Looking for Pointers from Current CNAs

My 2 cents is: when I started 15 years ago as a CNA I was so pumped up to take care of all my residents, (15) on my list. I was always moving fast and was determined to show I was a good CNA, and then Phoof, there is always something to stop your routine, but because I am a very hard worker (and do not take a smoke break) I most often finished just before I went home. I did the 2pm to 10 pm shift, and loved it.

My only advice to you is; if you have the time to help another cna, please do it, it will come back tenfold.
I remember 8 years ago a new cna was doing her rounds and i found her in tears in the hallway, it was 9:30 pm and all of my people were in bed sleeping and comfortable for the night and I was doing my last chores. I asked her If I could help her and she just said " I have 4 more people to do in 30 minutes! I tried to calm her down and said "ok, lets take just take one at a time and get them comfortable. She just looked at me as if I was crazy because she knew i was done with my list.

I knew that earlier the other cna's just looked at her and laughed because they thought it was funny she was new and most likely would not be done for a long time.
Together we finished by 11:00 pm. The night RN asked why we were there so late because she knows no matter what you NEVER get paid past your time, I just said "Everything is so much easier if we do them together".

Forward : I got the dream job at an awesome hospital in my area, I was so happy, but scared to DEATH.
Guess what, that same CNA I had helped years ago was my preceptor CNA at this hospital, tell me Karma does not work!. She saw me and smiled and said if you get behind, we will just take them one at a time and get them set.

God bless the people that look out for each other. the moral to this story is; more importantly, is the working together that helps our residents and patients recieve better care. I am a Nursing student now and I am so thankfull that I did start out as a CNA because I know what it is like to basic care and manage time.

I just want to also state something that I feel is very important! My sister has been a CNA for 25 years and never wanted to pursue a RN degree. I have so much respect for her and I am sure when I am a RN I will be calling her for advice.

CNA's may not be respected much, but when a RN is in the trenches, believe me, they will respect and be thankful that you are there because without you they get very far behind doing CNA tasks. I am so blessed now to work at a hospital in Portland, Maine, the nurses really treat you like a equal. They respect and are so thankful for your help.

Sorry, I guess I have created a longer post than I wanted to but I was in the moment.
Thanks for listening.
God bless you,
In Christ