News

When it comes to useful skills and valuable knowledge, there is so much important information out there. One of the critical things that everyone should know is basic CPR and first aid training. Knowing these things could save someone’s life and even your own life in an emergency. This is one skill worth learning through formal training from certified professionals.

The Power to Protect and Save
The biggest benefit of CPR training and first aid training is that the trained person has the ability to prevent harm, reduce pain and save lives. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in adults in America. Hundreds of thousands of these medical cases occur every year. Trained individuals who immediately start CPR on people experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest may increase the victim’s survival rate by 30 to 40 percent. Bear in mind that every minute that the brain lacks oxygen reduces survival chances by 10 to 20 percent. Thus, someone who can provide CPR to patients who are in dire medical situations can make a difference between life and death.

Personal Empowerment
Becoming certified in CPR and basic first aid will increase confidence and the feeling of empowerment. These people gain a level of self-assurance that will positively impact other areas of their lives at work, home and school. Skill-based medical abilities and knowledge will increase independence and self-reliance. For example, parenting is one the most difficult and rewarding jobs in the world, but little children are prone to wolfing down food and putting small objects in their mouths. Every parent with children should learn how to perform pediatric CPR and basic first aid. Related to this, OSHA recommends that supervisors and leaders who are responsible for staff and volunteers should be formally re-certified in CPR training and basic first aid training every few years.

Simplicity and Affordability
Taking a CPR class and first aid training class has never been easier. The American Heart Association, the American Red Cross and local law enforcement and firefighting organizations usually offer some type of general class. There are also private organizations that offer customized, advanced and on-site CPR and basic first aid certification classes. Either way, most of these classes will be conducted by fully accredited organizations who employ professionals and issue legitimate certifications. These affordable courses may take anywhere between 90 minutes to four hours to complete. The class should provide hands-on training, printed materials and practice work with a CPR dummy.

Reading about CPR and basic first aid isn’t enough. Consider joining a quality training program through a reputable group to learn how to save lives today.

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!

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.

If you’re looking to pursue a career in the medical field, one of the first things you’re going to be looking at are schools. STNA classes and training are essential to starting potential careers in the medical field. When considering schools you’re going to want to make realistic choices based on what fits your current schedule and personal situation. So how can you choose an STNA training program that’s right for you? Here are 6 key ingredients needed when deciding on the right school for you.

Location
When choosing your school and classes, it’s important to look for a school that is in a location you’re comfortable with. Will you be willing to move to attend a good school? Do you have family or work obligations that don’t allow you to pick up and leave? These are all things to consider before choosing an STNA program.

Accreditation
When looking into STNA programs make sure your school is accredited by your State. This means your school will have met state regulations and nursing accreditation. These are signs of a good school that takes your education seriously. These school credentials will also help you when applying for jobs in the future.

Price
While good teachers, accredited schools, and hands-on experience are all must-haves on your STNA school checklist, there is no point in choosing a school that you can’t afford! Price should definitely be a consideration when choosing your school, especially if you won’t be receiving any grants, loans, or other types of government funding for your education. Do research on your top school choices and see which one is realistic for your budget, and be sure to check into any financial assistance your school may be offering.

Program and Pass-Rates
When it comes to choosing an STNA training program, you’re going to want to pay close attention to program details, exceptional instructors, and pass-rates. Pass rates not only mean you’ll be on your way to your new career in no time, it is also a sign that your instructors are professional and take the time to assist you on a personal level with what you’re learning.

Online VS. In-House
Are you looking to attend school at a physical institution, or does your personal situation call for online learning? Both types of STNA education are available, each with their own pros and cons. This is a definite factor when considering classes and training programs for the medical field.

Class Experience and Post-Grad Opportunities
Accredited programs will offer their students clinical instruction and hands-on experience during STNA training. Some schools may even offer placements post-graduation. This hands-on training can make all the difference in whether you land your dream job after graduation.

Your education is of the utmost importance and makes all the difference where you end up in life, so take your STNA selection process seriously and don’t settle for less than you deserve. Good luck!

Working as an STNA may not initially strike you as a dangerous profession, but the truth is there will always be certain things to keep an eye out for while on the job. Workplace injuries, allergies, and patient violence are all possibilities of the job when it comes to working as an STNA. The best thing you can do is educate yourself of the potential hazards in the nursing field and better prepare for how to handle them should they arise.

Learn Proper Lifting
You probably remember your boss at your very first job teaching you the proper way to lift heavy items, and now is no time to forget that good advice! The vast majority of STNA injuries reported are all neck and back pain from improperly lifting a patient. Refresh yourself on the proper way to lift heavy items (over 50 pounds): squat down before lifting, keeping the heavy object close to your body, straighten and lift with your legs. Never bend down to pick something up!

Another great tip: push instead of pull whenever it’s appropriate to do so. This will put as little stress on your body as possible.

Let Your Superiors Know Of Any Allergies
One allergy that commonly affects nursing staff is the latex allergy. The powder found on the inside of latex gloves can often cause a rash on those who are allergic. Opt for powder-free gloves and keep your hands clean.

Curb The Spreading Of Infections
As a STNA you should be experienced in washing your hands with soap and water nearly every chance you get. Not only will this help keep you clean and healthy, it will also prevent the spreading of infections to and from patients.

Workplace Violence
Dealing with sick patients, either mentally or physically, may sometimes pose a challenge. The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics reported 2,050 assaults reported by RNs in 2009, and while this is a rare occurrence overall it is still a possibility. Keep yourself safe and secure by knowing safety precautions for your workplace, avoid aggressive behaviour with your patients, trust your instincts, and carry yourself with a calm and approachable demeanor.

Even if you don’t feel such a situation would ever arise, you should always brush up on your workplaces’ violence prevention programs and policies. And remember to report harassment or physically violent behaviour immediately to your superiors.

Working as an STNA is a rewarding career, one that is no stranger to safety procedures. Educate yourself on workplace safety measures. Proper training for potentially hazardous situations will ensure you’ll enjoy the safest work environment possible.

Those who are coming close to the end of their STNA training classes are probably curiously looking to the future of their nursing careers and wondering what kind of STNA they will be. While not all STNA’s are the same, there are 10 key traits they possess in order to get their tasks accomplished. While not all of these traits come naturally, all are necessary and beneficial to your career in the nursing field.

1. Empathy
Having fellow feeling for your patients is an extraordinary personality trait that will make all the difference to both you and your patients. As a nurse, you will be dealing with injured and ill patients, as well as their families and loved ones every single day.

2. Physically Capable
As a nurse you will be standing and doing physically demanding labor for most of the day. Good physical endurance is key to being an STNA, as lifting patients, helping them perform bodily tasks, and being on your feet all day is a regular part of the job.

3. Reliability
In any job, reliability is a well-favored trait. Your employers need to know that you are going to show up on time, do your job effectively, and be ready for whatever circumstances may come up. All the more so in the STNA field when you have not just co-workers, but patients relying on you for help each day.

4. Impartiality
As a STNA your job is to care for every patient who comes through your door, regardless of the color of their skin, their background, or their beliefs. Having an unbiased, impartial attitude toward your patients will show that you care and help you avoid picking favorites.

5. Able to Make Quick Judgment Calls
During your training you were likely taught that things can move fast in the nursing world, so when an emergency arises and your patient needs treatment fast you’ll have to think on your feet and make a judgement call without hesitation.

6. Trust and Respect
Earning the respect and trust of your patients and the staff around you, as well as giving it back in return will make you a valuable asset to your team. Your patients are not always going to be in the most dignified of positions, by showing them respect and dignity your patients will learn to trust you and will feel more at ease during their stay.

7. Attention to Detail
As a STNA you are responsible for remembering details and facts about each patient, including their medications, allergies, and personal details. Having a fantastic memory and great attention to detail will help you in this regard.

8. Emotional Stability
As a nurse you go through a myriad of emotions while on the job. Some are amazing, such as seeing a patient recover and finally get to return home, and some are devastating, such as the loss of a long-term patient. Many STNA’s develop close bonds with their patients and will need to brace themselves should anything take a turn for the worse. Emotional strength is a key trait for continuing as an STNA.

9. A Hard Work Ethic
Nursing is not an easy job, in fact many say it’s quite difficult, but if you are determined and have an excellent work ethic you’ll go far in your new career. Patience, endurance, and a willingness to take on new challenges are all part of having a hard work ethic.

10. Communication Skills
Having great communication skills is not only useful in everyday life and relationships, but it is one of the best traits you can have in the nursing field. As a nurse, having regular, clear, and open communication between your patients, their families, the nursing staff, cleaners, and doctors will make you extremely effective at your job.

Are you looking to become a State Tested Nurses Assistant, but aren’t sure what to expect your first year of STNA training? A career as a state tested nurse aide can be a rewarding path, if you are willing to put the hard work and effort into your training and classes. Here are some items of interest you can expect from your first year as an STNA.

Quick Placement and Job Security:
In this day and age, many college and university students are struggling to find work post-graduation. Lucky for you, our STNA course has a 95% success rate with job placement, meaning after taking just under three weeks of training you will be likely to find placement. There is a worldwide need for nurses, and always an abundance of jobs available throughout the USA for nursing assistants; whether you choose to work in a hospital, retirement home, hospice, or for private home care.

A Fast-Paced Environment:
Being an STNA is not for the lazy or the faint of heart. Working as a STNA, you will sometimes be put in a fast-paced working environment with plenty of roles and responsibilities heaped on you. Working at a retirement or assisted living home, you may be assigned many patients/rooms in a small amount of time, meaning you will be trying to care for a dozen people’s needs and desires, such as bathing and dressing, all at once. With proper training and a good attitude, you’ll be able to handle yourself just fine. If you feel overwhelmed, take a 2-minute timeout just for yourself to focus on breathing and remaining calm. A positive attitude will carry you a long way. Remember, you are there to help.

Uncomfortable Tasks:
While you may not think twice about helping out your family member with an illness, helping a complete stranger can be a little uncomfortable at times, especially when dealing with their excrement, or washing their genitals. Because we are not used to caring for someone else’s needs in this way, it can be a little jarring at first. Remind yourself that this person is sick and they need your help. Treat your patient as you would like to be treated in such an awkward position, offering them dignity and respect by the way you deal with them.

A Rewarding Career:
While not everyone goes into a career as STNA with a desire to change people’s lives, you will inevitably find that this will happen. You will change people, and they will change you. Your job as a nursing assistant will be difficult at times, but its discomforts are far outnumbered by the numerous rewards brought to you when you see how your attitude and care can change a person’s life or experience.

Business may be booming for STNAs, CNA’s and home health care aides, but so are the number of people looking for jobs in the field. The more skilled and networked you are as a job seeker, the more likely it is that you will land a position in a highly-sought STNA role. PCHS offers a number of ways to help make this happen.

Our two-and-a-half week long STNA classes are highly regarded, with an unparalleled 98% pass rate for the state certification exam. We’re a training program that approaches with the goal of getting our students all of the skills they need to pass the test. PCHS offers unlimited reviews, unlimited access to our facilities to practice, and sample computerized tests. Our thorough program ensures the highest pass rate in the state of Ohio.

In-facility clinicals during the course of the class allow our students to practice the skills they’re learning in a practical environment. There is no more effective way to study for the state test. Classes that offer anything less are not doing their students justice.

On our website, you’ll also find our STNA job board. This is a fantastic resource for our graduates to explore opportunities in the Central Ohio area and see what facilities are looking for highly-qualified candidates. Most courses are just that: only a course. PCHS is a person-driven, in our care style and in our course material. We support your growth as a professional and not just as a student.

Check out our calendar of courses available online, as well as our STNA job board. Are you ready to jump start your career in home healthcare? Contact PCHS to learn more or sign-up for a class.