Author: Administrator

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Preparing For A Career Change

Some people find their career calling in high school. They know what they want to become, set the course to make that happen, and spend their adult life doing what they love. If you are one of those people, congratulations!

However, that is not the case for many people. Consider this:

  • Nearly 20% of college freshmen have an undeclared major
  • Almost 80% of college students change their major at least once before they graduate
  • Close to 50% of people will switch careers in their lifetime – and that is a complete career switch, not just getting a new job in the same field

So, it is okay to change your mind!

Knowing these stats, set yourself up for success now and down the road by perfecting professional skills that are universal:

Strong Oral and Written Communication Techniques

Unique Problem Solving Capabilities

Leadership and Team Building Strengths

Independent Working and Multitasking Functionality

Make Your Past Work For Your Future

As you consider where you’d like a new career to take you, don’t forget to take stock in what you have already accomplished that can be applied:

Transferable Knowledge: For example, you may not think that experience as an accountant can transfer to a new career as an interior designer, but there are skills that overlap, like managing budgets. Take a deeper look at your skill set from your past experience and get creative when promoting them to a new employer. 

Professional Tenure: Whether you have been loyal to a company for some time or you have bounced from job to job, hiring managers will take note. Make sure you are ready to show that you are willing to transfer your loyalty to a new company. Or, show that your multiple jobs created new professional skills at each step along the way. 

Personality Traits: Some employers hire based on the company culture they are trying to create. They may select a person with fewer job-specific skills if the personality is the right match. Be charismatic!

Personal Network: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you know someone in the field you are considering, ask them to coffee to discuss the pros and cons. Then, when it is time to start applying, utilize places like LinkedIn to see who you may know at companies of interest. If you find a connection of a connection – ask for an introduction. 

Get The Training You Need

Some career changes will require additional education or training.

If you are ready to see if a new career in medicine could be a good fit for you, consider a certification course, like our CNA class. It is the perfect opportunity to see if you enjoy the material before extending your education to a 2-year or 4-year college.

Plus, there are plenty of job openings for CNAs, so you don’t necessarily need additional training beyond the 76-hour course to start a new career.

You Can Make A Change • We Can Help

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Three First Day On The Job Tips

Landed a new job? Wonderful! Let’s make sure you are set up for success. 

Here are three easy – but impactful – ways to make sure your first days as a CNA or CMA go smoothly. 

1. Bring a Notebook: Documentation is essential in healthcare. CNAs and CMAs often need to record information about their patients, such as vital signs, medications administered, and changes in health status. But sometimes the patient’s record is not readily available. Having a notebook allows you to document these details in real time, so you can transfer them to a chart later. 

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will likely be standing and walking for the majority of your shift. Comfortable footwear is key to prevent fatigue and injury. Some employers require a specific color or brand, so make sure you check with them before purchasing something new.

3. Ask Questions and Actively Listen: The best employees ask questions when they don’t know the answer. Don’t guess. It is essential you understand your duties and what is required of you. And, don’t forget to actively listen to the answer. Maybe even write it down in your notebook!

If you haven’t found the perfect job yet, check out the Quality Opportunities Board, featuring jobs from some of our Premier Partners, like Comfort Keepers.

There are multiple listings for CNAs, CMAs, Pharm Techs and more. While this career board does not guarantee employment or specific earning potentials, we do what we can to present career opportunities to our students. 

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What To Do After You Get Your Certification

Getting Your Certification Is The First Step To A New Career

Once you get certified with a new skill, you won’t automatically get offered a job. You have put in the hard work. But, there are a few things you can do to make the job search process run smoothly. 

CREATE A SOLID RESUME 

You have to grab the interest of a recruiter – and you only have one page to do so. Make sure it provides an accurate description of your qualifications, your accomplishments, and your strengths.  And, we can’t stress this enough: triple check for spelling errors, typos and grammar consistency. 

MATCH YOUR RESUME TO THE JOB 

You may want to use the same resume to apply for every job, but you could make yourself a better match if you adapt your skills to match what is listed in the job post. For example, if they are looking for dementia experience and you have it, move it near the top of your resume to highlight it. 

CONSIDER A COVER LETTER

Not every job requires a cover letter, but this a great opportunity to let your personality shine through. Plus, some employers give preferential treatment to applicants who took the time to write a personalized cover letter. Consider writing a shell of a letter with customizable opening and closing paragraphs. 

PRACTICE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Interviews can be stressful. Make sure you are prepared by practicing in the mirror or with a friend. Create a list of some standard questions, such as: 

What makes you stand out?
What is your greatest accomplishment?
What is something you need to work on?

Then, make sure you have great answers ready. 

CONSIDER OUR PREMIER PARTNERS

The main purpose of QCP’s Premier Partnership Program is to introduce our stellar graduates to exceptional local businesses. 

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Is Hospice Care Right For You?

Hospice is a specialized type of care that focuses on providing support and comfort to individuals who are terminally ill. The main goal is to maintain quality of life, rather than trying to cure the illness itself. 

Working with hospice requires a unique set of skills and characteristics enabling you to provide comprehensive physical, emotional, and spiritual support to both patients and their families. 

It is a rewarding career for those with good communication skills, compassion, and emotional resilience. While it may be difficult to experience losing patients, the impact you make on their last moments – and on their family members – is truly remarkable. 

The key services CNAs provide during hospice care are: 

Providing personal care: Assisting with daily activities to maintain the patient’s comfort and hygiene such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.

Monitoring patient’s condition: Keeping a close watch on the patient’s vital signs and health status, and promptly reporting any changes.

Assisting with mobility: Helping patients move around safely and comfortably, using assistive devices when necessary, to prevent discomfort and complications.

Emotional support: Offering emotional support and companionship to patients and their families, listening to their concerns, and providing reassurance during this challenging time.

Maintaining a clean and comfortable environment: Keeping the patient’s room clean and organized, ensuring that the surroundings are conducive to their well-being and peace.

Providing end-of-life care: Supporting patients and their families during the end-of-life process, ensuring that the patient’s final moments are as peaceful and dignified as possible.

PCA

Overall, as a Hospice CNA you could positively impact the quality of life for patients in their final stages.

If you are interested in hospice work, consider Comfort Keepers. They have full-time and part-work in this area.

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Study Tips For Success

Staying Motivated Is The Key To Your Success

Most QCP classes have a portion of course work that you need to complete online, and at your own pace. Sometimes it is difficult to stay on track and get your assignments done on time. Follow these tips and you will be ready in no time. 

Find Your Why: It helps to define your larger goals. You know, the ones that prompted you take a course in the first place. Having a clear picture of what the future could hold when you complete the course will be a large source of motivation. 

Break Tasks Into Manageable Steps: Once you log into your course, understand all the components that need to be completed and start breaking them into short-term milestones. Set dates to when you will have each element completed. And, make sure you post these dates in an area that is highly visible in your home as a reminder. 

Create a Productive Study Environment: When it is time to study, choose a quiet and comfortable place to study, free from distractions. A clutter-free, organized, and well-lit space can positively impact your focus and productivity.

Take Breaks: Schedule study breaks to ensure your mind stays fresh. A good technique is to have 25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break. This helps prevent burnout and maintains your concentration.

Download Our Study Calendar

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to successful studying. 

Establishing a routine and staying committed to your study plan will contribute significantly to your academic success. You got this!

Enroll Now
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Employer-Paid Tuition

If given the opportunity, most employers would rather promote from within instead of hiring someone new. If you currently work in a medical setting and are interested in advancing your career as a CNA, CMA, or Pharmacy Technician, consider talking to your manager or HR representative. Here’s how:

  1. Schedule a meeting: Explain that you are looking for additional responsibilities and you’d like to set aside a few moments to talk about what that could look like.
  2. Do some research: Before going into the meeting, understand the training time and cost commitments for the course you’d like to take. Take a look at our pricing page for more details about our programs.
  3. Present your goals: Explain the role you are seeking and the research you have gathered. Your manager or HR representative should then share the company’s prerequisites for the job. 
  4. Ask about tuition reimbursement: If they haven’t mentioned it already, ask if the company has a tuition reimbursement program. If so, make sure you understand all the criteria around the program, such as when and how the reimbursement takes place and how long you need to stay with the company. 
  5. Enroll in a course: Once you understand the steps your company requires to advance, View Our Course Calendars, select your class time, and enroll.