It is good to look at health career resources, whether you are finishing high school or considering a career change. There is a large variety of jobs in the health care field. There are careers that involve direct care to patients, there is research, there are dietary related health careers and for those who would prefer not to deal directly with people there are jobs and careers in record keeping and billing. And these are just a few suggestions. There are many, many jobs and careers in the health care field.

Where to look for health career resources. A good place to start looking for the types of health care careers that are available is the newspaper classified ads. You are not looking for a job as such, but for ideas of position that might interest you. This might also give you some idea of the earning possibilities of those position that might interest you.

Another place to look is the local library. Look for journals for medically related professionals. There are nursing journals. There are physician journals. There are journals for x-ray department career specialists. And the list goes on and on. Again look at the help wanted section and see what is advertised for types of jobs and the income possibilities of those jobs.

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“Mom’s memory is getting worse; isn’t it dangerous for her to live alone?”

“With Dad’s broken hip, he can’t get around very well. How is he going to take care of himself?”

“The doctor says that I should put my brother in a nursing home because of his paralysis. But he is only 32 and he doesn’t want to be with strangers. Can I manage taking care of him at home?”

These are increasingly familiar questions. Ordinary people with families, jobs, credit bills, busy lives are faced with questions like these every day. They wonder how they can protect their loved ones and give them the assistance they need while managing their own schedules, homes and finances.

There is no one answer that fits every situation. Families are wise to deliberate carefully when deciding how to help their loved ones. For adults who must assume the authority to make decisions for elderly parents, the role reversal can be particularly uncomfortable and difficult for both parties. While everyone’s situation is unique, there are common and practical approaches that others have used successfully to ensure that their loved ones receive the care they need. The ten most common choices are examined here for their potentially positive and negative impacts on families.

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How much do your nursing assistants know about advance directives? Are they aware of the difference between a living will, a health care power of attorney and a DNR order? Do they know that all clients must be asked about advance directives…and must be given the opportunity to create one? To make sure that your CNAs understand the basics, consider giving them the following important information:

What Is an Advance Directive?

As a health care worker, you’ve probably heard the term “advance directive”. But, what is an advance directive anyway? It is a document that outlines people’s preferences for medical care when, in the future, they are unable to communicate their wishes. It is particularly useful when someone is terminally ill, critically ill or has advanced Alzheimer’s disease.

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