Top 12 State Tested Nursing Assistant Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the competitive field of healthcare, State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) stand out by showcasing a blend of technical proficiency and soft skills on their resumes. Highlighting these essential skills not only demonstrates your comprehensive training and dedication to patient care but also positions you as a valuable candidate in the eyes of potential employers.
State Tested Nursing Assistant Skills
- Patient Care
- Vital Signs
- CPR Certified
- EHR Software
- Wound Dressing
- Infection Control
- HIPAA Compliance
- Mobility Assistance
- ADL Support
- Charting Accuracy
- Medication Administration
- Phlebotomy Skills
1. Patient Care
Patient care, in the context of a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), involves providing basic, direct care to patients, such as assisting with daily living activities, monitoring vital signs, ensuring comfort, and maintaining hygiene, under the supervision of nursing and medical staff.
Why It's Important
Patient care is crucial as it ensures the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of individuals, aiding in their recovery and maintaining their quality of life. For a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), it is fundamental in building trust, promoting healing, preventing complications, and contributing to a positive healthcare environment.
How to Improve Patient Care Skills
Improving patient care as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) involves a combination of compassion, attention to detail, and continuous learning. Here’s a concise guide:
Active Listening and Communication: Understand patient needs by actively listening and communicating effectively. This fosters trust and improves care. Mayo Clinic offers insights on enhancing listening skills.
Empathy and Compassion: Show empathy and compassion. Recognizing and validating a patient's feelings can significantly impact their comfort and satisfaction. The Cleveland Clinic discusses the importance of empathy in patient care.
Attention to Detail: Paying close attention to changes in a patient's condition or needs can make a big difference in their care and safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides guidelines that emphasize the importance of detail in preventing infections.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Work effectively with the healthcare team. Collaboration ensures a comprehensive approach to patient care. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) offers TeamSTEPPS, a teamwork system designed for healthcare professionals.
Continuous Education and Training: Stay updated with the latest in patient care techniques and standards. Ongoing education is crucial. The American Red Cross provides courses and resources for CNAs looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly enhance the quality of care provided to patients.
How to Display Patient Care Skills on Your Resume
2. Vital Signs
Vital signs are measurements of the body's most basic functions, which include temperature, pulse (heart rate), respiration rate (breath rate), and blood pressure. These are critical for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) to monitor as they provide essential information about a patient's health status.
Why It's Important
Vital signs are crucial for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) because they provide the earliest indications of a patient's health status, allowing for prompt intervention and care. They help in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments and in identifying potential health issues before they become serious.
How to Improve Vital Signs Skills
Improving vital signs involves monitoring and taking steps to maintain or return them to normal ranges. Below are concise methods tailored for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA):
Blood Pressure: Encourage regular monitoring, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and stress management. Ensure patients follow medication plans if prescribed. American Heart Association
Heart Rate: Promote a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration. Limit caffeine and alcohol intake. Assist in stress reduction techniques. Mayo Clinic
Respiratory Rate: Encourage deep breathing exercises and ensure the patient is sitting or lying in a position that facilitates easier breathing. Keep the environment free of allergens. Cleveland Clinic
Temperature: Assist in maintaining a comfortable room temperature. Encourage appropriate clothing for the weather and hydration. Monitor for signs of fever or hypothermia and report to the healthcare team. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Oxygen Saturation: Promote smoking cessation, encourage deep breathing exercises or the use of a spirometer, and ensure any prescribed oxygen therapy is used correctly. American Lung Association
Remember, any significant changes or concerns in a patient's vital signs should be promptly reported to a nurse or physician for further evaluation and management.
How to Display Vital Signs Skills on Your Resume
3. CPR Certified
CPR Certified means that a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) has successfully completed a course in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and has demonstrated the ability to perform the procedure according to recognized guidelines, enabling them to respond appropriately in emergency situations requiring CPR.
Why It's Important
CPR certification is crucial for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) as it equips them with the essential skills to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, potentially saving lives and ensuring immediate care before medical help arrives.
How to Improve CPR Certified Skills
Improving your CPR certification as a State Tested Nursing Assistant involves a few key steps focused on refreshing your knowledge, practicing your skills, and staying updated with the latest guidelines. Here’s a concise guide:
Enroll in Refresher Courses: Regularly attend refresher courses offered by recognized organizations to keep your CPR skills sharp. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer courses specifically designed for healthcare professionals.
Practice Regularly: Practical skills can diminish over time if not used. Participate in hands-on practice sessions, which many CPR training programs offer.
Stay Informed on Updates: CPR guidelines are periodically updated based on the latest scientific research. Visit the American Heart Association’s website for the latest CPR guidelines.
Utilize Online Resources: Access online tutorials and videos for a flexible learning schedule. Websites like the American Red Cross and ProCPR offer online courses and materials.
Join Community Groups: Engage with professional forums or community groups on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, where peers share insights and experiences related to CPR and healthcare practices.
By following these steps and actively engaging in continuous learning, you can improve your CPR skills, ensuring you provide the best care possible as a State Tested Nursing Assistant.
How to Display CPR Certified Skills on Your Resume
4. EHR Software
EHR software, or Electronic Health Record software, is a digital system used for storing, managing, and accessing patients' medical records and health information, facilitating real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users, including State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) for efficient and coordinated care.
Why It's Important
EHR (Electronic Health Records) software is crucial for State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) because it streamlines patient data management, ensuring quick, accurate access to patient health records, enhances coordination of care, reduces errors, and improves overall patient safety and outcomes.
How to Improve EHR Software Skills
Improving Electronic Health Records (EHR) software, particularly from the perspective of a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), involves enhancing user interface, ensuring interoperability, incorporating voice recognition, and providing mobile access. These improvements can significantly streamline workflows, improve data accuracy, and enhance patient care.
Enhance User Interface: Simplify the user interface to minimize clicks and ease the documentation process. This helps in reducing the time spent on administrative tasks. NIH offers insights into user interface design considerations for healthcare applications.
Ensure Interoperability: Facilitate seamless data exchange between different healthcare systems. This interoperability supports comprehensive patient care. HealthIT.gov provides guidelines and standards for achieving interoperability.
Incorporate Voice Recognition: Integrate voice recognition technology to enable hands-free data entry, which can be particularly useful for STNAs who are often multi-tasking. Journal of AHIMA discusses the potential of voice recognition in healthcare settings.
Provide Mobile Access: Ensure the EHR system is accessible via mobile devices, allowing STNAs to update and access patient information on the go. mHealth Intelligence covers the importance of mobile health tools in healthcare.
By focusing on these areas, EHR software can become more efficient and effective, directly benefiting STNAs and the overall healthcare delivery system.
How to Display EHR Software Skills on Your Resume
5. Wound Dressing
Wound dressing is the process of cleaning, protecting, and covering a wound using sterile materials to promote healing and prevent infection.
Why It's Important
Wound dressing is crucial for protecting the wound from infection, promoting healing by maintaining a moist environment, and preventing further injury or contamination.
How to Improve Wound Dressing Skills
Improving wound dressing involves several key steps focused on ensuring cleanliness, promoting healing, and preventing infection. Here's a concise guide:
- Maintain Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands before and after dressing a wound to prevent infection. CDC Hand Hygiene
- Use Gloves: Wear gloves to protect yourself and the wound from contamination. Dispose of gloves after each use.
- Prepare the Area: Clean the wound and surrounding skin with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. Use sterile saline water if available.
- Apply Antiseptic: Use a suitable antiseptic on the wound as prescribed. This helps in preventing infection.
- Choose the Right Dressing: Select a dressing that suits the wound type and size. Moisture-retaining dressings can promote healing. Choosing a Wound Dressing
- Secure the Dressing: Ensure the dressing covers the entire wound and sticks well to the skin without causing discomfort.
- Change Dressings Regularly: Follow the recommended schedule for changing dressings to promote healing and prevent infection. Check for signs of infection before re-dressing.
- Document and Monitor: Keep accurate records of the wound's progress and dressing changes. Report any signs of infection or deterioration immediately.
By adhering to these steps, State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs) can significantly improve the wound dressing process, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of complications.
How to Display Wound Dressing Skills on Your Resume
6. Infection Control
Infection control refers to the policies and procedures used by healthcare workers, including State Tested Nursing Assistants (STNAs), to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare settings. This involves practices like hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling and disposal of sharps and waste, and adhering to protocols for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and equipment.
Why It's Important
Infection control is vital for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) to prevent the spread of infections within healthcare facilities, protecting patients, residents, staff, and the wider community from potentially harmful pathogens. This ensures a safe environment and maintains high standards of care.
How to Improve Infection Control Skills
Improving infection control, especially for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), involves adhering to strict hygiene protocols and staying informed on the latest guidelines. Here are concise steps to enhance infection control:
Hand Hygiene: Consistently perform hand hygiene before and after patient contact, and after removing gloves. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. CDC Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Correctly don and doff PPE, including gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, based on the level of precautions required. OSHA PPE
Safe Injection Practices: Follow safe injection practices, including the use of sterile needles and syringes for each injection. CDC Injection Safety
Environmental Cleaning: Ensure regular and thorough cleaning and disinfection of patient care areas and equipment. CDC Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control
Stay Informed and Educated: Regularly update your knowledge on infection control practices through continuing education and training programs. CDC Training and Education
By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly enhance infection control measures as an STNA.
How to Display Infection Control Skills on Your Resume
7. HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA Compliance refers to adhering to the standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which includes protecting the privacy and security of patients' health information. For a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), this means ensuring that patient information is shared and handled in a way that maintains confidentiality and security, following established protocols for privacy and data protection.
Why It's Important
HIPAA compliance is important for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) because it ensures the protection of patients' private health information, maintains trust between healthcare providers and patients, and avoids legal consequences and penalties for violations.
How to Improve HIPAA Compliance Skills
Improving HIPAA compliance as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) involves adhering to guidelines that protect patient privacy and secure health information. Here’s how:
Understand HIPAA Rules: Familiarize yourself with the Privacy Rule and Security Rule to properly handle Protected Health Information (PHI). The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services provides detailed information.
Regular Training: Participate in ongoing HIPAA training programs to stay updated on regulations. Employers often provide resources, or you can find courses through the American Medical Association.
Secure Patient Information: Always use secure methods to store and transmit PHI. This includes electronic records and physical documents. Guidelines on secure communication can be found at the HealthIT.gov site.
Maintain Confidentiality: Discuss patient information only with authorized personnel and in private settings. Information on confidentiality practices is detailed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Report Breaches: Immediately report any suspected or actual breaches of patient information to your supervisor. The Office for Civil Rights outlines the reporting process.
Adhering to these steps helps improve HIPAA compliance, ensuring the privacy and security of patient information in your care as an STNA.
How to Display HIPAA Compliance Skills on Your Resume
8. Mobility Assistance
Mobility assistance refers to the support and help provided by a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) to patients or residents in moving or walking, ensuring their safety and enhancing their ability to maintain independence and perform daily activities.
Why It's Important
Mobility assistance is crucial for ensuring the safety, independence, and well-being of patients, preventing falls and injuries, and promoting circulation, muscle strength, and mental health. For a State Tested Nursing Assistant, it is essential for providing compassionate care, enhancing quality of life, and supporting the physical and emotional needs of those in their care.
How to Improve Mobility Assistance Skills
Improving mobility assistance for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) entails enhancing both the safety and independence of patients. Key strategies include:
Education & Training: Continuously upgrade skills through courses and certifications focused on mobility support. American Red Cross offers various training resources.
Use of Assistive Devices: Master the use of devices like walkers, canes, and transfer belts to aid mobility. The National Institute on Aging provides insights on assistive devices.
Communication: Maintain clear, empathetic communication with patients to understand their comfort levels and needs. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services offers communication guidelines for healthcare professionals.
Physical Fitness: STNAs should maintain their physical fitness to assist patients effectively, focusing on strength and flexibility. CDC’s Physical Activity Guidelines offer a good starting point.
Safety Protocols: Always adhere to safety protocols to prevent falls and injuries. OSHA’s Guidelines for Nursing Homes highlight safety measures for healthcare workers.
By focusing on these areas, STNAs can significantly improve the quality of mobility assistance they provide, ensuring both safety and dignity for patients.
How to Display Mobility Assistance Skills on Your Resume
9. ADL Support
ADL Support refers to assistance with Activities of Daily Living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility, provided by State Tested Nursing Assistants to individuals who need help with these basic self-care tasks.
Why It's Important
ADL (Activities of Daily Living) support is crucial for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) as it directly impacts a patient's quality of life, ensuring they receive essential care and assistance with basic daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. This support helps maintain the patient's dignity, promotes independence, and is fundamental to their overall health and well-being.
How to Improve ADL Support Skills
To improve Activities of Daily Living (ADL) support as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), focus on these key strategies:
Enhance Communication Skills: Ensure clear, empathetic communication with patients. Effective communication techniques can improve understanding and cooperation.
Personalize Care: Understand individual patient needs and preferences. Person-centered care emphasizes the importance of tailoring care to individual needs.
Educate Yourself: Continuously update your knowledge and skills. Online courses from reputable sources, such as the American Red Cross, can be valuable.
Use Assistive Devices Properly: Familiarize yourself with the correct use of assistive devices. The CDC’s guide to mobility aids is a helpful resource.
Prioritize Safety: Always follow safety protocols to prevent falls and injuries. OSHA’s guidelines for healthcare workers cover essential safety measures.
Team Collaboration: Work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care. Team-based healthcare models highlight the importance of collaboration.
Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from patients and peers to identify areas for improvement.
By focusing on these areas, STNAs can significantly enhance the quality of ADL support they provide.
How to Display ADL Support Skills on Your Resume
10. Charting Accuracy
Charting accuracy for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) refers to the precise and correct documentation of all care and observations made regarding patients, ensuring all records are up-to-date, factual, and complete.
Why It's Important
Charting accuracy is crucial for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) because it ensures the delivery of safe, consistent, and effective patient care, supports accurate medical billing, and maintains legal compliance, ultimately protecting both the patient's well-being and the healthcare provider's integrity.
How to Improve Charting Accuracy Skills
Improving charting accuracy for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) involves several key steps:
Understand the Importance: Recognize how accurate charting impacts patient care and legal compliance. CDC's guide on medical documentation offers insights into its significance.
Know What to Chart: Familiarize yourself with your facility's charting protocols. Focus on charting immediately after care to ensure accuracy. The American Nurses Association provides resources on best practices.
Use Clear, Concise Language: Avoid jargon and be specific. The Institute for Healthcare Communication emphasizes the importance of effective communication in healthcare.
Double-Check Your Work: Verify information against patient records for accuracy. The Joint Commission discusses the role of accuracy in patient safety.
Continuing Education: Engage in ongoing training to stay updated on charting standards and practices. Medline University offers courses relevant to nursing assistants.
By focusing on these areas, STNAs can significantly improve their charting accuracy, enhancing patient care and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards.
How to Display Charting Accuracy Skills on Your Resume
11. Medication Administration
Medication Administration, in the context of a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), refers to the process of preparing and giving medications to patients as directed by a licensed nurse or physician. STNAs may assist with this process under supervision but are typically not authorized to administer medications independently.
Why It's Important
Medication administration is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the correct medications, at the right dosage and time, to manage their conditions, alleviate symptoms, and prevent medication errors, thus safeguarding their health and well-being.
How to Improve Medication Administration Skills
Improving medication administration, especially for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), involves several key strategies:
Education and Training: Continuously updating knowledge on medication management through accredited courses is crucial. This ensures an understanding of medication purposes, dosages, and potential side effects.
Utilize Technology: Adopt medication administration technologies like electronic medication administration records (eMAR) to minimize errors and streamline the medication delivery process.
Follow Protocols Rigorously: Always adhere to the “Five Rights” of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time.
Communication: Maintain clear communication with the healthcare team. Use tools and strategies from resources like the Joint Commission to improve handoffs and information sharing.
Patient Involvement: Encourage patient participation in their care. Providing education on their medications can help patients understand their treatment and reduce errors.
Double-Check and Verify: Always double-check medications and dosages, especially when administering high-risk medications. Peer checks can be an effective strategy.
Report and Learn from Errors: Use error reporting systems to report medication errors or near misses. Reviewing these incidents can provide insights for improvement. Resources from organizations like the Institute for Safe Medication Practices offer guidelines and error reporting systems.
By focusing on these strategies, STNAs can significantly improve the safety and effectiveness of medication administration.
How to Display Medication Administration Skills on Your Resume
12. Phlebotomy Skills
Phlebotomy skills involve the technique of drawing blood from a vein, typically for laboratory testing, a procedure requiring knowledge of safety standards, vein location, puncture methods, and patient care. For a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), these skills may be essential for assisting in patient diagnostics and treatment under the supervision of nursing or medical staff.
Why It's Important
Phlebotomy skills are crucial for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) because they enable the collection of blood samples safely and efficiently, essential for patient diagnostics and monitoring, thus enhancing patient care and outcomes.
How to Improve Phlebotomy Skills Skills
Improving phlebotomy skills, especially for a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), involves practice, continued education, and understanding patient care. Here are concise steps to enhance your skills:
Practice Regularly: Hands-on practice is crucial. Use simulation kits or volunteer for supervised practice sessions to refine your technique.
Educational Resources: Enroll in phlebotomy workshops or online courses. Websites like Phlebotomy Coach and the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) offer resources and guidelines.
Stay Updated: Follow the latest guidelines and safety protocols from reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Seek Feedback: Regular feedback from supervisors or experienced colleagues can help identify areas for improvement.
Patient Communication: Enhance your patient interaction skills. Being able to reassure and communicate with patients effectively is key. Resources like the National Phlebotomy Association provide insights into better patient care.
Review Anatomy and Physiology: A strong understanding of human anatomy, especially the circulatory system, is essential. Free online resources like Khan Academy offer refreshers on these topics.
Remember, consistent practice and a commitment to learning are essential steps toward improving your phlebotomy skills.
How to Display Phlebotomy Skills Skills on Your Resume
