1. Start with a right mindset: If you believe in God or a god,
then pray! If not, then just think of happy thoughts. Hope that
while you are on duty, none of your residents get hurt or
disabled. The residents’ safety is your top priority. Nothing
feels better than going home, being at ease, knowing that your
residents are safe and are sound asleep. Just remember this
adage: what you think about, you bring about!
2. Eat a hearty meal: Before you leave for work, make sure to
load up on food. Nursing duty requires constant running,
walking, lifting, pushing and other repetitive cardio
movements. Unless your residents are aware of your break and
meal periods (I wager that 20% are not aware and 80% just
don’t care), expect that you will be called for assistance at any
given time. It is a common occurrence for Nurse Assistants to
miss all short breaks and meal periods, all because they have
to put the residents’ needs first.
Do pay attention to the quality of food you are feeding your
body. Eat well and right. Take good care of your body so you
can take care of your residents.
3. Sneak a snack into your pocket: Even if you have already
consumed massive calories at your last meal, ensure that you
bring snacks with you. Bring snacks that you could possibly