CNA job is SO MUCH HARDER!!!...

Published

Okay, Folks:

Last Monday, I started orientation at a rehab hospital that I got hired on to. Today, I am five days into training in the LTC unit I will be working on & I have to say - IT IS WAY HARDER THAN I'D EVER THOUGHT IT WOULD BE!!! I admit, many a times, thus far, I've wanted to throw in the towel. To just call in & tell them that I won't be coming back but I haven't because there is something (I'm not sure what, exactly), that keeps tugging on my heartstrings, a small voice in the back of my mind, encouraging me to stick it out. I honestly believe that this voice believes that things actually might get better someday...

How will I ever remember how the residents like their cares to be done? How will I ever remember to get all of the resident's cares done & in time for them to get a warm breakfast in their bellies?

Will I ever stop irritating the residents? I really don't like to cry every day because somebody snapped at me because I didn't do something right.

Will my charge nurse ever like me?

Will I EVER be a good CNA???

My fellow CNA's & CMA's & the nurses are all being really encouraging. Letting me know that it's overwhelming for EVERYBODY at first, ESPECIALLY if you are a first-time CNA. I know that they're SAYING this but do they really MEAN it???

Help me out, Folks!

Tell me it will all be okay!

:uhoh3:

-Becky

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A CNAs job IS hard , but it will get better! You sound like a very conscientious person. Hang in there!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics/Family Practice.

Whether you be a new CNA, LPN, or RN all of it is overwhelming in the beginning. You have to learn what the norm is for the job, and when you're dealing with people ( as in nursing) each one requires individual care. When you work in LTC, unfortunately until you get your residents schedules down they complain. Usually LTC has a high turnover rate for CNA's and the residents probably get tired of telling the same thing over and over. And if you deal with some dementia patients, you'll never make some of them happy. You sound like you're going to do wonderful, just hang in there and give it a chance. You will find eventually you will know what each resident wants before they do. Good Luck and welcome to the wonderful world of nursing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't worry, soon you will know each and every pts likes/dislikes, little quirks, family memebers etc.

I worked LTC for 15+ years. And many times when starting a new job in a new facility, I felt just like you. How will I EVER remember all these pts names, schedules etc. But soon enough, I could give the the ins and outs on each of the 120 pts in the LTC facility. Here it is so many years later and I can STILL remember a lot of the patients I took care of and who wanted what done what way, I still remember their family members etc.

Don't give up. Yes, its very overwhelming but it will come to you. Like with anything repetition helps the memory, the more you deal with the residents the more you will remember about them the next time.

Best of luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

I can't really give advice because I haven't become a CNA yet, but I hope it gets better for you! Are you working the morning shift?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

People there do want you to succeed, couldntbhappier. New people who settle into workiing cheerfully and reliably are worth their weight in gold! They know they are lucky to have you. You'll know it too. Please post when you do.

One trick I've used when I'm not liking what's going on is just taking a deep breath and smiling in the hallway. Whether on my way in to see a resident or out to get supplies, it relaxes me and the response from everyone is great.

People snapping isn't personal. In the role of a CNA, you are sort of a shock absorber for this part of their journey in life. Some people have very bumpy stretches and whatever you can do to help is important.

I also smile every time I walk out of the door at work because I can walk out.

Please let us know how you are making out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Mostly LTC, some acute and some ER,.

I have been a CNA in LTC for 5 years now. When I first started out I was a bawling mess for the first few months on and off. When I came there to work alot of the patients hated me because I was so young, and so did alot of the staff for the same reason. About the snappy patients . . . assess for the ones who can help how they act, and those who can't. I'm not trying to sound like I am a mean person, because I am not. I treat my residents with respect, but after working this long . . . I have decided that I WILL NOT be a punching bag for those just trying to be rude. I will tell them, "Apparently you don't want my help. Ring your bell when you are ready to be a little more decent toward me and I will come back and help you."

And finally, sticking it out truely gains the respect and friendship of your co-workers, and even charge nurses. Its a rocky road, and its never a walk in the park, but it does get better than what you are expiriancing now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ALF, Medical, ER.

Oh goodness I remember my first day. I remember driving home thinking "what in the world have I gotten myself into? I can't do this!!" But I went back the next day and learned some more. Then I went back again and learned some more. I was learning people's names, their conditions, their histories and their habits ALOT faster than I ever thought I would. Trust me it will come. You sound like a person who geniuely (sp?) cares about what they do. Stick it out. You will be glad you did. And you always have us to lean on! Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro.

You're new. You're going to be slow. Everyone knows you're new and slow, so don't beat yourself up about that too much. If the residents grump at you because you're new and slow, just apologize and assure them you'll try harder to accommodate them next time. After a while you do remember the little things about each of them, so things won't take as long. Also, try to cluster your care as much as possible. For example, when you get someone up, take them right to the bathroom and give them some privacy and a washcloth for their face. While they go, make the bed and pick out their clothes. This can save you 5-10 minutes which, when you add it up, saves you a LOT of time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Each time we work a new position, it can be overwhelming. I remember when I first became a CNA, my back, feet and sides were hurting. I didn't understand how people can be so quick with so many clients. After awhile, I was working just as well as they were. When I became an LPN, I went back down memory lane and said..."If I was able to survive being a CNA, I should be able to do this, too"...and I have (for the most part). Be patient with yourself...you will get accustomed to this.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ahhh...I remember being a CNA in the convy hospital way back in the early 90's. Worked in the morning shift. Back then, I didn't care. I had a job that paid pretty good (I lived with my parents back then and I didn't have the bills I do now).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi everyone, the reason unfortunately most finish quickly is because they don't give the residents the proper care they need. I'm new and just started a LTC facility on Wednesday 7-3 shift. On my first day the girl that was training me told me get the breakfast tray and give it to the resident, I then told her aren't you going to brush her teeth she said no it wasn't necesssary. other patients when it came to the bed baths, let me tell you I wouldn't consider that a bath. At lunch I actually saw one aide shove a resident a spoon of food in her mouth. I really hate the way I see these residents get cared for, you could see some when they enter the room have that look of disgust. I ask myself why they chose to be a CNA? do they think they won't get old someday and might just end up like that. I can't explain to myself how in the world some people could be so inhumane and cruel.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion