LPN Residency Program
Abstract
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Residency program supports and enhances the development of new graduate LPNs during their first year of practice.
LPN Careers
Abstract
If you are committed to providing quality, compassionate care in an innovative hospital where your talents and contributions are appreciated daily, Genesis HealthCare System is the employer for you.
Leaves of 3? Let them be!
A part of nature
Ah, nature! The birds are singing and there is no place you'd rather be than right here, enjoying a morning hike in the woods. As you pass through this wilderness paradise, you feel the forest greenery gently brush against your bare skin. Then, the next day, as you fondly recall your outdoor adventure, a new sensation begins to pull you out of your dream-like state: a nasty itch.
You reluctantly look down to find a rash of scratchy, red blisters covering your ankles and calves. Doggone it! You’ve run into poison ivy, or maybe it’s poison oak.
Where it’s found, what it looks like
Poison ivy and poison oak can be found anywhere and everywhere in the great outdoors. While it grows in most wilderness settings you can find it just as easily in backyards and neighborhoods, thriving in sun and shade.
Both poison ivy and poison oak have clusters of three leaves: ivy’s more pointed and poison oak resembles an oak leaf with round, serrated edges. Both are green in the summer and turn red in fall.
Urushiol and you
A bit of trivia: The itchy rash you get when you encounter either of these plants can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to appear and is caused by an oil called urushiol. If you are exposed to urushiol, wash the affected area with a degreaser like dishwashing soap to minimize the effects.
Fortunately, the rash you get isn’t contagious. But beware: urushiol remains on clothing and other surfaces and can cause another rash if you come into contact with it. In fact, it can remain potent for years. To remove it, wash clothes separately from other laundry and wipe down non-laundry items with rubbing alcohol.
Take that, poison ivy!
These poisoned plants don’t have to put a damper on your idyllic wilderness romps or unnecessarily keep you indoors.
- Make sure clothing covers any exposed skin before venturing out.
- Stay on cleared pathways as much as possible.
- Know what they look like—and steer clear!
You may be out of the woods, but...
While your urge to scratch might feel unbearable, doing so could lead to an infection—which would be even worse.
To help you get past the itch, apply calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to the affected area. Wet compresses and oatmeal baths can help, too. And taking your mind off it can’t hurt either, so spread out on the couch, and call a friend or re-watch your favorite movie!
Poison ivy and poison oak can be found anywhere and everywhere in the great outdoors.
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It’s all sun and games: Are you wearing sunscreen correctly?
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, you and your family may be planning to spend more time outside. This can only mean one thing: It’s time to break out the sunscreen.
You already know sun protection is critical for keeping your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays, but there are a lot of misconceptions about how to care for your skin in the sun, particularly around sunscreen. Prevent sunburns and peeling this summer and take this quiz to see if you’re using your sunscreen effectively.
So, how’d you do? For more great tips on sun care and protection, visit the American Academy of Dermatology Association’s FAQ on sunscreen.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Prevent sunburns and peeling this summer and take this quiz to see if you’re using your sunscreen effectively.
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Healthy hair care tips
Is taking care of your hair so frustrating it’s making you want to, well, pull your hair out? Hair care can be challenging, especially when it feels like no matter what you try, you aren’t seeing results. Ready to stop fighting with your locks? Let’s get to the root of the problem. Here are three ways to raise your chances of having a good hair day.
Tailor your routine
Hair care isn’t one-size-fits-all. How often you need to wash your hair or which hair mask or treatment is right for you will vary depending on your hair texture, lifestyle and genetics. Something that works great for your best friend, or you read about on Facebook might not work well for you, and that’s OK.
Take some time to learn about your hair. Ask yourself:
- What kind of hair texture do you have?
- Is your hair porous? (Does it absorb water quickly?)
- Does your hair tend to be dry or oily?
- Do you like to dye or perm your hair?
- Do you struggle with dandruff or an itchy scalp?
- Is your hair thin or thick?
Once you have answers, do some research on what works best for you. If you’re struggling with a hair condition, be sure to check with your doctor before trying any new products or treatments.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
We know, if you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times. Eating a well-balanced diet impacts all aspects of your body, including your hair. According to Harvard Health, a diet rich in the B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin and biotin) will keep your hair healthy.
Protect your hair
If you like to blow dry, straighten or curl your hair, make sure to use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage and keep your hair silky smooth.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), if you’re going swimming, make sure to wet and condition your hair before you dive in the pool. Wearing a swim cap can also keep your hair safe from chlorine.
If you’re spending time outside, be mindful of sun damage. Prolonged exposure to the sun can bleach and weaken your hair.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Ready to stop fighting with your locks? Let’s get to the root of the problem. Here are three ways to raise your chances of having a good hair day.
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Choosing the right workout clothes for you
There’s nothing like new workout clothes to put you in the mood to hit the gym or go for a run. Not only are our workout clothes a reflection of our personal style, but they can also make us feel more confident and motivated to get active.
While it’s easy to focus on how we look and feel in our clothes, when it comes to gym apparel, it’s also important to make sure they’re practical for our favorite workouts.
Wearing the right clothing for your workout can help you:
- Stay comfortable
- Prevent injury
- Regulate your body temperature
- Maximize your workout
So, next time you go shopping for new gear, ask yourself these two questions before you head to the checkout line.
Will I feel comfortable in this clothing during my workout?
Wearing clothing that is a little too tight or too loose may not be a big deal when you’re out running errands, but when you’re working out, it can cause issues.
When trying new clothes, shop with your preferred workout in mind. Are you biking? Strength training? Just going for a casual stroll with your dog? Your chosen activities will determine what clothes you need to purchase for a safe, comfortable workout.
According to the National Library of Medicine, loose-fitting clothing is a great choice for activities like walking, gentle yoga, strength training and basketball. If you prefer activities like running, biking, swimming or advanced yoga/Pilates, stretchy and form-fitting clothing may work better. You may need a few different styles of clothing depending on which workouts you like best.
If you’re looking at shoes, choose a shoe that matches your activity. Choosing a shoe specifically for running, walking, or strength training will keep your feet from hurting after your workout.
Not sure which workout is right for you? Check this article on our blog to learn more.
Will this clothing keep me from getting too hot or cold during my workout?
Making sure you don’t overheat or freeze during your workout is important for staying safe. Choose sweat-wicking fabrics to keep yourself cool. Cotton should be avoided because it does not dry quickly and can leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable.
It’s important to consider seasonal changes as well. Make sure to purchase clothing that can be layered easily if you’ll be working out in colder temperatures. If you’re exercising in warmer temperatures, make sure to choose clothes that keep you cool and protect you from the sun.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
There’s nothing like new workout clothes to put you in the mood to hit the gym or go for a run.
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Do you know your muscle memory
We often hear, “It’s just like riding a bike,” when trying a skill we might have forgotten. What makes us remember how to ride a bike, swim or run? That’s called muscle memory. Yes, muscles have memories, but they are not like memories in our brains.
According to the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), “As your muscles are trained, the number of muscle fiber nuclei, or myonuclei, can increase as muscle mass increases.” To put it simply, the more you do an activity, the more muscle memory you build. This explains why when we have bad habits, trying to break them gets harder and harder as time goes on.
Muscle memory has a positive side. For example, learning an instrument and teaching your fingers how to move in the correct spots is important. Harvard Health states that doing the right activity should be challenging and complex and should involve practice to get better. Repetition is also one of the main factors in retaining muscle memory.
Another thing about muscle memory is that the more we learn one skill, the more prone we are to retain the benefits. For example, if you are training for a marathon and then stop training after the marathon, you will still remember how to run and pace yourself. Depending on how long your break is will determine how strong you will come back when you start to run again.
Overall, muscle memory is good for you. Without it, we would forget some of the things we do every day. We also need muscle memory to help us learn new skills and retain information.
For information on new exercises to learn, read these additional resources:
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Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Yes, muscles have memories, but they are not like memories in our brains.
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Getting road trip ready
Nothing says summer vacation like the classic road trip. Whether you’re off to see extended family, visit a national park or make a beeline for the beach, it’s exciting to squeeze that last suitcase into your car and know it’s time to head out for an adventure.
Ready to hit the road? Here are three things you can do to ensure you don’t sacrifice your health and well-being while cruising the highways and byways.
1. Stay fueled with healthy snacks.
Stay energized during your drive with healthy and protein-packed snacks. If you find yourself tempted to pull into a fast food restaurant, try going to a grocery store instead for healthier options.
2. Plan for breaks.
It’s hard to pull over when you’re making good time on the road but stopping to stretch is critical. According to the American Heart Association, extended periods of time in the car can be detrimental to people at risk for blood clots and people with orthopedic issues. Try to stop and stretch every two to three hours. You can seamlessly work breaks into your trip by planning stops at a restaurant or landmark.
3. Keep all medications handy.
Getting sick while on the road is no one’s idea of a good time, but it’s important to plan for it. If you or one of your passengers struggles with motion sickness, make sure to keep anti-nausea medicine or candies available. If you take routine medications, make sure to keep them on hand instead of buried in your suitcase. Keep a first aid kit easily accessible as well in case of emergency.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Ready to hit the road? Here are three things you can do to ensure you don’t sacrifice your health and well-being while cruising the highways and byways.
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Say bye-bye to body odor
We all know that feeling. You’re cheerfully going through your day when suddenly you’re hit with a familiar, unpleasant scent.
“What is that? Is that me? No way,” you think as you subtly try to locate the source of the stench. Then boom – the realization hits you. That new deodorant you tried out this morning isn’t working as well as you hoped.
Body odor is a part of life. Although you might feel embarrassed in the moment, typically it’s a sign of your body functioning normally. That being said, if you’re not a fan of your natural musk, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few steps to prevent it.
What causes body odor?
When you think of body odor, it’s easy to blame sweat. However, sweat on its own is odorless and keeps us cool when our bodies get too warm. So, what makes sweat smell? Bacteria and your sweat glands.
According to Harvard Health, our body is covered in two types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands cover most of our body and produce perspiration. Apocrine glands are found in areas like our armpits and groin and produce thicker perspiration. When bacteria mix with the sweat from the apocrine glands, the result is body odor.
This is why sweat on your forehead or arms doesn’t seem to develop an odor like the sweat in your armpits. You’re dealing with two different kinds of sweat.
What can I do to prevent body odor?
The most obvious way to prevent body odor is to shower and bathe regularly. You can also wear breathable fabrics, like cotton, if you are prone to sweating. Your diet can play a role in your scent as well. Foods like broccoli, cabbage and garlic can contribute to body odor. Additionally, choosing the right deodorant or antiperspirant can go a long way toward keeping body odor at bay.
Deodorant is used to – you guessed it – prevent odor. It prevents bacteria from blending with your sweat and creating an odor. If your main concern is sweat, you may want to look at antiperspirants. Antiperspirants typically contain aluminum, which prevents perspiration entirely by blocking your sweat glands.
Typically, body odor isn’t anything to worry about. However, if you struggle with excessive sweat or the smell of your body odor has suddenly changed, talk to your healthcare provider. It could be an indication of a more complicated problem.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Body odor is a part of life. Although you might feel embarrassed in the moment, typically it’s a sign of your body functioning normally.
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Preventing swimmer's ear: Keeping your ears healthy while swimming
Check out these tips to help keep your ears healthy while swimming this summer.
Dry your ears after swimming: You can drain the water out of the ear by tipping the head and repeat on the other side. If necessary, you can carefully use a hairdryer set on the coolest setting and hold 12 inches away from your ear.
Maintain a healthy amount of ear wax: Ear wax has a natural germ-fighting agent that protects the delicate skin in the ears. Some ear wax is healthy, and it plays an important role in preventing infections.
Be gentle to the skin in your ear canal: You should avoid scratching or vigorous cleaning with cotton swabs or other objects that can cause small tears and damage the skin around your ear canal.
Swim smart: Swimmers should avoid swimming if water has a high bacterial count.
Be prepared: Have an over-the-counter ear drying solution on hand to help keep ears dry after swimming. They are available at most local drugstores.
Talk to your doctor before swimming: If you’ve had an ear infection or surgery, play it safe and discuss with your doctor.
Contact your doctor: If you have pain, fever or mild signs or symptoms of swimmer's ear, contact your doctor.
Genesis HealthCare System’s Health and Wellness content conveniently provides accurate and helpful information. Your health history and current health may impact suggestions provided through our Health and Wellness content. Although we hope this information is helpful, it is not a substitute for your doctor's medical advice. Before making any significant changes, please consult your doctor.
Check out these tips to help keep your ears healthy while swimming this summer.
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