Basic Terminologies

KEY INDUSTRY TERMS

C.N.A - Certified Nursing Assistant is one of the most in demand positions to fill. C.N.A's are required to take a class and pass a test to be certified. Each state requires a different certification test so an aide certified in New Jersey can work in NJ, but cannot work as a C.N.A in another state unless they have a license from that state. Licenses do expire and are required to be renewed every few years. A C.N.A is a person who assists patients with healthcare needs and personal care. They take care of things such as a patient's bathing, grooming, toileting, etc. They are assigned duties by an R.N.

L.P.N - Licensed Practical Nurse is a position higher than a C.N.A. It usually requires about a year of nursing education and the passing of an exam. An LPN is often responsible to pass out medications on the floor of a facility as well as they can do hands on personal care like a C.N.A. An LPN reports to an RN.

R.N - Registered Nurse is the highest nursing position in the nursing home. They have completed an associates (ADN) or bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and passed the NCLEX-RN exam. They oversee the activities of the rest of the nursing staff. Instead of focusing on the immediate needs of a patient, RNs are responsible for overseeing each patient's overall health and medical histories.

Administrator - This position is really the operations manager of the facility. They must complete a master's degree in health care administration and pass a licensing exam in each state they work. They are responsible for supervising clinical and administrative affairs of the nursing home.

Shift Schedules

7a-3p (first shift), 3pm-11p (second shift), 11p-7a (third shift) - These are the most common times for nursing home staff shifts. 7a-3p is often referred to as the DAY SHIFT. 11p-7a is often referred to as the NIGHT SHIFT.

Doubles - Staff will sometimes work a double shift back to back in one day. So someone will report at 7am and not leave until 11p that night.

Overtime - In the US, an employee receives overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours in any one week period.

PRN - 'Pro Re Nata' on call position as needed.

Per Diem or daily allowance is a specific amount of money that an organization gives an employee per day to cover expenses incurred.

FT - Full time

PT - Part Time

Staffing Agency or "Agency" - Nursing homes have no choice but to make sure they have staff whether that means having their own staff or using an outside company to help staff their buildings. Many nursing homes will use staffing agencies to fill in their schedules to make sure they have enough aides and nurses for patient care. It is better for a nursing home to not have to use an agency because agency services are more expensive than if they use their own staff and agency staff are not dedicated employees so they are not always familiar with the building or go through the same rigorous orientation.

KEY HR TERMS

Physical - Employees must submit a physical before being hired. A physical must show that an employee is physically fit and clear to work and must be signed by a doctor within the last 12 months of the employee's hire date. A physical is important because the job in a nursing home can be physically demanding and you want to make sure anyone you hire is physically up to the task and won't hurt themselves or anyone else.

PPD (Also known as a Mantoux Test or TB Test) - This is a skin test to screen for tuberculosis (TB). It is administered in the arm and then must be checked a few days later for a reaction. Most facilities will require a 2-step PPD, which means they need to have two PPD tests done within the same year. Usually a PPD test is administered and then a few weeks later the employee will receive their 2nd test which is referred to as the 2nd step. The employee must submit paperwork showing a negative 2-step PPD before hire. A PPD is important because tuberculosis is a very serious infection and extremely infectious as it travels through the air.

Quantiferon Test - This is another kind of TB test where the employee gets their blood drawn instead of a skin test. This test counts as a 2-step PPD.

Chest X - Ray - If an employee tests positive for TB it is required for them to get a chest x-ray. Most often a positive skin test is a false positive and the employee does not have TB. Or if the employee does have active TB they will get treated for the infection. They get a chest x-ray to make sure they have clear lungs and no active infection. If an employee has a positive PPD test they must be able to produce a clear chest x-ray before hire.

Professional License - This refers to an employee's actual C.N.A, LPN or RN license. An employee must be able to show proof of their actual license issued by the state.

Valid Photo ID - This is a state or government issued form of ID which can include a current driver's license, state ID, permenant resident card or passport. Photo ID is required to complete the mandatory I-9 form as part of the employee application.

Social Security Card (SSC) - This is a government issued number that proves you are a US citizen and able to legally work in the United States. The SSC is required to complete the mandatory I-9 form as part of the employee application.

State License Registry - Every state has a website to verify if someone has a valid professional license. Valid means it is active and has not expired and there are no board actions against the license. A Board Action is a penalty for poor patient care such as neglect, abuse or criminal activity.

Criminal Background Check - All facilities will run a criminal background check on potential hires to make sure they have no prior convictions on their record. Since employees are in constant contact with the elderly, which is a vulnerable population, it is important to screen potential employees thoroughly before hire. Every facility will have it's own policy and procedure about how to handle prior convictions and criteria for hiring or rejecting applicants based on their background.

References - Facilities often require multiple references on a potential employee. These consist of both Professional and Personal contacts that can speak about a candidate's past work history, qualifications and character. A Professional reference is a previous employer or former educational instructor. A Personal reference will be a former or current co-worker and is usually not allowed to be include any family or friends.

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