Anyone work first, then go to CNA training?

[LaterAlligator]

I feel kind of sheepish about this, but after almost 2 years working as a NAR I'm finally in CNA class and the instructor says that the students who've already worked in the medical field are going to have a difficult time with the skills portion of the test because we've already picked up bad habits. Shoot!

Anyone else been there? I'm just keeping it seperate in my head (state way vs. work way) because if I did my actual job as slowly as the skills are done in class, I'd never get finished.

Will my "bad habits" be a problem when it comes to testing?

[rosey2007]

I had my NAR before I took my CNA course and passed my test the first time. I think that you will be fine as long as you are willing to keep an open mind about new ways of doing things lol. I learned so much during my CNA training and I wish that they would make all care givers take the class.

[nancylissette]

hi every one,

what is an NAR?

i am a medical assistant and i was doing research for taking a class as a CNA

i have not been able to find a job as a medical assistant and when i do research in the internet they have different opinions

can some one please explain the difference between CNA and Medical Assistant

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

hi every one,

what is an NAR?

i am a medical assistant and i was doing research for taking a class as a CNA

i have not been able to find a job as a medical assistant and when i do research in the internet they have different opinions

can some one please explain the difference between CNA and Medical Assistant

A medical assistant is mainly found in a dr's office. You are responsible for some clerical duties such as answering phones, setting up appointments..also you are responsible for doing vital signs on the patient, and filling out information on their charts.

A CNA is found in nursing homes,assisted living facilities, home health, hospitals, and dialysis facilities too. Their duties range from facility to facility, but basically they are responsible for performing ADL's, taking vital signs, answering call lights, passing meal trays, and other responsibilities.

[MurrR]

I feel kind of sheepish about this, but after almost 2 years working as a NAR I'm finally in CNA class and the instructor says that the students who've already worked in the medical field are going to have a difficult time with the skills portion of the test because we've already picked up bad habits. Shoot!

Anyone else been there? I'm just keeping it seperate in my head (state way vs. work way) because if I did my actual job as slowly as the skills are done in class, I'd never get finished.

Will my "bad habits" be a problem when it comes to testing?

Only if you don't work to unlearn them. And it's likely that your "bad habits" - if you have any - are the result of not knowing a more efficient or safer way of doing things.

The other thing is that, yes, there's the "State Way" and the "Work Way" but usually the "Work Way" is just the "State Way" speeded way up and customized for your resident/client/patient/etc. - at least that has been my experience since I've been working.

For instance, I don't give a bed bath the same way I did in class because I'm not demonstrating my knowledge for an instructor. I'm getting somebody clean. But that doesn't mean I don't use the same steps and guidelines to make sure I do it safely and efficiently.