Well, healthcare management and healthcare administration cannot be that different, right? Actually no, although confusing the terms is very common because they seem to imply the same position within a healthcare facility. This is not helped by the fact that many healthcare facilities call managers administrators, and vice versa. In other words, even healthcare facilities are not sure what the difference between these two positions is. It is important to differ between these two terms, because the positions come with different salaries, and aspiring administrators or managers in healthcare should know these differences, because they might think they are getting the position they want, but instead become burdened with tasks they not only do not know how to, they also do not find personal satisfaction at their workplace. Below, we have pointed out some of the key differences between these positions in order to help aspiring healthcare administrators and managers choose the right position.

1.    Healthcare administration is about staff

Healthcare administration experts and specialists focus on staffing – scheduling, problems with schedules, assigning days off, vacations, while ensuring the healthcare facility keeps working without staff-related problems. This means that healthcare administrators work together with healthcare managers, who in turn, are responsible for running the healthcare facility as a whole. Healthcare administrators handle staffing for the facility on a daily, monthly and yearly basis. Excellent healthcare administrators learn everything they can about the facility – form the type of medical research and treatment offered to patients, to various other demands of the patients, in order to manage the staffing correctly..

2.    Healthcare management focuses on various tasks in running the facility

Healthcare managers are often referred to as administrators, which is why the terms have begun to be so confusing. But unlike healthcare administrators, healthcare managers have different duties and tasks regarding the policy of the facility, accounting management and management of the facilities as a whole. Their tasks cover every department, and as such, differ from the tasks of staff administrators. The healthcare manager takes care of the facility’s finances, as well as the overall operation of the facility.

3.    Different educational requirements

Healthcare administrators need MHA or MBA degree form an accredited university. The MBA should be focused on healthcare, although this can be done after graduation with a few courses in the field and other ways. Healthcare administrators should get an MBA focused on healthcare to increase their chances of employment.

On the other hand, healthcare facilities have different requirements of their healthcare managers. The educational background of healthcare managers include getting a two, or four year degree in one of the following areas: health services, business, or nursing. In addition, the higher positions in the facility require having a master’s degree in public health and health administration.

4.    Similar skills and abilities

Both healthcare managers and healthcare administrators need similar skills in order to do their job satisfactorily. They need good leadership skills, as they often need to be quick thinkers and look for creative solutions to possible problems at the workplace. In addition, while healthcare administrators rarely come in contact with patients, unlike healthcare managers who might need to communicate with them if there are insurance problems or problems of a different nature, healthcare administrators need to communicate with the other staff: doctors, nurses, assistants and even researchers, so both healthcare administrators and managers need good communication skills, and patience.

Becoming a physical therapy assistant means starting a career in physical therapy. Physical therapy focuses on helping patients and clients regain their mobility after a debilitating injury, like fractures or injuries caused by other types of accidents, as well as helping patients with degenerative diseases that impair the patient’s mobility.

If you wish to have a career in physical therapy, there are different career choices for you. You can become a physical therapy aide, a physical therapy assistant or a physical therapist. Out of the three, becoming a physical therapy assistant can be the right choice for you, depending on your goals. Below, we have presented several reasons why.

1.    You only need an Associate’s Degree in Physical Therapy

While most careers require getting, at minimum a Bachelor’s Degree, becoming a physical therapy assistant requires getting only an Associate’s Degree, from a CAPTE accredited college or university. The programs last two years, and cover both theoretical knowledge, as well as clinical knowledge both in laboratories and clinics. You get courses in general knowledge and physical therapy. About 70% of the program is concluded in classroom atmosphere, while the rest is lab study. The two year programs are designed to prepare the students not only to sit the national licensure exam, but also prepare them for working in the field. Before you are eligible for employment, however, you must take the national exam and obtain a license as a physical therapy assistant.

2.    Pleasant working environment

Being a physical therapy assistant means always working as a part of a team, because physical therapists consult with the physical therapy assistants when they make the plan for the patient’s physical rehabilitation. You will also have to communicate plainly and compassionately with the patients and his or her family members, as well as provide proper education for the care of the patients, especially if they are staying at home during their rehabilitation period. This means that you will never work alone. In addition, you might need to undertake clerical and administrative tasks, depending on the work setting.

3.    Various employment opportunities

One of the greatest benefits from becoming a physical therapy assistant is the fact that you could work in various different settings. Form hospitals that have physical therapy departments, to private clinics and rehabilitation centers, to fitness clubs and even, if you have the heart for it, hospices and nursing homes. If you’re working in an inpatient clinic, then you will have regular Monday to Friday hours, while if you’re are employed at a fitness center, or an outpatient clinic, you might need to work evenings and weekends, because your clients will be people who are taking care of their own jobs and obligations during the weekdays.

4.    Extremely rewarding career

Another great benefit from becoming a physical therapy assistant is personal fulfillment. You will be spending your days helping people not only regain their mobility, but also prevent permanent disability or impaired movement. You will also be treating patients with diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), then Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, patients with developmental delays and lymphedema, as well as patients suffering from chronic arthritis, among common dislocations and fractures. You will be able to make a difference and touch many lives in your line of work

5.    Excellent job outlook and salary

The median annual salary, depending on employment and position is around $45000. Despite the large number of registered physical therapy assistants, the need for them is on the rise, with a projected 35% growth in future years. You can also improve upon your career by getting a voluntary certification for outstanding knowledge in your field, and you could always add two more years of university, and become a physical therapist.

“I want to offer the resources to encourage you to never give up in life, school, or anything else!” “God bless you on your journey.” Dr. Nina

Overview of All Issues Discussed and Links to Questions, Answers and Help DEPRESSION DRUGS & ALCOHOL ABUSE GUY’S & GAL’S HEALTH   “Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possiblity. ” Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine US actress & television talk show host (1954 – )   SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS   “Most of the important things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no hope at all.” Dale Carnegie

Your Voice NEW WEBSITE Coming this SPRING 2012! We are modifying the website which is meant for YOU! Please email us at askninanow@aol.com COUNSELING CORNER Need Guidance or encouragement? Find it here… Counseling Resources Relationship Resources Donations/Support Struggling with issues, questioning your lifepurpose? It’s time to refuel your spirit. Take time out of your day today and be encouraged and motivated from devotionals, inspiring words and more Read More ABOUT DR. NINA Dr. Nina Rios-Doria is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has been counseling, speaking and educating children, youth and families in the Dallas/Fort Worth area for the past 12 years. In addition, she also has been involved in the television and radio arena. She is the creator of, “Extraordinary People in Fort Worth”, which she produced and hosted for a few years and has also produced and hosted two radio shows, which focused on improving overall mental health. Currently, Dr. Nina counsels a sexual abuse group at Alliance for Children and counsels at Christian Counseling Associates. She is passionate about helping and encouraging others to overcome life’s challenges. She received her Masters degree in Counseling from Dallas Baptist University and a PhD in Child Development from Texas Woman’s University. In addition to counseling, she also speaks to teens and young adults about goal setting and healthy dating relationships. She specializes in the following areas: Drugs and Alcohol Anger Anxiety Abuse (sexual, emotional, and physical) Depression Grief/Trauma Body Image/Self Esteem In addition, Dr. Nina is working on an ebook that will be published in the Spring of 2012 on sexual abuse.  Email: drninalpc@aol.com

DR. NINA ON TV Dr. Nina TV Pilot! Watch it now! The Dr. Nina TV Show Pilot   ARTICLE OF THE MONTH SEXUAL ABUSE 1 in 4 girls will be abused 1 in 6 boys will be abused 1 in 10 will tell Have you been sexually abused and want to share your story to encourage others to tell? Read other sexual abuse stories- click here Currently, working on a book for teens who have been sexually abused. INSPIRATIONAL CORNER Do you have an inspirational story about life and relationships? We want to hear from you! email us at askninanow@aol.com Friendship… We grow closer to each other When we’re closer to the Lord The common faith that we share Binds our hearts in one accord For friendships last a life time When built on Jesus Christ Throughout each different season We find we are in life Friends are there through times of grief And times when hope is gone Always there with encouragement So we can carry on So thank the Lord for giving you A true and faithful friend To laugh with you, and cry with you On whom you can depend For friends will stay no matter what Giving you support And together your hearts truly unite With the love of the Lord

 

Issues: Girls and Guys Health Healthy Living for the Young Adult or Teen Will the habits I have now really make a difference when I’m older? At my age, what should I especially be concerned about? Should I talk to my doctor if I’m worried about my health or my body? To answer these questions and more check out: familydoctor.org .

Make Good Health #1 in Your Life Girls…… According to The Center For Mental Health Services 95 percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25. Anorexia & Bulemia, & more about Eating Disorders http://www.eatingdisorderinfo.org/ Eating Disorder Self Examination Quizzes: http://www.poppink.com/quiz/index.html#eat Guys….. Steroid users subject themselves to more than 70 side effects ranging in severity from liver cancer to acne and including psychological as well as physical reactions. Are steroids worth the risk? http://kidshealth.org/teen/drug_alcohol/drugs/steroids.html   Teens and Steroids http://www.focusas.com/Steroids.html  Guys or Girls…… Both Guys and Girls benefit from healthy habits and learning to deal with stress in a healthy way. Learn what is healthy and what is not. Dietary Suppluments: Facts vs Fads http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/nutrition/diet_supplements.html All about your health http://www.teengrowth.com/   Exercise, self defense, fitness & diet information http://www.teenexercise.com/index.html   Puberty, skincare, fitness, and more! http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/   Ways to control Acne: http://familydoctor.org/2 How to cope with Stress! http://www.lifespan.org/Services/ChildHealth /Parenting/teen-stress.htm Relationships and HealthPositive relationshipsare important for good health. If you have supportive, loving relationships you are more likely to feel funky, happy and satisfied with your life. Relationships affect how you feel about yourself and how you cope with things that happen in everyday life. Being aware of the way relationships affect you can help you make choices about your health.Try This! Think of a person you know. Close your eyes and think about time you spend with her or him. How do you feel when you are around her or him? What happens in the relationship for you to feel that way? What does he or she tell you about yourself? (this might not be in words – the messages we get about ourselves in relationships can be very subtle). A hard thing about relationships is that you do not have control of what the other person or people do. Sometimes relationships can contribute to things like stress, depression, loss of self-esteem or confidence, and even physical illness. It is important to think about the things that you can do to protect or care for yourself and your health. www.cyh.com

Issues: Sexual Relations Things to remember…. It’s about connecting on an emotional level It’s about experiencing life together It’s about learning from each other It’s about sharing moments together It’s not about sex “A majority of both girls and boys who are sexually active wish they had waited. Eight in ten girls and six in ten boys say they wish they had waited until they were older to have sex.” Teen Health Talk

“SEX 101- Educate Yourself”  The best time to think about how you would handle a risky situation is before you’re in it. Take this Test and find out!… Benefits of teen abstinence… Know what’s up! Talking to a parent or another trusted adult about sex can help a lot Here are some ways to approach them about sex! If you are a teen that wants to support abstinence, then go to “The Teen Cafe” Teen sex? It’s okay to say: No Way! Resources that are helpful: STD information Teenage pregnacy information It’s your sex life..Q & A Sex under the influence of alcohol- a girl’s story Sex,etc. Puberty and Sex on the brain… The Top 7 Questions about Unplanned Pregnancy and Birth Contraception Q & A   Being “real” can help us understand why some people have sexual intercourse before they’re ready. They include: Trying to cure loneliness or unhappiness Wanting to be more popular Using physical sex to avoid close, caring relationships Wanting to “prove” you’re not gay or lesbian Hoping to discover the “fireworks” that go with sex on TV and in records, movies, magazines, and books Believing “the first time” is not important, so just get it over with Not using good judgment because you’re high on alcohol or other drugs When you need reassurance in a decision read this:   ASSERTIVE BILL OF RIGHTS I have the right… To be responsible for my own life To accept and respect myself and others To feel happy, satisfied, and to allow inner peace To take good care of my whole being; my body, my mind, and my spirit To be imperfect To be aware of and fulfill my own needs To have dreams, goals, and ideals and to make them happen To have and express all my emotions To tell others how I want to be treated To allow people to help me without feeling guilty, unworthy, or dependent To set my own priorities about my use of time, money, space, and energy To get what I pay for To have healthy, life-enhancing relationships. Where clear communication is valued To make conscious decisions to change relationships To change, emerge, expand in new directions To have my own beliefs, ideas and values without apology to anyone To live in the present moment, free of guilt for the past and worry for the future To relax, “to let go”, to “do” nothing

Issues: Abusive Relationships Are you violent, potentialy violent, or a victom in an abusive relationship? ….. TAKE THESE STEPS. Make a safety plan. Ask for and get help. Talk with someone you trust. A teacher, a guidance counselor, a doctor, a friend or parent. Contact the police or local domestic violence center. National Domestic Viiolence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE

Signs of an Abusive Relationship, How to Help, Where to Get Help Relationship checklist: Relationship Warning Sign Checklist… Is your relationship healthy? Read More Helping your friend from an abusive relationship Be on the lookout for friends that may be in violent dating situations or relationships. Read More What you can do to stop teen dating violence Click here to learn more Melissa’s Story – A true story of teen dating violence Read her story and more statistics about teen dating violence Are you an abuser? Click here and answer the questions to find out The Relationship Spectrum– Where does your seem to be? Click here to learn more   Types of Abuse and Early Warning Signs Psychological and Emotional Abuse If a boyfriend or girlfriend humiliates, insults, or swears at you, you are experiencing psychological and emotional abuse. Attempting to control a boyfriend or girlfriend’s activities, trying to destroy his or her self-confidence and self-esteem, and isolating the person from other friends and family. Threats of violence are also abusive and should always be taken seriously.Physical Abuse Physical abuse includes such things as: hitting, slapping, punching, shoving, kicking, biting, and hair-pulling. Both teenage boys and teenage girls report being victims of physical violence in relationships. Typically, however, teenage boys and teenage girls use physical force for different reasons and with different results. Teenage boys are much more likely to use force in order to control their girlfriends, while girls more often act violently in self-defense. Sexual Abuse The term, sexual abuse, refers to forced or unwanted sexual activity or rape. It is also considered sexual abuse to coerce or pressure someone to engage in sexual activity or try to engage in sexual activity with someone who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Read More It’s A Fact! Nearly 5.3 million intimate partner victimizations occur each year among U.S. women ages 18 and older. This violence results in nearly 2 million injuries and nearly 1,300 deaths (cdc.gov., 2003) Nearly 2/3 of women who reported being raped, physically assaulted, and/or stalked since age 18 were victimized by a current or former husband, cohabiting partner, boyfriend or date. Youth abuse in dating relationships. More information it- . Statistics to Know

Issues: Drugs, Drinking and Smoking Break the Habits…….Arrive Alive Don’t be Dead On Arrival It has been estimated that over three million teenagers are out-and-out alcoholics.  Several million more have a serious drinking problem that they cannot manage on their own. Traffic crashes are the number one killer of teens and over one-third of teen traffic deaths are alcohol-related.  (NHTSA, 2004) Every 15 minutes someone dies from an alcohol-related automobile accident. See what happens.. Every 15 Minutes

Facts, Signs and Symptoms of a Drinking or Drug Problem How much do you really know about drugs? Take these quizzes:http://www.checkyourself.com/Quiz.aspx Your Brain’s response to drugs: http://www.teengrowth.com/index.cfm? action =info_article&ID article=1372& category =danger&catdesc= Danger&subdesc=Drugs Does your friend have an alcohol or other drug problem? What can you do to help?http://www.health.org/govpubs/phd688/ Educate yourself– Drug Facts Click here to learn more!l Find a treatment center: http://www.teen-drug-abuse.org/  How to help a friend stop smoking: http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/ Health_Services/ Health_Education/atod/tob_ helpafriendquit.htm   What can teenagers do to help someone who has a drinking problem? Be a real friend. You might even save a life.Encourage your friend to stop or seek professional help. Each year, drinking by college students, ages 18-24, contributes to an estimated 1,700 student deaths, almost 600,000 injuries, almost 700,000 assaults, more than 90,000 sexual assaults, and 474,000 engaging in unprotected sex. In 2001, 2.8 million college students drove a car while under the influence of alcohol.  (Hingson et al, 2005) For information and referrals, call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information at 800-729-6686. A 12-Question Quiz: Designed To Help You Decide if you Have a drinking problem. Take the Quiz: Click here! Drinking and Driving …DUI Stories and Pictures http://www.duipictures.com/A “Contract for Life” for you and your parents to sign http://www.saddonline.com/contract.htm Partnership for a Drug Free America www.drugfreeamerica.org

Issues: Depression Make a difference – Help those you love…. Offer Help and Listen. Encourage depressed teens to talk about their feelings. Listen, don’t lecture. Trust your instincts. If it seems that the situation may be serious, seek prompt help. Break a confidence if necessary, in order to save a life. Pay attention to talk about suicide. Ask direct questions and don’t be afraid of frank discussions. Silence is deadly! Seek professional help. It is essential to seek expert advice from a mental health professional who has experience helping depressed teens. Also, alert key adults in the teen’s life — family, friends and teachers

Resources for those with depression and those that love them Depression checklist: Click here to find out! How can you help a friend who is depressed? Click here to read more…. General information on teenage depression Read more about it and seek help if necessary  A suicide letter: http://www.spsfv.org/letter.html Everything you need to know about depression: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/ mental_health/depression.html Find a Crisis Center in your area: http://ries.nmha.net/login/PLogin.aspx   Symptoms people have when depressed: Depressed mood or sadness most of the time (for what may seem like no reason) Lack of energy and feeling tired all the time Inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure Withdrawal from friends and family Irritability, anger, or anxiety Inability to concentrate Significant weight loss or gain Significant change in sleep patterns (inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get up in the morning) Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Aches and pains (even though nothing is physically wrong) Pessimism and indifference (not caring about anything in the present or future) Thoughts of death or suicideErin’s Message: Living with Bipolar Depression http://www.abouthealth.com/t_topicX.htm?topic=40 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) If you are not in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, but need someone to talk to – do not hesitate to call the National Hopeline Network for Suicide Prevention: You may call this number from anywhere in the United States, 24 hours a day. For young people 15-24 years old, suicide is the third leading cause of death, behind unintentional injury and homicide. 80% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully.

On a budget, great ideas for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion!

What are some latest minute ideas?
If you don’t make dinner reservations soon, then you will be fighting the long wait at the restaurants that don’t take reservations. You may want to think about cooking a romantic feast in your home and lighting some candles. This is always a nice touch!

What to buy him or her?
Valentine’s Day is a way to express how much you care about the person you are dating. You don’t have to spend a lot to let someone know this. Here are just some things you can do at very little cost!

• Write a poem or a romantic letter and put it in a picture frame.
• If you are good at drawing or painting, then make a picture for them.
• Bake some heart cookies with different words of affirmation on them.
• Go to a Craft store and buy a t-shirt, hat, bag, etc. and some fabric paint and design a nice picture or just words of affirmation on it! ?
• Buy strawberries and chocolate at the store and make homemade chocolate covered strawberries with a bottle of champagne or wine to go with it.
• Find a picture of you or both of you and put this in a nice frame. You can be really creative if you have Photoshop or another program where you can write on the picture.
• If you have time and the skills, create a CD of all of your favorite songs. If not, then buy a romantic CD!
• Love coupons, these are easy and can be incredibly awesome…as long as you follow through with them!
• Rent a romantic movie, order pizza and create a romantic environment at home.
• Finally, if you can’t find a card you like, create a romantic card. You can get card stock at Wal-Mart or a card shop and do the graphics at home with Microsoft Word.

I hope you enjoy your Valentine’s Day with your significant other. If you are single, then it’s an opportunity to go out and have fun with your friends! I guarantee there will be many singles out looking for love!
Dr. Nina