Just finished my first week!

I just finished my first week as an LNA in a LTC facility, and boy, am I tired... but so happy I decided to go into the nursing profession! Two weeks ago today I finished my LNA course, and I was hired by the nursing home where I had my class, so I was very lucky, as I was already familiar with many of the residents. I'm full-time, 7-3 shift, and I have to say that after only doing it for a week, it's getting easier and easier to get up early! Also, I have rediscovered my love of coffee!

I've spent most of my week on the assisted living wing (there is also a rehab wing and dementia wing at my facility) and slowly but surely I am learning each resident's habits and likes and dislikes. We have two residents on that wing who have had strokes and therefore their speech was affected-- they pretty much only say "yes" and "no." They are roommates and they are both very particular ladies who want things done a certain way, and sometimes it can be very very frustrating to figure out what they want. I think I'm getting better, though, and today I was helping one of the ladies toilet and afterwards she gave me a huge grin and said "YES!" because I did everything just the way she likes. That made my day!

Most of the time I feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of what we have to do in such a short amount of time, it seems impossible! We are pretty understaffed, so there are usually 2 LNAs for about 20-30 residents. I am still slow, and I know that it's because I'm still so new and I'm still learning, but I still feel bad when my co-worker is caring for the whole wing while I'm trying to get just one resident out of bed, washed, and dressed. Most of the LNAs I've been working with have been great, very knowledgable and helpful, and very understanding, and very good at their jobs. It's obvious that they really care for the residents. I've become quite attached to all the residents, even the difficult ones. I always try to be cheerful and happy, and go the extra mile. For instance, around 2pm things quiet down, and when I do my rounds to check on everybody, I always ask if I can get them some juice, water, coffee, etc., and I'll stay and chat with them for a couple minutes. That makes them SO happy, and I love spending the time to get to know my residents a little better. I like to cheer people up and make them happy, and it just makes my day to see a resident smile. This morning I was helping one of my residents get dressed, and she stopped and told me, "I think you picked the right profession! You always do such a good job, and you always look so happy to be doing it!"

I go to take my state board exam for my license on Monday morning, and then I'm back to work on Tuesday. If any of the more experienced CNAs/LNAs have any words of wisdom to share with me, I would really appreciate it. I also want to say a big kudos to all the other LNAs and CNAs out there... it is hard work, and I think each and every one of you are awesome for doing this work.