10 Caring for Yourself 1. Describe how to find a job NAs seeking work can locate potential employers using these resources: Internet Newspaper Instructors

10 Caring for Yourself

1. Describe how to find a job

NAs seeking work can locate potential employers using these resources:• Internet• Newspaper• Instructors and their employers and personal contacts



Think about these questions:

Do you know of any other resources for finding jobs?

How did you hear about this NA course?



When applying for a job it is important to have the following documents on hand:• Identification such as driver’s license, social security card,

birth certificate, or passport• Proof of legal ability to work in this country• Credentials such as school diplomas (course

completion/graduation certificates, NA certification, other certification), including the names of instructors

• Letters of reference from former employers or teachers, not family or friends



A résumé should include • Contact details• Educational experience, starting with most recent• Work experience, starting with most recent• Special skills• Memberships in professional organizations• Volunteer work• Indication that references are available on request



The following general information is needed for a job application: • Your address, phone number, and email address• Birth date and social security number• Training school and dates, certification numbers• Previous employers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and

email addresses; and dates of employment• Salary information from previous jobs• Reasons why you left former jobs• References, including phone numbers and email addresses• Availability (days and hours)• Brief statement about why you are changing jobs



REMEMBER:

It is essential to be honest when completing job applications, even if that means including negative information like a criminal history. Not doing so may be considered fraud.


Handout 10-1: Job Application



REMEMBER:

A criminal background check will be completed before an NA is hired.



REMEMBER:

Neatness and appearance and paperwork will be considered in the hiring process. It is important to make an effort to look professional and to fill out all forms carefully and legibly.



These tips will help a candidate make a good impression at a job interview:• Shower or bathe and use deodorant.• Brush your teeth.• Wear only simple makeup and jewelry or none at all.• Clean and file your nails. Do not wear artificial nails.• Style clean hair simply.• Shave or trim facial hair before interview.• Dress neatly and appropriately.• Do not wear perfume or cologne.



Tips for making a good impression at a job interview (cont’d):• Do not smoke beforehand.• 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.


2. Describe a standard job description

It is important to know these 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



Points about job descriptions (cont’d):• 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



REMEMBER:

When taking care of residents, NAs must be able to manage time well. Managing time properly ensures all tasks can be completed during a shift.



In order to manage time properly an NA must• Plan ahead.• Prioritize.• Make a schedule.• Combine activities.• Get help when needed.




When might an NA need to get help?

Where can an NA find help if she needs it?


3. Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict

REMEMBER:

Everyone experiences conflict at some point, but conflict at work may harm productivity and the workplace environment if it is not managed or resolved.



Think about this question:

What impact do you think unresolved workplace conflict might have on the quality of care residents receive?



NAs should remember these guidelines for resolving conflict:• Plan to discuss at the right time and in the right place.• Do not interrupt.• Do not get emotional.• Check body language.• Keep focus on the issue at hand.• Be prepared to brainstorm solutions and to compromise.


4. Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism

REMEMBER:

There is a difference between hostile criticism, which is angry and negative, and constructive criticism, which is meant to help a person improve. The best response to hostile criticism is something like, “I’m sorry you are so disappointed” and nothing more.



To get the most out of constructive criticism,• Ask for details.• Ask for suggestions.• Apologize and move on.



REMEMBER:

Evaluations are often the basis for advancement and salary increases. It is helpful for NAs to be open to constructive criticism and to use their employers’ suggestions for improvement.



REMEMBER:

It is very important to give at least two weeks’ written notice before leaving a job. Both residents and staff will suffer if the facility is understaffed, and leaving without proper notice will make it more difficult to get hired in the future.


5. Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry

NAs should remember these guidelines regarding certification:• There is a 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 within first 24 months of certification• NA usually has three chances to pass test• NA must keep certification current


5. Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry

Important facts about state registries:• Required by OBRA• Often maintained by state’s Board of Nursing or Department

of Health• Contains NA’s training information, results of exams, and any

findings of abuse, neglect or theft• Employers can access to verify certification and check for

abuse investigations/findings.


6. Describe continuing education

REMEMBER:

The government requires that NAs receive 12 hours of continuing education every year.


6. Describe continuing education

NAs have the following areas of responsibility when receiving continuing education:• Sign up and know the location.• Attend class.• Pay attention and complete requirements.• Participate.• Keep records of attendance.


7. Explain ways to manage stress

Define the following terms:stress

the state of being frightened, excited, confused, in danger, or irritated.

stressorsomething that causes stress.



REMEMBER:

It is not just negative situations that can cause stress. Positive events like a wedding or a new baby’s arrival can also cause stress from the changes they bring to a person’s life.



Think about this question:

Look at the stressors listed on page 239. Can you think of any other possible stressors?



NAs should remember these guidelines for managing stress:• Maintain a healthy diet• Get plenty of exercise• Get enough sleep• Drink only in moderation• Do not smoke• Find time on a regular basis to do something relaxing (bath,

reading, movie, being in nature, something artistic, yoga, exercise, massage, music, meditation)



When stress is not managed, possible problems include• Showing anger or being abusive toward residents• Arguing with your supervisor• Having poor relationships with coworkers 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



The following are appropriate sources for managing stress:• Supervisor/care team member• Family• Friends• Support group• Place of worship• Doctor• Mental health agency• Phone hotline



REMEMBER:

NAs must not discuss their stress with residents or with residents friends or family members.




Why did you choose to become an NA?

What does it mean to you to be able to help others?

How will you remind yourself of how valuable your work is?


Exam

1. Which of the following are considered forms of identification? (A) References and NA certificates(B) Driver’s license and high school diploma (C) Social security card and driver’s license(D) Job application and GED

2. Which statement is true of references? (A) They should come from relatives. (B) They should come from former employers. (C) They should come from friends.(D) They should come from parents.


Exam

3. Ideally speaking, how many pages long should a résumé be?(A) One page(B) Two pages(C) Three pages(D) As many pages as needed to convey all important information

4. Why must an employer perform a criminal background check on new aides hired?(A) Aides are known to steal from facilities.(B) It is best never to trust anyone.(C) Employers like to have power over their employees.(D) The law requires it for the protection of residents.


Exam

5. Which of the following statements is true of job applications? (A) The candidate should leave anything blank that he does not want to

answer. (B) The candidate can write N/A for questions that do not apply to him. (C) The candidate should complete the application before reading it all the

way through to save time. (D) The candidate should not tell the truth if certain answers will make him

look bad.

6. What should a candidate for a nursing assistant job be sure to do when going for an interview?(A) Find someone to care for her children so she does not have to take them

along.(B) Put on all of her most striking jewelry.(C) Wear perfume so that she smells nice.(D) Wear flip-flops so that she feels comfortable and relaxed.


Exam

7. Which of the following would be the least appropriate thing to say to a potential employer when interviewing for a job?(A) “I love the idea of making people’s lives more comfortable and helping

them get better.”(B) “I have three younger siblings so I really started taking care of others as

a child.”(C) “I left my last job because my boss was always criticizing me even

though I wasn’t doing anything wrong.”(D) “My last supervisor was fantastic and I learned a lot at that job, but I’m

really excited to gain new skills as a nursing assistant.”


Exam

8. Which of the following is one reason a job description is important?(A) It can show the resident what the NA is supposed to do.(B) It outlines the steps the NA needs to take if she has a disagreement with

another care team member.(C) It can reduce misunderstandings between the NA and her employer

about the NA’s job duties.(D) The NA can refer to it if she forgets how to perform certain procedures.


Exam

9. The best response an NA can give to hostile criticism is (A) “It’s not my fault.” (B) “You’d better apologize to me.”(C) “You are being irrational.” (D) “I’m sorry you’re disappointed.”

10. Which of the following is a tip regarding appropriate body language to use when resolving conflict? (A) Lean back in your seat and cross your arms as you talk to the other

person.(B) Maintain eye contact and lean forward slightly.(C) Lean far forward in your seat and stare at the other person.(D) Slouch to show you are relaxed.


Exam

11. Which of these statements is an example of constructive criticism?(A) “You really need to remember to speak kindly to the residents, even

when you’re having a hard day.”(B) “You’re rude and disrespectful.”(C) “I’ve never seen somebody take such a long time to learn this job.”(D) “Did you sleep through your entire training course? You should know

how to do this.”

12. Which department often maintains a state’s nursing assistant registry?(A) Department of Revenue(B) Department of Homeland Security(C) Department of Health(D) Department of Agriculture


Exam

13. The federal government requires that NAs have ___ hours of continuing education each year.(A) 10(B) 12(C) 14(D) 16

14. Which of the following is true of stress?(A) Only negative experiences cause stress.(B) When a person recognizes stress, he can use simple methods to help

manage it.(C) A new job is never stressful.(D) Everybody knows when they are experiencing stress.


Exam

15. Which of the following is a guideline for managing stress appropriately?(A) Drink whenever it makes you feel more relaxed.(B) Get enough sleep.(C) Skip meals in order to get more done.(D) Take regular smoking breaks.

16. Which of the following people would be the most appropriate resource for an NA to discuss her work-related stress?(A) Resident’s friend who visits almost every day(B) Facility dietitian(C) NA’s supervisor(D) Activities director

Documents

10 Caring for Yourself 1. Describe how to find a job NAs seeking work can locate potential employers using these resources: Internet Newspaper Instructors