Work in a medical or long term care facility is very hands on and person-centered, so most people don't think of bringing the internet into the mix, but you'd be surprised how internet resources can make your working life easier. Web sites and search engines make it easy to find information and answers in a hurry, and there are many online tools that can help you stay organized.
One of the easiest tools is Google's calendar. Here, you can list events from both your work and personal life and have them on one page. You can also mix in calendars for family members, roommates, or anyone else with whom you share your time. Since it's online, you can access it from any computer with an internet connection. A mobile phone with internet or a data plan can also be used to view Google calendars.
Remember the Milk is another great tool for keeping your day in order. It works online or on most mobile phones. RTM lets you set up a simple "to-do" list so that you never forget an appointment, or forget to pick up milk on your way home from work. It's the perfect way to jot down a quick reminder, or to make sure you don't miss an important meeting.
A calendar is great for keeping your tasks organized, but how do you take care of the day to day home tasks that pile up while you're at work? FlyLady to the rescue! FlyLady is a web site that teaches you how to manage every day tasks (like cleaning the bathroom, decluttering a closet, or squeezing in a workout) without losing your mind. FlyLady gives you tips and tricks to keep your house tidy and your stress levels low.
When it comes to on-the-job resources, there are many web sites available. Med Aides and Pharmacy Assistants can use the internet to stay current on medications and their uses. Try http://www.pharmacychoice.com/ (click the Resources tab) the next time you need fast information about a medication. Online classes are also a wonderful way to renew your Med Aide licence or pick up new skills.
Also, most Federal and State regulations and documents are posted online. Find the forms or statutes you use most often and save them in your web browser (Favorites in Internet Explorer, Bookmarks in Firefox). That way you'll always have what you need at your fingertips. No need to rummage through file drawers or stacks of paper on a desk.
Home Health Aides can benefit from online calendars and sites like Remember the Milk to make sure home visits stay on schedule. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice web site also has many resources. If you've had a rough day and need some support or guidance, the forums at http://forums.agis.com/ let you connect with other caregivers. Share your advice when you can, and learn from others when you need some help.
Activity Directors probably have the most internet resources available. You can find almost limitless ideas for activities online. Try these web sites for ideas and support: http://www.activitydirector.
Finally, Nursing Assistants have many online resources to choose from. If you want to brush up on a particular skill or technique, this website has several video lessons: http://deptets.fvtc.edu/
Since most of our students live and work in small communities, it can be hard to find people who understand your work and can offer valuable advice. The sites above let you connect with people around the country (and even the world), and give you access to information you'd never be able to find locally. Take a few moments to search for information, or explore the sites in this article, and see how much the internet can help your working life.
In our next blog post, we'll discuss ways you can use the internet to help your residents and people in your care.
One of the easiest tools is Google's calendar. Here, you can list events from both your work and personal life and have them on one page. You can also mix in calendars for family members, roommates, or anyone else with whom you share your time. Since it's online, you can access it from any computer with an internet connection. A mobile phone with internet or a data plan can also be used to view Google calendars.
Remember the Milk is another great tool for keeping your day in order. It works online or on most mobile phones. RTM lets you set up a simple "to-do" list so that you never forget an appointment, or forget to pick up milk on your way home from work. It's the perfect way to jot down a quick reminder, or to make sure you don't miss an important meeting.
A calendar is great for keeping your tasks organized, but how do you take care of the day to day home tasks that pile up while you're at work? FlyLady to the rescue! FlyLady is a web site that teaches you how to manage every day tasks (like cleaning the bathroom, decluttering a closet, or squeezing in a workout) without losing your mind. FlyLady gives you tips and tricks to keep your house tidy and your stress levels low.
When it comes to on-the-job resources, there are many web sites available. Med Aides and Pharmacy Assistants can use the internet to stay current on medications and their uses. Try http://www.pharmacychoice.com/ (click the Resources tab) the next time you need fast information about a medication. Online classes are also a wonderful way to renew your Med Aide licence or pick up new skills.
Also, most Federal and State regulations and documents are posted online. Find the forms or statutes you use most often and save them in your web browser (Favorites in Internet Explorer, Bookmarks in Firefox). That way you'll always have what you need at your fingertips. No need to rummage through file drawers or stacks of paper on a desk.
Home Health Aides can benefit from online calendars and sites like Remember the Milk to make sure home visits stay on schedule. The National Association for Home Care and Hospice web site also has many resources. If you've had a rough day and need some support or guidance, the forums at http://forums.agis.com/ let you connect with other caregivers. Share your advice when you can, and learn from others when you need some help.
Activity Directors probably have the most internet resources available. You can find almost limitless ideas for activities online. Try these web sites for ideas and support: http://www.activitydirector.
Finally, Nursing Assistants have many online resources to choose from. If you want to brush up on a particular skill or technique, this website has several video lessons: http://deptets.fvtc.edu/
Since most of our students live and work in small communities, it can be hard to find people who understand your work and can offer valuable advice. The sites above let you connect with people around the country (and even the world), and give you access to information you'd never be able to find locally. Take a few moments to search for information, or explore the sites in this article, and see how much the internet can help your working life.
In our next blog post, we'll discuss ways you can use the internet to help your residents and people in your care.
