Certified Nurse Aides: FAQ's

Part 2 of our Frequently Asked Questions regarding CNA's in Kansas: 

Q.  What happens if I don’t pass this course?

If you do not pass the course successfully the instructor will submit a written notification to the state of your name and you will not be eligible to sit for the state test.  You would then have to retake the entire CNA course again.

Q.  What happens once I complete the course successfully?

Once you complete the course your instructor will send your name into the state.  Once the instructor receives the “Approval to Test Notice” your instructor will contact you and get you the Approval letter.  The “Approval to Test Notice” will assign the test date, location, and time.

Q.  What if I am unable to take the test on the date scheduled?

If you are unable to take the test on the date assigned you must contact Health Occupations Credentialing (HOC) at 785-296-1250 to request a rescheduling form to submit along with a $20 application fee.

Q.  Tell me more about the state test.

The state test is timed and contains 100 multiple-choice questions.   You are given 2 hours in which to complete the test.  The score of 75% or greater constitutes a passing score.    

Q.  What do I need to take to the state test?

You must provide the following at the test site when you go to test:

• Original photo ID
• Test fee
• Approval letter to test

You need to be extremely punctual for the state test.  This test is timed and there are other students testing as well.  The testing sites are very prompt on delivering the test.  The testing sites will not accept any students who walk in the door after the testing has begun.  I recommend you arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of schedule to get seated for your state test.

You WILL NOT be admitted if you are not listed as eligible on the site schedule, or are late, or do not provide required ID

Q.  What if I have a disability?

Any candidate who has a:

• Physical disability
• Learning disability
• Psychological disability

If you require a reasonable accommodation to take the state test you need to complete a request form.  As a student you must have performed in a satisfactory manner in both the classroom and lab/clinical settings of the course, and successfully completed the Skills Competency Checklist.

Q.  Is the state test given in more than one language?

The state test is read in only the English language.  If English is your second language may use a bilingual language dictionary during the state test.  Computer dictionaries and medical dictionaries are prohibited.

Q.  What happens when I pass the state test?

If you pass the state test, a certificate will be mailed to you at the address in which you provided. On average it takes 3-4 weeks from the time the state test has been taken until the department received and enters the test score.   You should allow 30 days to lapse from the date the test was taken before calling the department to check on the status of the certificate. 785-296-1250.

Q.  What happens if I fail the state test?

You will receive a letter that includes the score.  The information on your performance in the categories will help you prepare to retake the test.  A rescheduling form, if you are eligible, will be included.  You should complete this and send it to HOC with the non-refundable $20 application fee.

Q.  How long do I have to retake the test?

The state test must be passed within one year from the beginning date of the nurse aide training course.  You are eligible to retake the test a maximum of 3 times within that year.  If the test is not passed within one year from the starting date of the course, the entire course must be retaken to be eligible to take the test again.

Q.  What is KNAR?

KNAR is the Kansas Nurse Aide registry which is federally mandated program to track the employment and training for aides in Kansas.  A unique identification number is issued to you if you have successfully completed the state nurse aide course and passed the test.

What are record checks?

The KNAR will be checked for reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, prohibited offenses, or misappropriation of resident property.  Each adult care home must contact the registry prior to hiring you as a nurse aide.  A criminal record check will be requested by a facility to determine your eligibility to work.  A facility may NOT employ any person with any of this on record after April 1, 1992.  You can see prohibited offenses under the tab “Course Information”. 

Q.  KNAR should never be contacted to:

• Inquire about test results.  The results are mailed to you within 30 days from the test date.  The test results cannot be given over the phone. Call 785-296-1250.
• Inquire about test sites.  Instead call 785-296-1250
• Request replacement copies of certificates.  Instead call 785-296-1250
•  Report abuse complaint about a CNA or other personnel.  Instead call 800-842-0078
• Inquire about the CNA and competency evaluation Instead call 785-296-0058
• Inquire about employment verification procedures or issues.  Instead call 785-296-1250
• Locate course offerings.  Instead call 785-296-1250 or access website at www.kdheks.gov/hoc

Q.  Does my CNA certificate expire?

CNA certificates do not expire therefore you will not receive new certificates automatically.  As a CNA you will be eligible for employment for 24 months following the date the certificate is issued.  In order for you to extend the eligibility period, you as a CNA must be employed to perform nursing or nursing related tasks for at least 8 hours in the 24 month period. 

Q.  What if my employment was not received by KNAR?
If you worked 8hr in a 24 hr period and the information was not received and noted on the CNA”s KNAR record, the CNA should request the Employment Verification Form from HOC.

Q.  What happens if I have not been employed in a 24 month period for 8 hrs?

IF a CNA has not been employed to perform nursing or nursing related duties in the past 24 mo you can have a licensed, registered nurse may elect to administer the Kansas Nurse Aide Task Checklist-For Employment Verification.  The checklist may be done in an adult care home, hospital, or laboratory setting.   The checklist shall not be given to the aide.  Or the CNA may take a refresher course, if available, instead of having a nurse administer the task checklist.    Once completed and submitted to HOC, the eligibility period is extended by 24 months.  It is not necessary to work for “40 hrs” in order to complete the checklist for employment purposes.  The amount of time it takes to perform each task will vary. 

Q.  What if I have lost my CNA certificate?

If you have lost your CNA certificate, an application form is available and a new certificate will be sent upon receipt of the form and a fee.

Q.  What if there is a change in name, address, phone number as a NAT or CNA?

Whenever there is a change in your mailing address, telephone number, or name you need to contact HOC so the department can keep your information updated.  785-296-0060.

To take a We Care Online CNA Class - Click Here

Kansas Nursing Assistants: FAQ's

Thinking about taking a CNA course in Kansas?  I'm sure you have lots of questions about Kansas requirements and employment issues.  We've accumulated our most asked questions and will address them over our next few blogs.

Q.  Can an employer request that I work for them for a period of time if they pay for my CNA training?

The use of contracts relating to training for employment is prohibited under federal regulations.  An adult care home cannot require a Trainee II or a CNA to enter into either verbal or written contracts to work for a specified period of time at the facility or else reimburse the facility for the cost of the training.   

Schools however may require students to enter into verbal or written contracts stating terms of payment.  However, a contract must not state that the student will be denied access to the state test.

Q.  Can I work for an adult care home as a Nurse Aide Trainee I?

A Nurse Aide Trainee I (NAT1) may not be employed by a facility in DIRECT care duties.  Direct, individual care refers to nursing activities that are resident oriented.  It involves personal contact with the resident by the trainee, and provides assistance in grooming, feeding, toileting, or ambulating the resident.

Q.  What happens once I complete Part 1 of the CNA Course?

Once you have completed Part 1 of this nurse aide training course, your clinical instructor will evaluate you on your performance using the Task Checklist provided by the State of Kansas.  The Task Checklist is used to evaluate your initial competence in performing basic nursing tasks.  Your clinical instructor must observe completion of each task in a satisfactory manner.  When you have successfully demonstrated each task successfully to your clinical instructor, he/she will fill out the Task Checklist and the original is given to you.  Once you have completed this Task Checklist successfully, you are now classified as a Nurse Aide Trainee II (NATII)

Q.  Can I also become a Paid Nutrition Assistant with the CNA course?

Part 1 of your CNA training also include the instruction and competency evaluation required to for you to be an employee as a  Paid Nutrition Assistant (PNA). 

Also upon completion of Part I and the Task Checklist, We Care On-Line will award you a certificate of completion for PNA training.  Once you have successfully completed the Task Checklist for Part 1, the online CNA instructor will notify you and issue you a certificate by email.    This certificate is permanent evidence that you have completed the PNA training and you should keep this for your records.  Once you have successfully completed Part 1 and the Task Checklist you may seek employment as a PNA if you choose, whether or not you complete the rest of the course.  You are to provide a copy of the PNA certificate to the facility of employment.

Q.  What are my employment options once I am a NATII?

Once you are a NATII, you are eligible to provide direct, individual care to residents in an adult care home under the direction of a licensed nurse.  You may work as a paid nutrition assistance if you choose. 

As a NATII, you should not be expected to perform nursing tasks that have not yet been adequately covered during the classroom training hours and you should respectfully decline to provide the service that is asked of you.

Q.  How long am I considered a NATII?

You are considered a NATII for 4 months from the beginning date of the course.  If you are unable to fully meet the certification requirements within 4 months from the beginning date of the course, you are no longer eligible to provide direct resident care services.  A second 4 month trainee period is not allowed.

To be continued. . . .

To register for We Care Online's online or in house CNA class Click Here.

An Excerpt From Our Social Service Designee Course

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Understanding Death and Dying

Preparing for death often means finishing a life's work, setting things right with family and friends, and making peace with the inevitable. Spiritual and religious issues are important to many dying people and their families. Members of the clergy are part of the care team in some hospice and hospital facilities, and professional caregivers can help people and their families find appropriate spiritual assistance if they do not have a relationship with a minister or other spiritual leader.

Grieving is a normal process that usually begins before an anticipated death. According to Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, a pioneer in death and dying, the dying person typically experiences five emotional stages, often in the following order: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. A person in denial may act as if, talk as if, or think that he is not dying. Denial is caused by fears about loss of control, separation from loved ones, an uncertain future, and suffering. Talking to a doctor or other health care member can help the dying person understand that he can remain in control and that his pain and other symptoms will be controlled. Anger may be expressed as a sense of injustice: "Why me?". Bargaining can be a sign of reasoning with death, that is, seeking more time. When the person realizes that bargaining and other strategies are not working, depression may develop. Acceptance, sometimes described as facing the inevitable, may come after discussions with family, friends, and care providers.

Preparing for death is hard work, with many emotional ups and downs. However, for most people, it is a time of new understanding and growth. By dealing with past hurts and mending relationships, a dying person and family members can achieve a profound sense of peace.

Preparing for approaching death can be terrifying if you have no idea what to expect both physically and emotionally. As the dying process enters its final stages there are two different dynamics at work.

The physical aspect concerns the body as it begins its final process of shutting down; this ends the physical systems' functioning.

The other dynamic is the emotional/mental and spiritual area which is a different process. This is where the spirit of the dying individual begins to slip away from its immediate environment and attachments. This release tends to follow its own priorities when it comes to letting go; of family members, unfinished business of a personal nature and/or unreconciled problems. You have all heard people tell how someone on their death bed refused to let go until a certain member of the family was able to get there. Even when the body is trying to shut down the spirit hangs on until a resolution is reached. It is as though the dying person needs permission to go; needs to feel that he has achieved the support and acceptance of his fate by those he leaves behind. This way he can slip into the next dimension of life with grace and dignity.

Acceptance is coming to terms with reality. It is accepting that the world will still go on without you. Death is after all, just a part of life.

The EKR Foundation: Click Here

Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: Click Here

As a Social Service Designee, you may spend one on one time with dying residents. You may just want to read aloud or hold their hands. Some residents enjoy reading a passages from the Bible (or their preferred holy book) that are comforting (Psalm 23, in particular). Know your residents’ likes and dislikes. This will help you to know what residents would want you to do during this time. You can also get information from family members.

20 Things Nurses Wish They Never Had to Say

The title---borrowed from a nurses' desk calendar---is self-explanatory. The situations that give rise to these sayings, however, are not.

OK, I'll have to admit that I got the idea for this piece from a desk calendar my sister gave me for Christmas last year. It's 365 pages of nursing funnies, some of which really aren't, but the rest of them range from the mildly amusing to rolling-on-the-floor-with-tears-squirting-out-of-your-eyes HILARIOUS. And after having the kind of Hell Week I just went through, I needed the comic relief of "How in the world did THAT get in THERE??!"

Here, for your enjoyment, are twenty more things nurses wish they never had to say:

1) To the CNA: "Uh-oh........it looks like Mrs. Chambers hasn't had a BM in nine days."
2) To the patient with Munchausen's Syndrome: "No, I can't give you any more pain medicine," when what you'd really like is to swack him up with enough Dilaudid to shut him up about his manufactured miseries for a few hours.
3) To co-workers, upon seeing a frequent flyer coming up in the elevator: "Oh, Lordy......look at what the cat dragged in."
4) To the MD: "You want me to do WHAT?"
5) To your best friend's 10-year-old: "No, Eric, you're not a dork. Everybody gets their big toe stuck in the bathtub faucet at least once."

Read the rest...

How Nurse Aide Beat the Odds to Head Up Department

“A very important member of staff,” is how Dr Denis Ogolla, the managing director of Nairobi’s Avenue Healthcare, describes Irene Kaberere. She is the head of support services at the hospital.

Over the years, she earned trust due to her dedication to work which saw her rise through the ranks.

On her way up, she maintained a close relationship with both staff and patients.

“She is the sort of person that all staff members want to talk to, not only regarding official matters but also personal issues,” said Dr Ogolla.

“She spreads that motherly feeling to all of us at the hospital.” Ms Kaberere was employed at Avenue Healthcare in 1978, two years after the hospital was established. She is among the hospital’s eldest employees.

She served as a nurse-aide, assisting senior nurses and doctors with duties in the wards, a task she performed for four years.

Read the rest of the article here:   http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/How+nurse+aide+beat+the+odds+to+head+department/-/539444/1212236/-/ki2ygez/-/

What to Expect Working as a Nurse Aide

The increasing elderly population combined with advances in technology in the medical field is increasing the demand for nurse aides. In fact the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 28 percent growth in nurse aide positions between 2006 and 2016. People looking for an entry-level position in the healthcare field may find this is the right position for them once they learn about a nurse's aide information and salary.

Job Responsibilities
The main function of a nurse aide is to provide personal care to residents in a medical facility, and this can include assisting them with bathing, eating, dressing or going to the bathroom. They also transport patients to different departments by aiding them in walking through a medical facility or pushing them in a wheelchair. Since the job of a nurse aide is considered entry-level in the healthcare field, people in this position assist nursing staff, who serve as their supervisors, with setting up equipment and obtaining supplies.

Working Environment
Nurse aides can work in any medical facility where there is a need for assistance, but they are most commonly found in nursing homes, assisted living centers and hospitals. These facilities house patients with the greatest need for assistance and personal care services. Since care is needed for patients 24/7, nurse aides may work in the evenings, at night or on weekends to meet the demands of the facility.

Read more here:   http://www.infobarrel.com/What_to_Expect_Working_as_a_Nurse_Aide

Move To Improve Residents' Quality of Life a Welcome Development

As growing numbers of Americans age and need extended care, long-term care organizations have sought to better meet both the healthcare and social needs of their residents. Those who reach the point in life where nursing home care is necessary do not want to live in an environment that feels like a hospital instead of a home.

Over the past several years, alternatives to institutional environments such as the Green House Project, the Pioneer Network and the Eden Alternative have all aimed to encourage genuine homes for the disabled elderly. And, with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' recent call for a culture change in nursing homes, the focus on resident-centered care places a priority on residents' rights.

CMS' new rules will encourage long-term care organizations to improve the quality of residents' lives by moving away from the institutional environment. For example, a resident's preferences for a daily schedule should be respected. Also, institutional overhead paging systems, alarms and large nursing stations, and meals served on institutional trays, should be eliminated..

Read more here:  http://www.mcknights.com/move-to-improve-residents-quality-of-life-a-welcome-development/article/141159/

Acing the Interview Once You Have the Training

Interviewing for that job you really want can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, there are some tricks to keep your nerves from getting the best of you during an interview and make that first impression a memorable one. A job interview can result in the elusive job offer so it is crucial to head into every interview feeling confident and well prepared.  Read the rest of the blog - click here.

Read more: The Most Important Job Interviewing Skills | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6504113_important-job-interviewing-skills.html#ixzz1Q9CdIM6G

Celebrate Residents' Rights - National Residents' Rights Month 2011 Packet of Materials Available Online

From the National Long Term Care Ombudsmen Resource Center:

May 3, 2011

We are pleased to announce Residents' Rights Week has been expanded to Residents' Rights Month. This gives us the entire month of October to call attention to the very important topic of residents' rights.
Residents' Rights Month is an annual event designated by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care and is celebrated in October to honor residents living in all long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, sub acute units, assisted living, board and care and retirement communities. It is a time for celebration and recognition offering an opportunity for every facility to focus on and celebrate awareness of dignity, respect and the value of each individual resident. The theme for Residents' Rights Month 2011 is, "Welcome Home: Creating Connections Between Residents and the Community" with the goal of educating the community about residents' rights and to increase community involvement with residents.

2011 Residents' Rights Month Packet of Materials

Each year, the Consumer Voice develops a packet to help you plan your Residents’ Rights events. The packet is completely downloadable and features ready-to-use items, including promotional materials, activities to celebrate Residents' Rights Month, training tools and resources. Access the packet online.

A Few Great Links for Activity Directors

If you're like me, you're constantly online Googling different ideas to make your job more fun and interesting.  Here are a few good links with great activity ideas that came across our Activity Director course Discussion Board last month.

Have fun!

http://www.notjustbingo.com/

http://www.theactivitydirectorsoffice.com/Gina_ActivityIdeasThatWork_Home.html

http://www.birdsandblooms.com/

http://www.funtrivia.com/

Gardening Leads to Better Eating Habits and Quality of Life

Older adults who spend time gardening are more likely to eat healthier foods, and report better quality of life and higher energy levels than other seniors who don't garden.

Texas A&M and Texas State University conducted a survey of nearly 300 adults age 50 and over. 

• Respondents who spent time gardening were more likely to be energetic, healthy and optimistic about the future.
• 84% said they had made plans for things they will be doing in one month or one year, while only 68% of non-gardeners had made similar plans

Read more:  Click Here

Tips and Time Savers For CNA's

So, you’re brand new and a little nervous? Thats ok and natural. Being a CNA is a rewarding career, but there are LOTS to learn and lots of cover in those first few days at work! Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit overwhelmed and anxious. Someday–soon- you will be an “old pro” at this stuff. The first part of this is for the new CNA…

The Basics
I remember my first few weeks as a CNA- it was hard to get to know all the residents as well as staff as well as the facility policies and procedures. I was very overwhelmed and looking back now- there were certain things I should have done that would have made my life much easier then! Live and learn….

First, it is a good idea to bring a little notebook to work with you. In here you can write down info you need about everything from phone numbers to resident issues. Jotting down info is a way to remember it! At periodic times during the day check the little book to see if there are things you still need info about. When you think of questions and no one is around to answer them- write them down. Later you can refer back to the book.

See the rest - Click Here

The Social Service Designee

This week, we continue our look at career options for students of our classes, we're taking a closer look at the Social Service Designee class this week.

Social Service Designees work to make sure that the social, spiritual, and emotional needs of long term care residents are being met. In a large facility with a social worker on staff, the Social Service Designee will assist the social worker. In a small facility the Social Service Designee may fill all the social work roles. The first
priority of the SSD is to do an assessment of incoming residents, and to work with residents and their families to develop a plan of care for each resident. SSDs also work as advocates for residents, especially when cognitive or emotional issues prevent residents from representing themselves.

SSDs learn to apply the principles of "person centered care", and need to understand the aging process and the cognitive and physical issues that long-term care residents can face. An SSD's work also involves budgeting, staff management, admission and discharge processes, and a great deal of interaction with families, residents, staff, and social service agencies. SSDs need to have good time management skills, be comfortable working with people, and know how to balance compassion with efficiency.

The WeCareOnline Social Service Designee class is currently available in 13 states, and more are coming soon. Students have four weeks to complete the class, and must accomplish 45 hours of work in that time.
Since the class is available 24/7, many students finish before the four weeks are up, and all appreciate being able to study on their own schedule. The class consists of four units which cover the basics of person-centered care, the aging process, cognitive issues, and psychosocial needs. The class also covers the business end of an SSD's job. In four weeks or less, students are ready with the skills they need to work as a facility's Social Service Designee. There is no other required training or certification needed to work in the states
where this class is approved.

Job prospects for Social Service Designees are excellent and the US Department of Labor reports that this is a field that is growing much faster than average. They anticipate 20% or more growth in this field between now and 2018. Need for long term care is also on the rise as Americans are living longer and often need managed care in their later years. If you love working with people, and enjoy the challenge of assessing needs and working to fulfill those needs, this is the career for you.

The Activity Director

This is the first of an ongoing series that explores the career options for students of our classes. To begin, we'll take a closer look at the Activity Director class.

Activity Directors are the people who plan group and solo activities for residents of nursing homes and long term care facilities. State licensing requirements for nursing homes almost always require a facility to have an Activity Director on staff, or at least available to the residents part-time. An Activity Director must be able to plan and run a variety of activities that will appeal to residents of all ages and cognitive/physical abilities--no easy task! He or she must also be able to budget, direct staff, and coordinate events both inside and outside of a facility. The job requires skills in many areas, but most of all, a person must truly love working with people.

The WeCareOnline Activity Director class is currently available in nine states, and more are coming soon. Students have four weeks to complete the class, and must accomplish 45 hours of work in that time. Since the class is available 24/7, many students finish before the four weeks are up, and all appreciate being able to study on their own schedule. The class consists of four units which cover the basics of person-centered care, the aging process, cognitive issues, and psychosocial needs. The class also covers the business end of an Activity Director's job, and students learn how to work with facility budgets, how to manage internal and external resources, and how to plan and provide activities to best meet the residents' needs. In four weeks or less, students are ready with the skills they need to work as a facility's Activity Director. There is no other required training or certification needed to work in the states where this class is approved.

Job prospects for Activity Directors are good, and the US Department of Labor reports that this is a field that's growing faster than average. They anticipate 14-19% growth in this field between now and 2018. Need for long term care is also on the rise as Americans are living longer and often need managed care in their later years. If you love working with people, and enjoy the challenge of planning activities to meet a diverse set of needs, this is the career for you.

WeCareOnlineClasses.com

Is It Depression, Or Just The Blues?

There are many factors that can cause depression. Moving from an independent setting to managed care is a big step, and despite the best efforts of staff and family members, the change of circumstance can bring on a strong case of the blues. Seniors are also more prone to experience the loss of close friends or family members (due to age and illness), deal with chronic pain, and be faced with some loss of independence and mobility. A period of adjustment is to be expected, but if those blues stick around, depression could be to blame. Depression differs from sadness in that it is persistent, long-lasting, and can be far more than just a state of mind.

There are many clues that a person may be suffering from depression. Some of the most obvious are a loss of interest in activities, lethargy, and a general disinterest in things going on around the person. Depressions symptoms are long-lasting and strong enough to interfere w/ daily life. Take a moment and get to Know the signs: http://www.caring.com/articles/depression-signs

How is depression different from general sadness or grief? It's more serious. Don't assume a depressed person can or will snap out of it. As a friend or caregiver, it's up to you to intervene and be proactive. Depression can affect a person's immunity, stress body systems, and cause physical pain. Unfortunately, depression is still misunderstood by many people, and carries a strong negative stigma. People are taught to hide their feelings and mask symptoms, so it can be hard to address the issue before it becomes severe and interferes with a person's daily functioning.

As a caregiver, you might need to go above and beyond to help a resident cope with depression. It's not so simple as telling someone to cheer up and smile. In fact, that can be one of the most frustrating and insulting things you can say. What can you do? If possible, involve the resident's family or friends. A depressed person is often too down to ask for help or realize how far his or her condition has progressed. Support from friends and family can help a person pull out of the crippling sadness and start to participate in social activities again. If a person in your care makes any mention of suicide, seek help from your facility's social worker, or the resident's doctor, immediately. Even without the risk of suicide, it is essential that family members, a social worker, or a doctor be alerted to the resident's condition.

Treatment options

In many cases, simply getting the depressed person out of isolation and into social activities can make a big difference. The change of scenery from a residential room to a facility's common areas (or outdoors, if possible) can pull a person out of dwelling on sadness. Group therapy and support can make a difference. Cognitive or "talk" therapy is a common first step in addressing depression. In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), the depressed person is taught how to break the cycle of negative thoughts and learns coping skills. Sometimes it's enough to talk with a family member or trusted friend, but it might be beneficial to bring in a professional counselor. Your facility's Social Service Designee should be able to arrange for counseling or therapy, if it's needed.

If a resident has a religious affiliation, it could help to bring in members of that person's faith to visit or pray with them, or make it possible for the resident to attend religious services with others of the same faith. Fellowship is a strong way to combat the loneliness and isolation that can lead to depression.

Some medications can cause or exacerbate depression, so get in touch with the resident's doctor, or the person overseeing his or her care, and ask them to review medications for possible negative interactions or side effects. Hormonal issues could also be to blame, so bring up that possible cause when speaking with the doctor.

No matter what the causes, it's important to take depression seriously, and learn to spot the signs before they get out of control. Even though a person's reasons for being sad might sound silly or petty to you, please remember that they are significant to the depressed person and should be respected. Try not to judge, and do what you can to be a good listener and get the resident the help he or she needs.

5 Simple Steps To Help A Lonely Resident

As we move into the holiday season, and the days grow shorter and grayer, many residents may find themselves feeling a bit down an lonely. Here are five simple things you can do to brighten a resident's day and keep the loneliness at bay.

1. Take the resident on an outing.
Something as simple as a trip to a coffee shop, going to see a matinee movie, or taking a short drive in the country can do so much to lift a person's mood. Ask questions and encourage your guest to share stories from his or her life. Be a good listener and you can really make someone's day. If a resident is not able to leave the facility, bring the outing to him or her. Get a take-out treat from a favorite local restaurant, or have a meal wrapped take-out style from your facility's cafeteria. Pick up a red and white checked tablecloth at the discount store to add a festive, picnic element. Brightly colored plates, cups, or utensils add a nice touch, too.

2. Be a friend.
As caregivers, we do the best we can for each of our residents, but some days a resident needs you to go above and beyond. There are those awful days when pain is worse than usual, or they're just feeling blue. Maybe personal issues are getting them down. See if you can free up a few moments in your schedule and sit down and visit with the resident. Let them know that, sure, you have other things you could be doing, but you choose to spend time with them. It could be as simple as chatting about the weather, or as involved as being a sounding board for whatever is worrying or bothering the resident. Think about a time when you were lonely, and how nice it would have been if someone had come along and said "I'm here for you." Schedule a regular visiting time, or give the resident a specific time when you'll be back to visit again. The lonely times go a lot faster if you've got something to look forward to.

3. Help your resident connect with others.
Arthritis and failing eyesight can make it hard for seniors to do things we take for granted, like writing a letter or making a phone call. Help a resident write a letter or email. Is your resident having trouble with a phone or cell phone? Offer to help w/ dialing, or write or type up a list of important phone numbers in large numbers.

4. Small gifts
Bring the resident a small gift like fresh flowers or a small potted plant. A little gesture can both brighten up their room and make their day. But--and this is important--Don't just gift and run. Take a few minutes to visit with the resident. Let them know you were thinking of them and that you genuinely care about them. Then, when they look up and see your gift, they'll remember your visit with a smile, and look forward to the next time you're able to stop by.

5. Make contact
This suggestion takes a little more care and effort than the previous ones. If you can do so without violating HIPPA or your resident's privacy, reach out to others on behalf of the resident, and see if you can arrange for friends or family to visit. Some residents are too proud to ask for help, or too upset or distracted to take the initiative on their own. Ask your facility's SSD to contact the resident's family or friends. Arrange a surprise visit. No family? Drum up a volunteer, pet visit, or something w/ local scouting troop or school. Sometimes it's not so important who is visiting, but that the resident has visitors, period.

Finally, If you have several residents who are dealing with loneliness, try arranging a group activity. A movie night (or ongoing movie club) is a great way to bring people together and get them talking. Invite family members and volunteers, if possible, too. Get the group together and watch a classic movie with an upbeat theme like Singin' in the Rain. Musicals are great because of the lively music and lavish dance scenes! Provide snacks, dim the lights, and let everyone enjoy a movie together. Afterward, lead a discussion about the movie. Encourage everyone to talk about their favorite songs or scenes, or reminisce about other favorite movies and actors from that time period. If the movie had dancing, bring in a volunteer to teach everyone a simple dance based on a song from the movie. Or lead a sing-a-long or karaoke with songs from famous movie musicals.

Sometimes the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact. If you see someone looking down, or who hasn't had visitors in a while, a little attention from you can make a huge difference.

You're a CNA, Now What?

Americans are living longer than any previous generation and the need for long-term and nursing care is growing by leaps and bounds. This is the perfect time to enter a health care career, and achieving Certified Nurse Aide (Assistant) certification is a great start. We've had thousands of students in our Nurse Aide classes. If you really want a competitive edge in the jobs marketplace, though, your best bet is to broaden your skills and make yourself even more appealing to an employer. Many students use the CNA class as a stepping stone to Registered Nurse training, but there are several other options for additional skills.

So, where do you go from CNA?

One good starting point is to train as a Restorative Aide. RAs assist with physical, occupational and speech therapy under the supervision of a specialist. RAs work with individuals recovering from injuries or operations, and are not limited to elder care. Jobs are available in facilities and with outside agencies, so having RA skills can be a great option for people who like to work in a variety of settings. Our Restorative Aide class is offered every month and involves 32 hours of coursework. It's a two week course and it can mean an extra $0.50 an hour (or more!) in your paycheck, according to payscale.com.

Another great option is to train as a Home Health Aide. Not only will this make you more employable, it will greatly increase your employment options. While CNAs generally work in long term care facilities, a CNA with HHA training can work with a Home Health Care agency and have the opportunity to work with clients in their own homes. The current trend is to keep elders in their homes with assisted care rather than moving them into facilities, so demand for qualified Home Health Aides is growing rapidly. As a Home Health Aide, you will help people live comfortably and with dignity in their own homes. HHA is the perfect option for working parents, or people who need flexible hours since you can sometimes schedule home visits around your other commitments. Our Home Health Aide class involves 20 hours of coursework, and is offered quarterly. Is it worth 20-32 hours of your time to boost your earning potential?

Ready To Run Away When The Surveyors Come?

Work in a long term care facility is filled with hundreds of little stresses, but every now and then one comes along that throws you into a panic. For many employees, survey time can be the worst. You know the drill: A state employee shows up with a clipboard and puts your facility under the microscope. Suddenly you're worried about every little thing, and unable to concentrate on your work. Is your paperwork in order? Did you remember to wash your hands after helping Ms. Jones with her eyedrops? Did Mr. Morris get his lunch in a timely manner?

Ok, stop. Take a deep breath. I'm going to let you in on a secret about surveys. Ready?

Survey days are the same as ANY OTHER DAY.

That's right. Whether you're the DON, a CNA, or facility's Activities Director, it's up to you to do you very best for your residents every day you come to work. If you're doing your job properly, everything will run smoothly and survey day won't be any different than any other day on the job.

Want to make survey as painless as possible? Do a mental run-down of everything the surveyors look for and make sure you could pass inspection with flying colors. Is your workflow in order, or are you always scrambling to take care of things when they pop up? Checklists can be a great help for both directors and employees. Rather than having to juggle everything in your head--and deal with interruptions and distractions--you can just refer to your checklist and keep things running smoothly. It's the easiest way to make sure you never forget something important, and it'll help you get back on track when all those little distractions pop up. If your records are up-to-date and neatly organized, you'll sail right through that part of the survey.

Next, take a moment to pretend that you're visiting your facility for the first time. Look around you and take note of what you see. Are the residents happy and involved with activities, or are they sitting alone in silence? Does everyone look well groomed, or is hygiene lacking? How does the air smell? When you work in a place day after day, you can get accustomed to smells, but it's important to take a moment to pay attention. If anything seems off, or if there are issues with the residents, take care of them now. That way, when it's survey time, you can relax and be confident that everything is in order.

Stand in the entrance to the dining hall, or in the facility's entry. How would your coworkers appear to a stranger? Are people stressed and short tempered, or do you see lots of smiles and pleasant interactions? Are residents addressed by name? If there is anything discourteous or disrespectful occurring, take care of it immediately. It might require a staff meeting or a memo, but clearing up any issues now will make survey a breeze.

Finally, remember that surveyors are just people doing their jobs, like you. They aren't there to cause trouble or make your life difficult. Yes, a lot of things are riding on a survey, but if you're working safely and conscientiously already, you have nothing to worry about. Help inspectors get their work done and get the information they need, and you'll be able to get back to your work that much more quickly. If you're doing a good job every day, survey day will be a breeze. Smile, take a deep breath, and go about your business without worrying.

 https://www.cms.gov/manuals/downloads/som107c07.pdf