Maybe you’ve been out of the job search for a while – raising your family, in another line of work, or were employed for a long time – and you may be intimidated by a job search. It’s common for STNA’s to re-enter the job market after spending time away doing other things and it’s also possible to make a smooth transition back into the healthcare workforce if you are willing to update your skills and adjust your attitude.
Entertain your options. Don’t assume you should return to the same type of work you did before. For example, hospital professionals today face a heavier workload and more acutely ill patients than in years past. You could be much happier in a different environment.
Look Into Your Options. You’ll have to research to redefine your career goal. The library and internet are extremely valuable tools, plus you’ll also want network through professional organizations, set up informational interviews, and attend job fairs.
Stay in the Game. As you’re researching career options, you should also investigate health industry trends. Take note of the latest buzzwords and acronyms that may come up during interviews.
Refresh Your SkillsMake sure that your clinical skills are up to snuff. At a minimum, you must fulfill the necessary educational requirements for professional re-licensure. You may also want to take a clinical refresher course.
Computers are Your Friends. Computer literacy is almost a prerequisite in most health professions. At the very least, you should know the basic functions of a computer and how to use a keyboard.
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
How to Re-Enter the Healthcare Job Market
Sunday, February 28th, 2010How to be Safe as a Home Healthcare Worker
Monday, February 15th, 2010Despite what may sound like an idea assignment for a STNA, home healthcare workers face a range of safety risks — including overexertion, falls, car accidents and hostile pets — that make their jobs more treacherous than those of their hospital counterparts. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that home healthcare workers are 50% more likely to be injured on the job. What can you do to stay safe?
Be aware at all times. Working in patients’ homes is unpredictable, so you must stay aware of your surroundings.
Pay attention to what you’re doing. Lifting or moving patients puts home healthcare workers at risk of back strain or injury. Don’t remove your shoes in a client’s home, because you may slip or step on something sharp.  Also beware of household hazards like slippery bathroom floors or open cupboards, which can also cause injury.
Protect Yourself
- Confirm visits with clients before you arrive.
- Make sure you have detailed directions to a new client’s home.
- Keep your car in good working order and the gas tank full.
- Pull onto the shoulder or into a parking lot rather than trying to simultaneously drive, talk on the phone and read directions.
- Keep your car windows closed and your doors locked.
- Lock your bag in the trunk.
- Have an extra set of keys in case you lock yours in the car.
- Make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
- Never go into a situation where you feel unsafe.
How to Deal with a Difficult Patient
Sunday, February 7th, 2010They complain, shout, swear and may even try to hit you – despite your good intentions, difficult patients can be an unfortunate fact of life in healthcare.
It’s often impossible to predict which patients will likely become difficult, abusive or violent. While some patients are prone to violent behavior because of their disease state, the best thing you can do is to watch for certain emotions. Isolation and fear can lead to anger, which can escalate into violence. Many patients also feel let down by their failing bodies, while others experience spiritual betrayal, asking why God let this happen to them.
Regardless of the circumstances, here are some things you can do when faced with a difficult patient.
- Notice a patient’s words, voice or attitude to pick up on rising anger levels. Overly compliant behavior is also a warning sign that a patient has lost his identity and sense of competence, which can lead to vulnerability, fear, anger and violence.
- Uncover and directly address a patient’s underlying feelings with comments. Saying, “You sound worried. What can we do to help?” will go a long way toward establishing a personal connection and cooperation.
- Show respect. Make eye contact, and try to approach patients at eye level. Always address patients as Mr. or Mrs., and speak in a friendly manner.
- Rushing can be counterproductive, especially when caring for those with dementia.
- Enlist relatives to help break the isolation, create solutions and provide support.
- Know your employer’s patient bill of rights, as well as its policies and procedures for dealing with difficult patients.
- Do not tolerate disruptive behavior. Clearly explain what is unacceptable to avoid problems later.
- Don’t take it personally.
Honoring Cultural Diversity in Your Patients
Saturday, January 30th, 2010One of the great things about our world is the wide variety of people who live and work together. One of the many aspects of your job as a State Trained Nursing Assistant is to be aware and knowledgeable of many cultures – each culture has different lifestyles, religions, customs, and behaviors – you will need to honor these as you work with your patients. It is important to respect each patient as an individual. Respond with respect and acceptance.
Cultural background affects how friendly people are to strangers and it can affect how closely they want you to stand to them as you speak to them. You cannot expect to be treated the same by all of your patients and you may have to adjust your behavior to suit their personal comfort level. While you will need to treat each patient with courtesy and respect, you should expect them to treat you respectfully, as well.
A patient may speak a different primary language and may require the use of an interpreter. You can also learn a few comments or phrases in your patient’s native language, or you may choose to communicate through the use hand gestures or flash cards.
Religion also plays an important role in patients’ lives, particularly if they are critically ill or dying. You must respect the patient’s religious beliefs and practices, even if they are different from your own. Never question the patient’s beliefs and do not discuss your beliefs with them.
Some patients’ backgrounds make them uncomfortable with being touched. While touch is a critical part of your job duties, be sensitive to your patient’s feelings if they become uncomfortable. Adjust care to your patient’s needs.
Why Should You be a Nursing Assistant?
Saturday, October 17th, 2009Of all of the career options before you, why should you want to become a nursing assistant? For those who like to help others and want to work in the medical field, it can be an exciting and fulfilling career option. A Nursing assistant certificate can open doors to a variety of medical facilities, plus there is a high demand of skilled nursing assistants in the market, plus this profession can be extremely rewarding for someone wishing to make a difference in others’ lives by helping them.
Nursing assistants are the bridge between the patients and the medical staff, providing assistance to ensure the patients’ comfort. They also provide critical emotional support to the patients and their family. Nursing assistants prepare and maintain a report of the patients’ medical condition and vital signs, to which nursing staff refer while attending to patient. Nursing assistants also assist the nursing staff in setting up medical equipment and moving the patients whenever necessary. This job offers constant variety because things change daily – each day has its own set of challenges.
A nursing assistant’s job is challenging and it comes with many responsibilities, and it is a great choice for those who are passionate about helping others. Strong communication skills are also vital in this profession as you must communicate clearly and effectively with the patients and other medical staff at all times. Overall, being a nursing assistant allows you to touch the lives of many people and make a difference in the world.