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    "result": {"data":{"posts":{"edges":[{"node":{"url":"how-graduate-nursing-programs-effectively-upskill-and-foster-healthcare-leaders","title":"How Graduate Nursing Programs Effectively Upskill and Foster Healthcare Leaders","description":{"description":"Graduate programs are great but they are also time-consuming and expensive. One doesn’t just jump thoughtlessly into taking out $50,000 in debt and in healthcare, it isn’t always necessary. If you are a nurse or administrator, you have options when it comes to continuing education. \nIs enrolling in a graduate program the right move?\nFor some people, the answer will be no. Still, for those who want to upskill at the highest possible level while expanding their opportunities, graduate programs are an awesome fit. \nIn this article, we take a look at how graduate programs effectively upskill and foster leadership in healthcare. "},"body":{"body":"Graduate programs are great but they are also time-consuming and expensive.\n\nOne doesn’t just jump thoughtlessly into taking out $50,000 in debt and in healthcare, it isn’t always necessary. If you are a nurse or administrator, you have options when it comes to continuing education. \n\nIs enrolling in a graduate program the right move?\n\nFor some people, the answer will be no. Still, for those who want to upskill at the highest possible level while expanding their opportunities, graduate programs are an awesome fit. \n\nIn this article, we take a look at how graduate programs effectively upskill and foster leadership in healthcare. \n\n## What Do Graduate Nursing Degrees Qualify You to Do?\n\nUsually, nurses enroll in graduate programs to [become a nurse practitioner](https://online.marymount.edu/how-to-become-a-nurse). Nurse practitioners basically occupy a space between nurses and general practitioners. They can write prescriptions and see patients. They can make a diagnosis and even see people regularly for preventative care. \n\nTo become an NP you will need to:\n•\tComplete the coursework. Graduate school generally takes 2-3 years. That said, most NPs are already working nurses which can complicate the completion timeline considerably. The good news is that there is no time limit for completing your graduate degree. If it takes seven years, it takes seven years. You’ll become an NP by the end regardless of how long it takes. \n•\tPass certification requirements. This will involve a combination of gaining clinical experience and completing a standardized test not dissimilar to the NCLEX. \n\nIt’s not an easy path but it is worthwhile for many people. The personal benefits are pretty sweet. We mentioned already how becoming a nurse practitioner can do a lot to improve your autonomy. NPs also make more money—earning in the six-figure range—and they have the opportunity to effectively [run their own practice](https://onlinenursing.cn.edu/resources/why-should-you-consider-online-fnp-program). \n\nThose aren’t the only benefits of getting a graduate degree. The skills that advanced programs equip their graduates with have true and significant benefits both for the patients, and the way hospitals themselves are run.\n\n## Upskilling and Leadership\n\nFirst of all, virtually all healthcare workers are expected to meet continuing education requirements. Healthcare practices evolve constantly, and as digital technology continues to improve and change at a rapid pace, this will only be truer going forward. \n\nThere are also just evolving expectations for how to care for patients. Evidence-based practice prioritizes research-based responses to medical situations. What does research do if not evolve over time?\n\nA nurse who graduated twenty years ago would be out of their depth in the current world of medicine without participating in continuing education. \n\nEducation (can) also help develop leadership hierarchies. People who have completed graduate programs may be better positioned to assume formal—or even informal—leadership roles within their place of work. \n\nSome programs specifically prioritize developing leadership skills. These are a great option for people who are interested in becoming charge nurses or taking on other advanced positions. \n\nHowever, most working nurses will also tell you that a less formal leadership hierarchy often forms in hospitals. One that puts a priority on knowledge, experience, and a willingness to nurture those who haven’t been around as long. \n\nIf you are interested in being a leader at your hospital, pursuing a graduate degree is a great route to take. Hospitals constantly lean on nurses with knowledge and experience to help shape the structure of their leadership. \n\n## I don’t want to become an NP. Is Graduate School Still for Me?\n\nIt definitely could be. Many people opt for the nurse practitioner route because it results in the highest compensation and the most freedom. However, it is just one direction you can take your graduate studies as a nurse. \n\nOther paths include:\n•\tEducation: Did you know that your college professors were never “teachers,” in the same sense that your k-12 instructors were? Most college professors are just people who used to do a job and now teach other people how to do it. If you have instructor ambitions, a graduate degree is your ticket in. \n•\tSpeciality jobs: There are also various nursing specialties that require a graduate degree. Informatics nursing is a good example. These positions require data analysis and equip graduates with the ability to help their hospitals strategize both on operational efficiency and improved patient care. \n\nIn all cases, a well-chosen graduate program is your ticket to more opportunities. Career advancement. Higher salaries. Jobs that you find truly interesting. \n\n## Ok. I’m sold. But who’s paying for it? You?\n\nNo. Not us. Not necessarily you either. If you are working as a nurse already you will almost certainly be eligible for at least some employee-assisted tuition. Some hospitals will pay for their employees’ entire degrees. \n\nKeep in mind that if you are a new hire you may need to log some time in the trenches before you begin sending tuition bills to your advisor. In many cases, tuition assistance eligibility doesn’t kick in until a year or two of employment. \n\nIf, for some reason, you can’t get help from your place of work, there are other ways to soothe the sting of high tuition payments. \n\nKeep an eye out for grants and scholarships that are specific to nursing programs. No, you don’t need a lethal academic transcript to qualify. It will help to show grades closer to the beginning of the alphabet, but the point of employment-specific scholarships is to fill gaps. This makes them more common and easier to get. \n\nLook also for conditional scholarship opportunities. For example, you will find grants and loans out there that provide money for people who are willing to commit to working in hospitals that are experiencing staffing shortages. If you don’t fulfill the criteria of the grant/scholarship it will become a loan instead. \n\nThe good (for you) news? Most hospitals are experiencing shortages. Grants like this are low-hanging fruit for people who want as much help as they can get. \n\nIf you are interested in getting a graduate degree in nursing, don’t let the costs deter you. There are loads of ways to finance your education. "},"publishedOn":"2024-10-12T00:00+02:00"}},{"node":{"url":"the-balance-of-natural-talent-and-skill-development-in-becoming-a-great-teacher","title":"The Balance of Natural Talent and Skill Development in Becoming a Great Teacher","description":{"description":"Some teachers are born. Others are made. How can you tell if you have what it takes? Education is a challenging profession that weaves together numerous skills— not the least of which is public speaking.\nEducators are great communicators, leaders, and organizers. They empathize, instruct, and sometimes even parent their students. In this article, we take a look at what aspects of education hinge on natural talent, and what components of the job are learned skills. Read on to learn more!"},"body":{"body":"Some teachers are born. Others are made. How can you tell if you have what it takes? Education is a challenging profession that weaves together numerous skills— not the least of which is public speaking.\nEducators are great communicators, leaders, and organizers. They empathize, instruct, and sometimes even parent their students. In this article, we take a look at what aspects of education hinge on natural talent, and what components of the job are learned skills. Read on to learn more!\n\n### Natural Talent\n\nFrom here on out, let’s refer to it as “soft skills.” Abilities good teachers have that can’t be taught in a traditional classroom environment. Every job relies on a combination of soft and hard skills. A hard skill is something that you can learn by following a clear progression of steps. For example, writing a test that complies with Common Core standards. \n\nSoft skills tend to involve working with other people. They are often viewed as an extension of the person’s natural personality. \n\nFor example, empathy. Active listening. Organization. Soft skills:\n•\tLack a clear progression of learnable steps. \n•\tGenerally involves the person’s ability to interact with other people and\n•\tTends to include components relating to empathy. \n\nLet’s say you have a student named Jim. Jim is a smart kid but it is hard to reach him. His parents are not very actively involved with his education. You’ve heard rumors that they sometimes leave Jim home alone for days at a time, forcing him to basically parent his younger siblings. \n\nYou want Jim to do well in school, the way you know he can, but you also understand why math homework might not be his top priority. \n\nThe situation calls for a combination of soft and hard skills. On the concrete end of the spectrum, there are processes in place to help kids— and, for that matter, parents— who are struggling. \n\nBut there is also a human element to the situation, isn’t there? You know Jim, and his family. You taught his older brother and ran into similar problems. And so you recognize that there might be a way to assist him even while the slower, district-recommended process unfolds. \n\nCommunication with him and his parents. Accommodations within the assignments that make them easier for him to complete. You aren’t sticking strictly to the curriculum. You are making it work for Jim and his family. \n\nSo many teachers deal with situations just like this one every day. It’s both a reflection of their immense talent and a reflection of their commitment to public education. But this also begs a question: Are some people simply not naturally skilled enough to teach?\n\n### Answer: Maybe/Probably Not\n\nObviously, no one would make the case that everyone has what it takes to be an awesome teacher. Some people simply do not. But if you have a true passion for education and are simply worried that some of your soft skills aren’t developed enough, there are ways to work around that. \n\nThere are online workshops where you can develop some of these traits. Passing them won’t give you a credential you can brag about on your resume, but they may help you come out of your shell a little bit. \n\nThe best way to develop soft skills, however, is to practice them every day. If you struggle with organization, develop a system. If you are not able to keep well to a schedule, set specific daily goals designed to help you manage your time better. \n\nIf you are awkward at communicating, make a point of speaking with someone new every day. If these steps feel cheesy or embarrassing, that’s ok. Maybe they are. That doesn’t mean they won’t work. \n\n### Education Outside the Classroom\n\nLet’s say you have a true passion for education but you don’t know if running a classroom is the right fit for you. That is ok! There are tons of ways to [participate in your local education community](https://online.spalding.edu/blog/edd-careers-what-can-you-do). Many school districts employ hundreds of people, only a modest portion of which are teachers. \n\nFor example, you could consider:\n\n•\tAdministration: Administrators work behind the scenes to make sure everyone has what they need. They help align school policies with district goals and comply with state regulations. Generally, administrators are required to have a master’s degree in school administration. They don’t get summers off like other teachers, but they are paid well—sometimes north of $100K. \n\n•\tSpecialist: Specialists do work with students but in a more controlled way. They generally do not have to run their own classrooms, but instead “push in,” to teach specific concepts. Reading. Writing. STEM. They won’t have to plan or communicate to the same extent that a classroom teacher would, but they still get to work directly with the students. Specialists are fully certified teachers on the same pay scale, they simply work with kids in a slightly different way. \n\n•\tMisc: There are so many other jobs within education that don’t fall squarely in the category of educator. For example, truancy. It has a sort of police-like quality in the minds of many people, but it’s not about punishment. It’s about helping families achieve the best possible education outcomes.\n\nMany jobs outside the classroom will require a [graduate degree of some kind](https://online.marymount.edu/blog/phd-vs-edd). Alternatively, if you do feel determined to work as a classroom teacher, there are plenty of ways to get a taste of what it is like. If you already have a college degree you will be able to work as a substitute teacher in most states, even without a license. \n\nWhile subbing is not (at all) the same thing as managing your own classroom it may be a good way to gauge how well prepared you are for the work. \n\nSchools are also always hiring paraprofessionals— basically, teaching assistants— who help educators with lessons and other classroom management needs. Paraprofessionals receive full-time work— though the pay is notoriously low— and they receive very clear insights into what it is like to be an educator. \n\nThere are so many opportunities in the world of education. Find the one that makes the most sense for you. "},"publishedOn":"2024-09-17T00:00+02:00"}},{"node":{"url":"the-must-have-soft-skills-and-learned-abilities-for-effective-social-work","title":"The Must-Have Soft Skills and Learned Abilities for Effective Social Work","description":{"description":"Social work is one of those professions that you can’t fully prepare for just through an education. The same way nurses can’t learn what it feels like to watch a patient die and teachers can’t fully understand the immense weight of being responsible for 30 students until they’ve actually done it social workers will never know exactly what the job requires until they are out in the trenches.\nYou can get the credentials through book learning but to be great at the job you also need a strong combination of soft skills and learned abilities. \n\nIn this article, we take a look at what those talents are and how you can develop them to succeed in your social work career. "},"body":{"body":"Social work is one of those professions that you can’t fully prepare for just through an education. The same way nurses can’t learn what it feels like to watch a patient die and teachers can’t fully understand the immense weight of being responsible for 30 students until they’ve actually done it social workers will never know exactly what the job requires until they are out in the trenches.\n\nYou can get the credentials through book learning but to be great at the job you also need a strong combination of soft skills and learned abilities. \n\nIn this article, we take a look at what those talents are and how you can develop them to [succeed in your social work career](https://onlinenursing.baylor.edu/news/where-can-fnps-work-exploring-6-career-paths-and-how-choose-right-fit). \n\n### How Do You Become a Social Worker?\n\nAll social workers have a [bachelor's degree in social work](https://online.arbor.edu/news/what-jobs-can-i-get-bachelor-social-work). Many also go on to receive graduate degrees. Through this training, they generally receive a comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities. However, the job also requires constant human interactions.\n\nPeople skills are harder to teach. Social workers must constantly improve their ability to interact with others in order to be effective at their job.\n\n### What is a Soft Skill? \n\nA soft skill is an ability that cannot easily be taught or learned. When people say soft skills, they generally mean things like communication. Organization. Charisma. Charm. Even empathy can be considered a soft skill.\n\nThat doesn’t necessarily mean that these traits cannot be developed or improved upon. While there will never be a class called empathy 101 you can still hone your ability to relate to and sympathize with people on your caseload.\n\nThe same is true of any of the other traits described above.\n\nSelf-awareness is the first step toward improving your soft skills. What areas are you lacking in?\n\nOnce you have figured out where you need to improve, you can begin making progress by identifying certain behaviors you want to display each day.\n\nFor example, if you worry that you are socially awkward, develop your conversation skills by making a point of speaking to a new person each day.\n\nMost people will find that with repetition they can become significantly better at developing their soft skills.\n\n### Should You Wait to Get Good at Skills Before You Seek Employment as a Social Worker?\n\nMaybe? Probably not. If you are truly passionate about social work and have already developed the required credentials, a lack of certain soft skills should not keep you from seeking a job.\n\nIn fact, most people feel that they develop skills on the job. \n\nBaptism by fire? You could say that. If your livelihood depends on being a little more organized, you’ll probably figure out how to get to work on time or meet deadlines faster than you would if it was a self-imposed requirement.\n\nIn the headings that follow, we will take a look at soft skills you can nurture as you seek and then begin your first job as a social worker.\n\n### Communication\n\nEffective communication consists of two parts:\n\n•\tClarity: When you explain something, people understand. This may sound simple, but that isn’t always so. Social workers often have to explain life-altering concepts to people on their caseload. A person who has recently been released from jail needs to understand what is expected of them or they may wind up back in prison. A family that is on the brink of court-enforced separation must know what steps to take in order to stay together. Even minor misunderstandings could have major ramifications when the stakes are as high as this.\n\n•\tListening: Active listening is the second part of effective communication. You need to understand what people on your caseload are trying to tell you. True active listening means that you stay in the moment while you are having a conversation. You’re not thinking about what you would like to say next. \nYou are not worrying about when you will get to begin your lunch break. You are focused on not just what the person is saying but how they’re expressing it with their facial expressions and body language.\n\nActive listening is important for two reasons. For one thing, it ensures that you completely understand where people on your caseload are and what they need. It also helps establish trust. Any social worker will tell you that the job becomes much easier when you have a productive working relationship with people on your caseload. \n\n### Empathy\n\nAdmittedly, there are limits to how much empathy a social worker can be expected to have. That sounds bad, but it’s an almost necessary reality of the work. You see people at some of the darkest moments. If you are overly empathetic that could ruin you.\n\nThe ideal social worker will feel compassion for people in their caseload, but will still be able to do jobs effectively without becoming overly emotional.\n\nMany people find that their empathetic reactions to social work and flow. In other words, social workers may have moments where they feel very sensitive towards the needs of people on their caseload. They may also have moments where they experience what psychologists refer to as compassion fatigue.\n\nCompassion fatigue is a sort of emotional exhaustion. You’ve seen so many bad things that the emotions don’t register the way they used to.\n\nAll of these reactions are normal and healthy. The key is to remain consistent in how you respond to the needs of people on your caseload.\n\nFalling apart inside? Just don’t cry in front of the person on the other end of the desk. Miserably tired of hearing excuses? That’s also fine. Just make sure you stick to the handbook when it comes to how you respond.\n\n### Organization\n\nMany social workers have overwhelmingly large caseloads. They need to be able to balance the needs of everyone they are responsible for.\n\nThis will mean retaining details about each case, keeping up with appointments, and generally ensuring that everything runs on time and is as effective as possible. Even people who are generally organized may struggle with this at first. Through repetition, however, most seasoned social workers will become very effective at managing their responsibilities."},"publishedOn":"2024-09-16T00:00+02:00"}},{"node":{"url":"the-critical-role-of-advanced-healthcare-educators-in-upskilling-and-addressing-nursing-shortages","title":"The Critical Role of Advanced Healthcare Educators in Upskilling and Addressing Nursing Shortages","description":{"description":"Nursing shortages are often attributed to difficult working conditions. Long hours and emotionally draining work certainly aren’t helping anything. However, they aren’t what caused the problem. Experts have been sounding the alarm about nursing shortages for more than 15 years. \nWhy? Because they noticed a startling trend. Nurses were retiring or leaving the profession. Not enough or enrolling in nursing school to replace them.\nIt all starts with the education system. Who is being recruited for nursing programs? How are these decisions being made? What emphasis is the healthcare system placing on upskilling?\nNursing educators have the power to encourage a new wave of RNs. They also pass important skills onto the next generation of healthcare workers.\nIn this article, we take a look at why that matters and how it can be used to reduce shortages and increase the amount of skilled healthcare workers. "},"body":{"body":"Nursing shortages are often attributed to difficult working conditions. Long hours and emotionally draining work certainly aren’t helping anything. However, they aren’t what caused the problem. Experts have been sounding the alarm about nursing shortages for more than 15 years. \n\nWhy? Because they noticed a startling trend. Nurses were retiring or leaving the profession. Not enough or enrolling in nursing school to replace them.\n\nIt all starts with the education system. Who is being recruited for nursing programs? How are these decisions being made? What emphasis is the healthcare system placing on upskilling?\n\nNursing educators have the power to encourage a new wave of RNs. They also pass important skills onto the next generation of healthcare workers.\n\nIn this article, we take a look at why that matters and how it can be used to [reduce shortages](https://onlinedegrees.rockhurst.edu/blog/consequences-nursing-shortage-solutions) and increase the amount of skilled healthcare workers. \n\n__Disclaimer:__\n\nWhile educators can play an important role in improving the ongoing nursing shortage problem, system change is necessary for a long term solution to be realized. Nurses need and deserve:\n•\tBetter working conditions\n•\tHigher pay\n•\tMore support\n\nIf you are passionate about sustainable, high-quality healthcare in your community, look for ways to support RNs, either through activism, voting, or even by offering support to the nurses in your life. With a little help, healthcare networks all around the country can establish [healthier, more sustainable working environments for their staff](https://onlinenursing.baylor.edu/news/6-strategies-nursing-leaders-create-healthy-work-environment-nursing). \n\n### Healthcare Education Begins in High School\n\nMore specifically with recruitment. High school guidance counselors and college recruiters have a great deal of power when it comes to selecting the next generation of nurses and doctors. As an unusually accomplished spider once said, that power comes with great responsibility. \n\nNot only do guidance counselors and recruiters have an obligation to help bring talented future healthcare workers into the training pipeline, but they also have the potential to help secure more equitable healthcare outcomes for everyone. \n\nDiversity representation in healthcare is very low. This has led to significant consequences for minority patients.\n\nStudies consistently show that majority-group doctors and nurses are not as effective as they should be when it comes to communicating with and treating minority-group patients. \n\nBad intentions? Of course not. Doctors and nurses want the best for all of their patients, but they don’t always have the skill set to fully understand people with backgrounds that are different from their own.\n\nDiversity training can help with this, but it also only goes so far. By diversifying, the workforce school recruiters can play a part in making healthcare more accessible and equitable for everyone.\n\n### The Power of Great Teachers\n\nOnce students enroll in nursing programs, they are at the mercy of their teachers. Great educators have the power to inspire and discourage. It’s an odd thought, but nursing educators are the gatekeepers to the profession. This means they have the responsibility to encourage and mentor people with a genuine passion for nursing.\n\nIt also means they might sometimes need to redirect students who aren’t a good fit for the job. This can help reduce turnover in the profession. Almost half of all nurses leave the job entirely after five years.\nRedirecting students who aren’t a good fit for the job is also beneficial to them. No one wants to borrow $100,000 to learn skills that they’ll stop using in two years.\n\n### Upskilling\n\nEducators also play a role in the lives of existing nurses. All nurses are required to engage in continuing education to maintain their licenses. This might involve training on newly developing technology or simple refreshes on their existing responsibilities.\n\nMany nurses also participate in additional certification programs that will allow them to expand their responsibilities and earn more money.\nThis is an important aspect of the healthcare system. Shortages are not limited only to hospital floors. The world needs more psychiatric nurses, for example, and only targeted certification programs can produce them.\n\nNursing educators working in this capacity have the power to pass along valuable skills that communities all over the country require.\n\n### How Do You Become a Nursing Educator?\n\nNursing educators were usually working nurses at one point in their careers. They then went on to acquire a graduate degree. Contrary to popular belief, professors are not necessarily specifically trained to be educators. Most universities will consider any applicant with an advanced degree.\n\nThat said, if you know that you want to become a nursing educator, it certainly won’t hurt to specialize through a master's program targeting nursing education.\n\nSome nurses even go on to get a doctorate degree. Though these degrees take time and money to acquire the benefits can be significant.\n\nNursing educators command higher than average salaries and are able to work in a flexible environment that is more user-friendly than a hospital. Ready to get started? \n\nThere are tons of training programs both online and in traditional classroom environments. Start researching now to find a program that makes sense to you!"},"publishedOn":"2024-08-29T00:00+02:00"}},{"node":{"url":"7-essential-skills-needed-to-become-a-ceo-in-2024","title":"7 Essential Skills Needed to Become a CEO in 2024","description":{"description":"Traditionally, CEOs were viewed as extroverted financial experts, top networkers, and masters of self-promotion and risk-taking. While these traits remain valuable, modern companies are now seeking leaders who align with 2024’s business expectations — with many traditional business models being replaced with agile, more progressive ways of working.\nToday’s evolving skill set blends both soft and hard skills, positioning CEOs as visionaries for change rather than just authoritative figures. Understanding these essential new skills is crucial for success as a CEO in this modern landscape. \nHere, we explore seven of the key skills needed to become a CEO in 2024."},"body":{"body":"Traditionally, CEOs were viewed as extroverted financial experts, top networkers, and masters of self-promotion and risk-taking. While these traits remain valuable, modern companies are now seeking leaders who align with 2024’s business expectations — with many traditional business models being replaced with agile, more progressive ways of working.\n\nToday’s evolving skill set blends both soft and hard skills, positioning CEOs as visionaries for change rather than just authoritative figures. Understanding these essential new skills is crucial for success as a CEO in this modern landscape. \n\nHere, we explore seven of the key skills needed to become a CEO in 2024.\n\n### 1. Innovative mindset\n\nCEOs with an innovative mindset encourage a company-wide culture of ongoing improvement, growth, and a willingness to embrace change. They [inspire their workforce](https://skillmeter.com/blog/using-innovative-approaches-to-measure-and-boost-employee-engagement-and-productivity) to welcome new ideas, and constantly seek ways to enhance performance to stay ahead of the competition — a refreshing change from the status quo of maintaining outdated practices. \n\nThese leaders prioritize creativity and experimentation. This creates an environment where employees — from upper and middle management to junior team members — feel empowered to take risks and propose new ways of doing things.\n\nBeing open to innovation is one of the most important ways of growing as a business and a leader. Remaining reliant on ‘tried-and-tested’ approaches can be a barrier to progress, so CEOs should embrace new ideas and develop an inspiring vision.\n\n### 2. Knowledge of new technologies\n\nEvery industry is continually being shaped and disrupted by technological advancements. Take AI, for example, which has completely changed the way businesses are run, for better or worse.\n\nWhether it’s leveraging an AI-powered cost management platform for more effective financial planning or, at a higher level, utilizing [corporate governance software](https://www.diligent.com/) for strategic risk management, CEOs must maintain a keen interest in and understanding of these new technologies to keep their businesses agile and competitive.\n\nIn this era of rapid technological progress, tech-savvy CEOs lead by example, encouraging an innovative and forward-thinking spirit within their organizations.\n\n### 3. Interpersonal skills\n\nAs a CEO, taking the time to understand employees as people — how they impact a business, and how a business impacts them — is crucial. CEOs should inspire, empower, and enable their teams. This involves fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every team member feels valued and heard. \n\nIn 2024, having a CEO who understands people as people and not just another cog in the machine goes a long way. The idea of ‘us and them’ (i.e. ‘CEO and senior management vs. employees’) is outdated and not conducive to a happy, productive workplace.\n\nThis human-centric approach extends beyond the internal dynamics of the organization, however. CEOs must also consider the broader societal impact of their decisions, ensuring the company’s operations and strategies align with ethical practices and contribute positively to their communities.\n\n### 4. Collaboration\n\nAccording to research, developing the next generation of leaders is the top challenge for [55% of CEOs](https://www.apollotechnical.com/leadership-statistics/), which makes collaboration even more important for knowledge sharing and development. \n\nAs a CEO, fostering a collaborative environment is crucial for harnessing the collective expertise and creativity within the organization. By encouraging cross-department teamwork and open communication, CEOs can break down silos, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and drive innovation.\n\nCollaboration starts with the CEO setting a precedent. This involves creating a culture where every team member feels comfortable sharing ideas, voicing opinions, and contributing to the decision-making process.\n\nCEOs aren’t there to carry out daily operations or understand different skills within teams; encouraging collaboration means being proactive in bridging these gaps. This can be achieved by empowering managers to make more decisions and engaging in regular dialogue with their teams to stay informed about the day-to-day challenges and successes, fostering a sense of connection and understanding.\n\n### 5. Emotional intelligence\n\nSoft skills play much more of an important role for CEOs now than ever before, and this includes emotional intelligence. This aligns with the aforementioned ‘human-centric’ approach and focuses on being self-aware and empathizing with others. Often as a CEO it’s easy to overlook the impact a job has on employees, or simply how people’s personal lives can impact their wellbeing.\n\nJames Timpson, [CEO of Timpson’s](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/1J7x50pDt5DrcPJ57B7kkM9/6-things-we-learnt-from-the-ceo-of-timpson-s), is a great example of how a human-centric leadership approach can work. He believes that an organization revolves around its people, their emotions, and their feelings. To achieve financial success, he emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing these human aspects. Timpson puts this philosophy into practice by continually supporting his employees, assisting them with personal matters such as buying a new car, or covering the cost of dental work to boost their confidence.\n\nEmotional intelligence is a cornerstone of effective leadership in an era of diversity, inclusion, and remote work. CEOs with high emotional intelligence can understand and manage their own emotions while empathizing with the feelings and perspectives of others. This skill is invaluable for fostering inclusive cultures, building strong relationships with stakeholders, and navigating complex interpersonal dynamics within the organization.\n\n### 6. Openness \n\nCEOs who practice openness foster a culture of trust not just among employees but also among customers and clients. Transparent communication builds confidence and loyalty, as stakeholders feel they are being kept in the loop about the company’s vision, strategies, and performance. This trust is essential for maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships.\n\nFrom another perspective, openness can also be seen as a CEO sharing themselves with others in the business and demystifying who they are, as CEOs can often be seen as mysterious figures that nobody knows too much about. \n\nBy being more open, CEOs can [humanize their role](https://www.proresource.com/humanizing-the-ceo/#:~:text=Humanizing%20the%20CEO%20makes%20a,person%20with%20depth%20and%20relatability.), making themselves more relatable and approachable. This can break down barriers and create a more cohesive, supportive, and empowering organizational culture.\n\n### 7. Personal integrity\n\nPersonal integrity is the foundation of effective leadership. A CEO with high integrity is honest, ethical, and consistent in their actions and decisions. This builds a strong sense of trust. \n\nIt’s not uncommon for CEOs to storm ahead with plans, not considering the wider impact or how this sets the tone for the business, but this can often have a detrimental effect on morale and productivity.\n\nAdhering to a set of moral principles and maintaining a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult, is what counts. When leaders demonstrate ethical behavior, employees are more likely to act with integrity themselves, knowing that their leaders value and expect honest conduct.\n\n__Being a CEO in 2024 requires a fresh perspective and approach. As businesses increasingly move away from the rigid, top-down model of management, they become more progressive, paving the way for breakthroughs. Embracing flexibility, empathy, and innovation allows modern CEOs to lead effectively in a rapidly changing landscape.__"},"publishedOn":"2024-08-28T00:00+02:00"}},{"node":{"url":"employee-background-checks-overview-and-execution","title":"Employee Background Checks: Overview and Execution","description":{"description":"In today’s complex business landscape, choosing the perfect employee has become more than just reviewing resumes. As businesses strive to uphold their reputations, background checks on employees have become indispensable. In this article, we'll see why and what you need to watch out for."},"body":{"body":"![Employee background checks](//images.ctfassets.net/tmst8h6c82u2/1RQDYLCJ2Q6c3pKaxzAKNE/0e5d91e4adbe0c519cb67b6d5905586e/cytonn-photography-GJao3ZTX9gU-unsplash.jpg)\n\n*Source: https://unsplash.com/fr/photos/person-writing-on-white-paper-GJao3ZTX9gU*\n\nIn today’s complex business landscape, choosing the perfect employee has become more than just reviewing resumes. As businesses strive to uphold their reputations, background checks on employees have become indispensable. In this article, we'll see why and what you need to watch out for.\n\n### Why are Background Checks Important?\n\nPre-employment checks are crucial for businesses looking to hire employees for various reasons. These allow you to [protect your business](https://skillmeter.com/blog/how-management-can-help-improve-and-maintain-workplace-safety) from potentially harmful individuals. By doing so, you are safeguarding your reputation and ensuring no harm to any of your other customers or employees, preventing potential legal issues. \n\nMeanwhile, if you look at it from a team-building perspective, doing legitimate background inspections can give you a more trustworthy workforce, which will help construct a better organizational [culture](https://skillmeter.com/blog/the-importance-of-company-culture-in-a-remote-tech-job-search). Like this, your employees are also likely to feel motivated to do their best in an environment they like or feel more comfortable in, making it a win-win situation for all. \n\n### What to Include\n\nA background investigation includes vital information about an employee’s history. It can vary depending on the type of business. For instance, a financial institution may have to carry out a credit check on its employees to determine whether they should be hired or not. You must consider everything relevant to your business and dig it up.\n\n#### 1.\tEmployment History Verification\n\nAs an employer, it is important to double-check whether your employee's work experience is credible. The first thing you can do is get as much information as possible from the resumé. When asking about past employment experience, add questions about company names, employment dates, locations, positions, and main responsibilities. The more details you ask for, the harder it gets to be untruthful.\n\nHowever, a detailed resumé is still not a reliable resume. In fact, according to a [survey](https://standout-cv.com/usa/study-fake-job-references-resume-lies) conducted in the USA, over half of Americans claimed to have lied on their resumés. Due diligence is vital to prevent this. Once you have a detailed application, look for generic errors, like spelling mistakes. Assess the report thoroughly to identify any red flags, such as job hopping or multiple career changes, and scrutinize them. \n\nThis is likely to give you an overview of whether the applicant is being genuine or not. Then, verify the business your applicant mentioned online to verify its authenticity. Find key details about the company to ensure it exists and operates as stated. Additionally, you can confirm the applicant's role in the organization to determine whether they are a good fit for your team.\n\n#### 2.\tEducational Verification\n\nConfirm the applicant's educational claims by verifying degrees, certification, and attendance. An easy way to do this is by asking them to provide a copy or transcript of their degree. You can also contact the stated educational institution. \n\nFinding attendance could give you a good insight into how the employee is likely to be when working with you, facilitating a well-informed decision. When evaluating credentials, be wary of [Diploma Mills](https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/online-education/what-are-diploma-mills/1/) (phony institutions that are not legitimately accredited) and ensure no fake degrees fool you. \n\nYou might run into some problems when doing this check. For instance, some institutions may not be forthcoming in disclosing information. Similarly, you might need authorization from the candidate to go through their academic records. You should note that the specifics vary across countries and institutions, so it is best to conduct your research and evaluate in accordance with country law. \n\n#### 3.\tCriminal Record\n\nA criminal record check can guarantee the safety and integrity of your workplace. You should investigate criminal history in regard to its relevance to the position the applicant wants to go for. For instance, a minor driving offense will not be as relevant to a web designer's job as to a delivery person's job. \n\nOne way to make a sound judgment is by considering the severity of any offense and the time that has passed since. Secondly, you must [obtain consent](https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/employer-background-checks-your-rights#:~:text=Employers%20might%20run%20a%20background,may%20not%20get%20the%20job.) from the applicant before running a criminal record check, as the law dictates. Upon receiving the results, allow them to clear out any inaccuracies or explain anything if needed. \n\nThe procedure for checking criminal records involves contacting institutions like the local police, state organizations, and even those at the national level. This does not only make the process time-consuming but also unnecessarily complicates it. On that account, you should have a third party carry this out for you. If you are an employer looking to do a criminal record check in Canada, consider yourself lucky. [Triton Canada](https://www.tritoncanada.ca/criminal-record-checks/) offers authentic criminal record checks and provides them to you in minutes. \n\n### Endnote\n\nWith the dynamic technology of this age, the best of the best employers can get scammed, and an excellent way to mitigate the risk is through running background checks. Read the tips mentioned above to get the best information on who you're hiring and make a well-informed choice. Remember, stopping problems before they arise is easier than solving them later."},"publishedOn":"2024-08-16T00:00+03:00"}},{"node":{"url":"the-skills-you-miss-by-choosing-nursing-certifications-over-degrees","title":"The Skills You Miss by Choosing Nursing Certifications Over Degrees","description":{"description":"There should be little question or doubt in people’s minds about the value, career stability, and reward that comes from a career in nursing. A career as a nurse is one of the more fulfilling jobs that someone can find and can be one of the more exciting, depending on the position. "},"body":{"body":"There should be little question or doubt in people’s minds about the value, career stability, and reward that comes from a career in nursing. A career as a nurse is one of the more fulfilling jobs that someone can find and can be one of the more exciting, depending on the position. \n\nAnother benefit of a nursing degree is the fact that, for just a typical [CCNE accredited four-year degree](https://onlinenursing.baylor.edu/news/what-is-ccne-accreditation), the job placement rate and starting wages for graduates from bachelors and masters programs means an easier time transitioning from student life to adulthood. While that is a solid path with plenty of notable elements, others may still choose to go the quicker route and opt into healthcare through the earning of nursing certificates. \n\nWhatever the reasons may be for doing so— like financial ease or program length— choosing to get a certificate in nursing will be beneficial, but, as some people may not be aware, does come with a few downsides. One of those points is that certificate programs simply won't have the time to cover certain skill sets that are a necessity to more advanced nursing roles. \n\nHere are some skills that may be missed out on when choosing to go through a nursing certificate over a traditional two, or [four-year BSN degree](https://onlinenursing.holyfamily.edu/blog/bsn-degree-nursing-careers). \n\n### Skills Missing in Certificate Programs\n\n#### Emergency Care\n\nWhile certificate programs offer a good foundation in certain medical practices, the extent of the training greatly limits the knowledge needed to operate at a higher skill level. Emergency situations are a great example of this. Where RN’s can be qualified to administer a variety of life saving techniques like providing life support, handling advanced cardiac equipment, tending to serious wounds or administering medications, most certificate programs like an LPN, cannot. They are limited to the training that they receive and most of that pertains to very basic things like checking on patients’ vitals like blood pressure, inserting catheters, or helping with clean up. \n\n#### Giving Medication\n\nShort of being a nurse practitioner, most nurses and certainly every basic nursing certificate holder will not be able to prescribe medications. A tricky and important skill when paired with most medical diagnosis and recovery attempts, the level of further training required to be properly prepared to do so takes years in itself. Much too short to cover in certificate programs. \n\n#### Blood Transfusions\n\nLPN and other nursing certificate programs will not certify workers to start, manage, or supervise blood transfusions. Being that this would be very necessary in certain intense medical situations, it is again limiting to the level of participation. \n\n#### Performing Health Assessments and Creating Nursing Plans\n\nThe core effort of being an RN has to do with regularly checking in and monitoring the vitals and progress of patients who have undergone various procedures. While RNs are trained and qualified to do such things, lower certification programs will not qualify someone to do so. \n\nAdditionally, where RN’s have the knowledge base and experience to elaborate on the reasons and methods of care in nursing plans, certificate holders will be lacking in both the knowledge and authority to educate patients. \n"},"publishedOn":"2024-08-11T00:00+03:00"}},{"node":{"url":"alternative-education-methods-to-help-upskill-and-advance-your-nursing-career","title":"Alternative Education Methods to Help Upskill and Advance Your Nursing Career","description":{"description":"schooling. Remote or alternative licensure or certification pathways make it easier to advance your career while enjoying a degree of balance. \nHow do alternative education methods work? In this article, we take a comprehensive look at that question, reviewing your options, and describing how they can be used to further your career. "},"body":{"body":"With the advent of remote learning technology, it is now easier than ever to continue your schooling. Remote or alternative licensure or certification pathways make it easier to advance your career while enjoying a degree of balance. \n\nHow do alternative education methods work? In this article, we take a comprehensive look at that question, reviewing your options, and describing how they can be used to further your career. \n\n### Why You Might want Additional Certifications\n\nNurses are required to pursue continuing education. There are different ways to fulfill these obligations. Sometimes, they are met through employer-sponsored training. Nurses are required to take specific classes at the instruction of the hospital or clinic where they work. \n\nOther times, these opportunities are more self-guided. The nurse is able to choose opportunities that interest them. \n\nThe reason for required continuing education is clear. Healthcare always changes. Someone who earned their license twenty years ago would know nothing about modern patient monitoring or [data ethics](https://studyonline.unsw.edu.au/blog/data-ethics-overview) were it not for the need to continually learn and upskill. \n\nThat explains why continuing education opportunities are important. It doesn’t necessarily explain why you should be excited to do them.\nMany specialized positions require additional certifications. For example, people newly diagnosed with diabetes need help managing their condition. \n\nGood news? There are jobs specifically designed to help them. Diabetes educators work carefully with diabetics who are struggling to manage their symptoms. To work in this field, you need to work a specific number of hours working in a diabetes education-related field. You also need to acquire a specialized certification. \n\nFor this job—and many other specialized nursing fields—earning the required certification will require some class work.\n\nMaybe you want the flexibility of working anywhere in the country. In this case, you might consider attaining a [compact nursing license](https://onlinenursing.baylor.edu/news/how-get-compact-nursing-license-new-nursing-graduate). This credential will allow you to work almost anywhere without jumping through additional hoops. \n\nThrough alternative licensure or certification programs, you can achieve these requirements online in a format that makes sense to you. \n\nThere are tons of different jobs available to nurses who are willing to get additional certifications. \n\n### What is an Alternative Certification?\n\nTo understand what it means to be certified through an alternative route, you first need to know what the primary method of attaining certification historically has been. \n\nFor most of modern healthcare history, people have gained their nursing license—and any additional certifications—by attending brick-and-mortar universities. While this educational pathway does allow you to interact more intimately with your colleagues and instructors, it can be restrictive. \n\nHow many busy nurses can take time out of their day to commute to a college and attend lectures for a few hours? Alternative certification programs provide a solution to this problem. By allowing students to complete self-guided work online, alternative licensure/certification programs make high-level nursing jobs more accessible.\n\nThese programs contain the same information—but are generally formatted in a way that suits the lifestyle requirements of someone balancing various responsibilities. \n\n### How to Choose the Right Program\n\nIt’s important to understand that not all programs are equal. If you’re going to pursue an alternative licensure or certification route, you need to make sure that the school you choose is completely accredited.\nYou also need to make sure it is recognized by your state. Some online schools may be federally accredited while failing to meet state requirements. \n\nOf course, legal compliance is the very least a program can do. You also want to make sure that the alternative certification program you choose is presented in a format that sets you up for success. What are your ideal learning conditions? Chances are pretty good that there is a program designed to facilitate those conditions. \n\nWe talked earlier about how many online alternative certification programs are almost entirely self-guided. That’s great for people who learn well in that type of environment. It may not suit everyone. Fortunately, there is no shortage of format options, even within the niche realm of alternative certification routes. \n\nFor example, some programs will be hosted online, but allow you to attend live lectures through video conferencing links. Others might take a hybrid approach. Some of your coursework will be completed online, while other requirements will be met in person. \n\nObviously, these routes compromise the flexibility of the program. However, they do more to accommodate the learning preferences of students who thrive within a structured environment. \n\nYou can learn a lot about course formats simply by talking with representatives from the school. However, to better understand the overall quality of a program, it is a good idea to independently verify details online. \n\nDigital forums will provide you with no shortage of ways to find out what a program is actually like. Yes, it resulted in a legally valid certification that can technically advance your career. But did it adequately communicate the required skills and information? Were the instructors good? Was it easy to ask questions?\n\nSpend a few hours reading about how former students describe the alternative certification program you are interested in. These reviews will provide you with a clear idea of how suitable a certain program will be for your needs. \n\n### Is Alternative Licensure for You?\n\nIt might very well be. Getting additional certifications is a great way to open the door to new opportunities. Pay raises. Interesting jobs. Alternative licensure isn’t the only way to accomplish these results, but it is a convenient one. \n\nIf you are interested in expanding your skill set and earning new opportunities, start researching alternative certification programs today!"},"publishedOn":"2024-08-10T00:00+03:00"}},{"node":{"url":"how-social-media-screening-shapes-recruitment-decisions","title":"How Social Media Screening Shapes Recruitment Decisions","description":{"description":"For most people social media has traditionally been viewed as a platform for sharing matters pertaining to more private spheres of their life with friends and family and following subject matters they are interested in. In this way, it has been regarded as a medium that is very much separate from their professional lives and one where they feel safe to express themselves freely, without the care and constraints of their work roles."},"body":{"body":"![How Social Media Screening Shapes Recruitment Decisions](//images.ctfassets.net/tmst8h6c82u2/68krLWanHVJP2obuOBKYE/3a6f37c48bc064da9a8e94fd5dbc2f2c/the-jopwell-collection-FbJhad0kwtM-unsplash.jpg)\n*Source: https://unsplash.com/fr/photos/une-femme-debout-dans-un-bureau-tenant-un-classeur-FbJhad0kwtM*\n\nFor most people social media has traditionally been viewed as a platform for sharing matters pertaining to more private spheres of their life with friends and family and following subject matters they are interested in. In this way, it has been regarded as a medium that is very much separate from their professional lives and one where they feel safe to express themselves freely, without the care and constraints of their work roles.\n\nHowever, in recent times, this distinction has become less clear as an increasing number of employers review candidates’ social media profiles during the recruitment process.  According to recent figures, as many as [70%  of companies](https://staffinghub.com/hiring/70-of-companies-use-social-media-to-research-potential-candidates/) use social media to research potential candidates, as unlike a resume or a job interview, a social media profile can reveal insights about a candidate, helping employers make more informed and [successful hiring decisions](https://skillmeter.com/blog/soft-skills-the-secret-to-hiring-more-successfully). In this article, we will explore some of the ways social media screening is shaping recruitment decisions in modern hiring practices.\n\n### A Glimpse into Their Personality\n\nA social media profile can offer a more candid glimpse into a candidate’s personality than the one presented in a professional or interview setting. Rather than a polished persona which is carefully curated to appear likable, professional, and [right for the job](https://skillmeter.com/blog/skills-upgrade-to-connections), a social media profile can offer an unfiltered and more well-rounded presentation of a person. \n\nThis can often work to a candidate’s advantage, showcasing attributes that can make them ideal for a role such as their teamwork, independence and a zest for life. However, the contrast may also be true, for instance, where signs of argumentativeness or rudeness are apparent.\n\n### Identify Red Flags\n\nAs an employer, it is essential that the people you hire uphold the values and ethos of your organization and conduct themselves with the level of professionalism you would expect them to, both inside and outside the workplace.\n\nBy using a screening service like [Triton Canada](https://www.tritoncanada.ca/social-media-background-checks/), employers can spot potential red flags such as offensive language, derogatory comments or violent behavior which can reveal misalignments with their company's professional standards and culture. According to latest research, [55% of employers](https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/2377-social-media-hiring.html) who use social media screenings said they have found content that caused them to not hire a candidate. In this way, such screening can assist employers from hiring candidates who may compromise their organization’s reputation and security.\n\n### Confirm Skills and Experience\n\nSocial media screening can help to verify a candidate’s skills and professional experience as presented on their resume. For example, a candidates’ social media profile may reveal their achievements and contain articles or thought-leadership content they have produced which showcase their expertise in a particular field. This not only confirms their skills and experience but also highlights their passion and dedication to their work, which is something employers value and look for when hiring. \n\nSites such as LinkedIn also often include detailed work histories, endorsements, and recommendations from colleagues or clients which can further validate the accuracy of a candidate’s claimed skills and experiences.\n\n*As social media screening becomes the norm in recruitment, employees should be more discerning about their online content, ensuring they make a good impression to potential employers.*\n"},"publishedOn":"2024-08-02T00:00+03:00"}},{"node":{"url":"evaluating-roi-what-kind-of-skillset-can-your-develop-through-advanced-nursing-degrees","title":"Evaluating ROI: What Kind of Skillset Can Your Develop Through Advanced Nursing Degrees?","description":{"description":"Not only are college degrees an investment, but they are the BIGGEST investment many people will ever make. Why then, is this six-figure expense so often framed as an experience rather than an asset? \n\nWere one to pump $100,000+ into the stock market, they would want a clear idea of what kind of return they could expect. What their money was getting them, in other words. The same perspective should be weighed when it comes to getting a college degree. What kind of ROI can nurses expect to get by pursuing a graduate degree? \n\nIn this article, we will take a concrete look at answering that question so you can find the perfect graduate degree for your needs. "},"body":{"body":"Not only are college degrees an investment, but they are the BIGGEST investment many people will ever make. Why then, is this six-figure expense so often framed as an experience rather than an asset? \n\nWere one to pump $100,000+ into the stock market, they would want a clear idea of what kind of return they could expect. What their money was getting them, in other words. The same perspective should be weighed when it comes to getting a college degree. What kind of ROI can nurses expect to get by pursuing a graduate degree? \n\nIn this article, we will take a concrete look at answering that question so you can [find the perfect graduate degree for your needs](https://onlinenursingdegrees.wilkes.edu/blog/phd-nursing-right-you). \n\n### First, How Much Do Graduate Degrees Cost?\n\nYou can’t figure out your ROI until you nail down what sort of investment you are making in the first place. The answer, unsurprisingly, is that it depends. Some graduate programs will cost less than $20K. Others will exceed $100,000. \n\nWhat should you do with that information? It’s ultimately a personal choice. You may decide that the six-figure university is, in fact, five times better than the more affordable program. You may conclude that you are willing to pay the difference. \n\nThat’s fine, but here is something to keep in mind: the more expensive degree will not provide you with higher wages. Nurses operate within a relatively fixed income stream. Where a business person may be eligible for more promotions and raises because of their fancy degree, a nurse is pretty much going to make the same amount of money regardless of where they went to school. \n\nThat doesn’t mean you need to toss the application to your dream school in the trash, unfinished. It does mean you should be aware of the choice you are making. \n\nA solid investment will have a good return. That said, you may value other features of your educational experience that extend beyond the money. You may genuinely want the best education you can get. You may know that a certain university is known for its teachers, or its resources, or—whatever it is that you find important. \n\nThese are valid priorities. Nevertheless, it is important to think about how they influence the overall financial sensibility of your decision. \n\n### Evaluating ROI\n\nThe ROI of your graduate nursing degree will depend partially on what you study. [Nurse practitioners](https://onlinenursing.baylor.edu/news/doctor-nursing-practice-dnp-new-entry-level-degree-advanced-nursing-practice) can make $100,000+ depending on what they specialize in. Nursing leaders or administrators can command similar salaries. \n\nBy that criteria, let’s assume that you are currently receiving the median pay of $80,000. If your degree results in an income of $100,000 and also costs that much, you will begin to see a return on your investment within five years. \n\nIf, on the other hand, your degree is less than $20K, you may see a return within twelve months.\n\nUnderstand also that how you finance your degree will also influence ROI. Paying cash means that you can avoid interest payments—which could severely impact your ultimate return. Paying cash, of course, is considerably more achievable for an $18,000 degree than it is for one that costs six figures. \n\nThe ROI is strengthened or diminished by how many years on the job you have left. If you are 25, you may feel that you can wait five years to experience a return on your investment. If you are 45, that timeline might feel less sensible. \n\nOther factors to consider? How competitive is the field you are trying to enter? A standard nurse practitioner can establish their own practice in many states. This means that they won’t need to stand out with their resume to outcompete other candidates. They can instead effectively employ themselves. \n\nOn the other hand, if you are trying to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner, you may experience more competition. Your community will likely have a limited need for this position. That means, you will need to stand out a little more to get the job you want. In that case, a more prestigious degree could help.\n\nBottom line? The quicker you can start making money with your graduate degree, the better the return will ultimately be. In most cases, an affordable degree will allow you to start earning right away. If the job you are interested in is extremely competitive, it may help a bit to bolster your credentials. \n\nIn most cases, however, spending less on your graduate degree is most sensible from an ROI perspective. \n\n### The Value of Your Skills\n\nDetermining the value of nursing skills naturally extends beyond mere financial considerations. You’ll interact with real people, whose long-term health may rest on your shoulders. What skills will your graduate degree get you?\n\nGenerally, graduate studies provide a more focused look at concepts you may have developed a broad-stroke understanding of while getting your undergraduate degree. For example, RNs learn enough about neonatal studies to work on a maternity floor, but not enough to specialize in neonatal nursing. \n\nThe value of your degree in this context concerns:\n•\t__Patient outcomes__: Is one program so much better than another that your patients will experience better outcomes based on where you studied?\n•\t__Job possibilities__: Are you interested in a career that is only available to those with a more expensive degree?\n\nBoth situations are somewhat unlikely. Nursing education is extremely regulated. This means that the things you learn in one program will be very similar to what you learn in another. Pricier programs could potentially have access to better resources. Simulation labs. More prestigious professors. \n\nHowever, they will have the same information as any other program. No one is setting aside “real nursing knowledge” for people willing to take out a six-figure loan. \n\nThe second scenario is more plausible. Degree paths can vary considerably from school to school. If your area has two universities— one affordable, the other quite pricey, you may find that the degree path you are interested in is only available at the more expensive school.\n\nOnline learning does give students more options. If you can’t find an affordable program in your community, chances are very strong you’ll find one online. Still, you may need to pay more to get the exact degree you want. \n\nUltimately, it is a balance of considerations. ROI should certainly be weighed, but you should also choose the program that best aligns with your long-term goals. "},"publishedOn":"2024-07-14T00:00+03:00"}}]}},"pageContext":{"skip":40,"limit":10,"pageNumber":5,"hasPrevPage":true,"prevPageLink":"/blog/4","hasNextPage":true,"nextPageLink":"/blog/6"}},
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