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 »

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!    read more »

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.  read more »

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!

One hour of inservice credit!

After finishing this inservice, you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose of the "staff interview" and explain your responsibilities for participating in it.
• Explain the purpose of the BIMS and state why it is the first step in every MDS 3.0 assessment.
• List 4 items in the "staff assessment for mental status" for which you may be able to provide insight.
• Give at least 2 examples each of observations that should be reported in reference to your resident's mood, behavior and pain.
• Describe how you will assess personal preferences in residents who are non-verbal or have difficulty communicating.

FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT HOW TO DOWNLOAD THIS TOPIC, PLEASE CLICK HERE

One hour of inservice credit!

After finishing this inservice, you will be able to:

• Give a brief description of the MDS 3.0 and explain how the data is used.
• Define and use common terminology associated with the MDS 3.0.
• Explain your role in the MDS assessment and express why your input is so important.
• Use designated "self-performance" and "support levels" to describe your resident's activities of daily living.
• List four different ways to describe your resident's bowel and bladder continence.

FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT HOW TO DOWNLOAD THIS TOPIC, PLEASE CLICK HERE

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:  read more »

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.