I feel like I don't belong

[TinyAide]

Hello!

I know the title sounds like a total drag, but honestly it's how I'm feeling. I'm a CNA at a med surg/ortho/nuro step down unit. Becoming a CNA is something that took everyone (including myself) by surprise, and I like what I do. I've only been doing it for less then a year, so I know I still have a lot to learn and have tried to dive feet first into everything and am soaking it all in. I get along great with most other CNAs and nurses, and I feel I work with great people (there's ups and downs, but that's no matter where anyone works I figure). As personalable as I feel I am in any setting, I feel like I just don't belong there. Is that a normal feeling? People have told me that they go in and out of ruts like this. This field is so new to me (I come from working retail/food service) and I'm so amazed how some of these people have worked all over and I wonder is that really a possibility for me as well?

[cduenes41]

Give it time?

[Wiggly Litchi]

Hello!

I know the title sounds like a total drag, but honestly it's how I'm feeling. I'm a CNA at a med surg/ortho/nuro step down unit. Becoming a CNA is something that took everyone (including myself) by surprise, and I like what I do. I've only been doing it for less then a year, so I know I still have a lot to learn and have tried to dive feet first into everything and am soaking it all in. I get along great with most other CNAs and nurses, and I feel I work with great people (there's ups and downs, but that's no matter where anyone works I figure). As personalable as I feel I am in any setting, I feel like I just don't belong there. Is that a normal feeling? People have told me that they go in and out of ruts like this. This field is so new to me (I come from working retail/food service) and I'm so amazed how some of these people have worked all over and I wonder is that really a possibility for me as well?

Don't worry, Tiny! I think a lot of this stems from needing to build your confidence. You feel out of place because you're new, and that's ok! I can bet that anyone who hasn't worked in food service before would feel incredibly out place if they were suddenly forced to work in that field, regardless of what credentials they had.

I felt like a fish out of water when I first became a CNA, but I felt so much better a year later. I had the same feeling when I started a new job as a tutor at the local community college - I was surrounded by so many scholars it made me nauseous because I was so nervous! I'm far more comfortable now :)

Maybe if you still continue to have these feelings, try a different unit or another facility? Sometimes a change of scenery is needed until you find somewhere that suits you :)