Justin Marier: Pursuing More with Excelsior College

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Online Degrees at Excelsior College for Busy Professionals

Justin Marier fills a lot of roles. He’s a meter electrician, executive board member for his local union, president of the village, vice president of the school district’s board of education, and a eucharistic minister for his church. He’s also a devoted husband and father of three. Even with these demanding responsibilities, he manages to find time to keep studying, keep learning, keep working toward his Associate in Applied Science in Administrative and Management Studies.

Marier, of South Range, MI, earned an associate degree in electronics technology from Northern Michigan University in 2002 and shortly after, got a job at the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), where he has worked for the past 15 years. Over the years, he has held positions as a meter reader, apprentice line electrician, clerk, and meter electrician. He is also an active executive board member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 510.

IBEW and UPPCO encourage their members and employees to take advantage of educational benefits to advance in their careers, and the partnership discount IBEW has with Excelsior drew Marier to the college. “With the benefits of a tuition reimbursement program through my employer and the unique tuition deferral program at Excelsior, it was almost as if I had to search for a reason not to go back to school,” he says. He adds that it was the right time to start something new and fresh after being out of school for so long.

Personalized Experience and Tuition Aid at Excelsior College

The tuition discount, Marier says, was a big help to his family, considering his son is also in college. “The fact that Excelsior made it affordable and convenient with their payment options, just gave me a feeling of ease in the decision,” he says. He adds that it helped make the choice to return to college that much easier. The enrollment process was also easy, he says. “From the moment that I started the application process, I had individualized help from Excelsior…I was worried that it would be a daunting process, but the admissions group at Excelsior made it painless and really eased my anxiety about moving forward with this new adventure.”

Pursuing an associate degree in business is a chance to try something new outside the world of electronics, he says. “I’ve always been interested in how businesses work in general, and it really seemed like something that I could easily motivate myself to do,” says Marier.

Though he has the motivation, it has been difficult to find time to study, between taking care of three children, having a full-time job, and being actively involved in his community. His biggest challenge has been sticking to a schedule, but with Excelsior’s flexibility, he says, “I found myself studying and doing homework whenever I could find free time, whether it’s on a break at work, late at night after the kids go to sleep, or on a rainy day on the weekend.”

Marier has found Excelsior’s course structure to be beneficial, too. “The courses are so well organized through its Canvas Learning System, and the flexibility of completing assignments and discussions around my own schedule was a real life saver,” he says, and adds that his instructors were always willing to go the extra mile to answer any questions or concerns.

The courses that he has enjoyed the most are financial accounting, business ethics, and labor relations. “Financial accounting really opened up my eyes to the complex world of accounting and why it’s so important for the success of a business. Business ethics showed me how important ethics are in a leadership position or positions of authority,” he says. He adds that he learned a lot in business ethics that applies in his work and home life. With the labor relations course, Marier was able to explore the history of the labor movement on a deeper level. “This [labor relations] is the bread and butter of where my experiences are, and it was great to be able to gain a different perspective about how labor relations work,” he says.

Convenient Online Degrees at Excelsior College

Marier knew online learning with Excelsior was right for him because it helped with his busy life, and he encourages others to consider the non-traditional learning style, saying, “If you’re like me and have been considering going back to school, don’t be afraid to take that leap with Excelsior. They understand how hectic life is and work with you to make it as convenient and stress free as they possibly can.” Marier also points out that it was beneficial to learn alongside students in similar situations as him.

“I haven’t earned my degree yet, but I’m hopeful that once I do have it, it will open up some new doors and new possibilities for me,” says Marier of his future prospects. He wants to return to Excelsior to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business or electrical engineering technology. Whatever he chooses, he is ready for the adventure. He says, “The road of life is always twisting and turning and you just have to be willing to swerve once in a while to find your path.”

Degrees at Work: Joanna Lew

Posted on by Excelsior Staff

Some degrees provide students a start toward a desired profession. Others provide employees in-depth enhancement of knowledge and training necessary to advance in their current careers.

Take Excelsior College graduate, Joanna Lew. The Pennsylvania native was a nuclear operator for nearly seven years when she considered adding to her higher education credentials. Working at one of the United States’ largest power production facilities in Tonopah, Arizona, she served as an instructor within Arizona Public Service’s Operations Department, guiding non-licensed operators through initial and continual training.

But in order to advance in her profession and be more equipped to educate the next generation of nuclear operators, Lew knew she needed the comprehensive training accessible through a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering technology. After learning of the ability to transfer credits from her time with the U.S. Navy and a previous bachelor’s program, Lew decided to pursue this degree with Excelsior College.

After graduating with a 3.66 GPA in 2017, the recipient of the College’s prestigious Dr. Robert L. Long Award for Academic Excellence in Nuclear Engineering Technology is now surging forward with U.S. energy provider Exelon, and she’s glad she chose to enhance her vocational expertise with Excelsior.

“The degree has helped to solidify my technical understanding, as well as open future doors for advancement,” said Lew. “There are potential opportunities that would not be an option for me if I did not have the NET degree.”

The degree in nuclear engineering technology was her second bachelor’s degree, and she says having the degree was one of the reasons she was accepted into the Villanova School of Business, where she started on her MBA in summer 2017.

The opportunities came at work, too. She was recently promoted to a supervisor in I&C (instrumentation and controls) maintenance after serving as acting maintenance and technical training manager from October 2018 through January 2019. Prior to that, she had been the lead instructor for Exelon’s non-licensed initial and continuing training programs. For that position, Lew notes her leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and experience in the industry was critical to her developing a high proficiency in the material she reviewed with future operators-in-training. But with her nuclear engineering technology focus during her time with Excelsior, Lew was able to deepen her topical knowledge for the benefit of her fellow instructors, as well as of her current and future classes.

“I used my nuclear engineering technology degree regularly when discussing technical plant design and operation with my operations students,” says Lew.

That’s one of the benefits of successfully navigating a program renowned for adjusting to professional trends and providing students with the most up-to-date understanding of industry needs. This helped Lew hone her aptitude in her career field, then take that career to the next level. Now that she’s there and thriving, she can look back at the experience as enriching—and viable for others seeking the same professional enhancement.

“Earning my degree with Excelsior was rewarding,” says Lew. “It was the culmination of years of hard work, and I’m proud to have done it. I recommend it to a lot of people in my industry.”

More from Joanna Lew:

Networking tips

For those in a specified field like nuclear training, networking tips directed toward industry personnel or fellow workers in the field would be the norm. But for Lew, she sees non-associated entities just as important for individuals looking to make professional connections. “Get involved with outside organizations,” says Lew, “like non-profits or your local chamber of commerce.”

Time management

The typical Excelsior student juggles multiple commitments outside the coursework necessary for eventual degree completion. Lew was no different, but she was successful by abiding by a stable schedule. “Make sure you are consistent,” she says. “If discussion questions are due every Thursday, make sure you set time aside before their due date.”

Find your motivator

Everyone needs help to find a successful end of an educational path. It takes a lot of time and work—and with plenty of obstacles thrown in the way—so you need something pushing you to completion. For Lew, desire for her degree drove everything. “The finish line was my motivator,” says Lew. “Being in my industry for 10 years when I graduated, it was important for me to earn my degree, and prove I am capable of the technical just as much as the non-technical aspects of the job.”

The best advice she’s received on the job—so far

One would assume that impactful career advice doled out in a nuclear training sector would be too scientific for mainstream consumption. Not the case. According to Lew, the most useful advice she’s received is applicable to any student, in any career—and pertains to professional attire. “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”

The Science of Addiction

Posted on by Anna Zendell

With the opioid addiction crisis, there has been much media and social media attention on addiction and the impacts on the person, their loved ones, and communities. With increased publicity can often come a resurgence of misinformation. This article can help you learn what addiction is and what it is not.

What Is Addiction?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse defines addiction as a chronic disorder, characterized by compulsive seeking of a substance, continued use despite harmful consequences, and long-lasting changes to the brain. Numerous research characterize addiction as a disease of the brain, and a key feature of addiction is the propensity to relapse, or to go back to using the substance despite efforts to stop. People can become addicted to many substances. We all have heard about addiction to alcohol, nicotine, illegal drugs, certain prescription medications like opioids and stimulants, and even gambling. People can also become addicted to food, non-alcoholic beverages (coffee and energy drinks), sex, exercise, shopping, the internet (social media), video games, television, and other forms of technology. It often surprises people to learn that addiction is not necessarily to a substance. Many addictions are behavior-based. Key features of addiction are an inability to quit and a desperate need for more, despite the negative consequences.

Why People Get Addicted

People become addicted for any number of reasons. Someone usually starts out using a substance, or performing an activity, out of curiosity or peer pressure. As the object of addiction is ingested or performed, the “reward center” of the brain is engaged. Specifically, dopamine, often called the pleasure hormone, is released. For those who become addicted, the pleasure becomes a driving need. They seek out the substance or behavior increasingly, until they become dependent on it. Sometimes this conversion from pleasure to need is slow, but for some, the need develops quickly.

Addiction is a biopsychosocial disease, like other chronic diseases. With psychological and emotional addiction, a person craves the substance or behavior and needs it to feel good. People may become anxious, irritable, or even depressed when they cannot engage in an addictive behavior. As the disease progresses, people may exhibit denial about the extent of the problem. As the brain chemistry changes over time, the need becomes increasingly physical. Here, we start to see symptoms like increased tolerance and withdrawal. While tolerance can be subtle in onset — the person is using more and more to get the desired dopamine release —withdrawal is extremely challenging for the addicted person and their loved ones. Symptoms can include vomiting, nausea, shaking, hallucinations, and more. It is hard to separate the emotional, psychological, and physical facets of addiction.

There are many misassumptions about addiction, and some of these can derail a person from admitting a problem, seeking treatment, and staying free from the addiction. Now that we have discussed some facts about addictions, let’s debunk a few myths.

  1. Quitting is a matter of will power. “If they really wanted to quit, they would do it” is one of the most common myths out there. Addiction has power over the person, not the other way around. Some people can decide to quit and do so, but most need professional help to overcome the hold addiction has on them.
  2. Once you quit, you’re cured. Addiction — no matter the substance or behavior — is a lifetime illness. Though there are rare cases where someone “quits cold turkey,” for most people, slipping back into addiction, or relapsing, is a major concern. A popular mantra for people in 12-step recovery programs is “One Day at a Time,” with many looking at one hour or minute at a time during more vulnerable periods. The good news is that, as a chronic illness, there is treatment. This disease can be put into remission!
  3. I’m doing great in my job so… I don’t have a problem! The reality is that many people can function for long periods of time, even indefinitely, without any outward problems. They may work in a culture where addictive behaviors are considered normal or have people who shield them from the negative impacts of the addiction. For most, if addiction is present there will eventually be serious consequences on a person’s life: health, family, friends, legal jeopardy, ability to perform work functions, etc.
  4. If someone relapses while in recovery, they’re back to square one. Sometimes people in recovery relapse, falling back into an addictive cycle. The relapse may last for a day, or longer. With help, people can continue moving forward in their recovery. Yet, it is critical to realize that relapses are dangerous. I knew a highly dedicated health professional who relapsed after years of sobriety and passed away within days from an overdose. Relapses require intervention and must be taken seriously.
  5. My child/spouse/parent can’t be an addict, I would know! Addiction carries tremendous shame and stigma. People will often go to great lengths to cover it up. Even while living in the same household, people can hide addiction for long periods of time. Loved ones can miss warning signs or ascribe them to stress.
  6. People with addictions are bad people. Addiction is not a moral failing. While people who are addicted often make poor choices and some may even do terrible things, the reality is that they have a brain disease that impairs judgment and can override the moral compass.
  7. My child/spouse/parent is addicted, and it’s my fault. Addiction is a family disease. Family members often blame themselves for the person’s addiction, wondering what they did wrong or what they could have done differently. This is especially true for children. Because it is a family disease, it is necessary for the entire family to get help. Even if the addicted person does not seek help, getting support can be invaluable for loved ones in coping with the situation.

Faculty Focus: Carmen Roberts

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

In her free time, you can find Carmen Roberts running, walking, or simply being outdoors and active. She’d tell you she’s mostly busy raising two daughters and spending time with family and friends at her home in Maryland. Roberts has lots going on in her life, but the registered dietitian has found time to teach for Excelsior College, and works to motivate her students to succeed and thrive in their careers.

Roberts has been a dietitian for more than 20 years. Most of her career has been spent in hospital management and dietetics education at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. Over the past 10 years, however, Roberts says she has transitioned into other areas, including corporate wellness, senior nutrition, teaching, and writing on topics such as fitness and nutrition. She began teaching for Excelsior in 2010, instructing courses in stress management, health and wellness, and exercise for health. She currently teaches HSC 403 Nutrition for Wellness—a course that she developed.

One of the things that drew Roberts to Excelsior was the flexibility of the online learning environment. It allowed her to balance her family obligations with teaching. It has also brought her into contact with many different people. “I have been able to ‘meet’ hundreds of students from all over the world with fascinating backgrounds—each of them has contributed something unique to each course I have taught,” Roberts says. She adds that an online learning environment “opens up many doors” for people, both in terms of convenience and experiences.

Roberts worked on her master’s degree at night at a traditional four-year university while working full-time. “In my opinion, the educational environment today allows for more practical applications through projects and other mentoring experiences,” she says. Roberts puts this belief to practice when teaching. For example, in HSC 403, she has her students write an educational newsletter instead of a paper. Students choose to direct their nutrition-related publication toward their workplace, school, or community organization. “I love that they are creating something that they can actually use to educate others. It’s a great way to apply what they’ve learned in the course,” she says.

Roberts’ creativity and practicality can be seen in her counseling work, as well. As far as counseling is concerned, she says, “People aren’t going to change their nutrition or exercise habits until you can truly gain an understanding of what barriers have been in their way…It is my job to find out what their obstacles are and to help my clients overcome them to achieve long-term success.” This approach relates to advice she gives her students who are entering or moving ahead in their careers: Be a good listener. Since many of her students take her course for personal health reasons, Roberts interacts with these students in much as the same way as she does with her clients. Students also interact with each other on the discussion boards and Roberts says, “At the end of the course, students share what they’ve learned and how they will apply what they’ve learned in their personal lives.”

To Roberts, this sense of community among Excelsior students is a special trait. She says, “Excelsior students are my favorite students to work with because I feel like we all share a common bond online. Even though we aren’t meeting face-to-face, everyone is incredibly supportive of each other and I think that helps the students stay motivated to succeed.” She understands Excelsior students are juggling many hats and believes that for them to thrive, they must be organized, motivated, and interested in the subject matter.

Roberts suggests students set priorities in all aspects of their lives so they can achieve the best results. “Don’t wait until the last minute to let your instructor know if you’re struggling or need assistance or more time for a project,” she adds. Like her students, Roberts has learned the value of good time management skills: “Just as students put a lot of effort into completing their assignments, teachers need to allow ample time to grade assignments in order to give constructive feedback to students. This requires setting time aside each day to grade assignments and participate in discussions.”

It takes a lot of time, organization, and motivation to succeed as a student, but Roberts’ creative teaching is sure to help them do well. She also has some advice for her students who are on the hunt for a job. She recommends students shadow someone in a position they are interested in and inquire about internships, even if they are unpaid. She says, “Let everyone you know—friends, family, coworkers, and other students—what your long-term goals are. You’d be surprised how many people want to help you achieve your goals.”

 

Business Basics: What Is Servant Leadership?

Posted on by William Trevor

Few would dispute that Gandhi was a good leader who inspired a loyal following through his own self-sacrifice and in the service of a cause. His type of leadership style, servant leadership, can be traced to the writings of a philosopher and poet of ancient China, Lao-Tzu, but an increasing number of modern leadership and management thinkers have also embraced the ideas of servant leadership. Its relevance and popularity is growing as a result.

What Is Servant Leadership?

In the 5th century, Lao-Tzu wrote about leadership and suggested, “the highest type of ruler is one of whose existence the people are barely aware.” The modern interpretation of servant leadership, however, comes from the writings of Robert Greenleaf, who coined the phrase “servant leadership” in a 1970 essay entitled, “The Servant as Leader.” He sums up servant leadership in the following passage:

“The servant-leader is servant first … It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature.”

To put it simply, the servant-leader strives to share power and help the development and performance of their team.

How Do I Use Servant Leadership Within the Workplace?

Greenleaf outlined 10 principles to guide the development and application of Servant leadership:

  1. Listening – The servant-leader is a skillful listener, who listens to both what is being said, and what is not said, and sums up the will of the team.
  2. Empathy – Even if the performance is below par, you might reject the behavior and performance of your team, without rejecting them as people.
  3. Healing – The servant-leader can bring the team together in times of conflict or change, whether that is from outside or from within.
  4. Awareness –Of themselves, others, and what is going on around them and the team.
  5. Persuasion –- Seeking to persuade by convincing others of the merits of a course of action, rather than coercing through the exercise of authority.
  6. Foresight – Using the intuition of lessons learnt from yesterday to the problems of today and those yet to arise tomorrow.
  7. Conceptualization – Balancing the need to focus on what is happening today with the ability to provide a sense of mission and vision for tomorrow.
  8. Stewardship – Recognizing a sense of responsibility for the team, the organization, and the wider society.
  9. Commitment to the growth of people – A focus on developing people in terms of their personal and professional development and acknowledging the potential for their future growth.
  10. Building Community –- Bringing together and developing a sense of belonging and common purpose within organizations, both large and small.

Does Servant Leadership Work In Practice?

Edward D. Hess, a professor of business administration at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, says years of careful research have indicated that many leaders in today’s most successful organizations don’t conform to the stereotype of charismatic and commanding individuals. Instead they are servant-leaders, who lead by example through their daily behavior. Servant leadership delivers high performance in organizations as diverse as Best Buy, UPS, Ritz Carlton, Room & Board, Whole Foods, Starbucks, Southwest Airlines, Levy Restaurants, the San Antonio Spurs, and TSYS.

In a world in which the ethics of business have recently been brought into the spotlight by high profile cases such as Wells Fargo, the behavior of Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, and Cambridge Analytica and its implications for the ethical reputation of Facebook and its management, servant leadership has the potential to remedy the failings of the traditional command and control structure of business. Servant leadership offers a more ethical and principled approach to leadership, particularly in a world that is more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous.

You can learn more about leadership styles in an online Bachelors of Business degree program.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Law Enforcement’s Evolution and the Requirements to Become a Police Officer

Posted on by Dr. Michael Verro

Sir Robert Peel established the first Metropolitan Police Department in London in 1829, and since then, there has been an astronomical growth in the number of agencies and officers worldwide. Law enforcement agencies continue to evolve, and with them, so do the requirements for how to become a police officer.

In America, law enforcement started as groups assigned to apprehend runaway slaves in the 1700s; later, as lamplighters and night watchmen; and eventually organized municipal agencies in the 1800s. Until the 1930s, law enforcement was primarily under the direction of politicians, in what was known as the “political era” of policing. After prohibition in the 1920s, and based upon recommendations of The National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement (aka The Wickersham Commission after former attorney general George W. Wickersham), recommendations were made at all levels to professionalize policing, hence, the “reform era” of policing began.

Many recommendations that came from various commissions on police behavior, specifically from the Wickersham (1932) and Knapp (1970) commissions, were directed at higher educational standards for law enforcement officers. The Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 established grants to further criminal justice research. This may have been one of the catalysts for the new “community era” of policing. From the late 1960s on, police were receiving better training and education, and took a more proactive and integrated role in their communities.

Around 1970, the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration provided federal funding to enhance the training and education of police officers. It was “recommended” that all police officers should possess at least an associate degree. By the late 1970s and 1980s, some police agencies began to adjust their requirements for becoming a police officer. For instance, they began requiring either college degrees or predetermined amounts of college credit. The need for more well-rounded, higher-educated officers had arrived. Police officers were now given training courses in communications, report writing, mental health, criminology, sociology, and several other areas considered necessary for effective law enforcement. Reports from 2006 onward indicate about 1 percent of police agencies in the United States require a bachelor’s degree, about 2 percent require associate degrees, and a significant amount require some college. The New York Police Department, for instance, requires at least 60 college credits to be hired as a police officer. However, to be promoted, a bachelor’s and subsequent graduate degrees are also needed.

In 1976, in Golden, Colorado, a sheriff advertised for deputies not under “jobs in law enforcement,” but under “jobs in philosophy.” When asked about this unusual approach, he indicated that he wanted well-rounded critical thinkers who understood the human condition. This showed the kind of forward thinking that policing has achieved in the United States over the last few decades.

Despite what some deem the “militarization of the police”—as they don battle-dress uniforms (BDUs), external body armor, and tactical weapons— the need for what I call educated critical thinkers capable of extemporaneous thought is at the forefront of modern policing. I believe today’s officers should possess not only moral standards, but also decision-making, communication, and de-escalation skills, as well as a community-oriented approach. This is often achieved when training and experience are supplemented with higher education, such as a degree in criminal justice. 

Dr. Verro, recently presented on this topic in a Podcast for CATA Alliance. To listen in, visit here.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Why Nurses Wear White and the Evolution of Nursing Uniforms

Posted on by rdewald

The color white signifies purity, innocence, cleanliness, honesty, and faith. These are qualities of the devoted and caring patient-centered nurse.  While white uniforms have been associated with nursing for a long time, this was not the case historically and the uniform has evolved over time.

The History of White Uniforms for Nurses

The first professional nurses were nuns. They wore traditional blue or gray nun attire and the purpose of their uniform was to protect them from contamination and the cold. Their clothing featured full-length sleeves and skirts, high collars, fitted aprons, veils to protect their hair, and belts which held necessary equipment such as scissors. Over time and as the nurse’s role evolved, uniforms followed suit. Sleeves and skirts became shorter, the collars became deep, allowing for more movement and comfort. Additionally, there was a shift from wearing belts to adding pockets for carrying essential equipment, which became much more than scissors.

The original uniform colors changed from blues and grays to white in the 1900s to signify cleanliness and asepsis. However, complaints regarding eye-fatigue in the operating room led OR personnel to adopt green as their uniform color choice. The green scrubs are still customary in many operating rooms. While white uniforms show spills and stains, white fabric can be bleached. Thus, white nurse uniforms remained the status quo until the 1960s when feminists argued that white signified diminished power. More colorful uniforms gradually became more accepted and popular. For instance, in the 1990s nurses began wearing the colorful scrubs that many still wear today.

Nursing Uniforms Today- Bring Back White?

Scrubs are comfortable, easy to clean, and inexpensive, but many may find them aesthetically unappealing. However, scrubs are worn by all divisions of healthcare personnel; doctors, physical therapists, medical assistants, and even housekeepers wear scrubs. A question that arises is: How do the patients know who the nurses are? With the issues related to professional image, non-nurse personnel might appear as nurses to patients and families and therefore weaken strides for improvement. In an era when nurses’ professional identity and pride is waning, a distinguishable professional uniform may be the solution.

A crisp, white uniform enhances the nurse image. It signifiers pride and the professional work nurses do. The traditional white nurse uniform also provides a professional appearance that exemplifies success and authority, and it commands great respect. Despite your uniform preference, the evolution of nursing and the paralleled uniform changes deserve attention.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Course Feature: NUR 456 Leadership and Management in Nursing

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Are you interested in expanding your interests into the administrative side of nursing? You may consider signing up for NUR 456 Leadership and Management in Nursing. In this course, students study the application of leadership and management concepts and theories; interprofessional communication and collaboration; and evidence-based strategies and inquiry within health care organizations. The Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Manager Certificate Program is integrated into NUR 456 throughout the semester and students will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the program.

Specific topics covered in this course are vast and broken into six different areas: leadership, management, communication, health care environments and systems, fiscal management/budget concepts, and quality, safety, and outcomes evaluation. In the leadership module, students study leadership skills and strategies, team building, and change, innovation, and conflict management. In management, students cover supervision, human relations management, organizational structure and culture, and strategic planning and organizing patient care. In the next two modules, students study interdisciplinary communications and creative strategies for problem solving, as well as trends and legal aspects and changes in health care systems. Budget concepts are covered in module five and evidence-based strategies and patient safety are covered in the last module.

NUR 456 is a required course in the RN to BS in Nursing program, but Caroline Mosca, faculty program director in nursing, says of the course: “I think it is one of the more interesting ones as it is central to how [the students’] role will change as a baccalaureate-prepared nurse—they will be able to embrace leadership roles.” She adds that the course prepares students for leadership roles in nursing and helps them transition to a baccalaureate-prepared nurse.

Students have enjoyed this course, saying, “This class provides an overview of management. A different side of nursing most associate nurses never see,” and “I have learned a lot from this class. My instructor was fully engaged in discussions and helped me realize different aspects of leadership and management skills.”

Faculty, too, have had high praise for teaching the course. Instructor comments include: “The discussion for budget/staffing was excellent; students shared numerous positive comments [and] the ethical scenario generated a robust student conversation.” and “I believe the difference between management and leadership really resonated with the students, evident by the discussion forum.”

If you’d like to explore the management and leadership side of nursing, sign up for NUR 456 for next semester.

Nursing a Nurse’s Heart

Posted on by Nursing Staff

There’s an old proverb that states, “Physician, heal thyself.” A similar admonition can be applied to nurses who, too often, fail to take care of their own health—especially their heart health–while freely lecturing their patients about the perils of lack of self-care. Cardiovascular health risks for nurses fall into three main categories: sleep, diet, and substances.

Sleep and sleep patterns

In the Journal of Clinical & Diagnostic Research’s article, “Effects of Sleep Deprivation on the Cognitive Performance of Nurses Working in Shift,” the authors state “Shift work poses significant cognitive risks in work performance of nurses.” Unfortunately, sleep deprivation seems endemic to nursing. There are still many facilities that mandate nurses to work “swing shifts” as part of their contract. Other facilities require nurses to work a “double” – two full shifts back-to-back. In the Medical Review’s article, “Health Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Nurses Working Shifts,” the authors note “Too long or repeated shifts reduce the opportunity for sleep…thus endangering their safety and health as well as the quality of care and patients’ safety.” When those nurses are not working, they are trying to catch a few hours of sleep.

Some nurses with school-aged children choose to work the night shift, arriving home in the morning just in time to take the children to school. Their plan is to catch some sleep before school ends for the day. However, if a child is home sick or school is on a break, they are lucky to catch even a nap. I once worked back-to-back with a night nurse who was in that childcare situation. She would stagger into work every evening and brew a full pot of coffee to stay awake. One day, I came in and noticed coffee grounds all over the floor in the med room; in her sleep-deprived state, she had missed the wastebasket without even noticing.

Sleep deprivation has been connected to a host of chronic health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension. According to the Medical Review, it is specifically the change in the circadian rhythm of blood pressure that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and eventual cardiovascular disease. Many nurses reach for a cup of coffee or candy as a way to ward off their fatigue; unfortunately, candy is a diabetogenic agent which can lead to diabetes or disrupt the management of the disease.

When a person is chronically exhausted, they are too tired to exercise, which increases their stress levels. Lack of exercise contributes to numerous conditions that negatively impact cardiovascular health.

Food and fluid intake

Nutritionists advise us to eat primarily a plant-based diet for optimal health. However, when nurses spend most of their time at the workplace, they begin to rely on what can be grabbed from the vending machine, such as candy and potato chips. These highly processed foods are laden with sodium, fat, and sugar. As a result, many nurses develop hypertension, hyperlipidemia, blood glucose instability, and weight gain.

Sufficient water intake is essential for good heart health. However, when bathroom breaks are almost non-existent on many nursing jobs, nurses restrict their fluid intake to avoid discomfort. Research from the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests consciously reducing fluid intake at work is in response to work pressure. For nurses, this translates to not having enough time to complete work activities, so they avoid the intake of fluids. Also, it would be inappropriate to walk from patient room to room while carrying a bottle of drinking water. As a result, many nurses function in a perpetual state of mild dehydration, which can lead to ailments such as headaches.

Substance use

Despite knowing the dangers of smoking and having frequent encounters with cancer patients, many nurses are regular users of tobacco. Although a legal substance, nicotine can be as addictive as cocaine. Nurses who smoke may plan breaks around when they need their next nicotine dose, causing them to be late with patient meds or treatments. In addition, the odor of tobacco on their clothes or breath will be noticeable to the patients they treat.

Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, contributes to atherosclerosis, and is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. According to “Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice,” it also contributes to peripheral vascular disease, chronic lung disease, and several forms of cancer. In short, there is no health benefit to tobacco use.

Similarly, a nurse may arrive home after working a lengthy shift and pour an alcoholic beverage to “unwind.” The occasional evening or weekend off may involve socializing with friends at facilities or events where alcohol is served. Consequently, it would be easy for a nurse to arrive at the next shift under the effects of alcohol without even realizing it. Being under the influence of alcohol would impair a nurse’s judgment and put patients in danger. In addition, “Psychiatric mental health nursing: Concepts of care in evidence-based practice,” reports chronic alcohol use contributes to peripheral neuropathy, alcoholic myopathy, thiamine deficiency, Korsakoff psychosis, cardiomyopathy, esophagitis, gastritis, pancreatitis, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Substance abuse of narcotics and opioids has become a huge problem for nurses. After all, they often work in a place with easy access to controlled-substance medications. Access can lead to addiction. Statistics reported in the article, “The sneaky prevalence of substance abuse in nursing,” suggest that one out of every five to seven RNs in the United States is affected by substance abuse.  The Journal of the American College of Cardiology reports cocaine use, in particular, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular complications due to its vasoconstrictive response.

Strategies for good heart health for nurses

  • Minimize stress by learning to say “no” to unreasonable requests on your time, such as working frequent double shifts.
  • Choose the healthiest options offered from vending machines, such as nuts or protein bars.
  • Drink extra water after ending a nursing shift.
  • Don’t smoke. If you currently smoke, begin a smoking cessation program.
  • Don’t drink more than two servings of alcohol daily. (e.g., a serving is a 5-ounce glass of wine or a 12-ounce beer)
  • Don’t use any illegal substances. If you are currently using them, seek out a substance-abuse program intended for healthcare professionals.

You only have one heart – and it must last you a lifetime. So, protect it at all costs!

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Excelsior College, its trustees, officers, or employees.

Zone 5 Partnership in Action : Michelle Ashley

Posted on by Jenna Kerwin

Zone 5 Officer Training May Transfer into College-Level Credits

Excelsior College’s corporate, association, and government partnerships give people the opportunity to complete their degrees through high-quality programs, affordable and discounted tuition and fees, flexible course schedules, and generous credit-transfer policies. The College’s partnership with Zone 5 Law Enforcement Training Academy in Schenectady, New York, ended up being the perfect opportunity for Michelle Ashley to pursue her higher education.

Ashley, a public campus safety officer, was going through training at Zone 5 while she was employed with University Heights Association Inc., a security company for colleges and college housing units. “I became a supervisor and that is when Excelsior and [Zone 5] went into a partnership,” she says. Ashley has an associate degree in business from SUNY Cobleskill but decided to pursue criminal justice. Many of her subordinates also had associate degrees in criminal justice and Ashley wondered what their learning experience had been like. She had also been watching the Zone 5 training pages and saw an announcement to earn an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice with Excelsior.

Transfer Credits Through Zone 5 Partnership Help Criminal Justice Graduate Earn Degree in One Year

She had previously learned that a lot of her credits from SUNY weren’t going to transfer to other schools, and she would have to essentially start all over again. When she looked deeper at Excelsior, she realized the Zone 5 partnership with Excelsior gave her a leg-up in making her degree happen. “I was so excited that some of my work I did at Zone 5 transferred as credits over to Excelsior because then that made getting a degree achievable,” says Ashley. When she found out she could complete her criminal justice degree in a year with Excelsior, it became a more tangible dream that Ashley could achieve and not, as she explains, take away from her family time.

Excelsior’s online learning format was perfect for Ashley, who works full-time and the late shift. She admits it was tough to take two classes at once, though. “I strive on making the best grades… Taking two classes at once made it hard to soak in the information. But I pushed through, and was able to finish both classes,” she says. As a student, she had her Zone 5 training on her side and was able to refer to her experience for examples in the discussion topics.

Now she is encouraging her husband, who is a police officer, to pursue his degree with Excelsior. She informs him that with his background and credits, he’s even closer to receiving his degree than she was. “For the security guard part of it, I did it within a year or so, but then with the police officer, you’re going to use more of what Zone 5 has to offer,” she explains, referring to the amount of credits Excelsior accepts from Zone 5 training.

Her degree has opened her eyes to the administrative world of criminal justice. She says it’s helpful that she is able to pull information from her class research to show data that supports various ways of dealing with people who break the rules. Ashley’s favorite courses with the College were CJ 120 Introduction to Corrections and CJ 256 Criminal Justice Administration. CJ 120 helped her understand why it is important to try rehabilitation as an alternative to incarceration and it showed her how biased the social justice system is against low-income persons. CJ 256 gave Ashley many administrative strategies to use in her career.

Ashley says the input from her instructors was instrumental in helping her succeed at Excelsior. “When I asked for help from the professors, they were more than willing to get information, links, or ask questions to help,” she says. Ashley earned an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice in August 2018 and though she isn’t thinking of switching jobs anytime soon, she says her degree will help when she pursues a promotion.

A Bachelor or Master Degrees in Criminal Justice in Ashley’s Future?

She plans to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice because with Excelsior, she found she likes the online format. “My company gives me tuition reimbursement so it makes it more achievable,” she says of pursuing her education. She’s not sure what topic she will pursue; she wants to keep her options open and see how she will best fit with her company, but administration, fire safety, and community policing are on her list. Thanks to her degree from Excelsior and her training from Zone 5, Ashley can keep her options open and pursue her higher education and career advancement whenever she pleases.

Self-Care for the Nurse

Posted on by Ellen LaDieu

Taking time for yourself is essential. As a nurse, you need to: care for yourself; protect yourself from stressors; assist your patients, staff, and/or students; be a role model for clients, colleagues, and personal contacts; and help create a healthy nation.

When I consider self-care, I am reminded of the analogy one hears when the safety announcements are made on an airline flight. The flight attendant encourages the passengers traveling with someone who needs assistance—such as a child—to put on their own oxygen mask first then assist the other person. If we do not treat ourselves with care and compassion, we will not have the ability and/or energy to fully care for others.

What does self care look like for nurses?

Self-care commonly means eating nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, participating in appropriate health screenings, and receiving appropriate immunizations. Self-care allows us to maintain health, prevent illness, and enjoy life.

As a nurse, you may experience barriers to self-care, including multitasking, shift rotations, and stress to name a few. Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Joint Commission, and health care facilities (e.g. hospitals, etc.) are recognizing the importance of self-care for the nurse and offering some options to promote it. As the health of the staff improves, so will the health of the organization.

How do you practice self care as a nurse?

Choosing nutritious foods and fluids when providing patient care can be a challenge. Trying to eat smaller amounts every three hours or so can keep our blood sugar more even and keep us hydrated. Planning the food ahead of time and bringing it with us can help us to eat more nutritiously.

Sleeping adequately allows our body to refresh itself. Shutting down the digital input of the phone, TV, and e-readers 30 minutes or so before planned sleep will help. Make it a routine.

Physical activity is important. “Motion is the lotion” that keeps us moving. Incorporating physical activity into our daily lives may be easier and less costly than scheduling a workout at the gym. When you go into the grocery store, try circling the store perimeter three times before putting anything into the cart. Take the stairs rather than the elevator when possible. Add steps to your normal day and activities.

How Mindfullness can help with selfcare

Managing stress in our personal and/or professional lives is a constant challenge for most of us. Multitasking is prevalent, challenging our concentration and ability to be fully aware in a non-judgmental, non-emotional manner. Mindfulness is a practice that can assist us with this awareness and clear thinking.

In a stressful situation, mindfulness encourages us to:

1) Stop

2) Take a breath

3) Observe the situation

4) Proceed with appropriate action

Mindfulness can help us focus, reduce our stress, and value ourselves and others more. This is more healthful than merely reacting or responding automatically.

Keeping up with recommended health screenings is also important. Based on your age, what health screenings are recommended for you? Do you have a primary care provider? Are you following through on the recommended screenings? Prevention and/or early treatment is generally easier and more effective than waiting for significant disease and its progression.

It is also important to receive immunizations even after childhood. The annual flu vaccine is an example and. the tetanus diphtheria (Td) booster is recommended every 10 years. Based on our age and risk factors, we may need the shingles shot, pneumococcal, and/or meningococcal vaccines.

The ANA Enterprise organization has developed a Healthy Nurse Healthy Nation program. It focuses on improving health in five areas: physical activity, nutrition, rest, quality of life, and safety. Do you belong to the challenge? If you join, you will have access to many resources targeted to your specific needs, identified through a survey. Consider joining— you are worth it.