Have you looked at the COVID-19 Safety for CNAs training and thought, “This training seems like a good opportunity BUT…”?
There is so much happening right now it is easy to focus on all the reasons not to do it. Sometimes saying yes and taking advantage of an opportunity, even when things are tough, is powerful. The COVID-19 Safety for CNAs is a unique opportunity for CNAs with the potential to influence your whole organization.
The live, virtual five-week training series connects CNAs with topic experts outside of your organization and peers from other organizations for relevant learning. CNAs will gain knowledge and skills to work safely during COVID-19, develop an understanding of their role in safety and gain the confidence needed to advocate for safety in the organization. Still thinking, “sounds good BUT…”?
Let’s look at a couple of the BUTS that might be holding you back from registering a team.
- “Staffing is tight, and we can’t take people off the floor for training.” There is no denying the difficulty of staffing right now. With shortages already common going into the pandemic and sick or quarantined staff coupled with even greater staffing needs on top, the challenge is real.
What if this training could help? Could additional vigilance by CNAs improve infection control? Could quarantines be reduced through diligent infection control and other COVID-19 safety practices? By arming CNAs with the knowledge and skills to work with safety in mind and advocate for it in situations of concern they can become part of the solution.
Here are some ideas to consider. The training is offered in three different cycles so a few staff members could attend in each training cycle. With a morning and afternoon time offering in each cycle, your team could be divided between time slots. Your team could consist of a CNA or two from each shift lessening the number being pulled directly from the floor during the training. - “We already do training on COVID-19 and have been for months.” COVID-19 training has been happening for months and that may be one of the best reasons to try something new. Many months and trainings into this pandemic, staff might be tempted to tune out familiar training or assume they know all they need to.
The opportunity to learn from experts outside the organization might be just what the team needs to gain a new perspective, reenergize, or learn something they never knew. The active, hands-on nature of this training will keep them engaged in the learning.
If you have questions about how this training might work for your team, contact stephanie@leadingagekansas.org. If you would like to get a team registered, visit COVID-19 Safety for CNAs Training Series Survey (surveymonkey.com).
It is hard time to think about committing to training like this BUT don’t let your organization to miss this unique opportunity. Get your team registered today. Spaces for the training that starts in February are filling quickly.
This material was produced under grant number SH-99033-SH0 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
