Certified Nursing Assistant, or CNA registration means you must be registered in the state nursing board databases, as well as the Federal database - HIPDB (Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank). This information is compiled and administered by the NCSBN (National Council of State Boards of Nursing), a non-profit organization, which operates as a collective national nursing board comprised of 60 Member Boards.

Board members include one in all fifty states, Washington, D.C., and all U.S. territories. Founded in 1978, organizers recognized the need to regulate nurses apart from organizations representing professional nurses.

One of the responsibilities of the NCSBN is to inform and enforce a set of nursing standards, and keeping the Nursing Assistive Personnel Registry up-to-date. Licensees in this database include Certified Nursing Assistant I (CNA), Certified Nursing Assistant II (CNA-II), and Medication Assistant-Certified (MA-C). The NCSBN operates as a national watchdog, coordinating issues of discipline, education, and certification. Information, such as disciplinary action taken against a nurse by a state board is shared with the NCSBN, which compiles this information, providing background resources for discipline issues and actions taken.

Once a complaint is filed against a Certified Nursing Assistant, he or she may become subject to investigation, which may lead to an informal conference and when necessary a formal hearing. Actions addressing the issue of complaint might include simply the re-educating the nurse or restricting their practice - each one carrying certain probationary conditions. When necessary, a nurse can have their license revoked. All disciplinary actions become public record. Additionally, any nurse holding a criminal conviction substantially related to the functions of their work is obligated to report this to the board. The board will then determine if the offender's license warrants revocation. In most cases, applicants convicted of a criminal offense are not eligible for certification. The NCSBN requires that all 60 Member Boards update their listings of licensees in the registry on a biennial basis.

In addition to the NCSBN's database of nurse licensees, Federal regulations are also in place to help combat fraud and abuse both in the health insurance industry and the health care delivery system. In 1996, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, which led to the creation of the HIPDB (Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank) - a Federal tracking system providing information, such as employment history, affiliation, certification, or licensure decisions was put into law. The NCSBN now uses the Nursys database, which keeps track of all nurse disciplinary actions.

According to the NCSBN's 8.4 Standards for Assistive Personnel, Certified Nursing Assistants I are bound by law to conform to the following standards:

* Performs nursing tasks and functions within the range of functions authorized in the Nurse Practice Act and rules governing nursing.
* Demonstrates honesty and integrity in performing nursing tasks/functions/activities
* Bases nursing tasks/functions/activities on education, training and the direction of the supervising nurse.
* Accepts accountability for one's behavior and actions while assisting the nurse and providing services to patients.
* Performs delegated aspects patient's nursing care.
* Assists in observing patients and identifying patient needs.
* Communicates progress toward completing delegated nursing tasks/functions/abilities, as well as any problems or changes in a patient's status.
* Seeks clarification if unsure of expectations.
* Uses educational and training opportunities as available.
* Takes preventive measures to protect client, others and self.
* Respects client's rights, concerns, decisions and dignity.
* Functions as a member of the health care team, contributing to the implementation of an integrated health care plan.
* Respects client property and the property of others.
* Protects confidential information unless obligated by law to disclose the information.

Furthermore, employers that deliberately or irresponsibly ignore board protocol and standards, such as expanding the range of functions of a Certified Nursing Assistant are subject to disciplinary action. As with disciplinary actions against individual nurses, institution violations are recorded into the various public health databases, such as the HIPDB.



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If you are concerned about how long it will take to complete nursing prerequisites part-time, then perhaps you would be interested in the accelerated nursing program at the Columbia University School of Nursing. This combined BS/MS program is especially designed to hasten the pace from school to licensure, particularly for students who do not already hold an undergraduate degree in nursing. However, applicants must already hold a Bachelor's degree and must have passed the following courses:

* English Composition, (1 course)
* Life Sciences, (3 - 4 courses; required: human anatomy, human physiology, microbiology) Applicants interested in the Nurse Anesthesia specialty: two semesters of chemistry (at least one organic course) and one semester of physics
* Psychology, (1 - 2 courses; intro, life span or developmental psychology)
* Humanities, (2 - 3 courses)
* Statistics, (1 course)
* Social/Behavioral Sciences, (1 - 2 courses)

Students whose specialty is Nurse Anesthesia, must also take the following courses in addition to the ones listed above:

* General or Intro to Chemistry, 1 course
* Organic Chemistry, 1 course
* Physics, 1 course

When applying for the combined BS/MS program, the following are required for admissions consideration:

* Satisfactory score on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
* Three references attesting to applicant's academic ability and potential
* Personal goal statement that is congruent with program goals (two pages, double-spaced, 12 pt. font)
* Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Since Columbia does not offer a four-year undergraduate degree in nursing, students who enter this accelerated nursing program should be committed to completing the entire program through the master's level. The school does allow students to complete nursing prerequisites part time for the BS/MS program, with the exception of the pre-licensure curriculum portions of the Entry to Practice Program and the Nurse Anesthesia Program. Pre-licensure study begins in late May and lasts three semesters. Students must complete 60 credits full time during this period before they can complete the remaining nursing prerequisites part time. Afterward, specialty studies begin in the fall. Generally, the remaining courses can be finished part time - usually in approximately 3 years.

It is possible to apply for exemption from some of the course work, even if it applied towards an earlier degree. However, exemption is granted only if it is determined by the school to be similar to the Columbia University School of Nursing course requirements.

After completing all nursing prerequisites of the pre-licensure curriculum, students can choose from the following specialties:

* Acute Care
* Anesthesia
* Midwifery
* Neonatal
* Oncology
* Women's Health
* Psychiatric Mental Health
* Primary Care of adults, family, geriatric, or pediatrics

Students in the pre-licensure phase of their education are not permitted to hold outside jobs. However, after completing all nursing prerequisites and enter their specialty phase, students are permitted to work as a registered nurses. Clinical experience and training is usually gained at New York-Presbyterian and the Mt. Sinai Health Care System, although other affiliated facilities such as out-patient clinics, home care, community centers, or schools in the New York City area are also acceptable. It is advised that students interested in applying to the BS/MS program and any other programs offered by Columbia University School of Nursing check the school's website for changes in admissions and program policies.



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Plumbing is a very lucrative career in the construction field, but not many people go into it because it often involves strenuous working conditions. Generally, plumbers fix or install things that have to do with pipes, such as gas, water, or waste systems. It is usually not very hard to become a plumber, but it does require some planning and education, so if you think plumbing is the right career for you, you will have to invest some time and effort.

If you know you want to be a professional plumber for a living from the time you are in high school, you can prepare by taking as many shop classes as you can. Mathematics and science are also good subjects to prepare you for a life as a plumber, but they will definitely not be as valuable to you as classes like blueprint reading or other vocational courses, so make sure to have shop be your top priority. In high school, you have access to a guidance counselor, who can help you find information about opportunities in your area. You can also use the Internet as a valuable resource to find information about the plumbing field in your area.

Once out of high school, you need to decide whether you want to join the local plumber's union. If so, you can apply for a four-year apprenticeship, in which you can get about 2,000 hours of on-the-job training, as well as 216 hours of class time. While it would definitely be beneficial for you to become a plumbing apprentice, only about one out of every twenty applicants are accepted, so you may also want to consider your other options.

If you are not accepted into the union as an apprentice, you can always attend a trade school. A trade school can supply you with the appropriate education to become a plumber, but you have to pay for the classes, and you do not receive on-the-job training, so working for the union is usually preferable. Trade schools also offer the advantage of a job-placement service for qualified students, which can be a good springboard to start off your plumbing career.

Another good way to start a plumbing career is to ask small plumbing contractors in your area if they have any available apprenticeships or assistant positions. The pay for these positions is usually rather lower than that of your other options, but you do receive plenty of on-the-job training.

Before you start trying to become a plumber, you should look into the licensing requirements for plumbers where you are planning to work. Make sure you can eventually learn what plumbers where you will be working are required to know.



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There are many cuisine schools that extend its services to host a special occasion, private dining, an exclusive wedding, a celebration or simply a very luxurious tete-a tete at other venues beyond London. There are locations to accommodate a private party or celebration within majestic grounds on the London/Surrey borders, in Germany and other countries in Europe.

Many London venues are a bohemian style venue tucked within leafy quarters of Central London and away from mainstream gastronomy; a historical converted townhouse comprising three atmospheric spaces where the emphasis is both style and ideal for metropolis lifestyle that includes a Baroque private restaurant is one possibility.

Alternatively, if one prefers to get away from the big city, you can get the same experience with glamor and pomp within a manor house dating back to the Tudor period which was indeed once used for royal banquets during Henry's reign.

Today, the manor house remains in the hands of the former German monarchy where it has been restored with luxurious interiors and an ideal location for a private wedding, celebration or just exclusive dining. This same experience extends to our other locations in Europe. The options are flexible so feel free to contact us. A tete-a tete within the luxurious Baroque Private restaurant includes champagne, bespoke 4 course menu and wine typical cost; £230 per head. Here you can enjoy the comforts of real private dining and exclusive use of a private restaurant.

A luxurious champagne and dine experience within one of the banqueting rooms or private restaurant with 4 guests is normally around £154 per head, A private dine experience for 10 can cost up to £123 per head. A unique opportunity to enjoy both luxury and style where the cuisine is designed with customer's needs and preferences in mind which provides a unique boutique experience for a special event.



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The Best Photography Schools are Established Schools

While a school that is relatively new may very well be able to offer you an exceptional education, you would probably be better off finding a school that is established, and has proven itself to be a reputable photography school.

Additionally, you want to look for a school that is accredited. When a school is accredited, that means that it has been evaluated by an organization that has determined that the school meets certain standards and criteria that ensures the school provides a quality level of education. Furthermore, a degree earned from an accredited school will be accepted almost anywhere, whereas a degree earned from a non-accredited school may not. If the school you are considering is not accredited, chances are it is not one of the best photography schools available, and you should look elsewhere to earn your education.

The Best Photography Schools are Comprehensive

Being a professional photographer involves a great deal more than just pointing a camera and clicking a button. In order to receive the best education in photography, you will want to choose an institution that offers classes in a wide variety of areas.

Classes should cover both practical and theoretical studies in photography. There should be instruction on everything from color theory, different styles of photography such as landscapes and portraits, dark room techniques and more. Additionally, a good photography school will also offer business classes to the student, so that they will have the business management knowledge they need, in order to turn their love for photography into a profitable career.

The Best Photography Schools are Up to Date

While a quality photography school should not only teach the student the history of photography, and the art of early photography methods, the best photography schools will also provide their students with up to date information on new technology that is being introduced in the photography field, and where to future technology of photography seems to be heading.

With the digital age moving forth in leaps and bounds, students should learn how to properly use digital technology in the work, including digital cameras, computers and more. When choosing your photography school, you should inquire about the equipment that they use for teaching, as well as the equipment that they teach about. If the equipment that is used for teaching purposes is more than a few years old, consider looking for a school that offers more up to date information. The photography industry is a very competitive one, and you want to make sure that when you graduate, you are armed with all the necessary information you will need to be able to make it in the photography world.

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If you want to make a career in the field of accounting, then a Diploma in Accounting program can certainly help you begin. You can gain an entry in the field of accounting and even pursue other accounting diploma degrees to chart your career growth in this exciting field.

As an Accountant you will perform a variety of tasks within an organization. You will be involved in the preparation of bills, vouchers, keeping journal entries, maintaining a record of accounts payables and account receivables, and also keeping accurate records of the different clients and vendors of your company.

With a Diploma in Accounting, you will gain an in-depth understanding of complex topics such as financial accounting, financial management, capital cost, capital structure, investment valuation, capital budgeting, dividend policy, mergers and acquisitions, consolidation, planning and control, working capital management, long term sources of funds, short term and intermediate financing, flexible budgets, variance analysis, financial analysis, cost management and statistical analysis to name a few. You will be involved in conducting internal audits of your company's accounts, and provide audit reports while adhering to different audit standards, procedures and methods.

Your Diploma in Accounting program will therefore include subjects such as Management Accounting, Auditing, Financial Accounting, Financial Analysis, International Finance, Forensic Accounting, and Managerial Finance. The accounting diploma degree course generally lasts for about 2 years. You will also benefit from having basic working knowledge of computers since most organizations use computers to maintain their accounts and such other financial transaction records. With your knowledge of computers, you will also be able to post transactions onto in-house journals and databases.

After completing the Diploma in Accounting program, you will be able to begin working in entry level positions as Accounts Receivable Clerks, Accounts Payable Clerks, and as Bookkeepers in small business organization. After completing the Diploma in Accounting program, you can start out with an annual salary of approximately $28,000.

Of course, if you want to increase your career prospects further, you will have to go on and take a Bachelors and subsequently a Masters Degree in Accounting. With these qualifications, added by a Certified Public Accountant certification, you will be able to even launch your career as a CPA and start your own independent consultancy practice.

Thus, a Diploma in Accounting program will prepare you for a career in the field of accounting and help you take the first step towards launching a career as an Accountant.

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Entering into a nursing program can be both exciting and a bit daunting. Becoming proficient in any field takes time and diligence. Nursing is not exception. Nursing however, requires a thorough knowledge of many different skills which include a firm grasp of science, math and the ability to read, write and follow instructions accurately. Gaining these skills takes time, lots of study and persistence but it is doable and required for becoming a quality nurse.

If you plan on becoming a nurse whether an RN or LPN, it is necessary to be familiar with science specifically biology and anatomy and physiology. Understanding basic biology and how organisms function is vital and the base for many other biology courses. It is required in nursing programs as pre-requisite that students take biology and pass the course adequately. Likewise, anatomy and physiology is also required by nursing programs prior to clinical admission. Anatomy and physiology thoroughly covers the different systems of the body, how they work together and their functions. It is detrimental that nursing students take these science based classes and complete them satisfactorily prior to entry into the clinical portion of a nursing program.

In addition to science, math is also important in being successful as a nurse. The ability to precisely measure liquids, compounds and other substances is important. All nursing programs have some form of pharmacology dosage course that involves solving increasing difficult dosage mathematical problems. It is imperative that nursing students have a firm grasp of medical math and get the necessary tutoring if there are issues understanding the calculations. The ability to administer a dosage of medicine accurately is extremely important as a nurse and in many nursing programs it is mandatory that students pass the dosage course with at least a C grade before progressing to clinicals. Thus having a firm grasp of math is essential for succeeding in a nursing program.

Finally, the ability to read, write and accurately follow directions is important in excelling in a nursing program. Nursing does require the ability to accurately describe a patient's condition as thoroughly as possible in a patient's chart so that other medical professionals are aware of the patient's condition. The inability to be thorough and follow instructions can have a negative impact on a patient. Comprehensive reading and writing skills and accuracy are all necessary for successful completion of a nursing program.

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