Nursing Prerequisites for New Immigrants to Israel

By Brenne Meirowitz, B.A., M.S., M.A.
The demand for licensed nurses continues to grow in Israel, so if you are planning to make Aliyah and work as a nurse, this article briefly covers Israeli nursing prerequisites for licensing. The Agaf HaSiud - the nursing division of the Misrad HaBriut (Ministry of Health), issues all Israeli registered nurse licenses, so when possible, you should have your foreign transcripts reviewed by the Misrad HaBriut, before making Aliyah. In most cases, an educational waiver will be granted if your foreign transcripts contain coursework that covers at least 80% of Israeli mandated theoretical and clinical studies coursework. If you are lacking any of the courses, you may take the necessary nursing prerequisite courses in Israel. However, in either case, a mandatory, 98 hour (7 credit) preparatory internship must be satisfactorily completed before a nursing candidate is eligible to take the exam.

The core curriculum for those interested in becoming a registered nurse in Israel requires all graduates to complete 156 academic credits. All courses completed by nursing applicants must conform to minimum standards set by the Israeli Ministry of Health. The core nursing program consists of the following four domains of study:

• Nursing sciences: 25 academic credits
• Social, Behavioral and Life sciences: 48 academic credits
• Clinical studies: 74 total academic credits broken down into 55 theoretical units of study and 19 academic credits of clinical experience.
• Advanced practicum: 9 academic credits

In addition to completing all academic nursing prerequisites for licensure, students must complete a mentor directed study program in an Israeli hospital. The three mandatory areas of study cover Israeli laws and regulations, an overview of the Israeli health system, and training for states of emergency and trauma. A booklet provided by Misrad Habriut covers these areas and is a good study guide.

For most immigrants, the thought of learning a new language can be somewhat daunting and even discouraging, especially for those who work in a specialized field, such as health care, which requires fluency in technical terms in addition to the basic conversational and written language. In an effort to ease the process and promote immigration, the nursing exam in Israel is offered English, Arabic, Spanish, French, and Russian in addition to Modern Hebrew.

However, each applicant must pass a Hebrew proficiency test before taking the exam in his or her alternative language of choice. New Olim (immigrants) are encouraged to take advantage of free Hebrew language classes (Ulpan) offered throughout Israel, as well as obtain industry specific language guides, available by contacting the Israeli Ministry of Education (Misrad Hachinuch). The nursing exam in Hebrew is given twice a year, usually in April and October, while the exam in English is given only once a year - sometime in the fall. If planned well, applicants should complete all nursing prerequisites in time to meet testing schedules.

For more information about alternative language testing, including the medical field, applicants should visit the National Institute for Testing and Evaluation (NITE) website. NITE is an Israeli academic organization supervised by a board of directors consisting of representatives from all Israeli academically recognized universities. The website includes Hebrew and English proficiency practice exams.

Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs

By Melanie Ullman
Do you enjoy working with people and are compassionate about wanting to improve someone’s quality of life? Are you looking for a career in health care but do not have the time to go to school full time to become a registered nurse but want to see if the medical field is for you? If so then taking looking for certified nursing assistant (CNA) jobs would be the first step before enrolling in CNA training to become certified.

A certified nursing assistant was also known as an orderly, nurses aide, patient care technician or home health worker and works under the supervision of a nurse to give help to patients with their daily tasks. A certified nurse assistant works very closely with the patients on a daily basis helping them bathe, with grooming, feeding them and assisting the nurse with any medical equipment and checking vital signs like blood pressure, temperature and heart rates.

Certified nursing assistants provide vital information on their patient’s daily emotional and physical well being and give patients some social and emotional support as well. Many registered nurses got their start as certified nursing assistants and are better because of that early experience. The nice thing about certified nursing assistant (CAN) jobs are that you do not need a bachelor’s or even an associate’s degree to get one. The requirements are that you have at least a GED and have passed a six to twelve week certified nursing assistant certificate program from your local community college, online educational institution or medical facility.

Some of the subjects you can expect to study will be biology, physiology, anatomy, nutrition, infection control and some basic nursing skills. There will be plenty of opportunity for hands on learning in clinical activities. Each state has different qualifications you need to meet so check with the state medical board for the specific qualifications you will need to become a certified nursing assistant. Home health workers can be certified through the National Association for Home Care.

As the American population continues to age the market for certified nursing assistant (CAN) jobs will continue to increase. Certified nursing assistants work in the home health field in private homes, in nursing homes, mental hospitals, assisted living facilities and regular hospitals. You can expect to start at around $20,000 and can reach almost $40,000 depending on your years of experience and the facility that you work for.

If you are not sure what educational institution to use for your certification you can check out the classified ads and many times assisted living centers or nursing homes will offer the opportunity to earn while you learn to be a certified nursing assistant. This is usually offered to those who do not have any prior medical experience. You will be required to work for some stated period of time after gaining your certification and that the institution may offer to pay for your state exam as well. You will need to pass both the practical and knowledge portions of the CNA skills test to receive your certificate.

Online Nursing Programs - Is It Even Doable?

By Melanie Ullman
Programs such as online LPN nursing classes are becomingly increasingly popular, since it allows students to get their degrees or certifications without having to change their schedules.

The Internet, with its great flexibility and ease of use has become a huge part of many people's lives. People use the Net to meet and start families, find and communicate with relatives they have lost, seek out and get jobs, take care of their health and get education. No wonder that you can now start a very successful nursing career taking online nursing programs that will prepare you for what might turn out to be the opportunity of a lifetime.

Why Nursing?

There are jobs that will always be in demand. We need teachers to teach our children. We need doctors to take care of the sick. We need lawyers to represent us in court and... we need nurses to help us take care of ourselves when we can't. If you want to have a fulfilling job that will make you feel good about yourself, because you'll be helping people, as well as give you a great salary, then nursing is just right for you.

Why Online Nursing Programs?

We all live in a very busy world. We have things going on all the time in our lives, so it's really convenient to be able to take classes whenever you want, do homework in your spare time and go through tests at your leasure.

Another great things about those programs is that they are usually much cheaper than going to the campus, spending money for travel and eating out all the time. When you participate in online nursing programs, all you have to do is log in to your student area and you can immediately start working. Can you imagine how much time it's going to save you?

What Should You Know Before You Sign Up For An Online Nursing Program?

There are a few things you need to be aware of before you join an online nursing program. One of the most important things, in my humble opinion at least, is security. You need to be sure that the information you exchange online with the school is absolutely safe. Most of the reputable nursing schools are safe to access online, all you have to do is a bit of research.

Another thing you have to pay close attention to is the faculty and staff. Again, most reputable schools publish information about the educators working at the school. If you visit the online nursing program's home page, you'll easily be able to verify the teachers' academic background.

These are just a few things that are crucial for you to know when you consider joining an online nursing program. It's impossible for me to cover everything you should know before joining a nursing program online, but I'd like you to check out this website if you feel like you need to do a little more research.

Some other resources that might be helpful are Hubpages (http://hubpages.com/hub/Nursing-School-Programs)and Squidoo (http://www.squidoo.com/nursingschoolprograms)

Not ready to commit to becoming a nurse? Consider becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant! Like nursing, you can take your courses and prepare for the CNA certification test online.

CNA: Training, Jobs, Salaries

CNA training is required to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Also known as CNA, Personal care Assistant, or PCA, Home Health Aide, the title will vary depending on the area or setting in which you are working. Certified Nursing assistants, are probably the hardest working, and the most underpaid.

The services they provide are immeasurable Nursing Assistants have to be caring, hardworking and dedicated. The position can be stressful yet rewarding. Many CNAs do not get the credit and recognition they deserve.

What is A CNA and How do I Become one? Certified Nursing Assistants work closely under the supervision of Nurses Usually an RN, or LPN. Certified Nursing assistants can work in a variety of settings, including, Nursing Home facilities, Hospital settings, or even provide care in the Home. The C NA functions in the role to assist with patient care needs. Duties vary, according to the location in which you choose to work. For example a home health aide duties, may consist of helping a client with a bath for that day, preparing a meal, reminding or assisting patient in medication, obtaining a blood sugar. Transporting a patient to an appointment, light chore work that may include assisting with laundry, and light house keeping in the part of the home where the patient spends most of the day.

A Nursing assistant who works in the hospital may be responsible for seven to thirteen patients at a time, they will usually do rounds every two hours on the patients, and be responsible for answering any call lights in between. The first round usually consist of taking a full set of vital signs on each patient, assisting with transfers, getting a patient from bed to chair, or putting them back to bed, they may assist with baths as well, and with meals.

Nursing assistants in the hospital settings can assist in inserting and removing Foley catheters, and many other task like such hooking up oxygen and assisting in dressing changes under direct supervision of RN. Certified Nursing Assistants that work in Nursing homes have the most demanding duties, they usually are responsible for ten or more patients at a time. It can be very physical as well, because a lot of the patients are not able to do much for themselves. It requires a lot of patience and understanding.

Certified nursing assistants are very important, for they are watchful eyes, because they spend most of their time with the patient they can alert the nurse to anything that may be abnormal, so that she can intervene.

There are also a number of free CNA training classes, online or through an institution such as a nursing home or hospital.

What kind of Training is Required? You can become a Certified Nursing Assistant in as little as six weeks. Depending on where you live, you can get training that is sometimes offered at local facilities, such as Local Hospitals, Nursing Homes. Technical Schools, or Community Colleges. The Red Cross, and Good will Industries even offer the training. In High School, depending on where you live, Health Occupations, Students of America allows you to obtain certification as a Nursing assistant as well. How the program works is that you take one semester, learning theory, the second semester is based on clinical, and then you are able to take the written exam to obtain certification.

Among others, there are a lot of Allied Health courses even offered on line. The college network, and Ashford university, to name a few offer programs in Allied Health. Certification, includes a written , and clinical demonstration. Clinical demonstration may include proper hand Hygiene, providing privacy, and dignity, obtaining oral and rectal and axillary temperatures. Obtaining a manual blood pressure. Giving a patient a bed bathe, Placing a patient on the bed pan, Making an occupied bed. Colostomy care, Oral hygiene etc.

Salary A certified Nursing Assistant Salary will range for any where between $19,00- $32,000 a year depending on the area where you live. Most Can will tell you that it is not about the money. They simply like what they do.

Deciding On A Schedule For Fall Classes

Accelerated nursing programs, which can help you get your degree in sometimes half the time as a regular program, is becoming an increasingly popular option. With summer drawing to a close and the school year, or semester approaching, many people are having to finalize their plans.

Accelerated programs have the distinct benefit of helping those who's responsibilities mean they often cannot accommodate a campus program with "regular" course hours. Rather than taking the two years, like a regular schedule, these programs usually take only about one and a half years to complete.

An accelerated nursing degree is just as good one that takes more time, it's just compacted into a quicker timeframe.

Nursing prerequisites and requirements will vary, and they may not actually be the same as they would for a regular degree curriculum, but they shouldn't be any more difficult to cover.

As with any of your decisions regarding courses choices, you should talk with the admissions counselor at the nursing school you are considering. If it's an online program, see if there's an admission office or staff that you can reach by telephone. If not, you can always send an email.

Some matriculating courses are now specially designed with the "modern" student in mind. That is, students who must juggle school with traditional life responsibilities. It's no longer unusual to see students who are also holding down a full time job or position, and in some cases having to care for children as single parents. This "modern" lifestyle imposes a whole different set of concerns and considerations, not just financially, but in terms of scheduling time to study, attend class, take tests, etc.

For someone who already has an undergraduate degree in nursing, these 'fast track' programs can mean the difference between being stuck in their current job position and title, and having the opportunity and ability to move up, not just in position, but in pay scale and earnings potential as well.

Regardless of a person's current situation though, it seems as if time is more fleeting and precious these days as compared to what it was like many years ago. People are beset on all sides by others moving ahead quickly, changing schedules and life choices, and the like. Even the decision making process seems to have taken on a sense of increased urgency, particularly in areas affecting job and career paths.

In any event, the time is now, so-to-speak. With fall almost here, summer is over, and many programs will be beginning very shortly. Waiting too much longer to make a choice will in effect be making the choice for you. That being said, it's never too late if you're willing to "lay it on the line". Go ahead and call the admissions office directly, drop in and visit in person, or start sending emails, along with follow up.

CNA As An Introduction To Nursing

I recently wrote about free CNA classes online. Even though this is a blog about nursing, I get a lots of questions about the coming a certified nursing assistant, especially about the American Red Cross CNA class.

For many people, being a nursing assistant. Is there introduction to nursing as a career. Although nursing prerequisites don't require being a nurse assistant, it can certainly help in understanding the job and gaining real world experience.

Many people feel that way or go to get your nursing degree plays a big part in getting good nursing jobs. This is not necessarily true. Whether or you go through online LPN nursing classes, or a campus at the best nursing schools, demand is so high that you will still have choice of jobs.

Eve in the nursing schools overseas, such as those in the Philippines, turn out graduates who have their pick of jobs. Almost anywhere in the world. There is such an on going worldwide or ditch nurses, that programs can't turn out enough qualified people fill all the jobs. This chronic shortage is expected to continue well into the next decade.

Health care is such a dynamic and growing fields, almost any career path promises lifetime job security and the opportunity to earn higher pay. With so many people, out of work were in danger of losing their jobs, having a degree or certification insurers that you will never be out of work if you don't want to be. How many people, and how many careers can make that boast?

Certified Nursing Assistant Training

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA, requires completing a CNA training class and passing the state exam. CNAs work closely with patients, under the supervision of a nurse.

This job is also sometimes referred to as a "home health care aide," "nurse's aide," "patient care technician" or "orderly." CNAs provide numerous forms of assistance to patients, including feeding, bathing and grooming. They also assist nurses with medical equipment, take vital signs and relay information about the patients' conditions to nurses, providing enhanced care to their patients.

The CNA position is often considered a stepping stone in the career path of licensed nurse. Many nurses start out as CNAs and then bring to their nursing training valuable experience gained as a CNA. People who have chosen to become CNAs cite numerous reasons for doing so. One of the most frequently mentioned reasons is the amount of direct personal contact that CNAs have with patients.

A CNA is likely to be the medical professional whom a patient sees most frequently. This allows CNAs to provide care in the form of paying attention to a patient's health and emotional needs. CNAs make conversation with patients and collect information about the patients' well-being, symptoms and progress. Some people also cite job stability based on the number of people in the United States who are likely to need nursing assistance in the future remains high, which should keep CNAs in demand for years to come. Others note that the starting salary for CNAs, which can vary depending on years of experience, is in the range of $22,000 to $28,000.

CNAs can work in a variety of locations, including:

• (1) patients' homes;
• (2) nursing homes;
• (3) assisted living facilities;
• (4) hospitals;
• (5) hospices;
• (6) mental health centers.

In order to enroll in a CNA training program, a person needs to have a high school degree or GED. CNA training programs vary in length from 6 to 12 weeks, and are usually offered at community colleges or medical facilities.

Students participate in a classroom component and also practice skils in a clinical setting. In the classroom, students will learn about anatomy and physiology of the human body, nutrition, infection control and certain basic nursing skills. In clinical settings, students will learn how to transfer patients to and from beds and chairs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and certain other nursing skills.

Clinical portions of a training program are designed to give students "hands-on" experience so that they are prepared to care for patients on their first day as a CNA. In terms of certification to practice as a CNA, the requirements are different in each state. However, most schools that offer training programs also offer certification. Prospective students are advised to inquire as to whether the school they have chosen offers certification. In the event that the school does not offer certification through its training program, it may also be possible to obtain certification through a national association for home health care.

Interested in becoming a CNA? You can find more information about the job, the training, and requirements at CNA Training Class: http://www.cnatrainingclass.com