Not really wanting to go back

[camiwannabeRN]

So, yesterday was the first day of my CNA clinicals. We are in teams of 2. My partner and I got assigned to what I assumed was a nice lady. She was fine until we got back to the room and had to try to give her a bed bath. She refused to let us, so our instructor asked her she still refused. So we got her normal CNA, she still refused then she became combative. She slapped me twice and called me a pain in the you know what. By the end she was fine, but honestly not a confidence booster. I have to have this same woman for the next 2 days and I'm really dreading it. Any suggestions?

[yousoldtheworld]

Well, as much as it sucks, you WILL have combative residents who refuse/resist care just about anywhere you work. Just think of it like this: she's just trying to break you in and giving you a little early practice!

Also, keep in mind that she may not be like that all the time. Residents can go from being uncooperative and combative to complete angels and back again in a minute flat.

Not to mention, working with a difficult resident so early will really help you to appreciate the nice, cooperative ones.

Don't give up yet, just keep reminding yourself why you're there. If we let one difficult experience scare us away, there would be NO CNAs!

[blue cna]

welcome to my world

[CoffeemateCNA]

You've gotten good advice so far.

If she refuses care, leave and come back in 10 or 15 minutes.

If she still refuses, try to find out why and/or bargain with her. Maybe if she lets you wash her up, you can get her some pudding/ice cream/candy/whatever the facility has or maybe she would like to sit outside for a few minutes in the sunshine. One of the great things about being a student and only having 1 assigned resident is that you can spend extra time doing "treats" like that.

If she has severe dementia, know that you may never be able to reason with her. It has no reflection on you as a future CNA. Some people are just plain CRABBY (well, and confused).