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Nursing Assistant Monthly Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Honing your observation skills The CNA detective December 2011
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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2011Honing your observation skills Types of CNA duties Hands on care Observation of residents Communication
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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2011Honing your observation skills Observation is our focus Why is CNA observation important? CNAs spend more time with residents than anyone else Nurses are busy with treatments and paperwork CNAs can pick up on clues early, possibly preventing a small problem from getting worse
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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2011Honing your observation skills What does it take? Being a good observer means: Having awareness of the importance of being a good observer Being able to focus on the resident Having caregiving knowledge — what to look for Communicating your observations (is it urgent or not?)
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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2011Honing your observation skills Focus, focus, focus! Leave your problems at the door –Easier said than done sometimes, but it’s important! –Seek help if your personal problems interfere with work Take care of yourself –Refresh yourself both physically and emotionally –Helps you to have energy for your work life
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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2011Honing your observation skills Caregiving knowledge CNAs need knowledge to do the job well –What is normal? (Blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate, skin color, etc.) –What is normal FOR THIS RESIDENT? Example: a resident who always knows your name suddenly does not seem to know who you are What do your observations mean? –Report changes –Report abnormal signs and symptoms
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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2011Honing your observation skills Be objective and descriptive Avoid giving your opinion –NOT CORRECT “Mr. Jones is in a bad mood.” –CORRECT “Mr. Jones refused a bath, and said, ‘Leave me alone!’” Describe what you see –Skin, color, temperature, dry/moist –Resident’s reactions to moving body parts –Watch for changes
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Copyright © 2011 Delmar, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. December 2011Honing your observation skills Reporting your observations Reporting can be verbal or written –Flowsheets, notes, temperature graph –Follow your facility’s policies about documenting If it is urgent –Tell the nurse immediately –Trust your instincts!
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