New CNA and nervous!!

[Laura CNA]

Hello. I'm new to this forum. I just completed my CNA school and just got offered a job working at a nursing home. I accepted it and did my drug test; and now I'm waiting for the background check to come back. Anyway, I'm super nervous about starting my new job. I became a CNA because I love helping people in need and Imore pretty sure I can do the job, but my problem is my confidence. I'm so scared of failing in my job. Or not being fast enough quick email enough. And a lot of the patients can't speak so it's hard to know what they need, especially when I don't know anything about them. For instance, today I had to feed a patient that was completely paralized, couldnt move a muscle in her body (she can chew pureed food) and she can't speak. She makes noises sometimes. anyway, she moved her fingers a little towards her throat and I kinda got scared and got the cna that was training me because I wasn't sure if she was choking or not. (Also I've never been around someone like that before so it was completely new to me). I didn't mind feeding her at all but it made me so nervous. Im sure I overreacted, but I wanted to be sure. The other cna said she understood my fear and that I would get used to it later on. Can anyone give me some advice on knocking these nerves? I know I can be confident eventually, and I know that comes with time.

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

It sounds like you're doing great! You did exactly what you should do: doing your job, and asking questions when you need to. As you see and experience more, things line this won't feel so scary; in the meantime, challenge yourself to take care of different kinds of patients, and always ask if you're unsure of something. You're going to be great.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Welcome! We have moved your thread to our CNA forum for more responses.

[Missingyou, CNA]

What you are experiencing is pretty normal.

You are right, confidence will come with experience and getting to know the residents you are taking care of.

You will learn what works for them and what doesn't, the ways they communicate even if they are non verbal, etc.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, we have all been in your shoes at one time or another. You may run into an RN or another CNA who isn't as patient with your questions, just don't take it personally. ...at the same time, trust in what you have learned and the fact that you ARE certified! You got this!

[Tiff47]

Hello. I'm new to this forum. I just completed my CNA school and just got offered a job working at a nursing home. I accepted it and did my drug test; and now I'm waiting for the background check to come back. Anyway, I'm super nervous about starting my new job. I became a CNA because I love helping people in need and Imore pretty sure I can do the job, but my problem is my confidence. I'm so scared of failing in my job. Or not being fast enough quick email enough. And a lot of the patients can't speak so it's hard to know what they need, especially when I don't know anything about them. For instance, today I had to feed a patient that was completely paralized, couldnt move a muscle in her body (she can chew pureed food) and she can't speak. She makes noises sometimes. anyway, she moved her fingers a little towards her throat and I kinda got scared and got the cna that was training me because I wasn't sure if she was choking or not. (Also I've never been around someone like that before so it was completely new to me). I didn't mind feeding her at all but it made me so nervous. Im sure I overreacted, but I wanted to be sure. The other cna said she understood my fear and that I would get used to it later on. Can anyone give me some advice on knocking these nerves? I know I can be confident eventually, and I know that comes with time.

[OliveOyl91, BSN, RN]

The nerves will go away as you gain more experience. Soon you'll be a seasoned veteran giving new hires tips and advice. Working in a nursing home is very physical work. I did it for more than 2 years before being hired on at the hospital. I love the personal relationships you can build with your long-term residents. Soon you'll remember everyone's name, who's diabetic, who's on which diet, how everyone takes their coffee, and little quirks that make things go by much more smoothly.