Just for CNAs | Stay up to date with our Blog

CNAs: Do You Feel Beaten Down, Belittled or Bullied at Work?

Linda Leekley — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:03:38 -0400

Is incivility at work making you sick? If so, you’re not alone. Chances are your workplace is infected! In fact, an epidemic of incivility has spread to most healthcare workplaces. Some episodes of incivility are easy to spot. For example, you may actually witness a co-worker yelling at or berating another—or you may be a victim of such behavior yourself. But, other forms of incivility are more subtle and difficult to pin down. read more »

Spotlight on Blood Pressure

Linda Leekley — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 15:13:05 -0400

Have you heard of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)? It is a government agency that (among other things) collects statistics about the health and wellbeing of Americans. Would it surprise you to know that, according to the AHRQ, more than 55 million Americans are being treated for high blood pressure? That breaks down to one out of every four adults!

If you lined up 100 random people who are being treated for high blood pressure, at least 30 of them would be African American, 25 would be Caucasian, 15 would be Hispanic and the rest would be from other races.

Among those same 100 people, 57 would be senior citizens. That’s no surprise, right? If you work with the elderly, you've probably noticed that a number of your clients have high blood pressure. But, it might shock you that 5 of those people would be young adults, age 18 to 40. The other 38 people would be middle-aged, ranging from age 40 to 64.

What about gender? The AHRQ says that our 100 random people would be split fairly evenly—about 52 women and 48 men. It seems that women are a bit more likely than men to seek treatment for their blood pressure.

So, what does hypertension cost our health care system? The amount is a staggering $47 billion! The bulk of that money (more than $21 billion) goes to prescription drugs—with the rest going to doctor and ER visits, hospitalizations and home health care. And all that money is being spent on a condition that, in many cases, is preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices.

As startling as the above facts may be, the real truth is even worse. Remember…that “one in four adults” statistic refers to the number of people who are being treated for their hypertension. In reality, experts guess that one out of every three Americans has high blood pressure—and that includes children! This means that millions of Americans live with untreated high blood pressure. And that boosts their risk of heart attack and stroke.

How is your blood pressure? Remember that a blood pressure is considered normal if it is below 120/80. Anything higher than that is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Here are some sources for more information about hypertension:

The Mayo Clinic

The National Institutes of Health

In the Know's Hypertension Inservice

Remember...high blood pressure is called the silent killer because it causes few--if any--symptoms. If it's been a while since you had yours checked, how about asking a co-worker to take your blood pressure? And, if you are concerned about your blood pressure, please see a physician. read more »

What's So Bad about Smoking Anyway?

Linda Leekley — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 10:50:10 -0500

Did you know that tobacco use causes more deaths each year than HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, suicides, motor vehicle injuries, and murders combined? Here is some information that may give you a new perspective on the dangers of smoking.

What Can Smoking Do to You?

For many years, the American public has known about the very harmful effects of smoking—from bad smelling breath and hair to more serious health issues such as cancer and strokes. The latest U. S. Surgeon General report states that it's even worse than anyone knew. "The toxins from cigarette smoke go everywhere the blood flows." Smoking harms almost all of the body's organs, even the skin.

Is Tobacco Really So Bad?

All forms of tobacco are hazardous to the body-even chewing tobacco and snuff. Believe it or not, there are more than 4000 chemicals in tobacco and around 400 of them are harmful. At least 63 of these chemicals are known to cause cancer in people.

Here are just a few of the ingredients found in tobacco--and the smoke it creates:

Acetone-a chemical used in nail polish remover.
Hydrogen Cyanide-rat poison.
Carbon Monoxide-an odorless, colorless toxic gas.
Arsenic-a fatal poison.
Formaldehyde-a chemical used to preserve the dead.
Nicotine-the chemical that makes cigarettes so addictive.
Lead-a poisonous metal.

Many Americans Are Kicking the Habit

If your client is a smoker, it's very important to encourage him not to smoke in bed, near drapes or to fall asleep in a chair while smoking. Cigarette smoking is a major cause of fire-related deaths in the home. Smoking causes about 30% of fire deaths and causes over 2,400 injuries each year in the United States.

If you are a smoker as well, think about quitting with your client so that you can help each other "kick the habit." But, remember...it takes most smokers several attempts to quit before they are successful. So someone should never give up after only one try. And, while withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are temporary, lasting only one to two weeks.

It isn't easy to quit smoking, but it's not impossible either. More than 3 million Americans quit every year! Overall, nearly 47 million Americans have kicked the habit—and the popularity of smoking has dropped 42% in the last 20 years.

Many state governments have gotten involved, banning smoking from certain areas. Even here in North Carolina (the heart of tobacco country), smoking is banned in most public indoor areas. How does your state stack up? Find the map on this web page and click on your state to find out.

And, consider completing our inservice: The Effects of Smoking. This inservice discusses the negative effects that smoking has on the body—from mild side-effects to smoking-related diseases. It includes the hazards of secondhand smoke, why it's so difficult to stop smoking, various methods for stopping, benefits of quitting the habit, tips to help your clients, and much more.

HELP! MDS 3.0 is Here!

megan — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:16:02 -0400

On October 1st, 2010, all long-term care facilities were required to switch to MDS 3.0 (Minimum Data Set). This change effects everyone who works within one of these facilities- including you! We're here to help you understand what this switch means and what changes you may have to make during your every day work. Don't stress... simply check out our two-part inservice series all about MDS 3.0!

MDS 3.0 for CNAs- Part One

MDS 3.0 for CNAs- Part Two

Show your supervisor that you are ready and willing to tackle MDS 3.0 head on! read more »

Do Your Clients Trust You?

megan — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 11:13:31 -0400

New Topic Addition: "Building Trust & Confidence with Clients"

Frequently, as a CNA you must intrude on your client's intimate space. Imagine having someone you don't know very well provide all of your private personal care. This can be a very uncomfortable situation! But, when you set the tone and build the relationship on trust and confidence, you can minimize the discomfort.

For example:

Setting boundaries early in the relationship with your client will help you build trust. To set clear boundaries, try the following:

Describe exactly what you can and will do in order to help your client reach the goals outlined in the plan of care.
Address your client by the name the client prefers.
Keep the relationship focused on the client's needs... not your own needs.
Limit personal information you disclose about yourself. Do not disclose information about your life (this includes your personal or intimate relationships, family troubles, legal problems, and financial problems).

To learn more about how you can build trust and confidence with your clients, check out our newly added topic here.

New Topic Addition- 'Caring for Clients after Orthopedic Surgery'

megan — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 13:10:38 -0400

One in seven Americans has an orthopedic impairment. Unfortunately, this number will only rise in the coming years (which means doctors will perform more and more surgeries). As a CNA, it's often your job to care for clients after orthopedic surgery. Do you know all of the ways you can help your orthopedic client(s) transition back to a healthy and active lifestyle?

Check out our newly added inservice: "Caring for Clients after Orthopedic Surgery" to review common orthopedic surgeries, learn the possible complications after joint replacement surgery, discuss the importance of pain management and more.

Laughter Really is the BEST Medicine!

megan — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:01:25 -0400

Did you know?

The idea of therapeutic humor is emerging as a beneficial, evidence-based, healthy addition to traditional medicine.
Just one minute of laughter equals 45 minutes of complete physical relaxation.
Laughing for at least ten minutes a day has been proven to lower blood pressure, reduce arthritis pain and promote more restful sleep.

In the healthcare workplace, it can be hard to always keep a lighthearted attitude. However, just a couple minutes of laughter a day can make a huge impact in your life and in your clients lives!

By studying our inservice, "The Role of Humor in Healing", you'll learn all the ways that you can bring humor with you to your workplace. Also covered within this lesson are all of the roles that humor plays in the healing process. Scroll down for a sneak peek into the inservice:

(The following information was pulled from page 9 of the inservice, "The Role of Humor in Healing")

Key Points to Remember

1. Therapeutic humor is any activity that enhances health by promoting playful discovery, expression and appreciation of the absurdity of life's situations.

2. Humor improves people physically, mentally and socially by enhancing immunity, relieving stress, and strengthening relationships.

3. Passive humor is created by observing something funny. Humor production is the act of finding or creating humor in everyday situations.

4. Humor is an excellent and healthy coping strategy to use between co-workers to decrease stress, build stronger working relationships and increase job satisfaction.

5. Work on your own sense of humor! By developing your sense of humor, you will be able to bring more humor and laughter to your clients, co-workers, friends and family!

CNAs: What's Your Stress Level?

Linda Leekley — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 10:53:50 -0400

There's no doubt about it...working in the nursing field is stressful. So, how is your stress level these days? Try taking this quick little "Stress Test" (developed by clinical psychologist Dan Johnston) to see if you could use a little stress management.

Remember...when stress becomes a way of life, it can lead to health problems--from tension headaches to heart attacks, ulcers and even cancer. In fact, up to 75% of disease may be stress-related!

So, if the results of your Stress Test show that you could use some tips on how to reduce and/or manage your stress, consider completing our Stress Management Skills inservice. It might be the best thing you do for your health this month!

Take good care,

Linda

New Inservice Just Added!

megan — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:28:05 -0400

As a nursing assistant, one of your primary roles is to collect and communicate information. That information is collected by observing clients and communicated by reporting to the nurse and/or documenting in the client's chart.

By being able to recognize what is abnormal, you'll be ensuring a better outcome for your client(s)! For example: your client, Mrs. Jones has a slightly reddened area on her hip that was not there last week. She tells you that the area is sensitive to the touch. You know that these symptoms are the early signs of a pressure sore. By catching and reporting these abnormal observations, Mrs. Jones has a better chance of receiving quick treatment for her developing pressure sore.

To learn more about abnormal vital signs, pain, mental status, nutrition, elimination, skin, and more, check out our NEW inservice: "Recognizing and Reporting Abnormal Observations." read more »

Do You REALLY Love Your Job?

megan — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 14:22:40 -0400

Did you know that the average American spends more than 1800 hours a year at work? People who are unhappy with their jobs spend those hours feeling stressed, impatient, unfulfilled... and even angry. People who are satisfied with their jobs are more productive and successful-- and the hours fly by!

If you dislike your job, you are probably shortchanging yourself, your clients and your employer. You are losing out by spending all those hours wishing you were someplace else. Your clients miss out by not having a satisfied professional caring for them. And your employer gets shortchanged because you are probably giving less than your best effort.

By studying our NEW inservice "How to Really Love Your Job," you can learn different ways to feel more satisfied at work. And, you won't believe how easy it is to really make positive changes! read more »

Have You Ever Worked with a Non-Compliant Client?

megan — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:55:52 -0400

Did you know that nearly 70% of hospital admissions and 23% of nursing home admissions in the U.S. are a result of non-compliance?

This happens because a client has not followed their recommended plan of care and their disease or condition has worsened tremendously. So, you can see why it's so important for your clients to follow orders. However, there are many reasons why these orders may not

be followed, such as: read more »

Preventing Accidents in the Bathroom

megan — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:14:11 -0400

Did you know the average person visits the toilet 2,500 times a year (6-8 times a day)? That adds up to three whole years of life sitting on the toilet! With all that time spent in the bathroom, it's important that you and your clients know the best ways to avoid accidents.

By studying our new inservice, "Toileting Tips", you'll feel more prepared to handle challenges such as helping an immobile client to the bathroom, caring for clients with catheters, and helping your clients cope with incontinence.. You'll also review common disorders of the urinary system and the bowel, and learn how Alzheimer's and dementia play a role in incontinence. read more »

CNAs: Are You Bored?

Linda Leekley — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:47:01 -0400

Are you feeling bored? Well…did you know that July is National Anti-Boredom Month? It’s true! So, here are a couple of brainteasers to shake things up a little:

Look at this photo. Which of the three men is tallest?

And what about this one: Johnny's mother had four children. The first was April, the second was May, and the third was June. What was the name of her fourth child?

Have you got them figured out or do you give up? Keep reading for the answer.

And, here are some tips for helping you fight boredom at work:

Inservices for $2.95 each!

megan — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:22:13 -0400

Infection control is a year round battle. So, it's important to learn as much information as you can about preventing all types of infections- including MRSA, TB, Influenza and more.

Don't miss our clearance sale on all Infection Control Modules! Through the month of July, we've drastically reduced our prices on 10 of our popular infection control inservices.

Check out the list below to see which 10 topics are now only $2.95 each!

Infection Control in Home Care

Standard Precautions

Understanding Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Understanding Hepatitis A & B read more »

It's HOT Outside!! Are your clients protected?

megan — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 12:01:34 -0400

It's July, and it's HOT outside!! Did you know that in an average year, at least 200 people die from heat-related illnesses in the United States alone? A majority of these people are elderly. As people age, their ability to sense heat lessens making the high heat and humidity levels life-threatening.

As a CNA, it is your responsibility to meet the various needs of your clients. Do you know all the things you can do as a nursing assistant to keep your clients cool during the summer months?

To learn more about heat-related illnesses and how you can protect your clients, click here to check out our new inservice: "Summer Safety Tips".

Plus, check back with us for more upcoming additions! read more »

New Inservice Topic Just Added!

megan — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:14:36 -0400

Did you know that the average load of dirty laundry contains 100 million E. coli bacteria? And, studies have found that more than 60 percent of washing machines are contaminated with fecal matter. Do these numbers surprise you? Check out our newest inservice addition to Just for CNAs: "Infection Control in Home Care" to find out how you can keep your clients safe from harmful bacteria.

This topic is filled with tips about common infection control challenges faced by home health aides... just like you. It also includes information on disinfecting surfaces, doing laundry, "sharps" disposal, household pests and food safety. You'll also find dozens of tips for keeping clients' homes as germ-free as possible.

HAPPY CNA WEEK!

Linda Leekley — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 11:10:05 -0400

Today is the first day of CNA Week...so congratulations and a BIG thank you to CNAs everywhere!

However, at Just for CNAs, we like to honor nursing assistants every day--not just for one week a year. That's why we created the Just for Nursing Assistants website, a place where people from all walks of life can express their gratitude to you. At the same time, the website brings some much needed attention to how important your role is to nursing, to health care and to the community. read more »

People Are Talking about You!

Linda Leekley — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:41:07 -0400

Did you know that people are talking about you? It's true! People from all over the U.S. are speaking their minds about nursing assistants. They are sharing their thoughts about how hard you work, how much they appreciate you and much, much more.

Who's doing all this talking? Your co-workers...nurses and other nursing assistants. Politicians...governors and senators. And, celebrities...a diverse group including Mary Murphy (from So You Think You Can Dance), Dr. Patch Adams and actress Jane Fonda.

Where can you read their comments? Visit Just for Nursing Assistants. While you're there, please consider leaving some comments of your own. For example, what would you say to a CNA who feels discouraged? Or, what would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a CNA? You may add your thoughts here.

Thanks again to CNAs everywhere...and we hope you enjoy your new site, Just for Nursing Assistants. read more »

Thank you to CNAs Everywhere!

Linda Leekley — Thu, 27 May 2010 16:36:15 -0400

CNAs: What Would You Do if a Fire Broke Out?

Linda Leekley — Mon, 17 May 2010 11:10:13 -0400

Fires can happen anywhere, any time, for a variety of reasons. But, when a fire occurs in a facility or home where frail, elderly or sick people live, the consequences can be devastating. What should you do if a fire breaks out where you work? First of all...don’t panic! If a fire breaks out, stay calm to set an example for clients—and follow these R.A.C.E. guidelines. read more »

Are You In the Know about Arthritis?

Linda Leekley — Thu, 06 May 2010 12:02:39 -0400

Across America, arthritis affects nearly 50 million people. By the year 2030, as the "baby boomer" generation ages, this number is expected to climb to 60 million! With statistics like that, it's a safe bet that you probably provide care to a number of clients with arthritis. But, do you know that arthritis is not a normal part of aging? Are you up to date on what you can do to help clients who suffer from arthritis? Here is a quick review:

The Aches & Pains of Arthritis

"Oh, my aching joints!" You've probably heard many of your clients make that complaint. In fact, you may have said it yourself! Aching joints are one of the main symptoms of arthritis. (This makes sense since the word "arthritis" comes from two Greek words that mean "joint" and "inflammation".) read more »

Looking to Become a CNA?

Evan Leekley — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 09:51:01 -0400

CNAs: Provide Cost-Efficient Care at Your Workplace

Linda Leekley — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 12:07:06 -0400

It’s Earth Day today, which makes it the perfect time to focus on providing cost-efficient care at your workplace. Why should you care? Consider these facts: read more »

For CNAs: The Importance of Perineal Care

Linda Leekley — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:29:15 -0400

Everyone's favorite topic . . . perineal care! As you know, the perineum is the area that spans from the genitals to the anus. No other area of the body is more difficult to discuss, but, when it comes to client care, it is worth talking about! read more »

What's Quality Improvement All About?

Linda Leekley — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:33:35 -0400

You’ve probably heard people at work talking about “quality improvement”. You may have been asked to participate in a QI study or attend a QI committee meeting. But what’s all this fuss about quality—especially when everyone’s already working so hard?

Health organizations focus on quality in order to raise the level of client care—no matter how good it may already be. The idea of a quality improvement program is to:

Identify problems a workplace may have in meeting the needs of its clients and its employees.
Provide an organized approach to solving those problems.
Help improve the quality of life for every client and the working conditions for every employee.

A quality improvement program helps health care organizations measure how well they meet the needs of both clients and employees. QI cuts across all departments and requires participation from every staff member… from housekeeping staff to clerical employees to client care staff. read more »