Saturday, December 31, 2011

Something About College

Most people watch movies for pure entertainment, the hot women and men in the shows, the steaming bedroom scenes or even to keep up with their favorite actor. I would have to admit so do I. Sometimes it's just to see the latest fashions, dances, hairstyles or it can be for the message behind the story if there is one.

I wonder if you ever paid attention to how all of the actors and their friends are always successful, dress well, and eat at the best restaurants and party at the best places in town?

Well, it's due to hard work and progress. Let's take a look at a few movies that showcase some top careers. Take a look at the movies highlighted below:

The Pursuit of Happiness is a story of life's ups and downs, joys and pains, laughter and tears. In the film the lead character played a struggling father taking care of his son, finding a place to stay every night and trying to work hard for a job to create a better life. Also, in the movie you will notice the other students who are fresh out of college or finishing, which make it even harder to get the desired internship.

Not everyone can afford to do an unpaid internship and survive. Online education gives you the opportunity to do so. Think about it. Concluding his internship, Chris was called into a meeting with his managers. His work had finally paid off and he was offered the position. Fighting back tears, he hurries to his son's daycare to hug him because he knew that things were going to get better.This story tells us that anything is possible with hard work and determination. It also reveals that Chris went on to form his own multimillion dollar brokerage firm.

Legally Blonde is another remarkable movie that tells a story of a life filled with a college education and life education. The story starts out with a young lady who has what she considers the guy of her dreams until he breaks up with her.The young lady named "Elle" travel to law school where her ex-boyfriend is attending school with hopes of getting back together. Of course, that doesn't happen and the most important part is how Elle finds her way through life and is determined to be all that she can be. I like to call it self-discovering, in which, one realizes the power inside of them.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Psychology Continuing Education Classes

Many professionals detest the idea of having to go back to school and take more classes. Understandably, you have paid your dues, but since you are employed in a career where you provide a service to help others, taking supplemental coursework enables you to be flexible and keep your edge.

One great way to advance your career and make more money is to take psychology continuing education classes. These classes not only help you to stay on top of your game, but also they allow you to become a more marketable and competitive individual. With all of the advancements made in technology, it is now possible for you to take your psychology continuing education classes online or if you miss the traditional classroom experience, you can now schedule your courses around your work schedule. Depending on where you work, some employers allow you to take certain psychology continuing education classes at work.

Since you are a practicing professional and you want to keep it that way, you can't afford to have a situation where you are not able to complete your psychology continuing education classes on time. Every state has a certain deadline for continuing education courses. Many hospitals and healthcare settings also have their own deadlines in place and they expect complete compliance or you are going to be missing a few days from work until you get the situation resolved.

Whether or not you are seeking to advance in position at your job, taking your continuing education classes and getting them out of the way so you can have more free time is another way to motivate yourself to get them done. The classes are there to supplement your experience and even though you may have been practicing for years, it does not hurt for you to pay attention and take a few notes here and there. In fact, you may find that some procedures may have been updated and some of the processes you use at your job have been streamlined so that you can be more productive.

Many people consider it a pain to have to continue to take classes after they have graduated from college and started working in the career field of their choice. However, keep in mind that these courses are designed to help you and provide you with additional knowledge and resources to make your job easier, especially if the information was not available previously. Relax. The courses are not as intensive as your degree-seeking classes were and you are able to network and meet many other professionals in your career as well.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Whether or not you are pursuing a career in mental health, as a person who has some education and a degree under their belt, the opportunities in this field are endless. With all of the recent changes to healthcare laws, and the recent downturn in the economy, more and more people are in need of assistance.

There are many reasons why someone may need to have their mental health questioned and assessed. And it is your role to remain unbiased no matter what you see and hear after dealing with these people everyday. It becomes hard after a while to remain open minded and not be affected by everything that is going on. That is part of the reason why taking continuing education classes can help. They have many new and different exercises and ways you can incorporate into your daily work duties to help you keep your edge and remain a professional mental health worker.

Working in this field, you never know what you are going to see and hear. You have to remain alert and mentally agile. Some patients will genuinely want and appreciate your concern and efforts. Others will try to manipulate you and try to outthink you. No matter what the type of patient is that you are dealing with, your job and goal is to treat all patients courteously and know that sometimes their mental state is beyond their control.

Some of this information you may have learned when you were training to become a mental health professional. If you don't remember or know how to deal with the many different types of patients that you will encounter while working, then that may be a sign that you are a bit behind on your continuing education courses. It is a part of your job to keep up your progress with your continuing education classes. In fact, you are required by law to take those classes and complete successfully. As long as you are actively practicing in this profession, you will have to take mental health continuing education courses.

Keeping your credentials up to date will allow you to be considered for positions that are higher than your current position. There is always room for advancement in the mental health profession. Going to school and taking courses does not have to be something you don't look forward to. If you look into taking courses that are offered at a different time than when you are working or online classes that allow you to have complete control over when you log in as long as you turn in the work on time, you can complete your courses and supplemental training in as little time as possible.

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Some Tips for New Nurses

You have probably heard many times that nursing can be a very rewarding career choice. However, now that you finally have your degree and are out in the trenches now, you may be wondering if anyone has any tips or pointers to help you out. Well, here are the best tips for new nurses.

First off, don't be afraid to ask questions. People are constantly learning, no matter what their profession is. In this case, if you don't know how to do something, or aren't sure where something is or goes, ask. Most of the RNs that have worked there for a while will not only be flattered because you asked, but will have no problem helping. However, if you are going to ask an experienced nurse a question, be very specific.

As stated before, you are always learning, so watch those who have more experience than you do. This can help you learn the tricks and trade of the hospital or clinic. Or, if there is a certain procedure that you are unsure of or are having trouble with, ask if you can shadow or watch a veteran. More than likely they won't mind, as long as you don't get in the way.

If you are working night shifts, you may want to change some of your personal habits. Don't eat large meals when your shift is over, instead eat small healthy meals throughout the day so your body can focus on sleeping, not digesting. You will also want to limit your caffeine intake; 2 cups of coffee are considered to be enough. If you aren't on a day to night rotation and constantly have night shifts, try to keep your sleep-wake schedule as consistent as possible.

Try to stay calm while on the job. More than likely you will be in a situation that may seem overwhelming, stressful, or even confusing. Whatever you do, try to stay as calm as possible. When you panic, things will not make as much sense and it will make it harder for you to take care of the situation at hand. If you feel as though something is above what you have learned, or something you had never learned about, go ask for help. There is nothing wrong with asking for help. But, no matter what, try and keep a calm and stable attitude about the situation at hand.

Learn how to keep your priorities straight. This means that is you have a patient who is in desperate need of pain medication, you should probably tend to them first before the patient who has a scrape. Of course, priorities will change depending on the situation; the person that needed the pain medication may only need it for a head ache, but the other person may have a severely infected scrape. You will need to also learn how to read the different situations that you may be presented on a day to day basis.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Five Tips for Successful Career Planning

1. Evaluate your current job satisfaction

So many of us are stuck in a rut at work, but it's often hard to work out what you want to achieve or change. It may sound laborious, but maintaining a journal of your daily reactions to your job can be extremely beneficial. List situations that you like and dislike and you'll start to observe recurring themes, to help you identify areas for change. Try to relate your dissatisfactions to what you are doing; for example, check whether the discomfort is related to the content of your work, volume of work, your company culture, or the people with whom you work. After a week or so, review this to see what you should start to change and what career and jobs match your personal goals.

2. Assess your values and skills

Take a few minutes to think about what your core values, strengths and weaknesses are. Remember you'll probably enjoy your role more if it plays to your strengths and interests. Think about what jobs you've done well in the past, situations where you've particularly enjoyed work and received positive feedback from peers and superiors. Write these down and use them as a guide to the type of roles and working environments you'll excel in.

3. Always keep yourself updated

Remain aware of trends in professions you are interested in and be on the lookout for roles you may be able to apply for.

4. Investigate educational opportunities

Don't get complacent in your role or progression may slip past. Make sure you keep on striving ahead, challenging yourself and staying on top of your sector, to keep the role interesting and avoid getting stuck in a rut. Talk to friends and co-workers, to identify courses that can help you take the next step in your career. Alternatively, if you're looking to move to a different field, contact professional groups in the sector for suggestions. By challenging yourself and improving your skills base, you'll enjoy your role more and make yourself invaluable to employers.

5. Look for ways to develop your skills

To further your career options, it is important to develop your existing skills as well as acquire new skills. For example, if you are working as a finance assistant, you could enroll for advanced accountancy courses such as ACCA to improve your employability, and open up new opportunities in the sector. If money or time is tight, then look at learning while you earn with an online or distance learning course, or attend occasional one day or weekend seminars.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

How to Choose a Project Management Training Program?

Professional project / program management education is a crucial step in furthering your career aspirations in the current times. However the increasing number of training providers and their increasing claims has the scope to create confusion in most minds. How do you evaluate the different training programs available today? Here are some pointers that you may find helpful.

 -  First and foremost, it is important for you to evaluate why you wish to go for a training program and look for one that has the same objectives as you do. Are you looking for a tutorial that helps you clear a certification exam? Or are you interested in learning the right concepts and their practical application? The skills and concepts you learn in the program will need to be put in use on a regular basis. Hence, a program that helps you implement your knowledge and lessons on simulated and real projects are more effective in evaluation of how much you have actually learned from the program. Ask the provider about the workshop methodology, the goals of the program and check if they match yours; a fit between the two will avoid wastage of time, effort and money.

 -  Who is the course instructor? Even the best of training material and copious question banks are unhelpful, even dangerous if not interpreted rightly. It is the instructor who can transform the bookish concepts into ideas that you can relate to and even apply. So ensure you get complete access to the trainer profile, his/her credentials and training experience. Are you convinced that the instructor has what it takes to explain the nuances of Project Management? Also important - is the instructor a full time associate of the training provider or a part time professional working elsewhere?

 -  How long has the Training Provider been in business? What is their reputation? Their client base? The success rate of the participants who have attended the program? Do they provide support post training? Do they offer specific guarantee of some sort in case a participant does not clear the test? Do they have testimonials of past participants? Do they regularly participate in project management seminars and update their knowledge?

 -  Do not be misled by freebies, easy discounts and low cost providers. These only divert your attention from what should be your main and only point of concern - the training delivery. Ensure that you have all the information concerning this and only then look at the additional benefits.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

10 Study Tips for Mechanic Training

1. Follow a healthy routine - Go to bed at the same time every night while you are pursuing mechanic training. A healthy lifestyle will help you get the most out of your auto technician training!

2. Make a study nook at home - Set up a comfortable place with good lighting in your home where you can focus on your mechanic training.

3. Make a file folder or binder for each class in your mechanic program - Store all assignments, notes and exams in the same place. This will help you avoid frantic last minute searching, and help you get more out of your mechanic training.

4. Form a study group - There are many different ways to avoid studying for exams at the last minute. One such way is to form a study group with other students in your mechanic program. A study group can meet regularly to review lessons learned in your mechanic training. It is a more humane, civilized way to study that staying up all night before an important exam.

5. Enter all assignments and exams on a central calendar - There is no need to ever be caught by surprise by an exam or an assignment. Most teachers in mechanic training will give you a course schedule in the first weeks of your auto technician training. Simply taking half an hour to enter these all-important dates on a calendar can save you a lot of grief.

6. Review your notes on a regular basis - Don't just take notes, be sure to read them after each class. It will help you retain more of the information from your auto technician training.

7. Take careful notes - Taking notes as you listen to your teachers in your mechanic program can actually help you retain more of the information. Having good notes can also make revising at exam time much easier.

8. Ask questions - Your teachers are one of the best resources in your mechanic training. Don't be afraid to ask them questions. Chances are that if you have a question, you are not alone. Your fellow students will appreciate your candour, and you will all learn more.

9. Keep up with your reading - Your teachers at auto technician training may assign several pages from your textbooks to read before each class. Reading them when they are first assigned will help you follow the in-class lessons better, and will prevent the pages from piling up to an unmanageable degree.

10. The number one best way to excel at your auto technician training is to attend every single class - No playing hooky! It will help you absorb your lessons more quickly and naturally, and will ensure that you remain on the good side of your teachers, who may be your best allies when seeking employment after finishing your mechanic training.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Five Reasons Single Parents Should Go Back to College

I hear a lot of single parents complain about how hard it can be making ends meet. They seem to feel stuck in their current circumstances, and are unable to see a way out. For many of these parents, they have had a tough road - some even working two or three jobs just to pay the bills and care for their children. I understand, because I've been there. If you find yourself wondering if you could possibly afford to return to school, or even if you could fit college into your busy lifestyle, then you need to know that college is actually a very practical solution, which will present a multitude of benefits to you and your children. Here are five reasons single parents should go back to college:

1. It pays to return to school. Literally. Chances are that you could qualify for student grants to return back to school. Grants are money you don't have to pay back (that's FREE money!), so if you do qualify for them, it only makes sense to take advantage of the opportunity to get paid to go to school.

2. It breaks up the monotony. Working full time and taking care of children is very rewarding, sure, but it is also extremely tedious and challenging. Do you find yourself getting bored with the routine of the old grind, and restless for something more? Going back to college is a great way to add something new to your life. Sure, it too will be a challenge, but it will also be a refreshing new take on the way you live your life.

3. It's a great example for your children. You encourage your children on a regular basis to do well in school, right? And you hope that they will pursue a college education so as to assure their financial security when they reach adulthood, right? Well, there is no better way to see to it that your children follow along that path of education than to show them you are serious enough about it to do it yourself.

4. It opens new doors for you. When you return to school, you will meet new people, learn new things, and expose yourself to a whole new world of experiences that were before closed off to you. How exciting!

5. It enables you to provide an even better quality of life for your family. Of course, the more education you have, the more options you have when it comes to employment opportunities. Envision yourself working your dream job, getting paid a great salary to do it, and not having to worry about how you will give your little ones everything you want to give them. College is the key to living the life of your dreams.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Trend Of Indian Business Graduate Immigration In The United States

The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes the opportunity for prosperity and success, an upward social mobility achieved through hard work. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement" regardless of social class or circumstances of birth. The US attracts a large number of foreigners to its workforce each year, and one of the most likely to apply for an immigration are Indian student now days, however international graduates of US institutions do not automatically have the right to remain in the country for work purposes upon completion of their course. In fact, as part of the student application process, applicants must state that they are not planning to immigrate to the US.

Indians are among the largest ethnic groups legally immigrating to the United States. The immigration of Indian Americans has taken place in several waves since the first Indian American came to the United States in the 1700s. A major wave of immigration to California from the region of Punjab took place in the first decade of the 20th century. Another significant wave followed in the 1950s which mainly included students and professionals. The elimination of immigration quotas in 1965 spurred successively larger waves of immigrants in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With the technology boom of the 1990s, the largest influx of Indians arrived between 1995 and 2000. This latter group has also caused surge in the application for various immigration benefits including applications for green card. This has resulted in long waiting periods for people born in India from receiving these benefits.

Asian Indian-American population, due to cross-cultural educational initiatives such as the Fulbright Program and the United States Educational Foundation in India. In this exchange program, Asian Indian and American scholars cross oceans to participate in research programs and professorships, in order to foster an appreciation for and understanding of the different cultures and nations. Asian Indian students come to the United States for different reasons; some want to get the type of education that is needed to exceed in India and return, while others plan to remain in the United States. Asian Indian Americans place a great emphasis on education and career success. Over 80 percent of Asian Indian men in the U.S. hold college degrees; five percent of all doctors in the United States received their primary education in India; and 65 percent of Asian Indians in the United States work as managers, or in the professional/technical category.

Friday, December 2, 2011

How About A Career As A Phlebotomist?

If you've ever sat in a doctor's office when a person walked in with a handful of test tubes, a needle and a rubber tube, that person is probably a phlebotomist. These people are trained and certified technicians who earn a median expected salary of $29,359 a year. Of course, that's a national median, and some phlebotomists earn less than this, while others earn more.

A more technical definition of a phlebotomist is a person who draws blood samples, verifies records and prepares specimens for analysis. The phlebotomist conducts patient interviews, checks vital signs and draws and tests blood samples to screen donors at a blood bank. Some phlebotomists receive special training in collecting arterial blood samples for blood gas tests.

Phlebotomists are in high demand

Whether it's a blood bank, a doctor's office, a medical clinic or a hospital, blood drawing from patients is an essential task. America's population is aging and as it does, it requires more medical care. More medical care means more of a need to draw blood from patients, which means the need for more phlebotomists.

In fact, becoming a phlebotomist offers the opportunity to be a part of the fast-growing healthcare field without having to become a nurse or doctor.

What it takes to become a phlebotomist

If you have an interest in becoming a phlebotomist, you will need to become certified. To become certified, you will need to take an examination sponsored by one of several different agencies, including the National Center for Competency Training, the American Credentialing Agency, the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification, the National Health Career Association and the American Medical Technologists. Phlebotomy is covered as part of American Association of Medical Assistants' nationally recognized exams. Certified Medical Assistants or CMAs are often hired to be phlebotomists.

If you already have one or more years of phlebotomy experience, there are some agencies that will certify you without a proctored examination. Other agencies allow employers to do the exam. However, not all certification options are honored by all healthcare employers. So if you would like to become a phlebotomist, you should choose your certification agency carefully.

How to become trained as a phlebotomist

Most phlebotomists today will train from two to four months - or for up to a year - in a career center or trade school. Alternately, a prospective phlebotomist can train within an established academic institution, in a hospital, medical facility or community college. Each training generally consists of a study of anatomy, legal aspects of blood collection, how to interact with patients, standard precautions and blood collection techniques. To qualify for phlebotomy training, you will need a to have a least a high school diploma or have passed the GED, be able to follow simple directions and procedures, and be comfortable working around blood and other bodily fluids.