Posted by admin on March 24th, 2010 — Posted in Education Special
The following is a general over view of African Masks.
There are still places in Africa where genuine old masks can be bought, generally through dealers. Also watch out for fakes as they do abound. Remember buy things you like as investment can go up as well as down. If you like that carving or mask then the value is not as important.
The African masks of this area are well documented by Ladislas Segy in Masks of Black Africa. Much of the following section on African Masks is influenced by his work.
The African masking traditions of this part of the World are extremely fertile and varied. The traditions supporting the masks are generally associated with the spirits of ancestors, rites of passage, fertility and initiation ceremonies. Dance is generally involved in the use of the masks. Segy lists the following types of ritual:-
Rituals of cosmology, myth and mythological heroes or animals
Fertility rites
Rituals for increase
Agricultural festivals
Rituals for rites of passage
Ancestor cults
Initiations including secret societies
Related Ceremonies
Masks can be used for different ceremonies often having multiple purposes. The size and style of masks are diverse, depicting animals, human faces and more abstract styles in sizes from a
few centimetres to 4.5 metres in the case of the Dogon Iminana ( mother mask ). With only a few exceptions the masks are all part of a full costume and not just an isolated piece of decoration..
Segy notes:-
Face coverings
Helmet masks
Headdresses Masks with prominent breasts
Amulets
Insignia of grade
Crowns of bead work
Materials
Wood The major material was wood due to the large forest and range of species available. The choosing of a tree from which to make a mask was not as we might do today, find one and chop it
down. Rather the carver would seek the help of a diviner and undergo a purification ceremony and when the first blow was struck he would drink some of the sap in order to form a
brotherhood with the tree?s spirit. Mask would be carved from one piece of wood with nothing jointed, with some of the masks this created severe technical difficulties when the early
carvers only had simple tools.
Usually green timber was used as this was easier to cut. Certain vvarieties would be used for some special masks, but in general the softer woods were used
Ivory was used by the Warega and Benin. The ivory was the property of the Benin kings (Oba) and they were the only ones to wear ivory as a mark of office. The carving of the Warega was not as refined but has a strong impact.
Brass was used by the Benin, Senufo and Ashanti.
Other Materials
Knitted materials were used as were beadwork, basketry and fabrics.
Additional materials included :- shells, beads, twigs, bark, teeth, hair, beaten or repousse metal, vegetable fibres and skin, to mention a few.
West Africa
The masks of this area are well documented by Ladislas Segy in Masks of Black Africa. His book lists the following areas:-
Guinea-Bissau
Republic of Guinea
Sierra Leone
Mali
Liberia
Ivory Coast Upper
Volta
Ghana
Nigeria Cameroon
Within each of these countries can be found ancient traditions associated with individual tribes displaying common links. The areas associated with some groups cross boundaries. The
names of the different tribes is too extensive to list at the moment.
Equatorial Africa
Congo Zaire Zambia
Similar themes and traditions are found with the masks from this area when compared with those of the Western countries. In the early Fifteenth Century the well established Kongo people had
close contact with the Portuguese and later some converted to Christianity. This has had some influence on the type of festivities and masks. The Kongo dominated various tribes in the area of these the Woyo and Yombe produced notable mask The Ndunga masks of the Woyo were larger than life size and had projecting foreheads large cheeks with small eyes, the surface of these faces was painted with white or brightly coloured asymmetrical designs.
The Western Pende on the Kwilu River in Zaire have two major types of mask. The Minhajl, which represent the ancestors and the Mbuya which represent various village characters such as the
fool, the prostitute, the chief etc. These masks are used in the reinforcement of socialcontrol. The amusing performances are brightened by the triangular faces of the masks with bulging eyes, open mouths containing carved teeth painted in a variety of colours. The more powerful Minganji masks are simpler circular forms made from raffia with tubular eyes and no
other features. All the masks are constructed in secret away from the village.
In the Makenda circumcision ceremony the Mbuya appear from out of the bush and dance in the village square until dusk. As the sky darkens, Minganji, masked dancers, materialise and move
around the village at a distance, helping to develop the sense of awe and unease. In the secret circumcision camp the initiated youths are allowed to handle the mask as they are now fully fledged members of the society.
Many other styles are found in these areas.
East Africa
Tanzania and Mozambique are both home to the Mekonde one of the best know tribe of mask makers in East Africa. The Mekonde masks come in various styles, the southern groups using the helmet
type. The features of these masks are often realistic and are worn with a cloth covering the head of the dancer. Scarification is used. The characters represented are familiar to the local
people:- the old man, the doctor, the young woman and the Arab, some animal masks are found.
Over view
It must be noted that the masks of Africa represent a wealth of forms and designs which have been well collected and catalogued. The total range is by no means represented here. The common connections between the masks and the different groups are obviously strong.
Would you like regular updates on the Masking World?
© Ian Bracegirdle 2004 1 Elderberry Close East Morton BD20 5WA UK 01535 692207
http://mask-and-more-masks.com You may use this article freely on condition that you include this copyright line and URL and that people who subsequently use this article follow the same
conditions. Thank you for accepting these conditions.
Ian Bracegirdle 2004 1 Elderberry Close East Morton BD20 5WA UK 01535 692207 http://mask-and-more-masks.com
Teacher, Course Leader, Mask maker. Ian has studied and taught masks making and information for several years. He sees masks as a link back to our cultural origins.
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Posted by admin on November 2nd, 2009 — Posted in Education Special
Ian Lancaster Fleming (1908-1964), the author of the James Bond 007 novels, was the grandson of a Scottish banker and the son of a Conservative MP (Member of Parliament). His father died in the first world war. In his will, he bequeathed his property to his widow on condition she never remarries.
Ian’s youth was inauspicious. He was expelled from Eton following a sexual liaison with a girl. He left Sandhurst without obtaining an officer’s rank, having been caught violating the curfew. He continued his education in Kitzbuhel, Austria, in Munich and in Geneva where he studied languages. But the chain of disappointments continued apace. He failed in a Foreign Service exam and had to join Reuters as a journalist. There he successfully covered a spy trial in Russia (1929-32).
He then joined a British investment bank as a stockbroker and moved to live in a converted temple in Belgravia, a fashionable district of London, where he entertained the members of the Le Cercle Gastronomique et des Jeux de Hasard.
In 1939, Fleming took on an assignment for The Times in Moscow - in effect a cover. He was spying for the Foreign Office and later for Naval Intelligence where he attained the rank of Commander.
During the second world war, he worked from room number 39 in the Admiralty building in Whitehall as assistant to Admiral John Godfrey. He was involved in the evacuation of Dieppe in 1940, in the smuggling of King Zog out of Albania and in setting up the Office for Special Services, the precursor of the CIA.
As commander of the 30th Assault Unit, he sometimes operated behind the German lines, trying to secure important documents and files from destruction. But, mostly, he directed the Unit’s operations from London.
When the war was over, he built a house - Goldeneye - in Jamaica. He worked for the Kemsley group of papers and vacationed every winter in the island.
While awaiting the divorce of one of his numerous paramours - the pregnant Lady Anne Rothermere - the 44 years old Fleming wrote “Casino Royale” published in 1953. It was the first of 12 James Bond thrillers, translated to 11 languages and with total sales of 18 million copies. James Bond novels are now being authored by a new generation of writers.
In 1961, John F, Kennedy, the newly elected president, listed a James Bond title as one of his favorite books. Many movie plots were loosely based on Fleming’s novels and have grossed, in total, more than $1 billion. The 007 trademark was merchandised and attached to everything, from toys and games to clothes and toiletries.
But Fleming was also renowned for his non-fiction: tomes like “The Diamond Smugglers” and his “Atticus” column in The Sunday Times where he served as foreign manager (1945-9). He successfully branched into children’s literature with “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” (1964), also made into a movie.
Ironically, his mother died and left him a fortune in 1964 - when Fleming was already wealthy and dying. The trip to her service may have done him in. His son committed suicide in 1975 and his wife died in 1981. He left behind one heir: James Bond.
Sam Vaknin ( samvak.tripod.com ) is the author of Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited and After the Rain - How the West Lost the East. He served as a columnist for Global Politician, Central Europe Review, PopMatters, Bellaonline, and eBookWeb, a United Press International (UPI) Senior Business Correspondent, and the editor of mental health and Central East Europe categories in The Open Directory and Suite101.
Until recently, he served as the Economic Advisor to the Government of Macedonia.
Visit Sam’s Web site at samvak.tripod.com
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Posted by admin on June 29th, 2009 — Posted in Education Special, Hall Of Health, School of Insurance
One of the items usually found at the very bottom of the list of priorities when budgeting for a college education is health insurance for students. Generally, health insurance is the last thing on a student’s mind. In your twenties you will believe that you will live forever and you will not become ill.
Alas, no matter how healthy a person might seem, this is no way to anticipate their continuing good health. An inexpensive student health insurance policy is not merely a luxury, it is in truth a necessity. For individuals who are covered under their parent’s policy, almost all of them will extend to a college student up to the age of twenty three. For individuals who do not have cover through a parent’s plan, a crucial part in preparing for going to school should be researching an appropriate health insurance policy. What is significant in a policy designed for students? So what is a deductible? This is a minimal yearly sum you must pay prior to any medical benefits beginning, comparable to an auto deductible. For example, if your deductible is 500 dollars, 500 dollars has to be paid prior to receiving any payment from the insurance plan.
So what is meant by the term co-pay? When your deductible is met, virtually all health insurance plans require that you contribute a portion of the bill for every doctor’s visit, medication or procedure. That, succinctly is co-pay.
What’s the range of insurance cover? Many insurance policies do include HMO and PPA. This could mean certain doctors may be excluded from your list of health providers or not be covered by the insurance policy. A list of approved health providers are provided with your insurance policy, be sure you take that into consideration when you are selecting a plan. What is catastrophic insurance coverage? Limitations are frequent in medical insurance policies for college students particularly with reference to catastrophic illness, and for most medical insurance for students, the cover is commonly much less than a standard medical insurance plan. So what are the restrictions? Student medical coverage policies usually include restrictions. It’s important to read over any insurance policy thoroughly to check out just what may and may not be included.
Keep all your medical insurance documentation nearby at all times. Accidents and illnesses are not just impossible to plan for, but they are in all probability likely to happen when it’s least expected. So take care you are familiar with the parameters unique to your policy, whether through your parents or with your own insurance.
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Posted by admin on May 26th, 2009 — Posted in Education Special, Hall Of Health, School of Insurance
One of the matters often at the bottom of the heap when budgeting for an education is medical insurance for students. Students are by and large in the mindset where the need for a medical insurance plan is not the first thing on their mind. As a student in your twenties you will believe that you will live forever so naturally you will never develop any illness.
Unluckily, this is seldom true no matter how healthy a person might be. A medical insurance plan is not simply for the rich, it is indeed a necessity. Students who are included in their family policy are generally covered up to their twenty-third birthday. For those who don’t currently have medical coverage under their family plan, a crucial part in planning for a college education has to be researching inexpensive health insurance.
What’s important in a policy designed for college students? So what’s a deductible? It’s a yearly payment that must be made before any medical benefits are available, like an auto insurance policy. For example, if the deductible is five hundred dollars, you must to pay that amount prior to getting any payment from the plan.
So what is a co-pay? Once you have paid the deductible, in general for every trip to the doctor, medication, or procedure you will need to pay a pre-determined portion of the bill. This is called co-pay. Just what will your medical insurance pay for? Numerous health insurance policies are Health Maintenance Organization and PPA. This can mean certain doctors might be omitted from your “network” or not be covered under the medical insurance plan. Generally all programs should include a listing of participating providers, study this thoroughly before selecting a medical insurance plan specifically for students. What does the phrase catastrophic coverage mean? There may be a limit on health insurance specifically for students as far as serious illness, the coverage extended in most student medical insurance policies is generally less than any standard plan.
And what are the limits? Restrictions are very common in college student health insurance. Study your insurance policy and find out what is and isn’t covered. Carry any medical insurance details with you at all times. Accidents and illnesses are not just impossible to plan for, but they are regrettably likely to happen when least anticipated. So ensure you’re conversant with your student health insurance policy, whether through your parent’s insurance or with your own selection of insurance.
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Posted by admin on May 25th, 2009 — Posted in Education Special, Living With Mathematics, Science Infos
Algebra is one of the most principal courses students learn during their life. Although studying algebra is taken hard, there are a lot of students taking this course.
Although a lot of pupils are not actually sure of what is involved in algebra but it is not fearful as a lot of individuals think. Most base algebra include finding least common multiple, factoring difference of cubes and reducing fractions.
When mathematics is leaned by pupils, particularly at college level it is very critical for them to apply some preparation and also some continuity in learning mathematical concepts progressively. There are a lot of college mathematics courses at introductory level that are based around building a healthy path for the route into higher mathematics as they enable learning the fundamental skills that are required.
Who can Help?
For helping you in mastering algebra, there is a number of computer software packages and these include systems such as algebra tutors. It is also feasible to get a math tutor if you are genuinely uncertain about your algebra skills. The software programs are very good and will assist you with all aspects of algebra including quadratic equations, drawing linear equations, simplifying complex fractions with different denominators and on how to generally go about solving equations with fractions .
If you are just commencing in the world of mathematics, it is a good idea to do one of the beginning stage courses of study as they will instruct you the very fundamentals and build on that so that you are able to get up to the more complex level of mathematics . The starting topics of algebra teach the pupils the correct approach through the use of a vast number of different cases and methods so this is an ideal beginning point for the beginner to algebra.
Problems With Virtual Tutors
The only problem with mathematics courses is that they sometimes do not follow matters in a very logical order and this particularly is the case when you are a pupil at middle school. A lot of the students at school are really very ill-prepared for learning algebra and they are not aware of the basics of this notable subdivision of mathematics.
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Posted by admin on May 12th, 2009 — Posted in Education Special, House Of Tuition, Science Infos
Mechanical engineering is typically esteemed to be one of the most comprehensive of any of the engineering fields of study, should you graduate holding a degree, an extended choice of roles will be available for the asking. Industries include electricity production, heating systems, cooling system design, and also air-conditioning design; the automobile industry, heavy plant engineering and upkeep; pipes and pressurized systems. Mechanical engineering jobs can be as different as positions in business development, clerical or managerial positions, and agriculture and production fabrication.
How much money should I expect to get?
We suggest you go to this splendid source for structural engineer clues
A mechanical engineering salary survey comissioned in 2003 found that a position in mechanical engineering may provide an income going from $40000 per annum to as much as $93000, salary is dependent on education and of course experience. Another factor which may affect your salary is the sector of engineering you have opted for.
How can I get a role in my selected subject field? It is very important to put some effort into a detailed and up-to-the-minute curriculum vitae. When you have fine-tuned your resume to reflect your experience or credentials, you need to roll up your sleeves and get yourself out there. Where can you find vacancies in mechanical engineering?
Job fairs: Relevant nearby job fairs will advertised somewhere in the engineering department of your college. You will get a tremendous opportunity to network with the people recruiting.
Gaining on-the-job experience as an intern: Your school can help you with obtaining an appropriate position as an intern. Some engineering firms which employ interns will regularly employ the same students after graduation, internships could likewise have a marked effect on the kind of salary you might exact.
Joining groups: Industry groups and meetings open up a way to learn new things about engineering, but also opens up networking opportunities.
Read the newspapers: Companies that need engineers publish advertisements in the papers in the same fashion as any other business. Read the papers every day; apply; follow up. Tenacity is key.
Make good use of the world wide web: Find the big recruiting sites on the net and post your resume. Log into LinkedIn, build a profile and make new industry contacts online. Take advantage of the net to speed up the search for the ideal role. Persistence and networking are key to finding a position. Keep your resume and details out and circulating; follow up on all prospects; establish your online persona. These are all steps you may take to get the position you really want.
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Posted by admin on May 7th, 2009 — Posted in Education Special
Women have been given the greatest gift of creativity there
isthe capacity of creating and having a child. Even if a
woman has never had children, just the biological
possibility, is life defining.
The theory has often been that artists create their best work
when they are young and after that “peak” in their career,
their art becomes stale and predictable. The assumption is
that an artist’s work is the most important early in their lives.
I would beg to differ, especially when it comes to women.
I have a theory that women come into their own as artists
later in life, after the possibility of having children has
passed and while the potential of having children is
beginning to diminish.
Because of the biological ability to have children, women
understand intuitively that creativity is a life long process, not
a destination. The tremendous urge to create is still there
after the capacity to have children is gone.
The passion and drive to create is combined with the
wisdom learned from life’s inevitable lessons. Women
frequently find that their “artistic voices” become more
confident and self-assured later in life. That is why women
often come into their own artistically in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s
and on up; Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Nevelson and
Grandma Moses are three examples.
This is not to say that younger women do not create great
art, they most certainly do. For younger women creatively
your best years are still aheadvery good news and
definitely something to look forward to.
Women who have created during their earlier years have an
advantage for two reasons:
1. A woman who has been creating continuously doesn’t
have to play catch-up in regards to the technicalities of
making art. She has already spent years learning her craft.
2. “Artistic creativity” is like a muscle. If you haven’t used it,
the muscle atrophies, and it takes longer to get ” in creative
shape”.
If you are a young woman and struggling with how to
balance work, family, friends and the multitude of things that
make up life, don’t give up your ability to create art. You will
be way ahead of the game when you get older and it is my
very firm conviction that the best years for creating art are
still ahead!
Mary Baker © 2005
Mary Baker is a contemporary realist painter, whose studio
is in Newburyport, Massachusetts. This New England city,
north of Boston, has been the inspiration for the artist’s
realistic oil paintings. Mary Baker is a professional artist and
has shown in New York art galleries. Mary’s art work has
passion, depth and beauty, capturing moments in time that
many people pass by.
Mary hopes that if you have a vocation in the arts that you will
share your artistic gifts and artistic voice and be delighted
that your art brings much needed beauty, depth, wisdom
and integrity to the world.
You can visit Mary’s website, Mary Baker Art and see her
beautiful paintings at http://www.marybakerart.com, as well
as read her many comments on art, artists and creativity.
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Posted by admin on May 3rd, 2009 — Posted in Education Special
If you are a college student approaching graduation you not only need an audit but you should inquire about an official audit of your classes from your academic department. This audit may not be necessitated by someone who has just completed a tax form, but it is critical for a student who is considered to be at a junior or senior status in college. The official audit can be completed by your campus Registrar’s Office, Academic Advisor or your Academic Department. These audits are generally advised for incoming freshmen to insure they remain on track and up to graduation, but they are crucial for juniors and senior students who are approaching graduation. The request for this audit will provide vital information and allows several key factors conducive to completing your college degree. The audit…
1. Insures that the major or minor selection you have chosen is correct and corresponds with the curriculum guide of the catalog year you enrolled in college.
2. Allows the student to distinguish all courses taken including previous grades and transfer grade information that is applicable to the declaration of major.
3. Provides information on the minimum requirements of the major sought to complete the degree.
4. Provides the total hours taken that is applicable to the degree.
5. Provides advisor information needed in contacting your department.
6. Form also allows you to see your current GPA at the time the audit was completed.
7. Allows the student to review and retake classes that he or she may have received a deficient grade in.
8. Provides a time for the advisor, professor and student to revisit any classes that may have erroneous information in the grading process applied to a student’s audit form.
9. Inquiries may be addressed with your Department Advisor, the Registrar’s Office or your Department Chair.
10. Finally, allows students to see a clear picture of what they have completed and what needs to be completed and addressed before graduation.
The information above allows the student to keep track of the classes he or she has taken and to address any issues that could cause a delay in completion of degree or coursework. This is one time that students will welcome an audit.
About The Author
Robert Crawford III is an author of several publications listed on ArticleCity.com and other publishing sites. He is a PhD candidate studying Business Technology at Capella University and enjoys writing educational, business, teen & kids and self motivation articles. He can be reached at .
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Posted by admin on May 2nd, 2009 — Posted in Education Special
People who are considering joining the nursing field usually have to first decide if they want to become a LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) or a RN (Registered Nurse). A person can become and LPN in about ten months and get out into the work force much quicker than someone going for an RN degree. Many people make the decision to become an LPN for financial reasons. They want to get their nursing license quickly and start earning a living as soon as possible. However, once they become a LPN they are often faced with extremely limited job choices and wish there was a way to go back to school to become an RN.
Working LPNs who are considering returning to college to obtain an Associate or Bachelors degree in nursing are confronted by several harsh realities. The first problem is that campus based nursing schools are facing a severe shortage of nursing educators and are turning away thousands of well qualified applicants each year. The lucky few who do manage to get accepted into traditional nursing programs commonly have to wait between one and two years before they can get a seat in class to begin their studies. Combine those factors with the fact that traditional school schedules are inflexible and make it next to impossible for a working nurse to continue their degree goals without giving up their present job and income and suddenly obtaining a better education seems like an impossible dream!
ONLINE LPN TO RN DEGREE PROGRAMS CHANGE THAT
The internet now makes it possible for working LPNs to continue their education without long waiting time, and without sacrificing their present job and income while in school. LPNs have the opportunity to obtain an accredited RN or BSN degree online from the convenience of their home, on their schedule, at their own pace, and without ever needing to step foot into a classroom.
LPN to RN degrees obtained online from accredited colleges and universities are no different from degrees obtained on campus except for the obvious advantages they offer to working nurses; ability to start right away, ability to complete degree programs at an accelerated pace rather than be confined to the fixed schedules that campus programs demand, ability to attend leading universities regardless of where they live, and the ability to keep their present job and income while attending. In addition to those benefits online nursing degrees cost far less than traditional campus based nursing schools and many forms of financial assistance are readily available.
LPNs who get their RN degree gain an immediate salary increase of $13,000 or more, a larger knowledge base, expanded scope of practice, more autonomy, vastly superior career opportunities, job security, pride in accomplishment, and greater satisfaction in their day-to-day job. LPNs who obtain their RN degree frequently report that becoming an RN opened up a vast array of job opportunities that were previously unavailable to them as an LPN and this refreshed and renewed their nursing career as well as improved their home life since greater opportunities in their career helped reduce nursing burn out and workplace stress.
IN AS LITTLE AS 12 MONTHS YOU CAN BECOME AN RN
RN’s deliver quality care, promote and manage patient care, supervise LPN’s and assistive personnel, collaborate with other members of the health care team as professionals, and function as patient advocates. As an LPN there IS a way you can earn your RN degree from an accredited nursing school in as little as 12 months. You can learn at your own pace, at your own place, and for a fraction of the cost of traditional campus based programs, and you can keep your job and income while you do it. Discover how convenient and affordable earning your LPN to RN degree online can be. Don’t delay any longer. It’s your future. It’s your career. You can have a better tomorrow - starting today.
Sara Ellis RN, BSN has practiced nursing more than 20 years. Visit her online nursing education site to discover how to turn your LPN to RN degree dream into a reality today. The information is free. The benefit to your future is priceless.
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Posted by admin on April 30th, 2009 — Posted in Education Special
The completion of two to four years of education, with an associate degree or a baccalaureate degree, is a basic requirement to become a Registered Nurse. The field of nursing is wide open, because of a shotage of muc needed nurses in hospitals and other venues across the country and the world.
There are many types of courses and providers available. The common goal of these courses is to prepare the future nurses for initial entry into practice and RN licensure [procedure of which differs from state to state in the US] and work their way up the professional ladder.
The candidates should complete a minimum number of hours of CE courses to qualify for licensure. They are also expected to pass the NCLEX-RN® examination. This examination measures the competencies needed to practice nursing safely and effectively as a newly licensed entry-level RN. NCLEX-RN® is used by Boards of Nursing all over the US and its territories.
If a nursing aspirant had her education abroad, she has to take the RNCGFNS, which provides a certification platform and includes a test of English proficiency, and an examination designed to prepare for the NCLEX-RN® examination. The CGFNS certificate program, which is only available for RN candidates, is well-established and serves as a requirement by 42 Boards of Nursing.
The Florida Nurses Association says in the home page of its official website www.floridanurse.org, ‘Nursing is not a job. It is a profession requiring specialized knowledge and skills’. A Continuing Education program is the best way to acquire this.
Nursing Continuing Education provides detailed information on nursing continuing education, free nursing continuing education, nursing continuing education courses, nursing continuing education credits and more. Nursing Continuing Education is affiliated with Top Nursing Schools.
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