Got the Job! Oncology CNA! Advice please :)

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hello my fellow CNA's,

I just graduated my CNA program in August and amazingly enough, I was recently hired for a position on the oncology floor at my local hospital. My program was 3 months long and 2 months of the 3 was spent getting clinical experience. I did clinicals at 2 long term care facilities and 2 floors (Orthopedic & Neuroscience) of the hospital I am now employed at!

I have been researching Oncology, Oncology Nursing, new CNA's, CNA advice, and working on the Oncology floor pretty extensively since before my interview and I have seen some great replies and resources but I got a little overwhelmed with all the different websites, topics, and posts so I decided to go ahead and make my own topic for the heck of it! (I posted a version of this in the Oncology Nursing board too)

Here are some of my questions for you (feel free to answer all or just 1):

* What do you think makes a great CNA?

* How do you help the healthcare team in the most efficient ways?

* Do you recommend any books or websites to better understand being a CNA and your patient's needs?

* What are some tips/ advice for a brand new CNA working in the hospital?

* What are some tips and advice in general?

* What is your favorite part of working as a CNA? What's your least favorite part?

Thank you so much!

:geek:

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Congratulations on getting the job. I think the best CNAs are ones who listen to both the patient/resident and the nurse. Be flexible. Be prepared for anything. Do what you're asked to do and don't go against your scope of practice. Make yourself available to do whatever is needed to the nurses, patients, and families.

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Thank you!

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Specializes in None.

Congratulations on getting a job at a hospital. I worked at a nursing home/rehab before I got a job on the Medical-Surgical/Telemetry floor and I love the hospital. Time management would be the most important thing in healthcare (in my opinion). A great CNA is one that puts the patient first. If you have time and you notice a patient does not get any visitors or just seems like they want someone to talk to, go talk to them. Patients LOVE talking about what they did when they were younger, etc. Not all patients are sweet and loving, but if they are mean because of the disease they have just remember that. Don't take it personally. I enjoy working as a CNA at a hospital because it gives you great experience if your going back to nursing school. Of course, we all have bad days. With you working oncology, we need people like you. I know I would not be able to handle it. I believe I would cry everyday, mainly because my grandmother and grandfather spend a lot of time on the Oncology floor. Good luck!

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CONGRATULATIONS ! :geek: you must feel EXTREMELY Proud of yourself!!! I just recently finished my course in August too. I believe what will make a great CNA is someone who is Organized. Honest. On time for work. Puts their residents first and there safety ALWAYS. Not being involved in DRAMA !!! STAY AWAY from that and someone who is strong leader as well. willing to help and to has a kind heart. you are the eyes for the residents. you are the one they rely on. you are the one who will make a difference in the day to day life. so make the best of this opportunity! Congratulations AGAIN ! WOOHOO

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Specializes in CNA, HHA, RNA,.

Congrats!

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Specializes in OR-ICU.

Congrats!! Oncology is tough so hats off to you.

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