Healthcare Case Management Certification Article on Difficult Readmission Patients

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Some of the most expensive patients in healthcare are dealing with homelessness and addiction. These factors contribute to the patients not finding immediate resolution of the issue, as well as frequent re-admissions.  This results in higher prices and more difficult coordinated healthcare care management.  Case Managers find themselves in difficult positions trying to help the patient find a permanent resolution to the medical issues experienced.

 

Readmissions for the homeless and addicted are among the highest. Please also review our healthcare case management certification

 

The article, “These Patients Are Hard to Treat” by Reed Abelson looks at these two types of patients and better ways to help them and also reduce cost.  She states, 

“These individuals, frequently struggling with addiction or homelessness, have extremely complicated medical conditions. By finding them and connecting them to the right doctors and social services, dozens of costly hospital stays could be avoided. The idea has been adopted in numerous communities around the country.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Healthcare Case Management Certification.  The program is online and independent study and can help prepare medical professionals for the field of case management.  Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

Stress and Healthcare Professionals: What You Need to Know

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Sleeping man near money with calculator

Written By Lucy Peters

83% of workers in the United States experience work-related stress according to the American Institute of Stress, and those who work in the healthcare industry aren’t exempt. With many factors at play, such as a heavy workload and long hours, stress is often viewed as an inevitable part of the job. However, by recognizing the causes and effects of stress, you can manage it much more easily. Whether you’re looking to get certified for the first time, or are planning to re-certify, keeping in mind how stress can affect you in the healthcare line of work

Causes of stress in the healthcare industry

For many in healthcare professions, stress is considered as an unavoidable part of the job. While the causes of workplace stress vary from person to person, it’s commonly triggered by heavy workloads, long hours, and the sheer amount of responsibility that comes with the position. Student loan debt may also be a major stressor for some considering the amount of schooling needed for many healthcare positions,  though it can be especially stressful when figuring out how to manage troubling finances. While causes of stress in the healthcare industry are abundant, it’s necessary to keep in mind that it can have a serious impact on a worker’s health, and even on their patients – and even more so for those who are just beginning their careers.

The physical and mental side effects

While getting to the root of workplace stressors can be a great way to begin solving your problems, identifying the symptoms of stress can prove to be just as important.  Common physical symptoms include headaches, muscle pain/tension, and fatigue. Stress can also increase your risks of developing health problems like high blood pressure, and can lead to further issues like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

While the physical effects of stress on the body may be a bit more difficult to notice for some, the mental effects may be more prominent. Mentally, someone who is experiencing workplace stress may develop anxiety, a lack of focus, mood swings, and can feel overwhelmed, which can all affect one’s ability to do their job, thus putting the patients at risk. In more severe cases, stress can also lead to depression as well, making it vital to manage the symptoms as early as possible.

Managing your symptoms and when to see a doctor 

While you’re sure to experience stress at some point in your career, there are several ways you can manage your symptoms and relieve it, both at work and at home. At work, taking a walk on your break can be a great way to clear your head, and making sure you’re taking all of your breaks in the first place can be a great help in getting your mind off of the task at hand.

At home, regular physical activity can act as an outlet. In fact, respondents to a Stress in America survey reported that 30% of adults felt less stressed after exercising. Other ways to relieve stress at home include participating in relaxing activities, like yoga or meditation, which can both allow you to clear your mind and think things through in a peaceful way.

While there are many simple ways to reduce and relieve stress in your day to day life as a healthcare professional, it’s necessary to know when it’s time to see a doctor. For instance, if you’re experiencing the more severe symptoms that stress can bring (like depression), or if the stress affects your job (or day-to-day life), it’s always a good idea to consult with your doctor.

While it’s likely that everyone will experience stress at some point in their lives, those in the healthcare industry may view it as part of the job. For that reason, it’s necessary to know about the symptoms – both physical and mental – that stress can bring in order to identify and manage them, before they become too overwhelming.

 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Stress Management Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program in online and independent study and open to qualified professionals.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Types of Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression is a chronic state of perpetual sadness.  Some forms of depression are acutely caused and temporary while other forms have no real reason and can last for months upon months or reoccur.

Depression is a far more serious state than normal grief reaction.  Normal grief reaction results from loss in some form.  It proceeds through a series of responses that can go in a particular order or not.  Various emotions can skip out of the so called order of denial, anger, bargaining, mourning and acceptance.  In fact, normal grief reactions can also have extreme oscillations and reversals to previous states.  None of this constitutes depression necessarily.  Grief itself is a natural reaction to loss and is not a pathology.  Sadness over loss even years after does not designate depression, but the inability to escape continual acute emotional pain and ability to adjust to new life does.

Depression can have a direct cause or no cause. It is important to find help. Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification

 

Depression though results in a variety of complications that prevent a normal grief reaction.  Sudden or extreme losses can cause depression, as well as, situations surrounding the loss itself.  Some losses are so extreme or the situations so gruesome that it can shake the very fabric of the individual’s life narrative.  These reactions can lead to later complications in the grief response and prevent adaption to the loss.

Depression hence can be caused due to external issues but it can also be internal.  Depression sometimes may have no true cause or loss correlated with it.

The article, “Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. There are several different types of depression.” by Jane Leonard looks at the different types of depression and their symptoms.  She states,

“Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States. There are several different types of depression.  People with depression experience distinct periods — lasting at least 2 weeks — of sadness, low energy, and loss of interest in things that they once enjoyed. People sometimes refer to these periods as depressive episodes.”

To read the entire article on depression, please click here

It is important to realize that simply certified grief counselors without any type of counseling license cannot treat depression.  They can help with others in overcoming the pains of grief but they cannot treat depression.  Individuals who are licensed and also obtain a certification in Grief Counseling have the ability to utilize their skills to treat both, natural grief and complications in grief.  This does not mean certified grief counselors do not play an important role.  Those who are only certified but not licensed as counselors, can still help others overcome loss and possibly identify signs of grief complication.  They can serve as front line soldiers in helping others find the help they need in overcoming depression.

Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and is open to qualified professionals seeking certification.

Substance Abuse Counseling Program Article on Teen Recovery from Opioids

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Opioids are a rising problem within the United States.  Lower income families see their teens receive less help and the recovery they need to overcome the pill epidemic.  Many teens become addicted at a younger age and continue down the dangerous path of addiction to these types of drugs.

 

Teen substance abuse and lack of recovery programs that help are a big issue especially with opioids. Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program

 

The article, “After opioid overdose, poor teens rarely get addiction treatment” by Lisa Rapaport looks at the struggles for teens from these families.  She states,

“Less than one third of teens and young adults who overdose on opioids receive addiction treatment afterward, and the few who do get help receive counseling instead of medication to combat substance misuse, a U.S. study suggests”

To read the entire article, please click here

Substance Abuse continues to be an issue. It may be an issue as old as time, but it can be curbed and it is important that teens receive the help they need to avoid addictions.  Recovery and help play key roles into keeping teens from becoming addicted or fatally over dosing.

Please also review our Substance Abuse Counseling Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study and is open to qualified professionals seeking this certification through online education.

 

 

Holistic Integrative Specialist Article on Aging and Holistic Medicine

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Aging is part of living.  Living a healthy life ensures aging is a process that does not excel at a fast right.  With good exercise, safe diet and preventative measures, holistic living can help retain youth longer and help one be optimal for the age they are.  There is never a guarantee in life, but the odds are always higher when one takes his or her own health into their own hands.  If blessed with longevity or disease resistance or not, one who cares for his or her body and utilizes a holistic life style to his or her own advantage will age better than if they did not

 

How can a healthier and holistic life benefit you and aging? Please also review our Holistic Integrative Specialist Certification program

One can learn more about the advantages of a healthy life style and aging by reviewing our Holistic Integrative Specialist and Healthcare Life Coaching blogs.  One can also if a nurse enroll into the Holistic Integrative Specialist Certification.  The program is online and independent study.  The certification lasts for four years and can be renewed.  Please review the program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

 

Legal Nurse Consulting Program Article on Malpractice Insurance Importance

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Malpractice insurance is critical and to any physician.  Doctors who work with hospitals may have special coverage but when a hospital closes or a doctor operates on his own, then he or she will definitely require some sort of protection.  This is not about being a bad doctor or a good doctor but common sense and protection of one’s practice and life.

Doctors need protection against legal action of all types of possible malpractice. Please also review our Legal Nurse Consultant Program

 

The article, “A hospital’s closure leaves doctors ‘scrambling’ for malpractice coverage” from Advisory Board looks at the importance of this.  The article states,

“Nearly 1,000 medical residents who worked at the now-closed Hahnemann University Hospital spent the final weeks of 2019 “scrambling” for malpractice insurance afterthe hospital’s closure left them with a massive “hole” in coverage, Peg Brickley reports for the Wall Street Journal.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Legal Nurse Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

Christian Counseling Training Article on the Salvation of the Cross

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

The redemption by Christ is referred to in Theology as Soteriology.  Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate and perfect sacrifice which gave humanity a second change and a rebirth.  It opened the founts of heaven once again.  The blood of Christ energized the channels of grace to humanity. It reconnected the life of humanity with the Creator.

The historical incident, where the perfect man represented humanity as its high Priest, as a perfect sacrifice, being God as well, allowed humanity to repay the infinite debt of the sin of Adam.  Where Adam said no, Christ said yes.  Jesus hence offered reparation for our sins and brought humanity salvation.

 

Christ’s death and blood freed humanity from sin. Please also review our Christian Counseling Training and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

The article, “5 Ways the Death of Jesus Saves You” by Lesli White looks at how the death of Jesus plays a pivotal role in our salvation.  She states,

“To be saved, or born again is to accept the plan of salvation that Jesus offers us. In order to understand salvation, it’s imperative that we understand the death and resurrection of Christ which points to our salvation. The son of God was made human, and during His earthly life, he lived a perfect life, and died not because He wanted to but because we needed salvation”

To read the entire article, please click here

Hence the sacrifice of Christ was a necessity.  A sacrifice was needed.  One that was perfect and offered atonement for the infinite debt of sin.  Only a person could represent the offending party, but only a God could cover the infinite price.  The Second Person of the Blessed Trinity becoming man, or as scripture says, the Word became Flesh was the moment in history when God and man became unified in one person.  Two natures that existed in perfect harmony.

Through the Incarnation, humanity was open to redemption.  It is through Christ, and his mother Mary’s yes, that Adam and Eve’s curse was removed from the human race.  Through the fonts of Baptism which are fueled through the Blood of Christ, original sin would be removed from the world one person at a time.  Through one’s faith realized through Baptism, all are born again in Christ and put on Christ.

If you would like to learn more about theology or would like to learn how to become a Christian Counselor, then please review our Christian Counseling Training program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

 

Grief Counseling Certification Article on Sleep and Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Grief and lack of sleep can go both coincide.  Grief can affect sleep patterns in negative ways.  The lack of sleep and depression can have multiple effects on one’s health.  It is important to manage depression and sleep and to find the necessary help to be healthy emotionally and physically.

Depression and lack of sleep is an unhealthy combination. Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification

 

The article, “What is the relationship between depression and sleep?” by Timothy Legg states,

“According to one scientific journal, sleep loss might contribute to neurochemical changes in the brain, which can result in depression. The researchers also suggest that depression may lead to disrupted sleeping patterns.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Bad sleep and depression build on each other in the most negative ways.  It is best to treat one’s depression so sleep is not affected.  Please also review our Grief Counseling Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.

Grief Counseling Training Program Article on Hidden Depression

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Depression can lead to dismay and withdraw from life.  It can linger and force one into a bed and afraid to exit a room.  While depression may have an acute reason, it may have no reason at all and it can negatively affect the person’s social and financial life.  The person will not be as productive or able to function in society and as a result, suffer far more deeply than just the symptoms but fall behind in all aspects of life.

High functioning depression is emotional state that many ignore. It is important to find help. Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program

 

Depression however affects people differently.  Some individuals may remain functioning at a high level but still suffer from constant depression.  They are conscious of the depression but are able to move forward and function.  While this is good it still represents a serious situation which can erode over time.  The person can become eventually become more susceptible to various illness and emotional states that may present itself.   Some also manifest a hidden depression.  In this, they function but are unaware of the depression itself.  This creates a a dangerous situation where individuals ignore the signs and do not seek help.  Functional depressed are aware of the situation and admit to it and can seek help, while hidden depression lingers at a subconscious level while the person wonders why they are unhappy despite all they do everyday.

The article, “Do You Have High-Functioning or Perfectly Hidden Depression?” by Dr. Margaret Rutherford looks at the manifestations of high functioning depression.  She states,

“Psychologically speaking, people with high-functioning depression are able to use the skill of compartmentalization, where you suppress your own personal feelings for the moment and instead, attend to the needs or expectations of the present. You metaphorically put anger or sadness or fear into a box in your emotion closet and stick it up on a shelf until it’s the right time to deal with it. It’s an important skill, and one that many people know how to use well and effectively.”

To read the entire article regarding high functioning depression, please click here

Please also review our Grief Counseling Training Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The program is independent study and online.  The certification lasts four years and can be renewed.

In the meantime, as grief counselors, it is important to diagnose hidden depression and lead clients to the appropriate therapists, unless of course, as a certified grief counselor, you are also a licensed therapist.

ADHD Consulting Certification Article on When To Test for ADHD?

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

Symptoms of ADHD can be some of the most irritating things a parent can deal with.  While ADHD can be over diagnosed it is important to find out of your child is ADHD or not.  Knowing when to test your child can be important not only for the child but also one’s own mental health.

 

When is it an appropriate time to have your child testing for ADHD? Please also review our ADHD Consulting Certification and see if it meets your needs

Please also review our ADHD Consulting Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals.  The certification is four years and completely online.  It can help qualified professionals earn the credential and knowledge to help others face the issues associated with ADHD