Entry level CNA (first job)

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Jun 5, 2018

Be ready to work, hard! Show up on time. and ready to roll. Learn as much as you can by watching, observing, and asking. Be a team player. try not to get caught up in dramallama!

Good Luck!!!

bayarea123 · Jun 8, 2018

Don't be surprised if nurses are not doing the skills "the book way". Depending on where you work you may feel overwhelmed at first working with patients with varying diseases such as dementia and etc.

Don't take things personal from the patients.

Ask for help if you have ANY doubts. Its your CNA license on the line, and even your patient's health is on the line.

I was lucky to be trained by a great CNA mentor!

verene, MSN · Jun 9, 2018

Be prepared to work hard. Show up, be responsible, ask questions/ask for help as needed, and do your best to treat your patients and coworkers with kindness and foregiveness. Remember they are all people too.

The first few weeks will likely be very rough - it's hard work and a lot to learn in a short amount of time. It gets better - so don't give up! Make time to care for yourself.

I typically brought a sharpie, a pen/pencil, and had an employer provided "brain sheet" in my pockets at all times. Otherwise - water bottle and snacks/lunch that provide you with energy to get through the shift.

Cakelady1 · Jun 11, 2018

Report everything to your RN. If a patient's BP looks even slightly off, report. I learned that the hard way.

Missingyou, CNA · Jun 18, 2018

Wear scrubs with lots of pockets to stash everything, paper, pen, A&D packets, garbage bags, and anything else you grab on a trip down the hall to save yet another trip down there!

Drink lots of water, being a CNA is a workout! It will give you energy. Bring healthy snacks and a healthy meal so you aren't running out to get something. Your break time is your time to recharge, you shouldn't be running anywhere on your break.

I agree, don't take anything personally. Not from your patients and not from coworkers. Be patient and professional always. Not a nasty word to even your coworker, who is now your friend too, about other coworkers or patients....ever. stay way from any and all drama. There will be plenty of it, I promise!

If you are asked to help, you shouldn't say no but, you may have to say " I can help you after I finish with.....". It will make your life easier, trust me.

nightlightnurseaide · Jun 19, 2018

Start out on the night shift, and before you start looking for a job train your body to sleep during the day. Hopefully your family will be supportive if you choose this method. I think it's the best way to get your foot in the door without scaring you away

blackmamba123 · Jun 20, 2018

When I did my CNA classes back in the day, they included good body mechanics. Adhere to those to the best of your ability. If they didn't teach you that, or if you need a brief refresher, there are several videos on the internet that you can refer to. You're very young now, so it may not feel like it makes a difference. But it definitely will in your later years. Congratulations and good luck to you!

marvman · Jun 20, 2018

Welcome to the world of being a Certified Nursing Assistant.

It's one of the most difficult jobs one will ever get, but the rewards are great and the satisfaction of a job well done even greater.

I started off as a Nursing Assistant, passed the state exam, became a CNA and after 3 months, got promoted to CNA Lead.

You will have to work your butt off and do things the right way (utilize a gait belt, ambulate correctly, apply barrier cream/theraworks after incontinence episodes, and have great constant communication with your charge nurse).

This is primarily a stepping stone to being an LPN/RN, the skills you learn as a CNA will carry over to other medical professions you earn in the future.

Best of luck!