Wednesday, August 29, 2012

15 Tips to become a great CNA


1)      Be confident in the tasks you do

2)      Be your patient/residents advocate; let the nurses know anything that you think needs to be reported

3)      Wash your hands all the time; when caring for sick people their immune system is compromised and microorganisms can harm them far more than they can us.

4)      Know your precautions forwards and backwards and know where the PPE is located in the facility

5)      Know your vital signs!! know what's in normal limits and what should be reported also know where you can find your pulses and know different ways to take a Temp.
Temperature, Pulse, Respiration's, Blood Pressure, Oxygen %, weight
 
6)      When providing personal care remember your patients dignity; this can be done with a sheet or towel when giving a shower or bed bath,

7)      Try not to make your patient feel as your rushing them, make them feel as though all your attention is on them even though you may be thinking of the resident whose being taken away by rescue in the next room over, your shift may be crazy but never let them know you are short handed this is never an excuse.

8)      If your patient needs to ambulate try using small steps like "lets walk to the end of the hallway then ill wheel chair you the rest of the way" .

9)      Communicating to the other staff about your patients condition if it has changed on your shift is critical

10)   Keeping the work areas clean and organized for the next shift is always a plus

11)   Keeping track on your patients nutrition

12)   Good body Mechanics this will save you in the long run.. don't just do it fast but do it smart; keeping the bed in the high position when doing any bedside care, using gait belts and always lift with your legs and butt and keep that back straight

13)   Stay educated; know your signs and symptoms of common diseases

14)   Trim those fingernail! Don't ever touch the toenails, but the fingernails can be a great place for bacteria can live

15)   Encouraging the residents/patients to participate in activities
There's probably so much I didn't mention, I find the biggest pet peeve of mine is not being confident because when you are not confident the patient feel unsafe and uncomfortable. If you are unsure always ask for help!

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