10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job You can target potential employers by using the following sources: Internet Newspaper Instructors and their employers and contacts
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job Think about these questions: Are there other sources for finding employers? How did you hear about this course?
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job You will need certain information to complete job application, including: Identification such as drivers license, social security card, birth certificate, or passport Proof youre legally able to work in this country Credentials such as school diplomas, transcripts, phone numbers, and certificates (NA certification), including the names of instructors Letters of reference from former employers, teachers, and personal acquaintances who are not family
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job A rsum should contain the following: Contact details Educational experience, starting with most recent Work experience, starting with most recent Special skills Memberships in professional organizations Volunteer work
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job Be prepared with the following general information for a job application: Your address and phone number Birth date Social security number Training school details/dates and certification numbers Previous employers names, addresses, and dates of employment Salary information Reasons why you left each of your former jobs References, including addresses and phone numbers Availability (days and hours) Brief statement of why you are changing jobs or want to work as an NA
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job REMEMBER States do a criminal check at hiring. Neatness in appearance and paperwork is always a factor.
10 Caring for Yourself
Handout 10-1: Job Application
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job The following tips can help you make a good impression at a job interview: Shower or bathe and use deodorant. Brush your teeth. Apply makeup lightly. Trim and clean your nails. Style clean hair simply. Shave or trim facial hair before interview (men). Dress neatly and appropriately. Wear little or no jewelry.
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job Tips that can help you make a good impression at a job interview (contd.): Arrive 10 or 15 minutes early. Introduce yourself. Answer questions clearly and completely. Make eye contact. Avoid slang. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke. Sit up or stand up straight. Do not bring friends or children with you. Relax and be confident.
10 Caring for Yourself
1. Describe how to find a job Be prepared to answer questions like these in a job interview: Why did you become an NA? What do you like about working as an NA? What do you not like? (If this is your first job, you may be asked what you expect to like or dislike.) What are your best qualities? What are your weaknesses? Why did you leave your last job? (Never be Negative) What kinds of residents do you prefer to work with?
10 Caring for Yourself
2. Describe a standard job description Remember the following points about job descriptions: Agreement between employer and employee States responsibilities and tasks Includes skills required, to whom employee reports, salary Protects both parties Protects employee from change in duties without notification Protects employee from being fired for something unrelated to job description Protects employer from employee saying she did not know certain duties were required Reduces misunderstandings Can be used if legal issues arise
10 Caring for Yourself
3. Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict REMEMBER: Everyone experiences conflict at some point, but conflict at work can harm productivity and the workplace environment if it is not managed or resolved.
10 Caring for Yourself
3. Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict Remember these guidelines for resolving conflict: Plan to discuss at the right time and in the right place. Do not get emotional. Check body language. Keep focus on the issue at hand. Be prepared to brainstorm solutions and to compromise.
10 Caring for Yourself
4. Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism You can make constructive criticism beneficial. In order to learn from constructive criticism Ask for details. Ask for suggestions. Apologize and move on.
10 Caring for Yourself
4. Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism REMEMBER: Evaluations are often the basis for advancement and salary increases. It is to your benefit to be open to constructive criticism and ready to use suggestions for improvement.
10 Caring for Yourself
5. Discuss certification and explain the state's registry REMEMBER: OBRA requires nursing assistant training, including testing and at least 75 hours of training before being employed. Each state has requirements for training and for maintaining certification. Certification must be current for a nursing assistant to be allowed to work.
10 Caring for Yourself
5. Discuss certification and explain the state's registry These are general guidelines that apply to state certification: Certain time frame to take the state test Test must be taken within that time or NA will have to take new training course NA must work for pay during 24 months NA usually has three chances to pass test NA must keep certification current
10 Caring for Yourself
5. Discuss certification and explain the state's registry Remember these facts about state registries: Required by OBRA Often maintained by states Department of Health Contains NAs training information, results of exams, any findings of abuse, neglect or theft Employers can access to verify certification and check for abuse investigations/findings
10 Caring for Yourself
6. Describe continuing education REMEMBER: Nursing assistants must have twelve hours of continuing education every year.
10 Caring for Yourself
6. Describe continuing education The NA has the following responsibilities for receiving continuing education: Sign up and know the location. Attend class. Pay attention and complete requirements. Participate. Keep records of attendance.
10 Caring for Yourself
Define the following terms:
Stress the state of being frightened, excited, confused, in danger, or irritated. Stressor something that causes stress.
10 Caring for Yourself
7. Explain ways to manage stress Remember these guidelines for managing stress: Eat nutritious foods. Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep. Drink only in moderation. Do not smoke. Do something relaxing.
10 Caring for Yourself
7. Explain ways to manage stress Possible problems resulting from not managing stress include the following: Showing anger or being abusive toward residents Arguing with your supervisor Having poor relationships with co-workers and residents Complaining about your job and your responsibilities Feeling work-related burnout Feeling tired even when you are rested Having a difficult time focusing
10 Caring for Yourself
7. Explain ways to manage stress Remember these sources of help for NAs: Supervisor/care team member Family Friends Place of worship Doctor Mental health agency Phone hotline
10 Caring for Yourself
7. Explain ways to manage stress REMEMBER: It is never appropriate to talk to residents about your stress.
