A NURSING AIDES JOB DESCRIPTION

Someone suggested putting up this article on the the Nursing Aide job description....will do with pleasure! Thanks for the suggestion! :)Job purpose of Nurse assistant are to performs any combination of following duties in care of patients in hospital, nursing home, or other medical facility, under direction of nursing and medical staff:

Key duties of Nurse assistant:

1. Turns and repositions bedfast patients, alone or with assistance, to prevent bedsores.
2. Changes bed linens, runs errands, directs visitors, and answers telephone.
3. Takes and records temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiration rates, and food and fluid intake and output, as directed.
4. Cleans, sterilizes, stores, prepares, and issues dressing packs, treatment trays, and other supplies.
5. Answers signal lights, bells, or intercom system to determine patients’ needs.
6. Bathes, dresses, and undresses patients.
7. Serves and collects food trays and feeds patients requiring help.
8. Transports patients, using wheelchair or wheeled cart, or assists patients to walk.
9. Drapes patients for examinations and treatments, and remains with patients, performing such duties as holding instruments and adjusting lights.
10. Dusts and cleans patients’ rooms.
11. May be assigned to specific area of hospital, nursing home, or medical facility.
12. May assist nursing staff in care of geriatric patients and be designated Geriatric Nurse Assistant.

A NURSING AIDES NEW YEAR RESOLUTION!

  Well, with only hours left until we ring in the new year, Id like to suggest some new years resolutions for nursing aides everywhere!

1:  Take care of your self physically. Take meal breaks and bring snacks. Stay as hydrated as an athlete.

2: Laugh every day.

3: Go to a day spa at least twice during the year to treat yourself. You deserve it.!!!

Getting ready for Christmas!

Wishing all my fellow LNA's and CNA's a wonderful holiday season and a very happy new year!!!!

The Benefits Of A Support Group For CNAs

No man is an island as the saying goes. As you will discover from completing a CNA training class, the certification exam and beginning work as a certified nursing assistant (CNA), being a CNA may be fulfilling work but it is also challenging and you will need all the support you can get to help you successfully work and thrive as a CNA. Like many other jobs, working as a nursing assistant can have days when you feel frustrated and overly stressed and ready to call it quits.
Having a support system is one of the great ways to help you deal with and manage the stress and frustration that comes with the job. While your friends and family may be supportive, only people who face what you deal with on a daily basis can truly understand what you are going through and offer the support you need.

The Challenges of Being A CNA

Some of the challenges of being a nursing aide may be covered in a CNA training class and include but are not limited to;

• Understaffed care facilities
• Too much to do, too little time
• Dealing with various patients as well as dealing with patient abuse in some cases
• Problems with other staff members
• Dealing with patient death
• Feeling that the pay is not commensurate with the duties required
• Finding time to take care of yourself while taking care of others, etc.

All these challenges can take a toll on anyone and this can lead to burnout and no longer finding any joy or sense of fulfillment from being a CNA. The challenges can drain you both mentally as well as physically.

A Support Group Can Be a Great Help

When you face these various challenges on the job, not knowing where to turn to or who to talk to about what you’re facing can be tough which is were a support group comes in to the rescue. A good support group will help you “vent” with like minded people who know what you are struggling with and can offer not only support but suggestions on how to deal with the various challenges you will encounter on the job. A support group can also be a medium to share not only your challenges on the job but also the successes you have.
If there are no support groups for nursing assistants in your area, simply create one. If you are struggling on the job, you can be certain that there are others just like you who are struggling and are looking for a solution or simply support. Simply put up a flier at your workplace for those who are interested in starting a support group for nursing assistants to come to a meeting. Although you should discuss the reasons for wanting to start this group with the HR department at your workplace before putting up this flier, most employers will support this initiative.
For the group to be a success, you need to establish ground rules so that the meetings do not simply become a venue to complain with the attendants leaving the same way that they came. While letting out the various frustrations of the job may be cathartic, being able to generate solutions to make the job more manageable will make the support group more beneficial to the nursing assistants who attend.
Determine where and how often you shall meet. If the members of the support group all work at the same facility, you can meet in a conference room or one of the rooms at the facility. If the members are from various facilities you can choose a central location or rotate the meeting place from one facility to the next. Many libraries or churches frequently allow various groups to meet. The support group can meet monthly, weekly, etc. You can create an agenda for each meeting or simply allow members to discuss what is on their minds while ensuring the control is still maintained.

Online Support Groups For Nursing Assistants

The popularity of support groups for nursing assistants keeps increasing daily. From discussing the challenges of a CNA training class, the certification exam, to the challenges on the job, these online support groups provide the support needed. One can visit the online discussion groups anytime without needing a location or time to meet and they cover a multitude of topics, more than you can ever think or imagine.
You can pick whatever topic and discussion group interests you and not waste time with topics or groups that do not interest you. You will get to discuss issues with nursing assistants from all over the country and world working at various types of facilities. This will help you to find various solutions for the struggles that you encounter on the job. You can also post questions and ask for advice.
Job related stress is especially damaging on one’s health and having a support group to help you deal with stress and other job related struggles will help you navigate the turbulent waters of being a CNA. Support groups will also help you deal with various aspects of being a CNA such as a CNA training class, the certification exam, etc, and help you with finding solutions for your problems. It is also a great, supportive environment to share your successes on the job.

Skin Care for the Elderly

Bathing

• In many long term care nursing facilities, elderly patients are assigned one or two days a week for a bath or shower, and are washed up in their rooms twice a day on the days in between. The skin of an elderly patient does not contain as much oil as it once did, though, and therefore the temperature of the water should be warm rather than hot; if it's too warm, any oil left in their skin can be washed away, leaving their skin more susceptible to breaking open, which can lead to infection.
  You should also use a mild soap when washing them; this is not as harsh on their skin and helps prevent it from becoming dry. Some patients require the use of special soaps and shampoo  such as Nizoral; this is made especially for those who suffer from specific skin conditions such as eczema.

• Moisturize

  • Due to the loss of natural oils in the skin, it is necessary to apply lotion after a bath and multiple times through the day. When an elder's skin becomes dry, it begins to itch. The more he scratches, the more likely his skin is to break open, leaving room for bacteria to move in and infection to take place. Using a moisturizer regularly helps reduce the itchiness, thus reducing the likelihood of infection.

  
  
  

  Observe and Report

  • As you are providing skin care, you need to be observant of any changes in your patient's skin. From moles that have changed shape to a new area that has broken down and torn apart, it all needs to be reported immediately. The sooner she receives treatment for her condition, the better her chances are for a complete recovery.

  
  
  Read more: Skin Care for the Elderly | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5484310_skin-care-elderly.html#ixzz1ewIgcxhM

The 90-Plus Population Is on the Rise in the U.S.

The U.S. population aged 90 years and older (90-plus) is increasing and has distinct characteristics, according to a report by the U.S. Census Bureau, commissioned by the National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health.

Wan He, and Mark N. Muenchrath, from the U.S. Census Bureau in Washington D.C., describe the demographics, health, and economic status of the 90-plus population in the United States using data from the 2006 to 2008 and the 2008 American Community Surveys.

The authors report that 720,000 and 1.9 million individuals were in the 90-plus group in 1980 and 2010, respectively. Of the 90-plus population, 84.7 percent have at least one physical limitation, including difficulties doing errands alone (affecting 67.7 percent) and difficulty performing mobility-related activities (66.3 percent). The likelihood of living in nursing homes increased with age, from 11.2 percent of those aged 84 to 89 years to 19.8 percent of those aged 90 to 94. Women outnumbered men in the 90-plus group and constituted 74.1 percent of that population. Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians constituted 88.1, 7.6, 4, and 2.2 percent of the 90-plus population, respectively. The 90-plus were almost universally covered by insurance, and had an annual median income of $14,760, which is higher for men than women ($20,133 versus $13,580). Social security represented 47.9 percent of total personal income.

Recognizing Suicidal Behavior

Well, with the holidays and winter right around the corner, I know I will soon see a lot more than usual of depressed people coming as patients. So I thought I would post some of the warning signs of suicidal behavior to look out for.

Who is most likely to commit suicide?

Suicide rates are highest in teens, young adults, and the elderly. People over the age of 65 have the highest rate of suicide. Although women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are more likely to be successful. Suicide risk also is higher in the following groups:

• Older people who have lost a spouse through death or divorce
• People who have attempted suicide in the past
• People with a family history of suicide
• People with a friend or co-worker who committed suicide
• People with a history of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• People who are unmarried, unskilled, or unemployed
• People with long-term pain, or a disabling or terminal illness
• People who are prone to violent or impulsive behavior
• People who have recently been released from a psychiatric hospitalization (This often is a very frightening period of transition.)
• People in certain professions, such as police officers and health care providers who work with terminally ill patients
• People with substance abuse problems

What are the warning signs for suicide?

Following are some of the possible warning signs that a person may be at risk for suicide:

• Excessive sadness or moodiness — Long-lasting sadness and mood swings can be symptoms of depression, a major risk factor for suicide.
• Sudden calmness — Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end his or her life.
• Withdrawal — Choosing to be alone and avoiding friends or social activities also are possible symptoms of depression. This includes the loss of interest or pleasure in activities the person previously enjoyed.
• Changes in personality and/or appearance — A person who is considering suicide might exhibit a change in attitude or behavior, such as speaking or moving with unusual speed or slowness. In addition, the person might suddenly become less concerned about his or her personal appearance.
• Dangerous or self-harmful behavior — Potentially dangerous behavior, such as reckless driving, engaging in unsafe sex, and increased use of drugs and/or alcohol might indicate that the person no longer values his or her life.
• Recent trauma or life crisis — A major life crises might trigger a suicide attempt. Crises include the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or break-up of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of a job, or serious financial problems.
• Making preparations — Often, a person considering suicide will begin to put his or her personal business in order. This might include visiting friends and family members, giving away personal possessions, making a will, and cleaning up his or her room or home. Some people will write a note before committing suicide.
• Threatening suicide — Not everyone who is considering suicide will say so, and not everyone who threatens suicide will follow through with it. However, every threat of suicide should be taken serious.

Journal Says Flu Shots Effective A Little More Than Half The Time

New Flu Shot Findings

I was just thinking about getting the nasal type this year because I heard it was more effective. I had recieved the nasal type before with no ill effects, so I think I might go that route again :)

BANNING USE OF TANNING BEDS

California bans use of tanning beds by minors

I know this has nothing to do with Nursing Assistant stuff, but I was just talking about this the other day because at least 3 of my daughters friends, all about 24 years in age had been diagnosed with skin cancer (all started tanning while in high school) a couple years ago. I was just saying how those tanning beds should be banned if so many young people are getting skin cancer. I was so so excited to see this article today that I just had to post it and would love to hear some other opinions on the subject.

Fighting Battle Of The Buldge While Working Night Shift

Shift workers often eat on the job due to boredom or tiredness. These habits can wreak havoc with their weight-loss plan because there is generally less access to nutritious meals at night. And, again, nature is working against you: When you're sleep deprived, you're more likely to crave food high in fat and calories.  Also,  when your lacking sleep, your body ends up with a surplus of glucose, which contributes to weight gain.
Being aware of these factors is the first step in sticking to healthy habits. While there are no specific foods proven to help you relax, the best foods for shift workers are the healthy, balanced choices that are best for anybody. The National Sleep Foundation recommends not going to bed too full or too hungry — either feeling could keep you awake.
If you drink caffeine, do so as early as possible in your shift. Why? The same amount of caffeine taken too close to bedtime was found in a study at the University of Montréal to be even more disruptive to daytime sleepers than to nighttime sleepers.
Many shift workers unwind with an alcoholic drink after work to help them slide into slumber. While it may seem to help, it actually causes you to sleep less soundly. Instead, try aromatherapy, suggests Alan R. Hirsch, MD, FACP, founder and neurological director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. His studies have found scents like lavender, vanilla, green apple and cucumber promote relaxation. You can get the soothing effect with essential oils, sliced fruit or even an open shampoo bottle — synthetic scents work just as well as natural ones.

Thimerosal and 2011–2012 Seasonal Flu Vaccines

Was just reading up on the CDC web site a Q&A section about the Thimerosal and 2011–2012 Seasonal Flu Vaccines...So I thought I post the article.

What is thimerosal?

Thimerosal is a mercury–based preservative that has been used for decades in the United States in multi–dose vials (vials containing more than one dose) of some vaccines to prevent the growth of germs, bacteria and fungi, that can contaminate them.

What are preservatives and why are they sometimes used in vaccines?

Preservatives have been used in vaccines for more than 70 years and are added to vaccines to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi that could possibly make the vaccine in multi–dose vials unsafe. This may occur when a syringe needle enters a vial as a vaccine is being prepared for administration. Contamination by germs in a vaccine could cause serious infections.

Do the 2011–2012 seasonal flu vaccines contain thimerosal?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several formulations of the seasonal flu vaccine, including multi–dose vials and single–dose units. (See Table of Approved Influenza Vaccines for the U.S. 2011–2012 Season.) Since seasonal influenza vaccine is produced in large quantities for annual immunization campaigns, some of the vaccine is produced in multi–dose vials, and contains thimerosal to safeguard against possible contamination of the vial once it is opened.
The single–dose units are made without thimerosal as a preservative because they are intended to be opened and used only once. Additionally, the live–attenuated version of the vaccine (the nasal spray vaccine), is produced in single–dose units and does not contain thimerosal.

Is thimerosal being used in other vaccines?

Since 2001, no new vaccine licensed by FDA for use in children has contained thimerosal as a preservative, and all vaccines routinely recommended by CDC for children younger than 6 years of age have been thimerosal–free, or contain only trace amounts of thimerosal, except for multi–dose formulations of influenza vaccine. The most recent and rigorous scientific research does not support the argument that thimerosal–containing vaccines are harmful. However, CDC and FDA continually evaluate new scientific information about the safety of vaccines.

To read more....please visit the web site at....
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/vaccine/thimerosal.htm

How To Take Care Of A Diabetic Patient

Be sure your diabetic patient has plenty of opportunity to exercise  daily. No matter the mobility range of your patient, there are always ways to exercise at least a little each day.

Watch any sores, bruises or broken bones very carefully, as wounds on a diabetic tend to heal more slowly and are at greater risk of infection. Pay particular attention to the feet of your patient. Many diabetics have trouble in the lower legs and feet.

Check out this web site for more info.
http://www.diabetes.com/

Where To Donate Medical Supplies

Think about it. Millions of people are in need of medical supplies that are not readily available to them. Some simply cannot afford the cost. Other individuals simply have no access to them because of their geographical locations or a lack of supplies in that area. Medical supplies can be donated easily to assist with this matter. The donations can come from citizens or health care facilities. There are a lot of places to donate medical supplies that otherwise may be thrown in the trash.

1. What Types of Supplies to Donate

   • Healthcare, Microsoft.com

     Most Americans are very fortunate to have access to health care and the medical supplies most people get are paid for by insurance companies. Once your medical issues have subsided, you may have some leftover supplies that you would like to get rid of. You can donate supplies such as bandages, braces, colostomy supplies and adult diapers, or you can donate durable medical equipment, such as a tub bench or bedside commode. Hospitals and medical facilities can even donate larger pieces of equipment that may go to waste after an upgrade.

   Donate Within Your Community

   • Health care, Microsoft.com

     There are many organizations that would be willing to take unused medical supplies within any city or town. Free health clinics rely on donations like this to treat patients who cannot afford health care. Hospitals and home health companies often keep closets that are stocked with expensive items such as colostomy supplies, unused adult diapers, wound-care products, tube-feeding products and many more. These donations are used by health care professionals to provide supplies to people who are indigent and cannot afford to purchase them on their own.

   Donating Around the World

   • On February 21, 2005, The Hudson Valley Business Journal reported "St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital donated $25,000 of surplus medical equipment and supplies to the International Medical Relief Foundation." Medical equipment that is considered outdated when new technology comes along is sometimes donated to organizations like these. Supplies that have been upgraded also are donated to local or international charities. The Hudson Valley Business Journal also reported that "medical equipment considered outdated in the United States is often state of the art in underdeveloped countries."

   Organizations that Serve Larger Populations

   • The January 22, 2008, edition of Medical Technology & Devices Week describes the efforts of Medshare International (based in Decatur, Georgia), "which collects surplus medical materials and distributes them to places where they are desperately needed." According to the Medshare.org website, the Medshare organization will ship directly to the applicants overseas or supply medical missions that need assistance.

   Expert Insight

   • Social workers often utilize organizations such as those listed previously to get help for indigent patients. These resources truly make a difference in people's lives. So, if you are tempted to throw out some unused supplies, take a moment instead to call some of the area charities or health care organizations to see if you can make a donation. Who knows, your small act of kindness may make a difference in someone's life.

Read more: Where to Donate Medical Supplies | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5136206_donate-medical-supplies.html#ixzz1X07y6ujG

What your Smile Says About You

ok...I smile just about ALL the time so this article seemed like it was meant for me but I thought Id share the love by posting it because being happy is so important for your health and well being..and your happiness will reflect onto your patients and make them happy :)
http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/what-the-size-of-your-smile-says-about-you-2528046/

how to use a temporal thermometer

http://youtu.be/tHiqdCKI00Q

Do you  use a temporal thermometer? This is an awesome video about the correct way to use the themometer!

Bedsores

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bedsores/DS00570/DSECTION=symptoms

Did some looking around today at wounds and bed sores. The Mayo Clinic has a good article on the different stages of bed sores. Theres more out there and with better pictures so look around. I just like what the Mayo Clinic puts out in articles so that why I posted this one. : - )

Whats A Normal Blood Pressure

A lot of patients ask me when Im going around doing vitals what a normal blood pressure is. I looked around and found a chart and thought I would post this.

The Blood Pressure Chart

Category	Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)	Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)
Normal	Less than 120	Less than 80
Prehypertension	120 to 139	80 to 89
Stage 1 Hypertension (mild)	140 to 159	90 to 99
Stage 2 Hypertension (moderate to severe hypertension)	160 and higher	100 and higher

Low Blood Pressure

Low blood pressure is not determined by blood pressure levels, but by symptoms. A drop in normal blood pressure that causes no symptoms in one person may cause dangerous symptoms in another. Symptoms of low blood pressure include:

• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Heart attack
• Kidney failure
• Lightheadedness
• Shock.

Normal Blood Pressure for Children

Because children naturally have a normal blood pressure that's lower than an adult's, a child is at risk for hypertension at much lower blood pressures. Normal blood pressure for children also varies by gender:

Age of Child	Normal Male Blood Pressure	Normal Female Blood Pressure
1	Less than 103/54	Less than 103/56
2 to 3	Less than 109/63	Less than 1066/65
4 to 5	Less than 112/70	Less than 109/70
6 to 7	Less than 115/74	Less than 113/73
8 to 10	Less than 119/78	Less than 118/76
11 to 12	Less than 123/79	Less than 122/78
13 to 14	Less than 123/79	Less than 125/80
15 to 17	Less than 136/84	Less than 128/82
18 and over	As adult	As adult

Wahing Your Hands

ok....so I can never stress enough about how importanat it is to wash your hands...lol...just though Id post a link to a "wash your hands" music video! Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/tmMGwO4N0Vc

Isolation Precautions

Islolation Precautions

Great video to watch!

What Is Teamwork?

With being a Nurses Aide, it's very important to work as a team. So what is teamwork?
When you think about teamwork in your workplace, you may recognise effective, productive teams. You may also recognise groups of individuals who have been put together to work on a task or project and who just dont seem to make the same progress.

In order to understand the difference, consider the characteristics of effective teams. They consist of team members who have :
1:  A common purpose and clear goals
2: The necessary skills and resources
3: A common approach to work
4: The willingness to share information
5: Trust and support in each other
6: The ability to work through conflict
7: The willingness to take responsibility for team actions

So if you want to define teamwork, you could state that:
Effective teams consist of individuals who work together to achieve a common goal or purpose and who hold themselves accountable for team output.

Body Mechanics Skills Demonstration

Nursing Aides Job Description

 

Nursing aides, also known as nursing assistants, geriatric aides, unlicensed assistant personnel, or hospital attendants, perform routine tasks under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. As the medical industry booms, nursing assistant salaries are expected to remain competitive. Nursing aides answer patients' call bells, deliver messages, serve meals, make beds, and help patients eat, dress, and bathe. Aides also may provide skin care to patients; take temperatures, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure; and help patients get in and out of bed and walk. They also may escort patients to operating and examining rooms, keep patients' rooms neat, set up equipment, store and move supplies, or assist with some procedures. Aides observe patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions and report any change to the nursing or medical staff.

Yoga is Great For You!

A couple years ago I started doing yoga. From all the lifting, tugging and pulling we do as nursing assistants it takes a real toll on your body. Yoga has so many health benefits and since I started doing it I can tell how much more flexible I am and my back seems to love it!  I totally recommend it to anyone in the nursing field! Please check out the link and check out some yoga studios in your area. Some places even give away a free class or two just so you can try it!
http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguide/yogabenefits.asp

National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month

Yes, This month is National Osteoporosis Awareness & Prevention Month.
Every single woman in my family has been struck with this terrible disease and Im hoping that during my lifetime Ive been taking the appropriate steps in preventing it. Please visit this web site and get all the info and you can even download your own tool kit with materials that you can use to increase awareness of osteoporosis and bone health.
http://www.nof.org/home

You know your an LNA when.......

You know you’re a LNA when…

How do you know you’re a LNA?

See if you recognize yourself in the following tongue-in-cheek list, compiled by a former LNA who’s been there, done that.


1. You never leave home without your back brace and gait belt.
2. You change more linens than a hotel maid.
3. You have at least 20 sets of adoptive grandparents.
4. You keep up with the number of BMs your family has.
5. The beds in your home are made with “hospital corners.”
6. You can easily feed three or more people at one time.
7. You don’t get grossed out by what you find in adult briefs.
8. You can find 101+ uses for towels, sheets and pillowcases.
9. When your spouse holds your hand, you catch yourself doing range-of-motion exercises.
10. You tell your spouse that he/she is facing the wrong way at the wrong time in bed.

via scrubsmag.com

CNA Interview Tips | eHow.com

CNA Interview Tips eHow.com

Health Care Field Needs Employees Other Than Nurses - Nursing Link

Health Care Field Needs Employees Other Than Nurses - Nursing Link

How to Set up a Suture Tray | eHow.com

How to Set up a Suture Tray eHow.com Im just learning how to do things like setting up a suture tray so I thought Id post this for anyone else out there in my shoes. Ive only done it once so Ive written some of the things needed in a little notebook so Ill remember the next time

Hands Only CPR

Great web site by the American Heart Association! Check it out!
http://handsonlycpr.org/

Keep Your Fingernails Nice

Too many times Ive seen other Nursing Aides with long and or artifical nails. Nails should NOT be long. They also should be real. This is an area of debate, but the Infection Control Nurses of America have a position about artificial nails on nursing staff: Bacteria find a wonderful medium for growth under these nails. Many a patient has been scratched and infected with long unclean nails. It isn’t a matter of looks anymore so much as a matter of safety.
Artificial Nails and Nail Polish

India Superbug Gene

Some news today about the superbug showing up in the drinking water in India.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110407/wl_sthasia_afp/healthdiseaseindiaresearch_20110407131616

34th Annual National Nursing Assistants Week June 16th-23rd 2011!!!!

The nationwide observance of Nursing Assistant’s Week provides many opportunities to recognize and validate the role of the nursing assistant in the health care system. Public recognition of nursing assistants provides a valuable service, not only for making nursing assistants more visible, but also, to lessen the concern by family members when a loved one is in need of special care.

The Hospital Gown

A johnny, also called a "johnny coat," "johnny-shirt," "johnny gown" or "hospital johnny," has been called "the great equalizer" because it puts all hospital patients on an equal footing with the staff.

Obviously, the gown was originally designed to maximize access to the patient's body by medical staff.  According to several nurses, they say it got the name johnny because going to the "john" is a lot easier in one of these gowns.

That makes as much sense as any other explanation.

Now...check out these designer johnnies! Designer Johnnies

Reiki

Eventually, I would like to become a Reiki Master. I finished my level 1 class and I hope to do my level II class soon.
Reiki Energy Healing is a laying-on-hands technique for stress reduction and relaxation. Reiki is experiencing an increase in use as consumers increasingly seek out complementary medicine methods that support and address a more natural approach to their health issues and ailments.
What better use for Reiki than with an individual who is experiencing a challenge with their level of health and wellness, weather it be a temporary challenge or one in which life as they know it may be drastically changing.
Reiki Information

Handling Aggressive Behaviors p3 of 3

Quitting Smoking

When I used to smoke, many patients would comment on how I smelled. I would feel embarrassed and ashamed that as a health care worker I had to hear from patients that I should quit smoking. Back in the mid 80's we were even allowed to smoke at the nurses station! YIKES! Cigarettes are a thing of the past for me now and it was a tough road to get there but I did it, and I hope other health care workers that might read this will consider being smoke free :)  There's a great web site I found during that journey that has everything you could possibly want in the form of help. http://www.whyquit.com/ has videos, books you can download, and a slew of other information...in my opinion, the best out there. Try to never take another puff!

Make A Wish

For almost 7 years I worked with pediatric bone marrow transplant patients. The whole experience was very life changing for me. What all the families had to go through was more than anyone should endure. The Make A Wish Foundation was also a very important part of these childrens lives in making some dreams come true and bringing some happiness to the families. Please check out they're web site at http://www.wish.org/.

Assisting The Patient With The Self Administation Of Medication

What Is A Medication Aide?

A Medication Aide, also referred to as a Medical Technician, distributes patient medication in nursing homes, schools, correctional facilities, or other non-hospital, assisted living facilities for the physically or mentally disabled.  Medication Aides are directly supervised by doctors or other licensed caretakers. They typically assist patients with taking oral, topical or IV prescriptions in correct dosages, as well as adhering to strict medical regimens. A Medication Aide also supervises patients to ensure they do not have any adverse reactions after taking their medication.

Norovirus Update From CDC

Norovirus Update   Click this link

Policies for Nurse's Aides in the Hospital | eHow.com

Policies for Nurse's Aides in the Hospital eHow.com

Whats the best Nursing Shoe?

 Our poor feet!  We depend on them to get us through our long shifts and we need a shoe that going to provide support, absorb shock and are slip-resistant.
Dansko Shoes are engineered to provide quality footwear that is meant to be worn all day long. These shoes are made of leather and have steel shanks and rubber outsoles. They are slip resistant and have extra shock absorption materials.
SAS Shoes are handcrafted with high quality breathable leather.Extra grip soles with polyurethane midsoles provide a flexible and lightweight shoe that provides day-long support.
We cant forget about the Crocs! Crocs are designed to hug the sole of the foot and form a sure fit. They are lightweight and comfortable.

What Stethoscope To Buy

Poking around on the web to see if I could find what would be the best stethoscope to buy brought me to a slew of forums that were just on that subject, and it seems that a lot of people ended up buying the Littman Classic S.E. Stethoscope and had nothing but nice things to say about it. I looked around and found a lot of places that were selling them between $65-80, so shop around before you buy because I also saw some places selling them for over $100.

MRSA Infection Myths and Truths

Being a traveling Nuses Aide

This is something I would have really liked to do. I dont know anyone that has done it as a nursing aide though, only nurses. I did find one web site that had nusing aide travelers...atctravelers.com.  Ive heard positive feedback from nurses that have done this and they all seemed to really like seeing all the areas of the country. So if traveling around sounds like your cup of tea, check out the web site. Im sure there are other web sites out there so do your research.

Nail Care

Some hospitals, home care agencies or nursing homes do not let nursing assistants cut toenails, so check the policy where you work.
DO NOT, however,cut the toenails of anyone who has diabetes or has bad circulation to the feet.

What is Elder Abuse? | eHow.com

What is Elder Abuse? eHow.com

Tired Aching Legs?

I know on most nights I must walk 20 miles during one shift. Alright, I'm exaggerating but I walk A LOT. I also notice a big difference when I wear my support hose opposed to when I don't.

For tired aching legs:
Standing or sitting for long periods can cause blood to pool at the ankles and have a hard time returning causing legs to ache and feel tired. 8-15mmHG compression stockings give a gentle squeeze at the ankles and go up the leg to get your blood back up to your heart.Helps relieve that tired feeling.

How Long Can MRSA Live On Surfaces

We all have to take care of patients with MRSA and I was just wondering how long it could live on surfaces in the patient room, and this is what I found.
MRSA can live on  other surfaces other than the patients for days, weeks, months depending on the enviromental circumstances. Most studies suggest/show that MRSA can live up to 90 days. So never forget to wash your hands before and after taking care of a patient. It's the most important thing that you can do!

Managing Third Shift

Ive been working third shift for 20 years and it has its good and bad points. I dont think you ever get used to it though and you often go through your day in a fog and your energy is nowhere in site.
On most nights, Im ready to crash halfway through my shift and when I get home...here comes the second wind. If your sleeping during the day, you still need to sleep an average of 8 hours to keep your body healthy and I m talking about a solid 8 hours, not 4 hours here and 4 hour there because by breaking it up, your not letting your body go through it's proper sleep cycles. Easier said than done right?

Have a sleep ritual. Go to sleep as soon as you get home. Dont do chores or errands, save this for later. Come home, sit in a bath with a book and then hit the sack!

Room darkening shades work wonders! I strongly advise it! You could also try eye masks.
Keep noise to a minimum. Use ear plugs and take that phone off the hook.
Dont drink anything with caffine at least 4 hours before you know you going to bed. Very important!
Wear sunglasses on your way home from work. When your eyes are exposed to the sunlight, thats when your second wind kicks in so wearing sunglasses can help with that.

You know your a Nursing Assistant If..........

You would like to meet the inventor of the call bell in a dark alley one night.

Every time someone asks you for a pen, you can find at least three of them on you.

You check the caller ID when the phone rings on your day off to see if someone is trying to call to ask you to work.

You've told a confused patient your name was that of a coworker and told them to give a yell when they need help.

You've sworn you're going to have "DNR" tattooed on your chest.

National Nurses Assistant Week

National Nurses Assistant Week is June 16-23 2011!

Dementia Care for Nursing Assistants | eHow.com

Dementia Care for Nursing Assistants eHow.com

Patient Tips

For subborn BM, a little shaving cream works wonders with cleaning. Make sure to add lotion after as shaving cream can be drying.

For shiny, soft hair. Use a small spray bottle, do one part conditioner to 9 parts water. Spray in hair after a shampoo and leave in hair.

Destress!

We nurse's assistants do a lot for other people and sometimes we feel a bit stressed out. Heres a tip or two :)

Take time for yourself. Do something that you enjoy. Read a book. Get a massage. Listen to a relaxation CD. Take a nap. Get a facial. Soak in a bath. Go on a hike. Take a yoga class.

Nursing Home

I worked in a Tramatic Brain Injury facility for 7 out of my 25 years as a nursing assistant and basically had the same assignment for that long. My patients became family to me and I would feel great knowing what a difference I had made in their lives.

an old lady's poem

Nursing Aides

I am starting this blog to hear from other Nursing Assistants on positive things you find about the career you've chosen as a Nursing Aide. Please write me anything weather it came from a patient or the patients family...or other members of the medical community. I'm putting together a blog to show that what we do as Nursing Aides is a very important part of the care for patients and their families...and to put to rest that saying that I'm sure you have all heard from time to time...."oh, your just an aide"? Just remember not to include any names of patients or their family member please! Confidentiality! Also, Im looking for patients that might have a great story to share about a nursing assistant :)