10 Caring for Yourself 1 Describe how to

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 driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, or passport • Proof you’re 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 résumé 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 employersí 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 (cont’d. ): • 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? • 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 state’s Department of Health • Contains NA’s 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.

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam Multiple Choice. 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 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.

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 3. 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. The law requires it for the protection of residents. 4. Which of the following statements is true of job applications? (A) Leave anything blank that you do not want to answer. (B) You can write “N/A” for questions that do not apply to you. (C) It is best to fill out the application before reading it all the way through. (D) Do not tell the truth if certain answers will make you look bad.

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 5. 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 false nails. (D) Arrive right after the interview time.

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 6. You are interviewing for a nursing assistant position. Which of the following is not a good thing to say to your potential employer? (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. ”

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 7. Which of the following is one reason a job description is important? (A)It can show the resident what you are supposed to do. (B)It outlines the steps you need to take if you have a disagreement with another care team member. (C)It can reduce misunderstandings about your duties between you and your employer. (D)You can refer to it if you forget how to perform certain procedures. 8. 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 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 9. 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.

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 10. 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 just sleep through your whole training course? Don’t you know anything? ”

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 11. 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 12. How many hours of continuing education per year does OBRA require? (A)10 (B)12 (C)14 (D)16

10 Caring for Yourself Chapter Exam (cont'd. ) 13. Which of the following is a guideline for managing stress? (A)Drink whenever it makes you feel more relaxed. (B)Get enough sleep. (C)Skip meals so you can get more done. (D)Take regular smoking breaks.