Advice needed for a new CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Hi, I just started a job very close to where I live, it is my first job as CNA , I have no experience so I am very green at this .

They only gave me 2 days of floor orientation ( which basically was shadowing somebody's work ) I really thought they were going to tell me what to do step by step .. silly me :rolleyes:...

Another issue I have is that everyone at that job are Hatian , and I dont have a problem with that , is just that they speak creole all the time even the nurses !! I am there standing waiting while EVERYONE is speaking creole , I thought they had a language policy at that place were you speak English only ( you know job related stuff) ...

Sometimes they even speak creole to me !!!!:confused: .. *sigh* I don't know what to do really ,

the CNA that was doing the " orientation" beraly speak english and I couldnt understand any word she was saying

I feel like i want to scream , I want to help people and I want to do it the right way but this is insane , some stuff I have seen are so far is crazy !! .. tomorrow I'll be on my own and I am freaking out .. please any advice.. I would really appriciated

thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

:( Well it seems like the norm for nursing homes to under-train you. My first nursing home job, I only got three days of orientation & no one really showed me a thing! I only stayed three months because I always felt overwhelmed. Now I am working at yet again another nursing home. I also received three days of orientation, but the girls who trained me were really great. My advice is don't be afraid to ask how to do certain things. Over time you will get your own way of doing things, and you will be able to handle it.

As for the language thing..that's kinda unprofessional if you ask me. I have no problem with other cultures either, but they shouldn't be giving report in creole. I think maybe you should bring that issue up with your DON.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SDU, Tele.

Where do you live? Here in Miami its the same. Its horrible. They could be talking about that "lazy new cna" and you wouldn't know it lol

I haven't got a job yet but where I have been applying, I've read how orientation is 3 days too. I thought it would be at least a week.... silly us :(

Up Vote Up Vote ×

OP, I feel your pain. I too just started a new CNA job this week. I am a brand new CNA and only got ONE day orientation! It has been hell to say the least and I ask myself why I even signed up for this. It is sad how the majority of LTC's are run. Other CNA's are constantly caling off, leaving you to take care of 18 plus patients all alone...that is just plain crazy for someone new to the field. Hell thats crazy for an experienced CNA!! They throw you out there are expect you to know how to do everything and then get frustrated when you don't...I am going to TRY to stick it out until I can get in a hospital or at least another facility that gives a crap about having competent employees. I don't realy have any advice just know that you are not alone in feeling this way. Wish you the best, keep us posted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just got hired today as a brand spankin' new CNA for a big facility in my town and was told my orientation would be 2 days of general facility info, 1 day of CNA specific orientation and then 2 days shadowing a veteran CNA. After that you're on your own but they do start you with just 4 residents and then gradually increase your load until you're up to speed. I was SUPER excited about being "eased into the full load because my biggest fear is to be in over my head right away and to get discouraged.

Good luck, ask questions to the vet CNA's. Feel out which ones are approachable and which aren't. Do your best and cut yourself some slack - you're brand new - you're going to make mistakes or be slower at certain things or whatever but you'll get it in time!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thank you !!! so much for your replies , I dont feel alone !

@on eagles wings : I work here in Boca Raton , and it continues to be crazy by the minute , I basically have to ask caring CNA's that remember what used to be a brand new CNA to tell me what it needs to be done , so far it's been easier as the days go by , but still overwhelming ! ...

the day I started on my own , they gave me 9 residents , I didnt even take my breaks .. well everyday has been like that :uhoh3: , there is always one CNA that is the "Non friendly one" trying to intimidate me because I am a brand new girl on the floor .. the creole language continue, I'm sorry but if you are talking about work , you must speak English , I am considering telling the DON , but I dont want to get everyone against me :confused: ... I love my job in the sense that want to help people but I have to find a way to overcome this issues , I want the experience at least a year then I might consider applying to a hospital setting , I hope everyone's day gets better by the day!! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

Sorry you're going through a hard time. I know it sucks now, but try to gain a little experience and move on to something you might enjoy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I KNOW this has to be frustrating! I have my CNA and phleb cert, and 5 weeks left until my nursing degree, and I definitely remember how scary it was to be let loose as a CNA. I would encourage you to start doing some Youtube research on CNA skills that show you the CORRECT way to do things! Also, I just saw a link from a previous post that seems great as well!

http://deptets.fvtc.edu/nursing/index.htm

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!

a

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment