Nursing careers offer many opportunities for employment in nursing. Nursing careers are some of the most challenging and rewarding careers in health care.  Typically when one thinks of nursing as a career there is a mental image of working at the bedside of a hospitalized patient.  However, advanced practice nursing provides interesting and challenging work for nurses who want to add to their basic education. Such nursing practice does not necessarily occur at the bedside.

Three different types of nursing that are considered advanced practice nursing jobs in Canada are the clinical nurse specialist, the nurse practitioner and the occupational health nurse.  Each of these career specialities could occur in a variety of settings such as a hospital, a community, or even in industry.

Clinical Nurse Specialist

The role of the clinical nurse specialist can vary greatly depending on the needs of the community and the employer.  The clinical nurse specialist may be directly involved with patients and families and often provides leadership to the nursing staff in a hospital or a community setting.

A clinical nurse specialist is a registered nurse with a master’s degree who is specialized in a particular aspect of nursing  with a specialized client group such as pediatrics or gerontology.  The clinical nurse specialist may also be specialized within a particular clinical area such as oncology,cardiology, or critical care.

The role of a clinical nurse specialist falls within the legally defined scope of nursing practice for a registered nurse.

Occupational Health Nurse

The occupational health nurse (OHN) works in settings not typically associated with the nursing profession. Uniforms, nursing caps. and shoes have been traded for overalls, steel toe boots, and a hard hat.  Patients are not in hospital beds but are able bodied workers in factories, paper mills, and chemical plants.

According to the Canadian Association of Occupational HealthNurses the scope of nursing practice for an Occupational Health Nurse includes:

“…managing and administering an occupational health service within legal and professional parameters; conducting health examinations; assessing the work environment; providing primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention strategies; providing health education programs; providing health promotion programs; providing counseling interventions and programs; managing the information system; conducting health surveillance programs; monitoring injury/illness trends; as well as program planning, policy development, and cost-containment strategies.”

The main focus of the occupational health nurse is promoting and maintaining the health of workers in their work environment.  Nursing practice in this specialty requires a strong knowledge base of :

• case management
• counselling and crisis intervention
• health promotion and risk reduction
• legal and regulatory requirements for worker safety
• occupational hazard detection and reduction including ergonomic risks

The occupational health nurse works within the same nursing scope of practice as the bedside nurse or the clinical nurse specialist and is responsible for maintaining the same practice standards as any other nurse registered with the regulatory nursing organization.

Nurse Practitioner

The nurse practitioner has been a legally defined part of nursing practice in the United states for many years but it is one of the newer  types of nursing jobs in Canada.  The nurse practitioner is still not a legally defined type of nursing in all provinces.   British Columbia is one of the provinces that most recently made the move to include the category of nurse practitioner as one of the types of nursing regulated by the College of Registered Nurses of British Columbia.

Because a nurse practitioner practices in an advanced role as a registered nurse, an advanced education is necessary.  Typically this requires a university degree plus two additional years of nurse practitioner education resulting in a educational qualification equivalent to a master’s degree.

Specific competencies for the nurse practitioner must be in place.  Within a legally defined scope of practice a nurse practitioner can engage in activities that may be outside the legal scope of practice of a registered nurse or even a clinical nurse specialist. Such activities include prescribing certain medications and treatments for specified medical problems and ordering diagnostic tests.

The clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, and occupational health nurse are three different types of nursing careers in Canada.  The clinical nurse specialist and the occupational health nurse practice within  the same nursing scope of practice but the nurse practitioner practices outside of this scope of practice and therefore legislation must be in place that defines and regulates this type of nursing practice.  Not all provinces have this in place so the nurse practitioner is not a legally defined type of nursing career in all provinces in Canada.

All nursing jobs in Canada provide for challenge, but these three types of nursing careers have diversity and challenge that goes beyond that typically associated with the bedside nurse in a hospital setting.  However, all these three types of nursing careers are regulated in the public interest and nursing practice in each specialty must adhere to the nursing practice standards set by the regulatory organizations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverly_OMalley

Photo courtesy of www.divanintl.com

Salmon fishing in Sooke, B.C allows for a unique and exciting experience with its mild climate and year round fishery. The town of Sooke is located approximately 33 km west (20 miles) from the nearest large city of Victoria, British Columbia.

Fishing in Sooke is different from many west coast destinations as it is typically not “open water” fishing. From June to late summer your chances of hooking the big one are very good when your charter navigates through hot-spots such as beachy head, race rocks, secretary island and the trap shack. These world class locations are all within minutes of the marina and you can spend your day in a relaxed, safe atmosphere.

There are many different kinds of fishing charters available in Sooke, depending on what type of experience you desire and the size of your party. Some are full service providing transportation and meal service while others are for the more budget conscious. At a minimum packages usually include at least a half day booking and it is a good idea to get at least 3 or 4 people to go with you to distribute the cost and share in the fun. If you are lucky enough to book your charter on one of the weekends when a derby is running, such as the salmon classic, your catch of the day might be worth 100,000 – 1st prize for the biggest fish!

As a bonus when taking a charter in Sooke, you may be lucky enough to spot some of our local wildlife, such as killer whales, blue whales, bald eagles, seals and sea lions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alana_Jones

Photo courtesy of www.victorialodging.com

It’s been well over a year that I’ve sat, complacent ‘tis true, watching the drivel that your ace marketing department spews over the airwaves.  Image after image of chiselled, betowelled Adonis-like men flash before the viewer, none of whom (if your ad men are to be believed) have the wit to scrape a blade along their granite jaws.  Tell me, how is it that the ancient and venerable Gillette Shaving Company has survived well over a century when it believes that it’s clientele has no idea how to shave?  I can hear the dicks on your Board now, “But why Gabe?  Why aren’t they buying our product?”

First off, douches,  if your marketers had done a lick of research they would have discovered that the new millenium has seen the advent of the indie beard.  A whole, confused generation of “musicians”, “actors”, stand-up “comedians” and other societal parasites has embraced the gimme, gimme, gimme attitude of the eighties and a slightly less slovenly, fresher smelling grunge-look from the early nineties.  Think of a happier, better dressed Kurt Cobain wearing shoes incapable of being used for work of any kind, hair product and an iPhone (before Courtney shot him).  This is a generation who wish to project the “Hey world, I’ve been up all night in my basement recording studio and who has time to shave anyway because I’m texting my girlfriend about my bus ride to the coffee shop” image.  My advice to you–leave them for dead, Gillette.

Secondly, and more to the point, is that I as well as many millions of my brethren know how to shave and do indeed need more razor blades.  It’s just that it still hurts to walk, as our stitches are still healing from the last time we nicked down to the pharmacy and were bent over the counter buying your product.  This was after I had been to the bank to remortage the house so that I was sure I could afford them.  My therapist has warned me against doing this too many times in a calendar year.  I would rather scrape that last nicked, jagged razor down my cheek, feeling every single follicle ripped screaming from my delicate features and be able to feed and clothe my children, and those of my therapist,  than shell out for more of your overpackaged, “hypoallergenic” beauty knives.  None of you geniuses figured this part out?

So, I suggest back to the drawing board for you, Gillette, and no coming back with “Ooo, we’ve added another blade for a smoother shave” (patent pending) or “we’ve coated the blades with diamond dust and male phermones for a closer shave and guaranteed ladies” (patent pending).  And for the love of God, gather up all the numb-nutted jerkholes in your TV commercials and learn them to shave like any red-blooded male in North America.  May I suggest packing them off to boot camp?  No one can teach a man to shave better than a Drill Sergeant pointing a Browning at his temple while screaming obscenities in his ear, believe you me.  So fare thee warned, I will not be in line for the next six-bladed ultra-smooth razor that you jackasses put on the market.  “Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me” as me mammy used to say.  You think I’m an idiot?  I’ll wait for the seven blades thanks.

My name is Gabe and I got a bone to pick.

SAVE THE FROGS is the first and only public charity dedicated exclusively to the protection of amphibian populations.  Started in May 2008 by founder Dr. Kerry Kriger, the organization is working tirelessly to stop the ecologically damaging frog leg trade and campaigning in Washington D.C. to ban the use of Atrazine, a pesticide used widely throughout the U.S. on corn crops. Atrazine inhibits male frogs from producing testosterone. Jeopardizing reproduction, it acts as a catalyst for population decline.

Several frog species, such as the pig frog from Florida, are harvested from their natural environment for use in restaurants.  Together, the two threats could put frogs on the Dinner Specials of last week’s menu.  According to Dr. Kriger, “100 million frog legs are taken globally from the wild for use as food each year.  The number of farm-raised frogs is even higher.” Farm raised frogs, namely the American Bullfrog, can escape and spread a devastating chytrid fungus that kills native frogs. Bullfrogs also eat native wildlife.

SAVE THE FROGS is actively fighting the battle for frogs on many fronts.  Providing essential education to the public, they teach a free laboratory course on amphibian disease prevention to Latin American amphibian biologists and coordinate the annual Save The Frogs Day events for the public to enjoy.  Founder, Dr. Kerry Kriger frequently gives presentations to the eager ears of school groups, zoos, museums, businesses and community groups about the plight of frogs and other amphibians.  They also work with large restaurant chains to ban to use of frog legs in their restaurants.

The groups dedication was made clear this July with their aggressive campaign in Bethesda, MD against the stubborn Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande Restaurant, who sells frog legs as a delicacy.

Amicable police officers surrounded the group, grateful for the cause, as SAVE THE FROGS proudly waved their signs exposing the restaurants deplorable use of frog legs.  Kriger and his collegues educated hundreds of local people about the problem during their two day protest. The dismayed owner continually called the police to no avail.   The police were supportive of the cause and allowed SAVE THE FROGS to protest, as they were in their 1st Amendment rights.

Uncle Julio’s Rio Grande refused to concede to the wishes of the determined group, but that does not stop SAVE THE FROGS from continuing to fight. The group predicts their education to the public in Bethesda will pack a punch to the restaurants bottom line.

SAVE THE FROGS continues their efforts to save this fragile species.  Kriger continues the battle throughout the year with educational lectures and educates young children through enticing contests, such as poetry and art. Other frog leg-selling  restaurants will also be targeted this year.

Thanks to the hard work of SAVE THE FROGS, the soothing song of the frog will survive, enjoyed for generations to come.

-April Kern

For more information on SAVE THE FROGS and how you can get involved, please visit  www.savethefrogs.com

Okanagan is a great family vacation spot. Great sunshine and fabulous Okanagan events make for a memorable family vacation. Near Okanagan, in Kelowna, there are many public art works to visit. Many of the works tell the story of the mythical Lake Serpent, Ogopogo. Large murals depicting the beauty of Lake Country and the area’s history can be viewed by taking a guided walking tour. Between Kelowna and Vernon is an amazing art walk which features local artists from around Lake Country.

In June Vernon hosts a Creative Chaos Fair that is one of Canada’s largest craft sales. With over 200 vendors, a food fair, and other fun activities this event is sure to be a family hit. The Greater Vernon Dragon Boat Race and Festival is a fun three day event in July. Held at Kalamalka Beach, the Festival offers great scenery and fun activities. Dragon boat teams from Okanagan compete in different boating events. Entertainment, food, and artisan vendors are all found at the Dragon Boat Race and Festival.

Penticton has many fun Festivals during the summertime. The Beach Blanket Festival runs for three days in July. Find a relaxing spot on the beach and enjoy a Canadian film on a full-sized, off-shore screen. The Peachfest and Penticton Peach Festival run in August and have many events and activities for all ages. Since 1947 the Peachfest has featured live entertainment, vendors, art and crafts and hosts two parades. The Penticton Peach Festival provides free entertainment for the whole family.

Okanagan has a plentiful events agenda. The great parkland scenery of Okanagan adds to the splendor of the events and festivals. Okanagan has many summer events that are sure to please everyone.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Billings_Farnsworth

Williams Lake, B.C. – Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) biologists took to the skies in late April to survey duck, swan and goose populations for the year. Reports just released indicate waterfowl populations remain strong with a moderate two per cent increase over 2009 or an estimated total of half a million breeding waterfowl counted during the aerial survey across much of B.C.’s central Interior.

“These results are encouraging and speak to the resiliency of waterfowl to persevere even when conditions are extremely dry,” said Darryl Kroeker of Ducks Unlimited Canada, one of the biologists participating in the annual survey.

Conducted since 2006, the month-long helicopter survey counts the number of breeding waterfowl pairs on the central Interior plateau – an area stretching from Mackenzie in the north to Kamloops in the south, and from Quesnel in the east to Anahim Lake in the west. With its numerous productive marshes and fens amongst rolling grasslands, forests and shrub lands, this area is home to some of the best waterfowl breeding habitat in the province.

Mallards continue to be the most abundant waterfowl species, accounting for approximately 105,000 breeding birds or one in five ducks counted in the overall survey. Other species such as ring-necked ducks, buffleheads and green-winged teals were also abundant.

“While we were flying, the conditions appeared to be the driest since the survey started four years ago,” observed Bruce Harrison, the other DUC biologist participating in the study, “although the landscape looked wetter the farther north and west we flew.”

According to Harrison, “Many of the semi-permanent wetlands which were highly productive in past years had little water (and no birds) this year. However, this seemed to have little impact on overall bird numbers.” He speculates that birds may have continued their journey northward until they found breeding habitat in more permanent water bodies.

The survey is part of the larger collaborative study led by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service which has been monitoring breeding waterfowl populations across North America since 1955. Ducks Unlimited Canada biologists from across the country annually participate in the study. The biologists count all species of waterfowl on established sampling units – called transects – to estimate the annual breeding population size. The findings of this survey help drive DUC’s conservation planning and annual programming.

The 2010 survey took place prior to the cooler, wet conditions experienced during much of May and June in parts of the province.  From a waterfowl perspective, more water on the landscape is a good thing.  Broods have a better chance of surviving in wetlands with higher water levels because more food and cover are available.  Cover is important to protect young birds from predators.

Ask Craig Pulsifer what he’s up to these days and the Salmon Arm photographer will tell you, “As much as humanly possible.”

Pulsifer left engineering for full time photography in 1999 in what he describes as the Helen Keller School of Visual Arts.  His self-taught, eclectic style makes for interesting viewing.  “My portfolio strikes some as intense and divergent,” he confesses.  “I’m drawn to contrast and extremes, and that’s what is keeping me going these days – extremes.”

Building a photography business in a town of 16,000 is intense if not extreme, especially given that his wife, Lib, has chosen to home school their five kids.  Bread and butter work comes largely from portraiture and commercial work, which occasionally can be re-licensed as stock imagery.  This plays into Pulsifer’s broader plan to diversify.

“We’re mostly shooting a mix of people and lifestyle stuff using natural and studio location lighting – images for local clients and other newspaper and magazines that appeal to young, affluent audiences,” he explains.  “But, ultimately I’m trying to use my gifts as a communicator to help make a difference in the world through digital storytelling.”

Recently, Pulsifer teamed up with his nineteen year-old son, Chris, to build a new media lab in their home from which to create content for the web.

“Most of the stories we’ve done so far are for non-profits and aid agencies who are hard-pressed to afford media coverage,” he says.  “Our whole audio/visual and editing kit is designed to fit into two suitcases so that we can stay light, but still maintain high production value in the end product.”

For a closer look at some of his work, you can visit Pulsifer’s online portfolio at http://www.craigpulsifer.com.

craig pulsifer |  photographer
http://www.craigpulsifer.com
British Columbia, Canada
landline: 1 250 832-1343
cell: 1 250 833-6548

Situated under one hour from West Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast is a dream holiday destination. The magnificent beauty of BC’s Sunshine Coast attracts tourists from all over the world, and is the main reason why visitors often decide to buy property and make it a home away from home. The Sunshine Coast is a soothing 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver, Canada. The beautiful area comprising Sunshine Coast has many varied communities, old-growth rainforests, and is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The BC Coast is has beaches and beautiful places to make memories that you can cherish forever. From Gibsons to Powell River and various villages in between, this place is a mixture of both adventure and small-town hospitality. Along with it, the beautiful region of The Sunshine Coast has never-ending natural beauty, a diverse cultural community, big beautiful mountains, wildlife and a mild climate with peaceful locations and various adventure and water sports.

Events like the renowned Festival of the Written Arts, Fibre Arts Festival and Hackett Park Craft Fair attract thousands of visitors each year. So whether you want a family holiday, a romantic escape, take in some local culture or just want to experience the beauty of nature, this region is the best place to enjoy your holidays.

Cool and fresh are the words that describe the climate of this region, with plenty of hot days in the summer for kayaking, golfing, and swimming, and all cooled by delicious seaside breezes. As compared to the regular atmosphere of Canada, the climate of the Sunshine Coast remains temperate year round, making tourism the fastest growing sector of the economy for the region.

The beauty and adventure of the BC cottages renteals has got something for every budget and taste and due to this reason the British Columbia tourism is increasing day by day. Whether you are of 9 years or 90, the Sunshine Coast has something for every age. This region is a mixture of traditions, eras and adventures and you will be immediately impressed by the excellence of services, leisure facilities, appetizing cuisines and various other world-class amenities provided here.

After your morning breakfast, you can start your day with the adventurous and exciting sports activities like easily accessible hiking trails, B.C. Kayaking, salmon or bottom/cod fishing and cold water scuba diving that will enliven your mind and body and give you a fresh feel… and if you are not in a mood to experience adventure, you can always enjoy the walk on one of the many wild beaches!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rahulthink_Sharma

Canada is the perfect place to visit for an outdoors adventure – and one destination in particular that could be ideal is British Columbia.

The province is home to a wide variety of terrain, whether you’re looking to go hiking up a mountain, try your hand at windsurfing, take to the hills on a mountain bike or explore some age-old rainforests.

It also harbours some fascinating towns and cities that offer the perfect base from which to visit some of British Columbia’s less populated areas on a Canada holiday.

As a result, the key theme of any outdoors escape to British Columbia has to be diversity – there are few other places where you can go skiing, play golf and indulge in some sailing in a single day before attempting even more activities on the morrow.

One of the best places to begin on a British Columbia outdoors adventure has to be the province’s capital, Victoria.

The city is located on Vancouver Island, which offers much to see and do for those who love wildlife, nature and outdoor pursuits, so it could be an ideal place to stay while you investigate these attractions.

Victoria itself is a charming place to visit thanks to its historic buildings, gorgeous gardens, planetarium and museums.

But if you choose to head out of the city, much more awaits on Vancouver Island, including lots of opportunities to go whale-watching and the chance to spot sea lions, puffins and grizzly bears, among other creatures.

Back on the mainland, Vancouver is a must-see when it comes to Canada holidays. The city offers the perfect mix of urban entertainment and outdoors activities as a result of its favourable location – it’s surrounded by water on three sides and is situated next to a mountain range.

Highlights include a trip to Gastown, a historical district filled with cobbled streets and quaint stores, as well as the opportunity to visit attractions such as the ski town of Whistler and Grouse Mountain, both of which lie within easy reach of north Vancouver.

Elsewhere, Prince George in northern British Columbia could be the ideal destination if you want to try some fantastic hiking trails, golf and fishing against the backdrop of an immense spruce forest.

The destination is also home to an observatory, where you can gaze at the stars with one of the largest telescopes in Canada, as well as several smaller ones.

Another potential stop to list on a Canada holiday itinerary is Prince Rupert, which can be found on Kaien Island off the northern British Columbia coast.

Here, you will find that animals appear to outnumber humans, making for a great break for those who really do want to get away from it all!

You’ll be able to see bears, eagles, whales and more besides – and that’s in addition to the tame deer that can be found wandering the streets of certain Prince Rupert neighbourhoods.

The only grizzly bear sanctuary in Canada and some particularly old areas of rainforest can also be found in Prince Rupert, so be sure to check these sights out if you do visit this part of British Columbia.

If you want to experience British Columbia at its best during the summer, why not head to Thompson Okanagan?

The fertile grasslands here have given rise to numerous orchards and vineyards, while the terrain changes into forest and even desert the further you trek.

Meanwhile, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast could be ideal for lakeside camping – the area boasts the opportunity to follow the Gold Rush Trail as well as indulge in boating, swimming, fishing and kayaking against the backdrop of several sparkling lakes.

Lastly, the Kootenay Rockies could be the perfect destination to visit for holidaymakers wanting to get active with a spot of whitewater rafting, skiing, snowboarding, windsurfing, mountain biking or canoeing and for wildlife lovers looking to catch a glimpse of a wide range of creatures.

These include bighorn sheep, coyotes, moose, cougar, black and grizzly bears, eagles, elk and mule deer.

There is much potential for creating the ideal outdoors adventure on a British Columbia getaway – as well as this combination of destinations in the province, you could head further afield and turn your Canada holiday into a proper tour of the country’s best areas of wilderness.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dipika_Patel

With the horrible financial crisis of last year, more and more people are becoming afraid of what will happen with their college degree that they worked so hard for. Some people who had college degrees found themselves working at fast food joints because they couldn’t find other jobs that were related to what they went into in school. However, there were other people with degrees that have a totally set life because no matter how bad the economy got, they were needed in the professional field. Here are a few of those areas of work.

The medical field. It doesn’t matter if no one has any money, people are always going to get sick and hurt which means that you are always going to have a job. Dentists are considered a part of the medical field, but they definitely don’t get the same job security that doctors do. So, if you want a job that will always be secure, consider going into the medical field.

Law and politics. Although a few people may have been laid off during the recession, the majority of people in these two fields stayed in a very secure job standing. In times of a recession, the country needs more leadership and more lawyers to take care of the bad things that are going on. These are not luxury jobs that people can’t afford, because these are jobs that will always be around. So, another great option to go into when you start working on your degree is either political science or law.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ryan_Coisson