As a young CNA, what is an LTC facility like?

[palemoon]

Hello! I'm a very young future CNA (only 18 years old--just a baby compared to my future patients!) who is preparing to train at a LTC, but I must admit, I'm nervous.

The older people I've met don't seem very perceptive to talking to someone as young as me, and I'm intimidated that I'll have to care for this population. Will they accept being cared for someone who seems like a child to them? I suppose I just need reassurance.

Did anyone else start out this young and have good experience? Bad? I just want to know if my nervousness is silly or justified! Thanks.

[Poi Dog]

I think that the majority of us are younger than our residents.

My age has never been a factor or problem to my residents. If anything they tell me that they feel sorry for me having to care for an "old goat" (their words).

:lol2:

When you provide care just be respectful of their needs and do not treat them like they are babies.

[Uncle Toads]

Most of them are going to be used to being taken care of by young people. Like any other population, each individual will respond to you differently. My advice would be to not show that you’re bothered by the age difference. Never forget that they’re people, never make promises, and realize your limitations. Also, always be assertive. Say, “It’s time to get washed up.” Not “Do you want to get washed up?” Finally, Stick with it. Some (not all) of the LTC places I’ve worked have been like walking through the ninth circle of Hell. Keep moving; keep doing all you can for as many as you can. Don’t get bogged down with the politics and don’t worry if you’re doing more than the rest of the staff. In time you’ll be bulletproof.

Keep us posted on how it goes.

Good luck.

[Jen{NAR}]

Amazing! Lol...to me it is fairly amazing--even on the bad days. It's hard work and at first you are going to want to quit the minute you step out those doors on your first day on the floor alone. You will cry. You will see a lot of pain. You will see a lot of death. It's sad. And your family won't understand how you are so heartless especially when you say "I hope this resident that is really sick dies soon" It's not heartless to say such things, it's more heartfelt to me...because it shows you see that they hurt, and just want to be pain free. Let me repeat again...It is hard work! And like someone previously said, just do what you were taught and do it well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoy it.

[dicecream]

Residents at my facility love young people. They love to tell you stories and reminisce about the good old days. They are also great sources of advice. Many of them will remember your name and ask for you when you have taken the time to get to know them. These are people just like you, no matter their age. They like to listen to music, read books, and play games. Some of them are crabby, some of them are sick, and some of them (those with dementia) live in their own little world inside their mind. Get to know what's going on in that world and become a part of it. It will be hard at first, but very rewarding.

[Ev1987]

Even though you are young, I'd advice that you carry yourself maturely around them. I don't think many residents want to be bothered by a bratty, moody young kid. (In their eyes)

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I was 19 when I started my CNA class. I was afraid too that the older crowd would not like me..but everyone has provided you with great tips! Don't be nervous, and most definitely don't treat them like they are children. Good luck!!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

The world of the frail, isolated elderly is one that is usually unknown to young, healthy adults. Therefore, working in a nursing home with a large group of elderly people might serve as a culture shock. Some things will disturb you at first.

However, keep in mind that some of your very demented elderly residents will have the mental age of children. Other residents will be overjoyed to have someone pay attention to their needs, even if the person is an 18-year-old CNA.

[daimere]

Actually most want to be taken care by younger people! There is one resident on another unit that refuses to work with anyone who is 50 because it's close to her age.

I actually was always scared of old people but I watched how the other aides worked with the residents and mimicked. There are some that will think they are 12 and just "go" with it and others will hit and scream at you. I hope you don't mind cussing or men playing with themselves because it happens. Or men hitting on you. Most of them don't even know they are doing it. It's hard work and some won't thank you for it. But on the off chance you have to sit with one while a resident is really sick, he'll come back and thank you. That is rewarding enough. ^_^

When you work with different people, pick up different tricks. Every week I feel like I learn something new that helps the resident and I work better together. Also, even if they are hitting, cussing, and threatening to kill you, treat them sweet and nice. I know it's hard at times but even the most combative resident will stop when you are treating him with respect.

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

Hey, I am currently 17 and a male who is finishing up his CNA clinical intership today. I have never had a problem with my age getting between my caring for my residents. They have never questioned my competence. At the LTC facility we've done our rotations at they look forward to my High SChool bringing the Health Occupations Students to do clinicals. My High School here in NC offers a 2 part class called Allied health and in the 2nd part we learn basic nursing skills and have a clinicals. At the end of the class wwe qualify to take the CNA exam and I sent in my money and application to take it and I'm scheduled to take my CNA exam in July after I graduate/ (June 11th 2010 Go Class of 2010!!!) I love what I'm doing and have had noserious problems. I tend to get cussed out everyday by one resident and you might very well have the same thing happen, but remeber it is not because of you, that same man always says thatnk you and smiles when im finished. SOmetimes their minds are just fading away. I'm sure you'll do well. ope you pass your exam and become a great nurse in the future!!!! I know I sertainly hope to be.

[CoffeemateCNA]

Just remember --

If you treat them as adults, and respect them and their dignity...

...90% of the residents will just love you to pieces.

I do have problems occasionally with new residents -- those who are just there for rehab and are younger and may not have had much "experience" in hospitals or nursing homes. It usually takes them a day or two to warm up to me. I almost never have problems with residents that have been there long-term -- they have gotten used to the "system" and having lots of young people take care of them (and sometimes it seems like a new group every week).