New Year Resolutions – Make 2018 GREAT

The New Year is nearly upon on us and it’s time to start thinking about those resolutions. Now is the time to start planning to make 2018 a truly amazing year. You can start working towards your goals as soon as January and have a bright new future before the end of the year. You just need to set resolutions that are attainable and well planned. Start Small – Set a goal for your next set of classes. Try to get perfect attendance and be in class on time every day. Aim to get test scores that are at least 10% higher than they were in your last classes. Try to make Honor Roll. These are easy goals that will not only help you in your education, but also build better habits for you personally that will help you in your new career. Give yourself a small reward for meeting these goals as an extra bonus. Most people fail in their resolutions because they don’t see immediate rewards or changes and get discouraged. Plan Ahead – Whether you are in your first or your last module, start looking forward to going on internship. Think about the type of work setting you would like to be in. Look at opportunities and job openings near you to see what is available. Take advantage of the Career Services department at the Allen School to start working on your resume and interview skills. The more you plan towards the end result of your resolution, the more motivated you will stay. Dream Big – There is nothing wrong with dreaming big as long as you have a plan to get there. Write down where you see yourself personally and professionally 5 years from now and research the steps needed to get to that goal. Breaking a large goal down into small steps that you can achieve will help keep you motivated and moving forward toward that goal. For example a career goal may be to become an office manager in a large clinic within five years. – Your first step of course is graduating school. – Then you need to have a wonderful internship and build a great support network of other       healthcare professionals that can recommend you as you go out into the workforce. –  From there you need to start gaining experience in your field through employment and            expand your skillset- you may even consider adding to your education. Before you know it that goal that seemed so far away five years ago is ready to be yours. The important thing is break down the steps and celebrate your victories and achievements. This will help keep you motivated and moving toward achieving everything you’ve dreamed of. At the Allen School we want to see all of our students keep their Career Resolutions in 2018. Please visit www.AllenSchool.edu or give us a call at 877-591-8753 to get started today.

It’s the season of giving and now is a perfect time to look for some volunteer opportunities to help build your resume.  By volunteering not only are you going to make a difference in someone’s life but you are going to find benefits that may help you jumpstart your own healthcare career. Below are just a few things that may happen if you take some time to volunteer.

1. Resume Building – Volunteer positions can play a vital role in building your resume as you begin your new career. Not only will it help build your experience in the field, it will also show potential employers that you are dedicated to being truly successful as you start looking for a new position. If you have never had any job in the field of healthcare volunteering is a great way to pick up some experience.
2. Create Connections – Volunteering will help you meet other people already working in the field of healthcare. They may know of open positions you can apply for or have sound advice that will help you get an advantage over other potential job candidates. They can also be a valuable resource for work references as you start to fill out job applications.
3. Find Your Passion – Volunteering in many different settings and patient populations will help you determine what type of work you may want to do in the future. Who knows you may have always felt drawn to pediatrics, but after volunteering in a geriatric unit you may realize that your true calling is working with the elderly.
4. Push Your Limits – While we strive to create as life like a setting as possible in the classroom, nothing beats real-life experiences. When you volunteer with real patients who truly need your help you will realize that some things can only be learned by doing. You will build your skills and also build your character as a person and a healthcare provider.
5. Volunteering is Rewarding – No matter what setting you choose to volunteer in you can be proud of yourself and your work. Not only will you be a better person, but you will be making life better for those around you as well. Even a simple act of kindness on your part can be enough to change someone’s whole day.

With the holiday break just around the corner, now is a great time to look for volunteer opportunities to help benefit others and yourself.

The holiday swing is well and truly underway. Decorations are up and you may even have your shopping done. One thing is for certain though no matter where you go you are surely hearing Holiday music everywhere. It’s on the radio, on TV, in every store, and every business you visit. For some people this is terrific and puts them in a great mood of holiday cheer. For others though all that holiday cheer may have them thinking more like a holiday Grinch. Studies have shown that listening to music can do some amazing things like treat insomnia, lower pain and anxiety levels, boost your mood, and even reduce depression. Many studies have shown that music can actually improve brain function, especially if you listen to classical music, and holiday music is certainly no exception. So why do holiday tunes make some people say Bah Humbug, rather than Happy Holidays? Well for one thing they seem to start playing earlier and earlier every year and this can cause anxiety as you start to plan your holidays and end of year goals, it can feel like time to do these things is already slipping away. And let’s face it, if you work in a retail setting you have even more reason to stress when the holiday tunes start playing. You get to look forward to months of the same track playing over and over on the stores speakers, and understandably that may make you feel just a bit less festive. If you want to read more about holiday music and the great and not so great benefits it may bring you this holiday season continue reading here. And if you are still looking for a great gift to give yourself, your friends or your family give them the gift of education. Classes are enrolling now for 2018. You could help yourself or someone you know start on the path to a rewarding new career. For more information please visit our website at www.allenschool.edu

December is here and the Allen School of Health Sciences is once again proud to partner with local pediatric care providers to make the holidays bright for children in need. All campuses are collecting donations of toys, arts and craft supplies, books and more. All of these items will be donated to local organizations that serve the pediatric population. No one likes being sick or in need over the holidays, but it can be especially hard on children. Many simply don’t understand why they can’t be at home, or play with their own toys and friends during the holidays. Children’s hospitals specialize in making difficult times like these just a little easier, but they can always use help to keep up supplies and offer long term residents new and exciting outlets for their boredom. So what are you waiting for, donations are being accepted at all campuses. No gift is too small and every little bit helps. You can even partner with your fellow classmates and go in on a gift together if you like. Stay tuned to our website and Social Media to see the amazing results from this awesome Institution for HOPE effort.   To learn more about this and other Institution for HOPE activities please visit our website at https://www.allenschool.edu or give us a call 877-591-8753.

The holidays are here and it’s time to think about your holiday Wish List. Here are our top 5 gifts you need to give to yourself this holiday season! # 5 – Time: Earn your certificate now and have the potential to graduate prior to many other students, so you can beat the competition to potential job openings. Many schools do not have accelerated programs and they take 1-2 years to complete. This can delay your ability to gain the necessary skills to become employable as soon as possible! # 4 – Opportunity: Healthcare is STRONGER than EVER! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the Medical Assistant expected to grow 23% from 2014 to 2024. If you start your training now and complete your certificate, you will gain both the skills and experience necessary to be a valuable asset to many types of employers, and you may have a rewarding new career in healthcare by this time next year. # 3 – Satisfaction: New Year-New Career! Starting your program means your expected graduation date COULD BE September 2018. Don’t push off your new career any longer, and be ready for job interviews before you know it. # 2 – A New Beginning: If we wait for the ‘perfect’ time, a better time, later, we will be waiting forever. The truth is; if you keep waiting you are going to run out of time. Take a close look at what it is you are waiting for and find a way around it. Act now or risk missing your chance. You need to ask yourself the real reason you keep putting off change???? # 1- A Bright Future: Thinking about a new job or making better income can make you feel good at the time, but without action the knowledge itself is useless and it will never lead you to a better way of life. You can “think about it” and “talk it over with everyone you know,” but without actually helping yourself you are always going to be in the same place. It may take some tough decisions, but your situation will continue to be exactly the same unless you act to change it. Let’s start that change today!!!! So what are you waiting for? Our Healthcare classes are enrolling now at all locations! Our classes are kept small and taught by highly qualified professionals to help give you the skills you need to be successful as a healthcare professional. The Allen School of Health Sciences has over 56 years of experience in helping students just like YOU reach their personal and professional goals. Please visit our website at https://www.allenschool.edu or give us a call 877-591-8753.

Balancing life, family, school and work can be challenging any time of the year, but the holidays can be especially challenging as you try to figure out how to get everyone their holiday gifts. It can be tempting to take on extra hours at work, or even get a second or third job. With a little planning though you can make a little go a long way.

1. Decide on a Budget – And stick to it. Decide up front how much you can truly afford to spend and don’t go above it. Remember this time next year you may be finished with school and starting a whole new career.
2. Make A List – You may need to scale down your gift giving this year and that’s OK. Make a list of the people who you truly want to give a gift to and then consider doing other things for the people outside that list like baking them treats or simply spending time with them
3. Ebay – Not only can you find some amazing deals but you may find some truly unexpected treasures. Often times this is a great way to save on shipping as well. And, because you are looking for specific items you won’t get distracted into buying other items like you may in a store.
4. Secret Santa – If you have a large family or group of friends suggest doing a secret Santa instead of everyone trying to buy gifts for everyone who will be there. By only needing to purchase one gift instead of many you may actually be able to give more than you could have otherwise.
5. Skip Shopping – Homemade gifts are great. As are gifts of time and services. Chances are your mom rather have something you made or spend time with you instead of getting something store bought.

  And if you are still looking for a great gift to give yourself, your friends or your family give them the gift of education. Classes are enrolling now for 2018. You could help yourself or someone you know start on the path to a rewarding new career. For more information please visit our website at www.allenschool.edu

As the Holiday season approaches people tend to give into the temptation to let their health fall to the wayside while they enjoy large family meals and hiding inside from the colder winter weather that’s quickly headed our way. This year take the time to create some healthy holiday traditions that are fun and will help you stay healthy and feeling great into the New Year.  

1. Get Outside – From a simple walk to strapping on skates or sliding down a snow covered hill this is great time to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get some exercise.

 

2. Bake Healthy Treats – No need to skip the cookie baking, just substitute healthier ingredients into your baking. You can substitute things like butter, cream, and flour for far healthier alternatives and still have great tasting treats for the whole family.

 

3. Mix Story Time in with the Christmas TV Specials – We all love watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas and other holiday classics, but remember that many of these TV specials were originally storybooks. Take time to turn off the TV and read some of these holiday classics to your children and families.

 

4. Get Moving After Those Big Meals – The holidays are a great time to feast with the family, but start a new tradition this year and go for a family stroll afterwards. Who knows, you may even get to see some great decorations as you enjoy family time together.

 

5. Give A Little – The Holiday season is a great time to help those in need. Donate some of your time to a local charity. Not only will you help those who need it, but you will feel great about yourself and the difference you made in someone’s life.

  And if you are still looking for a great gift to give yourself, your friends or your family give them the gift of education. Classes are enrolling now for 2018. You could help yourself or someone you know start on the path to a rewarding new career. For more information please visit our website at www.allenschool.edu

  Thanksgiving has come and gone and the holiday season will soon be in full swing. Between family get-together’s, shopping for that perfect gift and putting up decorations you may find your homework and study time slipping away. Don’t let your school work fall behind during this busy time.  

1. Check Your School Schedule – The Allen School knows the value of family and spending quality time with your loved ones and we strive to give you plenty of time to spend the holidays with your friends and family. Be sure to know your days off and plan family events accordingly. This may mean you need to wait an extra day to join the festivities or come back home a little early, but it is a small price to pay knowing that you can be in a great new career at this time next year.
2. Check Your Budget – The children in your life probably have a wish list that is a mile long and it can be tempting to pick up extra shifts or even a second job to give them everything they want. Before you do though, write out a daily schedule of how work, home, and school are fitting into your life now. If you have to give up study time or a good night’s sleep to pick up extra income you should think again. Remember school will be over before you know it and you will likely be in a whole new position at this time next year.
3. Be a Guest, Not a Host – Even if holidays are traditionally celebrated at your house, now is a great time to start a new tradition of sharing the host responsibilities. You can still help on the day of the event and bring a dish or two to pass. If you do have the family over do not be shy about asking for help. You will be surprised who is willing to help you clean house and join in the prep duties in the kitchen.
4. Keep in Touch – If you simply must miss a day of school let your instructor know well ahead of time. They can help you plan what material will be covered while you are gone and also if you are going to miss any assignments, quizzes, or skill evaluations. You can also speak to the Student Services department and create a plan for making up your time when you get back. Remember the first step to being successful is being in class.
5. Don’t Forget to Study – Use your holiday travel time to do some reading and take a few quiet moments at the end of a busy day of cheer to review your materials for when you go back to class. You can even put your material on flashcards and turn it into a game so your family can help you and see how far you have come in your studies. Who knows, you may even inspire someone to better their lives just like you are.

From the Allen School Family to you we hope you have a very enjoyable holiday season. Enjoy your time with family and friends, and treasure the gift of education you are giving yourself. If any of your family and friends are ready to change their lives and start classes at the Allen School please have them visit our website at www.allenschool.edu or give us a call at 877-591-8753.

While searching for a blog topic this week we found this awesome poem written several years ago about what makes a good Nurse’s Aid and we thought you, our Allen School Family may enjoy it. A Good Nurse’s Aide   Let me tell you, what makes a good Nurse’s Aide A sound mind, good judgement, and an action carefully layed Caring and trying, with all of your heart Making the difference, is what sets us apart   Communication, so they feel and hear Calming their spirit, with your presence near Taking time to hear, what they have to say Reassuring them, that everything is okay   Making sure, they have good food to eat Keeping them clean, from their head to their feet Assisting them, when the need is there Showing your interest, and that you care   Passing the medicines, so the dosage is right Flipping the switch, when they need a light Taking their hand, and showing them the way Making for them, a much better day   Making their lives, as comfortable as you can Helping them to bed, or helping them to stand Understanding, just where they’ve been Letting them know, you are their friend   It isn’t just a job, or a game that’s well played But a caring spirit, and a heart that’s well made It isn’t passing a test, to get a good grade It’s what you give of yourself, that makes A Good Nurse’s Aide   All credit for this work goes to Budlem and it can be found here, along with similar works.   Our NA students play an important role in patient care and we cannot thank them enough for the good work they do in the world. If you are ready to start your new career contact us today! Our final classes of 2017 are enrolling now.

Scrubs are great. They are comfortable, have lots of pockets to keep stuff in, and come in fun colors, but have you ever wondered why they are the staple uniform of the healthcare industry? Let’s take a look at some of the ways scrubs are indeed the perfect uniform for every healthcare professional.  

1. When scrubs are all a single color it’s easy to see stains that may have resulted from possible contaminants or bodily fluids.

 

2. Scrubs can hold up to harsh cleaning and decontamination that street clothes simply cannot. This is important to help keep both healthcare professionals and their patients safe and free from possible cross contamination.

 

3. Scrubs are cleaner in general than regular clothing. In fact many facilities require staff to only don their scrubs when they arrive for their shift and remove them again before leaving to help ensure they are only worn for one shift before being cleaned.

 

4. Scrubs are inexpensive… because let’s face it….some things just don’t come out in the wash. A ruined set of scrubs is almost always cheaper to replace than an entire outfit of street clothes.

 

5. Remember those pockets? They are going to be one of your most important tools in the workplace. Loading up your pockets with supplies you use regularly will help you work more efficiently, and save you running back and forth to the supply cabinet.

 

6. Scrubs identify your profession. Your patients will be naturally more at ease with a healthcare professional that is in scrubs. In their minds scrubs are associated with someone who can and will help them with whatever their issue is. And in some larger institutions scrub colors may be used to identify different departments so that everyone knows what role a professional is playing in an emergency situation like a cardiac code.

  So be proud or your uniform and respect it. Your scrubs identify you as a healthcare professional who has dedicated his or her career to the care of others.