How to Ensure Temporary Aides Are Successful
AHCA/NCAL Staff
2/1/2022
AHCA/NCAL recently made updates to the
temporary nurse aide (TNA) and
temporary feeding assistant
(TFA) free, online training courses. The association enhanced security
measures within our learning management system and the exam process to
help further our high academic integrity standards.
The TNA and TFA online courses are only the first step for
temporary caregivers to assist our nation’s long term care facilities. Providers play a key role in helping temporary aides carry out their duties successfully. Here are some ways you can help make sure the programs are beneficial to your residents and fellow team members:
- Temporary
aides should receive hours of on-the-job training once hired. Have them
shadow an experienced staff member during the on-boarding process.
- Before
temporary aides can take on specific duties, they must pass a
competency assessment (typically overseen by a nurse) to demonstrate
they understand those tasks. A competency assessment is a federal requirement for nursing homes.
- If temporary aides are not doing things correctly, they need to undergo further training and evaluation.
- Continue to have a licensed professional supervise temporary aides at all times.
- Establish
an ongoing evaluation process for temporary aides. Similar to other
positions that must demonstrate their competency on a rolling basis,
temporary aides should be evaluated periodically to reaffirm they know
how to fulfill their duties correctly.
- If you are working with
an agency to hire temporary staff, you may inquire about any individual
to validate their abilities. Request their certificate of completion as
well as their skills competency sheet.
- Look for ways to help
temporary aides transition to become certified nursing assistants.
Remember that these temporary positions are only allowed for as long as
the public health emergency declaration and/or corresponding 1135 waiver
remains in effect. Follow your state’s specific process to help your
temporary aides become permanent employees and build a career in long
term care.
Thank you for your
support of the TNA and TFA programs. We hope you have found them to be a
lifeline during this pandemic as our industry faces a historic labor
crisis. Together, we can help ensure these heroes have the training and
support they need to provide the care and companionship our residents
deserve.
If you have questions regarding the courses, please contact us at
educate@ahca.org