Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012 Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength You play a KEY role in the long-term care facility  Meeting residents’ basic physical needs (grooming, bathing, mobility, feeding)  Providing emotional support to residents  Providing companionship (esp. for residents who have no family)  Keeping the environment safe

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength Meeting the caregiving challenge Is a two-step process:  Nurturing yourself  Nurturing each other

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength Nurturing yourself Meeting the demands of your personal and work life takes:  Physical health  Emotional health

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength Tips for good health  Regular check-ups with your health care provider and dentist  Good nutrition  Exercise the body and mind  Rest—we need regular deep sleep every night  Balance between work and personal life  Recreation—each day do something you enjoy

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength Learn your strengths and weaknesses  We all have areas that need improvement Is there a procedure you don’t understand? Are you unsure how to handle a situation at work?  Tackling the weaknesses Ask a lot of questions Get extra training if needed  Reach out to others for support Ask a more experienced CNA or nurse for advice

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength Nurturing others  As an experienced CNA you can: Offer to help train new CNAs (mentoring) –Welcome newcomers to the group –Explain the shift routine –Demonstrate procedures –Provide helpful feedback and encouragement  Help co-workers with their assignments

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength Mentoring—passing along your skills  Formal Such as “Growing Strong Roots” or your own facility’s version Usually involves a set schedule, goals, classroom activities  Informal A new CNA works alongside more experienced staff  A combination of formal and informal methods

Copyright © 2012 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2012Caregiving as a career: Finding your strength Take credit for your contribution  Educate others about what you do  Support each other  Take care of the caregiver—YOU!