The holiday class starts on December 17, 2012. Seats are limited so call today to register.
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How to Get an Edge on the CNA Job Search
As a CNA student or graduate, you’re on your way to a great career in healthcare. But achieving your goal takes more than attending classes and hoping for the best. In today’s job landscape, you need to be proactive in order to get an edge and land that job.
Here are some steps to take to increase your rates of success:
Gain Practical Experience
The fact that many employers will only hire people with previous experience is a common complaint among job hunters, not just in the CNA field but in others as well. So how can you get early experience that will get you a foot in the door?
There are many opportunities for you to gain hours of experience you can put on your resume. Does your CNA course include an externship? Have you ever volunteered at nursing homes and assisted living facilities? Are you the caregiver for a family member? Even a couple of hours a week will eventually garner you significant real-world experience.
Supplement Your CNA Certificate
Consider adding specialized training to your credentials. Not only will you be able to expand your job search, you’ll also be viewed by potential employers as someone who will add an extra value to their company.
In addition to the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Program, DRM ILC also offers CNAplus, which equips students in areas like Restorative Nursing, Hospice/End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, and Nurse Aide Medication Administration. Our newest class is the Phlebotomy Training Program.
Prepare a Good Resume
Your resume should be a complete but brief summary of your qualifications for a CNA job. Make sure it looks professional and is error-free. Proofread carefully before you print it on white paper. Here are a couple of sample resumes for CNAs:
Certified Nursing Assistant Resume Example
Monster.com Sample Resume Certified Nursing Assistant
Get Stellar References
In addition to a resume, you’ll also often be asked to provide a list of references. This means that your job search actually begins when you’re a student. Do an outstanding job in your studies because your instructors are your first professional contacts and will act as your references for that first job. Remember that it is a courtesy to ask your references for permission before you put them on your list. Include their name, position/company, current phone number and email, as well as in what capacity you know them (instructor, work-study supervisor, etc.).
Network
Keep in touch with your school even after you graduate. DRM ILC, for example, maintains both a Facebook page and regular newsletters with job tips for our current and previous students.
Attend Job Fairs
Schools and career centers in your area often hold job fairs to connect job hunters with companies who are open to hiring. Some employers will conduct interviews (and possibly hire on the spot), so make sure you dress for the occasion and bring your resume. These events will be announced in your local paper, so keep an eye on those.
Initiate Contact
Another good way to get job leads is by contacting the nurse recruiters at hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Be honest about your current status and your employment goals. If you’re a student, let them know your graduation date and what you plan to do afterward. Say that you would like to gain experience or apply for a job as a CNA in their facility. Ask about openings, the application process, and job fairs they are holding.
Your job search process is a combination of many steps, which begin as soon as you take your first CNA course. Make sure you use the resources that are available to you. Above all, be positive, professional, and proactive!
Posted in CNA Information
Tagged CNA, CNA job search, CNA Jobs, healthcare job search tips
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New Phlebotomy Class from DRM ILC
DRM International Learning Center is happy to announce a new class to add to its already robust training programs for CNAs.
The new Phlebotomy Technician Program will offer instruction and practical training that is designed to prepare graduates to work in various medical settings.
The certificate curriculum will emphasize proper techniques in blood collection methods, maintenance of aseptic conditions, patient identification protocols, and quality assurance. Students will learn specimen handling, processing and accessioning.
Upon completion of the course, students will have gained knowledge and skills that will enable them to work in hospitals, physician’s offices, clinics, and other locations that require highly-qualified phlebotomy technicians.
The first two sessions for this new Phlebotomy program are scheduled as follows:
- February 4-8, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- March 11-15, 2013, 3:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Contact DRM ILC for more information or to register for classes:
DRM International Learning Center
3204 S Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI
(517) 882-3544
Posted in Classes
Tagged Certified Nurse Aides, CNA, CNA program, CNA training course, phlebotomy class, phlebotomy course
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Photos of the DRM 10/5 Anniversary Celebration
We had a wonderful time celebrating DRM ILC’s 5th anniversary earlier this month! The double celebration, with DRM Genesis also marking 10 years of providing quality healthcare, was topped off with the Proclamation of Mayor Virg Bernero making October 5, 2012 DRM Day. What an honor! Our thanks to Ms. Renee Freeman, who presented the Proclamation on behalf of the mayor.
Thank you also to everyone who helped us reach this milestone. Enjoy these photos!
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Why Healthcare Students Should Be on LinkedIn
You probably have a Facebook or a Twitter account that you use to stay in touch with friends and family. These social media platforms are great for chatting, sharing photos, and maintaining contact with people from your past, and those who don’t live near you. But, as a student and future healthcare professional, you need an online hub, such as LinkedIn, that lets you showcase the side of you that you want prospective employers to see.
Although LinkedIn has become a popular site for professional networking, it is relatively underused by students. This may be because few of your peers are on it, choosing instead to focus social media efforts on the other “cooler” platforms out there. However, building a presence on LinkedIn can prove to be invaluable as you transition to the working world.
Here are just a few benefits of joining LinkedIn:
* A way to separate your personal and professional lives. If you want to stay in touch with your professors or work-study supervisors, but don’t want to have to friend them on Facebook, connect with them through LinkedIn. You’ll both appreciate not having to see one another’s vacation photos and read status updates about what you’ve eaten for lunch.
* A place to list credentials and skills on your profile. Facebook isn’t the best place to post your resume or the skills you developed during your internship. LinkedIn, on the other hand, is built specifically for showcasing your professional credits.
* A way for prospective companies to find you. Even if you’re not actively searching for a job, having a profile on LinkedIn gets you into the database for employers to find. This will give you a headstart when job-hunting time rolls around.
So don’t wait until you graduate to build your network of contacts. If you’re a student, now is a great time to get plugged into LinkedIn, figure out how it works, and start positioning yourself for success in the healthcare field.
Employment Networking Tips for Healthcare Students
It’s all about connections. No matter how many resumes you send out or interviews you attend, the more you know people you know, the more opportunities will arise. Building relationships open doors to job opportunities, advancing your career by learning from mentors, and being recognized as an expert in your field.
Online networking websites are a good start in making connections but face to face introductions still make the most memorable impression. Even if you don’t know anybody in the room, you can have fun, meet people and build your contacts by practicing the following tips.
Target Your Networking – Determine what events are the best fit for you. If you are a trained CNA, attending a local Plumbers Association meeting is probably not going to get you leads or many future contacts. Chambers, Women’s Groups, Healthcare Associations, etc. have a variety of attendees and would work well.
Have a Networking Buddy - If you hate the idea of attending events alone, get a friend to join you. Going in with someone you know can help you feel more comfortable approaching a group. You can introduce your friend to people you know may be of internet and she/he can offer introductions to their contacts that can help you. Remember you are there to make new contacts or expand existing connections you are not there to just hang out and talk with your friend or co-worker.
Create a Strategy - If you can see the guest list see what company representatives or other connected individuals you want to talk with and make sure you find them when you are there.
Have interesting talking points. Catch up on the latest industry news, current headlines that can be ice breakers and demonstrate your passion and expertise in your field.
If you don’t already have a handful of people you know you will be meeting there, observe the crowd. If you are comfortable jumping in, find the most animated person or group and dive in (see below). If you are more introverted, look for the wall flower or person who is hanging back, they will be happy to have a person to talk with and there is less pressure for you to ‘entertain’ – but they could still be a potential resource.
Don’t wait for an Invitation – If there are groups of people conversing,you are welcome to jump in. In a social or networking event, it is not an intrusion to get involved. Hone in on the group you are interested in, observe the conversation, consider what you would contribute, catch the eye of someone in the group and give them a non verbal greeting (such as a nod or smile). If they respond, introduce yourself and join in.
Always Be Yourself - In every circumstance, be genuine, practice good etiquette, be respectful and courteous. Find conversations you can contribute to, exit those that do not hold your interest. Spend your time making contacts with people you have a connection with.
If you are invited to an event that doesn’t seem like a good fit, check in with yourself. Are you declining the invite because you are nervous about opening up to new exposure or does it feel out of character for you? If it is just nerves, go, expand your network! If the event or group doesn’t feel right, don’t compromise your morals, character or comfort. Many people will see or feel your discomfort and it can hurt your reputation in the long run.
Follow Up – That chance meeting can turn into a contact only if you stay connected with them. Reach out after the event via email, a letter, phone call or invitation to connect on social media networks, etc. Remind the person where you met, try and bring up a topic or interest you shared that will help them remember you. Keep the initial contact simple and quick and ask them to meet for coffee or lunch if they can offer assistance to meet your goals.
Remember networking is a part of successful business and everyone has to start somewhere. The healthcare industry is growing expanding and changing quickly, but the desire for high quality certified nurses assistants (CNA) hasn’t change. DRM ILC has an established record job placement for CNAs and CNAplus Graduates but you still need to get out there and let people know you are ready to work. Get out there and build those connections! DRM ILC also offers Employment Empowerment Training, call us today to check on class availability 517-882-3544.
Anniversary Celebrations for DRM Companies
October 5, 2012 marks five years of continued business growth for DRM International Learning Center (DRM ILC). DRM ILC provides programs and individual courses for healthcare students and professionals. Some of the programs and courses include Restorative Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Hospice/End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer’s/Dementia care. DRM ILC’s CNAplus® program enjoys a 100% job placement rate upon successful completion of the program and established certification/licensing.
Sister company, DRM Genesis Home Healthcare Providers, is also proud to celebrate a benchmark anniversary for their ten year mark of business. DRM Genesis staff has provided quality healthcare to Lansing area clients and recently expanded to South Eastern Michigan with their new office in Warren, Michigan. DRM Genesis serves Personal Injury Clients and Seniors who need care and individuals who may need rehab services.
In celebration of these benchmarks the DRM Companies will be hosting an Anniversary Celebration on October 5, 2012 (10/5) at the Kellogg Conference Center in East Lansing. Invited guests will enjoy dinner, recognitions, dancing, and music by Phil Denny and Rodney Page. Please contact DRM with any questions (517) 882-3544.
For more information please contact Katreva Bisbee at DRM ILC 517-882-3544.
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
Just in time for back to school immunization awareness is in the forefront every August. These efforts attempt to call attention to k-12 back to school immunizations, remind college students to catch up on immunizations before they move into dormitories, and remind everyone that influenza season is on it’s away. The United States Government encourages people of all ages to schedule timely immunizations to protect their health.
The Center for Disease Control has compiled charts for age specific vaccination recommendations. There is a wealth of educational tools on their website to become aware, track and schedule immunizations for yourself and your loved ones throughout your entire lives.
How do I know what vaccines my kids need?
The following links will take you off DRMILC.COM and land you on the cdc.gov website where you will find two different sets of recommended immunization schedules in pdf format. There are versions for community and medical organizations and easy-to-read immunization recommendations for parents/guardians. All of the forms are located here.
A combined schedule for 0-18 years with catch up vaccine information is available for organizations. Single Page schedules are available for organizations also.
Easy-to-Read Immunization Schedules for Parents:
Immunization Schedules for birth to 15 months: English or Spanish
Immunization Schedules for birth to six years: English or Spanish
Immunization Schedules for pre-teens: English or Spanish
Dont’ know what vaccines your child has received already? Michigan Care Improvement Registry has official immunizations records. Get a copy of your child’s immunization record.
Need Financial Help With Children’s Immunization Costs in Lansing Area?
VFC Program – Vaccines for uninsured children : Children through 18 years who meet at least one of the guidelines listed on the linked web page are eligible to receive vaccines at no charge. If your child is eligible and you need help locating a facility to administer the vaccines please contact: Michigan VFC Coordinator: Terri Adams, VFC Coordinater 517-335-9646.
Vaccines aren’t just for kids!
You never outgrow the need for vaccines. Throughout your adult life vaccines to protect against flu, tetanus, diphtheria, pertusis, shingles, pneumococcal, and HPV are all available and necessary dependent on your lifestyle, age, travel plans, and whether you are at a high risk of exposure. Be sure to visit the cdc.gov site for detailed information, charts are available , information you need before you travel, your vaccine records, etc.
The CDC.org website also great resources for care givers and healthcare workers to promote preventive care among adults and help improve vaccination rates.
The Michigan Department of Community Health website has educational materials and brochures for healthcare providers.
Contact DRM International Learning Center if you would like information on community organizations that provide immunizations to children and adults. We are happy to help 517-882-3544.
Junior Arthritis is both common and rare
There is a large amount of information and programs available for parents of the roughly 300,000 kids in the U.S. who have Juvenile Arthritis (JA).
The charge of this year’s Juvenile Arthiritis Awareness Month (July) is to get the word out about the treatment available for children living with this disease so that they may better cope.
In a story written for Health Guide, Dr. Patience White, VP of Public Health of The Arthritis Foundation, identified juvenile arthritis as one of the most common chronic illnesses that affect children, yet is still a fairly rare condition. JA is more common in girls and peak ages for diagnosis are 2-4 years old, preteen and teenage years. It happens more commonly in families with a history of autoimmune disease – as in adult rheumatoid arthritis, genetics play a role, but is not the whole story.
There are three primary subgroups of JA, according to Dr. White, systemic onset with features such as fevers and rash, polyarticular onset arthritis meaning more than five joints involved and pauciarticular onset with less than five joints. Only about 10% have a disease that’s like adult RA.
Junior arthritis attacks growing joints. Symptoms are decreased joint mobility, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key. Dr. White explains in the Health Guide story that if you don’t treat arthritis, kids risk getting growth abnormalities and they don’t really fulfill their potential. With treatment, they can go into remission and grow up like any other youth. If they are treated within the first two months, they have better outcomes than if they receive later treatment.
Methotrexate is the medical field’s gold standard drug treatment. Rates of remission, using this drug, vary between the subgroups, but Dr. White estimates on average, over half do really well.
Equally important is to keep the joints functioning and the muscles strong, so physical and occupational therapy and splinting are as important as the drugs.
The advance of the Biologics has changed the treatment philosophy to keep kids out of wheelchairs, to keep them active, have earlier joint replacements and to keep the muscles strong to keep them going, according to White.
A challenge for parents of children is to make sure the child is on all the appropriate developmental milestones and is treated like everybody else.with JA.
One is winding their way through the healthcare delivery system – something to which anyone with a chronic illness can relate. Second is to make sure the child is on all the appropriate developmental milestones and is treated like everybody else. It means having a youth who grows up and can function in the world is an adult.
The main messages of this year’s Juvenile Awareness Month is to get the word out about juvenile arthritis, to let people know there are excellent treatments available and that The Arthritis Foundation has important information and programs that can help children and families. DRM International Learning Center students learn about the causes and care for arthritis, allowing them to be senstive to the needs of patients of all ages.
Arthritis pain strikes 50 million American and affects the lives of millions more. Arthritis Is Unacceptable. Share Your Story
CNA Celebration Day to recognize CNA’s day-to-day patient companionship
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Sherri Henderson
Tel. (517) 882-3544
email: sherri@drmilc.com
The compassion, kindness, and empathy of certified nursing assistants will be celebrated at DRM ILC’s CNA Day Celebration on Friday, June 15.
DRM ILC is offering discounts and two giveaways! Stop by the Lansing Campus at 3204 S Pennsylvania Ave – Lansing, MI between the hours of 4-5 p.m. and register to win! The Edge 94.1 FM will be broadcasting live from the event.
Prospective students will be able to register for an opportunity to win a full scholarship to attend the DRM ILC CNA program.
Along with recognizing the work of CNAs, the event will also offer candidates an opportunity to win FREE attendance for one of DRM ILCs advanced continuing education courses. One lucky winner could also win a free spot in a Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care class or choose our Hospice / End of Life training.
A certified nursing assistant , (CNA, nurses’ aides, orderlies, and patient care technicians), is the health care worker who works to cater to patient’s day-to-day needs.
CNAs perform all the routine tasks needed for patients to stay comfortable, safe, and well during their hospital stay, doctor’s visit, time in other medical facilities or as they heal at home.
CNA’s are the caregivers patient’s turn to for a variety of care. CNA’s offer companionship, empathy, kindness and compassion when patients need it most and seldom get the recognition they deserve for giving so much of themselves.
It is DRM ILC’s endeavor to ensure that our graduates become the highest qualified and most sought after job candidates for long term care facilities, hospitals, hospice centers, assisted living facilities, adult foster care homes, and other locations requiring the professional skill of Certified Nurse Aides.
DRM ILC Offers CNA Plus -an extension of the Nurse Aide Training Program, Graduates of the CNAplus™ program will be certified in four additional areas: Restorative Nursing, Hospice/End-of-Life Care, Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care, and Nurse Aide Medication Administration. According to our research, facilities in the area are more likely to consider applicants who have these credentials in addition to their general Nurse Aide certification.
DRM ILC has provided quality healthcare programs to Lansing area Students since 2007. We are proud to share that the graduates of our proprietary CNAplus™ program enjoy a 100% job placement rate! CNA’s enjoy a rewarding a career in a growing industry.
DRM Genesis (our sister company) is a staffing company of home healthcare providers who have been serving the Lansing area since 2002. It recently announced that it will opening a new Warren office to better serve South East Michigan.
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