1 The Health Team HST 2

2 Introduction Care of the sick, the prevention of illness and the promotion of health and general welfare requires a combination of knowledge and skills; more than one person can provide. Each member of the team must understand and respect the contributions of others.

3 Careers in Health Care The health team may include the following persons; each is especially taught to perform certain skills.

4 The Physician Makes the medical diagnosis and prescribes medication, treatment, diet, and limits on activity. All x-ray and laboratory studies are ordered by the doctor.

5 The Registered Nurse Coordinates patient’s care with the functions of the other team members. He/she interprets and carries out the orders of the doctor and plans the nursing care around the needs of the patient.

6 The LPN Gives bedside care under the supervision of the RN and/or doctor. The LPN performs many treatments and gives medication if supervised and taught to do so.

7 The Nurse Assistant Provides personal bedside care and helps the RN or LPN when necessary. Other duties include collecting specimens, feeding the patient, and responding to call signals, lifting the patient, and escorting the patient to the lab or x-ray.

8 The Physical Therapist Takes part in restoring the use of muscle function through heat, cold, pressure, massage, exercise and manipulation.

9 The Pharmacist Prepares the drugs prescribed by the doctor.

10 The Dietician / The OT Plans special diets with the proper proportion of food elements as prescribed by the physician. Instructs the patient in diversions and occupations which he/she is able to perform during convalescence.

11 The Social Worker Counsels and advises the patient about problems associated with the illness. With a knowledge of various agencies, the SW can help the patient with financial, social, and other personal problems

12 Auxiliary Workers Include those in food service, central supply, housekeeping and others who help in the maintenance and function of the hospital facilities.

13 The Physician’s Assistant A new career. After an extensive course of study, the PA may participate in patient care by taking histories, doing physical examinations, and ordering laboratory studies all under the supervision of a doctor.

14 The Nurse Practitioner Are required to have an RN license and nursing experience before entering the specialized program which prepares them to provide primary health care. Unlike the PA, the NP views the patient through the eyes of a nurse, focusing on meeting the basic needs and treating the health problem.

15 Educational Levels Generally speaking, training for most health occupations can be categorized into four levels Professional – 4 or more years Technologist or Therapist – 3 to 4 years Technician – two year’s A.D. Aide or Assistant – combination of classroom and on the job training

16 Educational Levels Post secondary (after high school) education can include training in a vocational-technical school, community college, or university.

17 Associate’s Degree Awarded by a vocational-technical school or community college after completion of a prescribed two-year course of study.

18 Bachelor’s Degree Awarded by a college or university after a prescribed course of study that usually lasts for four or more years.

19 Master’s Degree Awarded by a college or university after completion of one or more years of work beyond a bachelor’s degree.

20 Doctorate or Doctor’s Degree Awarded by a college or university after completion of two or more years of work beyond a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Some doctorates can require four to six years of additional study.

21 Certification, Registration, and Licensure Education requirements for health careers depend on many factors and can vary from state to state. Basic preparation begins in high school and should include the sciences, social studies, English, and mathematics. General typing and accounting skills are also utilized in many health occupations.

22 Certification Means that a person has fulfilled requirements of education and performance and meets the standards and qualifications established by the professional association or government agency that regulates a particular career. A certificate or statement is issued by the association. Examples: certified dental lab assistant, certified medical assistant, and a certified lab technician.

23 Registration Is required in some health occupations. This is performed by a regulatory body (professional association or state board) that administers examinations and maintains a current list (registry) of qualified personnel in a given health care area. Examples: registered dietician, registered respiratory therapist, and a registered radiologic technologist.

24 Licensure A process whereby a government agency authorizes individuals to work in a given occupation. Health occupations requiring licensure can vary from state to state. Obtaining and retaining licensure usually requires that a person complete an approved educational program, pass a state board test, and maintain certain standards. Examples: Physician, Dentist, R.N., P.T.

25 CEU’s Continuing education units are required to renew licenses or maintain certification or registration in many states. For example, many states require R.N.’s to obtain 24 to 48 CEU’s every 2 years in order to renew a license.

26 National Health Care Skill’s Standards Were developed to indicate the knowledge and skills that are expected of health care workers primarily at the entry and technical levels. There are 6 groups of standards. Our focus is the first one! Health Care Core Standards: specify the knowledge and skills that the vast majority of health care workers should have: employability skills, communication skills, legal responsibilities, safety practices, teamwork, etc..

27 Health Career Awareness Project Worth 300 Points Oral Presentation 100 Points Typed Written Report 100 Points Visual Aides 100 Points Date TBA

28 Instructions For Project Choose a health career that interests you Research: description of career, educational requirements, credentials, salary, places of employment, job outlook, summary as to why you chose career, etc. BE CREATIVE (Example) The Day in the Life of a Pediatrician