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

margaretptz · Jun 8, 2007

Hi Couldn'tbehappier,

I am a RN student albeit a very old one :) But I started a CNA position this week actually PCT and it is hard, very HARD. I felt pretty incompetent and really slow, but already it is getting better. In fact I think physicaly CNA's work harder than nurses. No flaming please, I really don't have much experience.

Anyway hang in there, it will get better. One other told you CNA, LPN or RN it is always overwhelming at first, I have heard that too. You sound like a kind, caring person and that is what is needed in LTC. Your residents will eventually understand that. You have to remember at their age they usually aren't fond of change and some may just be cantankerous, but don't take that personally, those people are cantankerous with most everyone. They are scared and lonely and sometimes bitter that life didn't go the way they would have liked. Hang in there, you can do it.

Margaret

meant4me2 · Jun 19, 2007

I remember when starting as a CNA in 95 that it was in my best interest to use every sense that I had and to make sure they were fine tuned!! Always watching, listening, observing(near and from afar), learning to be the one to ask the 'question no one wanted to" lol...:wink2:

I will never forget the first day of "clinicals" in the nursing home...they were like.." ok...he needs a bed bath...I was scared to death. I remember feeling deep sadness for this particular patient(he had swelling w/edema) in his testicles, and he was terminally ill(but we didnt know that at the time). I couldnt believe they sent us in there for his care. It was even harder coming back 3 days later and finding out he had passed. I will never forget those early days as a CNA and will remind myself of that when I become a nurse.

Trust me, if you are a steady eddie and have curiosity and work ethic..they will find work for you...just be steadfast and learn from those R.N's and LPN's they are your allies...in the spirit of learning seek them whenever possible..and you never know when you will need those extra pair of hands!!

dalgo11, ADN, CNA, RN · Jun 21, 2007

My first assignment as CNA was a hospice pt with only three months to live. When I started at a LTC, my shift was 7-3. I finished my 8 patients last. There were showers for some, bb and breakfast. The aides on my shift complained I was too slow. Then I found out why they were faster than I was. They were cutting corners.

sgregory0020 · Jun 21, 2007

Hello, I have been a CNA for 3 years and I felt the same way! You will be okay once you get a routine and learn your residents. Take a piece of paper and do some research of your residents and when you go home look it over and try to remeber names and faces! Residents are or can be snappy sometimes because for one they felt left out and not loved so if you feel that they are being not nice just think they are there all day and you get to go home ! So they are seeing new faces all the time! Nothing is ever regular for them!

DeeDee143 · Jun 30, 2007

Well isnt this refreshing :). I can really relate to what people here are feeling. I just graduated from LVN school and waiting to take my boards. I quit my collection job because I was burned out and took on a full-time days CNA position at a LTC/Rehab. I worked in acute hospital PRN, but it is a big difference! There are days when I say. "Why didnt I just keep my other job until I passed my boards". But some little voice also says to hang in there. I have some unhelpful co-workers as well. I have to keep my mind focused on what Im there for and the is the patients.Thanks needed to vent!

Im feeling so

hikernurse · Jun 30, 2007

It will get better and you will get faster. Really :). When I started as a CNA (then LPN and now RN) I felt so slow and clumsy. It really helped when I felt overwhelmed and that I wasn't doing well to remind myself I was learning.

Another thing that helped after each shift, was thinking of at least one thing that I had done better that shift--whether it is doing a task faster or spending extra time with a patient who needed me. That was a good way to mark my progress.

DEBDEB803 · Jun 30, 2007

I am currently a CNA for 8 years in LTC and 6 years in acute care setting at my local hospital. I work on med/surg unit and the hospital setting is so much more different than LTC. I am trying so hard to pass the entrance tests to upgrade for LPN AND RN, but so far I haven't had any luck especially with the math part. I have taken the NYC board of Ed test, VEEB, and boces. I think because I've been out of school so long is the reason and I find the entrance exams hard. I've thought about RN programs but all my local colleges in NYC, Queens have a waiting list. I may consider N.J. any suggestions?

SHELL75 · Jul 4, 2007

Just Remember Being A Cna Is Not About Speed. The "elders" Will Talk About You Like A Dog For Being Slow, But Your Patients Are Taken Care Of Much Better Because You Took Your Time. Most Hostility And Aggressiveness From Alzheimers And Dementia Patients Comes From An Aide Trying To Rush Them.

cuddlesrose · Jul 4, 2007

First let me assure that being a CNA is very hard. If you treat your patients with the love care and respect that you would like any one of your family members or yourself to have, then you will do well. Some days I feel as though it is a thankless job. For the most part as long as I see a pt smile, laugh, or make a tiny improvement. Then I know that I am doing well at my job. Do not go in expecting your PCC to do any of your work! If you have good nurses and they have time then they will help you. Unfortunatly, they are bogged down with paper work and have no time for hands on. I have been an aide for 7 years and am currently going to school for my LPN, surg tech or therapy tech. The reason I have 3 are you never know what program will be open or what limitations are in the works. Thank you for letting me sound off. Good luck

chasingmydream · Jul 11, 2007

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!

-Becky

maybe we should get your charge nurse and my charge nurse together, and lock them up ? mine is unbearable. really. she is. im completely down in the dumps and dread going into work, not cause of patient care but because of her. and some co workers. why are they all so cranky ? Normally i get along with people, but my gawd, the drama there, ugh

1lollipop · May 22, 2008

I'm interested in becoming a CNA (I'll using it as a stepping stone towards nursing school later on). However, I have also twisted the posterior tendon in my foot about 3 months ago, which still hurts when I stand on it for long periods of time. Therefore, do CNA's ever get a chance to sit down (even for a couple of minutes) while working or is this frowned upon/impossible, etc.? I'm trying to get all the exp. I can get.

walkingon, CNA, LPN · May 22, 2008

Hi Becky, I am a STNA at my first LTC job just a few weeks now too. It IS very hard, but the time goes quick, no? Listen to that little voice in your head...it's your intuition speaking. With experience, it's going to get better for both of us. PM me anytime if you want to talk about it or just vent. :smilecoffeecup: