

The healthcare industry is vastly growing, and offers plenty of stable and rewarding employment opportunities. Here is how to start your career in the Healthcare industry, and establish a rewarding career in the health field you want.

Internship/Volunteer
The healthcare field does require a numerous amount of prerequisites, so before beginning the process, first make sure you enjoy the work. Intern or volunteer in a hospital or doctors office, to get a feel of industry setting, and to determine if this is a career you would like to have. If you do choose to follow in the healthcare route, it would be good to have internships on your resume, therefore showing past experience.

Education
The healthcare industry does require an education, which is relevant to the healthcare field. Establish which healthcare profession that you want to work in, and then see the required education for that field. For the emergency medical record field, there is less specific education that is required, then for a nurse or medical assistant. If you plan to work at a hospital as a nurse, verify if nurses at that hospital are required to have a bachelor’s degree, or if just an associate’s degree is acceptable.

Apply
Apply to the healthcare facilities of your choice, making sure to present a resume that clearly demonstrates your pertinent education in that field, and past relevant experience. If wanting to work in a hospital, be willing to work weekends and night shifts in the beginning, since this is generally all that is offered to new healthcare professionals. The healthcare field is competitive, therefore it may be necessary to work undesired rotating shifts to get into the industry.

Be Willing To Move
If you are in a rural community with only one main hospital, it may be necessary to move to a metropolitan, offering a plethora of healthcare opportunities. A hospital is limited, on the amount of healthcare professionals they are willing to hire, so it is important to have the capability to apply to multiple amounts of healthcare facilities.

Be Compassionate
The healthcare field is quite rewarding, but you most likely will be dealing with individuals in dire situations, whom are not in the right state of mind. It is important to be patient with these individuals, and be compassionate for their illness.

These are the steps to breaking into the healthcare industry. It is important to thoroughly research the healthcare profession of your choice, hence to verify that there are job opportunities available, and that you can achieve the required criteria.

Getting The Highest Grades Possbie Or Gaining Relevant work Experience: What Do Employers Rank Higher When Selecting Graduates For Interviews

Every year college graduates go out into the work force. It can be hard to get a job right after college so graduates need to position themselves to get the best employment opportunities. Many people ask themselves is it better to have work experience or the highest grades possible to get an interview for a job.

The Highest Grades Do Not Always Equate to Getting a Job Interview

Having a high grade point average can be very helpful when interviewing for a job. It shows potential employers that you are disciplined and worked hard at your college studies. Most employers require that each applicant has at least a four year college degree. The job market is saturated with college graduates so it is important for people to have something to give them something unique that makes them stand out during the interviewing process.

Employers spend less than one minute reviewing resumes so just having educational information listed without any relevant work experience can make the resume appear to be sparse. The best grades in the world are not often the gateway to getting job interviews.

Work Experience Is Vital to Getting a Job

Employers want to hire individuals that have a proven track record of success. Graduates who have work experience or internships have a leg above those individuals that just have a high G.P.A on their college transcripts.

Work experience shows that a graduate has the following traits:

• Ability to multi-task 
• Dedication to work and school 
• Responsible attitude towards earning a living.
• Commitment to completing projects and establishing a career 
• Eagerness to prove worth to employers

Companies Do Not Want to Waste Their Time on Unqualified Employees

It takes a lot of time and money to train new employees. Companies need to make sure that they are investing their resources in individuals who have shown talent and initiative. A college transcript does not say a lot about a graduate. It just provides a list of the classes that were taken and the grades that were earned. This does not paint the same picture that a work history does.

Work histories list the skills and job responsibilities that a graduate has. Employers can also contact references and verify the information. This information is the best litmus test to use when selecting graduates to interview for positions.

In conclusion, graduates should try to amass as much work experience as possible before they apply for employment opportunities. A high grade point average can be helpful but it is not enough for people to make an impact on employers in today’s tough job market.