Nursing School Requirements for Prospective Nursing Students

Nurses, at every level, are in higher-demand than ever before. In fact, by 2018, there will be a need for more than a half a million new nurses. Interacting with and caring for patients in a hospital, nursing home or doctor's office setting is both a fulfilling and lucrative career choice. Are you interested in a nursing career, but don't know where to start? Let's take a look at nursing school requirements, from the LPN to MSN degree level, and the credentials you need to succeed in the nursing field.

LPNs or licensed practical nurses care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. LPNs often work in hospitals, doctor's offices, and residence facilities such as nursing homes or assisted living homes. Primary responsibilities include: measuring and recording vital signs, preparing and administering medication, and monitoring and maintaining patient records.

Nursing school requirements for LPNs are typically one to two-year programs. LPNs have the option of earning licensure through a state-approved one year program. These training programs are offered through technical schools or community colleges. One year LPN training programs are also offered through many hospitals and colleges or universities. Many LPNS choose to earn their Associate's of Science in Nursing. The ASN degree is a two-year program that prepares prospective nursing candidates for a career as a LPN.

Whether you choose to pursue licensure through a one or two-year tract, all LPN program graduates are required to take a national nursing licensure test, commonly referred to as the NCLEX-PN. After successfully passing the NCLEX-PN (practical nurse), program graduates can begin their career as a LPN.

RN's or registered nurses are a step above LPNs in the nursing ladder and are generally given a greater range of clinical responsibilities. The responsibilities of RNs are broad and varied and often include: treating and educating patients and families, administering medication and treatments, and assisting with patient follow-up and necessary rehabilitation.

The two most common ways for students to become registered nurses are through an Associates of Science in nursing or Bachelor of Science in nursing degree program. The ASN degree typically takes students 2 years to complete while the BSN is a 4-year program. The ASN and BSN degree programs prepare nursing candidates to take the state licensure exam or the NCLEX-RN (registered nurse). LPNs and RNs who have already completed their ASN degree often enroll in BSN programs in order to obtain a higher level credential and be eligible for the NCLEX-RN exam. Earning an RN designation qualifies nurses for a higher salary.

Nurses who earn an MSN degree are at the highest tier of the nursing ladder. Both LPNs and RNs are eligible to earn an MSN degree. LPNs and RNs who have earned their ASN degree may enroll in an accelerated ASN to MSN degree program. This degree program typically takes 3 to 4 years to complete and graduates are awarded both a BSN and MSN degree. RNs who have earned their BSN degree may enroll in the BSN to MSN degree program. This program typically takes 1 and a half to 2 years to complete. Upon completion, RN's will be awarded with an MSN degree.

Earning an MSN degree gives nurses the opportunities to not only specialize, but also to earn a substantially larger salary. Nurses who have earned the MSN degree are eligible to work as acute or critical care clinical specialist, family nurse practitioners, and in various other nursing specialties.

Nursing school requirements are different for every level of nursing. Earning your LPN licensure or an Associates of Science in nursing degree is a great way to start your nursing career. Earning a BSN or graduating from an accelerated MSN program will give you enhanced credentials and the chance to earn a higher salary. If you've always been interested in a nursing career, check out the nursing school requirements for your state, and get started on the path towards a rewarding career in nursing.

Financial Abuse of the Elderly

When a loved one gets older, it is common for use to worry about them. Are their needs being met? Should they be put in a home? Can we trust those who are looking after them?

Sadly, these causes for concern are justified. Cases of abuse are far too common for us to pretend they don't exist. One of the most common forms of elder mistreatment is financial abuse. This article will examine what financial abuse is, how it happens / who does it, and what you can do legally to correct the problem.

What is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse is a diverse genre of mistreatment that encompasses the illegal embezzlement, theft, or misappropriation of funds or possessions of an elderly individual.

Often older folks have a difficult time managing their resources, and so depend on others to help them. It is at this time that unscrupulous individuals make attempts at taking property, land, goods, and money through acts of deception, intimidation, etc.

Who Could be Financially Abusing Your loved One?
To determine if your loved one is being abused financially, we first have to establish who could potentially be causing the abuse. The culprits could range from close family members to scammers continents away.

Personal Caretakers
A surprisingly large amount of financial abuse cases occur between an older individual and their personal caretaker. Caretakers, who are often relatives or loved ones, are in a uniquely powerful position to commit financial abuse.

With the trust of the victim in hand, the caretaker can slowly steal possessions out of the person's home. They can also use coercion to get the older individual to sign away land, property, or access to bank accounts. Caretakers can also manipulate  "power of attorney" and the layout of the last will and testament.

An abusive personal caretaker can be a serious problem as they seemingly have the inside track to all matters regarding your loved one.

Structured Establishments (e.g. Nursing Homes)
Many people worry about the quality of care their loved ones will receive at nursing homes (as well they should be). However, one thing some people forget to do is keep a close eye on how that nursing home charges and handles the finances of the older individual.

Always be certain to compare the level of cost to the amount of care and attention being given. If items and services show up on the bill that you believe have never been performed/given, it is important you follow up with the appropriate administrators.

It is also important to monitor any new 'best friends' your loved one may develop in the home, especially in regards to staff. If the loved one starts adding these individuals into their will or buying lavish things for them, it could very easily be a case of conning, intimidation, or 'sweetheart scamming'.

Scammers
Scammers come in all shapes and sizes and from all over the world. Older people are susceptible to them due to the constant developments in technology and the potential for a loss in mental keen-ness.

Some of the more obvious scammers come in the telemarketing realm. Often phone-scams target older folks who they believe they can scare or coerce. Watch for sharp increases in unusual checks being sent or for a check of exorbitant amount being sent to an unknown person/location. Always follow up with your loved one about these financial decisions and keep a close watch for anything that seems dishonest or too-good-to-be-true.

Older folks are also susceptible to credit card hijacking or other account infiltrating. It can be difficult for anyone to keep their identity and numbers safe, and older people often have trouble keeping up with technology, accounts, numbers, etc.

Legal Recourse if Abuse is Discovered
If you sense foul play in regards to your loved one, don't hesitate to act. Gather as much information and documentation as you can about the abuse being conducted. Find a local attorney in your area that specializes in these kinds of cases and do your best to stay one step ahead of the scammer.

Don't confront the abuser until you are certain you have the legal upper-hand. But more importantly, make sure you gain the legal upper hand as quickly as possible.

Holiday Blues: Depression in the Elderly

We who are involved in Elder Law have to be vigilant about recognizing the symptoms of depression in our older clients. For one thing, it can affect the care we put in place. This concern becomes even more acute during the holiday season, when the symptoms of depression can become heightened. This is often referred to as the "Holiday Blues".

As we spend time with the older people in our families and communities, we should all be on the look out for signs of depression. It is, it turns out, more common than generally believed. According to the National Institutes of Health, of the 35 million Americans age 65 years or older, about 2 million suffer from full-blown depression, and another 5 million suffer from less severe forms of the illness. This represents about 20% of the senior population.

Exacerbating the problem is that depression in the elderly is frequently misdiagnosed and often goes untreated. The symptoms may be confused with a medical illness, dementia, or malnutrition due to a poor diet. Another factor is that many older people will not accept the idea that they have depression and refuse to seek treatment.

What causes depression in the elderly?

The holidays tend to bring memories of earlier, perhaps happier, times. Additional contributing factors that bring on depression may be the loss of a spouse or close friend, or a move from a home to an assisted living facility, or a change in an older person's routine.

Depression may also be a sign of a medical problem. Chronic pain or complications of an illness or memory loss can also cause depression. In addition, diet can also be a factor when proper nutrition and vitamins are lacking. Often, there are both mental and physical reasons for depression.

Symptoms to look for in depression might include:

• Depressed or irritable mood


• Feelings of worthlessness or sadness


• Expressions of helplessness


• Anxiety


• Loss of interest in daily activities


• Loss of appetite


• Weight loss


• Fatigue


• Lack of attending to personal care and hygiene


• Difficulty concentrating


• Irresponsible behavior


• Obsessive thoughts about death


• Talk about suicide

How do you know if it is depression or dementia?

Depression and dementia share similar symptoms, but here is a guide to some differences that might help to distinguish between the two:

In depression there is a rapid mental decline, but memory of time, date and awareness of the environment remains. Motor skills are slow but normal in depression. Concern with concentration and worry about impaired memory may occur.

On the other hand, dementia symptoms reveal a slow mental decline with confusion and loss of recognizing familiar locations. Writing, speaking and motor skills are impaired, and memory loss is not acknowledged as being a problem by the person suffering dementia.

Whether it is depression or dementia, prompt treatment is recommended. A physical examination will help determine if there is a medical cause for depression. A geriatric medical practitioner is skilled in diagnosing depression and illnesses in the elderly. If you are the caregiver of an elderly person it may be beneficial for you to seek out a geriatric health care specialist.

Treating depression in older people

Once the cause of the depression is identified, a treatment program can be implemented. Treatment may be as simple as relieving loneliness through visitations, outings and involvement in family activities. In more severe cases antidepressant drugs have been known to improve the quality of life in depressed elderly people. Cognitive therapy sessions with a counselor may also be effective.

As a caregiver or family member of a depressed elderly person, it is important to take the initiative. The elderly person will generally deny any problems; they may fear being labelled as mentally ill. Your intervention can make the difference and alleviate the depression and Holiday Blues of a senior in your family or community.
____________
Disclaimer: The foregoing is not medical advice, and no action or refraining from action should be based on it. Anyone who is dealing with the issues discussed above should immediately consult their physician or other health care provider.

The Difference Between Civil Litigation and Criminal Law

There's a distinction in law between civil and criminal law. Civil can be basically categorized as everything that is not criminal. These cases can include bankruptcy, property, injury cases, property damage, and a number of other things. To lower-stand the criminal, using the propriety of the evidence could have its own standard depending on the area of issue that is the civil matter. A civil litigation attorney would be the one to handle the case.

The standards of the case will depend upon the area of the issue which is the civil matter. The second broad category is Criminal Law. Under such cases, the courts are looking for something which is beyond reasonable doubt for a conviction. This is a prior standard. It's prior standard that the burden of proof is always on the prosecution. The prosecution has to solve their case beyond reasonable doubt. To a higher standard, if they have the burden, you are looking at issues related to felony, murder, taking away your civil rights, and others. There's a lot to lose in a criminal case because the prosecuted individual will be going to jail.

When you are in a civil litigation case, it is crucial for you to recognize the set of rules that work together and enable parties or individuals to settle disputes without violence. It is very important for individuals to remember that civil litigation law depends hugely on whose side the jury considers as more believable. On a criminal law case, the lawyer should be able to prove an individual innocent or guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

The need for a good attorney is very important for both civil and criminal law. A lawsuit for a civil litigation case could be a lawsuit for money. If you want your money or property back, you have to be able to convince the jury that you deserve it. The most appropriate way for you to do would be to work with the best civil attorney lawyer you can find.

Long-Term Care Insurance - A Simple Explanation

Long-term Care Insurance can be an effective tool for protecting your assets and estate from the high costs of senior care. Though the average nursing home length of stay is significantly higher than most people believe, 2.4 years according to a report conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics, less than 20% of long-term care is nursing home care. Home care, home health care, adult day care, assisted living facility care and others constitute the overwhelming majority of senior care services. These services are covered under most Long-Term Care insurance policies.

Generally, the people who are in need of care are responsible for paying the costs. Long Term Care is usually not covered by your personal health insurance plan or by the policy you may currently have from a present or previous employer. Medicare usually pays for only a small percentage of skilled nursing costs while Medicaid provides health care coverage to Americans with lower incomes and can pay almost half of all nursing home costs.

It is likely that you will need long-term care in the future however, no one can predict the kind of care that may be needed or the exact costs involved. With Long-term Care Insurance, you can plan and budget for a known and quantifiable premium for a policy that can protect you from potentially large out of pocket expenses. It can be beneficial to learn about the different types of policies available to you in order to match the most appropriate policy to suit your needs.

Types of Long-Term Care Insurance Policies

The most common policy type is indemnity which pays a maximum fixed benefit. A benefit amount is chosen at the time the policy is issued and actual expenses, up to a fixed predetermined dollar amount, are reimbursed as they are incurred.

Integrated policies pool benefits are becoming more popular today. The provisions allow for a total dollar amount that may be used for various long-term care services with expense limits on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Due to rapidly increasing long-term care costs, most policies offer inflation adjustments to help offset high anticipated future costs.

Long-term Care Insurance policies often take effect when an individual is unable to perform activities of daily living or becomes cognitively impaired from dementia or related illnesses. Home care services such as physical therapy, skilled and unskilled nursing care and home health aide support provided by licensed agencies are generally covered as are skilled, intermediate and custodial care services provided in licensed nursing facilities. It should be noted that if any conditions are preexisting, benefits often denied if care is needed within six months of the policy's issue date for that condition.

What to Consider Before Purchasing a Long-Term Care Insurance Policy

o Verify that the insurance agent is licensed to sell long-term care insurance in your state and is a Long-Term Care Specialist. It is to your advantage if he/she has additional education and training in Long-Term Care financing and planning (LTCP, CLTC).

o Review the ratings of the carriers to ensure that the insurance provider is financially secure since you will likely need the policy for years to come

o Determine exactly which services are covered, e.g., skilled nursing home care, unskilled nursing facility care, home health care, adult day care, etc.

o Examine the length of time benefits are provided for the various types of services covered, look for maximum lifetime benefit amounts

o Identify the length of time before preexisting conditions are covered

o Find out how long you must wait before benefits begin for services

o Inquire regarding coverage of Alzheimer's and other related illnesses

o Review any premium provision waivers

o Analyze cost requirements to ensure your ability to make policy payments during retirement years.

Senior Assisted Living Facilities - Perfect For Maintaining Senior Independence

One of the things that happens to folks as they get on in years, is that they begin to worry over how they are going to care for themselves. This is a common concern among people who are reaching their golden years. The news doesn't help sometimes all full of dire predictions and gloom.

But one thing is really important, maybe even more important than anything else when it comes time to retire, and that is getting the kind of care you need at the time and place that you need it. That is why senior assisted living facilities were created.

This type of facility is different than what people usually think about nursing homes and retirement villages. Assisted living facilities are a blend of independence and care that is created specifically for each individual resident. This kind of care regimen is designed on purpose to foster the amount of independent activities that each person can do for themselves.

That sounds so dry and scientific, but in truth it is exactly the kind of care that every person is looking for. Why would you want to have more care than you need in your retirement community? All that will do in the long run is make you dependent on the people who are running the living facility.

And after living your whole life as an independent person, and taking care of yourself, why would you want to do anything that is going to make you lose that independent ability. There is no sense in that, and yet, there are some senior facilities that promote exactly kind of thinking

They want to do everything for you, so that you do not have to do anything at all except sit there and wait around while they do things for you. That might be OK on a short term basis like when you go on vacation, but for a long term kind of living arrangement, that is not what every single person needs.

There are some people who need more being taken care of than others. You might even know some people like that, and if they need that, it is good that there are places where they can go to get the kind of care they are looking for. But with assisted living, you are in charge of your life. And that is far and away what most people are looking for.

The idea that someone is there to help you when you need it is a really good one, and it makes sense to let others handle some of the things that you don't want to take care of anymore. And that is exactly the kind of thinking that is ideal for taking advantage of senior assisted living facilities.

Car Accidents - Who Is Legally at Fault?

You're driving along, doing the speed limit, obeying the traffic laws and out of nowhere an irresponsible driver hits you - damaging your car and slightly injuring you. In that instance it should be incredibly easy to determine fault, legal responsibility.

Unfortunately, that's not the case.

In almost all truck, car or motorcycle accidents, assigning blame (fault) is a lot more involved and complicated than just determining what vehicle hit the other vehicle.

WHAT DOES FAULT MEAN?

Fault, in this context, refers to the party (person, driver) responsible or legally liable for property damages or physical injuries suffered in an accident. Determining who is at fault is the first step in the victim(s) possibly recovering financial expenses stemming from the accident.

HOW IS FAULT DETERMINED?

In most cases the first step in determining fault for an accident involves the insurance company representative and lawyers reviewing such things as police reports to see if a law enforcement officer cited one party or the other for negligence in the accident. While police citations of negligence or blame do not necessarily prove fault, they can go a long way in assigning responsibility and building a case for a specific party's fault. Other material that the insurance companies and personal injury lawyers will utilize are statements from competent witnesses. Witnesses that had clear, unobstructed and unbiased accounts of the accident can help to substantiate negligence claims by detailing the events that transpired before, during and after the accident took place.

Determining fault - which can be negligent, careless or a willful act - can be the difference between a victim being compensated for property damage, medical costs, lost wages and/or pain/suffering, or not.

Typically, a driver (a person) is at fault because they were:

• Negligent. Negligent driving can come in many forms, like texting-while-driving, drunk driving or any number of instances where a person if careless or unwittingly engaging in behavior that may cause another vehicle or person harm.


• Recklessness: Reckless driving is indulging in behavior where a person willfully or willingly knows that they are going to cause harm.

There are a wide range of factors that go into determining fault. Because of the sometimes substantial - and even life-changing - consequences of a negligent accident, it is critically important that the steps you take to protect yourself after an accident are smart, swift and prudent. The best way to protect yourself, your property and your loved ones after a car accident is to speak with a car accident personal injury attorney to ensure that your legal and financial rights are best protected.