Any ideas for effective ADL training?

[chlori]

Hello my fellow MDS nurses. Does anyone have any tips for effective ADL training for not so enthusiastic STNAs and nurses?

[rukiddingme]

Our restorative nurse recently did an interactive inservice - using an empty private room, and did 'mock' transfers, etc -- and explained how to code for the specific procedure done. Seemed to make them understand it better.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

I used to stand by the care tracker with a shirt in my hand and ask the CNAs to help me put it on. We went through different scenarios and they finally got the difference between supervision, min assist, max assist and totally dependent. I also had them transfer me bed to chair using different amounts of assistance. They finally got it. Hands on, I think, is always the best.

[Chin up]

We did a very successful question of the month contest for six months. Every month we used a different scenario to test coding knowledge. Say, we wanted wc with ext assist. We wrote a brief scenario describing this, then had four different answers. These were distributed second week of the month, with the winner drawn, by the 30th. All CNA's were to participate. The winner, won a gift certificate. When there were multiple winners, we drew names. They loved it! It helped to reinforce correct coding and those who got the answer wrong, learned the correct way. It was a win-win and even our stingy ED, agreed it was worth the money. Coding has since improved by 80%.

I also ask the assistants how they would code what they are doing, when I am on the floors. This is a good teaching moment and now they think about what they are actually doing, knowing I may ask them at any time.

When I see them filling out their ADL flowsheets, I stop and ask why they are coding a certain way for each of the residents. This too has them thinking why, and not just copy. I try to be on the floors every Monday or Friday. Now they are used to me, and are actually thinking about what they are doing. It takes time, but worth it and part of our jobs. I found with the contest, they taught one another also. Hope these help. Good luck. Peace!

[susanthomas1954]

I use a packet of salt to demonstrate weight bearing. I move it across the table with one finger, to the edge of the table, (limited)then lift a corner with one finger as it goes over the edge (extensive). We are capturing extensive much better since they understand that "extensive" just refers to any weight bearing, and now how tired the CNA is after doing it. We talk a lot about the word extensive in my training class.

[Chin up]

I use a packet of salt to demonstrate weight bearing. I move it across the table with one finger, to the edge of the table, (limited)then lift a corner with one finger as it goes over the edge (extensive). We are capturing extensive much better since they understand that "extensive" just refers to any weight bearing, and now how tired the CNA is after doing it. We talk a lot about the word extensive in my training class.

I like this. May I...