1. Define important words in the chapter

1. 1. Define important words in the chapter • conflict resolution • the process of resolving conflicts in a positive way so that everyone is satisfied. • constructive criticism • feedback that involves giving opinions about the work of others in a non-aggressive way. • job description • an outline of what will be expected in a job. • résumé • a summary of a person’s education and experience.

2. 1. Define important words in the chapter • stress • a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition that occurs due to changes in the environment. • stressor • internal or external factors or stimuli that cause stress.

3. 2. Describe how to write a résumé and cover letter • Define the following term: • résumé • a summary of a person’s education and experience.

4. 2. Describe how to write a résumé and cover letter • Before you begin a new position as a nursing assistant, you have to look for a job. The first step in any job search is preparing a well-written résumé.

5. 2. Describe how to write a résumé and cover letter • A good résumé contains the following: • Objective • Education • Experience • Volunteer work • Skills • References

6. 2. Describe how to write a résumé and cover letter • Know these rules for writing a résumé: • Limit it to one page in length • There should be no borders or colors • Use 12-point font • Check spelling • Do not staple anything to it

7. 2. Describe how to write a résumé and cover letter • Remember these guidelines for writing cover letters: • Keep it brief • It should serve as an introduction to the interviewer • Include information about why you are seeking the job

8. 3. Identify information that may be required for filling out a job application • REMEMBER: • Completing a job application can be stressful. Being prepared will help you present yourself well. To save time and avoid mistakes, take a piece of paper and write down information that you may need for the application. You can take this paper with you, along with a new copy of your résumé, when you go to complete the application.

9. 3. Identify information that may be required for filling out a job application • Here is some of the general information needed for a job application: • Your address and phone number • Your e-mail address • Your social security number • Salary information • Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the school or program where you were trained • Certification numbers and expiration dates from certification cards, CPR cards, and first aid cards

10. 3. Identify information that may be required for filling out a job application • General information needed for a job application (cont’d.): • Previous employers’ names, addresses, and phone numbers • Dates of previous employment and reasons for leaving each job • References, including addresses and phone numbers • Names of other people who work at the facility • Availability (days and hours)

11. Handout 28-1: Job Application

12. 3. Identify information that may be required for filling out a job application • Remember these guidelines for completing job applications: • Fill it out carefully and neatly. • Never lie on the application. • Do not leave anything blank.

13. 3. Identify information that may be required for filling out a job application • Think about this question: • Why do states do a criminal background check when hiring someone to be a nursing assistant?

14. 3. Identify information that may be required for filling out a job application • REMEMBER: • Neatness in appearance and paperwork is a factor in getting a job offer.

15. 4. Discuss proper grooming guidelines for a job interview • Remember these proper grooming guidelines: • Bathe and use deodorant. • Wear clean, nice clothes that are wrinkle-free. • Wash your hands and clean your nails. Do not wear artificial nails. • Wear simple makeup and jewelry or none at all.

16. 4. Discuss proper grooming guidelines for a job interview • Proper grooming guidelines (cont’d.): • Wear hair in a simple style. • Make sure shoes are polished. • Males should shave. • Brush your teeth. • Do not smoke. • Do not wear perfume or cologne.

17. 5. List techniques for interviewing successfully • Know these the tips for interviewing: • Practice beforehand. • Find out beforehand if there will be test. • Get directions to the interview site. • Arrive early. • Turn off your cell phone. • Be courteous to staff members. • Introduce yourself and smile and shake hands.

18. 5. List techniques for interviewing successfully • Tips for interviewing (cont’d.): • Answer questions clearly and completely. • Do not exaggerate your accomplishments. • Make eye contact. • Do not use slang or curse words. • Do not eat or chew gum. • Be positive and look happy. • Do not bring children or friends with you. • Relax and be confident.

19. 6. Describe a standard job description and list steps for following the scope of practice • Define the following term: • job description • an outline of what will be expected in a job.

20. 6. Describe a standard job description and list steps for following the scope of practice • A job description can be a long, complex form, and you should read it before you sign it. Ask questions if you do not understand anything in the job description.

21. 6. Describe a standard job description and list steps for following the scope of practice • REMEMBER: • Nursing assistants have to follow their scope of practice. A scope of practice lists the tasks that nursing assistants are permitted to perform, as allowed by state or federal law.

22. 6. Describe a standard job description and list steps for following the scope of practice • Remember these tips to help decide whether or not you should perform a procedure: • Do not perform a procedure if it is not on the job description. • Do not perform a procedure if you have not been trained. • Do not perform the procedure if you have forgotten how to do all or part of it. • If you believe a procedure is not appropriate for a resident, ask the nurse.

23. 7. Identify guidelines for maintaining certification and explain the state’s registry • Here are some general guidelines regarding state requirements for maintaining NA 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 during 24 months • NA usually has three chances to pass test • NA must keep certification current

24. 7. Identify guidelines for maintaining certification and explain the state’s registry • Know the information found on state registries: • NA’s name • NA’s address, DOB, and social security number • Date NA was placed in registry and test results • Expiration dates of certificates • Information about investigations and hearings

25. 8. Describe continuing education for nursing assistants • REMEMBER: • You must have twelve hours of continuing education every year, as required by OBRA.

26. 8. Describe continuing education for nursing assistants • As a nursing assistant, you are responsible for the following regarding continuing education: • Attend class. • Pay attention and complete requirements. • Keep certificates and records of attendance.

27. 9. Describe employee evaluations and discuss criticism • Define the following term: • constructive criticism • feedback that involves giving opinions about the work of others in a non-aggressive way.

28. 9. Describe employee evaluations and discuss criticism • Employee evaluations include constructive criticism. It may involve both positive and negative feedback, but it is done in a non-aggressive way. Constructive criticism should be given in a private setting. It should be work-related; it should not include personal attacks. It is not the same as hostile criticism. Hostile criticism is angry and negative. Constructive criticism is meant to help you improve in your job.

29. 9. Describe employee evaluations and discuss criticism • Here are some ways to make constructive criticism beneficial: • Be open to suggestions. • Listen without becoming angry. • Consider how to address or fix the problems. • Ask for suggestions.

30. 9. Describe employee evaluations and discuss criticism • REMEMBER: • Evaluations are often the basis for advancement and salary increases.

31. 9. Describe employee evaluations and discuss criticism • Think about this question: • Why is it important to be open to criticism and to use suggestions for improvement?

32. 10. Discuss conflict resolution • Define the following term: • conflict resolution • the process of resolving conflicts in a positive way so that everyone is satisfied.

33. 10. Discuss conflict resolution • Remember these points about conflict resolution: • Before reacting, think about reasons someone is behaving in an undesirable way. • Be reasonable with your requests. • Think about how to best solve the problem. • Know when to be firm, when to walk away, and when to compromise.

34. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Define the following terms: • stress • a mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition that occurs due to changes in the environment. • stressor • internal or external factors or stimuli that cause stress.

35. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Many things, both personal and professional, cause stress. Stress happens because of a stressor. Anything can be a stressor. Finding out you have a new supervisor can create stress. Being asked to speak in front of fellow employees at a staff meeting can cause stress. A visit from a relative can be stressful.

36. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Think about these questions: • What are some examples of negative situations that can cause stress? How can positive situations, such as starting a new job or having a baby, be stressors?

37. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Know the signs of burnout from unrelieved stress: • Arguing frequently • Losing patience • Being angry • Wanting too much control • Obsessing over small, unimportant things • Being rude, irritated and frustrated • Having trouble focusing on residents and procedures

38. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Remember these guidelines for managing stress: • Increase exercise levels. • Get enough sleep. • Eat a healthy diet. • Do not smoke or take illegal drugs. • Do one task at a time.

39. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Guidelines for managing stress (cont’d.): • Develop new hobbies. • Seek help from others. • Seek counseling. • Set realistic goals. • Use a personal reward system.

40. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Goal-Setting: • Setting goals can help manage stress. The key is to make the goals reachable. Do not set only long-term goals. Identify short-term, reachable goals that you can meet in a reasonable time period. The course you are taking right now is an example of a short-term goal, and you are close to meeting this important goal. If you create long-term goals, do not set a time frame of over three to five years. Set only long-term goals that you believe you can meet.

41. 11. Define “stress” and explain ways to manage stress • Discussion • Give examples of both long-term and short-term goals that you have set for yourself.

42. 12. Describe how to be a valued member of the healthcare community • Think about this question: • What do you think your favorite part of your new job will be?

43. 12. Describe how to be a valued member of the healthcare community • You have now reached the end of your nursing assistant course. Very soon you will be a practicing nursing assistant. Remember what you have accomplished and know the importance of the work you have chosen to do. You are going to be a valuable member of a care team, a team that literally saves lives every day. It is a noble profession, and one that provides a tremendous service.

44. 12. Describe how to be a valued member of the healthcare community • REMEMBER: • As you move forward in your new profession, never stop learning. Learn new things every day.

45. Exam • Multiple Choice. Choose the correct answer. • 1. 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 • 2. A cover letter should include: • (A) Detailed information about your educational background and volunteer work • (B) Information on why you are seeking the job and why you are qualified for it • (C) The salary that you would expect to receive if you accepted the job • (D) Recommendations from former employers

46. Exam (cont’d.) • 3. Which of the following statements is true of job applications? • (A) Leave anything blank that requires a long answer. • (B) Write “N/A” for questions that do not apply to you. • (C) If you do not understand something on the application, leave it blank. • (D) Do not tell the truth if certain answers will make you look bad. • 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.

47. Exam (cont’d.) • 5. One way to make a good first impression at a job interview is to: • (A) Bathe, use deodorant, and brush your teeth before the interview • (B) Put on a pleasant perfume or cologne before the interview • (C) Wear a lot of makeup and jewelry to make sure you look your best • (D) Smoke a cigarette right before the interview, if it will help you to be calm • 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 doesn’t have to take them along. • (B) Put on all of her most striking jewelry. • (C) Go to the salon for a new set of artificial nails. • (D) Arrive a few seconds before the interview time.

48. Exam (cont’d.) • 7. A(n) ______ lists the tasks that nursing assistants are permitted to perform, as allowed by state or federal law. • (A) Job description • (B) Cover letter • (C) Scope of practice • (D) Competency evaluation • 8. What is the minimum number of hours of nursing assistant training that is required by OBRA? • (A) 30 hours • (B) 50 hours • (C) 75 hours • (D) 100 hours

49. Exam (cont’d.) • 9. A nursing assistant must usually take the state test within ______ months after training. • (A) 6 • (B) 12 • (C) 24 • (D) 36 • 10. The federal government requires ______ hours of continuing education for nursing assistants each year. • (A) 10 • (B) 12 • (C) 15 • (D) 18

50. Exam (cont’d.) • 11. Employee evaluations include ______, which is feedback that involves giving opinions about the work of others and includes helpful suggestions for change. • (A) Hostile criticism • (B) Constructive criticism • (C) Performance appraisals • Probationary periods • 12. 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) “Don’t you remember anything from your training course?”