What to Keep in Your Work Bag: Essentials for Every HHA and CNA
Fordham Institute Inc. • August 4, 2025
Whether you're heading into a long shift at a nursing home or making home visits as a caregiver, being prepared makes all the difference. As a Home Health Aide (HHA) or Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), having the right items in your bag can keep your day running smoothly, save you time, and help you stay comfortable and professional.
At Fordham Institute Inc., we don’t just prepare our students with knowledge—we also encourage real-life readiness. Here’s a helpful guide to what every caregiver should carry in their work bag.
✅ Everyday Work Bag Essentials
1. Notebook & Pen
You never know when you’ll need to jot down reminders, schedules, or client notes. A small notepad is simple but powerful.
2. Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key, especially during long shifts. Keep a spill-proof bottle with you and refill when you can.
3. Healthy Snacks
Pack portable snacks like granola bars, almonds, or fruit to fuel you during breaks or in between visits.
4. Hand Sanitizer & Lotion
Caregivers wash their hands constantly—hand sanitizer keeps you clean, and a small lotion bottle helps protect your skin from dryness
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5. Lip Balm & Tissues
These small comforts make a big difference during seasonal weather changes or long hours in air-conditioned buildings.
Comfort & Backup Items
6. Extra Pair of Socks
If your feet ever get wet or tired, fresh socks can make your shift feel brand new.
7. Travel-Size First Aid Kit
A few band-aids, pain relievers, or blister pads can save your day.
8. Comfortable Shoes (or Insoles)
Some caregivers keep an extra pair of slip-resistant shoes or gel insoles in their bag or car.
Work-Related Tools
(Only carry work tools or equipment if your employer approves and it’s part of your responsibilities.)
9. Work ID & Any Required Paperwork
Always carry your ID badge, CPR card (if needed), or a small folder with copies of credentials in case you’re asked to show them.
10. Watch With a Second Hand
Especially helpful for CNAs taking pulse or respiration rates.
🧘 Mental Wellness Add-Ons (Optional, but Helpful!)
11. Small Journal or Uplifting Notes
Keep a few encouraging quotes or notes to lift your mood when things get tough.
12. Phone Charger or Power Bank
You don’t want to lose access to maps, calls, or emergency contacts mid-shift.
Stay Ready, Stay Confident
The more prepared you feel, the more confident and professional you’ll be. Over time, you’ll learn what you personally need most in your bag—and your routine will become second nature
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📞 Want to start your journey as a CNA or HHA? Call 718-480-1804
A well-packed bag is one of the best tools a caregiver can have. Prepare well—and you’ll perform even better.
The beginning of the year often starts with excitement and big goals. But as the weeks pass, motivation can begin to fade. Busy schedules, cold weather, and daily responsibilities make it harder to stay focused. If you’ve been feeling this way, you’re not alone. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we remind our students and caregivers that success isn’t built on motivation alone — it’s built on commitment. Motivation comes and goes, but small consistent actions keep you moving forward. Here are simple ways to stay committed, even when energy feels low. 1. Focus on Small Wins Big goals can feel overwhelming. Instead of thinking about everything you have to do, focus on one small step: Attend class Review notes for a few minutes Prepare for tomorrow Small wins create momentum and confidence. 2. Remember Why You Started When motivation drops, reconnect with your purpose. Are you building a stable career? Creating a better future for yourself or your family? Looking for meaningful work? Your “why” is stronger than temporary feelings. 3. Create Simple Daily Structure Routine makes progress easier. Try: Setting a consistent wake-up time Planning your day ahead Keeping study or work habits simple and manageable Structure reduces stress and keeps you steady. 4. Be Kind to Yourself Some days will feel slower than others — and that’s normal. Progress doesn’t need to be perfect to be real. Give yourself patience while continuing forward. 5. Keep Showing Up Success often comes from consistency, not speed. Every day you show up, you are building discipline that will serve you throughout your healthcare career. Keep Moving Forward Motivation may change from day to day, but commitment keeps your goals alive. Even small efforts today bring you closer to where you want to be tomorrow. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training You don’t need perfect motivation — just the decision to keep going. 💙
The Lunar New Year brings a sense of renewal — a reminder that life moves in cycles, and every new chapter offers a chance to move forward with clarity and purpose. This year, the symbolism of the Fire Horse represents energy, determination, and forward movement — themes that resonate strongly for students, caregivers, and anyone working toward a better future. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we believe growth happens when you keep moving, even when progress feels small. The spirit of this year encourages action, resilience, and trusting your path as you continue building your goals. 1. Forward Movement Over Perfect Timing The Fire Horse is often associated with momentum and action. Instead of waiting for the “perfect moment,” the message is simple: start moving forward. Progress can look like: Attending class consistently Learning one new skill at a time Taking small steps toward career goals Movement creates momentum — and momentum creates change. 2. Courage to Keep Going Every journey includes challenges. Training for a healthcare career while balancing life responsibilities takes courage. The symbolism of the Horse reminds us that endurance matters just as much as speed. Even when progress feels slow, continued effort builds strength and confidence. 3. Energy That Inspires Growth The Fire element is often linked with passion and transformation. In practical terms, this can mean: Recommitting to your goals Trying new strategies when old ones don’t work Believing in your ability to adapt and grow Growth doesn’t happen by standing still — it happens by staying engaged with your journey. 4. Independence and Self-Belief The Horse symbolizes independence and self-direction. This is a good reminder that your progress belongs to you alone. You don’t need to compare your timeline to anyone else’s. Your path, pace, and progress are uniquely yours. 5. Turning Momentum Into Meaning In healthcare, forward movement isn’t just personal — it impacts others. Every skill you learn and every step you take prepares you to support people with compassion and care. That purpose turns effort into something bigger than yourself. Keep Moving Forward A new cycle is a reminder that progress comes from motion, not perfection. Whether you’re starting training or continuing your journey, trust that each step forward matters. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training Keep moving forward — with courage, purpose, and steady momentum 🐎🔥💙
Starting something new can feel intimidating. Walking into your first class, learning unfamiliar skills, and stepping into the healthcare field for the first time might come with a few nerves. You might think: “Will I understand everything?” “Can I really do this job?” “What if I’m not ready?” But here’s the truth: confidence isn’t something you start with—it’s something you build. At Fordham Institute Inc. , we see this transformation happen every day. Students who begin unsure slowly grow into capable, skilled, and confident healthcare professionals. And it all happens step by step. 1. You Start With the Basics No one is expected to know everything on day one. Training begins simply: Learning foundational knowledge Understanding safety practices Getting familiar with caregiving responsibilities Starting with the basics helps you feel comfortable before moving forward. 2. Practice Turns Learning Into Confidence Reading about a skill is one thing—practicing it is another. Hands-on training allows you to: Try new skills safely Ask questions Repeat tasks until they feel natural Each time you practice, your confidence grows a little more. 3. Small Wins Add Up Quickly Confidence doesn’t come from one big moment—it comes from many small successes. Completing an assignment. Understanding a lesson. Mastering a new technique. These small victories remind you, “I’m getting better every day.” 4. Support Makes the Difference You’re not doing this alone. Instructors and classmates are there to guide you, answer questions, and encourage you. A supportive environment helps you feel safe to learn and grow without pressure. Having people believe in you step by step helps you believe in yourself too. 5. One Day, You Realize You’re Ready Somewhere along the way, something shifts. The skills that once felt new now feel normal. The tasks that felt intimidating now feel manageable. And you start thinking, “I’ve got this.” That’s the moment you realize—you’re no longer just a student. You’re becoming a professional. Your Journey Starts With One Step Every healthcare professional started exactly where you are now: at the beginning. The only difference is they took the first step and kept going. Confidence will come. Skills will grow. Experience will follow. All you have to do is start. 📞 Call 718-480-1804 to learn more about HHA and CNA training Step by step, lesson by lesson—you’re building more than skills. You’re building the confident professional you’re meant to become. 💙