The life of a phlebotomist can usually be very routine, depending on where they work. It’s actually one of the perks of the job. If you’re interested in working in phlebotomy, it can help to know what your day will be like after you’ve finished with phlebotomy schools and certification programs. After all, if this career will be the same day in and day out, you need to make sure it’s something that you will enjoy doing. Let’s take a closer look at a day in the life of a certified phlebotomist.

How You’ll Start Your Day

The day of a certified phlebotomist begins as patients come to the lab to have their blood drawn. This may be done to test for a variety of conditions and your patients will range from children to seniors. Chances are you will see patients every day that don’t like getting their blood drawn and it pays to know how to best communicate with patients to take their mind off the process. Before drawing the blood, you will look over the paperwork to determine how many samples need to be taken. You should also ask the patient which arm they prefer having the blood drawn from. In some cases, blood will flow more easily from one arm than the other. You will then begin the process of drawing the blood and will continue until all your patients are seen.

Making the Rounds

Once the patients coming to the lab have been taken care of, you will make your rounds in the hospital. You will be given a list of which patients need blood drawn and it pays to have a good bedside manner when visiting these patients. This can make the patients feel more at ease and can take their mind off being stuck in the hospital.

Ending Your Day

As the day winds down, you will return to the lab to analyze the samples you took throughout the day and chances are there will be more patients that need their blood drawn in the lab. It is also important to note that during the day you will occasionally be needed in the ER and ICU.

The day in the life of a certified phlebotomist can be very busy, but the time goes by quickly. You’ll also get to meet several new people throughout your day and you’ll never have to worry about what the day will bring because the career of a certified phlebotomist is rather routine.

If you have chosen to pursue a career as a medical billing specialist, then you will be pleased to find that you have a wide variety of employment options on the path before you. However, you must first get through an appropriate training program, and that means choosing the right school. There are so many different medical billing educational institutions out there that comparing them all can seem like an impossible task. Therefore, you need to approach the situation with a clear set of guidelines in mind. Here are five tips for choosing a great medical billing school:

School types and options. Medical billing training programs are offered by a wide variety of institutions, from vocational schools to universities. You can even attend classes online, or through a mail correspondence course. You need to take your lifestyle and personal circumstances into consideration when determining if you need to attend classes at a local campus, or if you need a more flexible, virtual-classroom option. Sites like www.aboutmedicalbillingandcoding.org can help you to locate different types of schools.

Length of program time. In order to get your foot in the door as a medical biller, you may have as little as just a one-year certificate program. However, you also have the option of pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in medical billing. Before you can choose a school, you need to decide how much training you are committed to completing.

Accreditation. Perhaps the most important thing is that your school of choice is accredited by either the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Accreditation means that the program has been approved by an appropriate accrediting body, and that you can therefore qualify to sit for a certification examination upon completion of the program. You can find a comprehensive list of accredited schools and programs on the AHIMA website (ahima.org).

Talk to people. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of options, you need to make appointments to meet with school advisors for each (even if the “meeting” is online). Not only do you need to like what you hear when you speak with a representative from the school, but you also need to ask for some references of previous students you can call to get the inside scoop. Any reputable school should have such a list on hand.

Your focus. Not all medical billing training programs are created equal. Some are very basic, while others cover a variety of specialized information to help you broaden your career horizons. Get program course lists before settling on one program, and make sure your program of choice covers everything you want to know.

There are some simple steps you can take to make your task of choosing a medical billing program that much easier. These tips should help get you on your way.

Phlebotomy is a wonderful career to get into, but it’s still a career that begins with an education in the field. Those currently in a phlebotomist training program should consider studying the field outside of class. Here are just five amazing resource books for phlebotomy students.

Phlebotomy Essentials by Ruth E. McCall BS MT(ASCP) and Cathee M. Tankersley

Those looking for a book that offers the most up-to-date information on techniques, safety issues, equipment, and other aspects of phlebotomy, should definitely consider this book. This book cuts the fat and gets straight to the point offering practical advice on procedures, while also discussing the principles and theories of the work.

Success! in Phlebotomy by Kathleen Becan-McBride

This is another book that focuses on the most up-to-date practices, but also focuses on medical error reduction. In this book you’ll find safety techniques that will keep you and your patients safe. The book also offers 650 questions along with discussion on the answers. This is a must for anyone trying to pas the exams to become a phlebotomist.

Phlebotomy Handbook: Blood Collection Essentials by Diana Garza

This book focuses solely on the blood collection aspect of phlebotomy. You won’t be bogged down with bedside manners and the like. Instead, you’ll learn safety techniques, federal regulations, about updated equipment, and even about working in different settings.

The Complete Textbook of Phlebotomy by Lynn B. Hoeltke

This textbook focuses on hands-on training and about making the student into a confident health care professional. In the text, you’ll learn step-by-step tips on 20 different collection practices. This will help put your ahead of the curve. Another benefit of this book is that it isn’t too technical. Instead the book is written so that the information is concise and reader-friendly.

Phlebotomy Exam Secrets Study Guide: Phlebotomy Test Review for the Phlebotomy Exam by Phlebotomy Exam Secrets Test Prep Team

This resource book claims to be everything you need to ace your phlebotomy exams. In the book you’ll learn all the problems to avoid and how to get the most points on your exams. It also promises that you won’t have to spend months or years studying to pass the exams because the writers of this book have done all the work for you. What this means is they have researched the exams so that you know exactly what to study.

If you’re a phlebotomy student, these books can be a valuable resource in passing your classes and exams.

Anyone who has ever researched diets has no doubt come across a number of diets designed around the idea of cutting back carbohydrate intake. Some of the more extreme diets even ban carbs altogether. Needless to say, the carb-free diet is a tough one to stick to, and it is the rare person who can maintain this way of eating for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, it is true that those tempting carbohydrates are not so great for the waistline; therefore, any successful diet plan will inevitably have to include carb restrictions. These days, there is a lot of talk about the slow carb diet. The slow carb diet is touted to be an effective and easier to follow diet than its no-carb alternative. What are slow carbs and how can they help you lose weight? Here are the details:

The Glycemic Index. Carbohydrates are classified as “slow” if they have a low glycemic index. The glycemic index relates to the body’s blood glucose level. Foods that break down quickly raise the body’s blood glucose level higher than foods that break down slowly. Therefore, “fast” carbs have a higher glycemic index than slow carbs.

Why slow carbs? Simply put, slow carbs take a longer time to digest than foods with a higher glycemic index. This means they give you energy for an extended period of time (as opposed to the rush and crash cycle associated with high glycemic carbs), and they make you feel full for longer.

Slow carb foods. The great thing about the slow carb diet is that it’s really not a diet at all. It’s actually just a healthy and balanced way of eating. That means that you have a lot of foods to choose from when creating your meal plan, and you won’t feel that you’re depriving yourself . . . which means you are much more likely to stick to your diet. Basically, stick to eating lean meats (think chicken and turkey), beans and legumes, egg whites and egg substitutes, a lot of fruits and vegetables, and low fat dairy. A quick online search will return exhaustive lists of foods you can eat while staying slow carb conscious.

Foods to avoid. A good rule of thumb is to stay away from white carbohydrates. This means you should avoid white bread, potatoes, refined sugar, and white pasta.

As you can see, slow carbs may just be your ideal weight loss solution. Try it out and change your lifestyle for the better, and lose weight in the process!

Many people who try to quit smoking have been trying for years, and have used all the tips on quitting smoking at their disposal. One quit smoking method that often gets overlooked (or even scoffed at) is the idea of using hypnosis to kick the habit. You can look online, or even in your local paper, to find offers of group meetings and private sessions that are supposed to help you drop that cigarette for good. But does it work? Is it worth forking out the sometimes hundreds of dollars to have someone else basically program your mind to not want to smoke? Read on to learn more about hypnosis and how it may (or may not) help you quit smoking:

History of hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy has been used as a psychological therapeutic treatment since the 1950s, and is recognized by both the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association as a valid form of treatment. In the 1970s, Dr. Herbert Spiegel published accounts of his success using hypnotherapy to help patients quit smoking in a medical journal, thus spurring interest in hypnotherapy as a quit smoking aid.

The Spiegel technique. Dr. Spiegel’s allegedly successful hypnotherapy technique involved making suggestions to the patient’s subconscious about the poisoning effects of smoking and the body’s need to stay healthy so as to propel the patient through life. Subsequent hypnosis practitioners adopted many concepts of Spiegel’s technique, which continues to be used to this day in efforts to help people quit smoking.

Other methods. In addition to the techniques popularized by Spiegel, hypnotists may also use other suggestions and mental images to deter smokers from their addictive habit. These include forming associations with unpleasant tastes, odors, and other sensations when the thought of smoking a cigarette comes up.

What to expect. Your hypnotist will likely begin by taking a medical history and explaining the basic concepts of hypnotherapy and how it works. You will also be taught some self-hypnosis techniques so that you can reinforce your new behaviors at home. You can expect to attend multiple sessions to receive the full effects of hypnotherapy.

If you are one of those people who must see evidence of something before believing it, then you can give up on the idea of using hypnotherapy to quit smoking. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that hypnosis can help people quit smoking, and there are no studies that conclude a positive link between hypnosis and smoking cessation. Basically, research is inconclusive. However, if you really want to quit smoking and are willing to try anything, you really can’t go wrong by at least giving hypnotherapy a shot.

If you find yourself considering a career change, or are new to the career thing altogether, then it is a good idea that you spend some time exploring the possibility of a career in real estate. There are a number of reasons to go into real estate, no matter what your interests and strengths are. Here are five reasons to consider a business in real estate:

Options. Real estate is a broad industry, with a number of niches for you to explore. You may get into the field as a buyer’s agent but then decide that you want to specialize in representing large corporations in commercial ventures. Choosing real estate as a business is a great way to open your career path up to a multitude of exciting options.

Real estate isn’t going anywhere. Getting into real estate is about as safe as getting into healthcare. Basically, the real estate market will always exist as long as people need places to live and places to work. That’s pretty foolproof.

Anyone can get into real estate. You don’t have to have a fancy college education or a list of credentials behind your name. You do have to be willing to take a real estate course, learn about landvoice expireds and other lesser known real estate jargon, and work really hard to make a living at real estate, but the industry is open to anyone who can put those two things in.

The market is recession proof. Okay, sure the market dips and people slow up on house buying. But that’s just when people start liquidating their real property, which enables you to get in on that end. Or, if you find that the economy is just not friendly in either of those ways, you can always focus your career efforts on property management. The truth is, no matter what the economy is looking like, money will always exchange hands in the world of real estate.

The limitless ceiling. When you get into real estate, there is no glass ceiling. You are only limited by how hard you are willing to work. Therefore, what you make is determined by no one else but you. Now, that is an exciting concept if you are ready and willing to put some real effort in.

As you can see, real estate can open up a world of opportunity for you. If you are in the process of exploring your career options, then you should consider these advantages of having a business in real estate.

You are in business to make money, right? And the best way to create a successful, money-making business is to find as many customers as possible. After all, customers are your bread and butter. The best way to attract customers is to understand what makes them tick. And there is no question that today, a common thread customers have is that they are alive and kicking in the age of technology. Today’s customer uses the Internet, and if you want your business to reach these customers, you need to have an Internet presence. Your first step in developing an Internet presence is to create a business website. Need some convincing? Here are five reasons every business should have a website.

The Yellow Pages is nearly obsolete. It used to be that customers looking for a local business simply picked up that inches-thick book and flipped through the pages to find what they wanted. However, those days are gone, and most phone books now have other uses (like dust collecting and bug swatting). Studies show that today’s customer goes straight to the Internet to find local businesses, and if you’re not there, you simply won’t be found.

Automation. These days, you can automate your website to do a number of things, from scheduling to checking out purchases. Using the web to conduct basic business tasks can be a great way of cutting back on overhead, and sparing up some free time for other pursuits that could grow your business. With so many paid and free website options, you’re bound to find something that can do what you need.

The shop that never sleeps. Do you want to make money while you are sleeping? Who doesn’t?! Well, having a virtual store on your website allows customers to shop from your business day and night, regardless of your storefront or office hours.

Tracking customer care. In this day of instant gratification, customer service is exponentially important to any business’s success. One of the best ways you can keep track of your business’s customer service record is to handle issues via your website. By creating a customer service interface on your site, you can store information about complaints, suggestions, and other issues, as well as resolutions and customer reactions, so that you can follow-up appropriately and make changes to your business as necessary.

Customer interaction. By doubling your site as an industry blog (which is a great way to create your brand and build your credibility), you invite your customers into interactions with your business and with each other. This creates a community feel around your business, which in turn creates loyal customers.

As you can see, there are a number of compelling reasons to have a business website, no matter what the nature or scope of your business. Consider these great benefits and then design a website around your particular needs.

Have you ever looked at your credit card receipts and thought, “Wow That vacation cost us a small fortune.” While a $5,000 vacation for a family of four may seem expensive to the average person, there are vacation destinations that would blow your mind. Don’t believe it? This travel guru decided to take a break from her usual Los Angeles hotel reviews and set out to find out exactly where the rich and famous are really going to spend their money.

Royal Penthouse Suite, Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, Switzerland

Imagine surrounding yourself with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. The Royal Penthouse Suite offers just that with views of the Alps and Lake Geneva from a two-flour, four bedroom suite. The catch? It costs $52,000 a night.

Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands

Everyone has heard of the beauty offered by the British Virgin Islands. Consider this the cream of the crop in the Virgin Islands. Staying on the island will set you back a hefty $51,000 a night. Of course, the beautiful scenery and wild life more than makes up for the cost. The island is actually home to over 200 flamingos.

Nygard Cay in the Bahamas

Quite possibly one of the most unique resorts, this 10 bedroom mansion features rooms that hang over the cliff, exotic plants and breathtaking beauty. The bad news is that it will cost you $35,000 to $40,000 per night.

Bora Bora in French, Polynesia

Romance, blue waters, deep muscle massages.Sounds amazing doesn’t it? At an average of $800 a night, it should be. Oh, and those massages will set you back another $250 each. Better make sure you’re traveling with “the one” before paying these prices.

The St. Regis Resort Aspen in Aspen, Colorado

Yes, there are expensive vacations in America too. One of the most expensive destinations can be found in Aspen where the skiing is perfect and the scenery is breathtaking. The St Regis Resort Aspen will set you back over $800 a night during prime skiing times.

It doesn’t matter how much money people have, they will always find outrageous ways to spend it. These are just some of the top examples. In 2008, there were two leading resort companies that actually had vacation packages that were $1 million. Imagine spending that much money for a bit of R&R. Of course, the stress from the seeing the credit card bills once you get home may leave you needed a lot more rest and relaxation.

Perfume is perfume, right? Wrong. Perfumes and colognes vary widely based on the manufacturer and the quality of the ingredients used to make them. Combine those details with an individual’s natural body scent and you’re either creating the perfect match or a recipe for disaster. Even the best perfumes in the world may not smell right on certain body types. Here are some tips for ensuring you’re choosing the best scent for your individual needs.

Consider Your Environment

Before you even consider the way a perfume might react on your body, you should stop and take a few moments to think about the environment in which you’ll wear it. Do you work in a medical setting? If so, you may be asked not to where perfumes at all because of the sensitivities of those you’ll be working with. Do you work in an office environment? Scents aren’t usually disallowed but may be limited to light scents to avoid bothering coworkers. If you work in a home office you should feel free to choose whatever scent you’d like.

Understand EDP and EDT

What on earth do those abbreviations mean? EDP stands for Eau de Perfum while EDT stands for Eau de Toilette. The two are completely different and the differentiation is important. An Eau de Toilette (EDT) has a very low concentration of perfume oil to the alcohol content. This means that the scent will remain lighter, making it better for long-term daily use. Those marked as Eau de Perfum (EDT) have a much higher concentration of perfume oil to alcohol, making them stronger scents that are great for special occasions or nights out on the town.

Pulse Point Testing

When you do find a scent you enjoy, you’ll need to test it on your pulse points. Place a few drops of the perfume on the insides of your wrists and wait a few minutes. After a few minutes you’ll have a good idea of how the perfume will actually smell on your skin. This is an important step that should not be skipped as a perfume that smells awesome on your best friend may smell awful on you. Don’t waste your money without testing first.

Make sure you take your time and really test out the scents you are considering. Spending a little bit of extra money for a blend made with quality oils is far more economical than wasting money on something that may irritate your skin or senses. Take all three of the above tips into consideration, though, and you’ll be well on your way to smelling your best.

Truth be told, there are tons of funny quotes, sayings, and graphics floating around the web today. Some have been copied from old ideas and others are completely original. At the end of the day, though, you’ve probably seen at least one or two images or quotes and wished you had it on a t-shirt.

The good news is that you can get just about anything printed on a t-shirt today and you don’t need to be a professional graphic designer or screen printer to do it, either. Here are a few of your options.

Hire a Professional

Hiring a professional is, of course, your most expensive alternative. It’s also the best alternative for those who have absolutely no idea how to use their computers to make a simple graphic file. A professional can take your idea, create a print-ready image, and give you several different printing options. The catch to hiring a professional for your own t-shirt design is that you will have to pay for the image creation, for the creation of the print files, and for the shirt itself. The lower the number of shirts you want printed, the more you’ll have to pay.

Iron-On Transfers

Did you think iron-on transfers were a thing of the past? They’re not. If you’re looking to make a simple t-shirt with a concise message for a special occasion (like a protest, for example), than an iron-on graphic is likely your cheapest option. Your shirt won’t look ultra-professional, but you’ll be able to get your message across. Head to your local craft supply store to buy the transfers and print your image from your computer to the transfer paper. Follow the instructions on the package and you should be able to iron your design right onto your shirt.

Print On Demand Websites

Print on demand websites are by far your best option when it comes to having shirts printed. Take a look at sites like CafePress and you’ll see all sorts of homemade creations ranging from stud muffin t shirt designs to princess shirts and company logos. All you have to do is upload your image, center it in the template of your choice, and have the number of shirts you’d like printed. You can print one for yourself or share your “shop” with friends and family to turn a little profit as well.

You have plenty of options when it comes to designing and printing your own t-shirts. Your budget and skill-level will determine which is right for you!