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The healthcare field is known as one of the most stressful occupations out there and with good reason.  Worried patients and their families, at times, can easily take this stress out on innocent aides.  The same can go with doctors and nurses, as well.  It is unnecessary to increase this stress when you when you have the possibility to eliminate it with a more welcoming work space.

While some stressful situations simply cannot be avoided, there are ways to make even a nurse’s aides workplace a little less stressful.

• Encourage familiarity between STNAs and patients.  See if you can get patients to bring in pictures of themselves and their families.  Hospices, nursing homes, hospitals, and other nursing facilities can easily become cold, uncomfortable places.  By incorporating personal pictures, it makes the patient more personable.  If the patient is older, a picture from their youth could remind the patient of better times and show the nurse’s aide a different side to the patient.
• Brighten up the office.  No matter the field, no one likes to work in a stark, dreary environment.  Maybe a few live plants could boost the place up.  A fresh coat of paint could add a modern edge or just make the atmosphere brighter.  Look around the space and try to think of what you would change if it were your home.  Making patients and employees more comfortable will raise the spirits of anyone who enters.
• Take holidays into account.  Whether you’re looking to celebrate or not, decorating for the holiday season is a great way to break up what could otherwise become a dull and monotonous workplace.  Remember, holiday decorations don’t even have to be in recognition of any specific holiday.  If you want to keep your workplace as neutral as possible, stringing up some paper snowflakes and garland will give the space a wintery feel without mentioning any actual holiday.
• Encourage a healthy lifestyle in the office.  Instead of supplying  candy bars and other sugary snacks for quick boosts of energy, how about providing apples, bananas, and bags of nuts.  Instead of sugary soda in the fridge, keep a water cooler in the office to quench thirst.  These small steps will keep energy levels up and employees feeling better.

Any workplace will have some level of stress but it is in everyone’s best interest to keep the stress as minimal as possible.  If you have more stress reducing tips, let us know!

Fourth of July celebrations are often one of the highlights of the summer. For nursing home residents, however, the fourth of July can be a difficult day if they feel that they are being left behind while the rest of the country celebrates. As an STNA, you’ll have the opportunity to help to make the Fourth of July a happy day for all of your residents. Below, you’ll find a few suggestions for making the most of the day.

1. Wear red, white, and blue

By wearing red, white, and blue on the fourth, you can remind your residents of the importance of the day and can establish a celebratory atmosphere right away. In addition, you can encourage your residents to select their own patriotic outfits to make the day feel special.

2. Play patriotic music

In common areas where music is played, consider playing a patriotic CD with American favorites like the Star-Spangled Banner and Yankee Doodle. This music will remind your residents of happy memories. For extra fun, you could host you own patriotic karaoke night.

3. Watch the fireworks

If fireworks can be seen from your nursing home’s property, you could place chairs and blankets outside and encourage your residents to watch the fireworks together. If not, be sure to turn the fireworks on TV and play some festive music while you watch. You could also serve red, white, and blue treats like parfaits with blueberries and strawberries or cupcakes iced with the flag.

As an STNA, you are intimately involved in the day-to-day lives of your residents. By taking action to make holidays special, you can help your residents to feel that they have something to look forward to. In addition, sharing good times with your residents can improve your relationships. As a result, your residents may be more inclined to cooperate with you. In addition, you’ll have the privilege of getting to know your residents for the unique individuals they are.

If you’re interested in becoming an STNA, you’ve come to the right place. PCHS offers exceptional training and education that prepares future STNAs for success. There are many reasons students choose PCHS for their training. Below, we’ve outlined a few key reasons.

1. Well-regarded in the state of Ohio

PCHS has been ranked as the number one STNA training center in Ohio. As a result, employers recognize and respect training received from PCHS.

2. You’ll pass your exam

Ninety-nine percent of our students pass their certification exam. This is an incredibly high rate of success.

3. It’s Quick

Completing your STNA training at PCHS takes only two and a half weeks. This means you can complete your training, pass your exam, and find a job in the field within a single month. If you’re looking to quickly improve your career prospects, PCHS is right for you.

4. We Make Paying Easy

At PCHS, we never charge any hidden fees and our tuition rates include books and lab materials, unlimited reviews, and employment guidance. In addition, we offer “No Credit Check” student loans because we want everyone to have access to the education they deserve.

5. We Offer Career Services

At PCHS, our commitment to our students doesn’t end simply because they’ve completed their coursework. In contrast to other training programs, we take the time to help our students to secure employment through services such as resume writing assistance and interview preparation. As a result of these efforts, 95% of our graduates successfully find job placements upon graduation.

A career as an STNA will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of others. If you’re interested in pursuing such a rewarding career, the first step is to complete your training and pass your certification exam. At PCHS, we’ll help you every step of the way as you prepare for your new career

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.

The United States is facing a serious shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs). As the population ages and the propensity of chronic illnesses continue to increase, this shortage will grow more severe. It is expected that, by 2020, there will be a demand for five million direct-care workers. This is an increase of 48% from the 2010 demand level. CNAs are a key part of the direct-care workforce and often serve as the first line of defense in providing care for the aging or chronically ill. They fulfill essential tasks to improve the quality of life of their patients. CNAs can be found in a range of healthcare facilities, but are most commonly employed in nursing homes.

For individuals who are looking for a career in which they are sure to be in high-demand, a career as a CNA may be a good choice. In order to become a CNA, trainees must undergo some training and pass an examination in order to receive their certification.

PCHS can help you to earn your certification and to obtain the knowledge and experience you need to succeed in a career as a CNA. Due to the high and growing demand for CNAs, obtaining a position with your certification should not pose any difficulties. In fact, you’ll likely have your choice between a range of facilities.

Take advantage of this opportunity to become a professional whose skills and knowledge will always be in high-demand. In addition to the high demand for CNAs that will benefit your career, experience as a CNA will also open many new doors for advancing your career and education. For example, some CNAs choose to pursue further education and to become registered nurses. If you are interested in becoming an RN, starting as a CNA is a great way to get some firsthand experience in the health care field.

Whatever you aspirations may be, PCHS can help you get there.

Yes, it is true. This shortage is only expected to worsen as the population ages and more individuals enter nursing homes, where the majority of STNAs work. The shortage of STNAs is a problem for healthcare providers, but can be beneficial for individuals who are seeking rewarding careers.

Due to the shortage, individuals who complete the required training to become STNAs should be able to find employment with ease. In addition, they’ll be in a favorable position to demand higher wages and better work schedules because the homes where they will work will not be able to afford to lose them.

STNA training can be completed quickly by dedicated students. As soon as their training is complete, graduates can expect to find jobs.

It is important for certified STNAs to remember the significant value that their training affords them. Every nursing home in Ohio needs STNAs to help to care for residents. STNAs provide valuable services to these residents. Without STNAs to provide these services, nursing home could not operate properly. In addition, not everybody is cut out to be an STNA. The work is difficult and intimate and only hardworking and compassionate individuals can do it properly. With all of this in mind, STNAs should expect to be paid well for their work and to be afforded opportunities to grow and thrive in their careers.

If you are passionate about helping others, consider a career as a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA). Here is how to become STNA. You will need 75 hours of training at Premier Health Choice Services (PHCS). 59 of the hours at the institution will be spent in the classroom and 16 hours in gaining practical experience at a medical facility. After the course, you will be able to properly care for the ill and elderly. This includes being able to feed, bathe, groom, dress and ambulate residents.

Take classes at the Premier Health Choice Services

You can become a State Tested Nurse aide by taking classes at the PHCS which is accredited by the ODH and BBB. Each class has an average of 16 to 24 learners, allowing for personalized attention. Applicants do not need a GED or background check to enroll.

The fee is $385, including lab materials and course text. If you do not currently have the funds, the institution could offer financial aid services through local offices that provide financial assistance to individuals who want to advance their career. If you need to further understand how the facility works, you are allowed to tour. Simply call them on 614-896-6420 to schedule a visit.

Certification and Employment

PHCS assists with state testing by offering free reviews and sample computer tests. The facility also allows students to practice written examinations and practical skills at the facility. This results into high pass rates. The students become certified STNAs, and go on to find work in nursing homes, private residence, physician offices, or as nurse’s aides. On average, they receive a salary of $10 to $15 every hour that they work in the institutions.

Conclusion

Premier Choice Health Services also provides employment opportunities for students. The institution is currently looking for qualified and compassionate caregivers to work in Delaware, Franklin, Fairfield, and Union counties. They specifically seek honest employees who are passionate about helping others and are dedicated to offering excellent care.

Choosing to put an aging relative in an assisted living facility is rarely easy. At times, however, this decision might be essential. Changes in mobility, behavior, cognitive functioning, memory, and more, can all make it vital for both caregivers and their family members to rely on outside help. Following are a few factors that will help you determine when to put elderly parent in nursing home.

What Are The Signs?

There are a number of developments that could signify the end of a senior’s ability to age in place, even when this individual has the ongoing help of a dedicated relative, spouse, or friend. For instance, your elderly relative might be showing the signs of age-related dementia. Forgetfulness, suspicion and sundowning are all changes that should immediately be reported to a senior’s doctor. Whenever aging adults struggle with dementia, family caregivers should recognize this as a progressive disease and one that will invariably require professional, live-in help at some point in time. If your aging relative lacks dementia but has an ever-increasing range of needs nonetheless, it may be time to consider a using a nursing facility. Ultimately, whenever a person’s requirements for care exceed the abilities of the family caregiver, the need for nursing home services exists.

When Is The Time Right?

It’s additionally important for family caregivers to consider the potential for caregiver burnout. This typically occurs when caregivers find themselves with too little time for meeting their own needs. They may lack robust social lives, adequate time for exercise, and an inability to ensure good personal nutrition among other things. As a caregiver, if you begin to feel resentful of your loved one or as though your caregiving duties have become burdensome, you’re in danger of experiencing burnout. This is always a good time to seek the aid supplied by assisted living facilities.

How To Choose The Right Caretaker?

Choosing a caregiver is a very daunting process. Take stock of online ratings and reviews when considering local facilities. Also, make sure that the professionals you’re looking at are properly licensed, and recognized or accredited by reputable, industry-specific groups. Finally, when considering the possibility of putting your loved one in a nursing home, make sure that the mission, values and overarching goals of this facility are in line with the basic, lifelong beliefs of your elderly family member.

How PCHS Makes This Transition Easy

PCHS is committed to helping families find the perfect solutions for the expanding needs of their elderly loved ones. PCHS can help you find trained and seasoned professionals who have the specific skills your relative needs. As a family-owned business, PCHS is also committed to offering the top options in training for aspiring caregivers.