In the realm of mental health, there are unsung heroes who work tirelessly to support individuals in their darkest moments, providing guidance, compassion, and hope. Mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health technicians, play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the complexities of their mental well-being. This article shines a spotlight on these dedicated professionals, exploring their roles, contributions, and the profound impact they have on countless lives.

The Role of Mental Health Professionals

Mental health professionals are trained experts who specialize in understanding and treating various mental health conditions. Their roles encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including assessing clients’ needs, providing therapy and counseling, diagnosing mental health disorders, developing treatment plans, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive care.

Types of Mental Health Professionals

Therapists and Counselors: These professionals provide talk therapy and counseling services to individuals, couples, families, and groups. They help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, develop coping strategies, and work towards personal growth and healing.
Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders. They can prescribe medication, offer psychotherapy, and provide comprehensive psychiatric care for individuals with complex mental health needs.
Psychologists: Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes, utilizing various therapeutic approaches to help individuals overcome challenges and improve their mental well-being. They may specialize in areas such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or neuropsychology.
Social Workers: Social workers play a vital role in connecting individuals with resources and support services to address their mental health needs. They advocate for clients’ rights, provide crisis intervention, and work with diverse populations in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and community organizations.
Mental Health Technicians: Mental health technicians provide direct care and support to individuals receiving treatment for mental health conditions. They assist with daily activities, monitor patients’ progress, and provide emotional support and encouragement. Mental health technicians often work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, or community mental health facilities, playing a crucial role in maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for clients.

The Impact of Mental Health Professionals

The impact of mental health professionals extends far beyond the therapy room or clinic. Through their expertise, empathy, and dedication, they empower individuals to confront their struggles, find resilience in adversity, and embark on a journey towards healing and recovery. Their work not only alleviates suffering but also fosters greater understanding, compassion, and acceptance of mental health issues within society.

Challenges and Rewards

While mental health professionals find immense fulfillment in helping others, their work is not without challenges. They often confront complex cases, navigate ethical dilemmas, and manage the emotional toll of supporting clients through their pain and suffering. Despite these challenges, mental health professionals derive deep satisfaction from witnessing the transformative impact of their work and the resilience of the human spirit.

Advocacy and Professional Development

Mental health professionals are not only practitioners but also advocates for change and champions of mental health awareness. They participate in ongoing training, research, and professional development to stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field. Additionally, they advocate for policies and initiatives that promote access to mental health services, reduce stigma, and prioritize mental well-being in communities worldwide.

Mental health professionals, including therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and mental health technicians, are the backbone of our mental health care system. Their commitment to compassion, expertise, and advocacy is instrumental in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for those struggling with mental health issues. As we acknowledge their invaluable contributions, let us express our gratitude and recognition for the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives to nurturing mental well-being and fostering healing and resilience in others

Butterfly needles versus Straight Needles, Which do Phlebotomists Prefer?

Are you fascinated by the art of phlebotomy? Do you aspire to embark on a rewarding career in drawing blood and helping patients? If so, then understanding the different techniques and tools used in this field is crucial. One such debate that has long been discussed among phlebotomists is whether to use butterfly needles or straight needles. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of each technique, discussing why some phlebotomists prefer one over the other. So grab your lab coat and join us as we delve into the world of butterfly needles versus straight needles!

Butterfly needle technique

The butterfly needle technique is a popular choice among phlebotomists, especially when it comes to drawing blood from delicate veins. This technique involves using a smaller needle attached to flexible tubing and wings that allow for easy maneuverability. One of the main advantages of using a butterfly needle is its ease of use, particularly in cases involving pediatric patients or individuals with fragile veins. The small size and flexibility of the needle make it less intimidating for children, reducing their anxiety during the blood-drawing process. Additionally, elderly patients who often have thin and brittle veins also benefit from this gentle approach. Furthermore, the butterfly needle technique allows for precise control during venipuncture. Phlebotomists can easily adjust the angle and depth of insertion without causing unnecessary discomfort to the patient. This level of control ensures accurate collection of blood samples while minimizing bruising or other complications. Another significant advantage of using butterfly needles is that they tend to cause less perceived pain compared to straight needles. The smaller gauge size reduces tissue trauma upon entry into the vein, resulting in a more comfortable experience overall. Many phlebotomists prefer utilizing the butterfly needle technique due to its ease of use, adaptability for different patient populations such as toddlers and seniors, precise control during venipuncture procedures, and reduced perceived pain by patients. Whether you’re just starting your journey in phlebotomy or already an experienced professional, understanding both techniques will undoubtedly prove invaluable in your career!

Straight needle technique

When it comes to drawing blood, phlebotomists have a range of techniques at their disposal. One common method is the straight needle technique. This involves inserting a straight needle directly into the vein to collect the necessary sample. The use of straight needles is particularly popular when working with adults. The larger size and sturdiness of these needles make them suitable for accessing veins in adult patients. Phlebotomists appreciate the ease and efficiency that straight needles offer in these cases. However, it’s important to consider different age groups when deciding on which type of needle to use. For example, when dealing with toddlers or young children, butterfly needles are often preferred due to their smaller size and gentler approach. Toddlers can be more sensitive and fearful during blood draws, so using a butterfly needle can help minimize discomfort. Similarly, elderly patients may also benefit from the use of butterfly needles. As we age, our veins become more fragile and prone to damage. Butterfly needles allow for a shallower insertion angle compared to straight needles, reducing the risk of injury or complications. While some argue that perceived pain may be less with a butterfly needle due to its smaller gauge size, there isn’t always clear consensus among phlebotomists on this matter. Each professional has their own preferences based on experience and patient needs. In conclusion (not conclusive), both butterfly needles and straight needles have their place in phlebotomy practice depending on factors such as patient age and vein condition. It’s essential for phlebotomists to be skilled in both techniques so they can adapt accordingly during blood collection procedures

Toddlers need butterfly needles

When it comes to drawing blood from toddlers, phlebotomists often prefer using butterfly needles. Why? Well, let’s explore the reasons. Toddlers have small veins that can be difficult to access with a straight needle. The tiny size of their veins requires a more delicate approach, which is where butterfly needles come in handy. These smaller and shorter needles are designed specifically for accessing small veins with precision and ease. The fear factor plays a significant role when dealing with young children. A straight needle may appear intimidating and cause anxiety, making it challenging to successfully draw blood. Butterfly needles are less threatening in appearance due to their smaller size and wings-like design. This helps alleviate some of the fear associated with the procedure. Moreover, toddlers tend to wiggle and squirm during medical procedures like blood draws. With a butterfly needle’s flexibility and stability achieved through the use of tubing attached directly to an adapter or syringe, it becomes easier for phlebotomists to maneuver around these movements while still maintaining control over the procedure. In conclusion (not conclusively), when it comes to drawing blood from toddlers, phlebotomists find that butterfly needles offer greater ease of use due to their size adaptability and ability to reduce anxiety levels during the process. So if you ever need your little one’s blood drawn – don’t fret! Phlebotomists know just how best catered care for them!

Elderly need butterfly needles

As phlebotomists, we understand that each patient is unique and requires a personalized approach when it comes to drawing blood. This is especially true for our elderly patients, who may have delicate veins and sensitive skin. That’s where butterfly needles come in. Elderly individuals often have thinner, more fragile veins due to the natural aging process. These veins can be difficult to access with a straight needle without causing unnecessary pain or bruising. Butterfly needles, on the other hand, are designed with a smaller gauge and shorter length, making them ideal for accessing these delicate veins. Not only do butterfly needles provide ease of use for the phlebotomist, but they also offer added comfort for our elderly patients. The gentle insertion and flexibility of the butterfly needle reduce the likelihood of discomfort during blood collection. This is crucial when dealing with older adults who may already be experiencing health issues or discomfort. By utilizing butterfly needles when working with elderly patients, phlebotomists can ensure a smoother and more comfortable experience while still obtaining accurate blood samples. It’s all about adapting our techniques to meet the specific needs of each individual we encounter in our phlebotomy careers!

Straight needles can be used on adults

When it comes to drawing blood from adults, phlebotomists have the choice between using butterfly needles or straight needles. While butterfly needles are often preferred for certain patient groups like toddlers and the elderly, they can also be used on adults with ease. Straight needles, on the other hand, are commonly used in adult patients due to their larger gauge size and ability to draw blood quickly. With a straight needle, phlebotomists can easily access veins that may be deeper or harder to find. Using a straight needle on adults offers several advantages. It allows for a faster blood collection process as compared to using a butterfly needle. Additionally, the larger gauge of the straight needle reduces the chances of hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells) during sample collection. Moreover, some individuals may have veins that are better suited for straight needles rather than butterfly needles. The flexibility and versatility of straight needles make them an ideal choice when dealing with adult patients who have well-visible veins and require quick and efficient blood draws. While butterfly needles are often favored for specific patient populations such as children and older adults due to their smaller size and lower perceived pain level; phlebotomists can still use straight needles effectively when drawing blood from adult patients. The decision ultimately depends on factors such as vein visibility, patient comfort levels, and personal preference of healthcare professionals performing the procedure.

Perceived pain is less with a butterfly needle

In the world of phlebotomy, the choice between a butterfly needle and a straight needle often depends on the patient’s age, vein condition, and personal preference. While both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages, one factor that tends to favor butterfly needles is the perceived pain associated with their use. Many phlebotomists find that patients experience less discomfort when a butterfly needle is used for blood draws. The smaller size of the needle and its delicate wings make it easier to maneuver in sensitive areas or fragile veins. This can be particularly beneficial when working with toddlers, children, or elderly patients who may have smaller or more delicate veins that are prone to bruising. When it comes to drawing blood from adults with healthier veins, straight needles can still be an effective option. These longer needles allow for deeper penetration into larger vessels while providing stability during the procedure. Phlebotomists skilled in using straight needles can quickly locate suitable sites and achieve successful venipuncture with minimal discomfort. However, it is essential to remember that pain perception varies among individuals. What may be tolerable for one person could cause significant distress for another. Therefore, phlebotomists should always prioritize patient comfort by utilizing their expertise in choosing either technique based on individual circumstances. While both butterfly needles and straight needles serve important roles in the art of phlebotomy.. Many phlebotomists prefer using butterflies due to their potential to minimize perceived pain during blood draws.

Are you interested in furthering your career by becoming a Phlebotomist? If so, Phlebotomy Career Training can help you achieve your goal. PCT offers both in person and online classes which you can complete in as little as 6 weeks. For our online students we will send you one of our patented Virtual Simulation Kits for Free! You’ll be able to practice your phlebotomy skills using PCT’s silicone arm along with all the supplies you need to succeed in the field of phlebotomy. The national exam through the NAPTP is also included. Why wait? Contact us today!

Reach Out To Us

Phone: 734-762-3220

Toll Free: 888-410-6416

Email: info@phlebotomycareertraining.com

Hours

Monday-Friday: 9AM to 5PM EST

Saturday: 9AM to 1PM

Sunday: CLOSED

Here are some things you can expect as a telemetry technician working in the field:

1.      Your Extrovert Side Will Help You

Nobody wants to face a medical situation where they are admitted to the hospital or a clinic. All your patients will be different. However, they will all want to get out of the hospital as soon as possible. Your friendly nature will come into play in putting the patients’ minds at ease.

Some patients will ask too many questions; others will not even say hello. However, it will be your duty to communicate with the patient and make them feel as comfortable as they can.

2.      You Will Need Lots of Strength

Your job will require you to cover long shifts at the hospital or a clinic. The patients might not be mindful of the fact that you have several other patients to cater to. In addition, some patients might need a reminder of what was diagnosed and communicated to them.

In addition to your skills as a telemetry technician, you will also need the strength and endurance to face all these challenges in the healthcare industry.

3.      You Will Never Stop Learning

As a monitoring technician, you will get opportunities to work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare staff members. You will constantly need to adapt to technological changes as well and keep yourself updated with the latest regulations and practices.

Telemetry training certification also requires a renewal every two years, and each time you will be learning something new.

4.      Your Job Will Save Lives

Your job as an electrocardiograph technician will require you to check a patient’s cardiac baseline changes, arrhythmias, and any other abnormalities. This means you will be the first to notice indications of heart disease or functionality problems.

Your monitoring technician skills will enable you to save lives every day, which will make the job worth every second of your time and effort.

5.      You Will Never Have a Boring Day at Work

After completing your telemetry training and getting certified by National Telemetry Association, you should expect your days to get better. The work is not only gratifying, but it will keep you on your toes. Not one day is similar to the other in the healthcare industry. So, you will be learning and growing each day without it getting repetitive and dull.

Need a Telemetry Certification?

Do you want to start your journey as a telemetry technician? Register for National Telemetry Association’s certification exams now and unlock the doors of better job opportunities with generous salary packages.

For every would-be phlebotomist and potential telemetry technician, having direct experience with the equipment and procedures involved in their duties is a must. While a good online course might give you all the theoretical knowledge that you need, practice is key in most fields of medicine and phlebotomy is no different.

It lets you experience a clinical environment

A phlebotomist has to adhere to just as many protocols as any medical professional. The process of taking, handling, and processing blood samples is a highly critical one, and thus one that requires the utmost care. Having firsthand experience with those protocols is essential to an individual’s confidence in their abilities, and it also helps them build connections between what they’ve learnt through their textbooks and practice. Working on this process with peers and supervisors helps tomorrow’s phlebotomists glean knowledge and experience from each other, helping improve the entire class’ familiarity with essential concepts and practices. Speaking of building upon concepts with your peers…

It helps you get in touch with hospitals and clinics

If you’ve gotten your certification online, you’ll find yourself jumping through several hoops to get your foot in the door when it comes to landing potential internship opportunities. Most on-ground programs will help connect you to opportunities, help you decide between them, and facilitate you in the process of applying. Training organizations have links with local hospitals and health care providers, and these links often prove beneficial to students. For example, did you know that Phlebotomy Career Training has a nationwide contract with Concentra? Contracts like these form the basis of a budding professional’s gateway to firsthand experience in hospitals and workplaces, so they’re definitely an advantage.

It’ll help you explore your options

Training organizations very rarely offer only a single course or program. Even ones that focus on one field within medicine (like the NTA) allow you to interface with others. While an online course may give you in-depth knowledge of that one domain, hands-on experience helps you understand the greater field of medicine and the part you’d like to play in it. For some, this might just mean knowing what they don’t want to pursue, but for others, it might just give them their next dose of inspiration.

For many reasons aside from these three major ones, hands-on experience is an essential step towards becoming a medical professional. If you’re an aspiring phlebotomist or telemetry technician and you’d like to know more about Phlebotomy Career Training, check out their website. If you’d just like some career advice, or you’d like to find out about educational or training opportunities near you, reach out to us here. The NAPTP has been assisting phlebotomists and telemetry technicians and professionals in their journey to get accredited for years, and we’re sure we could help you too.

Why PCT?
At phlebotomy career training, we understand that our students need to be up to date on cutting edge trends in the medical field, and with these uncertain times with COVID-19, we are pushing even further to educate our students on the proper protocols for dealing with infection control and donning and doffing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

As worldwide COVID-19 cases surge, and resurge, medical professionals are searching for ways to test, diagnose and refine the methods used to identify the COVID-19 Virus. Phlebotomists are at the forefront of this fight, as they are in close contact with infected patients, thus making the proper use of infection control procedures and PPE extra important during these trying times.

Infection Control and PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Importance

As COVID-19 Infections continue to rise, and cases skyrocket globally, phlebotomists and other medical professionals are finding the need to “don and doff” medical protective wear properly of extreme importance. At Phlebotomy Career Training, our goal is to educate our students on not only the proper methods of infection control and donning and doffing PPE, but the concepts on why this process is necessary, and examples of what is correct and incorrect.

At , Our course is designed for teaching students and instructors about the proper methodology of infection control and donning and doffing PPE, as well as the etymology or “vital info” on the virus causing the worldwide pandemic, COVID-19, so our students are prepared to deal with the high volumes of cases. Due to the intensive nature of isolation rooms and the toll they take on hospitals, having staff that is well trained and efficient in these procedures is of the utmost importance to ensure the highest level of a patients and medical providers safety.

Hazardous Materials Handler Certification with a Specialization on COVID-19 and Infection Disease (CHMM)

The Hazardous Materials Handler Certification (CHMM Certified and Accredited) is now offered as part of the PCT Infection Control Course, with specialized information on the handling and disposal of hazardous materials and biological waste, with an emphasis on infectious diseases such as COVID-19. This course, now offered with all online classes, is designed to enhance our students knowledge and marketability when in the field or looking for employment opportunities in these uncertain times.

Contact us today for information on our online courses designed to meet students needs, no matter how busy or intense their personal life might be. At Phlebotomy Career Training, our programs are self-paced, self study with rapid completion options for students already in the medical field looking into cross training phlebotomy skills.

Visit us online at pctedu.fusedash.com/ to speak to an advisor and learn how phlebotomy career training can help you succeed with the best education by the highest quality instructors available!

Many students have this question while they train at facilities to get their certifications. However, in order to answer it, we need to briefly introduce and highlight the importance of the MA certification. Moreover, we will define what ” Academic Credit Transfer” mean and then find out if the academic credit transfers or not while demonstrating the importance of the MA certificate.

    Firstly, Who Are Medical Assistants?

Medical Assistants are eligible to work in physicians’ offices, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. They are responsible for performing physician support services that help ensure medical facilities run smoothly. Certified Medical Assistants may work in a clerical, administrative or clinical capacity, and they may even be asked to perform more specialized tasks.

Secondly, What Is the Importance of the MA Certification?

    Although Medical Assistants can work without being certified, employers are usually looking for skilled and outstanding candidates. Getting certification through authenticated training centers proves to employers, coworkers and patients that this Medical Assistant has aced the field, and that ,now, they have the knowledge, techniques and skills necessary to assist a premium service.

How to Get MA Certificate?

In order to be eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant exam, the student must complete a formal medical assisting program from a school that has received accreditation from either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

    Thirdly,  What Is an Academic Credits Transfer?

    Credit Transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study at Registered Training Organizations, professional bodies or enterprises and universities. Credit Transfer is credit given based on documentary evidence of statement of attainment/qualifications.

There are two types of Credit Transfer:

1. External Credit: which applies if you completed eligible units of study at another tertiary institution or training organization.
   2. Internal Credit: which is available if you previously completed units of study at the same institution as part of a different course.

Finally, Does Academic Credits Transfer?

Applicants applying for an internal credit may be eligible for a reduction in the course fees based upon the regulations and the date of completing any previous courses; however, external credits do not transfer. The MA Certificate is considered as an external credit; therefore, its credit does not transfer.

Medical Assistant jobs have a great outlook in the coming years. In fact, it is one of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Obtaining a certificate increases the student chances of employment at large facilities, which means better environment, experience and benefits as well as a variety of patients and situations, too.

Becoming a certified Medical Assistant does not take long, and the job is rewarding in several ways. Students might be interested in a management job, a particular area of medicine or even teaching.

    What Benefits Do Students Get When They Roll in Medical Assisting Certificate Program?

1. Medical Assistants can Immediately start their career; they can notably finish their certificate program in a short period of time as some training centers offer a less than a year program.
2. It boosts confidence; as discussed before, Medical Assistants need to study for and pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam. This license proves that the student is a professional in their field, and that builds confidence. MAs will also be working with other licensed professionals, so everyone around has the same knowledge base.
3. Medical Assisting is a highly demanded field; it is not always easy to get a job, but when it is for Medical Assistants, they are in demand. The profession is expected to grow 29% by 2026, much faster than average growth rates.
4. It pays great and it is stable; the pay scale for a Medical Assistant is currently $32,946 and ranges between $30,377 and $35,570. Also, The great demand for Medical Assistants means the turnover rate is low, and the industry is largely protected from layoffs even when the economy is bad.
5. It is fulfilling; many jobs do not provide an opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives, but Medical Assistants can go home at the end of the day knowing they did. It is a meaningful work!
6. Some people find lifelong careers as Medical Assistants, and others use the certification as a step in a longer career path. With exposure to several fields of healthcare, students might discover a related interest or an opportunity to pursue a different job. For example, careers in nursing, medical coding and allied health managementmay be of interest to Medical Assistants one day.
7. Certified Medical Assistants receive broader education; their responsibilities include clinical duties like drawing blood and performing basic lab tests as well as administrative duties such as updating patient records, billing and scheduling. Certified MAs are surely prepared to work in all of these evolving clinical and administrative areas.

As baby boomers get older, they need more preventive medical services. We are talking about 76.4 million people or almost one-third of the U.S. population. Almost all of them will be involved in the healthcare system in the upcoming years and especially this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical Assistants are always going to be an important part of the healthcare sector, and Certified MAs are highly needed to get the professional job done.

What is a PA?

PAs (Physician Assistants) are medical professionals who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as a patient’s principal healthcare provider. With thousands of hours of medical training, PAs are versatile and collaborative. PAs practice in every state and in every medical setting and specialty, improving healthcare access and quality.

What do PAs do?

Physical assistants’ specific duties depend on the setting in which they work, their level of experience, their specialty, and state laws. They obtain patient histories, perform physical examinations, diagnose illness and develop treatment strategies, order and interpret lab tests, counsel patients on preventative health, perform various medical procedures, assist in surgical operations, and in most states can write prescriptions.

Degree Requirements for PA School

A bachelor’s degree from one of the accredited colleges and universities is the first requirement to join PA school. You can fulfill this requirement by completing a Physician Assistant program. You do not have to wait to finish your undergraduate study to apply to join PA school. However, because work experience gives you better odds, you need to a few years to volunteer, shadow a doctor or a PA, and maybe do research to increase your odds. Besides the bachelor’s degree, a PA assistant has to complete a master’s program accredited by ARC-PA, an independent body that licenses PA programs. The master’s program should involve classroom work and hands-on training. After this, you need to earn your PA certification by taking a PANCE test. You need to take the PANCE test within six years after completing your PA program. Within the six years, you are given six attempts – if you fail to get certified in all six attempts, you have to retake the ARC-PA accredited PA program. You can only start practicing after the certification.

Contact Hours for PA School

Like the GPA and GRE, there are no standard experience requirements for PA school. It is, therefore, challenging to know how much experience you need (in terms of hours) and in what areas. However, this is for sure, you will not get into any PA school without healthcare experience. There are different categories of healthcare experience, such as:

• Experience in Patient Care : This is the most recognized experience category when applying to join PA school. You need experience in developing patient treatment plans, performing procedures, and directing treatment for a patient. To earn the experience, you can work as a phlebotomist, C.N.A., paramedic, dental hygienist, or physical therapist among others. Accepted students earned an average of 3,020 hours in patient care experience in 2019, according to the PAEA report.

• Healthcare Experience : You only need to work in a healthcare setting for at least 1000 hours, either paid or unpaid. Here, you need experience in cleaning patients, delivering food, administering medication, or taking vitals. Patient’s care hours count when you work hands-on with patients.

• Shadowing: Here, you only need to observe a physician or physician assistant work. In 2019, accepted students shadowed PAs for an average of 143 hours.

• Volunteer Work: The volunteer work you undertake in a health facility does not count. You need to volunteer outside the healthcare system Here, you can tutor students in less privileged societies, fundraise money for charity, engage in city cleanups and so much more. You need at least 500 hours working as a volunteer.

• Non-healthcare employment experience: One of the ways on how to get into PA school is to show that you have experience in different fields. Therefore, you need at least 2000 hours in a field not related to healthcare.

Hospice Care is defined as a type of health care that focuses on the palliation of a terminally ill patient’s pain and symptoms and attending to their emotional and spiritual needs at the end of life. In this article, however, we want to throw out sterile definitions and take a closer look at what it means to care for patients that are terminally ill, and the most important aspect of what a great caregiver should have: Compassion.

The Need for Hospice Care

Hospice care is focused attention on caring for the dying with serious illnesses. These are patients that doctors think have only a short time to live, often less than 6 months. Believing that this physical and spiritual treatment will make a huge difference in the patient’s life, physicians, nurses and family members often opt to make this process as comfortable as possible. Hospice involves caring for dying patients by helping them be as free from pain as possible, providing them with assistance to complete wills and other arrangements for their survivors, giving them social support through the psychological stages of loss, and helping family members cope with the dying process, grief, and bereavement. In addition, the process of hospice care will prioritize comfort, quality of life, and individual wishes freely; far away from any stress or restrictions.

National Hospice resource

Levels of Hospice Care

Patients differ in needs and required care according to their health case; as a result, there are four different stages/ levels of hospice care that meets each patient’s needs.

The four levels of hospice care are available for anyone who is eligible for Medicare:

• Routine Home Care

Routine home care is the basic level of hospice care provided in your home, assisted living, or nursing home. This level of care offers a team approach by hospice staff and your physician to provide comfort at the end of life.

• Continuous Home Care

This is when a nurse stays in your home for an extended period of time because the patient is experiencing a medical crisis or having a severe symptoms such as unrelieved pain.

• General Inpatient Care

Once the patients’ severe symptom requires an advanced level of hospice, they should be moved to specialized places called “General Inpatient Care”. The goal of inpatient hospice care is to control severe pain and symptoms, so the patient can receive the care that is consistent with their wishes.

• Respite Care

The respite level of hospice care is provided on an occasional basis and offers a planned, short-term break for caregivers who face the challenges of assisting patients with an advanced illness. The patient should receive a plan of care require 24-hour care.

Who are the caregivers? 

Caregivers are the people who have unique features that reflect compassion, love, mercy and hope to give the patient a secure and comfortable space to live. They can be a member of the patient’s family or loved ones; otherwise, it can be people that are specialized to provide such care for the sake of a happy and satisfied final moment/ ending.

Caregivers do not only provide a perfect sensible space, but they also provide help that makes the patient’s life easier when it comes to their daily routine. I would describe the caregivers as “adaptors”, according to the way they adopt their feelings, ideas, and time to fit their patients needs.

In most cases the disciplinary teams include: the nurse, nurses aide, medical assistant, homehealth aide, social worker and the physician.

Hospice Caregivers Challenges 

Caregivers are responsible for taking care of the basic needs of patients and giving hope to the patients for their remaining time. However, there are hidden challenges that caregivers face while performing hospice care. Some of those challenges will be outlined below.

According to caregivers’ continuous care routine, they may face many challenges that affect their daily lives, such as being exhausted exhausted from long hours of work. In addition, caregivers may also have fears about losing their loved one/ patient at any time or making a mistake that could compromise their quality of life. Caregivers may also have a difficult time when it comes to making decisions that may jeopardize the patients comfort level, such as removing a favorite pillow for a new one, or a favorite chair for a newer model, as some patients can become very emotionally attached to these things. High levels of caregiver stress may drive those working in hospice care to feel angry with themselves and/or guilty about decisions they have had to make, often taking that stress home with them.

A Reason to care

Individuals taking care of patients in hospice settings aim to help patients feel mercy, compassion and love, with the goal of providing a peaceful and relaxing end. Often, the greatest challenge is helping the patient feel the will to continue on, as the will to live can often help patients in hospice care hold on for a few more precious moments with family and or loved ones. Giving compassionate care should always be emphasized in any health care setting, especially when caring for those in their final stages of life. This is where the field of medicine truly becomes a calling, not a job description.

Have you wondered how medical personnel are being used during the world outbreak? First of all you may want to hold on to your seat, because what you are about to read is truly inspiring. This is a time when it’s a, “all hands on deck” scenario. Meaning, that everyone with medical experience is needed on the front line. The question posed to you, if you were in the field would be, can you start an IV, do you know how to suture, are you willing to assist with a surgical procedure? They are not looking for you to say, NO! Rather, the medical team is expecting you to say, Yes! Even if you have never done a particular skill, you are going to learn on the job quickly. Trust me, I know first hand. So you are interested in becoming a medical assistant? This is the best time if ever to go into the field. Why? Because of the experience that your going to receive.

Does the above scenario sound like a war zone analogy? Maybe because it is. Just walk into any ICU anywhere and you will see the nurses and doctors working frantically to keep people alive. Sounds like a war zone to me. But, in all honesty, the truth is that states have waived many restrictions on medical professionals who aren’t physicians to assist in helping those who need emergency care. So in all reality you may just learn how to start an IV on the job, perform wound irrigation, prep someone for surgery or assist in surgery.

Time is of the essence. We have so many medical providers who have shut down their office practice due to the risk of contracting Covid 19. Is this ethical? Is it against their Hippocratic Oath? You can be the one to decide. The point is that we are living in very strange times indeed and those who step out into the forefront of this mayhem and madness are the ones who will have saved lives.

No one can tell you when it’s the right time to enter the medical field or when it will be safe to go back to school. But you can decide if you want to be a part of history. Being a medical assistant is just that, you are an assistant to the physician. As an extension of the physician you will be asked to do perform skills under their instruction. Physician’s need you.
Where will you work? Currently, the most likely place that you will work is in the hospital. Medical assistants are now trained to help in triage. Here you will take the patient’s temperature, vital signs, blood pressure, pulse oxygenation and a brief history before they are escorted back into the emergency room.

You may also perform electrocardiograms, perform phlebotomy and deliver specimens to the lab. You may also take part in a Code Blue, where patient resuscitation is needed. You will be busy from the time you get to work until the time you go home, unless you are asked to work overtime. Twelve to sixteen hour shifts are not unusual right now. If you think that this is a good career choice, then you should do your research and pursue it further. With so many schools and universities currently closed, there are not that many options other than online. So take your time to decide if online education is for you. Make sure that you have a instructor who will work with you on a personal level and have frequent class sessions that are live. Make sure that you can also view the lectures if you cannot attend. Clinical experience is a must and many schools will require that the student find their own clinical site. So contact your family physician and other urgent cares close by. There is one thing that is certain in the medical field, no one refuses free help.

Be safe and stay well.