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What does a microbiologist do in a hospital

What does a microbiologist do in a hospital?

chibueze uchegbu | December 18th, 2021


What does a microbiologist do in a hospital? The answer to this question is what many have been curious to know. Let’s dive in and learn more!

Biology is a branch of science that is all-encompassing. From human beings to living organisms, their characteristics, and the environment. Biology is mainly the scientific study of life.

We could go on about the broadness of Biology and will arrive nowhere because biology on its own is a deep blue sea.

Overview of What does a microbiologist do in a hospital?

Have you ever wondered if there is room for microbiologists in a hospital? or you are among those interested in knowing about opportunities in this career. Worry less, you are fortunate to have come across this article.

There are limitless job opportunities for microbiologists in hospitals and other healthcare organizations and institutions. However, before we go further let’s take a look at some of the things you need to know about microbiology in general.

As a branch of science, biology has its own branches. These branches deal with some specific areas of life.

Microbiology, for example, is the study of microbes, that is, living organisms that are not visible to the naked eye.

The obvious truth is that life exists amongst things that we cannot see. Most of which are pathogens, which are generally considered harmful.

The causative agents of most illnesses are these minute organisms that are not visible to us as humans. But in some other developments, micro-organisms are crucial to some processes on Earth.

They play vital roles in food spoilage, climate change, and nutrient cycling. Even as they are seen as causal agents of diseases, they are also elements required for the control of those diseases.

It takes a microbiologist to thoroughly examine these organisms and determine their impact on other living things; how they can impair or aid the activities of all living things. From all indications, microbiology is on its own, convoluted.

How complex can it get?

The study of microbiology has played a pivotal role in the advancement of medicine, economic and ecological systems. Generally speaking, microbiology is highly beneficial to mankind and we would see how.

  • What is Microbiology?

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, protozoa etc.

These organisms are not exactly classified as living things, however, they are made up of cells. Microbiology also has its branches.

So there exist sub-units of microbiology such as bacteriology, immunology, mycology, nematology, parasitology, phycology, protozoology, and virology. These branches are according to the taxonomy of living organisms.

Branches of Microbiology by Taxonomy

Bacteriology: it is the study of bacteria.

Immunology: as the term implies, it is the study of the immune system. It studies the relationship between pathogens and their hosts.

Nematology: it is the study of nematodes – roundworms.

Parasitology: it is pertinent to note that all parasites are not microorganisms, but a lot of them are. However, parasitology is the study of parasites.

Phycology: the study of algae.

Protozoology: it is the study of protozoa and unicellular organisms.

Virology: it is the study of viruses.

The branches of microbiology are not limited to the aforementioned, others that exist include astromicrobiology, evolutionary microbiology, microbial ecology, agricultural microbiology, food microbiology, medical microbiology, medical microbiology, pharmaceutical microbiology and so on.

Microbiology is not a minor discipline as most people think, the discipline holistically examines what goes in with the air we breathe.

What mixes with the food or drink we intend to digest while we open our mouth for a swallow? It’s more intricate than we think. You might want to ask about the benefits and of course you will have that.

  • Why is Microbiology important to humans?

Microorganisms play crucial roles in the ecological system. Their existence is pertinent to the integration processes, which is beneficial for the formation of an ecosystem. Needless to say, the existence of microorganisms is the brainchild behind microbiology.

Since microbes exist symbiotically with other living things, we cannot erode their adverse effects on mankind.

Microbiology is relevant to humans for the following reasons:

o   Disease-causing microorganisms can be identified, isolated, diagnosed, and prevented.

o   Antimicrobial drugs have been manufactured with the knowledge of microbiology, hence, reducing the menacing effect of microbes in human beings.

o   New methods on how to combat diseases have been and are being discovered.

o   Through microbiology antibiotics, vaccines and insulin were discovered. These three help to improve human health.

o   Information about the cause of a disease and how it is being spread is being propagated due to the knowledge of microbiology.

o   The growth of harmful microbes in food is being repressed by an antimicrobial agent called Nisin.

o   Metals are extracted from their ores through a process called bioleaching and biomining.

Microbiology is a multidisciplinary field, thus microbiologists can perform multiple functions and in different areas. Presumably, most microbiologists work in laboratories, industrial companies, research institutes etc.

However, microbiologists can be found working in healthcare facilities and play crucial roles.

The role of a Microbiologist in a hospital

The general role of a microbiologist is to identify microorganisms, track them in various environments, test samples, develop new medicine, vaccines, and other methods which will curtail the spread of diseases. Also, a microbiologist monitors laboratory experiments and procedures.

However, microbiologists may perform additional duties as a result of the work setting. The role of a microbiologist in a hospital are as follows:

  1. Detect pathogenic organisms with the aid of microscopy.
  2. Oversees and monitors laboratory work.
  3. Identify the cause of an illness, in order to determine if it is a result of pathogens.
  4. Provide information about the cause of a disease, how it is spread and how it can be controlled.
  5. Carrying out research aimed at curbing the spread of diseases and infections.
  6. Identifying fungal, viral, and bacterial infections.
  7. Testing the strength and virulence of microorganisms.
  8. Conduct serodiagnosis; the detection of antibodies produced by a patient in response to an infecting organism.
  9. Communicating and working hand to hand with healthcare professionals in respect to a patient’s health.
  10. Carry out research into various infections and diseases and their remedy.

The role of a medical microbiologist is to provide diagnosis and steps for which the spread of infections is to be managed.

You can become a microbiologist by simply;

  • Getting a bachelor’s degree.
  • Completing a master’s degree.
  • Get certified as a microbiologist.
  • Get work experience.
  • Pursue a doctorate programme (this is optional but will be necessary if you intend to carry out independent research or if you are interested in working in a university’s research facility).
  • Find a job.

Final thoughts on What does a microbiologist do in a hospital?

Microbiology seems to be underrated in some parts of the world. You have learned that microbiology is essential, thus it should not be overridden.

As earlier mentioned, there are limitless job opportunities in pursuing this career, also I am confident you can proudly tell the works of microbiologists in a hospital.

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Functions of Emergency Department in a Hospital

Top Functions of Emergency Department in a Hospital

chibueze uchegbu | December 17th, 2021


The Functions of Emergency Department in a Hospital are worthwhile. In this article, the impact of the hospital’s emergency sector is unveiled.

The functions of an emergency department (ED) in any hospital are many as it is an entry point into the healthcare facility.

This ever-busy section is responsible for receiving, sorting, stabilizing, and managing victims of all kinds of accidents.

The ED reeks of different cases of patients who may be fighting for their lives. This is a place where cases of not only adults, children are also handled irrespective of the age of the victim. In every government’s health sector, the roles played by the emergency department are crucial.

Having known what the emergency department is, we can then look at some of the functions of an emergency department in a healthcare facility. Let’s get into the details!

Functions of an Emergency Department (ED)

Only a few other sessions in a hospital are as crucial as the ED. In this part of the healthcare facility, there are always many people compared to the rest of the section. Tons of people are getting sick as days go by and to treat all of these people, there’s a need to urgently take them to the emergency department of the hospital.

Here are some of the roles played by an ED of a hospital:

  • Emergency Department is a session where patient’s vital statistics are taken

The first place to go when a person is suffering from a serious illness is the emergency department of a hospital.

This is where vital statistics with regards to the person’s health are taken. Signs such as blood pressure, body temperature, and whatnot are documented.

What is done at the ED is to ensure that before any prescriptions are given to the patient, the present health condition of the sick person is taken into consideration.

The doctors and nurses at this department are highly trained to deliver such services in a timely manner.

  • Administration of drugs to the patients

After proper examination of the ill individual, ED is also where the administration of drugs to the patient is carried out.

Once the doctor on duty has prescribed some drugs based on what is happening to an individual, the next thing is for the nurses to administer these drugs.

Administration of drugs by the nurses can take a couple of forms such as handing over the tablets to the patient to swallow with water or priming an intravenous (IV) Infusion.

While still at the ED, the nurses will go on to confirm current medication lists with the patients and family and acquire in-hospital prescriptions from the E-R doctor for those medicines.

  • Patients monitoring

Another important function of the emergency department in a hospital is the monitoring of patients’ improvement.

Though the role of overseeing the patients at all times rests mainly on the nurses on duty, the doctor also comes in periodically to check what improvements have been recorded compared to the last time of visit.

All of these activities are done in the ED of a healthcare facility. Also, in an unfortunate situation where a patient’s condition is deteriorating, nurses will have to call out the doctor and almost immediately, begin another round of diagnosis, prescriptions, and/or recommendations as the case may warrant.

  • Charting and Discharging

While the patient is in the ED of a hospital, the person’s personal information and medical history are all charted up.

The reason for taking in all of this information is to give accurate information to medical personnel that may be in charge of taking care of the patient if the need arises.

Also, charting up the information of the patient while in the emergency department protects the hospital from any potential legal liability down the line. Also, ED is where the patient is discharged after meeting certain health recovery conditions set by the doctor.

The nurses handle the discharge paperwork of the recovery person and explain it to the patient and family.

Also, the patient’s family can ask questions they may have from the doctor and the nurses in charge of taking care of the person.

Things a patient should obtain before discharge

Here are some of the things any recovery patient should obtain before leaving the emergency department of a healthcare facility:

  • You should ask for the details of your health conditions. If you’ve got an injury, ensure you ask what and what you are supposed to be doing for total healing of the wound.
  • Ask the doctor or nurse about the treatment given and if you are still expected to continue with the drugs. This way, you won’t use drugs that you are not meant to be using after you left the clinic.
  • Ask for a letter for your doctor to peruse with regards to the summary of your health condition.
  • You may also want to ask for work cover or a medical certificate if it’s possible.

Final thoughts on the Functions of Emergency Department in a Hospital

One of the most stressful and critical sections in a hospital in the emergency department as it plays a more significant role in saving the lives of many people.

At the ED, there are a ton of experts who are ready to go the extra mile to provide quality healthcare services to the people, coupled with the presence of state-of-the-art equipment.

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what does a school psychologist do

What Does a School Psychologist Do: School Psychologist Salary

chibueze uchegbu | December 16th, 2021


You are fortunate to get the perfect answer to this question of What Does a School Psychologist Do?

Psychology is a unique field with vast specialties attached to it. Psychology is applied in our everyday life. We apply simple psychology in virtually everything we do even when we are not subconsciously aware that what we applied was psychology.

It also comes in when relating to people, especially children. In our episode today, we shall outline and discuss the role of a school psychologist. You may ask yourself what a school psychologist do? or the role of a school psychologist in special education.

Our update today will detail all you need to know as well as school psychologist salaries for those asking to know if psychologists are well paid.

Who is a School Psychologist

A school psychologist is an academic expert in psychology concerned mainly with students’ ability to learn and the teachers’ ability to teach.

They engage their psychology expertise in mental and behavioral studies to help students get through their studies and perform optimally.

School psychologists collaborate with the teachers, parents, and authorities to create a more healthy pathway to bring out the best in children and students especially the ones with special needs. The school psychologist also offers to counsel both teachers and students.

What Does a School Psychologist Do?

The roles of the school psychologist cannot be over-emphasized. The primary duty is to focus their attention on the students but it goes beyond that.

They are also integrally involved in creating curriculum for study and also counseling for teachers and other stakeholders in the school setting.

The areas concerned with the duty of the school psychologist are very vast. That is why it is mandatory in most schools to have at least 2-3 full-time psychologists. Nonetheless, we shall be taking it bit by bit for easy understanding.

Tests and Evaluations:

With the educational, social, and medical background of the student, the psychologist can be able to draw down his/her evaluations and reach a summarized report that can be used in the student’s report card.

Provide Support for students IEP: 

In their effort to support and arrive at the IEP ( Individualized Educational Program) goal for each student, the psychologist engages with other disciplinary arms and shares their observations and tests which in turn is used in monitoring the progress of the student.

Teach Pro-social behaviors:

They equally teach pro-social behaviors and help students attain their best. School psychologists adopt the use of goal setting, positive reinforcement, modeling, and other proven methods to drive the best results in the students.

Counsel and Develop Intervention Plan for Teaching Staff:

The school psychologist is usually on the ground to teach and ensure the staff and teachers adopt the best teaching methods for students. They evaluate the disciplinary methods, communication methods, and profer best ways to interact with students.

Additionally, the psychologist also counsel and help the teachers going through one classroom stress or the other.

Workshops and Seminars: 

Through the facilitation and organizing of seminars and workshop series, the psychologist is able to build a good connection between the home and school. Here issues bordering on parenting, bullying, and other social ills affecting students’ performance and behavior are discussed and analyzed.

The aim is to teach and foster collaboration between all arms involved in the upbringing of the child. All these and many more answers to the big question of what does a school psychologist do?

How Do I Become a School Psychologist?

You can actually make quite a lot from being a school psychologist but it is best advocated you enter it for the passion of helping children in need of guidance. The first necessary step is to obtain an advanced degree because you won’t get licensed to practice without one.

You can commence with a bachelor’s degree and proceed to more advanced studies in the related sub-fields.

Nonetheless, in some states and provinces, a degree is enough to earn you a license to start practicing. A specialty in fields like school psychology, Applied behavior analysis, Autism, e.t.c is what is expected to be listed in your credentials to qualify and become a school psychologist.

However, just like we said earlier, requirements for school psychologists differ from state to state. Look up the requirements to know how to become a psychologist in such a place. We also wish to remind you that degree level, certifications, and length of experience have a lot to do with a school psychologist’s salary.

School Psychologists Skills

Without the needed skills, it would be hard to perform effectively as a school psychologist. While the emphasis is made on the general skills, there are special skills pertaining to a school psychologist you must have.

Based on data obtained from different job websites, we have been able to arrive at the top skills required of a school psychologist by employers.

In-demand baseline skills

  • Scheduling and administration
  • Patient education and support
  • Mental health disease and therapies
  • Disorder diagnosis/treatment/care
  • Teamwork/collaboration
  • Communication skills
  • Writing
  • Problem-solving

In-demand specialized skills

  • Special education
  • Autism diagnosis/treatment/care
  • Telehealth
  • Report writing
  • Staff development
  • Crisis intervention

What is the Typical School Psychologist’s Salary

You probably might not have become a school psychologist with the primary aim of making lots of money. But, I can assure you that you can have them both.

School psychology can help you fulfill your passion and also help you attain optimal financial security.

Statistics obtained from the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics show that psychologists earn well above the average annual salary of other professions. Psychologists go home with $78,920 in annual salary.

It can rise considerably high with high more advanced certifications and longer lengths of experience.

Conclusion on What Does a School Psychologist Do

The psychologists remain an integral part of the stakeholders necessary for the upbringing of the child. They are required to maintain balance and manage behavioral crises in both children and adults. With what we have stated above, it is obvious that one needs to be passionate about the needs of children to advance in this field.

The effectiveness of your methods is what attracts you to high-paying jobs and recommendations. Nonetheless, with the necessary education and training, one is sure to excel at all levels as a school psychologist.

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Roles of a Social Worker in Hospitals

Best Roles of a Social Worker in Hospitals

chibueze uchegbu | December 15th, 2021


The Roles of a Social Worker in Hospitals can never be over-emphasized. These roles are among the factors that bring about efficiency in healthcare service delivery.

Have you ever been so distressed that all the help you needed were soothing words? Well, a social worker is by far the action described.

They are not our ‘everyday’ people – the corporate guy, the tech lass, the hippy, and the fashion icons.

Actually, they are nothing short of the titled personas, they are just majorly behind the curtains – doing the background job. The curtain really does cover a lot, especially the prying eyes of idle neighbors.

The Roles of a Social Worker in Hospitals

It sounds pretty adventurous – the roles of a social worker when delivered connotatively. Unless we can give a vivid explanation of how a spider matches its webs, then we may be able to weigh the bulkiness of social work.

In general, social workers advocate for the minority, attempt to alleviate the impoverished state of the needy, identify persons and communities in need, and assist in self-realization and goal actualization. That’s a whole humanitarian service.

There is a slight dissimilitude in the mode of operation of social workers in different workspaces. This change is predominantly engendered by the policies of the organization. Most social workers are known to work under Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). However, their roles happened to have spiraled across many facets.

One crucial work setting where the role of the social worker cannot be downplayed is a hospital. Healthcare facilities are at the acme of the care and welfare unit, globally. Hospitals and clinics harbor a large mass of people with different medical conditions. With each one handling their medical issues in line with their capacity.

Until you have encountered one social worker, you may never appreciate their importance.

Why do healthcare facilities recruit social workers?

The stand-alone reason is that patients experience trauma, no matter how benign the illness may appear.

Diagnosis and treatment are pertinent and at each stage, the patient is exposed to a whole new level of trauma; despair, anxiety, mental imbalance, and the like.

These specifically affect the psyche of the patients and would require incessant counseling sessions, which medical practitioners may not afford.

Social workers bridge that gap. Turns the vague stare into a smile, consoles family members in critical times educates the patient and their family on their illness and the treatment required. It is a very long list, but we must learn how people become social workers.

How can I become a Social Worker?

A lot of people possess humanitarian qualities and may intend to extend their philanthropy to others. This gesture may fill one role of a social worker but this is not a prerequisite per se. Social work is actually a course, accredited by Universities across the globe.

It is important to note that medical social workers are required to present a certification from a University and must have worked in a health-related facility to be considered for employment.

Guidelines for becoming a Social Worker

Nothing exists without a set of principles. So in becoming a social worker, you must observe the following:

Ø  Get a Bachelor’s degree (BSW)

Ø  Complete a Master’s degree

Ø  Apply for internship(fieldwork)

Ø  Apply for state social work licensure

Ø  Select a social work career

Get a Bachelor’s degree

If you are treading the path of social work, it is important that your undergraduate-level course should be in sync with your career path.

Pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Social Works (BSW). Obtaining a BSW, prepares you for a social works career and it sets you at a vantage point when enrolling for a Master’s in Social Works (MSW).

Pursue a Master’s degree

The primary reason for a Master’s degree is to acquire vast and advanced knowledge. To advance your social works career, you will need to be certified.

An MSW is a requirement for State Social Work Licensing. Apparently, your BSW is important but the MSW is deemed necessary. A lot of MSW holders were not originally on the Social works track, so logically a master’s degree places them in it.

Fortunately, the MSW programs do not take a longer period.

Apply for Internship (fieldwork)

 Fieldwork/Internship will be your first touch with the world of social work. It offers you the opportunity to practice as a social worker, under the supervision of experts in the field.

Ensure that you get the best out of the internship program, as it is a catalyst for your growth and expertise.

Apply for State Social Work Licensure

Getting licensed demonstrates credibility. However, not all social work roles require licensing. On the other hand, positions that call for a license are those that require you to work with individuals. One crucial step to acquiring state licensing is to pass the licensure examination, also, finding a place that will support your licensure is fundamental, either financially or by offering necessary practice experience or clinical supervision.

In general, there are two types of licensed social workers; Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs).

Licensed clinical social workers are granted private practice permits but LMSWs do not have an independent private practice permit. This is because they are not in the business of clinical practice.

Select a social work career

It is important to decide the branch of social works that serves you or the one you are passionate about. It could be clinical social work, which deals with diagnostics, especially for mental illnesses and disorders.

Macro social works entail the creation of policy change and the management of resources to have them accessed by persons who are in need of them. It could also be social school work or medical social work. Whatever branch you decide, let it be what you are zealous about and are qualified for.

Social workers are generally versatile in administering duties, however, a medical social worker has a set of specific roles.

Ever heard of psychosocial – the branch of psychology that focuses on the human mind and its relation with social activities. Well, this is a specialty of medical social workers, they offer psychosocial support.

What then is Psychosocial Support?

Psychosocial is a fusion of ‘psycho’ and ‘social’. Put together, it means the psychological aspect of a person and the social aspect of a person.

Psychosocial support refers to the actions that address the psychological and social needs of an individual, family, and community.

A medical social worker will most definitely offer psychosocial support to an ailing person, their family (especially those with critical medical conditions), address their needs and their (financial) capacity, in crucial times.

This takes us straight to the roles of a social worker in a hospital.

Roles of a medical Social Worker

First, we must establish that medical social workers work with doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners and are not on their own while they carry out these duties.

Basically, medical social workers care for patients, their families, educate them more on their illness, the treatment required.

Checks for their financial capacity, and ensure that they enjoy premium insurance policies, especially life and health insurance. The major benefit of psychosocial support is that it is both curative and preventive. Through it, mental imbalance or disorder can be managed, improved, cured, and prevented.

The following are the roles of social workers in hospitals

  1. Conduct psychosocial assessment on patients, so as to identify their needs and any mental or emotional distress that may heighten their health condition. After the assessment has been completed, the social worker relays the outcome to the doctors, nurses, and related parties.
  2. Educate the patient about their illness, the causes, effects, and possible remedies. Offer to counsel patients and extends this to their family members. Informs them of the change in the treatment, if there will be any.
  3. Organize crisis intervention for patients and most family members. This way they will be able to cope with the tragedy of losing a loved one, especially those with a terminal illness.
  4. Medical social workers help patients and their families understand the resources and facilities that are available to them in the hospital and in their community. This way, they will be able to navigate their resources accordingly.
  5. Ensures that patients receive optimum care, which is fundamental to health improvement.

Medical social work may exceed the hospital setting, especially because some patients may not be required to stay within the hospital environment (outpatients). Thus, their workspace could be in the houses of those patients.

Conclusion on roles of social worker in hospitals

Social work is a lot more than we think. It is a lot more cumbersome and requires a lot of empathy and humane qualities.

You have learned the steps to becoming a social worker and the responsibilities carried out by a social worker in a hospital.

It is also necessary to note that you can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.

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