CNA Chapter 10: Caring for Yourself

how can NA seeking work locate potential employers?

•Internet

•Job websites

•Google

•Local newspaper's website

•Classified ads

•Instructors and their employers and personal contacts

when apply for a job it is important to have what documents on hand?

•Identification such as driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, or passport

•Proof of legal ability to work in this country

•Credentials such as school diplomas (course completion/graduation certificates, NA certification, other certification), including the names of instructors

•Letters of reference from former employers or teachers, not family or friends

what should a resume include?

•Contact details

•Educational experience, starting with most recent

•Work experience, starting with most recent

•Special skills

•Memberships in professional organizations

•Volunteer work

what is general info that is need for a job application?

•Your address, phone number, and email address

•Birth date and social security number

•Training school and dates, certification numbers

•Previous employers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses; and dates of employment

•Salary information from previous jobs

•Reasons why you left former jobs

•References, including phone numbers and email addresses

•Availability (days and hours)

•Brief statement about why you are changing jobs

What tips help a candidate make a good impression at a job interview?

•Shower or bathe and use deodorant.

•Brush your teeth.

•Wash your hands. Clean and file your nails. Do not wear artificial nails.

•Wear only simple makeup and jewelry or none at all.

•Clean and file your nails. Do not wear artificial nails.

•Style clean hair simply.

•Shave or trim facial hair before interview.

•Dress neatly and appropriately.

•Do not wear perfume or cologne.

•Do not smoke beforehand.

•Arrive 10 or 15 minutes early.

•Do not bring friends or children with you.

•Turn off your phone.

•Introduce yourself.

•Answer questions clearly and completely.

•Make eye contact.

•Avoid slang expressions

•Never eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke.

•Sit up or stand up straight.

•Relax and be confident.

What are important things to know about job descriptions?

•Agreement between employer and employee

•States responsibilities and tasks

•Includes skills required, to whom employee reports, salary

•Protects both parties

•Protects employee from change in duties without notification

•Protects employee from being fired for something unrelated to job description

•Protects employer from employee saying she did not know certain duties were required

•Reduces misunderstandings

•Can be used if legal issues arise

how should NA manage time properly?

•Plan ahead.

•Prioritize.

•Make a schedule.

•Combine activities.

•Get help when needed.

what should NA remember for guidelines for resolving conflict?

•Plan to discuss at the right time and in the right place.

•Do not interrupt.

•Do not get emotional.

•Check body language.

•Keep focus on the issue at hand.

•Be prepared to brainstorm solutions and to compromise.

how can one get the most out of constructive criticism?

•Ask for details.

•Ask for suggestions.

•Apologize and move on.

What should NA remember regarding certification guidelines?

•OBRA requires 75 hours of initial training and 12 annual hours of continuing education

•There is a set time frame during which the state test must be taken or the NA will have to take a new training course. 

•NA must work for pay within first 24 months.

•NA usually has three chances to pass test

•NA must keep certification current.

What are important facts about state registries?

•Required by OBRA

•Often maintained by state’s Board of Nursing or Department of Health

•Contains NA’s training information, results of exams, and any findings of abuse, neglect or theft

•Employers can access to verify certification and check for abuse investigations/findings.

what are the areas of responsibility for NAs when receiving continuing education?

•Sign up and know the location.

•Attend class.

•Pay attention and complete requirements.

•Participate.

•Keep records of attendance.

define stress

state of being frightened, excited, confused, in danger, or irritated

define stressor

something that causes stress

what are guidelines for managing stress for NAs?

•Healthy diet

•Exercise

•Enough sleep

•Drinking in moderation

•Not smoking

•Doing something relaxing (bath, reading, movie, being in nature, something artistic, yoga, exercise, massage, music, meditation)

when stress isn’t managed what problems can it causes?

•Showing anger or being abusive toward residents

•Arguing with your supervisor

•Having poor relationships with coworkers and residents

•Complaining about your job and your responsibilities

•Feeling work-related burnout

•Feeling tired even when you are rested

•Having a difficult time focusing

what are appropriate sources for managing stress?

•Supervisor/care team member

•Family

•Friends

•Support group

•Place of worship

•Doctor

•Mental health agency

•Phone hotline