Advice for CNA Training

[rndreams14]

Hello all! I am starting CNA training courses in a few weeks, and I was wondering should I begin to prepare my body for training? I know that being a CNA can be rough on the body and I was just looking for any tips for getting my body prepared for the upcoming weeks. Thanks!

[mindofmidwifery, ADN]

From my experience you really don't have to do much to prepare. Make sure you know proper body mechanics and what your physical limits are. Use transfer belts when needed!!!! They are your best friend!

[Lulu Belle, RN, EMT-B]

Proper body mechanics will be drilled into your head once you begin your training! There are other steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury at work like the previous poster mentioned (using a gait belt, raising the bed to a good working height, wearing supportive shoes and having assistance when needed/if possible to name a few). If you are tiny and not muscular like me it can certainly be challenging and working out to increase your back/upper body strength wouldn't be the worst idea.

[Missingyou, CNA]

Think of working your shift as a work out(because that is what it is). You always stretch before and after.

I have found that building strength in your upper arms and in your legs will help!

I can't stress this enough: Raise the bed EVERY SINGLE TIME you provide care! You will be told that raising the bed takes too much time....but I promise you, not raising it will be your biggest mistake. It's the small things, the constant bending that does the damage a little at a time...until one day, you can't move.

Bend at the knees when you tie shoes or pull up someones pants....

Stretch before your shift, after your shift and take 30 seconds here and there during your shift.

I've been doing this for more than 20 yrs. I learned the hard way.