Enrolled in CNA class, excited/nervous and lots of questions!!!

[LaLaEm4]

Hi !

I just enrolled in a local CNA class and I am very excited. I start in a week and just went out and bought the uniform, watch, etc. However, when I talked to the instructor about which shoes to wear, she said white crocs are fine but that I ''will be getting wet..you'll be bathing people''. Now, I know you bathe people, but how wet do you actually get? I realize this may be a stupid question but I honestly have no idea what to expect as to how wet I will be getting from bathing people and which shoes would be good to get.

Also, I've been reading the squeamish posts around here and my squeamishness is mainly in regards to smells. Vomit is the only thing that really, really, bothers me. I've read posts about ways to handle scents and whatnot, but I don't want to look unprofessional/rude in any way. Are there discreet, polite ways of blocking some of the smells? I've heard vicks vapor rub under the nose, masks, etc.

Any advice is very helpful!!! Thanks:)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

If the shower nozzle accidentally sprays in your direction while bathing patients, you'll get wet. With every shower I've ever given, my shoes have gotten somewhat wet. This is my reason for recommending non-skid, non-slippery shoes that will repel excess water.

As for the smells, you'll become more acclimated to them as time passes. Smells that were really stinky to you 6 months ago won't be so bothersome anymore.

Good luck to you!

[Sarah Bellum]

You will get more wet by bathing your kids in a bathtub than working as a CNA. :) You might get some "overspray" on you but nothing that would soak you.

You can get Crocs without holes (top or sides) if you are really concerned. So far my feet have only gotten wet when walking to my car in the rain at the end of my shift.

With smells I find it helpful to remember that this is someone's mom/dad/grandpa/grandma/sister/brother etc. that I am taking care of and think of how I would want someone else caring for my own family or me and that realyl helps me get past whatever grossness is happening at the moment. Do try not to say "ew" or yuck or anything along those lines. A CNA on my floor did that yesterday when someone yanked out their ng tube! Yes it was gross but her mouth should have stayed closed and just left the room.

JMO, I'm sure you will be fine!

[SoCalGem]

With smells I find it helpful to remember that this is someone's mom/dad/grandpa/grandma/sister/brother etc. that I am taking care of and think of how I would want someone else caring for my own family or me and that realyl helps me get past whatever grossness is happening at the moment.

Great way to think about it.

[casi, ASN, RN]

Everyone must have this showering thing down better than me, because I almost always end up with wet spots on my pants legs...

[Bayley]

I never really got that wet bathing anyone, but what my clinical instructor always said is just never to give the patient the shower hose because I've know patients you like to spray you on purpose.

As for shoes, I just wore some clogs without the holes on top and they seemed fine.

For the smells, if you can find a small thing of Vicks vapor rub to just shove in your pocket, then that does help, but after awhile you will get more used to it and it won't bother you so much.

Good luck in your class!

[Martha45011]

The showering isn't that bad depending on the resident you are showering..I've had some residents that no matter how hard you tried you got soaked..I always wear crocs they are in my opinion the best!! As for the smells, you will get used to it. If you have kids the smells should be no problem. If you don't remember no matter how bad the smell, they are humans with feelings and they can't help it. One day you or a family member may be in their position. Good luck and remember that this is a tough field and it's not for everyone. No matter what be kind caring and patient with the people you take care of even when it feels you have nothing left to give. GOOD LUCK!!!