cna education

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 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.

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:  read more »

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.  read more »

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!

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 »

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 »

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!