CNA Classes and Properly Dealing With Dying and Death

CNA classes cover a wide range of topics with the aim of helping nursing assistants deal with the demands of the job in order to have a fulfilling career despite the challenges. Once of the challenges that certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and other nursing assistants and aides will deal with is dying and death relating to the patients that they deal with on a daily basis.

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CNA Classes and Death

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CNA classes teach various aspects of this profession during the textbook work, demonstrative work as well as the clinical section of the CNA classes were students get to practice the skills that they have learned in a hospital or nursing home dealing with real patients. CNAs usually handle the vast majority of the basic needs of patients such as bathing, feeding, grooming, lifting, changing bed linens, bed pans, etc.

CNA classes will cover other areas such as dealing with burnout because this job can be very challenging with the demands placed upon CNAs each day. Other areas include how to deal with dying and death especially if a CNA works in a nursing home where death is especially prevalent. Nursing homes employ the majority of CNAs followed by hospitals and other institutions.

While properly dealing with dying and death may be taught in CNA classes, discovering effective ways to deal with death for the CNA only comes from experience with dealing with patients who are going through this stage in life. CNAs usually spend the most time with patients when compared to nurses or other medical and healthcare personnel. With this in mind, CNAs are usually those that are most affected by the death of a patient and developing the tools to deal with this is a constructive way will help the CNA do well in job.

Dealing with death on the job

CNAs are unique as they are usually dedicated to ensuring that patients receive the best possible care and meet their every need. They not only deal with the patients' basic needs but also deal with their emotional and psychological needs as well. Truly dedicated CNAs go the extra distance for the patients and the patient's family.

Since the job description is to make sure that the patients feel better, the harsh reality of death can be hard for the CNA to deal with especially if they are new to the job and CNA classes may not fully address this aspect since only experience can provide the learning experience required.

Death may be difficult to deal with especially for the patient and their family and respecting their needs is one of the first steps for the CNA to implement in the midst of death. Some patients are afraid to die or to let go and may fight to the very end to hold on when the kindest thing for themselves and their family and every one else involved would be to simply let go. Dealing with impending death will also mean dealing with it in the way called for in the patient's religion so there may be reading of religious scripture, praying and other religious activities, so being respectful is especially important.

While death may be difficult for everyone involved including the CNA and the CNA may not know what to do, a CNA simply needs to do the best they can to simply make the patient comfortable. This is also a time to be a source of comfort to the patient and their family. It takes a special kind of person to show this compassion and not every CNA has this ability and CNA classes can not teach this ability.

During these last days, simply continue to keep the patient comfortable by keeping them clean, ensuring that their mouths are never dry which happens often during these last days, etc. They may become incoherent during this time but simply give them sips of water or use a sponge and you may even need to apply chapstick or other lip balm to deal with dry and cracked lips.

Remember the details of each dying patient. If they need to be turned periodically to reduce soreness, ensure that this is done. Check their body temperatures, and make the necessary adjustments if need be to the bedding, heating, air conditioning, etc. All this should be done to ensure that the patients are comfortable and clean. While you may not always know what to say to the patient and their families and how to be of comfort to them, you can at least know what to do to make this time easier on the patient and their family.

CNA classes and job orientation will also teach some of the signs of death to watch out for and document on the patient's chart which may include changes in breathing, muscle tone loss, slowing circulation, blurred vision, incoherence, etc. Notify the nurse in charge for any significant changes in the patient immediately.

Other ways that you can help a dying patient is to read to them a favorite passage or book, hold their hand, etc. Whatever you are comfortable with doing at this time, do. Many will not be taught during CNA classes but simply arise from simply being human and how you would want to be treated. Many CNAs may become attached to patients and following their death may have a hard time with the job. During this time counseling services will usually be provided by the employer. It is important to take advantage of these services so that the CNA can be of greater service to dying patients while ensuring that they develop the tools to handle death and dying patients in a constructive manner.

CNA Classes and Properly Dealing With Dying and Death

CNA classes are invaluable to CNAs and teach a variety of tools that will needed by a CNA on the job and dealing with dying and death is one aspect. For more information on certified nursing assistants, CNA classes and other aspects of CNA training, visit http://cnatrainingclass411.com/dealing-with-dying-and-death/.

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