Wednesday, November 4, 2009

How to Become a Plumber

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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Can Nursing Prerequisites Be Finished Part-time & How Long Will it Take?

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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Certified Nursing Assistant Registration

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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Cooking Schools

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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