NewsLine - June 2011 - (Page 26)

continued from previous page Integrating Healing Touch Therapies into the CNA’s Practice by Tandra Chandler, CNAII, CHPNA I In the following article, NCHPP CNA Section leader, Tandra Chandler, discusses the many reasons why hospices should consider certifying CNAs in touch therapies—and how these techniques benefit the CNA as well as the patient and family. ntroducing light, comforting touch therapies into the hospice CNA’s practice is a natural extension of the care which they already provide. Dignified, purposeful touch is an important part of the practice, and learning some principles of therapeutic massage can take a bed bath to the next level. In fact, when full bathing is not required on a visit, a brief touch therapy session can be added to the plan of care as part of a CNA’s services. The patient benefits, in the form of added relaxation, but the CNA benefits too; administering touch therapy can foster better, deeper connections with the patient and can help CNAs feel that their role is growing to include more than the tasks of personal care. Families also benefit in knowing—and seeing—that their loved ones are in gentle, caring hands. Having CNAs on staff who are certified in touch therapies also reflects well on the organization—and its commitment to compassionate care. The integration of touch therapies into the plan of care can help create trust—and bonds—between patients, families and their professional caregivers. We serve patients with all types of diagnoses. Some patients may be depressed, frightened, or feel like no one cares about them because of their illness. We may have a patient who is non-verbal. Touch therapy that is provided as part of personal care communicates intention. It reassures patients that they are still important and that someone does care. It can also help CNAs develop their skills in picking up a patient’s non-verbal cues by helping them stay sensitive to the patient’s expression, body language, and response to touch. More than words, touch opens up trust between health providers and patients, and may be the reason why the CNA is the team member who often is told personal information that has not been told to anyone else. Touch opens the door to dialogue. By implementing touch therapies, the CNA can give patients a new kind of quality in care. Tandra Chandler has been a certified nursing assistant for over 30 years. For the past 16 years she has worked for the Hospice and Palliative CareCenter, where she is currently a CNA team leader. Tandra also serves as the CNA Section leader for the National Council of Hospice and Palliative Professionals. 26 NewsLine

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NewsLine - June 2011

Managing a Multigenerational Workforce
A Message From Don: Why a National Center?
We Earned Our Merit Badge in Value (display ad)
Do It Well, Make It Fun
Introducing NHPCO’s Custom Print (display ad)
Honorees from Quality on Display
Experience the ACHC Difference (display ad)
Personalize Your Outreach and Education (display ad)
The Pathways Counseling Center of Pathways Hospice
Voice of NCHPP: Integrating Touch Therapies into the CNA’s Practice
NCHPP CNA Section: Getting Involved
FEHC Data in New AHRQ Report
Michel’s Walkathon to Promote ‘Dying Well’
Become a WHV Partner
Get Hospice-specific Management Training Without Leaving Home
New Report on Importance of Consumer Engagement
Toolkit to Implement Concurrent Care for Children Requirement
Recruiting Problems? HMR (display ad)
Upcoming Educational Offerings
Cover 2
FHSSA Newsletter

NewsLine - June 2011