The WHY behind starting a new endeavor.

The beginning of a student’s journey is exciting. The feeling of the impelling anticipation of stepping onto a new road is simply enticing. A magical feeling of endless possibility overwhelms them when they finally obtain clarity of how they want to make their presence purposeful in this world. Although, no one ever emphasizes the not-so-magical parts of the journey that a student encounters.

When we first embark on a new journey, we can become so fixated on the end goal. The eye inside our minds can see the finish line. We even start to visualize ourselves after we have arrived at the destination. The sensation of meaningful work seeps into every part of our being as we dream of the end goal. We can feel the victory and the accomplishment of being done with the hard work.

Oftentimes, we forget about the contents in between.

We often overlook the contents of what is in between the start line and the finish line. We overlook the feelings, the questions, and the thoughts that run through our minds when we are on the clock as a student. Even the same feelings, questions, and thoughts bleed into our minds when we are off the clock. We naturally become overwhelmed with thoughts like:

“What did I get myself into? What if I am not good enough to do this? What if I am not meant for this? I feel so unprepared. Did I study enough? What if I am not qualified to do this? Will I fit in? What if I don’t pass the exam? Am I wasting my time? Is there another profession that suits me better?”

Our job as a student is to stay present.

We often get raided and de-railed with these thoughts. What we don’t realize at the moment is that these thoughts carry us into the future that has not even happened yet and these questions are based on past experiences that no longer exist. No one ever guaranteed an easy road. However, our job as a student is to be present and to simply live in the now. This is the best way to absorb the teachings and observe our teacher. We cannot master our craft if we are spending the time we are on the clock as a student somewhere else. Yes, this statement is obvious when we refer to being physically somewhere else, but in this case a student is not able to master the craft to the best of their ability if they are mentally absent.

Trust yourself. You are exactly right where you are supposed to be.

If you find yourself anxious and overwhelmed with thoughts similar to these, ask yourself this:

• Am I doing my best?
• Am I making the most out of what I can control?
• Am I trusting the process?

What you are going through right now is part of your experience. It is part of the journey to becoming a master of your craft. Do not be afraid, do not be anxious, do not worry. You are doing your best and making the most out of what you can control. Trust yourself and trust the uncontrolled forces that are pushing you and helping you on this journey to improvement.

Getting Ready to Sell Your Home

Once you’ve made the decision to sell your current home, it’s time to take stock of your belongings. Because you’ll be downsizing, this is the perfect time to get rid of extra clutter that won’t fit into your new living space. Once you know where you’d like to live next, you can begin to pare down those items that won’t fit into your new living space. Letting go of personal keepsakes is more difficult. Give yourself time to go through these items, and follow a few guiding principles to help you let go of sentimental items, such as family heirlooms.

Finding the Right Home for Your Retirement

When considering what’s next, you’ll want to ask yourself some important questions when you determine where to move. Do you want the independence of your own apartment in the city? Or, would you prefer to be with other seniors in an intentional community? If you have health concerns, you may be more comfortable in an assisted living home. Consult family, do plenty of research, and visit different living options to see what feels right for your next home.

Senior Living Arrangements

There are many different types of senior living arrangements, but the two most common are independent living communities and assisted living facilities. Assisted facilities provide constant care, from shopping and meal preparation to bathing and taking care of doctor appointments. If you struggle with health concerns or mobility issues, assisted living could be a great option.

Independent senior living communities (such as senior villages or intentional communities) are more hands-off, but still provide access to services such as medical care, along with the bonus of living around other seniors. Most communities will have amenities such as dining halls to help prevent feelings of isolation.

However, more and more seniors are choosing to live in personal homes, whether on their own or with loved ones. Older adults who live alone can make life simpler by hiring people to help them with everyday tasks, like cleaning, lawn work, and even grocery shopping. Another option is hiring a caregiver to visit them as needed. Loved ones of seniors can also be hired as paid caregivers, although they’ll need credentialed training. Assisted Living Training School offers caregiver certification to friends and family members of seniors who want to support older adults who wish to continue living in a private (but downsized) home.

Do Your Research

Spend some time looking online for housing in your area and get a feel for the prices of homes that match your needs. In Tempe, for instance, homes sold for around $350,000 over the past 30 days or so. By checking out online real estate sites, you’ll get a feel for how home prices have changed from month to month, and whether that trend is rising or falling. By doing your research, you can aim to buy when the market is favorable.

Planning Your Home Sale and Move

Once you’ve found the perfect home for your transition, hire a trustworthy real estate agent and be as flexible with your timeline as possible. Selling during a pandemic requires more time, so muster up some patience and lean on technology by offering virtual tours and video showings to help you find the right buyer.

When you find a buyer and have decided on a new home, you’ll be ready to plan the logistics of your move. Lean on friends and family if you can, and hire a moving company if possible. If you’ve decluttered and pared down your belongings, the moving process will be much easier.

Moving in the COVID-19 Era

Getting ready for a major life change during the COVID-19 pandemic can be very challenging, but there are small steps you can take now to get you started on the process of moving, such as decluttering and research.

Because seniors are at greater risk for coronavirus, it’s wise to limit your movement until the situation improves in your area. Take guidance from local health authorities, and be sure to check in with any senior living communities before visiting.

Moving is never an easy process, but following these tips will help make the transition as smooth as possible. Do the groundwork first: decluttering and researching possible living arrangements are great initial steps while you wait out the pandemic.

---

I’d like to introduce you to our August Student of the Month, for 2021 – Jenissa Phoenix. Scoring a 100% on her State Exam, Jenissa worked hard throughout her training and it reflects the dedication she has for this profession! I took a moment to chat with Jenissa to learn more about who the person behind the score is.

---

Meet Jenissa Phoenix…

Jenissa, can you tell us a bit about you and your story?

I am 27 years old, from Glendale. I live with my partner and our 7 animals. By day I am the Director of a non profit day program for adults with intellectual disabilities. By night I am a caregiver for Manor on Paradise.

You really do have a heart for caring both people and animals! Where do you find that inspiration?

My inspirations come from my family and the clients I work with everyday. They inspire me to be better.

And how do you see success?

Success to me, means working hard until you achieve your goals. then continuing to get better each day to reach new goals. 

Goals are important, and I am so glad that you brought that up. To keep your goals in mind, do you have a quote or motto that you live by?

“Write it in your heart that everyday is the best day of the year.”

-Ralph Waldo Emmerson

On the days that you feel the pressure, what is your favorite way to de-stress?

My favorite way to destress is going on a hike with my dogs, or sitting on my back patio with my partner enjoying the weather.

Relaxing indeed, especially in our beautiful state! Jenissa, thank you for taking the time to chat with me. If you can leave our students with a piece of advice, what would that be?

Study for your test and take notes during the lessons. It will help immensely! 

Thank you again for your time and the work you put in. You are a rockstar and we wish you much success in your life and career! We are confident that the lives you touch will be impacted for generations.

1) Make the time

Where you place your time and energy says a lot about where you will be successful. What does your typical week look like? It can be helpful to write it in a planner or place events on your phone calendar to visualize where your time is going. Set aside time for a “study date” and commit to it! When planning your study date:

• Plan what topics you will be studying – preparing the topics and materials ahead of time will help you stay organized.
•  Schedule them consistently and in short chunks -30 minutes to an hour is better than “all-nighters”, thereby you retain the information for longer periods of time.
• Eliminate Distractions – your full attention should be focused on one thing at a time. Turn off your phone, TV, or other devices that may disturb you.

2) Don’t memorize, visualize

Whether or not you have a photographic memory, visualizing skills, concepts, or terms can help the material to “stick”. Imagine yourself interacting with what you are studying. This mindset allows you to experience the question being asked. For example, the question on the exam is asking you “How do you approach a combative person?”
Knowing that combative can potentially mean dangerous, do you approach a dangerous situation closely, or do you keep your distance?
Putting yourself in a “first-person” frame of reference and completing the task successfully can help you understand the material fully!

3) Take useful notes

Each topic should start on a new page with it clearly written at the top. Writing is a small but great way to put knowledge into action. Although it may be tempting to write everything down, use bullet points, abbreviations, and symbols/images for quicker note-taking. Typically the important information is in bold or repeated often.

4) Get rest, take breaks

Rest is just as important as the work you put in. Adequate rest is how the brain absorbs information. What does a healthy break look like?

• Meditate
• Take a walk
• Have a 20 min nap
• Color/doodle
• Call a friend

5) Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Not everything will come easily, and that is okay. Teachers, tutors, and other resources are available for you to utilize. They want you to be successful.

At Assisted Living Training School, your success is important to us. Call a student advisor to make the most out of your training and learn life-long skills to grow your personal and professional goals!

CPR and First Aid training skills are important skills for caregivers. This training provides knowledge of life-saving skills for emergency situations.

CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) training teaches you how to respond to an emergency event where a victim has stopped breathing and does not have a heartbeat pulse. These skills often are the difference between life and death. CPR Training includes the latest techniques in:

• CPR (CPR steps and procedures)
• AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
• Primary Assessment
• Ventilations (including BVM)
• Choking (conscious and unconscious)

The Arizona NCIA board requires that Assisted Living Facility managers verify that caregivers have a current, valid certificate of training for CPR and First Aid. There are various training course available. You must complete the training that is specified for “Healthcare Provider”. This training must be instructor led with practical training on a CPR dummy. Online CPR training credentials are not acceptable for certified caregivers in Arizona.

First Aid Training

First Aid Training focuses on other emergency assistance training. This training teaches you how to provide basic treatment until emergency services arrive. First Aid training topics include:

• Treating burns
• Treating cuts
• Treating broken bones
• Head/neck/back injuries
• Sudden illness
• Frostbite
• Heat stroke

NCIA Board requirements for CPR and First Aid Training

The Arizona NCIA board requires that Assisted Living Facility managers verify that caregivers have a current, valid certificate of training for CPR and First Aid. There are various training course available. You must complete the training that is specified for “Healthcare Provider”. This training must be instructor led with practical training on a CPR dummy. Online CPR training credentials are not acceptable for certified caregivers in Arizona.

Because CPR and First Aid Training techniques are often revised over time,  the NCIA board requires that you renew your training certification every two years. The training can done separately or may be combined. It’s important that you are aware of when your training expires so that you can schedule renewal training prior to expiration. The expiration date will be noted on your training card and/or certificate.

Assisted Living Training School provide American Heart Association approved CPR and First Aid training. Call (480) 370-3595 to schedule your training.

If you have any questions about CPR or First Aid training for caregiver, contact us.

  There are many responsibilities in owning a business and even being an independent contractor. Firstly, the main priority will always be your clients. Secondly, your employees. Think of your employees as the pieces and parts that allow the business to run – together they create a machine that works efficiently. It is important that your workforce is motivated and skilled; when all parts work cohesively the business runs smoothly.

  Health care is a leading industry that will be ever-growing. It has the best career outlook that will not be replaced by the advancement of technology and has the potential to enhance the lives of others. Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity and open the door to people who want to transform the world… all we have to do is hire them! The following tips will help set your business up for success, and draw passionate people to you.

1) Care for your work family as much as you do for your clients. 

How can you show your employees you care? How can you help maintain their success in their career, life, and well-being? There are benefits that you can offer your employees that add value to their work experience. I know what you’re thinking – “benefits mean I need to spend more $$$”, and that isn’t necessarily the case all the time. Sure, bonuses, Paid-time-off, and health insurance catch attention and can drive decisions for someone applying to your job posting versus other companies, however it is not the only thing that drives job applications into your inbox. Value is more than a dollar amount, it can be something that is useful and holds importance and worth. This can be seen through company culture, meaningful connections, knowledge, and ways to help them become successful.

2) Create an above-and-beyond positive work environment. 

Creating a positive work environment that simulates productivity and functionality will also allow people to envision themselves working in that type of atmosphere. When thinking about how you can portray a positive work environment, think about what values your company holds.
Here are some values that you can implement and to spark brainstorming: Qualify Care, Personal Accountability, Respect for people, Teamwork, Continuous learning, etc. If you aspire to create a workplace that promotes teamwork, have team building activities and events or having lunch together with your team can be very beneficial! People love to feel included and to be a part of a community.

3) Expand your network. 

Sometimes it is not how many people you know, but who you know. The quality of your network can determine how  influential your company is. Ever heard of the quote, “your network is your net worth”? Fuel your community with people that will vogue for you, leave good reviews, as well as spread your name by word-of-mouth. By staying plugged in and being in the know of who to avoid and who to trust, you can better navigate those who can help you reach your goals.

In fact, connections make the world work the way it does, just as it does for our business.  With the age of the internet, expanding your network and connecting with others has never been easier. Invest into your platform with online marketing, Facebook presence, and be sure that your website is up to date! Your website is a mobile business card and a place for first impressions, use it. Show the world what you do, and furthermore be authentic doing it!

4) Offer valuable skills to learn.

Share what you know by learning from the best to be the best! Invest your time and resources in training your employees. Consequently, you’ll see growth in their strengths and build upon those strengths. What are your strengths that you can offer to others to help them be successful? A great example is if you have found a way to make a difficult situation more manageable. Share your new found knowledge with your team so they can learn too. You will be impressed to see that your hard work and dedication into each individual can affect the company as a whole.

With that in mind, orientation and the on-boarding process is a crucial step in knowing if they are going to be a strong asset in the company. The structure of the on-boarding process can be the make or break point because it let’s the employee know what to expect to learn and do in their position, what skills are necessary, etc. It is wise to offer education and stepping stones to help them meet their goals at this time!

Find a certification course at a campus near you
View our In-Service Units for Caregivers – here
View our Continuing Education Units for Managers – here

5) Provide opportunities for growth.

Transform a job experience into a career by incorporating levels of growth. By moving up in a company, receiving a promotion is something to celebrate. Are there positions or aspirations within your company that individuals can aim to achieve? How can you help them achieve their goals? Becoming stagnant in a job can dis-encourage individuals and, thus, cause their motivation to fall rapidly. To have a powerful workforce, continue to fuel your employees so that they can meet personal and professional goals. Do this by: increasing their responsibility as they progress, provide them with education that will allow them to achieve positions that require degrees or certificates, similarly, allow them to utilize their strengths to their advantage.

Passion runs through the blood of health care professionals, nothing will replace the heart of someone who cares. Sometimes finding those who are passionate about helping others is easier than you think, and just requires a different perspective.  Follow these tips and see how your company culture improves and appreciate those you work with more. If you are interested in more useful content take a look at the courses we offer and other articles to help you be successful. You and your company will thank us!

• Understanding how food can make people sick after being contaminated by physical, chemical, or biological hazards.
• Understand that the behavior of caregivers directly affects the safety of food.
• Learn how to prevent contamination of food and food contact surfaces.
• Learn to use appropriate barriers to prevent bare hand contact with food.
• Understand which symptoms require caregivers to stay home from work or reporting an illness or symptom to the manager.
• Learn the appropriate time and temperature requirements for keeping food safe during specific stages of food preparation.
• Understand how to keep the workplace and equipment clean.

The Arizona NCIA board requires that Assisted Living Training Centers verify completion of food handler training before allowing students to test for caregiver certification and being granted an Arizona Caregiver certificate.

You can choose any food handler training provider that meets the training criteria for the state of Arizona. If you have previously completed the training for another job and have a valid food handler card or certificate, you can use it to fulfill this training requirement.

Food handler training can be completed online. The course is about 1 ½ hours long depending on the student.

Assisted Living Training School recommends US Food Handler for your training. The program is 100% online and the cost is $12.95. This training cost is not included in your tuition fee.

If you have any questions about food handler training for caregiver, contact us.