Starting my CNA class on Tuesday...Last minute advice?!

shix · Jun 11, 2012

Take it in stride maddiem. A step at a time. I was super duper nervous when I started out. I was afraid to get into pt's rooms, do adl's and I was really slow. Fast forward, 2 years - am an activities assistant at the ltc I started out at. Honestly, couldn't have survived being a cna there. But, am thriving as a CNA working part time at a local hospital. Horn in your confidence, pick up your pace, be a team player, stay neutral to the floor drama and you'll be alright. Your expertise gets better with time. Good luck! :)

Baubo516, RN · Jun 11, 2012

My best advice is to try to keep a positive attitude at all times and to be respectful to your coworkers/classmates. During clinicals you may be a bit shocked at the behavior of some of the CNAs who are working already... When I worked as a CNA at a LTC facility, people were kind of short with one another because there was always too much work to do and they were stressed out. I am working at a hospital now and the atmosphere is better... but I just think if people can be nice to each other no matter what is going on, things will seem a little bit better. Don't criticize others and smile when you can!

Regarding learning the skills and picking up speed... this will come with time. I have an undergrad in education and taught middle schoolers for 7 years, but I was so nervous when I did my CNA state test!!! Now that I have worked as a CNA for almost a year, the things that made me nervous have become old hat. I hope you enjoy your CNA class and best of luck to you!

maddiem · Jun 11, 2012

Thank you for the advice everyone! I'm very excited to start tomorrow morning!