An URGENT question from a worried CNA.

Youda · Oct 20, 2002

Sometimes I think they fire a few people from time to time just to keep everyone's anxiety level up. Gosh, Mandi, it sounds to me like these new hires aren't being oriented and trained properly. There shouldn't be a high turn-over. Yeah, maybe an occasional bad apple, but if you see a lot of people getting the ax . . .

This sounds like a conversation you need to have with your DON or nurse manager. I wouldn't hesitate to tell her just what you've said here. That you love your job, that you don't want to mess it up, but you're not sure of her expectations since others were fired. Seek information and understanding from her.

Good luck! Wish you were working for me!

bewbew · Oct 20, 2002

CNA.............that's a nurse assistant isn't it?

I used to work as a nurse assistant at a really 'tough' nursing home.............I understand how you feel.

I think that utmost in caring for your patients is respecting their dignity, ie: taliking to them, not 'over' them, while chatting with other staff, pulling curtains around their bed, when helping with ADL's etc, etc................

Another thing, always be able to justify why you have carried out something, you know, the assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation and evaluation. That way, you shouldn't go wrong...

Time management.........try to be organised for your shift, not to backtrack..........easy said, I know, not so easy to get organised straight up when new to a place, but something to keep in mind....

this is a link to a site that may also answer some of your questions......

http://members.tripod.com/~CNA_MUNCHKIN/shari.htm

hope this helps............

bew :)

renerian, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2002

Follow P&P closely.......

renerian

mattsmom81 · Oct 20, 2002

Mandi, if you have seen coworkers fired and nobody knows why, I agree with Youda...time for an honest 1:1 talk with the boss so you can proceed with confidence.

If you 'ask around' about this, it may be construed as gossiping....so I've always found it best to go to my boss with concerns like this. Good luck and sorry this place is stressing you out. (I would be stressed too if I saw what you are seeing)

Good luck and keep pluggin' !:)

cna on her way · Oct 20, 2002

I believe that the best thing to do during a probationary period or anytime is to just do your best. Ask questions if you aren't sure anddon't try to take on too much alone that's a sure way to mess up. After being a CNA for the last couple of years I have come to realize that not one of us are great in every aspect. We all can use some improvement in one area or another. And be sure to not call in while you are on your 90 day probationary period unless it is truely necessary. Thats a big no-no. I've also seen staff get into alot of trouble over refusing to follow directions or gossiping about the facility. Just do your job as good as you can, show up when you are supposed to, and don't gossip or break patient confidentiality and you should be just fine.

Anagray, BSN · Oct 21, 2002

Mandi, I could be wrong, but firing a person for "no reason" is against the law. Either the people who got fired are misleading you by saying they don't know why they got fired or they really do know, but feel they can not defend themselves against injustice from their boss.

I believe every firing is done with steps leading up to it. If u are working in a big facility, there is probably a whole procedure set up for firing people.

If u are that worried, I would go to your boss and say: I need to know what are the specific aspects of my probation period.

Some "probation" things can be

- making a significant mistake ( like with a blood draw)

- doing something out of scope of your practice

( like giving out medicine, including adjusting oxygen)

- calling in more than 3 times in a 90 day period

- being late

- complaints from patients

- not following through with tasks assigned by your superior

I do believe unfair termination happens, but most of the time there is a reason.

Companies are not interested in firing their employees, especially is they spend hours and weeks and lots of money on training them and compling a file in HR.

In the hospital where I work , unlicensed personel is given free uniforms, free CPR course, free telemetry and phlebotomy courses, etc.

Don't stress yourself so much. Work hard, be true to your good principals, be friendly, but don't get personal with anyone and u will be just fine.