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Luxor Healthcare

Chapter 10: Caring for Yourself

1.     Describe how to find a job

What are the best ways to find jobs?                      

How did you hear about this NA course?


1.     Describe how to find a job

Jerome has just finished an NA course and received certification. He is preparing to attend a job fair where several local long-term care facilities will be represented. Some will be accepting applications during the fair.

What documents should Jerome take with him?

A flyer for the job fair suggests that job-seekers bring several copies of their résumé. Jerome has never made a résumé before. What should it include?

What information should Jerome be prepared to provide on a job application?


1.     Describe how to find a job

REMEMBER:              

It is essential to be honest when completing job applications, even if that means including negative information like a criminal history. Not doing so may be considered fraud.


What tips should Jerome follow to present himself professionally at the job fair? He has heard that


1.     Describe how to find a job

some employers will conduct interviews at the fair or will schedule interviews for the following days. How can he make a good impression?


2.  Describe a standard job description and explain how to manage time and assignments

True or False?

A job description is an advertisement used to tell people about a job that is available at a facility and how to apply for the job.


2.  Describe a standard job description and explain how to manage time and assignments

REMEMBER:

When taking care of residents, NAs must be able to manage time well. Managing time properly ensures all tasks can be completed during a shift.


2.  Describe a standard job description and explain how to manage time and assignments

During an interview at the job fair, a potential employer asked Jerome to give an example of when he had to manage time carefully. He described the week of his final exams, when he had to study, attend classes, help care for his younger sister, and work at his food delivery job. He told the interviewer that he had made a schedule for himself after deciding on his most important priorities.

How could this approach work for an NA?

When might an NA need to get help?

Where can an NA find help if she needs it?


3.        Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict

REMEMBER:              

Everyone experiences conflict at some point, but conflict at work may harm productivity and the workplace environment if it is not managed or resolved.


3.        Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict

What impact do you think unresolved workplace conflict might have on the quality of care residents receive?


3.        Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict

True or False?              

It is best to address conflict right away, even if it means that resident care is interrupted.


4.        Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism

Which of these is an appropriate type of feedback for an NA to receive from an employer?

“You just need to stop messing up. I’m tired of having to follow you around and fix things.”

“There have been several times lately when you have forgotten to document care. I would like you to make more of an effort to document right away.”


4.        Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism

What would be a good response to the constructive feedback on the last slide?

REMEMBER:

Evaluations are often the basis for advancement and salary increases. It is helpful for NAs to be open to constructive feedback and to use their employers’ suggestions for improvement.


4.        Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism

Jerome has been working for a year as an NA after getting a job at the job fair he attended when he is accepted to an RN program at a university in another city.

When should Jerome inform his employer that he will be leaving?


5.       Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry

Use information from this learning objective to finish these sentences:

OBRA requires ___ hours as the minimum level of initial training for an NA.

After completing an approved training program, NAs are given a _______ ________ so that they can be certified to work in a state.


5.       Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry

True or False?

OBRA requires that each state keep a registry of nursing assistants.


6. Describe continuing education

REMEMBER:

The government requires that NAs receive 12 hours of continuing education every year.


6. Describe continuing education

Continuing education is required, but it can also help NAs build skills and provide better care.

How can an NA get the most out of a continuing education course?


7.    Explain ways to manage stress

stress the state of being frightened, excited, confused, in danger, or irritated.

stressor something that causes stress.


7.    Explain ways to manage stress

REMEMBER:              

Many things, both personal and professional, cause stress. Stress happens because of a stressor. Anything—even positive things like a new job—can be a stressor.


7.    Explain ways to manage stress

What are some examples of negative situations    that can cause stress? How can positive situations, such as starting a new job or having a baby, be stressors?


7.    Explain ways to manage stress

How do you manage stress?                                     

What helps you feel better?

Are there certain types of behavior that are common for you when you are stressed?

Is it easy for you to recognize when you are stressed?


7.    Explain ways to manage stress

True or False?              

It is unprofessional to ask anyone for help managing stress.


7.    Explain ways to manage stress

REMEMBER:              

NAs must not discuss their stress with residents or with residents’ friends or family members.


7.    Explain ways to manage stress

Why did you choose to become an NA?            

What does it mean to you to be able to help others?

How will you remind yourself of how valuable your work is?