Clinicals?!

[helloporcelain]

I'm more than halfway through my CNA class and the first day of clinicals is tomorrow! I'm oddly nervous. What should I expect? All advice is appreciated! :)

[mvm2]

I'd say every class is different at what they experiance. From your instructor in how she likes to run the clinicals to the place that you are in might have different rules.

I had my clinicals at a vets home. It was really nice, but sometimes we sat around waiting a lot as well because you could do nothing on your own without your instructor in the room extra. But we got there around breakfeast time and we helped pass trays out, and maybe help the residents open something. Then we helped clean tables and chairs afterwards. Then we were able to give a shower, foot and hand care and I helped shave a resident. hope this helps and enjoy the time. It truely is the first eye opening to how things will be. We had one classmate that after the 3rd day quite the class and said CNA work was not for her.

[itsnowornever, BSN, RN]

ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT EVERYTHING...but not in a pestering "Why" two year old way...intelligent questions---why log roll this patient, was there something I missed regarding his spine? How is the treatment we did on pt X different than the treatment on pt Y (when they have similar diagnosis)...etc

[MommaTy]

I remember my 1st clinical at as a CNA student. Like you knew what to expect, but what you saw was like an eye opener. For example, I knew I would be cleaning people so I would see them naked. But the 1st time I washed a patient I felt odd, like I was invading their privacy. But right after that 1st one I was fine after that. Be patient, lots of residents are confused/forgetful/dementia etc. I always introduce myself to those residents every time I see them and explain what needs to be done. Give them options when they are getting dressed, like this or that shirt. Try to let them do as much as they can for them selves as possible (they don't use it they lose it). I love being a CNA, but excited that I just got accepted into the RN program for fall 2013. I have been a CNA since 2004 :) Good luck, either you will love it or you will tolerate it. Smile smile smile, trust me a happy out going personality and they will appreciate you so much.