Cna job at nursing home

Mell101 · Aug 5, 2013

Hi, well congrats on getting the job. Um, in my opinion "not messing up" takes time. Orientation isn't so that you learn everything in 2 days. Orientation is literally to orient you about the job, the facility etc. Training is what prepares you before you start doing your job on your own. They cant teach you what your supposed to know they can only tell you, show you, and explain to you what their facility expects from you. My advice to you is time management. You have to be fast so that you can get all the residents done in time and your not holding other nurses back, because that can really get you a couple enemies believe or not. Hang in there! Good luck.

Mell101 · Aug 5, 2013

keke1982: I couldnt reply to your private message because i am new to the site, but here it is.

-In regards to charting, it depends the way the facility charts, on paper or computer. Most facilities do it through the computer. They say if it wasn't charted it's like it never happened. Once you recieve training they will let you know how they want things done. I suggest you to listen and take in everything they say. try and be independent these nurses arent there to babysit you. As far as what the nurse expects from you idk thats up to her every facility is different. Make sure to take notes. Dont think that working as a cna will go as smooth as when you did clinical. In nursing homes you have to take shortcuts and know that you will not get everything done by the end of the day. Also know that you will not always have all the supplies you need to get the job done. Your not there to make friends, trust me! Your there to learn fast, get the job done, and leave. Use common sense and build a routine learn which pts need you first, which ones are harder to do or easier. Since your new, take work home, meaning better yourself because you are on "probation". Dont ask to many questions. If you must then ask different nurses dont ask 1 nurse 100 questions, because she's really gonna go for your throat. And lastly dont be intimidated, if you look like a harmless little innocent nurse, they're going to take advantage of that. Be a good nurse but toughen up! its the only way you'll survive in this jungle called healthcare field. Good luck!

LightX · Aug 8, 2013

If you past your state exam, you'll be fine! Most of the job is common sense.

The only way you could "mess up" in a way that could get you fired is if you forget to attach a residents alarm and then they fall.

The best advice I got when I first started is to move quickly BETWEEN residents and slow down when WITH residents. Before you leave the room (the resident) double check that all safety devices (alarms/pads etc) are in place!!!

ruralnurse84 · Aug 8, 2013

I was in the same situation as you a month ago. I have been in the healthcare field for about 5 years and in nursing school for the past year but this is my first time actually working as a CNA. They gave me 4 days orienting to evening shift and then another 4 days orienting to day shift. I was freaked out the first day I was on the floor by myself but was able to get through it. I have found the people that are nice and will help me out if I ask for it. I realized I wasn't going to drive them nuts when they were ALL complaining about another new girl who practically had everyone do her job for her. Just find the people who are willing to help out if needed and continue to learn every day that you are there.