Chapter 24: Caring for your Career and yourself

Learning objectives Discuss different types of careers in the healthcare field Explain how to find a job and how to write a resume Demonstrate completing an effective job application Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques Describe a standard job description Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict Describe the employee evaluation process including appropriate responses to criticism Explain how to make job changes Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry Describe continuing education Define stress and stressors Explain ways to manage stress Describe a relaxation technique List ways to remind yourself of the importance of the work you have chosen to do

Different types of careers in the healthcare field Careers available in 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 Support staff (e.g. records, billing, and office personnel) Dentist Dietician Pharmacist/pharmacy tech Chiropractor Massage therapist Homeopathic practitioner Teacher 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.

How to find a job and write a resume Ways to find a job Documents required when applying for a job Resume What a resume should contain Tips for resume writing Cover letter 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 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 A resume is a summary or listing of relevant job experience and education. 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 When writing a résumé, remember these tips: Keep it brief (one page is best) Use nice, plain paper (white or cream color) A cover letter should include the following items: Date Sender’s name, address, phone number, and e-mail address Recipient’s name and address Salutation Introduction (include position you are seeking) Body (how your skills/experience fit the job) Closing and signature

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

job interview techniques Making a good impression 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). 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. 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.

Standard job description Points about job descriptions 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 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

Manage and resolve conflict Guidelines for resolving 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. 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.

Employee evaluations and appropriate responses to criticism Hostile criticism Constructive criticism Evaluations The best response to hostile criticism is “I’m sorry you are so disappointed.” Remember these ways to make constructive criticism beneficial: Ask for details. Ask for suggestions. Apologize and move on. 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.

How to make job changes Notice 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.

Certification and state registries General guidelines for certification Points to remember about state registries 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 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

Continuing education You must have 12 hours of continuing education each year. Some facilities have in-service trainings while others use computer-based training. 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.

Stress and stressors Stress is the state of being frightened, excited, confused, in danger, or irritated. A stressor is something that causes stress. 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.

Ways to manage stress Guidelines for stress management Problems from not managing stress effectively Appropriate resources for managing 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). These are relaxation techniques. 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 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 It is never appropriate to discuss your stress with residents or their family members.

Ways to remind yourself of the importance of the work you have chosen You have learned a lot in this course! Don’t forget to value the work you have chosen to do. It is important work. Your work can mean the difference between living with independence and dignity and living without them. The difference you make is sometimes life versus death. Congratulate yourself for choosing a path that includes helping others along the way.

Review Discuss different types of careers in the healthcare field Explain how to find a job and how to write a resume Demonstrate completing an effective job application Demonstrate competence in job interview techniques Describe a standard job description Discuss how to manage and resolve conflict Describe the employee evaluation process including appropriate responses to criticism Explain how to make job changes Discuss certification and explain the state’s registry Describe continuing education Define stress and stressors Explain ways to manage stress Describe a relaxation technique List ways to remind yourself of the importance of the work you have chosen to do This chapter outlined where to look for a job, how to complete a job application, write a resume, and a cover letter. The evaluation process was discussed and methods to accept constructive criticism were explored. Stress was defined, and means for healthy stress relief were provided. Congratulations on the completion of this course!