Tips and Tricks for CNAs

The job of a certified nursing assistant is challenging and rewarding by nature. Professionals choosing this career should be physically and mentally prepared to serve the patients in critical conditions. But besides taking care of patients, you need to take care of your body too. Here are some important tips and tricks, which can help you in your professional career.

• Knowing facility rules/ Employment issues: Before starting your new job, you should be very well aware of the facilities, policies and rules.  If some information is missing, try to find out the possible source.
• Watching your mentor: Just examine how your mentor works – directly or indirectly, with staff and residents. You will learn a lot by observing. Become familiar with the nurses, residents and peers. Try to gather more information from them.
• Develop solid peer relationships: Never display a superior attitude, be gracious and helpful to other employees of the facility and newcomers as well. Be considerate of your peers. Try to praise and learn good things from others.
• Avoid costly mistakes:  For this, you need to first find out which residents will be regularly working with. Try to know their individual needs and understand their care plans properly. If anything is unclear, you can always ask incharge nurses.
• Keep your residents happy: Extra care will keep your residents happy. Don’t rush through you tasks; try to interact with the residents as much as you can. Take care of their meals in concern with their liking and disliking.
• Be prepared with a basic work kit: Your basic work kit should include things like, pen, permanent marker, extra gloves and tape measure. Keep a pocket size note book with you, to note down important names and phone numbers, for remembrance.
• Peri-wash should always be with you:  Peri-wash is a great pre-treatment for fabric strains and will help you in keeping your residents clean and fresh between baths and toileting. This will keep your uniform free from nasty strains.
  
• Safety razors: It is better to carry a few safety razors, as some male residents can ask for a shave as well.
• Take care of yourself: Take a proper meal and drink a lot of water. Always do some stretching before work, it will prevent back injuries and will help loosen all the muscles. Use good body mechanics while lifting patients. Take a proper sleep. Always use gloves and masks when needed.
• Liquid soap: You should always keep a bottle of liquid soap in your pocket, in case a resident runs out of body wash, shampoo or other toiletries.
• Keep a tiny first aid kit: Your first aid kit should include a few bandages, a packet of antibiotic cream and a dose of pain reliever. Don’t give any medicines to residents without asking the physician. You can use it for yourself as well.

As a final note, a CNA is a respected professional, who is meant to take care of others. Have fun and take your work seriously.