The CNA's Role in Culture Change

At Barry Community Care Center, CNA's have no doubt about their importance to residents' quality of life or their value on the multidisciplinary team.

With a facility-wide commitment to culture change, the CNA role has evolved in many ways. CNA's choose their preferred resident community to work with and no longer float among three care areas. Upon arrival, each elder is adopted by a CNA "Advocate" who shepherds him/her throughout their residence at BCCC. The CNA Advocate provides assistance to residents in a variety of ways starting with the development of the "What You Should Know About ME" Care Plan at admission. Later, an important part of Advocating for each resident is through attending the quarterly Care Planning meetings where valuable input and guidance is provided. CNA's continue to communicate with residents' family members or other staff as often as needed to share information or concerns. A few of the many other Advocate activities that maybe engaged in are helping to decorate resident rooms, planning outings or arranging for special meals to be prepared.

BCCC CNA's are actively involved in the hiring and orientation of new staff and also provide feedback for performance evaluations. Currently, three CNA's are serving in the role of Team Leader. These individuals coordinate staffing schedules and assignments and act as mentors for new staff among other duties. All CNA's are encouraged and supported to pursue additional training and experience in their interest. For example, a CNA co-facilitates the Pike County Alzheimer's Support Group. Quality Assurance participation is expected of all and may include activities like serving on the Safety Committee, monitoring resident satisfaction or reviewing documentation. Earlier this year, CNA's chartered a chapter of the National Association of Geriatric Nursing Assistants at the facility to promote excellence and provide benefits for employees.

These are just a few the ways that CNA's serve the BCCC community. CNA's TRULY are the heart of all that makes Barry Community Care Center a HOME.