New CNA - any advice?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Ok. So I just interviewed and was hired on the spot for a PRN nurse aide position at a local nursing home. I'm only PRN because I work full-time in research but want to get my feet wet in the nursing field since I want to do a 2nd degree BSN program next year.

Any suggestions, hints, advice, etc. for a new nurse aide?

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.
Ok. So I just interviewed and was hired on the spot for a PRN nurse aide position at a local nursing home. I'm only PRN because I work full-time in research but want to get my feet wet in the nursing field since I want to do a 2nd degree BSN program next year.

Any suggestions, hints, advice, etc. for a new nurse aide?

my advice is learn to prioritize, hang in there, and take great care of your patients.

congratulations on the new job and welcome to allnurses and the cna forum!

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Specializes in Nursing assistant.

And remember: if polysporin won't cure it, a depend won't cover it, or duct tape can't hold it down, ALWAYS call on licensed personel.

:)

Just use common sense, you'll be great!

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Specializes in LTC.

The best thing I have learned is to duck in a timely manner!

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Specializes in LTC, Medical/Surgical.

awesome, all such great advice! You'll learn how to work like an ox and at the end of a good shift you may even feel like one. however as you see your patient appreciate your support your heart goes back to jello again...very rewarding place to be

take each event as a learning tool and grow from that

you may meet coworkers that you may want to be like...

and you may meet coworkers that are not so appealing to be like

i still after 12 years find the responce of my patient/resident as the best judge of my performance

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Breathe through your mouth and not your nose when dealing with bm.

Make sure your rooms are stocked at the beginning of your shift so you won't have to run around.

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.
awesome, all such great advice! You'll learn how to work like an ox and at the end of a good shift you may even feel like one. however as you see your patient appreciate your support your heart goes back to jello again...very rewarding place to be

take each event as a learning tool and grow from that

you may meet coworkers that you may want to be like...

and you may meet coworkers that are not so appealing to be like

i still after 12 years find the responce of my patient/resident as the best judge of my performance

:yeahthat:

excellent post!

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.
Breathe through your mouth and not your nose when dealing with bm.

Make sure your rooms are stocked at the beginning of your shift so you won't have to run around.

so true...so true!

The best thing I have learned is to duck in a timely manner!

:lol2: I've had to duck many o sputum!:lol2:

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Specializes in LTC.
so true...so true!

:lol2: I've had to duck many o sputum!:lol2:

That's one thing I haven't had to duck yet, I've gotten lucky. I mostly duck kisses from 90 year old men, jump out of the way of butt or breast grabs from the same men as well. I've also learned to duck blows or to try and stay an arms or leg length away...

On the note of ducking body fluids ALWAYS keep a spare pair of gloves on you.You NEVER Know what you might walk in on or what someone might try to hand you.

Another thing that I've picked up doing that has saved me a lot. I set up things before I need them. If I am getting a resident up in the AM through out the night I'll set out her clothes, towels, and fill the portable o2 tank. Or if I have someone I know will need to be changed due to incontience I'll set out the briefs, clean pjs, unfolded chux, periwipes, and whatever else I may need so they are there when I need them.

If there is anything you question or seems off to you ask for help and clarification.

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Specializes in All variations and sections of acute set.

Welcome to the medical field.

Keep your eyes open, do not fear asking questions, because the only bad question is the one you do not ask. Keep a professional posture at all times and know what you know and when you do not know, ask. It is fun learning new things whether your job or not, if it is in your scope of practice learn and do the job. If not it your scope learn it anyway, because you may need it later when you do have the authority to do so. The best of luck and keep the brain always learning.

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Always have an extra pair of scrubs in the car.

When in doubt, double glove.

If it is head to toe, put a clean sheet on it as a barrier to you.

Leave your shoes and scrubs outside of your house.

Realize you pay is when your residents says thanks.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Teamwork is key! Some CNAs find buddying up to be an effective way of completing rounds in an expiditious way---especially if you each have 20 residents to change, turn and position...

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