Your Career After CNA Training

The fact that Alzheimer’s disease and dementia is not the same illness is something you’ll discover, during the progression of your CNA training. In fact, like many people, you may be surprised to learn that dementia is the broad term used to describe various types and warning signs of memory loss ailments and Alzheimer’s is actually one of dementia’s most common causes.

Dementia typically affects the elderly. The same holds true for Alzheimer’s disease, with one exception. Early Onset Alzheimer’s is known to affect individuals as young as 40.

CNA Training Covers the Symptoms of Dementia

No two people exhibit the same symptoms of dementia. Each case is different and must be treated accordingly. Some well-known symptoms include:

• difficulty performing everyday tasks
• higher than normal levels of nervousness and agitation
• forgetfulness
• problems thinking ahead or planning things

In regard to forgetfulness, it is important to note that not all memory loss is a sign of future dementia. Many people experience a small degree of forgetfulness as a normal part of aging. It is nothing to be overly concerned about. Read the rest of this entry »

After CNA Training

As a graduate of a CNA training program, you have the knowledge to work with elderly patients. Younger residents have become a large part of the nursing home population. The younger patients are there for various reasons. Many times the patients have an illness or disability that is too difficult for the families to deal with physically or emotionally. The only other option is to enter into a long term care facility. If you have a younger generation patient, you will need to assist them differently than your elderly patients.

Your CNA Training – Dealing With Social Isolation Regardless of Age

• Encourage Them Not to Lose Contact With Friends and Family-  It can be depressing for a younger patient not to be around residents in the same age range. If the patient is mobile, you should encourage the patient to visit family and friends and have the friends and family visit as often as possible. Tell family and friends to bring gifts, music and books for them to enjoy. Sports events, shopping and movies can help liven up the mood. Read the rest of this entry »

Your Career After CNA Training

As a certified nursing assistant you are ready to work after your CNA training. One thing you may not have planned on was working at a facility that does not have enough employees to provide quality care to the patients. When your workload increases, patients suffer. If your shift is constantly experiencing staffing issues, you must learn how to effectively cope within the environment. Once you put some coping strategies in place, patient outcomes and job satisfaction will improve.

CNA Training & Prioritizing Your Day

• Arrive to Work Early- It is true that if you get a late start, your entire day is ruined. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. You will be aware of any staffing problems early, be able to talk to the CNAs on the previous shift, and schedule your day properly so you can avoid any additional stress. Getting to work early will also let your patients know you are prepared.

• List Your Assignments From Most Important to Least Important- Every task on your schedule has a level of importance. There are some things that must be taken care of in a reasonable amount of time. Other things can wait until after lunch or when things have settled down. Know what things you can put off without jeopardizing patient care. The skills you learned in CNA training will help you figure this out. Read the rest of this entry »

After CNA Training

Once you complete your CNA training and are working, you will be feeding patients on a regular basis. Often you will have a number of patients to hand feed each meal. It is very important that you take time and pay attention to how the patient chews and swallows. If you hear any coughing or gagging or if the patient drools a lot, there could be a problem. Aspiration occurs when a patient improperly swallows food, drink or saliva and it ends up in their lungs. This can create many health problems and needs to be prevented. There are a few things you learned during your school that will help though you may not have learned why you do them.

CNA Training and Hand Feeding

While you were in CNA training you had the opportunity to hand feed a few patients. Some of the techniques you were taught will help avoid aspiration. Read the rest of this entry »

After CNA Training

Once your CNA training is complete, your next step is to find gainful employment. Like many other industries, competition is often steep so, the last thing you want to do is get on the wrong side of the hiring manager. Here is a short list of things that you DON’T want to do, when conducting your job search.

Your Job Search After CNA Training – Late

Arriving late, for an interview, is probably one of the easiest ways to give a hiring manager the wrong impression. Of course, emergencies do occur. But, in those rare cases, it is typically better to reschedule the meeting instead of arriving late.

Being late, for no valid reason, is a tell tale sign of a CNA training graduate who doesn’t take his or her job seriously. It also gives the manager ample reason for concern, in regard to your overall dependability. The last thing he or she wants to do is hire someone who, in all likelihood, will have difficulty getting to work on time.

 Your Job Search After CNA Training – Unprepared Read the rest of this entry »

After CNA Training

When you become a certified nursing assistant, you will utilize all of the CNA training you have acquired to make the best decisions for your patients. Fire can occur anywhere, and when a hospital or long term care facility is the location of a fire, the end result can be fatal. You may have wondered if you would be truly prepared if a fire started in the workplace. The best thing you can do for your patients is remain calm and follow the RACE guidelines you learned during CNA training.

R.A.C.E. Guidelines in Action After CNA Training

R-Rescue: Your CNA training will have prepared you to make sure that the patients who are in the direct path of the fire are moved to safety first. There may not be flames, but smoke can also be fatal. Crawl below the smoke and do not breathe it in.

If the area you are in is filled with smoke, find a cloth to cover your mouth and your patient’s mouth.
If an article of clothing that you or your patient is wearing catches fire, you will need to IMMEDIATELY: Read the rest of this entry »

After CNA Training

During CNA training you could be kicked out of the program if you went to a clinical location while you were sick. When you work with the sick or elderly you are working with people who do not have a strong immune system. A simple cold is often very hard for them; something as serious as the flu can be deadly. In an effort to keep patients from contracting the flu or any other contagious disease, CNA training graduates must learn, remember and practice the simple rules that follow.

A Quick Refresher from CNA Training

Before the CNA training instructor allowed you to begin going to any clinical experience site you had to prove you understood some basic procedures to keep from spreading disease to your patient. You may be done with training, but they are as important as ever, and probably even more so. Read the rest of this entry »

CNA Training

When you receive certification from a CNA training course, the education does not stop there. Continuing education is important for all healthcare professionals. You need to be knowledgeable in the current information and technology that is available for patient care. It is a federal law that CNAs obtain continuing education classes every year before re-certification. CPR is a life saving skill and is one of the required courses all CNAs must take. Many options are available when choosing how and where to receive the certification.

CPR Certification is available online for your CNA Training

• If you choose to take an online CPR certification course, research the site and make sure it is credible.
• Make sure you have the option of working with a live instructor. You will also need equipment so you will know you are performing CPR correctly.
• Check with your employer to make sure that an online certification will be accepted. If is is not accepted and you have already taken the course, ask about a refund policy. Read the rest of this entry »

Your Career After CNA Training

Part of your CNA training will include general statistics and the many wonderful benefits of employment in the industry. Choosing to work as a CNA certainly IS something to be proud of. There will always be a need for qualified and compassionate CNA training graduates, regardless of the nation’s overall employment outlook.

Yes, the job is sometimes stressful. But, the rewarding feeling you get when helping patients live the most fulfilling life possible makes the stress well worth it.

CNA Training and Statistics

According to the National Network of Career Nursing Assistants, 28% of CNA’s remain in the industry for five years or more. Over 12% stay at least 10 years. Some of the most dedicated individuals work in the field for up to 55 years. It goes without saying that they are certainly proud of what they do. Read the rest of this entry »

CNA Training

A new addition to many CNA training courses is the importance and various advantages of pet therapy for your patients. Animals give love unconditionally. They bring joy and comfort to everyone around them, without even trying.

CNA Training Provider’s Advocate Pet Therapy

It really isn’t a surprise that CNA training agencies support the use of pet therapy. This type of therapy yields excellent results. Not only is it rewarding to patients, “four-legged therapists” benefit from the added attention, too.

Studies have shown that interacting with animals actually helps to reduce anxiety and stress. Pet therapy has a very calming effect. In many cases, patient’s feel less anxious around these animals than they do human therapists. Surprising to some, even watching colorful fish swim in their aquarium can be a stress reducer. Read the rest of this entry »