This week receive FREE SHIPPING on your $99 order at www.LydiasUniforms.com!

Plus, select Landau Scrubs are 20%  OFF! These nursing uniforms are a customer favorite and start at just $11.99 in men's and women's styles.

*Get free standard shipping on your order of $99 or more and 20% off select Landau scrubs. Use coupon code PW99FB13 in the shopping cart. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or discounts. Valid on standard shipping within the U.S. only.
Offer ends 5/19/13 at midnight EST.

Celebrate Nurses Week 2013: We are giving away 10 sets of Maevn Blossom Scrubs! Click here to view the Maevn Core Line Scrubs.

HOW TO ENTER: Submit your entry by texting NURSESROCK to 839863

*Standard text message rates apply per your carrier. Enter by 5/8/13 at midnight, EST. Winners will be randomly selected & announced on 5/9/2013. By texting you are subscribed to receive mobile alerts from Lydia’s Uniforms. Good luck!

Today only, receive FREE SHIPPING on ANY size order - Freshen up your nursing uniforms for Spring!

And don't forget, our 20% off select Landau Scrubs and Lab Coats sale is still going on!

*Get free standard shipping on any size order! Use coupon code PFBASKET. Online prices reflect discount. Sale cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions. Shipping sale applies to U.S. orders only. Offers end 3/31/13 at midnight EST.

For a LIMITED TIME ONLY, enjoy FREE Shipping on your $75 order PLUS 20% Off IguanaMed Nursing Scrubs! Use coupon code PWF75F13 or click here to activate.

*Get 20% off select IguanaMed scrubs + free standard shipping on orders $75 or more! Use coupon code PWF75F13. Online prices reflect discount. Sale cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions. Shipping sale applies to U.S. orders only. Offers end 2/17/13 at midnight EST.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so order now to receive your holiday nursing flare in time! Receive 20% off select Valentine's Day medical uniform prints, click here to view sale items.

*Use coupon code PWFB5J13 in the shopping cart. Coupon cannot be combined with any other promotions or coupons. Coupon expires 1/20/13 at midnight EST.

Take up to $15 OFF your order at www.LydiasUniforms.com. The more you buy, the more you save: take $5 off $30, $10 off $60 or $15 off $90. PLUS we have marked down clearance items even further! Save up to 50% or more on bestselling nursing uniform brands. Combine with our Buy More, Save More coupon for big savings, click here to activate!

*Get $5 off a $30 order, $10 off a $60 order, or $15 off a $90 order + save big with clearance markdowns. Online prices reflect discount. Use coupon code PWBMFB13. Coupon excludes Cherokee Workwear, cannot be combined with any other promotions or coupons. Offer ends 1/6/13 at midnight EST.

Savings for your holiday shopping! This week receive these great deals on nursing uniforms and much more:

• $5 Shipping on ANY size order
• 20% off select Dickies Scrubs
• 30% off Holiday Prints
• 20% off Gift Cards

Use code PWWFBD12 or click here to activate. Need something by Christmas? View our holiday shipping schedule here.

*Get $5 standard shipping on any size order, up to 40% off select Dickies Everyday, 30% off Christmas prints, and 20% off gift cards. Use coupon code PWWFBD12 in the shopping cart. Online prices reflect discount. Shipping sale applies to U.S. orders only. Coupon expires 12/16/12 at midnight EST.

While we wrap up National NP Week (Nov. 11-17), which celebrates the important role these health care professionals play every day of the year, we thought it would be fun to shine the spotlight on one specific advanced practice nurse: the Family Nurse Practitioner.

Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are registered nurses who have completed a specialized graduate program that allows them to provide a blend of primary care and nursing services to individual patients and families. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the duties of family nurse practitioners include patient assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.

To support these duties, family nurse practitioners can order and perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and lab work. They can also prescribe medication. FNPs currently serve as primary health care providers for millions of patients, especially in areas that are experiencing shortages in primary physicians.

The American Academy of Nurse Practitioners reports that there are currently about 155,000 nurse practitioners across the nation; nearly half of these NPs are family nurse practitioners. FNPs may work independently or as members of health care teams. They practice in a wide range of settings, including private practices, hospitals, long-term care facilities, community clinics, schools, correctional facilities, veterans' facilities, HMOs, and urgent care centers.

In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, many FNPs focus on disease prevention and the promotion of healthy living. Their advanced education and clinical expertise allow them to provide holistic solutions for family health care.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook forecasts that employment for registered nurses will increase by 26 percent between 2010 and 2020. This is faster than the projected increase for all other occupations. Family nurse practitioners will be in especially high demand because they are able to assume many of the duties typically performed by physicians.

By providing patient-centered primary care that is both high quality and cost-effective, FNPs are playing an increasing important role in the changing landscape of national health care.

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for Georgetown University's online graduate nursing programs offering one of the nation's leading adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner/adult gerontology clinical nurse specialist programs.

When it comes to Maternity Scrubs, comfort is key! Cherokee Flexibles has a line of Maternity Nursing Uniforms that is flattering and very comfortable. The Cherokee Flexibles Maternity Scrub Top features an adjustable drawstring, empire waist, soft stretchy knit side panels, contrast topstitching on the front and back princess seams, a patch pocket, a pager pocket, a hidden pocket and is 27" long, made with 65% polyester/35% cotton and the contrasting waistband is made of 88% polyester/12% spandex.

Here is a review from our customer dentaljulie in Metairie, LA:

Cute Maternity Top

This top is very comfortable and cute! I was 5'4"/125 lbs./36E pre-pregnancy and ordered a Medium due to being large chested. I bought the top at 6months and am now almost 8 months and it is still very comfortable due to the adjustable drawstring at the bust. Will probably wear this top even after I deliver.

1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer. This is a staggering statistic and one that underscores how important it is for men and women to be educated about the dangers and take a proactive approach to early detection.

The infographic below shines the spotlight on some other statistics related to breast cancer, and while the rates of diagnoses have slowed since 1990, more than 200,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in U.S. women.

Donations to organizations such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation help fund education, treatments, screenings and research, so that one day we may find a cure.

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for Georgetown University's online masters in nursing programs, offering one of the nation's leading midwifery programs.

For a LIMITED TIME ONLY, enjoy $5 SHIPPING on your order PLUS  Up to 60% Off Fall Markdowns! You can get nursing scrub tops as low as $5.99 and pants as low as $6.99! Use coupon code PWFFSC12 or click here to activate.

*Get up to 60% off Fall Markdowns plus $5 standard shipping. Use coupon code PWFFSC12. Shipping promotion applies to U.S. only. Online prices reflect discount. Coupon cannot be combined with any other coupons or promotions. Offer ends 10/14/12 at midnight EST.

Professional development is an important part of every health care professional’s career. It can only help you to be aware of new technologies and new schools of thought that may soon impact your day-to-day job functions.

Conferences and leadership summits are a great way to pack a lot of information into a short amount of time. Outside of the educational value, they also allow you to network and trade ideas with fellow colleagues and thought leaders.

The following is a list of conferences that are sure to challenge and inspire you:

AACN Organizational Leadership Network Fall Meeting (Oct. 28-30, 2012): Held in Washington, D.C., the theme of this year’s meeting is “Taking Advantage of Technology in Nursing Higher Education.” Highlights include: learning how technology is influencing patient care and what educators must know about the changing landscape, exploring innovations and challenges in online teaching and learning, and identifying ways schools can be more effective, simulation in nursing education and much more. For more information, visit http://www.aacn.nche.edu/events/2012/10/26/oln.

ANA 7th annual Nursing Quality Conference (Feb. 6-8, 2013): Held in Atlanta, Georgia, the Nursing Quality Conference brings together nursing and health care professionals from around the world who have a passion for improving nursing quality. Almost 1,900 hospitals will be participating in the event, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about the latest research related to addressing organizational performance to improve patient outcomes. This year’s keynote speaker is country music icon and former registered nurse, Naomi Judd. For more information, visit nqc2013.cistems.net.

19th annual Wharton Health Care Business Conference (Feb. 14-15, 2013): Held in Philadelphia, the theme of this year’s event is “Reshaping Health Care: Emerging Trends Changing the Face of Our Industry.” Previous year’s speakers include the president and CEO of Biotechnology Industry Organization, the president and CEO of Geisinger Health System and the former CEO of Bausch and Lomb. For more information, visit www.whcbc.org.

TEDMED (April 16-19, 2013): Held in Washington, D.C., TEDMED is billed as a “community of people who are passionate about imagining the future of health and medicine.” Void of an agenda or policy prescriptions, it’s a “safe place” where people with different ideas come together to talk and learn. Previous speakers have included the director of the National Institutes of Health, the president and CEO of the American Red Cross, the chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, singer-songwriters and the vice president of HBO Documentary Films. For more information, visit www.tedmed.com.

Are there any you’re looking forward to attending? Let us know in the comments section!

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for the online masters in nursing program at Georgetown University, offering one of the nation’s leading FNP programs online.

Photo credit: hahatango on Flickr

Carhartt Scrubs: When you need tougher fabric, stronger construction and superior fit, reach for Carhartt Scrubs!

The Carhartt Premium Women's Flare Leg Scrub Pant features full drawstring waist with back elastic, two front pockets and one back pocket, bottom side vents allow pant legs to fit over shoes, triple-stitched inseams for added strength, is made with 55% cotton/45% polyester brushed micro canvas and is 31" long.

Here is a review from our customer Robin in Arkansas:

Carhartt Scrubs

These scrubs are awesome! I bought them just because I was shocked that carhartt made scrubs and that made me curious to try them! Living on a farm, I own carhartt jackets, gloves, overalls, etc. and now I get to wear their scrubs to my nursing job. I ordered a petite, they fit true to size and the length is great!

PLUS This week only - 20% off Carhartt Scrubs + Free Shipping! Get 20% off Carhartt scrubs plus free standard shipping on orders over $99. Use coupon code PW99FW12. Online prices reflect discount. Sale cannot be combined with any other promotions or coupons. Shipping discount applies to orders shipping within the U.S. only. Offers end 9/30/12 at midnight EST. Click here to activate coupon and view all Carhartt Scrubs!

Tomorrow is the first official day of Autumn! The time of year when the temperatures begin to drop and the days start to get shorter than the nights, and not to forget when all the fun holiday decor comes out of storage. A new favorite of mine is the White Cross 100% Cotton Give a Hoot Shirred Scrub Top. You can see a close up of the print below, so cute!

To view all of our autumn inspired nursing scrubs, click here and to view all of our Holiday prints, click here - and definitely enjoy your first day of Fall, with something festive like a mug of hot cider!

“When you’re a nurse, you know that every day you will touch a life or a life will touch yours.” — Anonymous

This overarching theme is what drives most nurses to enter the profession. Knowing that you’re making a meaningful impact on your community each and every day is a powerful motivator.

As with any career path, though, it’s important to think about how you’ll be compensated for your efforts, and if any additional schooling, such as a masters in nursing, will be required. Depending on where your passions lie, it may behoove you to explore specialties that offer the greatest growth potential, as well as a good salary.

The infographic below by Scrubs Magazine lays out the 10 highest-paying nurse specialties in 2012, with a certified registered nurse anesthetist topping the list. Do any of these numbers surprise you?

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for Nursing@Georgetown, offering the nation's leading nurse practitioner programs online.

As recently as 50 years ago, diabetes was a death sentence — or, at the very least, a disease that could significantly affect one’s ability to live a fulfilled life, due, in large part, to the difficulty of managing it.

Between the two major types of diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2, Type 2 is the most frequently occurring and is closely linked to poor health and a sedentary lifestyle. Though, in its early stages, unlike Type 1, it can be prevented.

As of 2010, it is estimated that 285 million people have Type 2 diabetes globally, which accounts for 90 percent of all diabetes cases.

Since diabetes is a chronic disease, effective management of its symptoms are key to living a healthy existence. Thanks to recent innovations in technology, what was once a burdensome, inconvenient series of practices has become much easier and effective.

One of the most interesting inventions comes to us from Apple in the form of an iPhone app named iBGStar. This app, which works along with a device that attaches to the base of an iPhone, allows users to easily and accurately measure their blood glucose levels. The accompanying app allows users to store, track and analyze their medical data, allowing for more effective diabetic management.

The benefit of a device like this is that unlike traditional blood glucose monitors, which are palm-sized devices that prick the skin multiple times, the iBGStar device is much smaller, plugs directly into the iPhone (or iPod Touch) and requires one small prick of the finger to perform its analysis.

Another, more holistic advance in the world of diabetes management is the advent of social networking. The website tudiabetes.org provides a variety of online resources for those suffering from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, as well as recipe lists, information about other forms of diabetes and support for loved ones who themselves are supporting a diabetic partner, parent, sibling or others. The website enables users to connect by creating profile pages, reading blogs and participating in discussion forums.

Tudiabetes.org fosters community and disseminates important information to its members, reminding them that they aren’t alone in their struggle with diabetes.

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for the online masters in nursing programs at Georgetown University, offering one of the nation's leading acute care nurse practitioner programs.

Health care is one of the most promising job sectors in the United States. The demand for new health care professionals continues to grow rapidly, and health care workers are often well compensated.

They can work just about anywhere, and besides the extrinsic rewards, the work carries plenty of intrinsic value. Health care professionals devote their lives to helping others, whether they are saving lives as a paramedic or fighting cancer in oncology.

While the more common occupations include doctors, nurses and medical receptionists, there are some more unusual careers that you may not have considered. These are five more unusual — yet essential — health care occupations:

1. Medical Aesthetician
Medical aestheticians work with patients on improving their physical appearances and skin care. Most aestheticians complete a cosmetology program and have a state license, which involves passing an examination; a biology background is a plus. Aestheticians often work under dermatologists and plastic surgeons, helping patients whose appearances have suffered due to injuries and ailments. Duties might include giving facials, medical peels and laser hair removal. Besides showing patients how to care for their skin, medical aestheticians help boost their self-esteem.

2. Holistic Nurses
Reminiscent of Florence Nightingale, holistic nursing emphasizes the treatment of the whole person, rather than a symptom or disease. The American Holistic Nurses Association describes individual treatment plans that target every aspect of patients’ lives, emphasizing “the interconnectedness of body, mind, emotion, spirit, social/cultural, relationship, context and environment.”

3. Orthotists
If someone suffers from a spinal or limb injury or defect, he or she may need to wear a special brace or splint; orthotists are the professionals who work with patients to fit and construct these orthotic devices. They also train patients on how to use and care for the devices. Becoming an orthotist requires an associate’s or bachelor’s in orthotics or orthotics and prosthetics, as well as passing a certification exam.

4. Traveling Phlebotomists
When your doctor sends you for routine blood work, it is a phlebotomist who draws it. If blood and needles do not make you queasy, and you like to travel, traveling phlebotomist might be the position for you. To become a traveling phlebotomist, you need to complete a training course in phlebotomy, pass a certification exam, then receive on-the-job training. Traveling phlebotomists typically serve home-bound patients and work at blood drives.

5. Poison Information Provider
Many new parents find themselves calling poison control at some point during their children’s young lives. In 2009, more than four million calls were made to poison control in the United States; 72 percent of those calls were treated at home with no further need for a visit to the doctor. The poison control provider is the invaluable person on the other end of the phone line, offering emergency treatment information. Most poison control providers are nurses or physician’s assistants, with at least one year of experience in their field. Besides fielding public calls, they provide poison training and treatment recommendations to other health care providers.

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for Georgetown University’s online masters in Nursing program, offering one of the nation’s leading family nurse practitioner programs.

Photo credit: edenpictures on Flickr

Medical scrubs made exclusively for you! Our Lydia's Made Simple unisex line is just that, a simple, basic scrub set at a price you can fit into your budget - they start at the great price of $6.99!

A budget friendly scrub with the quality and comfort you need in a nursing uniform. They are available in sizes XS-5XL and in 6 colors: Navy, Royal, Ceil Blue, Wine, Steel Grey and Black!

The Lydia's Made Simple Unisex Top features set-in sleeves, pencil divided chest pocket side slits and is 28 1/4" long, made with quality constructed 55% cotton/45% polyester and is cotton rich for more comfort.

The Lydia's Made Simple Unisex Pant features one back pocket, matching fabric drawstring and is 31" long in regular, 29" in short, 34" in tall, made with the same quality constructed 55% cotton/45% polyester.

Click here to check them out for yourself: Lydia's Made Simple Unisex Scrubs

Clinics, hospitals and physicians with private practices are relying more and more on sophisticated technology for tracking medical records, providing diagnostic images and assisting with all types of patient procedures. Here are five tech tools and products that assist health care professionals on the job:

Handheld Devices

As recently as four years ago, the market for handheld health care computing was dominated by devices like the Intel Mobile Clinical Assistant that were custom designed for medical professionals. Apple's iPad and other tablet computers have changed the game and are replacing dedicated health care computers. Tablet and smartphone apps are extending the capabilities of health care providers, allowing them to view test results and images on demand. Specialized handheld devices are also replacing traditional tools, such as stethoscopes, which are being replaced by portable ultrasounds by many doctors.

Cloud-Based Imaging

A variety of imaging technologies are used to diagnose, monitor and treat medical conditions. Besides X-ray, some of the most common imaging technologies are ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy and mammography. The latest imaging advances include the ability to send X-ray, CT and MRI scans, and other images to the cloud where they can be accessed by health providers in a variety of locations. Cloud-based imaging is described as bridging the gap between hospitals that have radiologists and those that don't, allowing patients to have imaging performed at one hospital, then analyzed by a radiologist at another hospital.

Robotic Surgery

Recent breakthroughs in surgical technology allow robots to be used for many types of minimally invasive surgeries, including prostrate, bladder, kidney and gynecologic procedures. The da Vinci Surgical System uses a robot controlled by a doctor who is looking through a viewfinder at a magnified image. As the doctor moves surgical instruments in the air, robotic arms duplicate the doctor’s movements within the patient’s body. Doctors who are learning to use the da Vinci system can train with RoSS, the Robotic Surgical Simulator. The RoSS uses a mock-up of the da Vinci robot and virtual reality to replicate the operation of the da Vinci system.

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Medical histories, lab test results, billing information and other health data is increasingly being stored in digital form. EHR systems allow doctors' offices to go paperless and larger health care institutions to share information across numerous organizations. Cutting edge EHR systems are web-based and use database servers. eClinicalWorks is one of the largest providers of EHR; its system includes a patient portal that allows patients to pay bills, view medical information, check lab test results and communicate directly with their doctor.

Educational Simulators

Many medical schools use hands-on simulation to provide realistic training in a wide range of health care areas, including anesthesia, labor and delivery, radiology, surgery, emergency medicine and intensive care. Manikins that simulate respiratory, cardiac and pulmonary functions are used for clinical training, allowing physicians to "practice on plastic" before working with patients. Simulators are being used for training in everything from annual doctor's visits to complex heart surgeries.

Do you use any of these tools on a daily basis?

This post is written by Erica Moss, who is the community manager for Georgetown University’s online MSN programs, offering one of the nation’s leading nurse midwife programs.

Photo credit: viagallery.com