Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Caring with confidence June 2011

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence What is confidence? According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, confidence is defined as: “Faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, and effective way”

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence Examples of confidence  Examples of caregiver confidence: –I trust that I can help this resident to have a comfortable bathing experience. –I have faith that when I take vital signs, they are accurate. –I feel comfortable talking to family members about their concerns.  What are your own areas of confidence?  Do you lack confidence with an aspect of caregiving? –

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence You CAN improve your confidence  It is natural to lack confidence, especially in new or unfamiliar situations  Improving your confidence level will: –improve your caregiving AND –make you happier in your job!

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence Building blocks of confidence  Knowledge  Skills  Communication Let’s look at these one at a time…

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence Knowledge  This is the foundation of your work  You need to know about: –body systems and how they work –how infections are transmitted –the emotional and physical needs of older adults –and much more  Do you still have your course materials from your CNA training? Dust them off and review them from time to time!  Ask a nurse or inservice coordinator for resources

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence Hands-on skills  These are the NUTS and BOLTS of your job  Examples –How to take vital signs (BP, Temp, Pulse, Respirations) –Proper handwashing technique –How to bathe or transfer a resident  We all need to keep our skills current –Read about proper procedures (and your facility’s policies) –Ask someone to observe and critique your performance

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence Communication  As a caregiver, you communicate with others CONSTANTLY ! –Residents and their families, nurses, other CNAs –Caregiving is all about relationships  Good communication –is a learned skill –Helps to avoid conflict and to resolve those that do arise

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence Tips for better communication  View the situation through the other person’s eyes –This is harder than it sounds, and takes practice –DO try this at home!  If a conflict is brewing: –ask to meet privately at a quiet time  Begin with your observations (“I”, not blame “you”) –“I notice that…” NOT “You always….” –Look for areas of common ground and state them –Acknowledge the progress you have made –Offer to meet again later if necessary to continue the discussion

Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. June 2011Caring with confidence The recipe for confidence BLEND TOGETHER:  A solid foundation of KNOWLEDGE  Great hands-on SKILLS  Effective COMMUNICATION abilities For a career of CAREGIVING WITH CONFIDENCE