Start your STNA Career off Right
Posted on January, 20, 2017 by admin
After you have completed your STNA courses with PCHS and passed your examination, you will be ready to begin your career as a professional STNA. We know beginning a new career can be intimidating. By following the tips below, however, you’ll set yourself up for a successful and rewarding career.
1. Make a Good Impression
Your first day on the job is of vital importance. This is your chance to make a good first impression on your coworkers, supervisors, and patients. By introducing yourself with a smile and a firm handshake, asking questions, taking notes, and showing that you are eager to learn and to help however you can, you will be sure to make a great impression.
2. Be Prepared
Before your first day, you should take care to learn as much as possible about your new workplace and the duties that will be expected of you. You should also make sure that all of your paperwork is in order and that you arrive a bit early to ensure you are completely prepared when your shift begins.
3. Care for Yourself
You cannot care well for others if you are not caring for yourself. Be sure you eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, get enough rest, and follow all safety precautions. In particular, be sure that you practice proper lifting protocols. It may be tempting to take short cuts, but your back will thank you for caring for it properly. Also, be sure to invest in the best shoes you can. You’ll be on your feet all day and good shoes can significantly improve your experience as an STNA.
At PCHS, you’ll get the education you need to enjoy a successful career as an STNA. By following the tips above, you’ll be sure to make a great first impression. We wish you luck and success as you begin this rewarding career!
Posted in Careers | Comments Off on Start your STNA Career off Right
Caring for an Aging Population
Posted on January, 20, 2017 by admin
As an STNA, you will likely care for some elderly patients. This is due, in part, to the fact that the United State’s population is getting older each year. In fact, by the year 2060, the number of Americans over aged 65 or older will be more than double what it is today. This means there will be about 96 million individuals aged 65 or older in the United States by the year 2060. When caring for elderly patients, there are a few important tips you should always follow.
1. Be Gentle!
Elderly individuals are often more susceptible to injury than younger individuals. This is primarily because aging leads to brittle bones and thinner, less elastic skin. Our bones become more brittle as we age because they lose the minerals, such as calcium, that keep them hard and strong. Our skin becomes thinner and less elastic as we age because it loses collagen. As a result of their brittle bones and thin skin, elderly patients may be injured by events that would not injure a healthy young person. For example, the removal of medical tape from skin may cause a wound. By taking your time in treating your elderly patients and being as gently as possible, you can help them to stay safe!
2. Speak Up!
If you believe your elderly patient is ignoring you or not paying attention, try speaking up. Many elderly patients suffer from hearing loss. If you detect hearing loss in a patient, you may wish to recommend that he or she see a doctor. Being outfitted with a properly-functioning hearing aide can greatly increase a hard-of-hearing patient’s quality of life.
3. Be Patient!
Everyday tasks that are easy for healthy young people may pose a serious challenge for the elderly. This is because our muscles lose a great deal of their strength once we are over the age of 65. If a patient needs to rest in the middle of a task, be as accommodating as you can be. On a related note, don’t jump right in and take over the task unless you are asked to do so. Taking away a patient’s independence can greatly harm his or her morale. Instead, just be patient and help when asked.
As you care for elderly patients throughout your career, we hope you’ll follow the tips outlined above. Best of luck as you begin your long as successful career as an STNA!
Posted in Social Issues | Comments Off on Caring for an Aging Population
