CNA Training
When you are caring for patients after CNA training, you will be asked to use a number of different skills you learned in your CNA training classes. You will be asked to assist your patients with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, you will need to chart your patient’s input and output, and you will need to assist your patients with caring for their skin.
After CNA training, skin care knowledge is essential when you are assisting the elderly. The skin is the body’s biggest organ, and it is responsible for protecting us in a number of different ways, including:
- Protecting our bodies from infection and injuries
- Regulating our body temperatures
- Allowing us to feel cold, touch, pain, pressure, and heat
- Helping us eliminate waste products from our bodies
Why Skin Care is so Important After CNA Training
During CNA training, you will learn that our skin changes as we age. Because of this, you must learn how to properly care for your patients’ skin after CNA training in order to help them remain healthy.
Skin care includes a number of tasks you must perform and observe after CNA training, including:
- Cleanliness- After CNA training, you must make sure your patients’ skin is clean. Help them bathe regularly, either in a regular bath, whirlpool bath, show, or bed bath, and also remember to use mild soaps and shampoos. If your patient has skin problems or allergies, specific soap may be required, so make sure you check their care plan prior to administering a bath.
- Dry Skin- When we grow older, our skin produces less natural oil. This results in dry skin that can lead to itching and can be worsened with harsh soaps and hot water. Winter weather can also lead to more dry skin because the air is so dry. After CNA training, make sure you apply plenty of moisturizer to your patients’ skin after bathes and between bathing. This will reduce infections caused by scratching irritated dry skin.
- Clothing- Perspiration has a negative effect on patients’ skin, especially when combined with the wrong type of clothing or footwear. Make sure to avoid dressing your patients in man-made fiber clothing and nylon socks. Instead, choose loose clothing made from natural fibers.
Watch for Warning Signs of Skin Problems After CNA Training
When you are bathing, dressing, or providing skin care for your patients after CNA training, always make sure you observe your patient’s skin. Look for any abnormal conditions that may have developed, including:
- Peeling skin
- Broken skin
- Changes in the appearance of your patient’s skin
- Chronic itching
If you notice any problems that have developed, make sure you take the time to write down the chances you see. Then, find your charge nurse or supervisor and report these problems immediately so they can be cared for in the proper manner.
When you are caring for your patients after you have finished CNA training, remember that skin care is important. Your observation skills and skin care knowledge could help your patients have more beautiful and healthy skin after your CNA training.
Great post.