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Nursing Assistants Teaching Others
Newark, NJ, March 21, 2006 – Broadway House for Continuing Care in Newark, NJ has taken a fresh look at nursing assistants as a long-term care resource. Nursing assistants give direct-care and are always willing to help. They know everything that goes on in the facility regarding residents and families because they spend more time with them than any other team member. Outside the workplace, direct caregivers take on various roles. CNAs run households, maintain budgets, hold positions in civic organizations, participate in church activities and serve on school PTAs. They have a multitude of skills that have not been accessed. Broadway House’s mission statement embraces the concept of empowerment, which started with a program called Strength for Caring. A major pharmaceutical company wanted long-term care facilities statewide to initiate a program focusing on the caregivers of people with HIV/AIDS. Strength for Caring outlined how caregivers set aside time for themselves by practicing relaxation techniques, how they can recognize burnout, and how the resident feels about having HIV/AIDS. In 2003, a four-day preparatory meeting was held in Chicago, and two exceptional CNAs represented Broadway House. They were the only CNAs representing a facility at the meeting, and they returned home excited and eager to share what they learned. Representatives from the pharmaceutical company attended and commented that the presentation exceeded their expectations. It is often said that direct caregivers are “first line” and are “our eyes and ears.” Broadway House gave the frontline caregivers an opportunity to demonstrate their talents and capabilities. Today, the Caregiver program provides opportunities for nursing assistants to conduct in-services on pain management and assist the infection-control team by teaching how to hand wash in the proper way. In addition, CNAs are instrumental in helping lower functioning residents participate in the exercise therapy classes. For more information on this program call Lois Beatty, Director of Nursing at (973) 268-9797 ext. 1005. An affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry, Broadway House for Continuing Care, in Newark, NJ is the state’s only specialized nursing care facility for individuals living with HIV/AIDS. Located in a magnificently restored historic landmark, this 74- adult residence is dedicated to serving the complex, post-acute needs of its chosen population. |
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Broadway House For Continuing Care - 298 Broadway Newark, New Jersey 07104 - (973) 268-9797 |