Do You Have What It Takes To Be An STNA?
Posted on December, 14, 2015 by admin
There are several successful characteristics for the nursing field. Do you have what it takes to be a STNA? Here’s what you need to know.
After you complete your classes and healthcare training you may still be wondering: Do you have what it takes to be a STNA? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many other STNA graduates worry that they aren’t ready for their exciting new career either. After all, as an STNA you will be providing care for patients in many different exciting and stressful situations. Training was one thing, but going out and living your dream can seem daunting at first. Don’t despair, you have what it takes. Your classes have given you all of the proper training you could ever need to become a successful, compassionate, and sought-after STNA. Still worried? Here’s what you need to know about the characteristics of a successful nursing career.
Drive and Passion
Your motivation when it comes to your career and training to become an STNA could make all the difference in landing you your dream job in the healthcare field. Drive and determination play a huge role in having what it takes to become an STNA.
Calm and Collected Attitude
Nursing can be stressful and time sensitive, making the need for your calm and collected attitude not only appreciated, but necessary in your career. You will be working with doctors, nurses, and patients of all different background, you will be performing uncomfortable or unappealing tasks, as well as dealing with high stress levels and emotions. Showing a professional and calm demeanor during these times makes you the right candidate.
An Empathetic Disposition
Nursing isn’t always technical. In fact, much of nursing involves the relationship you develop with your patients. Empathy is essential when you are dealing with sick patients and their families. Being in a healthcare facility can mean serious illness and serious discomfort. It won’t be unusual to run into a distraught patient. Your empathy will help you put yourself in your patient’s shoes and show them the compassion and support they need during their difficult stay.
Physical Endurance
STNA’s will be doing a lot of heavy lifting and will spend a lot of time on their feet during their careers in healthcare. This makes physical endurance an essential quality to have.
Nursing isn’t easy, and neither are the qualities involved in pursuing an STNA career. Not all of the characteristics listed come naturally to those training to become an STNA, but with the proper classes and the right motivation, you’ll be on your way to a great attitude and an exciting career in the medical field.
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What Employers Look For When Hiring An STNA
Posted on December, 03, 2015 by admin
The medical field is demanding of your time and energy. Learn what employers look for when hiring an STNA.
If it is your dream to pursue a career in healthcare, a job as a state tested nurse’s assistant is one quick way to get you from training and classes straight into the field. Whether hiring privately, at hospitals, in nursing homes or in rehab facilities, there is no shortage of employers looking to fill STNA positions. Certainly your passion for where you work and what you do will shine through to your potential employers, but what else do they want in their potential employee? Here is what employers look for when hiring an STNA.
How To Get Hired As A STNA
While you may think holding a successful passing score from your classes is enough to get your foot in the door, there are many other qualities and attributes that your STNA employer is looking for when filling a nursing position. Here are some characteristics they are looking for:
- Successfully State Tested Employees. A no brainer; if you’re applying for a STNA position, your employer wants to know that you passed and were successfully state tested and approved.
- Good Written And Verbal Communication. As with any job in the healthcare field, your training in written and verbal communication is of the utmost importance. Not only should you be taking proper notes on your patients, you also need to be able to properly communicate with your colleagues in a clear and concise manner.
- Observation Skills. As an STNA you will be observing your patients every single day, and even the slightest change in behavior may signal an issue with your patient’s health or treatment. STNA’s do well to be detail-oriented at their jobs.
- Time Management. When working as a nurse’s assistant, there will be many patients to take care of in a small amount of time. Since you do not always work in a monitored situation, your time management and organizational skills will be a key element to your value.
- Responsibility. As with any job, your employer does not want to hire someone who will pass off shifts, or call in sick often. Remember as an STNA when you do not show up for your shift you are letting down not only your fellow nurses and colleagues, but also your patients who need your compassion, support, and training.
Are you interested in pursuing a career as an STNA? Let PCHS help get you started today by signing up for STNA classes and taking advantage of our 98% pass rate for careers in healthcare.
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