Advice on mentoring inexperienced CNA

[MoopleRN]

She's very young (19 or 20) and this is her 1st CNA job (it may also be her 1st job period!). I've personally seen that she shows little initiative and is difficult to find on the floor... if you know what I mean. Other/more experienced CNAs/nurses relate to me similar observations. She has told me she's interested in becoming a nurse and is "taking some prerequisites". Sometimes I get the vibe from her that she thinks nurses have it easy just passing meds while the CNAs answer all the call lights etc... which as we nurses know is not the case. I'd like some feedback on how to motivate or mentor her. Any input would be appreciated!

[ottersloveoysters]

When this CNA does her job, does she do it well? Is she helpful, courteous and thoughtful? Is she performing her duties correctly when she does them? If yes, then she may be shy, unsure of herself or maybe she did not receive some basic training. If she is generally a good worker but not making great use of herself then I would definitely take her in with me to see patients and let her know how she can be helpful. If she's just a lazy person who doesn't want to work well, then you can read the previous responses :-)