24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 1. Discuss different types of careers in the healthcare field All of the following careers are available within the healthcare field: Nursing assistant Home health aide Patient care technician Nurse Physician assistant Doctor Occupational therapist

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 1. Discuss different types of careers in the healthcare field Careers within the healthcare field (cont’d): Support staff (e.g. records, billing, and office personnel) Dentist Dietician Pharmacist/pharmacy tech Chiropractor Massage therapist Homeopathic practitioner Teacher

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 1. Discuss different types of careers in the healthcare field REMEMBER: There are many possible careers in health care. If, at some point, you wish to explore other options, speak to a supervisor, instructor, or career counselor about the education needed to change jobs.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 2. Explain how to find a job and how to write a résumé NAs can target potential employers by using the following resources: Internet Classified ads Department of Social Services or Department of Aging Instructors and their employers and contacts

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 2. Explain how to find a job and how to write a résumé Think about this question: Can you think of any other possible sources of information about available jobs?

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 2. Explain how to find a job and how to write a résumé The following documents are generally required when applying for a job: Identification such as driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate, or passport Proof of legal ability to work in the United States Credentials such as school diplomascourse completion/graduation certificates (NA certification), including the names of instructors Letters of reference from former employers or teachers, not family or friends

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 2. Explain how to find a job and how to write a résumé Define the following term: résumé a summary or listing of relevant job experience and education.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 2. Explain how to find a job and how to write a résumé A résumé should contain the following information: Contact details Educational experience, starting with most recent Work experience, starting with most recent Special skills Memberships in professional organizations Volunteer work Indication that references are available on request

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 2. Explain how to find a job and how to write a résumé When writing a résumé, remember these tips: Keep it brief (one page is best) Use nice, plain paper (white or cream color)

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 2. Explain how to find a job and how to write a résumé A cover letter should include the following items: Date Sender’s name, address, phone number, and address Recipient’s name and address Salutation Introduction (include position you are seeking) Body (how your skills/experience fit the job) Closing and signature

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 3. Demonstrate completing an effective job application The following general information is needed for a job application: Your address, phone number, and address Birth date and social security number Training school and dates, certification number Previous employers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and addresses; and dates of employment Salary information from previous jobs Reasons why you left former jobs References, including phone numbers and addresses Availability (days and hours) Brief statement about why you are changing jobs

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Handout 31-1: Job Application

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 4. Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques These tips can help you make a good impression at a job interview: Shower or bathe and use deodorant. Brush your teeth. Wear only simple makeup and jewelry or none at all. Clean and file your nails. Style clean hair simply. Shave or trim facial hair before interview (men).

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 4. Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques Tips to help you make a good impression at a job interview (cont’d): Dress neatly and appropriately. Do not wear perfume or cologne. Do not smoke beforehand. Arrive 10 or 15 minutes early. Introduce yourself. Answer questions clearly and completely.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 4. Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques Tips to help you make a good impression at a job interview (cont’d): Make eye contact. Avoid slang. Never eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke. Sit up or stand up straight. Do not bring friends or children with you. Relax and be confident.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 5. Describe a standard job description Job applicants should know these points about job descriptions: Agreement between employer and employee States responsibilities and tasks Includes skills required, to whom employee reports, and salary Protects both parties Protects employee from change in duties without notification

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 5. Describe a standard job description Important points about job descriptions (cont’d): Protects employee from being fired for something unrelated to job description Protects employer from employee saying that she did not know certain duties were required Reduces misunderstandings Can be used if legal issues arise

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 6. Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict REMEMBER: Everyone experiences conflict at some point, but conflict at work may hard productivity and the workplace environment if it is not managed or resolved.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 6. Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict Remember these guidelines for resolving conflict: Plan to discuss the conflict at the right time and in the right place. Do not interrupt. Do not get emotional. Check body language. Keep focus on the issue at hand. Be prepared to brainstorm solutions and to compromise.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 7. Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism REMEMBER: The best response to hostile criticism is “I’m sorry you are so disappointed.”

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 7. Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism Remember these ways to make constructive criticism beneficial: Ask for details. Ask for suggestions. Apologize and move on.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 7. Describe employee evaluations and discuss appropriate responses to criticism REMEMBER: Evaluations are often the basis for advancement and salary increases. Employees who are open to constructive criticism and use their employers’ suggestions for improvement will benefit most from the evaluation process.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 8. Explain how to make job changes REMEMBER: NAs and HHAs must give at least two weeks’ written notice before leaving a job. Residents/clients and staff will suffer if the facility or agency is understaffed, and leaving without proper notice will make it more difficult to get hired in the future.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 9. Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry Although requirements vary from state to state, these general guidelines apply to certification: Certain time frame to take the state test Test must be taken within that time or NA will have to take new training course NA must work for pay during 24 months NA usually has three chances to pass test NA must keep certification current

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 9. Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry Remember these points about state registries: Required by OBRA Often maintained by state’s Department of Health Contains NA’s training information, results of exams, any findings of abuse, neglect, or theft Employers can access to verify certification and check for abuse investigations/findings

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 10. Describe continuing education REMEMBER: You must have 12 hours of continuing education each year.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 10. Describe continuing education The NA has these responsibilities for receiving continuing education: Sign up and know the location. Attend class. Pay attention and complete requirements. Participate. Keep records of attendance.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 11. Define stress and stressors Define the following terms: stress the state of being frightened, excited, confused, in danger, or irritated. stressor something that causes stress.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 11. Define stress and stressors REMEMBER: Both positive and negative situations can cause stress. It is important to be aware of stress levels and manage stress effectively, no matter the cause.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 12. Explain ways to manage stress The following guidelines can help with stress management: Healthy diet Exercise Enough sleep Drinking only in moderation Not smoking Doing something relaxing (bath, reading, movie, being in nature, something artistic, yoga, exercise, massage, music, meditation)

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 12. Explain ways to manage stress The following problems can result from not managing stress effectively: Showing anger or being abusive toward residents/clients Arguing with your supervisor Having poor relationships with coworkers and residents/clients Complaining about your job and your responsibilities Feeling work-related burnout Feeling tired even when you are rested Having a difficult time focusing

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 12. Explain ways to manage stress These are all appropriate resources for managing stress: Supervisor/care team member Family Friends Support group Place of worship Doctor Mental health agency Phone hotline

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 12. Explain ways to manage stress REMEMBER: It is never appropriate to discuss your stress with residents or their family members.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 13. Describe a relaxation technique Think about this question: Do you know of any relaxation techniques in addition to those listed in the textbook (p. 420)?

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself 14. List ways to remind yourself of the importance of the work you have chosen to do Think about these questions: Why did you choose to become an NA or HHA? What does it mean to you to be able to help others? How will you remind yourself of the value of the work you have chosen?

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam Multiple Choice. Choose the correct answer. 1.Which of the following is a type of direct service career? (A)Nursing (B)Working in the billing office (C)Managing a home health agency (D)Working as a receptionist at a home health agency 2.Which of the following are considered forms of identification? (A)References and HHA certificates (B)Driver’s license and high school diploma (C)Social security card and driver’s license (D)Job application and GED

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 3.Which statement is true of references? (A)They should come from relatives. (B)They should come from former employers. (C)They should come from friends. (D)They should come from parents. 4.Ideally speaking, how many pages long should a résumé be? (A) One page (B) Two pages (C) Three pages (D) As many pages as needed to convey all important information

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 5.A cover letter should include (A) Detailed information about educational background and volunteer work (B) Information about why the person is seeking the job and why he is qualified for it (C) The salary that the person expects to receive if he accepts the job (D) Recommendations from former employers 6.Why must an employer perform a criminal background check on newly- hired aides? (A)Aides are known to steal from facilities. (B)It is best never to trust anyone. (C)Employers like to have power over their employees. (D)The law requires it for the protection of residents.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 7.Which of the following statements is true of job applications? (A)The candidate should leave anything blank that she does not want to answer. (B)The candidate can write “N/A” for questions that do not apply to her. (C)The candidate should complete the application before reading it all the way through to save time. (D)The candidate should not tell the truth if certain answers will make her look bad. 8.What should a candidate for a nursing assistant job be sure to do when going for an interview? (A)Find someone to care for her children so she does not have to take them along. (B)Put on all of her most striking jewelry. (C)Wear perfume so that she smells nice. (D)Wear flip-flops so that she feels comfortable and relaxed.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 9.Which of the following would be the least appropriate thing to say to a potential employer when interviewing for a job? (A)“I love the idea of making people’s lives more comfortable and helping them get better.” (B)“I have three younger siblings so I really started taking care of others as a child.” (C)“I left my last job because my boss was always criticizing me, even though I wasn’t doing anything wrong.” (D)“My last supervisor was fantastic, and I learned a lot at that job, but I’m really excited to gain new skills as a nursing assistant.”

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 10.Which of the following is one reason a job description is important? (A)It can show the client or resident what the NA is supposed to do. (B)It outlines the steps the NA needs to take if she has a disagreement with another care team member. (C)It can reduce misunderstandings about the NA’s duties between her and her employer. (D)The NA can refer to it if she forgets how to perform certain procedures. 11.The best response an NA or HHA can give to hostile criticism is (A)“It’s not my fault.” (B)“You’d better apologize to me.” (C)“You are being irrational.” (D)“I’m sorry you’re disappointed.”

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 12.Which of the following is a tip regarding appropriate body language to use when resolving conflict? (A)Lean back in your seat and cross your arms as you talk to the other person. (B)Maintain eye contact and lean forward slightly. (C)Lean far forward in your seat and stare at the other person. (D)Slouch to show you are relaxed. 13.Which of these statements is an example of constructive criticism? (A)“You really need to remember to speak kindly to the residents, even when you’re having a hard day.” (B)“You’re rude and disrespectful.” (C)“I’ve never seen somebody take such a long time to learn this job.” (D)“Did you just sleep through your whole training course? Don’t you know anything?”

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 14.How much notice should a nursing assistant give when changing jobs? (A)Two days (B)Two months (C)One week (D)Two weeks 15.Which department often maintains a state’s nursing assistant registry? (A)Department of Revenue (B)Department of Homeland Security (C)Department of Health (D)Department of Agriculture

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 16.The federal government requires that NAs have ___ hours of continuing education each year. (A) 10 (B) 12 (C) 14 (D) Which of the following is true of stress? (A)Only negative experiences cause stress. (B)When a person recognizes stress, he can use simple methods to help manage it. (C)A new job is never stressful. (D)Everybody knows when they are experiencing stress.

24 Caring for Your Career and Yourself Exam 18.Which of the following is a guideline for managing stress appropriately? (A)Drink whenever it makes you feel more relaxed. (B)Get enough sleep. (C)Skip meals in order to get more done. (D)Take regular smoking breaks. 19.Which of the following people would be the most appropriate resource for an NA to discuss her work-related stress? (A)Resident’s friend who visits almost every day (B)Facility dietician (C)NA’s supervisor (D)Activities director