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!
