New CNA- How to deal with body pain

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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So as I posted the other day I started my first day as a CNA today at a hospital. OMG! my body feels like it is going to fall apart, i even cried after my shift walking to the bus stop because I was so weak and my body from my lower back to the tips of my toes were in so much pain. Even though I'm only 20 I have always had lower back pain when I stand for too long. The CNA that I was orienting with today said that she just got used to it. She's in her 40s and a little bigger than me but it didn't even effect her she seemed just as fine as when she started the shift I couldn't understand it. i'm going to go stretch and I will start doing some back and thigh exercises to strengthen my body. I started working out not too long ago b/c I'm 40 pounds overweight (but even the people bigger than me don't seem to be effected). Any advice about how to deal with severe pain after a working in this field?

I will say that you will get conditioned.

Make sure you stretch right before you start. We actually walk out of report and start to stretch before we start doing anything.

Make sure you follow tlr, raising the bed to the proper level takes 5 extra seconds but will save your back.

I also recommend warm baths and A535(the kind with the odor), peppermint rub for feet. I pamper myself after work I deserve it ;)

I have this week off from school and 72hrs in 7 days is going to do me in I swear but my feet are all tingly right now.

Wish I knew. I've been a CNA for only 2 years and some mornings I can barely get out of bed because my feet have hurt since I started. Can't remember the last time my back didn't hurt either. My coworkers are great, we all work together and try to help where we can. Like right now one of my coworkers has torn ligaments in her shoulder from work, so we make sure she doesn't have to lift on that side. We all hurt daily unfortunately and carry a plethora of over the counter meds and muscle rub. For the days when your back hurts so badly that you can't put your hair in a ponytail, I recommend Vicodin ;)

I've been a CNA for a little over a month and I've already become used to the pain it doesn't even bother me anymore I work LTC and all my patients require lifting and turning of some sorts. I wear supportive shoes. I raise the beds to the appropriate height as to not hurt my back and I take my time.

It's not worth the damage to your body. They don't pay us enough for this. I think that you should stretch before your shift and make sure if you are in pain to take your time.

Good luck!!!

The only thing I can say is, you will get used to it in time if you practice good body mechanics & get a good stretch in before your shift!

Specializes in Emergency.

Not a CNA so I do not do all of the tasks that you do but gotta ask: what are you wearing on your feet? A good pair of duty shoes will do wonders for your feet and back!

Not a CNA so I do not do all of the tasks that you do but gotta ask: what are you wearing on your feet? A good pair of duty shoes will do wonders for your feet and back!

I was wearing nike shoes (nike initiator

Specializes in CNA, HHA, RNA,.

When I first started everything hurt, it was veeerrryyy painful, but eventually you will learn techniques that make your job lighter and slightly easier. You find time and shortcuts so that putting the bed to proper position isn't a waste of time, but time you actually have. Also work at your own pace dont try to speed up to keep up. You are starting out and at the very least they could put you with a partner. Hospital work IS harder though than LTC/SNF. Sooo yeah, you definitely need to find your pace and like conditioning for a workout, invest in some good shoes (nike's runners, etc) oh yeah and also buy a back support the kind that weight lifters use as it will act as a compress.

I was wearing nike shoes (nike initiator

Nike's have no real support in them at all if you're gonna wear a sneaker brooks are the way to go. Finish Line is a certified brooks dealer and they will help you find the perfect fit for your feet. They have a gel cushion verses that tiny piece of thin foam nikes have

I'd have to respectfully disagree about Nike's. I have two pairs I wear on a busy tele unit, and my feet never hurt after a shift. I really think it depends on a person's foot. I know some techs that swear by danskos, but I've tried a couple of pairs on and I hate them! To each their own ?

Specializes in Geriatrics.

- Proper body mechanics. Remember to use your arms and legs to lift, turn, move, etc. residents, not your back.

- Getting good rest and relaxation after a shift. First thing I'd do after getting home was throw on my PJs and curl up on the couch or inbed.

- Tylenol.

Thank you all for the advice. I just got home from my third day and I am soaking my feet in warm water as I type. It hurts extremely bad and I think what makes it worse is that fact that I am super flat footed and I have no arch in my foot so I ordered some new balance shoes that are supposed to have good arch support. I think I may get some brooks too later one to mix em up. Besides the whole body hurting thing, being a brand new CNA on the busiest unit of a hospital is really hard. I'm just trying to learn how to prioritize my time and figure out what all the machines mean, and what those terms mean that the other staff are saying. I came in knowing nothing AT ALL since I've never worked so it's a bit overwhelming and I'm supposed to be on m own on Monday and I honestly don't know how well I will do but I will just try my best. Thank you guys!

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