What was the hardest skill for you to learn?

sbenning5 · Jul 14, 2008

I'm taking classes to become a CNA in FL, and was wondering what people think were the hardest skills to learn to do properly? Right now, I'm voting for manual BP.

I would have to agree! :madface:

Katie89 · Jul 14, 2008

I took my CNA course through a technical college in Wisconsin, and we were told that they weren't allowed by the state to teach/practice BP. They said it was just something we'd have to learn on the job. On the 21st I start my first job at a hospital, and learning BP is part of the orientation...now I'm nervous! We only get one day to learn it, how long would you say it took you to get it down?

aundrea543 · Jul 14, 2008

I struggled with BP during classes and had to inflate 3 times on the State exam before I got it right. Haven't found a job yet, so I'm trying to keep up on the skill by practicing at home, and I've definately improved. I recommend you buy a cuff and practice on friends, family, and anyone lese who'll lend you their arm. You can get one @ http://www.allheart.com/aneroidbp.html Good luck :wink2:

Esther2007 · Jul 14, 2008

Manual b/p is easy if you have a good stethoscope. It used to be hard for me, but since I got my Littmann, I can hear a lot better.

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 14, 2008

I have issues with making an occupied bed. The first 10 times with real patients were just bad.

Melinurse · Jul 14, 2008

I worked as a CNA for 4 years and as an LPN for 5 years, now a GN and blood pressures are still tricky. It is just something you have do do alot of to get better at it. If you are ever not 100% sure of the reading you got, have someone else check it after you. Be sure to report any abnormals according to your hospital policy!!! ASAP! If you were not 100% sure and nobody else was around to double check, tell the nurse please, that you are not 100% sure. Personally, I like to be told the BP even if it's normal. Always love to hear good news.

dancer_meggs · Jul 15, 2008

I don't think that b/p is really that bad (when you have a thick stethoscope anyways). The ones I hate are the super long ones that have a million steps and anything to do with gloves. Right now bedpan is the worst! Denture care sucks to...I can't decide...

littlebitark · Jul 15, 2008

For me it was Range of Motions- Am I the only one???

hvlqodvhiniyc · Jul 15, 2008

For me it was Range of Motions- Am I the only one???

ROM was also difficult for me. I solved my difficulty by writing down what I would do from the book and skill checklist. Then I spoke it out loud as I practiced. Like a script. It goes sort of like, "The nurse asked me to do range of motion excercises on the right side of your upper body today. We'll work down from your shoulder to the elbow wrist and fingers. Is this OK? I need to support your arm by holding below the shoulder and below the elbow . Is that OK? All right if anything hurts tell me and we will stop. First is hand over your head and then back to the mattress OK? 1 - 2 - 3... Next is away from your body..." So I pretty much tell the pt and myself what is happening each step. The pt seems to appreciate knowing what's happening and I remember what to do by repeating the routine out loud again and again. HTH.

imafostermom · Jul 16, 2008

Just a hint: buy a good stethescope. Buy one with soft earpieces and my experience is that the double tubing is harder to hear through buy play with them at the store if you can. Turn the earpieces toward your nose when you put them in your ears and make sure they are well in your ears. As you learn, keep the room quiet and try not to touch the stethescope beacuse these noises will confuse you. Practice, practice, practice...and definitely let someone know whe you are not sure of what you are hearing (as the other poster said) and get someone to redo it. Bottom line is that it needs to be a correct reading and be honest with co-workers about it if you are not confident with a reading and need more practice, they will respect you for that.

rancelumsden · Jul 18, 2008

I had the most problem with occupied bed. I just didn't get the rolling the person over far enough to get old linen, then putting on the new stuff and rolling them back over it (while keeping the new linen clean).

But yes, BP's were difficult for everyone. I learned this quickly on the job. First job was at a clinic. I 'roomed' people, got their meds and some other basic info, then had to take BP and weight. Did this for 50+ people a day. Got good at it quickly.

Stethoscope DOES make a big difference. I purchased my own. Some people are really difficult to hear.