Be In the Know!

As we celebrate Memorial Day, 2011, all of us at In the Know send our deep gratitude to every past and current member of our Armed Forces.  In addition, we would like to honor the 77,000 nursing personnel who work with Veterans in the VA health care system—including the more than 11,000 certified nursing assistants! Thank you for all you do to promote the health of Veterans across the United States.

Here are a few things you may not know about the VA health care system:  (Thanks to the VA’s website, www.va.gov, for these facts.)

• The VA was a leader in the development of home care.  During the early 1930s, a special category of VA “follow‑up” nurses visited Veteran patients at their homes in rural, isolated areas.

• Until 1976, nursing assistants outnumbered RNs.  Today, there is approximately 1 CNA for every 4 RNs.

• In the early 1990s, some 2,300 VA nurses were in the ready reserve of the armed forces at the time of the Persian Gulf crisis.  More than 600 were called to active duty and another 300 were put on alert status. Approximately 3,200 VA nurses are Veterans themselves.

• In 2005-06, VA nursing staff responded heroically to hurricanes Katrina and Rita by assisting with evacuation and continuing care of hundreds of VA hospital patients.

• The VA is working hard to address the nursing shortage by instituting several scholarship and tuition reimbursement programs that support nurses in continuing their education. Examples of such programs include: Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP); National Nursing Education Initiative (NNEI); Employee Incentive Support Program; and Tuition Support Program.

• Every year, nearly 30,000 student nurses gain clinical experience in a VA setting.

• Three years ago, the 4000^th VA nurse graduated with the help of the Employee Incentive Scholarship Program.  The awards from this program cover tuition and related expenses such as registration, fees and books.

To do our small part to honor the hardworking VA nursing staff, we are offering any VA health care facility three free inservices. Each facility may choose their three topics from among our vast library of CNA inservices.

There is no gimmick associated with this offer, no strings attached and no deadline. If you work at a VA facility, simply email us at info@knowingmore.com or call us at 877-809-5515.  If needed, we will assist you in selecting the best topics for your facility.  Your order will be filled promptly—and include our sincere gratitude for the work you do every day.

Happy Memorial Day!

Shelly Sun, CEO of BrightStar

Did you happen to see Undercover Boss on CBS this past Sunday?  That’s the show where executives from large companies go incognito in their own businesses.  They do it to learn firsthand how their employees really feel about working for them.  It’s always interesting, but this week’s episode revolved around BrightStar, a nationwide company that offers home care, child care and health staffing.

The CEO of BrightStar, Shelly Sun, disguised herself and shadowed several BrightStar Caregivers in different areas of the country.  One was a certified nursing assistant, Arlene, who had been assigned temporarily to a nursing home in California.  Arlene represented CNAs quite well, performing her job with warmth, sensitivity and professionalism.  She was honest with “Linda” (Shelly’s alter ego) about the pros and cons of the job, while always maintaining a positive attitude.

The hour-long show also showcased Caregivers in home health, assisted living and child care.  It was so good to see health care workers on television doing what they do in real life–rather than the fictionalized stereotypes we see so often.  You know what I mean…those shows where all the health care workers forget about their patients and spend their time “making whoopee” in the supply closet!

So, a big thank you to CBS for showcasing health care workers in such a good light.  All of us at In the Know send a heartfelt congratulations and shout out (Woo Hoo!) to Arlene for her dedicated work as a nursing assistant.  And, we are proud to be the CNA inservice provider chosen by BrightStar to serve all of their locations nationwide.

If you missed Undercover Boss with BrightStar, you can watch it on the CBS website.  You can also see more of Shelly’s thoughts about her experience here.

Give your CNAs a "thumbs up"!

There is nothing more uplifting for a CNA (or any employee for that matter) than when they are recognized for a job well done.  Many employees feel that their boss is quick to point out any deficiency or mistake, but feel that getting positive reinforcement is difficult and infrequent.  If your nursing assistants are deserving of recognition, here are a few ways to show them that you appreciate it…without spending a dime!

1. Send them a handwritten note. A CEO of a Fortune 500 company frequently handwrites “thank you” notes on $2 bills.  In more than 3 years of doing this, only one employee has asked if the bill could be spent.  This tells us that instead of spending the $2, the employees prefer to keep it as a positive memento
2. Share the love. Ask each employee to write something down about an exemplary aide who has earned their respect and admiration.  Put all of their comments into a small picture frame and give it to the aide.
3. Up-front parking. Create a sign for the best parking space at your office or facility.  The sign should read: “Employee of the Month,” or something similar.  Make the right to this parking space competitive, and you won’t believe what lengths your aides will go to in order to win the competition, and the parking space.
4. TGIF. Allow a deserving CNA to take off early on a Friday afternoon.  This may not be possible due to client care responsibilities, but if you feel that you can get along without the aide for the afternoon, offer him or her the rest of the day off.  Naturally, you’ll want to treat these few hours off as time “on the clock” as a reward for this employee.
5. Well days. Many people can relate to this:  You need a day off.  You may have something really important to do, or you may not.  So you decide to call in “sick.”  Most of the time this makes you feel guilty about missing work, right? Reward a job well done by allowing your employees to earn “well days.”  These are days off when an employee can do whatever they need or want to do, but does not have to fib about feeling ill.
6. Rank and Title. It may or may not come with a raise in pay, but if outstanding aides continue to show that they are responsible and accountable, offer to add “Senior” or “Shift Leader” to their title.  It is amazing how much pride your new leaders will take in this small gesture.
7. Go public. Create and distribute a company-wide newsletter detailing an employee’s exemplary performance.  This will honor that particular nursing assistant, while creating motivation for the rest of your staff.A quick “thank you.”  The most cost effective way of acknowledging hardworking employees is to simply thank them…and it only takes a second.  Everyone appreciates being appreciated.

If one or more of these rewarding gestures appeals to you, give them a try with your staff.  Then, come back to this blog and let everyone know what the response was to your show of appreciation.  We would love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading,

Evan

Evan Leekley

evanleekley@knowingmore.com

Today, you can read about our final group of nursing assistants who were selected by their supervisors and all of us at In the Know to be honored for being outstanding on the job:

Miranda M., who is a real team player at Dependable Home Healthcare in Martinsville, Virginia

Linda L., a top-notch CNA at Carolinas Medical Center-Union in Monroe, North Carolina

Josephine A., a real star at Good Samaritan Lutheran Health Care Center in Delmar, New York

Nita W., who believes in the mission of the Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Marie S., who excels at her job at the Jerome Home in New Britain, Connecticut

Supervisor, Fiana P., told us that she is so glad to have Miranda on her team. She has been able to please some of their most challenging clients. The agency stands by its name, Dependable Home Healthcare, and Miranda is ALWAYS dependable! Miranda has chosen a career as a nursing assistant, but it’s obvious that nursing is in her heart.

At CMC-Union, Kathleen R. reported that Linda is an extraordinary person. She is always so friendly and courteous to both patients and staff. Linda is always willing to help. She has been working for the hospital for a long time and knows everyone. You can always expect a lift in your spirits when you see her in the hall. Linda’s patient care is outstanding!

Supervisor, Marjorie H., told us that Josephine is always doing all the little extra things that make a resident’s day. The residents confide in her; if they are grieving, she cries right along with them. And, if they need a “lift”, all she has to do is show them her beautiful smile. Josephine’s co-workers are all glad that she is part of their team!

Missy M., Director of Health Services, reported that Nita has been working with their Agency for many years. Even though she has since earned her LPN degree, Nita continues to work full-time as a CNA because she believes in the mission of the Agency to help seniors lead independent, meaningful and dignified lives. Nita sees clients in their homes on a daily basis and always goes above and beyond to see their needs are met. She is the eyes and ears of the Agency and they feel so lucky to have her. The quality of their clients’ lives is so much better because Nita is looking after them!

At the Jerome Home, Kathy F. told us that Marie is an outstanding CNA. She works the 3-11 shift on their dementia unit. Marie is faced with challenging behaviors every day. She has learned to respond with a caring tone–which is sometimes all that is needed. Marie is always striving to improve her education and skills by participating in many of the classes offered at her facility. Recently, she was selected to take part in a phlebotomy training class so that she can draw blood as needed for her residents. Marie is a star employee!

We also send special recognition to all the CNAs at Washington County Hospital in Nashville, Illinois. Your supervisor, Clara S., told us that she is fortunate enough to have outstanding CNAs on every shift…and there was no way she could nominate just one. So, congratulations to all of you!

WOW! Such amazing stories of personal and professional growth! We send a big thank you…to Miranda, Linda, Josephine, Nita, Marie and all the thousands and thousands of other hardworking CNAs who bring so much of themselves to their jobs!

CONGRATULATIONS from the Team at In the Know!

Here is another group of outstanding nursing assistants who were selected by their supervisors and all of us at In the Know to be honored for their professionalism:

Kathy H., who loves working on the Skilled Nursing Unit at The Northwest Florida Community Hospital in Chipley, Florida.

Deborah A., an enthusiastic CNA at St. Peter’s Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Albany, New York

Tywand V., who treats her residents with love at Rockynol Retirement Community in Akron, Ohio

Antonia Z., who goes above and beyond at Gulfside Regional Hospice in New Port Richey, Florida

Vera O., who is a pleasure to work with at Mayview Convalescent Center in Raleigh, North Carolina

Kathy’s supervisor, Diana F., told us that Kathy goes above and beyond every day at work. She takes pride in her work and all her coworkers appreciate her. The residents love her, too, and she really cares about them. Kathy spends time listening to and talking with them. She comes in early, stays late and comes in on her scheduled days off if the unit is short. Her cheerful demeanor and smiling face play a part in making the unit warm and homelike. Kathy is a big part of why the residents enjoy living at NFCH!

Supervisor Stephanie G. bragged to us that Deborah always seems to have a smile on her face. She is enthusiastic and energetic while at work. Many patients have commented on how nice she is to them. Deborah is always available to lend a helping hand and does it with a true concern for all involved. If Stephanie were a patient, she says she would want Deborah to take care of her! Deborah has a very demanding job but she always acts like a true professional.

Tracey N. believes that Tywand exemplifies the words “top notch” every day in her work. She also exemplifies the mission statement of her workplace. Tywand has been a nursing assistant at Rockynol for 5 years. She started as a floor CNA and is now the scheduler for the entire nursing department. Even though her main duty is scheduling the staff, Tywand continues to make the residents a priority throughout her day. Regardless of her own work, if a resident has a need, she is out there meeting it! She truly loves all of the residents and her daily actions demonstrate this. The residents love Tywand’s caring attitude and all her coworkers respect her hard work and dedication.

At Gulfside Regional Hospice, supervisor Sheilah R. told us that Antonia concentrates on making her dying clients comfortable, improving their quality of life and providing opportunities for them to meet final life goals. Antonia is a professional, empathetic, responsive communicator who facilitiates hope and exhibits a non-judgmental attitude in her care of both patients and their families. She achieved CHPNA status by passing the Hospice and Palliative Care Certification Exam. Antonia demonstrates excellent customer service and is loved and respected by her patients, families and coworkers.

Supervisor Ellen J. told us that Vera is a CNA of few words but her actions show genuine concern for her residents. She has a keen eye for knowing when something is wrong with them and has no problem informing the nurse. Ellen appreciates having Vera on her team and says she is a pleasure to work with. She communicates assertively and respectfully. And, she is a team player. For example, she is the first one to start passing trays at meal time…not just to her residents, but to all the residents. Vera knows what needs doing and she does it so well!

There is nothing to say but WOW! And, thank you…to Kathy, Deborah, Tywand, Antonia, Vera and all the other dedicated, hardworking CNAs who make such a difference in the lives of their clients.

CONGRATULATIONS from the Team at In the Know!

Isn’t it wonderful to read the personal stories of so many top-notch CNAs? Here are a few more nursing assistants who are, without a doubt, role models at their workplaces. They were selected by their supervisors and all of us at In the Know to be honored as outstanding CNAs:

Terri J., who is a star employee at First Care Health Services in South Boston, Virginia

Amber P., a dedicated CNA at Mobility Training and Independent Living Program in Madison, Wisconsin

Mari Beth H., a new CNA at Home Therapy of Austin in Austin, Texas

Carla C., who makes her supervisor proud at Pontotoc Nursing Home in Pontotoc, Mississippi

Cosmos A., who brings his unique perspective to Mother Angeline McCrory Manor in Columbus, Ohio

Supervisor, Teresa H., told us that Terri has worked at their organization for more than six years. She is loved and respected by her clients and co-workers. Whenever she has a client go into the hospital, she will call and/or visit them. Her clients sing her praises and never want to be discharged from her services. When Terri isn’t busy seeing clients, she is always assisting in the office with filing, faxing, copying or answering the phone. She is also in college part-time, taking classes to expand her career. Terri is definitely an asset to her organization!

At MTILP, Joan F. reported that Amber has been a dedicated employee for 7 years. She takes her work responsibilities very seriously, always looking out for the health and safety of their most physically challenged clients. She is also responsible for training new CNAs as well as overseeing the day-to-day personal care of the 24 clients that attend the MTILP program. Amber is a great example of an outstanding CNA!

Supervisor, Karen O., told us that Mari Beth is a new graduate of CNA school. Being a CNA is her second career after spending years working for the state. Although she is a new grad, Mari Beth has years of life experience which make her such an empathetic caregiver. Her nail care is so great that the patients look like they’ve been to the salon. And, she takes such care and time with her Alzheimer’s patient that the patient is often laughing and is so cooperative. Mari Beth is a real stand out at her workplace!

Kimberly G. reported that Carla is the best CNA she has ever worked with. She cares about her residents as if they were family. Carla goes beyond the Golden Rule, treating each resident the way she would want her own mother to be treated. Carla makes sure their makeup is on and their hair is fixed. If a resident is worried or scared, she takes her time and doesn’t rush. Carla goes above and beyond every day with her gentle touch and kind ways.

Supervisor, Susan C., told us that Cosmos is one of the most unique and caring STNAs she has ever met. His personality is outgoing and compassionate. When she needs someone to work another floor, he readily volunteers to go. If she needs someone to come in to cover a shift, he often volunteers for that, too. The job never seems to be a burden to him. Once, Cosmos initiated a wheelchair change for a resident because the resident looked uncomfortable in the current wheelchair. He pays attention to details and sees to the comfort and care of the residents with smiles and laughter. Cosmos is a top-notch STNA every day.

We also send a special “shout out” to Chastity B. in Cheyenne, Wyoming, who personalizes her client care by getting to know and treating each client as an individual. Way to go!

All of you deserve three big cheers! And, a big thank you…to Terri, Amber, Mari Beth, Carla, Cosmos and all the other devoted CNAs who go above and beyond every single day!

CONGRATULATIONS from the Team at In the Know!

Please take a few minutes to read about these top-notch nursing assistants who were selected by their supervisors and all of us at In the Know to be honored for their dedication to their jobs…and to lifelong learning:

Donna V., who demonstrates professionalism daily at Holland Hospital Home Health Services in Holland, Michigan.

Demetria P., an outstanding CNA at AseraCare Hospice in Atlanta, Georgia

Melinda W., a long time employee of Windsor Woods in Hudson, Florida

Kathy R., who loves her patients at Legend Oaks HealthCare & Rehab in Gladewater, Texas

David C., who goes above and beyond at Home Health Works in Clearwater, Florida

Supervisor, Jane A., told us that Donna has worked at their agency for almost ten years. Every patient loves her as she goes beyond their expectations of service every day! Donna is willing to work any time of day, drive any distance and work with any personality type. Her documentation is turned in on time and is perfectly done. She is anxious to increase her skills and takes advantage of additional education offerings. She has also served on many committees throughout her years with Holland Hospital Home Health Services. Donna is, without question, an outstanding aide!

At AseraCare Hospice, Margot M. reported that Demetria is very thorough and kind. Her supervisors know when Demetria has seen her patients because they look so great and are so content. Demetria is well-liked, very professional and performs her work with minimal supervision. It is obvious that she loves her job! She is a blessing to the patients and families and an asset to her workplace. Margot is very proud of Demetria and feels blessed to have her on her team. Demetria is a fast learner and is always eager to incorporate new ways into her regular routines.

Supervisor, Sharon T., told us that Melinda has been a CNA at Windsor Woods for many years. She takes excellent care of her residents and goes above and beyond to provide quality care to each of them. Melinda is well-acquainted with her residents and is able to cue new staff and nurses to better meet the residents’ needs. She provides care in a loving and respectful manner and is never cross or in a bad mood. Melinda goes out of her way to assist everyone and participates on several committees. She is the best person to serve as a preceptor to new staff members because she does not hesitate to teach, nurture and demonstrate how a top-notch CNA should perform. Without Melinda, the facility would not be the same!

Lori L. reported that Kathy is a CNA that any organization would be proud to have as part of their team. Kathy never calls in, spends her entire shift working her floor, loves her patients and is often requested by name by family members. She has worked at Legend Oaks for more than 13 years. Kathy works from 10pm to 6am while the patients sleep, but they sleep better just knowing she is there. She spends her entire 8 hours on the floor. Kathy fluffs and folds, pampers, lotions feet, offers water and provides comfort to those who can’t sleep. Kathy is truly a CNA who patients rise up and call blessed.

At Home Health Works, Carol G. told us that David lives up to their motto: “Caring for people like family”. David goes above and beyond, providing not only personal care and help with ADLs, but dealing with things that most aides don’t think they can do anything about. He’s very attentive to prescribed diets and always makes sure to prepare a fresh meal, even sharing fresh items from his garden! In addition, Dave is great at finding inexpensive or free items for his clients, such as walkers or exercise bicycles…all to enable their increased mobility and/or safety. Dave reports changes in his clients’ physical condition, mental status and living situation so that the agency can make the appropriate referrals. David is a star at his workplace!

All of you deserve a standing ovation! And, a big thank you…to Donna, Demetria, Melinda, Kathy, David and all the other dedicated, hardworking CNAs who make the choice every day to be outstanding!

CONGRATULATIONS from the Team at In the Know!

The following five nursing assistants were selected by their supervisors and all of us at In the Know to be honored for their dedication and hard work:

Isatou C., who works tirelessly at Andelcare in Bellevue, Washington

Renee B., a star employee of Meadowview in Northfield, New Jersey

Jodie P., who loves her residents at Haines City Health Care in Haines City, Florida

Lorna W., who started a new career for herself at Providence at Home in Zeeland, Michigan

Joan B., a dedicated CNA at Grace Home Health Care in Knoxville, Iowa

Isatou’s supervisor, Karen G.-R., told us that she was hired as a live-in caregiver for a woman with dementia. The client loved Isatou, but her husband didn’t like having a caregiver in his home. He was very gruff and sometimes combative. Karen said that within a short time, Isatou worked her magic and now, after the death of his wife, the husband is Isatou’s client. She stays by his side, does his personal care and takes him on outings most every day. Isatou is dedicated, trustworthy and oh so caring.

Nursing supervisor, Elsa S., told us that Renee is a dedicated CNA who is always ready to step up to the plate and do more than asked of her. Her residents depend on her and she is a great team player. Even when times are tough, Renee will volunteer to come in. She braves any storm and always picks up the slack. At times, she has had to make tough decisions about reporting her peers, but stands up for the residents with quiet courage. Renee is a loyal employee who deserves to be recognized.

Sandy K. believes that Jodie is a very special nursing assistant who always finds a way to spend extra time with her residents on a daily basis. Whether she walks them outside, plays a card game or reads letters to them, she is always there for her residents–far and above simply providing ADLs. Jodie always assists other nursing assistants who get behind in their work. She is a team player and never speaks harshly about any of her coworkers. She is an excellent mentor to new hires because when they learn from her, they learn the right way to do their job. Jodie always has a smile and a hug for everyone!

At Providence at Home, supervisor Lynn B. told us that Lorna has been working for them for 11 years. Prior to that, she was a housewife who had not been employed outside the home. Lorna was driven by her love of the elderly. She took the CNA class and exams, and, throughout the years, has advanced to the lead aide position on second shift. In addition, she does the HR training and education at her workplace. She is always willing to lend a hand and go that extra mile. As Lynn said, Lorna is truly a shining star in their organization.

Supervisor Ranae A. told us that Joan is her top-notch CNA. She is dedicated, faithful, caring and very dependable. Joan puts her heart and soul into her work. She is a very knowledgeable CNA who takes her job very seriously and loves every minute of it. She is especially kind with children. She has a very sick little client and Joan takes extra steps to ensure that he is safe and happy. Joan works extra shifts if needed and has never complained about it. During inservices, she always has something constructive to add to the discussion. Joan is very organized and strives to achieve greatness on a daily basis.

What can we say but WOW! And, thank you…to Isatou, Renee, Jodie, Lorna, Joan and all the other dedicated, hardworking CNAs who have followed a calling to work in health care. Our hats are indeed off to all of you.

CONGRATULATIONS from the Team at In the Know!

Last month, In the Know asked nursing supervisors everywhere to nominate a top-notch nursing assistant at their workplace for the CNA of the Quarter Award. The response was overwhelming and we give a hearty round of applause to ALL the wonderful nursing assistants across the U.S.

There were so many fantastic nominations to choose from that we added two runners-up. The CNA of the Quarter receives $100 in cash and the runners-up receive $50. We congratulate all three of you!!! In addition, we have a number of CNAs who deserve a heartfelt “honorable mention”. Please check back regularly to this blog: we’ll honor several more nursing assistants each time we post.

So, here goes! In the Know’s CNA of the Quarter Award goes to (drum roll please):

PATTY M. who is an absolutely amazing CNA at Huntington Place in Janesville, Wisconsin.

Renae B, the Director of Resident Care at Huntington Place had so many wonderful things to say about Patty, including this:

“Today, I passed a resident’s room and saw Patty kneeling near a hospice client’s recliner, listening intently while this elderly gentleman spoke of his wish that life would just end, be done. I know that she had heard him report his problems and life stories repeatedly, day in and day out. Yet, the expression on her face was as if she had never heard it before, as if he were telling her the most captivating story she’d ever heard. The client is hard of hearing and legally blind, yet Patty stayed near, looking him in the face. Patty is a nursing assistant who makes others feel that life is worth living, even for one more day.”

All of us at In the Know salute PATTY M. and thank her for her service to her clients. Congratulations on being awarded In the Know’s CNA of the Quarter! Three cheers for Patty!!

We also want to recognize two EXCEPTIONAL CNAs:
Claudia C., who is a dedicated employee at Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham, Maryland
AND
Sherri A., who demonstrates her dedication at Addus Healthcare in Chicago, Illinois

Claudia was nominated by Michelle M. who told us that she is a devoted nursing assistant who always comes to work with a smile on her face. Most of the time, when someone says “Claudia, can you help me with Mr. Jones,” her response is, “I’ve already done it.” She never has a negative thing to say about her job or co-workers. She is a dream come true to the oncology patients. They always ask for Claudia by name and you can often hear them laughing along with her. Claudia keeps their spirits up every day!

Sherri was nominated by Kathy L. who raved about Sherri’s dedication to her clients. Recently, Sherri reported that one of her elderly clients seemed to be weakening, complaining of pain and a loss of appetite. He was severely disabled due to a stroke. Hospice was called in to provide additional services and family support. Sherri continued caring for the client until the end, supporting him and his family without watching the clock. Now, the wife is Sherri’s client and she feels so safe and comfortable being cared for by her. Sherri demonstrates true long term dedication to her clients.

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THREE CNAs. You exemplify what it means to be a top-notch nursing assistant!

And, we thank all the supervisors who took the time to tell us about their very special nursing assistants.

With Gratitude,
The Team at In the Know