What was your job training like?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Just wondering what everybody's training process was like once they got hired as a CNA. How long did it last and did you follow somebody around the first few days? I am extremely nervous about dealing with residents for the first time and wondering if we are expected to jump in there with the knowledge that we've learned from the CNA course or will they give you some tips and specifics of how everything is to be done at their facility?

Specializes in ICU. Med/Surg: Ortho, Neuro, & Cardiac.

Oh, I also had a day of general orientation, but that's like where every nurse, every CNA, every cook, and every housekeeper are all in a room for 8 hours with one 10 minute break and a 30 min lunch and they just talk about hospital policies, parking and whatnot.

Then I had one day of classroom orientation for CNAs which was half how to take VS and stuff we should already know and the other half was getting signed off as "competent" on our skills.

I thought you were only asking was floor-specific training was like. That was Baptism by fire. :angryfire

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We did all the clinicals when taking our class. Everything seemed hunky dory, the aide took care of 6 residents. Seemed nice. First day out of the clinical and actually as an aide was what they call Baptism By Fire. LOL 19 residents, shortstaffed. I think every class my first nursing home put through lost 90% of the people in their first week of actual working lolol.

:lol2:

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Specializes in ICU. Med/Surg: Ortho, Neuro, & Cardiac.

Yeah, we had 14 graduate our class for the hopsital, and I know of only 4 of us still working here.

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Specializes in geriatric care.

A little of both. You will get some training on respecting privacy (HIPA).

It also depends on the facility you are going to work for. Places like

nursing homes are often so short staffed you have to get right in and

work without alot of training. Just review the skills you learned in your

CNA class (like changing beds, or helping someone from the bed to a

wheelchair, ect.) and do it that way for any of your residents that need help.

Everyone is afraid the first few days of any job. Just remember how much

the people you are caring for need you and do your best. Good Luck

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i have found orientations to vary widely. I find the classroom part could be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks, and completely boring and repetitive, but i do have experience and so it would only be normal that i feel that. it should be benefical for a new comer. the actual training on your unit varies as well. I would suggest you make it clear and understood you have no experience and are nervous, and NEED training, dont be afraid to ask any question. find out in advance how long you can remain in training before you are put on your own. dont be bullied! if they should try making you do something you arent comfortable with GET HELP! never hesitate to ask for help. if you dont any, just ask again. you will do fine, and god bless!

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Specializes in RN- Med/surg.

I had 3 days following a nurse. FIrst day not allowed to touch...just watch. Then 2 days with a CNA...then on my own.

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I don't want to scare you off but my job training was sporadic at best. The nurses would always try to place a new CNA with their best CNAs so that they would learn the right procedures. However, even with the best, you will see the shortcuts and ways to get around things that sometimes go on. Just keep in mind that you will adapt to the job and find a way to do your tasks that suits you. Beware the person that orients you and spends too much time gossiping about everybody. That is a very bad habit. There is a difference between talking about the residents' habits and their needs and idle or malicious gossip. Good luck with your new job.

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Specializes in geriatric care.
I don't want to scare you off but my job training was sporadic at best. The nurses would always try to place a new CNA with their best CNAs so that they would learn the right procedures. However, even with the best, you will see the shortcuts and ways to get around things that sometimes go on. Just keep in mind that you will adapt to the job and find a way to do your tasks that suits you. Beware the person that orients you and spends too much time gossiping about everybody. That is a very bad habit. There is a difference between talking about the residents' habits and their needs and idle or malicious gossip. Good luck with your new job.

She is so right!!

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