What Are the Typical Duties of a STNA?

April 5th, 2010

A state-tested nursing assistant (STNA), by definition, assists other medical professionals, like doctors, registered nurses, and licensed practical nurses, with patient care. Most STNAs work in health care facilities, such as hospitals or nursing homes. However, a growing number of STNAs are providing care to patients in their homes as home health care workers.

 

The STNA is often the person with the most one-on-one interaction with the patient and is the first to discover any health issues the patient may be experiencing. It is a position of great responsibility in the healthcare of a patient. The STNA training in Ohio teaches nursing assistants how to be successful with many of the following skills:

 

1. Personal Hygiene
One of the most common responsibilities of a STNA is taking care of a patient’s daily personal hygiene needs. This may include assisting the patient with going to the bathroom, brushing his or her teeth, changing clothes, and brushing the patient’s hair. The STNA is also often charged with the task of making sure the bedding is changed regularly and the patient is not developing bed sores. Because of these types of duties, a STNA must be in good physical condition.  It can be a physically challenging role.

 

2. Proper Diet
Making sure the patients maintain a healthy diet is also an important task for the STNA. In cases where the patient cannot feed themselves, the STNA will be expected to feed them. In cases of finicky eaters, the STNA is the one charged with trying to make sure the patient is getting proper nutrition and recording what has been eaten each day so the doctors or nurses can determine if other sources of nutrients are needed.

 

3. Vital Signs
The STNA is often the person who takes and records the regular vital signs for the patient, such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration statistics. The STNA is trained to look at the results, note any irregularities or surrounding conditions, and point out potential issues to the rest of the medical team.

 

4. Emotional Support
But probably the most important task of the STNA is to provide emotional support and encouragement to the patient and the family. Many times, the patient just needs to know that someone cares. The ability to provide a friendly smile, a kind word, and just being able to listen to the patient are vital skills for every STNA.

 

Top-notch STNA training in Ohio can be found here at Premier Choice Health Services.  Call us today to get registered and get started on your new exciting career.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Patient care, STNA Classes, STNA duties | 1 Comment »

Keep Your Patients Active

March 29th, 2010

It is extremely important to keep your patients as active as possible.  During the STNA training in Ohio, students learn that activity improves and maintains physical and mental health for the patients.  Our training teaches students how to engage. Patients who are inactive may experience

  • Loss of self-esteem
  • Depression
  • Boredom
  • Pneumonia
  • Urinary Tract Infections
  • Constipation
  • Blood clots
  • Dulling of the senses

 Meaningful activities help promote independence, memory, self-esteem, and quality of life. Physical activity can also help manage disease states, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Regular activity can also:

  • Lessen the risk of heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes, and obesity
  • Relieve symptoms of depression
  • Improve mood and concentration
  • Improve bodily functions
  • Lower the risk of falls
  • Improve sleep quality
  • Improve the patient’s ability to cope with stress
  • Increase energy
  • Increase appetite and promote better eating habits.

 Many facilities have an activity department that encourages residents to socialize and to be physically and mentally active. Activities such as exercise, arts and crafts, games, reading, gardening, and religious events are regularly scheduled and patients are encouraged to participate to the best of their physical and mental abilities. These activities are often a regular part of daily schedules and are usually posted in conspicuous places throughout a facility.

While encouraging residents to be active, you must also be respectful of their wishes. Some residents may simply not want to participate. Ask them why they do not want to participate and respect that feeling, rather than treating them like a child, which is embarrassing and demeaning.

  • The resident may not want to participate because he or she does not know how to do the activity and they don’t want to be embarrassed. Removed from the group, patiently teach them what they need to know about the activity.
  • Offer an alternative activity.

The goal is to keep patients as healthy and active as possible.

Tags: ,
Posted in Patient care, STNA Classes | 2 Comments »

Working with Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease

March 13th, 2010

Alzheimer’s Disease, or AD, is one of the most common causes of dementia in the elderly and more than half of nursing home patients in the US may have it, or a related disorder. AD causes tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, which eventually cause dementia. The disease progressively gets worse, causing greater and greater loss of health and abilities.

Symptoms of AD appear gradually and tend to start with memory loss. Patients tend to become disoriented and start to lose their communication abilities. Mood and behavior change, leading to aggressiveness, wandering, and withdrawal. Eventually, the patient loses all ability to care for himself or herself.

When working with a patient with AD, in addition to helping the resident continue to do things for himself or herself, which can slow AD’s progression, there are things you can do to make it easier to work with a resident with this frustrating and debilitating condition.

  • Do not take their behavior personally.
  • Treat residents with AD with dignity and respect, as you would want to be treated.
  • Work with the symptoms and behaviors you see.
  • Work as a team.
  • Encourage communication.
  • Take care of yourself.
  • Work with family members.
  • Follow the goals of the resident care plan.

When communicating with the patient,

Do not startle the patient. Always approach from the front.

  • Determine how close the resident wants you to be.
  • Speak slowly in a calm, low voice, preferably in a room that has little background noise.
  • Always identify yourself and use the resident’s name.
  • Repeat yourself as often as needed.
  • Use signs, pictures, gestures, or written words, if needed.
  • Break complex tasks into smaller, simpler ones, giving simple step-by-step instructions when needed.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in STNA Classes | No Comments »

How to Re-Enter the Healthcare Job Market

February 28th, 2010

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.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

How to be Safe as a Home Healthcare Worker

February 15th, 2010

Despite 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.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

How to Deal with a Difficult Patient

February 7th, 2010

They 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.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Honoring Cultural Diversity in Your Patients

January 30th, 2010

One 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.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Standard Infection Control Procedures

November 30th, 2009

As a nursing assistant, you will need to be vigilant at all times about taking certain precautions to prevent the spread of infection. Standard precautions include the following:

Wearing gloves. In the of duty, you will come into contact with blood, bodily fluids, and secretions, broken skin (abrasions, acne, cuts, stitches, or staples), or mucous membranes (linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, vagina, rectum, and penis). You may be involved in mouth care, bathroom assistance, perineal care, or helping with a bedpan, urinal, or other containers for bodily fluids.

Wash your hands frequently. You will wash your hands before putting on gloves and immediately after removing them. Be careful not to touch clean objects with used gloves.

Remove gloves immediately after finishing a procedure.

Immediately wash all skin surfaces that have been contaminated with blood and bodily fluids.

Wear a disposable gown if you may come into contact with blood or other fluids.

Wear a mask and protective goggles if you may have come into contact with splashing or spraying blood or bodily fluids.

Wear gloves and use caution when handling razor blades, needles, or other sharp objects.

Never attempt to cap needles or other sharp objects. Instead, dispose of them in an approved container.

Avoid nicks and cuts. Always be careful when shaving residents.

Carefully bag all contaminated supplies. Dispose of them according to your facility’s policy.

Clearly label all bodily fluids that are being saved for a specimen with the resident’s name and a biohazard label. Keep them in a container with a lid.

Dispose of contaminated wastes according to your facility’s policy.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in STNA Classes | 5 Comments »

Barriers to Communication

November 22nd, 2009

One of the most important, and most challenging, aspects of your career as a nursing assistant will be communication. Unfortunately, communication with your residents can be blocked in several ways.

Resident does not hear you, does not hear correctly, or does not understand. The best thing you can do in this situation is to face the resident directly and speak at a slower pace. Speak clearly and do not mumble.

Resident is difficult to understand. Be patient and take the time to listen to what the resident is saying. Politely ask your resident to repeat or explain. Restate the message in your own words to ensure that you heard correctly.

Message contains words that the receiver does not understand. Do not use medical jargon with residents. Use simple and clear language that can easily be understood.

Do not use slang words and do not curse. Slang can confuse the message and is not always easily understood, plus it is considered unprofessional. Do not curse or use profanity, even if the resident does.

Avoid cliches. These are overused words and phrases that doesn’t actually have meaning. Instead, listen to what is actually being said and respond with a meaningful message.

Giving advice is inappropriate. Giving advice or opinions is outside of your realm of expertise as a nursing assistant, is inappropriate, and can be dangerous.

Asking “why” makes residents feel defensive.

Asking yes/no questions are conversation killers. Rather than asking a resident if they slept well, try asking, “how did you sleep last night?”

Get to know your residents and respect what they want/don’t want to talk about.

Culture can also affect conversation. These are learned behaviors that are influenced by outside sources, such as a person’s background, values, and language.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in STNA Classes | No Comments »

Defining Professionalism

November 15th, 2009
In no field more than in nursing will you hear the word “professionalism” used on a regular basis. For the record, it is has nothing to do with how you live your life outside of your job.  Instead, professionalism is a set of standards as to how you do your job – how you dress, how you do your job, the words you use, and what you talk about.
Professionalism with a resident includes:
Keeping a positive attitude
Doing only the tasks you are trained to do
Keeping residents; information confidential
Being polite and cheerful at all times
Not discussing your personal problems
Refraining from using profanity
Listening to a resident
Calling residents by proper titles
Always explaining care before you give it
Following practices, such as hand washing, to protect both you and the residents.
With an employer, professional behavior includes:
Completing tasks efficiently
Following all policies and procedures
Careful and correct documentation
Reporting anything that keeps you from completing duties
Asking questions when you do not understand something
Objectively taking directions and criticism
Being clean and neatly dressed and groomed
Always being on time
Telling your employer if you cannot report for work
Following the chain of command
Participating in education programs
Being a positive role model
Above all else, professional behavior involves putting your patients’ needs above your own and always maintaining a positive image to your employer, as well as to your patients and their families.

In no field more than in nursing will you hear the word “professionalism” used on a regular basis. For the record, it is has nothing to do with how you live your life outside of your job.  Instead, professionalism is a set of standards as to how you do your job – how you dress, how you do your job, the words you use, and what you talk about.

Professionalism with a resident includes:

  • Keeping a positive attitude
  • Doing only the tasks you are trained to do
  • Keeping residents; information confidential
  • Being polite and cheerful at all times
  • Not discussing your personal problems
  • Refraining from using profanity
  • Listening to a resident
  • Calling residents by proper titles
  • Always explaining care before you give it
  • Following practices, such as hand washing, to protect both you and the residents.

With an employer, professional behavior includes:

  • Completing tasks efficiently
  • Following all policies and procedures
  • Careful and correct documentation
  • Reporting anything that keeps you from completing duties
  • Asking questions when you do not understand something
  • Objectively taking directions and criticism
  • Being clean and neatly dressed and groomed
  • Always being on time
  • Telling your employer if you cannot report for work
  • Following the chain of command
  • Participating in education programs
  • Being a positive role model

Above all else, professional behavior involves putting your patients’ needs above your own and always maintaining a positive image to your employer, as well as to your patients and their families.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in STNA Classes | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »