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As an STNA you will likely work with many patients who are unhappy with their situation. The fact is, most people identify as independent and strong. So, when they grow too ill or frail to care for themselves, they often feel that they have lost a part of their identity. One important way to combat the depression that is so prevalent among these patients is to keep them engaged. Below, you’ll find a list of some tips to keep nursing home patients from growing too bored and, consequently, depressed.

1. Embrace their hobbies

Before moving into your nursing home, your patients lived long, full lives. Chances are, they had a number of hobbies that they enjoyed over the years. The best way to make these patients feel at home is to make it possible for them to continue to enjoy their favorite hobbies at the nursing home. This might mean securing them a free table in the common room for crafts or taking them for walks outside to do some bird watching. Taking the extra time to help your patients to have access to their hobbies will help you to boost their morale and keep them mentally alert.

2. Take a walk together

Nothing shakes off the boredom blues as quickly as a walk. Taking your patients for walks will provide much-needed variety on dreary days, will help them to maintain their physical fitness, and will provide a great opportunity for the two of you to get to know each other better and to form a stronger relationship. On days of good weather, taking a quick stroll outside can do a world of good for bored or dissatisfied patients.

3. Introduce them to new technology

Technology can open up a world of possibilities for patients whose physical condition is poor but whose mental condition is sharp. A few quick lessons on Facebook, email, and Netflix can allow these patients to reconnect with old friends, to stay in touch with family, and to enjoy their favorite programming on demand.

Preventing excessive patient boredom is key to preventing depression. By intervening as soon as you detect frequent boredom and listlessness, you can help to keep your patient’s conditions from deteriorating. As an STNA, we know your priority is the health and happiness of your patients. We hope these tips will help you to keep them engaged!

As an STNA, it is likely that you will encounter patients with hearing loss. In fact, 15% of adults in the United States have some form of hearing loss and the percentage only increases as patients age. When caring for these patients, it is important to do everything you can to ensure that they understand the important messages you must communicate to them and that they receive enough stimulation. Below, you’ll find some tips that will help you to give your patients with hearing loss the care they need.

1. Make your lips readable

Many patients with hearing loss rely on lipreading to allow them to understand spoken communication. You can make it easier for them to read your lips by enunciating clearly, ensuring that your lips are not hidden in shadow and that the light of the room is bright enough for your lips to be seen clearly, and making sure your lips are not hidden by facial hair.

2. Consider alternative forms of communication

If your patient uses sign language to communicate, learning even just a few basic signs can make a world of difference for your relationship. Many patients who have lost their hearing with age, however, do not know sign language. If this is the case, you could use pen and paper or a whiteboard and markers to communicate.

3. Care for their hearing aids

If your patient wears hearing aids, you can help them to ensure that they are always in working order. Steps as simple as cleaning out their filters and replacing dead batteries can make a big difference for your patient. If your patient does not have hearing aids, but you believe they could benefit from them, talk to your supervisor. Sometimes, hearing loss occurs so gradually that the patient does not notice it until someone else points it out.

We hope these steps will help you to provide excellent care for your patients with hearing loss. As an STNA, you will likely work with many patients who suffer from some form of hearing loss. By taking the extra steps required to communicate with these patients properly, you can ensure that their wishes are fully understood and that they receive the mental stimulation they need to stay mentally sharp and alert.

CNA training involves learning basic nursing principles and performing supervised, hands-on clinical work. Training can be done at community colleges, vocational colleges and technical schools. A few nursing homes and hospitals also offer this type of training.

If are looking to expand your career beyond the level of a CNA, knowing your options is extremely important. Below are some nursing specialties and other medical support jobs that can be pursued:

Sonography/Radiology

A career as a sonographer or radiologist involves the use of heavy-duty machinery. The machines are used to take images of bones and soft tissues like internal organs. The images are then used by physicians to diagnose injuries and illnesses.

Psychiatric Aide

A psychiatric aide is trained to work in a hospital or mental health ward. Therefore, you will work along with other mental health workers like psychiatrists and psychologists. You will also be able to work with short-term patients in need of acute care or housed patients needing long-term care.

Medical School

If you have an overwhelming desire to practice medicine, pursuing a career as a doctor is one way to go. However, the process can take as much as 12 years of studying; therefore, a career as a CNA can help you to make a living, while working on your medical degree.

Advanced Practice Nursing

This opens up a number of opportunities for CNAs who are seeking career advancement. The niches into which CNAs can move include critical care, gynecology, palliative care and psychiatric nursing.

With the aging population on the increase, the demand for CNAs is quite high. It is also expected that the number of jobs will rapidly increase over the next few years. If you are considering successful career paths within the medical field, becoming a CNA is a remarkable method of gaining experience. While pursuing CNA career advancement opportunities, you will be able to pursue a degree, while earning with your CNA training in variety of medical facilities.

If you’re interested in becoming a State Tested Nursing Assistant in the State of Ohio, you’re probably wondering what kind of training is required of you before you can take the exam. Working as an STNA can be a very fulfilling career if you enjoy working with people in a personal way and have a caring heart. It is also a great way to try out the health care field and see if healthcare might be the right fit for you. Some individuals who become STNAs love their career and decide to stick with it, while others choose to move onto other areas such as nursing.

Whether you plan to work as an STNA for the majority of your career or use the position as a stepping stone along your career path, you cannot begin until you get the proper training. Without training, you will not be able to pass the state certification exam and work as an STNA. Wondering what the required training for an STNA looks like? Here’s an overview of what you can expect when you sign up for STNA training classes.

How long is STNA training?

Most STNA training programs provide at least 75 hours of combined classroom, lab, and clinical training. The state of Ohio requires 75 hours minimum, so some programs may require additional hours on top of that. Training programs can typically be completed in 2-8 weeks, depending on your schedule and how often your class meets.

Out of the 75 hours required by the state, 16 hours have to be clinical experience at a skilled nursing facility. This is the hands-on portion of your training that will give you a glimpse into the daily work life of an STNA.

What topics are covered during STNA training?

During your training, you will cover many topics that will help you develop your personal care skills. Learning takes place through theory and practical experiences so that you get a chance to put into practice what you have learned. Some of the topics you will cover include:

• Nutrition
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Communication Skills
• Resident Rights
• Infection Control
• Body Mechanics
• Vital Signs
• Observation & Reporting
• Human Disease Process
• Death & Dying

These topics are meant to provide you the most knowledge possible and prepare you to begin your career as an STNA.

Once you’ve completed your STNA training, it will be time to take the state exam. The exam consists of a written portion, as well as a skills evaluation. After you’ve finished your training program you should review everything you’ve learned and then take the exam with confidence.

Becoming an STNA is not difficult if you have a good work ethic, enjoy working with people, and are committed to giving your all during your training program. You will learn both the information and skills you need to succeed as an STNA if you pay attention and apply everything you’ve learned. Good luck!

Are you ready to become an STNA? We’re ready to help you start your career. Register for classes today with Premier Choice Health Services, Ohio’s number 1 STNA training program. Contact us today to get started!

When you work as an STNA, your focus is on taking care of others. Working in health care in general, requires a lot of give and not a lot of take. Caring for others’ physical and emotional needs is a great and rewarding way to make a living. However, you need to make sure you’re also taking care of yourself in the process.

Burn out can happen in any career but is especially relevant to careers in health care. It’s important that as you begin or continue your work as an STNA, you learn to take proper care of yourself so that you can bring your best to your job. Here are a few tips on how you can stay healthy when working as an STNA.

Get Enough Exercise
Exercise is not only good for your body; it’s also a great stress reliever for your mind. If you’re new to exercising, start our slow and try different kinds to find something that you enjoy. Consider walking, riding your bike, or yoga. Anything that gets your blood pumping will contribute to better health and improved mental clarity. If you’re more experienced, try changing up your routine or try a new form of exercise to challenge yourself.

Take Care of Your Emotions
We all have bad days every now and again, but if you find that you’re feeling down more than up, take some time to evaluate why. Are you focusing too much on the negative things in life? Are you feeling overworked or stressed out? Check in with yourself regularly to make sure your emotions are not causing you to grief or undue stress. If you need to talk to someone, call up a friend or a trusted mentor and talk things through with them.

Choose Healthier Foods
The foods that we eat can and do affect our health and the way that we feel. Make sure you’re choosing whole foods, such as lean meats, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables over highly processed snack foods. While processed foods are convenient, they are often packed with artificial ingredients and do not provide your body with the nutrition it needs. Do your best to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and foods that are high in fat and sugar. These foods will only make you feel bad and do not have any health promoting properties.

Get Plenty of Rest
Depending on your schedule and where you choose to work, working as an STNA can mean that you work odd hours. While it can be difficult to get quality sleep, it’s vital to your health and your mood. If you work night shifts and have trouble sleeping during the day, try black-out curtains and make sure your room is cool and quiet. If you work a normal schedule but still can’t sleep, establishing a nightly ritual may help calm your mind and provide more restful sleep.

Follow these tips to make sure you’re taking care of yourself, as much as you take care of others. Being an STNA can be challenging, but the job will feel easier and much more rewarding when you feel that you are taking care of yourself in the process.

If you’re ready to start training to become an STNA, Premier Choice Health Services offers classes that work with your schedule. Fill out our online application today to get started.

If you’re considering working as a State Tested Nursing Assistant in the state of Ohio, you might be wondering what kind of benefits there are to this particular career path. Although you are able to change careers at any point in your life, choosing a path and paying for the education that career requires is still a big decision. However, you should know that choosing to work in the medical field as an STNA has many positives. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits that come with being an STNA.

• Allows you to get experience in the medical field

Starting your medical career as an STNA is a smart choice for many reasons. The investment required to become an STNA is much smaller than that to become a nurse, in both time and money. If you are considering furthering your career in the medical field, starting out as an STNA is a great way to see if the industry is a good fit. By choosing to become an STNA first, you’ll get your feet wet and be able to see if you enjoy working in the medical field.

• Provides a challenging and stimulating work environment

When you work as an STNA, your work environment and daily duties will be anything but boring. You will most likely be working with multiple patients who have different needs and different personalities. Interacting with patients and other medical care providers will keep you on your toes and provide new challenges every day. If you are someone who prefers a very routine and predictable job, this might not be the job for you. But if you prefer to meet new challenges, working as an STNA will be right up your alley!

• Helps you find a sense of purpose

Working with patients who need your assistance and care will help give you a sense of purpose at work. Not every career provides purpose but when you know that the patients are dependent on your skill and care, it will help you find your work more rewarding as you are able to help others live a more fulfilling life. By helping patients with their medical needs, you are brightening their day and their quality of life.

• Offers job flexibility in scheduling and location

STNA’s are needed around the clock in some work environments which means that you will be able to work a non –traditional schedule if you’d like. Maybe the 9-5 doesn’t suit your personality or work with your schedule. If so, you can find work in the evenings or on weekends. In addition to multiple scheduling options, work location opportunities vary greatly ranging from hospitals to providing care for patients in their own homes.

The benefits of working as an STNA could go on and on but we’re going to stop here for now. If becoming an STNA is a career choice that you want to pursue, the next step is to enroll in classes to receive proper training. Contact PCHS today to learn more about our STNA training program! Call us at 1-614-896-6420 to get started on your journey to becoming a State Tested Nursing Assistant.

You’ve been working hard and taking classes to get your State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) certificate and now it’s time to take your test. While taking tests can be nerve wracking, if you’re well prepared they won’t seem as intimidating.

Part of being prepared means that you know how to study effectively. We’re going to discuss some practical study tips that will help you be prepared for your STNA exam.

• Give Yourself Plenty of Time

There is no point and also no benefit in cramming all of your studying into one session. In order to get the most out of your studying, you should plan out and schedule your study times over a week or two. Make sure you give yourself enough time to cover everything. Really work hard to understand the concepts and not just memorize the questions and answers.

• Find Your Learning Style

We all learn differently taking STNA classes. Find out what works best for you and then apply those methods to how you study. Are you a visual person? Try sketching diagrams or pictures. Do you learn best through hearing things? Have a friend or classmate read questions and answers out loud. Whatever your learning style, adapt your studying habits to reflect it.

• Set Up Your Space

Typically it is easiest for people to study in quiet, comfortable spaces. Find a place you can study without distraction, and also a place that is comfortable. However, a word of caution; don’t get too comfortable or you might fall asleep! Some people like to play classical music while they study so that there is some level of outside noise to help keep them alert. Play around with it and see what works best for you.

• Find Your Weak Points

Once you have studied your material for a while, ask a friend, relative or classmate to test you. This gives you a chance to practice answering the questions and also gives you a gauge of where you stand. If there are certain areas that you missed many questions in, then you will know where you need to spend more time.

• Make Sure to Take Breaks

It is not productive to study for long periods of time without a break. Your mind simply cannot retain all the information coming in. Try setting a timer for yourself when sitting down to study. For every 45 minutes of concentration, take a 15 minute break. Get up and walk around, stretch, and give your mind a break.

Practice these tips when studying for your STNA exam and it will help make the process a little easier. Do you have any study tips that have worked well for you? Please feel free to share your tips for success and help others pass their STNA test with flying colors.

We know that studying for any test can seem overwhelming. That’s why at Premier Choice Health Services we offer unlimited free reviews for the skills you’ve learned, free sample state written tests on our computers, and unlimited access to the facility to practice your skills and written exams. As a result of our thoroughness, PCHS has the highest pass rate in the state of Ohio.

Contact us today at 614-896-6420 to sign up for classes and start your journey towards becoming an STNA!

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.

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.