Advices for a new CNA

[jbadua]

Hello! I'm a CNA and I'll be starting my PT job by nextweek, (7-3 shift, 2x a wk), as a cna, what should I do on the first day? I'm really nervous, cosodering the fact that I'm 19 y.o., male, and skinny (although i'm 5'5 in height). I decided to work as a cna because I'll be taking up nursing, and I would like to learn basic nursing skills. SOME people tell me that the job is tough, however, the lifting part is all about technique, not about who's got a bigger body can do the job...Any advices? Thanks!

[malamud69, BSN, RN]

Get used to being overburdened and understaffed...that being said, I believe for me personally it has been the best experience for nursing. Your height etc...should not matter...I work with tiny little women that can out-lift Schwarzenegger! Its all in the technique and even if you are short staffed-as you will be-ask for help! Good luck-you can do it.

[mintygirl]

Congrats on your new job and enjoy the learning experience, yes its hard and you'll deal with a lot of cna's who are burned out. Depending on the place you work at it could either be a great experience or a bad, but just remember that all facilities are different. Just work there for a good year to get the new grad off your face.