CNA's I need some advice

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.

HI

Im a current Pre-nursing student who were recently accepted into the Fall 09 nursing program. I have been working full-time as an Rehab Aide in an Outpatient Physical therapy facility for three years and I have to give up my job.

I applied to my hosp for a Nursing Assistant position and I got the job :up: :heartbeat eventhough I have no previous training (I am very grateful for the oppertunity) I want to work per diem while in Nursing school and we also need the money because my husband and I are losing my paycheck. But the most important reason that I took this job is to get hands on experience with patients and as you guys know its very different from outpatient.

They said that they will train me on the floors for a few days.

I have summer classes that im taking right now before NS starts so I cant do a CNA course :uhoh21:.

I really value the CNA experience that you guys have:nurse:

What can I do to prepare myself before start my orientation?

What can I learn on my own before I start because I really want to do my very best when working with patients.

Any advice and thank you for your help in advance :wink2:

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Here's a link that may help you out. I posted it in another thread.

http://www.dads.state.tx.us/providers/NF/credentialing/nar/cna.pdf

This will really give you an idea of what you can expect. It's really more common sense than anything else. I recommend you read through the PDF I linked so you can cover the basics. Even though this is mainly for LTC it will help you know what is expected of CNAs.

Best of luck to you and let us know how it goes!

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Take some time to make sure your house is in order and you are relaxed before you start both your new job and school, because time will be limited. You will be needing all the rest that you can muster and you won't have so much time for any big home/house projects.

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Specializes in Alzheimers and geriatric patients.

If you have the money you can go on amazon.com and buy a nursing assistants textbook for under $20. Or try your public library. Other than that just relax and enjoy this time before school! I'm sure you'll do fine in orientation, but make sure you ask questions if you have any.

Good Luck!!!

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.

Thank you.

tishirajan gave me an awsome link and its a CNA training manuel :yeah: it covers everything from how to dress a patient, feed, trimming nail to how to take temp, blood pressure etc. I'm definately going to read through it.

I have my second summer class starting up in a week (Human Growth and Dev)

Jul 6- 6Aug.

My Nur Assistant Orientation will start the first week in Aug and I'll have that month to concentrate on my training.

Nursing school starts Sep 8.:nurse:

Thank you again for your well wishes.

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Specializes in Physician's Office.

The only piece of advice I have, and this will go for when you start clinicals, too, and feel just like you are feeling now: If you don't know something, do no hesitate to ask someone. You are never in it alone, and the patient's safety is the bottom line. I have found that most people have no problem answering questions and helping out; it's a team sport. The fact that you are concerned about knowing what you need to do says a lot about how dedicated you are! :) Good Luck, you will be great!

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Specializes in IMCU.

No offense....

How can a hospital hire someone as a nursing assistant who hasn't done a CNA course and taken the exam? Unless this is a hospital that takes no federal $$$.

Are they trying to leverage your rehab aide qualification?

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.
No offense....

How can a hospital hire someone as a nursing assistant who hasn't done a CNA course and taken the exam? Unless this is a hospital that takes no federal $$$.

Are they trying to leverage your rehab aide qualification?

The hopspital has Nursing techs and only qualified CNA's can apply for that possition.they do way more like blood drawings vital signs etc. Im not qualified yet to apply for the N/T possition (I only qualify for it after my 1st/2nd Nursing School semester). But they opened up anew position for only a few Nurses Assisant Positions and we would only the basics like helping the techs and Nurses. Doing one on one's (watching patients), bathing , feedings etc. :nuke:

They know that Im starting nursing school in the fall and I also know that part of the reason that I was hired because I do have some Outptient Patient experience at this hosp.

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Specializes in IMCU.

Check out this link for some excellent videos.

http://deptets.fvtc.edu/nursing/index.htm

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.
Check out this link for some excellent videos.

http://deptets.fvtc.edu/nursing/index.htm

God Bless You DolceVita . I really appreciate your help. wow I cant wait to start with those video's. I'll start the first one tonight and work my way through them.

Thank you so much everyone for your support.

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Specializes in Float.
the hopspital has nursing techs and only qualified cna's can apply for that possition.they do way more like blood drawings vital signs etc. im not qualified yet to apply for the n/t possition (i only qualify for it after my 1st/2nd nursing school semester). but they opened up anew position for only a few nurses assisant positions and we would only the basics like helping the techs and nurses. doing one on one's (watching patients), bathing , feedings etc. :nuke:

they know that im starting nursing school in the fall and i also know that part of the reason that i was hired because i do have some outptient patient experience at this hosp.

:yeah:very well said. depending on where you live, hospitals can have their own training programs. in my area nursing assistants can start @ particular hospitals straight out of school before taking the exams and become patient care techs. sometimes, being a na isn't necessary. as in my case, where i became a tech with medical assistant experience.

good luck with your orientation and congrats on nursing school. soon 2 be right b hind u! :D

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