Wednesday, October 20, 2010

New CPR Guidelines Recently Released by American Heart Association

New guidelines out Monday switch up the steps for CPR, telling rescuers to start with hard, fast chest presses before giving mouth-to-mouth. The change puts "the simplest step first" for traditional CPR, said Dr. Michael Sayre, co-author of the guidelines issued by the American Heart Association.

In recent years, CPR guidance has been revised to put more emphasis on chest pushes for sudden cardiac arrest. In 2008, the heart group said untrained bystanders or those unwilling to do rescue breaths could do hands-only CPR until paramedics arrive or a defibrillator is used to restore a normal heart beat. Now, the group says everyone from professionals to bystanders who use standard CPR should begin with chest compressions instead of opening the victim's airway and breathing into their mouth first. The change ditches the old ABC training -- airway-breathing-compressions. That called for rescuers to give two breaths first, then alternate with 30 presses. Sayre said that approach took time and delayed chest presses, which keep the blood circulating. "When the rescuer pushes hard and fast on the victim's chest, they're really acting like an artificial heart. That blood carries oxygen that helps keep the organs alive till help arrives," said Sayre, an emergency doctor at Ohio State University Medical Center. "Put one hand on top of the other and push really hard," he said.


Sudden cardiac arrest -- when the heart suddenly stops beating -- can occur after a heart attack or as a result of electrocution or near-drowning. The person collapses, stops breathing normally and is unresponsive. Survival rates from cardiac arrest outside the hospital vary across the country -- from 3 percent to 15 percent, according to Sayre. The guidelines issued Monday also say that rescuers should be pushing deeper, at least 2 inches in adults. Rescuers should pump the chest of the victim at a rate of at least 100 compressions a minute -- some say a good guide is the beat of the old disco song "Stayin' Alive." Dr. Ahamed Idris, of the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas, said people are sometimes afraid that they'll hurt the patient. Others have a hard time judging how hard they are pressing, he said. "We want to make sure people understand they're not going to hurt the person they're doing CPR on by pressing as hard as they can," he said. Idris, who directs the Dallas-Fort Worth Center for Resuscitation Research, said that for the last two years, they've been advising local paramedics to start with chest compressions and keep them up with minimal interruptions. That, along with intensive training, has helped improve survival rates, he said. He said they found paramedics hadn't been starting compressions until the patient was in the ambulance and lost time getting airway equipment together. "The best chance was to start chest compressions in the house, immediately," he said.


For more information, follow the link below.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9T25SMyz3A



Thursday, October 14, 2010

Peer to Peer Networking


Peer to peer networking is HOT and it could be the way you find your next job.


First, let's discuss what doesn't work.


You might be surprised to learn that the ways most people use to find their jobs are actually the least effective. The reason is because they are relying on the old standards: classified ads, job fairs and mailing resumes to employers. While those methods typically result in 8-10% of job candidates finding work, for the rest of the population, something else is going to be required.

One of the most efficient ways to find meaningful work is peer to peer networking - networking with people you know (friends, family, neighbors and former co-workers)

What is job networking?

Networking involves sustaining positive relationships with a variety of people. These people come from all walks of life. It takes some time and a bit of effort, but often pays off when employment situations arise.

Reach past your own network by meeting new people who are the friends, co-workers and/or related contacts of your networking circle.

The importance of networking
cannot be stressed enough

Peer to peer networking groups (or business networking groups) are common in many cities and offer a variety of resources and opportunities to meet others.

The point is that you have to get out and meet people. Get to know them. Listen to them. Find out what their needs are and help them. When you listen to others and help them achieve their goals, you are more likely to find yourself being helped in achieving your own goals as well.

Job networking is far more effective than classified ads, job fairs and mailing out resumes combined. "Eighty percent of available jobs are never advertised, and over half of all employees get their jobs through networking" according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Department of Labor). That is a lot of jobs that are not made public. How are they filled? In many cases, they are filled by "people who know other people" who can do the job.

Today networking has become more structured and formalized. Many people use networks to accomplish all sorts of goals – from completing projects to finding jobs.

Peer to peer networking is THE best way to find a job in today's tough economy.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

How to Resign...


Once you have made the decision to resign from your job you need to organize your departure in a diplomatic and business-like manner. A properly managed resignation means that you leave behind a good impression.



How to Resign Checklist

  • Give the correct notice period. Follow your contractual obligations with regard to notice period. Two weeks notice is the standard notice period however you must abide by the notice period stated in your employment contract or any union agreement that you fall under. If your employer asks that you stay longer than the required notice period you are under no obligation to so so.

  • Write a formal letter of resignation. Prepare a letter of resignation that, at the minimum, includes the following details: the date your resignation is effective, the position from which you are resigning, and the date of your last working day at the company. Make sure you know who your resignation letter should be addressed to and who else in the company must receive copies (usually Human Resources and Payroll). Always keep a copy for yourself.

  • Hand the letter personally to the relevant staff member on the day you write the letter. It can be left unopened in the in-tray or on a desk if not handed directly to an individual.

  • The announcement to other staff regarding your departure should be agreed with your employer.

  • Confirm the payment of any outstanding monies for unused vacation time that you have accrued. Confirm any outstanding payments for overtime, bonuses, expenses.

  • Schedule a consultation with Human Resources or the relevant individual to discuss your insurance benefits including medical and dental, life insurance. Find out about converting or continuing your life and health insurance benefits. Find out what happens to your pension plan. Some plans provide for a lump sum distribution when you leave the company.

  • Find out about your eligibility for unemployment insurance if you are not going to another position. The sooner you file for unemployment benefits, the sooner you will start receiving the money. Eligibility requirements for collecting unemployment benefits vary from state to state.

  • Complete your exit interview. The purpose of an exit interview is to address any questions, comments and concerns regarding your period of employment at the company. Use it as an opportunity to give positive feedback where relevant and provide constructive comment on areas for improvement.

  • Organize a written reference from the company to keep in your portfolio. Don't wait to ask for a reference when you next need one, get the reference while your employer still clearly remembers you!

  • Hand back security and parking passes and any other company property such as uniforms, computers, phones etc.

  • Remove all personal items and personal files from your work space.

Monday, October 11, 2010

6 Business Skills Every New Graduate Needs to Develop


As a new graduate, be sure to brush up on these six essential job skills you’ll need to succeed in the workforce.




People Skills

People skills are incredibly valuable no matter what your job entails. Here are three you’ll want to develop.
  • Public Speaking: “Too many recent grads are not equipped to present the company well over the phone or in person at networking events, new business meetings, etc.,” says Graham Chapman, account coordinator/new business director at 919 Marketing, a PR and marketing firm in Holly Springs, North Carolina. “If you can’t speak [or] present yourself well, it is hard to help a company drive business.”

    Look for volunteer activities where you can practice public speaking in front of small groups. Think about the most important thing you want the audience to know then speak up.

  • Handling Tense Interactions:Tension-filled conversations are served up most days at work, and those who lack the ability to handle them effectively will have a difficult time,” says Kerry Patterson, co-author of Crucial Conversations.

    The key is to focus on results, not emotions. “Try to see others as reasonable, rational and decent human beings -- even if they hold a view that you strongly oppose,” he says. “When others feel respected and trust your motives, they let their guard down and begin to listen, even if the topic is unpleasant. If you’re open to hearing others' points of view, they'll be more open to yours.”

  • Teamwork: “The reality of working with a team, where colleagues have a variety of thoughts and ideas that need to be respected, is often new to grads,” says Bettina Seidman, founder of Seidbet Associates, a career-management firm in New York City. “The downside of not having these skills can be very serious, including gaining a poor reputation on the job, and even termination.”

    Accept that you may have to take a junior role to those with more experience. Listen more than you talk, and be respectful of others when you have an opposing view.
Career-Management Skills

These career-management skills will help you land your first and position yourself for a promotion:
  • Humility and Patience: “Managers want to promote individuals who are willing to prove themselves versus those who expect things to be handed to them right from the start,” says Julie Rulis, senior recruiter in Western Union’s talent acquisition group. Expecting a big title or salary from the get-go or angling for a promotion too soon is a turnoff and can earn you a reputation for being too big for your britches.

    Rulis suggests speaking with leaders from organizations you admire so you develop a greater appreciation for how others successfully moved up over time. “In most instances, you will learn how other leaders had to roll up their sleeves and prove themselves just like everyone else,” she says.

  • Staying Informed: “Professors don’t emphasize the importance of reading the news,” says Tom Gimbel, CEO of The LaSalle Network, a Chicago-area professional staffing and recruiting firm. “Nothing is more impressive than a candidate who can speak knowledgeably about the news and relate current events to their industry or job. After a new grad has secured the job, emailing news stories or cutting out newspaper articles for their boss is beyond impressive.”

    Read an array of publications to broaden your knowledge. “If you’re in the business world, read Inc., Fast Company and The Wall Street Journal,” he says.

  • Time Management: “A new grad may feel obligated to say yes to everything, which makes it even more difficult to manage their time,” says Susan Fletcher, psychologist and a time-management expert with Smart Zone Solutions in Plano, Texas. You may end up neglecting core activities or stretching yourself to the breaking point, she says.

    Time-management skills involve managing your energy and attention. Ask your boss to help you set priorities and to advise you on operational goals. “Be intentional about what you commit to,” Fletcher says. “Ask yourself if the commitment fits into your overall strategy and focus to get a job, get promoted or advance your professional skills.”
Proactively assessing skills and addressing any skills deficits make you better qualified and showcase your initiative.

By Margot Carmichael Lester, Monster Contributing Writer

Thursday, October 7, 2010

EVENTS FOR OCTOBER!!!


RMA REVIEW CLASSES

When:
Saturday October 9, 2010 & Sunday October 10, 2010

Time:
9:00AM - 3:00PM



CAREER FAIR

When:
Thursday October 14, 2010

Where:
Radisson Martinique
49 West 32nd Street
New York, NY 10001

Time:
10:30AM - 2:00PM

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER



NATIONAL MEDICAL ASSISTANT WEEK

When:
Monday October 18, 2010 - Saturday October 23, 2010

We want to invite Graduates to come in on Tuesday October 19th to talk about their success after all their hard work.

We have 3 available sessions
Tuesday October 19, 2010
1:00PM - 3:00PM
4:00PM - 6:00PM
7:00PM - 8:00PM

We will have a Q and A, games, career information and much more. If you are a Graduate who is interested in joining our Panel of Guest Speakers please contact DSheppard@sbnewyork.com



VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
By: The Black Barbershop Health Outreach Program

Medical and non-medical volunteers wanted for Free Diabetes and Health Screenings at Local Barbershop, throughout Brooklyn, Bronx and Manhattan.

When:
Saturday October 30, 2010

Time:
11:00AM - 4:00PM

Training:
October 27, 2010 for 2 hours

To sign up, contact:
Ms. Pollidore, Student Services Coordinator: npollidore@sbnewyork.com
OR
Mr. Sheppard, Career Services Advisor: dsheppard@sbnewyork.com

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

Photobucket

Why aren't you being hired???

“Why aren’t I being hired when my resume is fine and I make an outstanding first impression?” Can you relate?





While it’s easy to point to the obvious (Great Recession, anyone?), it might be time for some good old-fashioned tough love. Let’s take a closer look at the three parts of this very loaded question; one or all of these might be the reason you’re still looking.

“Why aren’t I being hired …”

Finding a job has certainly been more challenging over the last few years, but people are still hiring. You might not be able to improve the economy but you can do can control how you search. There are job openings you just have more competition. So you must fight harder against your increased competition.

Try this: If you want to find a job, you have to be willing to do the work. Do your research! Become an expert in the field you want to work. The more you know, the more you can show it in your applications and interviews. And that will show an employer what an asset you’ll be.

“… my resume is fine …”

While you might think your resume is “fine,” employers might have a different opinion. Employers want to see a stellar resume. That doesn’t mean you need to give yourself an Ivy-League degree and inflated job experience, but your resume should present the best professional you possible. That means crisp grammar and no typos. That means showcasing specific accomplishments and concrete skills.

But your resume has all that, right? If that’s the case and you’re not hearing back, you might need to start mixing things up and make some tweaks. Each time you apply, make sure your resume is telling each particular employer that you’re a match for that job.

Try this: Show your resume to someone you know who has actually hired someone before; ask for feedback and use it to improve your resume, if it’s negative, try not to take it personally.

“… I make an outstanding first impression”

Really? How do you know? Did your mother tell you that? Again, you might think you make a great first impression, but an employer might disagree. Put everything under a microscope: your appearance, your handshake, your eye contact, your mannerisms, your attitude. If you’re getting called for interviews but not invited back for a second round or receiving offers, this might be your problem.

Try this: When you find out that you’re no longer in the running for a job, ask for feedback. Try: “Thank you for considering me for the position. May I ask what it was about me or my qualifications that disqualified me as a candidate? Any feedback would be appreciated.”

Monday, October 4, 2010

It All Starts With You!

The First Person You Have to Manage Every Day Is Yourself



I’ve done hundreds of focus groups with people to find out what gets in the way of their success at work. Predictably, most are factors that are totally beyond the control of the individual, such as:
  • Company policies, rules, regulations, culture and standard operating procedures.
  • The way things have always been done in the organization.
  • Too much work and not enough time.
  • Too many low-priority activities taking away from more important tasks and responsibilities.
  • Conflict between and among employees that creates a stressful, negative mood.
  • Limited resources.
  • No clear chain of command.
  • Answering to too many people.
  • Various bosses having different standards of performance and conduct, and conflicting understandings of the rules and policies and of what takes priority.
  • Bosses who yell and scream and make things difficult.
  • Managers who don’t make time for one-on-one discussions; do not make expectations clear; do not track performance; or do not give honest, constructive feedback.
Blame, blame, blame. Don’t get me wrong. These are all real challenges that get in the way of your success at work. There is only one problem. When you focus your attention on factors outside your control, you are by definition powerless. If you want to be powerful, then you need to focus on the one factor you can always control: You.

You have limited time, but you can gain enough control of your time to take charge of yourself every day. You can play an active role in managing your part of your relationship with every boss.

How? First, make sure the first person you manage every day is yourself. Take good care of yourself outside of work so that you bring your very best to work. And while you are at work, you should be all about the work -- your work, that is. Focus on playing the role assigned to you before you ever try reaching beyond that role.
  1. Figure out where you fit in your organization or department.
  2. Bring your best self to work every day.
  3. Don’t be a jerk at work.
  4. Be a great workplace citizen.
  5. Get lots of work done very well and very fast every day.
  6. Be a problem solver, not a complainer.
  7. Anticipate and avoid problems.
  8. Regularly assess your productivity, the quality of your work and your behavior.
Focus on controlling you. You cannot ignore all those outside factors that define the context of your situation. But you can control what you can do within the context of your job and work situation.

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