becoming a Nurse Aide - questions

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Aug 29, 2004

I can tell you quite sincerely that being a nurse's aid is very challenging and rewarding work.

As it's your first job, you'll want to dress professionally. Wear a classy--not flashy--dress, or skirt and blouse.

Because of the uniform requirements you'll have if you get the job, show them you can comply--manicure your nails short (no fakes), your hair no longer than your collar, be very sparing with the makeup and jewelry, and use posts for earrings--no danglies. Be on the safe side and don't wear perfume, since some people are allergic. Hopefully your boss or interviewer won't be, but you never know.

Get there 15-20 minutes early. Bring a list of 10 references--names, addresses and phone numbers (and ask them first for permission to use them for references.) Bring your driver's license and social security card.

Be ready to answer the question, "Why do you want to work here?" and "What caused you to choose to be a nurse's aid?"

Hint: the answers are not "for the money." Check out interview questions and tips on the Internet to help you get ideas, and have someone practice with you so you'll have some ideas about how to answer. Smile.

As far as health benefits go, scheduling, and all that, you'll be given an opportunity to ask. Write your questions down and bring them with you.

Your job may require you to have a recent checkup and may also want to have a copy of your immunization records.

As far as the sleep apnea goes, was it diagnosed by your doctor, and what kind of treatments are you getting for it? If you're being treated and you still feel sleepy, you may need to see your doctor again for adjustments.

Hope that helps, and good luck.

Blackcat99 · Aug 29, 2004

:) As far as I know all you need to have is a GED or high school education. The reasons they want to interview people before they accept them is because they want someone who is serious about doing the program and is not going to drop out when they find out they have to clean up patients who urinate and defecate on themselves. Nursing assistant is a very difficult job with lots of energy required. If you have sleep apnea and feel very sleepy all the time I doubt if you will survive since this is a very physically challenging job. If your doctor can fix your "sleep apnea" so you don't look like you are high on drugs all the time that would be very helpful as they won't hire you if they think you are some kind of "druggie." I would wait till after getting accepted before I start asking about insurance. Good luck.

nursemary9, BSN, RN · Aug 29, 2004

Hi

First off good luck to you! A good Nurses Aide can make or break a nurse's

shift!! It is hard work,but can be extremely satisfying.

The responses so far have pretty much answered your questions. I would just like to repeat that first appearances really count--both appearance and

your personality. Like the one writer said,practice what you want to say and ask.A sincere smile can go along way. Everything she said about the way you dress and your makeup was extremely on target. Do make sure you get that sleep apnea in some control, tho.

It is hard work; but as a nurse for many years, it is also very rewarding.

Let us know what happens and how it goes if you are accepted.

shel_wny · Aug 29, 2004

1. I've read the state board info about qualifications on being a nurse aide but it really didn't give many details. Is anything above a high school education/diploma required? It looks like anyone can be an aide as long as they take the required training course. Is that usually what's required in most states?

Just high school diploma or GED equivalent.

2. According to the nursing home's website, interviews will be held before admittance to the training program. Is it normal for interviews to be done prior to taking the training class or is it most likely they're only requiring it because the course is free?

Yep it's quite standard. They want to make sure that you will be a good match for the facility before they go ahead and train you for free. :)

3. What can I expect from this interview? I have no idea what kind of questions they might ask. I've obviously never been interviewed before so I'm very nervous and have no idea what to expect. I'm a very shy person and have a tendency to trip over my words; I'm very inarticulate.

I think saying you're "inarticulate" might be coming down a bit hard on yourself. Your writing comes across as very articulate! They're going to ask you why you want to be a nurse's aide, why you chose to apply for a job at their facility, what your future ambitions are, what you already know about the job you are applying for, and a few other odds and ends. You will already know the answers so don't worry about it. Just take a deep breath...take a few seconds to think about your answer and then tell them what you know! Don't stress over this part too much. Just remember the deep breath. They are looking for social skills as much as the answers themselves. Shy people are always needed to compliment the outgoing bubbly folks. There is plenty of room for people like you and your interviewer will know this.

4. What type of outfit would be appropriate to wear for this interview? My mother goes on interviews quite a lot (for secretarial types of jobs) and she says she's seen people wear all sorts of things from sportswear to casual dress to extremely conservative dress. I'm more tomboyish and so I'm more inclined to be wearing a man's outfit (pants, white shirt, jacket). So, naturally, I'm totally lost as what to do and what to wear.

I would go with some black/dark blue/khaki slacks, a nice matching shirt with a collar, and a pair of closed-toe shoes/boots. Make sure everything is neat, pressed, and clean. Try to dress in solid colors or something not too flamboyant. It's always nice to honor the occasion by dressing up a bit. They need to know that winning this job is important to you.

5. The website also says I'll need to fill out an application but it doesn't say anything about resumes or references. Is there anything else that I will need or should bring? Since I've never had a 'real' job before I don't have these things but I did take care of my aunt for an entire summer and got paid for it too. So would my aunt and uncle be a possible reference if I should need one?

You should probably have at least 3 good references that aren't relatives. If your aunt and uncle do not share your last name you could always put one of them down and make sure to call them ahead of time and tell them to not mention that you are related. I am a CNA and my place of employment called 2 of my 3 references just to check up on me before they hired me. Try a good neighbor, family friend, a coach, a teacher from school, or someone from church if you go to church. It is polite to ask the person that you would like to be your reference for the opportunity to use their name before you go ahead and do so. Don't stress out too much over this. It's pretty standard and it's no big deal.

6. I need to know if I would be getting health insurance with this 'possible' job. Who and when should I ask about this? Should I inquire prior to going to the interview?

At the end of your interview the interviewer will likely ask you if you have any further questions that he/she did not answer. It is then time for you to bust out your list of as many as 10 questions to ask them. This is your time to play interviewer for them and their facility. Ask them if they offer health insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, if they implement mandatory overtime, when your first performance review will take place, what the hourly wage is for this job, and anything else that you might have a question about. Make sure you formulate this list before you go to your interview and then if the interview brings up even more questions you can include those if you like.

7. On the application form, it asks if I have a "mental, physical, or chemical dependency condition which could interfere with your current ability to practice as a nurse aide?" Now I know that my medical condition is not what they're asking about but I'm wondering if I should mention it? I have sleep apnea and I'm very sleepy all the time to the point where I look like I'm drunk or on drugs. I don't think this will interfere with my ability to perform my job but is it something I should mention anyway just in case there's a problem later on?

I wouldn't go in depth with any of your personal health problems. This question is basically for those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol or who are not adept enough to keep their personal health problems private. Your sleep apnea is part of you and you have learned to cope with it in order to go on living day to day as a normal human being. They are hiring you as-is during the interview. If you have sleep apnea then, it is quite alright to have sleep apnea later. I'd leave the box blank.

8. Could someone perhaps share his or her own experience with being a nurse aide? Perhaps, someone could tell me what his or her daily routine was or something like that.

I'm a CNA (certified nursing assitant) which is a nurse's aide in long-term care. I've got to make this kind of short because I am due into work in half an hour. :)

To do this work you have to have a strong stomach, a sense of humor, a kind and patient heart, and sense enough to use your PPEs (personal protective equipment) and to lift properly (with your legs, not your back).

When I go into work I will pick up my resident charts and pass linens (nightgown + towels) for each of my 20 rooms. If I am lucky I will be working with another CNA. If I am not I will be by myself for the shift. I will go down each room and check everyone's brief or bed pad for incontinence. If the brief is not clean I will use soap and water and the linens I passed to clean them all up, putting on a clean brief at the end of course. Then I will pass out nourishments (snacks), get my TPRs (temperature, pulse, respiration), do my 3 showers for the day, ambulate the 10 residents that are on an ambulation program, check everyone for incontinence again/clean them up, transport everyone to the dining room, feed those residents who cannot feed themselves, transport everyone out of the dining room, and start transferring everyone to bed, dressing them in their nightgown and cleaning their face, hands, perineal area and anywhere else that appears dirty. Somewhere in between the hustle and bustle I will try to find time for a 30 minute lunch and a little bit of TLC for the residents. If I'm working with someone else I'll probably get to have my 20 minute break too!

Well, time to do what I just describe above. I wish you luck with whichever path you choose to take! If you have any questions you can always ask here or even private message me. Have fun!

Shel

lbb87 · Aug 30, 2004

Thanks for all the responses.

I'm now wondering if this job might be too much for me. It honestly doesn't sound THAT hard. I'm already experienced with transfers, exercises, tube feeding (but I guess I probably won't get to do that), dressing people, and stubborness.

For the interview, training, and after I get the job (if I do), do you think it would be ok if I carried a small notebook and pen with me to take notes in or write questions in? I was thinking that it would help me a lot during the interview in case I forget anything, but I don't know if it would be looked down upon.

From what I understand, this place is a nursing home and a rehabilitation facility. Do you think I'll get to have a say it what department I work in? I'd prefer to work in the rehabilitation facility since I have more experience with that.

How do these places usually decide what hours the staff works? I'd prefer to work nightshifts (11pm-7am). Do you think I'll get to do that? I can't imagine that many people would want to work those hours, I'll probably be one of the only ones who actually wants to.

I guess I really will go ahead and try this nurse aide thing. The only two problems I might have is with the uniforms (I hate/dread wearing white) so I hope I can wear scrubs. I'm also extremely uncomfortable about helping the men take a bath. I guess I'll get over it though.

NurseDiva08 · Aug 30, 2004

Just high school diploma or GED equivalent.
Yep it's quite standard. They want to make sure that you will be a good match for the facility before they go ahead and train you for free. :)
I think saying you're "inarticulate" might be coming down a bit hard on yourself. Your writing comes across as very articulate! They're going to ask you why you want to be a nurse's aide, why you chose to apply for a job at their facility, what your future ambitions are, what you already know about the job you are applying for, and a few other odds and ends. You will already know the answers so don't worry about it. Just take a deep breath...take a few seconds to think about your answer and then tell them what you know! Don't stress over this part too much. Just remember the deep breath. They are looking for social skills as much as the answers themselves. Shy people are always needed to compliment the outgoing bubbly folks. There is plenty of room for people like you and your interviewer will know this.
I would go with some black/dark blue/khaki slacks, a nice matching shirt with a collar, and a pair of closed-toe shoes/boots. Make sure everything is neat, pressed, and clean. Try to dress in solid colors or something not too flamboyant. It's always nice to honor the occasion by dressing up a bit. They need to know that winning this job is important to you.
You should probably have at least 3 good references that aren't relatives. If your aunt and uncle do not share your last name you could always put one of them down and make sure to call them ahead of time and tell them to not mention that you are related. I am a CNA and my place of employment called 2 of my 3 references just to check up on me before they hired me. Try a good neighbor, family friend, a coach, a teacher from school, or someone from church if you go to church. It is polite to ask the person that you would like to be your reference for the opportunity to use their name before you go ahead and do so. Don't stress out too much over this. It's pretty standard and it's no big deal.
At the end of your interview the interviewer will likely ask you if you have any further questions that he/she did not answer. It is then time for you to bust out your list of as many as 10 questions to ask them. This is your time to play interviewer for them and their facility. Ask them if they offer health insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid vacation, if they implement mandatory overtime, when your first performance review will take place, what the hourly wage is for this job, and anything else that you might have a question about. Make sure you formulate this list before you go to your interview and then if the interview brings up even more questions you can include those if you like.
I wouldn't go in depth with any of your personal health problems. This question is basically for those who are addicted to drugs or alcohol or who are not adept enough to keep their personal health problems private. Your sleep apnea is part of you and you have learned to cope with it in order to go on living day to day as a normal human being. They are hiring you as-is during the interview. If you have sleep apnea then, it is quite alright to have sleep apnea later. I'd leave the box blank.
I'm a CNA (certified nursing assitant) which is a nurse's aide in long-term care. I've got to make this kind of short because I am due into work in half an hour. :)
To do this work you have to have a strong stomach, a sense of humor, a kind and patient heart, and sense enough to use your PPEs (personal protective equipment) and to lift properly (with your legs, not your back).
When I go into work I will pick up my resident charts and pass linens (nightgown + towels) for each of my 20 rooms. If I am lucky I will be working with another CNA. If I am not I will be by myself for the shift. I will go down each room and check everyone's brief or bed pad for incontinence. If the brief is not clean I will use soap and water and the linens I passed to clean them all up, putting on a clean brief at the end of course. Then I will pass out nourishments (snacks), get my TPRs (temperature, pulse, respiration), do my 3 showers for the day, ambulate the 10 residents that are on an ambulation program, check everyone for incontinence again/clean them up, transport everyone to the dining room, feed those residents who cannot feed themselves, transport everyone out of the dining room, and start transferring everyone to bed, dressing them in their nightgown and cleaning their face, hands, perineal area and anywhere else that appears dirty. Somewhere in between the hustle and bustle I will try to find time for a 30 minute lunch and a little bit of TLC for the residents. If I'm working with someone else I'll probably get to have my 20 minute break too!
Well, time to do what I just describe above. I wish you luck with whichever path you choose to take! If you have any questions you can always ask here or even private message me. Have fun!
Shel

Shel,

Thank you for the info you provided about what your daily routine is at the nursing home. How long have you been a CNA?? I am a pre-nursing student, but the program doesn't start until Fall '05; so in the meantime, I am taking my AP I and AP II and Micro until then. But I have chosen to sign up for a CNA course as well so that I can work in a LTC facility.

I can't wait....it's Tues and Thurs 5pm to 10pm probably until mid December. I have to go part-time due to my work schedule.

Any further advice you could provide would be great....Thanks for your time!!!

Deb

nontrad1964 · Aug 31, 2004

Before taking a job as an aide, interview the facility more than they interview you. If a facility is offering free classes to get certified it probably means they are having trouble keeping help. It is easy to get certified and if people really liked the place, they would not quit after their free education.

YOu can get a good idea on how good the place is by the online report cards available posted by the state you live in. Just do a search of "state name nursing home report card" and you should get something. Medicare.com is also a great place to look. Can sort facilities by state and county and check into staffing ratios they turn in to medicare, such as cna hours per patient per day and nurse ratios also. This site also gives state averages and national averages to compare it to, though I must say some probably fudge on their numbers to make things look good for reimbursement. You would be amamzed at how many run under state and national averages for patient care hours. It also gives them a safety rating based on inspection results.

nontrad1964 · Aug 31, 2004

Sorry, made a mistake in last entry. Its not medicare.com but medicare.gov. Just click on nursing home compare on the homepage and can get you where you need to be.