Grief Counseling Certification Article on Grief Boundaries

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

In grief we deal with many emotions and its difficult to sometimes discuss it or experience it.  We work through grief at our own pace and own way.  It is because of this, it is important to avoid being bullied in grief and to have our own set of boundaries.  We have discussed Grief Bullies in the past.

Grief bullies are individuals who attempt to impose their style of grieving on an individual.  They also can try to diminish the grief of a person as not important or relevant.  These individuals are an issue in themselves, but being able to stand up for oneself and set boundaries are critical.  Grief boundaries are important in grieving and especially during the Holiday season.  These are the times, when individuals, either grief bullies or good intentioned individuals may push the issue.

Emotional boundaries are important to begin with.  In every part of life, it is critical to set boundaries.  Whether at work, school or with friends, it is important not to allow individuals to push one around.  While it is OK to help others, to be flexible and understanding, it is equally important to have boundaries that prevent individuals from imposing their will or impeding upon one’s limits.  Hence it is important to have boundaries and also important to enforce those boundaries.

Help for grief is good but you can have boundaries in how you express with other people. Ultimately it is up to you. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

Boundaries can be enforced without hostility.  They can be laid out calmly but firmly to individuals who test those grounds.  Usually, individuals who unknowingly push a boundary only  need told once, while others may need reminded more than that but it is important to hold firm to boundaries.  Grief is no exception.

What’s Your Grief discussed a variety of ideas on Grief Boundaries in one of their most recent blogs.  Some important information to take from it are as follows.,

In establishing a boundary, be clear, firm, and communicate it.  Do not apologize for it, but be prepared to face questions that you owe no answer for.  In addition, let the individual know of consequences when boundaries are crossed and be prepared to enforce it.  In addition, be prepared to feel the natural discomfort that sometimes comes with standing up for oneself.  Individuals worth keeping in your life, will understand.

In regards to grief, while it is sometimes good to take help, it is OK, if you are not ready for that help and it is OK to decline that help. Let others know, some days you may not feel that great and if you need time alone to respect that.  Grief can make one feel unable to participate in going to an event or hanging with a friend.  In these cases, it is OK to back out especially when you are first dealing with the sting of loss.  Do not allow grief bullies to keep you in or keep you out.

Also feel free to dismiss questions that may seem to soon or intruding.  You are not obligated to answer questions regarding your personal life. For instance, if dating seems too son, feel free to dismiss the question.  In addition to this, one’s boundary should be able to decline advice and just ask one to simply listen.  Sometimes, advice is not ready to be heard or not the advice we need.  It is OK, to tell the well intentioned person, that you do not want advice but just an open ear.  If individuals discuss with you their issues, it is also OK to let them know you are not in a place to help them because you are still dealing with your own grief.

It is OK also to decline to tell someone how a loved one passed.  Sometimes people ask this secondary question.  It is only up to you if you wish to share how a person died.  You can tell them, it is to painful to recall, or you do not wish to relive it, or that the question is too triggering.  You may say that you will talk about it another day, or you may say it is a private matter.  Ultimately you should not disclose what makes you uncomfortable.  You must set the boundary and live by it.

Boundaries in grief are important. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

During the Holidays, many of these things may occur.  Family and friends will want to see you, or expect certain traditions or visits to be upheld.  It is especially important to let family and friends know if you want to be alone or if you do not wish to celebrate that particular tradition.  Maybe you are not ready and that is OK.  Again it is important not to succumb to grief bullying.

Ultimately, you may make individuals uncomfortable when setting boundaries and that is OK.  You need to let them know about your feelings and remind them you are moving at your own pace and speed in your grief.

If you would like to learn how to help others deal with grief, please review the American Academy of Grief Counseling’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling.

 

Related Source and Content

What’s Your Grief   “Setting Your Grief Boundaries”–please click here to review

 

Certified Case Manager Education: What is Population Health?

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Population Health Management

Today’s Certified Case Manager is becoming more involved in assessing and working with information on population health. Population health looks at the data of an entire group instead of an individual patient and considers not only the general state of health of the population but typical outcomes as well.  “Population health is defined as the health outcomes of a group of individuals, including the distribution of such outcomes within the group.” (1)

 The term “population health” is a broad one and the group examined can be defined in a variety of ways; your chosen population could be a specific town or city, race or even age group. Viewing data across a broad population can help determine the best practices of care for that particular group and allow for that group’s needs to be anticipated and met. A definition of population health is: “The inherent value of a population health perspective is that it facilitates integration of knowledge across the many factors that influence health and health outcomes.” (1).    “The CDC, which has a Division of Population Health, is far wordier and gives more of a functional definition. Population health is interdisciplinary, according to the CDC website, and an approach that uses “nontraditional partnerships” among different sectors of the community — public health, industry, academia, healthcare, local government entities — to achieve positive health outcomes.” (2)  We see more content being added today to Case Manager Certification education curriculums on this interesting and important practice topic.

William Edwards Deming was a scientist and engineer and is best known for his principles of productivity; his approaches are often modeled by organizations looking to boost efficiency and quality while lowering costs. Deming’s involvement was a key component of Japan’s recovery after WWII; he also brought his unique take on the tie between quality and productivity to corporations in the US, including the Ford Motor company. This attention to quality helped Japan rebound after WWII and become a booming economy just a decade later; it also helped Ford and other US car makers understand why Japanese motors were outperforming homegrown products year after year. Applying these same principles to population health can help improve outcomes and as a natural byproduct of that improved care, reduce costs as well.

 

The Deming Philosophy and Healthcare

The Deming philosophy or approach at its most basic states that when an organization focuses on improving quality, costs will naturally fall over time. Case managers work with this philosophy everyday and are at the forefront of guiding quality, cost-effective care.  Conversely, an organization that is focused on costs will find their quality dwindling over time. This philosophy can be applied to a variety of industries – including healthcare. When we focus on improving care and outcomes, we can expect costs to drop; focus too much on costs and the quality of care can easily slip. Case managers know this well and serve as educators today to teach this to others on the health care team.

 

Applying Deming Principles to Healthcare

Managed Care = Managed Processes

The concept of managed care is less about planning the daily work of individual providers and more about the way that the entire process works. The broad approach that is taken to care will have a larger impact on the health of specific populations; engaging and including physicians and providers in the planning process is a must. These providers are the clinicians dealing with clients on a regular basis, and their insight could hold the key to improved overall process and better levels of care.

 

Engaging Physicians in the Process of Care

Including working physicians in the conversation will greatly improve both the approach to care and the outcomes. Doctors, nurses certified case managers and other providers are working “in the trenches” daily and already have the skills and knowledge to predict what methods will work and what will not. Incorporating frontline care providers in conversations about population health is a must if we are going to properly serve that population and understand what will work (and what won’t).

 

Accurate and Timely Data is a Must

“In God we trust…and all others must bring data.”
William Edwards Deming

This Deming quote is at the heart of why data is so important. If we can’t measure population health data, there is no way to tell if measures are resulting in improved outcomes, worsened outcomes or having no impact at all. The ability to measure and compare data from a specified population is a must; without accurate data and the ability to analyze it, there is no way to determine if measures designed to improve care have any actual impact at all.

The quality-based approach outlined by Deming offers many advantages and possibilities for population health and for healthcare in general.  For true gains to be made, the right data must be collected and accessible, front-line caregivers need to be involved in the planning process, and a broad approach to care for a specific population needs to be implemented. We need to continue to provide continuing education for our case managers and others on the health care team in the quality improvement process, including the use of quality improvement tools, data collection and appropriate interpretation of data.

Some reasons we should care about population health include; 1) it is people focused, 2) it seeks to improve the health of our society, 3) it helps to reduce costs as society becomes healthier, 4) it promotes medical science to deliver better care, 5) it leads to the ability to provide better access to care, and 6) it promotes better patient engagement (3). As such it fits very well into the role of todays certified case manager. It would be most advantageous if we provide our case managers more continuing education and opportunities to become involved in this area of practice. Becoming more intimately involved in population health will assist case management profession in its ultimate growth and expansion of specialized professional practice.

Are you a licensed health care professional who is interested in becoming a Certified Case Manager? If so, you may want to preview information on our Certification and Fellowship program at the American Academy of Case Management. You may access information here.

References:

  1. David A. Kingdig (Ed.) What is Population Health? Improving Population Health: Policy, Practice, Research. University of Wisconsin. Population Health Sciences.
  2. Karen Appold. Confused About Population Health? You’ve Come to the Right Place. Managed Healthcare Executive. Vol. 30, Issue 10. October 2020.
  3. Christina Rosario. Why is Population Health Important? Advanced Data Systems Corporation. July 8, 2020.

Holistic Integrative Specialist Program Article on Holistic Care and Mental Health

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Holistic medicine looks to heal the entirety of the mind body and soul.   It is preventative in nature but overtime, if properly utilized, can help with numerous maladies.  It is important for mental health also.   When looking for herbs and other practices to ease stress, anxiety or depression, it is very important to seek the guidance of medical professionals.  Many herbs if not used properly can hurt a person.  Overdosing, mixing with other herbs or other Western medications, or misusing them can cause health issues.  Since this can occur, it is critical to seek professional guidance.  Healthcare professionals who have specialties in Holistic Integrative backgrounds are a great place to start.

 

There are many holistic and natural ways to deal with mental health. Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Integrative Specialist Program

 

The article, “A Thorough Guide To Holistic Treatment For Mental Health” by Evalina Brown looks at some important factors in looking at holistic herbs in regards to mental health.  She states,

“Holistic treatment facilities see mental illness as a combination of biological, physiological, as well as spiritual issues. This all-inclusive therapy strategy encourages patients to take responsibility for their own health and well-being.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Holistic Integrative Specialist Program and see if it meets your academic and professional needs.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Holistic Integrative Nursing

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Divorce and Loss

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Divorce is a major disruption in life and a life altering change.  It brings about not only romantic loss but multiple secondary losses.  Adjusting to these losses and finding a new routine and life narrative can be very difficult for many people.

Going through a divorce is a difficult transition. Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “Working Through Grief After Divorce” by Melissa Porrey looks at how difficult the transition can be for many facing the grief of divorce.  She states,

“When going through a divorce or ending a significant intimate relationship, grieving allows us to work through the thoughts and feelings that are brought on by the many different losses that come with it. Whether it’s working through the physical loss of another person being absent from the home, a loss of security, loss of friendship or companionship, or even financial loss, each needs to be acknowledged and grieved.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling

 

Meditation Instructor Training Article on Transcendental Meditation

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

There are many types of meditation.  Most meditation involves focusing on breathing.  Transcendental Meditation looks to release oneself from complete awareness through mantra and sound.  All work to reduce stress but all also have deeper spiritual meanings as well.

 

Transcendental Meditation looks to free the mind. Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Training

 

The article, “Your Guide To Practicing Transcendental Meditation” by JR Thorpe looks closer at the unique elements of Transcendental Meditation.  He states,

“According to the Oxford Handbook of Meditation, transcendental meditation is all about “transcending from the active mind to the silent mind” and trying to find bliss, a sense of calm, and a reduction in stress. While both are legit ways to train your brain to be present, regular mindfulness meditation training involves being aware of your own body by incorporating elements like visualization, a focus on the breath, and/or a body scan. Transcendental meditation, on the other hand, involves repeating a mantra or sound until you let go of your awareness and surroundings.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Meditation Instructor Training Program and see if it matches your academic or professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Meditation Instructor.

 

Christian Counseling Certification Video on Moral Decisions

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Christian moral teaching demands an objective moral order.  Right and wrong are not interchangeable parts throughout the ages or in different circumstances but permanent values.  Right and wrong and a good moral compass are important for decision making in life.

Please also review AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Christian Counselor.

 

Please also review the video below

Grief Counseling Training Video on Helping the Bereaved

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief Counseling can help many individuals through the bereavement process.  It becomes difficult for many to sometimes progress through grief.  Some experience prolonged grief, others experience depression.  For the most part, many merely experience normal and natural grief and adaptation.  Grief Counselors can help others through it

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Training and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counseling

Grief Counseling Certification Video on Traumatic Grief

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

 

Sometimes loss is so terrible and horrible that it causes trauma at the deepest levels to the person.  Grief that is unexpected or due to intense human cruelty or natural disaster and war can leave indelible marks on the soul.  This type of loss takes extra time to heal and sometimes requires longer therapy to find healing.

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Grief Counselig.

 

 

Please also review the video below

Employee Retention Strategies For The Healthcare Industry

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Doctor's uniform and stethoscope isolated in a white backgroudWritten By Lucy Peters

In the current labor market, employee retention is more important than ever. Some are describing the current period as ” the great resignation.” With the impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic causing many to reassess their employment and change jobs, this is doubly true in the healthcare industry, which was of course the industry most involved with dealing with the pandemic. Employers are looking for effective strategies to increase employee well-being and therefore retention, which will reduce turnover and costs associated with hiring new employees.

Why Do Employees Leave?

To come up with useful employee retention strategies, it is first important to understand why employees leave their positions. Once we understand this, we can attempt to mitigate these circumstances as much as possible. The two biggest quoted reasons are usually salary and benefits or feeling overworked. In the healthcare industry, the second option here is usually key. In fact, even pre-pandemic, the turnover rates of US hospitals were seeing a small but steady climb, reaching 19.5% in 2020. Replacing employees is expensive and time-consuming, which is why employee retention planning is also a budgetary issue. One sensible idea is to implement an exit interview or survey when an employee moves on, in which you ask them to outline exactly why they are leaving. This data will help you more effectively design your benefits and retain future employees.

Retaining employees is critical to building strong teams and nurturing talents. The key to employee retention is keeping employees both happy and motivated. This can be a particular struggle within healthcare, an industry where long hours and a high-stress environment is commonplace. All is not lost though, as there are still effective ways to increase happiness and motivation in any work environment, and they might just be the key to reducing your turnover rates.

Review Salaries And Provide Better Work Arrangements

The first thing that should be assessed is the salaries offered. Are they lower than the industry average? Remember, lower salaries may seem like a smart financial decision but can incur “hidden” costs if they are contributing to a high turnover rate, as money is spent on replacing and onboarding new employees. These days, employees are also seeking more flexible working arrangements, and this should be implemented wherever possible.

Make Employees Feel Valued

The next step is to ensure employees feel rewarded outside of salary. Some of the most effective ways to reward employees don’t have to cost the earth, and although salary should be considered here, smaller gestures can go a long way in making an employee feel valued – rewarding employees on a budget is perfectly possible. One idea you could implement is to start weekly or monthly lunches to build morale and foster teamwork. Also, ensure hard work is recognized – for example, the gesture of sending a card can go a long way and lets employees know their work is being noticed.

Offering wellness perks such as discounted gym memberships or free classes are also a great idea, as employees that are fit and healthy are much more likely to be happy. Regular surveys where employees can express their concerns or ideas is a great option – as long as you then act on these. Not only will this increase workplace morale but it also gives your employees the chance to change their working environment for the better, empowering them to do better work.

Employee retention can be a particular struggle within the healthcare industry, which has such a high turnover rate. However, there are some important strategies that can be implemented to help mitigate this. Offering perks to increase employee happiness will go a long way, but overall, the most important thing is understanding why employees leave. The use of employee surveys will help you optimise your strategy and create a working environment that they want to be in.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a Healthcare Manager Program

 

Stress Management Consulting Video on Work Stress

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

One of the most common sources of stress is work.  The workplace can be a very stressful place due to interactions, the nature of the job and deadlines.  It is important to be able to handle stress and cope for not only maximum productivity but also overall health.

AIHCP offers a four certification in Stress Management Consulting.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking to become a Stress Management Consultant

 

Please review the video below