Practice your skills
Fordham Institute Inc. • January 21, 2022
"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing"
- Mother Teresa
As a Home Health Aide (HHA) in New York, you will need to learn the following skills:
- Basic medical skills: This includes taking vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, and administering medication as directed by a healthcare professional.
- Personal care skills: You will need to be able to assist clients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Communication skills: You will need to be able to communicate effectively with clients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Time management skills: You will need to be able to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks to ensure that all client needs are met.
- Emotional support: You will need to be able to provide emotional support and companionship to clients who may be isolated or lonely.
- Safety and infection control: You will need to be able to follow safety and infection control protocols to ensure the health and well-being of clients.
- Cultural sensitivity: You will need to be able to work with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and understand and respect their beliefs and practices.
In New York State, you must be certified and registered as a Home Health Aide by the New York State Department of Health to work as an HHA.
As a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in New York, you will need to learn the following skills, similar to an HHA, such as:
- Basic nursing skills: This includes taking vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, and assisting with basic medical procedures, such as catheter care and wound dressing.
- Personal care skills: You will need to be able to assist patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
- Communication skills: You will need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals.
- Time management skills: You will need to be able to manage your time effectively and prioritize tasks to ensure that all patient needs are met.
- Emotional support: You will need to be able to provide emotional support and companionship to patients who may be isolated or lonely.
- Safety and infection control: You will need to be able to follow safety and infection control protocols to ensure the health and well-being of patients.
- Cultural sensitivity: You will need to be able to work with patients from a variety of cultural backgrounds, and understand and respect their beliefs and practices.
- Ability to work in a team: You will work closely with other CNAs, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
In New York State, you must be certified as a CNA by the New York State Department of Health to work as a CNA. This requires you to complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam.
As the year winds down, the holiday season brings warmth, celebration, and togetherness—but it can also bring stress, packed schedules, and extra responsibilities. For Home Health Aides (HHAs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), and students in training, balancing work, family, and self-care during this time takes planning and mindfulness. At Fordham Institute Inc., we remind our caregivers that the holidays don’t have to be about doing everything—they’re about finding balance, gratitude, and peace in the moments that matter most. 1. Plan Ahead for Work and Family The holidays often come with busier schedules at home and work. Check your work schedule early to plan family gatherings around it. Communicate with loved ones about your availability so expectations are clear. Set priorities —you don’t have to attend every event to make the season meaningful. A little organization now saves stress later. 2. Budget with Intention Gifts and celebrations can add financial pressure, especially during the holidays. Create a simple spending plan and stick to it. Thoughtful, low-cost gifts—like handwritten notes, homemade treats, or shared experiences—mean more than expensive ones. 3. Make Time for Yourself Between caring for clients, attending class, and helping family, it’s easy to forget about you. Try to carve out even a few minutes a day to recharge—read, listen to music, or simply rest. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. 4. Keep Up Healthy Habits The holidays can disrupt your normal routine. Stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and balance festive meals with lighter, nourishing foods. Your energy and focus depend on how well you care for your body. 5. Focus on Gratitude Over Perfection The true spirit of the holidays is connection and appreciation—not perfection. Let go of trying to do everything “just right.” Instead, be present. Enjoy the laughter, the shared meals, and the quiet moments of rest. A Season to Care for Others—and Yourself As a caregiver, you give so much throughout the year. This season, remember to give some of that care back to yourself. With preparation, boundaries, and gratitude, you can create a holiday filled with balance and peace.  📞 Ready to take the next step in your career? Call 718-480-1804 Because caring for others begins with caring for yourself—especially during the holidays 🎄💛
When people think of great caregivers, they often picture big achievements—certifications, long years of experience, or advanced skills. But in truth, what makes a truly great Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) often comes down to the little things—the quiet moments, the consistent kindness, and the everyday actions that show heart. At Fordham Institute Inc., we see these small acts every day in our students and graduates. They’re proof that greatness in caregiving isn’t about doing everything—it’s about caring deeply in everything you do. 1. Your Smile Makes a Difference A warm smile can instantly make clients feel safe and comfortable. It communicates care before a word is spoken. Even on challenging days, your kindness creates an atmosphere of trust and peace. 2. You Listen with Empathy True listening means more than hearing words—it’s understanding feelings. Whether a client is sharing a story, a worry, or a memory, your patience and attention help them feel valued and respected. 3. You Bring Calm to the Day Caregiving requires patience, and the calm energy you bring helps everyone around you feel more at ease. Staying composed through challenges shows strength, maturity, and compassion. 4. You Notice the Details It’s the small details—adjusting a blanket, remembering a favorite snack, or noticing when someone seems quiet—that show how attentive and thoughtful you are. These moments make clients feel seen and cared for. 5. You Keep Showing Up Even when you’re tired or stretched thin, you keep going. That dedication, reliability, and sense of responsibility are what make you stand out. Consistency is one of the greatest gifts a caregiver can give. It’s the Little Things That Add Up Being a great caregiver isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Every small act of compassion adds up to something powerful: trust, comfort, and healing.  📞 Want to begin your own caregiving journey? Call 718-480-1804 Because greatness isn’t built in a moment—it’s built in the little things you do every day 🌸
Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes—especially caregivers and students juggling long days, changing schedules, and constant responsibility. Between caring for others, attending classes, and managing personal life, it can feel like your to-do list never ends. At Fordham Institute Inc., we understand that even the most dedicated Home Health Aides (HHAs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) have moments where staying focused feels difficult. The good news? Focus isn’t about doing everything—it’s about learning how to manage your energy, not just your time. Here are some simple, effective ways to stay centered when life feels heavy. 1. Take One Thing at a Time When your mind is racing, stop and focus on just one task. Instead of looking at the entire list, pick the next best step—like finishing a form, reading one chapter, or organizing your materials. Every completed step brings relief and momentum. 2. Breathe Before You Begin Before diving into a task, pause for a few deep breaths. Breathing helps calm your body’s stress response and clears your thoughts. Try this: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 2, and exhale for 6. Repeat a few times—you’ll notice your focus sharpening. 3. Write It Down When everything feels like “too much,” get it out of your head and onto paper. Write down your tasks, then organize them by importance. Seeing things clearly makes them easier to manage and prevents mental overload. 4. Take Short Breaks Overworking can make your mind wander. Step away for five minutes—stretch, drink water, or get fresh air. Breaks refresh your concentration and prevent burnout. 5. Speak Kindly to Yourself Self-talk matters. Instead of saying, “I can’t handle this,” try, “I’m doing my best right now.” You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to keep going. Encouraging words build resilience and focus. 6. Ask for Support If you’re struggling, reach out to an instructor, coworker, or friend. Sometimes, a quick chat or small bit of advice can help you see things more clearly. Remember—you’re not alone. You’re Doing Better Than You Think Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re caring deeply and doing a lot. Take things one day at a time, focus on what’s in front of you, and trust that you’re moving forward, even when it feels slow. 📞 Need a fresh start? Call 718-480-1804 Because even on your busiest days, staying focused starts with believing in yourself🌼