So, you’re brand new and a little nervous? Thats ok and natural. Being a CNA is a rewarding career, but there are LOTS to learn and lots of cover in those first few days at work! Don’t be surprised if you feel a bit overwhelmed and anxious. Someday–soon- you will be an “old pro” at this stuff. The first part of this is for the new CNA…
The Basics
I remember my first few weeks as a CNA- it was hard to get to know all the residents as well as staff as well as the facility policies and procedures. I was very overwhelmed and looking back now- there were certain things I should have done that would have made my life much easier then! Live and learn….
First, it is a good idea to bring a little notebook to work with you. In here you can write down info you need about everything from phone numbers to resident issues. Jotting down info is a way to remember it! At periodic times during the day check the little book to see if there are things you still need info about. When you think of questions and no one is around to answer them- write them down. Later you can refer back to the book.
Prior to World War II, hospitals were staffed by physicians, nurses, specialists such as laboratory technicians, and a few support personnel such as cooks and janitors. World War II brought about massive changes in the staffing of health facilities. These changes were first felt in England in the late 1930s as the immense number of casualties put an intolerable strain on physicians and nurses. First, the nurses took over some of the physicians' "duties," such as taking blood pressures and starting intravenous therapy. This meant that the nurse needed someone to take over some of her duties. (The vast majority of nurses at that time were women.)
It had always been noted by nurses that "desk" duties such as answering the telephone or going on errands frequently interrupted the giving of nursing care. So an individual was added to the staff to do these duties. This person was designated a "floor clerk." As the war went on, more and more responsibilities, such as copying diet lists and condition reports, were assigned to the "floor clerk" position description.
The first recorded unit coordinating history was found in an article, "In Favor of Floor Secretaries," published in 1940 in a journal, The Modern Hospital, written by a hospital administrator. In the article, the author, Abraham Oseroff, outlined the implementation of unit coordinating at Montifiore Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He described how "a new helper was introduced to the nursing unit to take care of the many details of a secretarial nature that formerly made demands on the limited time of the nurse." The new helper was called a "floor secretary." Mr. Oseroff further said," that the idea of a floor secretary was first met with skepticism, but it proved to be worthwhile from the beginning."
See the rest of this article on NAHUC.org - Click Here
A shortage of health care workers continue to rise as the baby boomer generation retire and increase their use in the health care system. The Registered Nurse relies heavily on the health unit coordinator to perform the delegated tasks. Students learning skills in health unit coordinating will be prepared to work in a variety of health care settings.
To begin the class please read Chapters 1-8 in your textbook. Complete the questions at the end of each chapter. You do not need to send the answers to your instructor. This will help you pass the unit test.
I found a video clip on you tube from a Wisconsin University showing what a unit coordinator's job can consist. Take a look; I thought it was pretty interesting.
Knowing your medical terminology is absolutely a must if you want to become a health unit coordinator. We have included a basic Medical Terminology course with our Health Unit Coordinator content.
NAHUC is a professional association for health unit coordinators. It's mission is to promote health unit coordinating as a profession through education and certification. All are encouraged to join. One does not need to be certified to be a member nor does one need to be a member to be certified.
To join NAHUC, all one has to do is complete and submit the membership application and fee. This website is a good resource as a unit coordinator. You may become certified after completion of We Care Online's course by clicking here: http://www.nahuc.org/Certification/cb_exam.htm.
The requirements for taking the test for certification are that you have completed a course or you are currently working as a health unit coordinator and you have a high school diploma or GED. You will need to pass the test you schedule with the association to become certified. The certification would benefit you in finding a good job as a Health Unit Coordinator, but is not required.
Click Here to find out what is included in the NAHUC exam.
NAHUC has some scholarship money available for testing should you qualify. Click here to see what is required if you desire.
When you have a loved one living in a nursing home or assisted living facility, it’s important to visit as often as you reasonably can. The stress of moving to a new environment often compounds medical problems and can make recovery more difficult. Staying active and socially engaged is an important part of healthy living, and you can help your loved one stay positive when you visit.
Nursing homes typically have visitation schedules that you should be aware of as you plan your visit. Dropping by unannounced can be a stressor instead of providing the comfort and pleasure you intended.
You should not visit when you have a cold, flu, or other virus, as other residents may have immune deficiencies which make them more susceptible to illness.
Call ahead to find out if your loved one is in need of any personal items, clothing, or other necessities. Ask what time of day would be best to avoid mealtimes and medication times.
