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

 

How to Be a Good Online Student

In my last post, I gave an overview of whether or not online learning is for you. Now I'd like to focus on what it takes to succeed in online learning. If you've decided that an online class sounds just right for you, this list can help you not only survive, but thrive in your class.

1. Take care of all the required busywork up front. If the class requires a book or workbook, make sure you leave plenty of time to get it. If you're ordering the book from an online store (or even a regular bookstore), the book might be out of stock or backordered. Leave enough time for the post office to get your book to you before class starts, or you could find yourself falling behind. Also, make sure you have submitted all the required paperwork for your class. Here at We Care Online, several of our Kansas classes require students to include a copy of a Nurse Aide or Social Security card as part of the registration. If your class has a clinical component, make sure you know where and when the class will meet, and make any arrangements for transportation or child care.

2. Get familiar with your computer. If you only use your computer for checking email or watching videos, take some time to play around online and get comfortable with how your web browser works. Ask your questions and get familiar with how the computer works before you're under the pressure of class deadlines. It's much easier to get over nerves when you're just surfing for yourself versus when you're in the middle of a class and assignments are due.

3. Start your class promptly and stay on track. If possible, get a little bit ahead on assignments so you'll have a cushion of time later on in the class. A lot of people assume that online classes are easier and take less time than traditional classes, but this is rarely the case. Don't assume you can take it easy in the beginning and make up for lost time at the end.

4. Manage your time. When your class starts, take a look at the class outline, and at the assignments for all chapters or units. Get a feel for how long it will take you to work through each section and set up a schedule for yourself so you'll stay on track. There can be a lot of variation in the length of individual learning units, so don't assume that each one will take the same amount of time to complete.

5. Be sociable. Online classes have a discussion board when you can talk to your fellow students. There are generally some assigned questions related to the class material, but don't be afraid to start a new topic or to stray a little off topic to get to know your classmates better. You're all just names on a screen to each other until you write a message and let your personality come through. Share experiences you have had in your working life that might help your other students, such as how a technique is performed at your facility, or something you have learned on the job.  But always be mindful of patient confidentiality issues! It's ok to change names or details to protect someone's privacy.

Unfortunately, it's easy to get too comfortable online and share more than you should. Always be mindful of over-sharing. It's fine to mention if you have kids, or where you work, but be wary of giving out personal information like phone numbers or birthdates. Think of it this way: if you're chatting with someone in line at the grocery store, you might tell a funny story about your toddler, but you're not going to tell that person where you live or where your kids go to school. If you're not comfortable sharing it with that person in the grocery store line, you probably shouldn't share it online either. Be open with your knowledge of class topics--you're here to learn, and learn from others--but keep the personal information personal.

Finally, always be mindful of the fact that when you're online, humor and sarcasm are not always obvious, so jokes can fall flat and people might misunderstand what you are trying to say. Always take a moment to pause and read over your discussion board comments, or email messages, before sending them. Do your best to use good grammar and proper spelling, and to project a professional image at all times. Leave a good impression on your classmates--you never know when you might bump into them in your working life. A student might someday be your co-worker, boss, or employee, or a reference on a job application. Make sure your words reflect the best you have to offer.

The Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center has a wonderful tutorial about online learning. Some of the items are specific to VALRC students, but the majority of the information applies to any online class. The sections on time management and internet terms are particularly good. If you are new to computers, or hesitant online, this tutorial could set your mind at ease.

Start here: http://www.valrc.org/tutorials/onlinelearner/introduction.htm

Are Online Courses For You?

Online classes are described as many things - fast, convenient, inexpensive - and while there are many benefits, they're not for everyone. If you're on the fence about whether an online class is for
you, or not, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you have reliable internet access and a fairly new computer?

Many classes have interactive content like slideshows and video clips. Class materials can also be heavy on pictures, so having a computer that can process multi-media content, and an internet connection that can handle the load, is essential.

2. Are you a strong reader? Are you comfortable reading many pages of text on a screen, and interacting in a discussion board?

If you're the kind of person who reads a book to learn how to do something, or enjoys reading a manual to learn how to work a new piece of equipment, online learning is definitely for you. Most online
classes will involve reading lessons on the computer, and then doing assigned readings in a textbook. You may also have a discussion board where you can interact with your classmates in, you guessed it, text.

It can be a LOT of reading, so if you prefer face-to-face conversations, and being around people, you might find online classes can be a bit lonely. On the other hand, discussion boards are great places to find lively discussion and to learn from your fellow students. It's slower than talking in-person, but can often be a richer experience because of the thought everyone puts into their postings.

3. Do you have the time to commit to a course?

Many people feel that online classes are easier than traditional classroom learning, and that there are many opportunities to cut corners and spend less time on your schoolwork than you would at a
regular school. Not true. Online classes take every bit as much time as traditional classes, and might even take more. Discussions are slower via message board, and readings can take longer than lectures.
Take the time commitment into consideration before signing up for a class. Yes, it's on your schedule, but it still requires you to put in the necessary time.

4. Do you budget your time well?

One of the biggest perks of taking an online class is the flexibility in schedule. You can study in that hour after the kids go to bed, or sip coffee in your pajamas while you take a unit quiz. It's hard to beat the comforts of home, and the convenience of working at your own pace, but online courses still take discipline. At We Care Online, class units have specific deadlines, and you're required to do assigned readings, visit the discussion board, and do your unit tests all on a set schedule. If you need the motivation of peers in a classroom, online learning might not work for you. There is some room for procrastination, but you do need to have a certain amount of discipline. Be honest with yourself about your ability to self-motivate and stay on task.

5. Do you enjoy interacting online?

The more interaction there is in the discussion boards, the more everyone learns. You also help build your professional network (and you might make some friends, too!). Thanks to the anonymity of online
classes, it's easy for shy people to speak up and add their insights to a class discussion. Everyone is equal on a discussion board, and you have all the time you need to compose your words and make sure
you're saying what you mean to say. No one will talk over you, or roll eyes at your comments.

Still not sure if online learning is for you? Try this quiz: http://online.uwc.edu/quiz_2.0/selftest3.asp

Also, here's a calculator to help you determine whether or not an online class will save you money vs. a traditional classroom class. http://sln.suny.edu/gs/gs_costcalculator.shtml

WeCareOnlineClasses.com

How To Keep Your Cool When Dealing With a Difficult Resident

You don't have to work in long term care for long before you encounter a difficult person. Sometimes it's a resident, other times a coworker, or even someone outside the facility like a resident's family member or doctor. Beyond the golden rule, what can you, as a health worker, do to improve these encounters? To simplify things, I'm going to address issues with residents here. A lot of these tips are universal and can help with any difficult person, but some are very specific to long term care residents.

First off, no matter how difficult it is, keep your temper in check. It's easy to get your hackles up when people are being belligerent - moreso when you know you're right and they're wrong - but nothing will
ruin the encounter faster than a lost temper. If you need to leave the room or turn away to regain your composure, do so. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, or counting to ten in your head,
really does help.

Composed and ready to face the situation now? Great. It's important to remember that many residents are adjusting to many changes in their lives. It is very rarely about you, and almost always about something
else that's bothering the resident, so don't take outbursts personally. The loss of health and independence can be very hard to face. Fear, anger, sadness, and pain can pervade almost every aspect of a person's life when they first transition to assisted care. Keep in mind that any of these things might be behind a resident's rudeness or inappropriate behavior. Instead of scolding the resident, or getting your feathers ruffled, use your empathy skills to gently encourage a resident to share what is bothering him or her. A leading question like, "I hear a lot of tension in your voice. Is your pain worse today?"  can give the resident the chance to tell his or her side of the story. Let your residents know that you're on their side
and will do everything in your power to help address their issues.

Now, with a belligerent resident, this might be an invitation to carry on about problems and pains, whether real or imagined. Do your best to get to the heart of their issues and offer solutions. Is Mr. Smith's wheelchair pad worn and causing discomfort? Is Ms. Jones' robe aggravating her skin condition? It's often the simple fix that can diffuse the litany of complaints. If fear is the root of the problem,
demonstrating empathy and sharing your knowledge might be all it takes to set a resident's mind at ease. Perhaps a resident is balking at taking medication because he or she doesn't fully understand why it is
necessary. Telling the resident to "take it because the doctor said so" won't help the situation. Use your knowledge to explain, as best you can, what a medication does or doesn't do, and set the resident's mind at ease. A resident might also lash out due to loneliness. Do whatever you can to be a friend to your residents. Sometimes all they need is someone to listen. Talk to your facility's Activity Director or Social Services representative and arrange for the resident to attend a group activity or have a volunteer stop by and visit with the resident.

Another issue that faces residents as they transition to a nursing facility is the feeling of a loss of  responsibility. Many resent going from being parents and caretakers to being dependent on others. Refusing to take medicine, or not wanting to attend meals in the dining room can point to a deeper issue. Residents are going from being in control of their own schedules to being forced into a facility's schedule, and that can be tough. You can help by offering residents choices and allowing them to exercise independence and judgment on their own. Instead of offering water with pills, let the resident chose between water, milk and juice (according to the diet plan). Ask residents what time they like to eat meals, and if the time is different from your facility's dining hours, see if it would be possible to arrange for an
in-room meal at a time more fitting for the resident.

In all encounters, focus on the positive. If you need to get through an awkward or unpleasant activity (like a sponge bath) chat about a TV show coming on later that day, or about the facility-wide Bingo game
that evening. If a resident is fighting you as you try to change a wound dressing, remind them that the sooner you finish, the sooner the resident can go back to doing something he or she enjoys. Let them see that by sitting quietly and letting you do your work, they can move on to more pleasant things more quickly.

Finally, be on the lookout for residents who suffer in silence. Most people are taught to keep a stiff upper lip, or to remain stoic in the face of troubles, so it can be very hard for your residents to admit they are hurting and need help. Use your skill at reading body language to help see beyond the surface behavior to what might be going on under the surface. Stiff posture or fidgeting might indicate a person is in pain. Staring into space or frequent sighing can clue you in that your resident's mind is on something other than the here and now. It might be too embarrassing for residents to discuss medical problems with you at first, but if you demonstrate an air of trust and make your residents feel safe, you can help them to express what's really behind "bad" behavior.

Want to read more on this topic? Check out these articles.
http://nursinglink.monster.com/careers/articles/5771-difficult-patients-why-theyre-that-way-and-how-to-handle-them

http://ezinearticles.com/?Elder-Care-Solutions---Dealing-With-Difficult-Aging-Parents&id=3901872

Interview With An Health Unit Coordinator Graduate

Last week we wrote about the role of Health Unit Coordinators in care facilities. This week we're going a little further and talking to a graduate of our Health Unit Coordinator class, Babette P. Babette completed our course and then took the exam to join the industry's national association. With almost a year's worth of working experience behind her, so shares what she's learned.

WeCareOnline: Thanks for talking with us, Babette. First off, are you now working as a Health Unit Coordinator? If so, how long did it take?
Babette: Yes, I work in a 55 bed ER. It took 3 months.

WCO: Are you happy with your job?
B: It is very challenging, but I like it.

WCO: What surprises did you find when you started your job?
B: I was prepared for pretty much all, it was just a steep learning curve. Most of it was good. The only area that an online class cannot prepare you for is transcribing orders.  Even with the practice CD, it was still a big jump.

WCO: Does your position require you to be Certified by the National Association of Health Unit Coordinators?
B: Yes, it is required within 90 days of hire.

WCO: Do you think it was worth it to get your NAHUC certification?
B: Yes, it probably put me ahead of some of my co-applicants.

WCO: Would you recommend the We Care Online Health Unit Coordinator course to others?
B:  Yes, I already have to two people.

WCO: What is your favorite part of Health Unit Coordinating?
B. Helping to make a scary situation easier for patients and family.

WCO: Please share a little more about Health Unit Coordinating and how the We Care Online class helped you.

B: I like Health Unit Coordinating because I am a valued part of the health care team.  We work together for the best possible outcome.  Making a difference in the outcome of a patient's illness, or helping co-workers to be more efficient and productive is rewarding.  I did not have the time, nor did I want to spend endless hours commuting to a college where the course was offered.  WeCareOnline made it possible for me to attain my goal of becoming a Health Unit Coordinator with no commute and within my schedule constraints.

Thanks for your time, Babette. We wish you continued success with your Health Unit Coordinating career, and we're happy we could help you get your start!

For anyone else considering an HUC position, our HUC class is offered continuously throughout the year. It's an open enrollment class, so there are no start or end dates, and you can dive in immediately after we process your registration. With just sixty hours of class time (at your convenience), you can be on your way to a rewarding career with growth potential. What are you waiting for?

What is a Health Unit Coordinator?

If you say you're a Certified Nurse Aide or Restorative Aide, most people know what you're talking about, but not so much if you're a Health Unit Coordinator. This frequently overlooked position is one of the most in-demand jobs in health care today, and the field is only growing. What is a Health Unit Coordinator? The HUC is the person who keeps a nursing unit running, allowing others to do their specific jobs. The HUC is a jack of all trades and can do anything from answering phones and working a reception desk to transcribing doctor's and nurse's orders for patient care. As the name implies, the HUC coordinates the workflow in a health care unit. This can involve everything from ordering supplies, to processing paperwork, and handling admissions and discharges. HUCs are the link between doctors, nurses, and other service staff.  It is a position requiring strong clerical skills and an ability to juggle multiple tasks and demands. This article has more detail on the various skills and duties involved in being an HUC - http://www.mshealthcareers.com/careers/healthunitcoord.htm

The position requires patience and above-average communication skills. If you thrive in a busy environment and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from making sure things run smoothly, this could be the perfect job for you. Health Unit Coordinators do not need to be certified to fill an HUC role, but they do need specialized training. The Health Unit Coordinator is one of our most popular classes and can give you all the training you need to work as an HUC. NAHUC (http://www.nahuc.org) is the professional association for health unit coordinators. It's mission is to promote health unit coordinating as a profession through education and certification. You do not need to be certified to be a member, and you do not need to be a member to be certified. Both the membership and certification can help your career though, so certification is recommended.

Salaries for HUC vary by area, but those in large cities can expect $30-$35,000 a year, and smaller areas are generally $25-$30,000 annually. An overview of average salaries by city can be found here. HUC is also a great stepping stone to a nursing career. It will give you an insider's view of how a unit runs, and give you experience that can help in any other health care job.

See our Health Unit Coordinator Course information HERE.

Raising Quality Kids...when you're working night and day!

People used to joke about "doctor's hours", how doctors were only on the job when it was convenient, but anyone who has ever worked in health care knows how far that is from the truth. Today's medical workers, like CNAs and HHAs, often work long hours and irregular, on-call shifts. All this while juggling the needs of their families.

Quality time with the family can be hard to come by, and it can be hard to devote the time you need to your kids. How can health care workers raise quality kids while meeting the needs of very demanding jobs?

First, don't panic! While your kids certainly need periods of undivided attention, you can still manage plenty of quality time while going through your day. As this (http://www.lovingyourchild.com/2010/04/raising-kids-quality-time/) article points out,"Contrary to popular notion, the best parent-child memories are not created out of major milestones marked with much celebration and fanfare. It’s the little moments spent in doing things together that create beautiful memories – cherished and held close to the heart forever." Little things like talking about the upcoming day with your children while making your and their lunches can go a long way. Instead of rushing out the door with a travel mug of coffee, take a few moments to enjoy a bowl of cereal with your kids. It'll start your day--and theirs--off right. Similarly, instead of plopping down in front of the TV after work, turn the TV off and play a board game with your family. Or take a walk around the block, or hit the park to toss a ball around. Getting out of the house and away from the TV can bring out the chatterbox in your kids, and you'll be able to keep current on their lives with very little effort.

Driving to and from daycare or school is another frequently missed opportunity. Instead of letting your kids bury their heads in a movie or video game, take the time to ask about their days. Talk about some of your experiences at work (being mindful of confidentiality, of course!). Long term care workers could write books full of all the great stories they hear from their elderly residents. Why not share some of those stories with your children and encourage them to share in kind? Don't use this time to gripe about work or problematic co-workers. Instead, focus on the positive. You can help your kids understand why your work is important (and why you need to be away from home during your shifts) while encouraging them to talk about their day care or school time, too. Audio books are another great way to get closer with your kids. Find a story or author you both enjoy and you can discuss the book between chapters. It's a great way to break the ice and get your kids talking. Picking books that reflect your values lets you share what's important while entertaining at the same time.

Family meal time is one of the best ways to keep involved with your kids lives. Dinnertime conversations are a great way to impart your values and let your kids know what is important to you. But an opportunity most people miss is hanging out with your kids while preparing the meal. Many people feel their kids just get in the way in the kitchen, but if you give your kids specific tasks, they can take pride in the meal and spend some valuable time with you. We live in a world of microwave meals and convenience foods, but often, a home cooked meal is worth the effort. Moreso, if you have you little helpers by your side. Here are two great resources with recipes and tips for getting your kids involved in meals. http://www.cookingwithkids.com/part1/challenges.html/ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/safe-easy-kitchen-tasks-for-little-fingers/index.html

Feeling overwhelmed? You cook, you clean, and do everything in your power to keep your household running smoothly. All while working a full-time (and sometimes overtime!) job. Isn't that enough? Well, "Our children, for the most part, are unaware of the myriad of things that we do FOR them. However, they are fully aware of the things which we do WITH them." (http://www.raisingsmallsouls.com/quality-time-with-children/). Sometimes it's OK to let the cleaning slip in favor of an impromptu game of tag. Or let dinner be a little late so you can take an extra five minutes to talk with your child about the new piece of artwork on the fridge. Going to the park is all well and good, but just sitting back and watching isn't nearly as meaningful as diving into a game of tag with your kids.

Bringing your experience into the conversation is one of the best way to connect with your children and impart memorable lessons. Instead of family movie night, try talking with your kids over snacks. Or watch a short program together and turn the TV off to discuss it. No matter what their attitudes may say, kids still look to their parents for guidance on how to live their lives. Sharing your experiences while they talk about theirs is a great way to teach values. You can bring your experience as a health care worker to bear, too. For example, if you witnessed an incident of verbal elder abuse, you can compare it to a bullying incident your child witnessed at school. Talk about your feelings and how you each reacted to the situation. It'll help bring your daily work to life for your children, and give you some insight into your kid's lives, too.

Finally, if your children are old enough, see if they might be interested in volunteering at the facility where you work (or a similar facility). They can gain valuable life experience, and maybe a renewed respect for what mom or dad does all day! As with most things in life, it's more about quality than quantity. "While more than half of employed parents guess that their children want more time with them, in fact, most children did not put this on top of their list. Instead, kids wished that their parents would be less stressed and less tired from work." (http://www.familytlc.net/working_parents_teens.html).

Other helpful links:
http://www.kelloggforum.org/working-parents-and-children-effects-problems/
http://www.cookingwithkids.com/
http://life.familyeducation.com/family-time/parenting/36489.html