lilmissetter replied to StressedSenior's topic in CNA/MA
Try not to get discouraged. I think it is very commendable that you are getting your feet wet in the nursing field at your age. I certainly wasn't so mature at that age! Keep in mind that you are doing a great thing. The way I see it is being a "soft...
My instructor taught me a lot by telling stories about experiences that she had. I learned more from the experiences she shared than I ever did from any PowerPoint presentation, lecture, or reading me assignment from a text book. Learning the practic...
lilmissetter replied to _shymiller's topic in CNA/MA
I only had one male in the basic CNA class I took. He was an EMT pursuing his RN. I am now working in a LTC facility, and personally, I love working with male CNAs, CMAs, and nurses. Women can tend get to be catty amongst one another, but when workin...
lilmissetter replied to MidLifeChg2Nursing's topic in CNA/MA
I agree that taking blood pressures with manual cuffs should be a required skill and instructors should spend more time teaching this skill. Readings are far more accurate and although machines are great, they do malfunction. The instructor in my CNA...
lilmissetter replied to MidLifeChg2Nursing's topic in CNA/MA
I understand what you are saying when it comes to residents who are super demanding! It is impossible to meet every resident's every need! Getting every resident's basic needs covered is of utmost importance though. You have to weigh your choices. I'...
lilmissetter replied to MidLifeChg2Nursing's topic in CNA/MA
You are absolutely right to bring your concerns to the DON! Whether or not it will do any good is a whole new subject, though. Depends on the facility. Some are much better than others. Facilities that promote "people moving" as opposed to focused, q...
lilmissetter replied to VioletMae's topic in CNA/MA
Do you mean it's uncomfortable to wear around your waist? I've seen people wear their gait belts like a sash over one shoulder. That might be more comfortable. I know I couldn't carry one on my pocket! Got enough things in there! I always just wear m...
lilmissetter replied to MEY_Student's topic in CNA/MA
I was in a similar boat at one time. I'm also in my mid 30s and have done factory work for the last 10 years, had zero experience in health care, and have recently become a CNA. I feel like I was pulled into becoming a CNA by God. A higher power defi...
lilmissetter replied to lilmissetter's topic in CNA/MA
The "scared new CNA" thread would be great! The great thing about being new is that you get along so much better with the bossier residents who like to tell you how to do everything step by step because I know that things are being done THEIR way whi...
lilmissetter replied to lilmissetter's topic in CNA/MA
Very good advice. Thank you. It is such a new experience for a greenhorn like myself to encounter adults who don't always have the capacity to make decisions about their health and well being. Biggest example is getting told no when asking if a resid...
I'm with you on this. Being a CNA is the hardest work I've ever done! I've worked in a factory for the last 10 years and spent 4 years before that doing housekeeping at a hotel, so I'm no stranger to physical labor. Home health seems like a good rout...
Know your range of motion exercises! Everything else should come to you second nature. Relax and don't let all the color drain from your face and freeze like a deer in headlights like I did (I got my bearings and still passed). With hand washing, mak...
lilmissetter replied to FutureLPN16's topic in CNA/MA
There is a reason why you didn't quit. This is something that you want to do! We all have our good days and our bad days, but just remember that you're doing something great! You are helping people each and every day that you come to work. And being ...
lilmissetter replied to lilmissetter's topic in CNA/MA
Thank you for the encouragement. I know that I'm in the right field as a caregiver. I've been called to the field for a reason. I'm sure that I will find a place where I belong and can feel like I make a difference every day. Whether it be working in...