CNA orientation questions & some others

[chicagoing, ADN, RN]

Hi there. I was just accepted to start an ADN program this coming fall semester 2011. I received the CNA certification in 2009 and have not yet worked as a nurse assistant. I would like to get some clinical experience under my belt before I start, but am a little scared that I will not remember all that I learned from my class. It's like a catch-22...I need experience to feel more comfortable, yet I'm not comfortable enough to even attempt to gain this experience.

I genuinely enjoy helping and taking care of people, so I am not concerned about actually enjoying the job. However, I don't have all the skills down pat anymore.

In orientation, are the trainees generally able to shadow other aides? Or move at a slightly slower pace? I consider myself a bright person, but it seems as though the older I get, the less confident I feel about things I am uncertain of (such as skills).

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[chicagoing, ADN, RN]

Hello? Bueller?

Did anyone here go through orientation or is it an urban myth?

[Kitsey]

I just finished day two of orientation. There are 5 different areas in the facility so they set me up to orient on all of them, starting with the easiest (rehab) and ending with the most challenging (Alzheimer unit). I'll get 2 days each on the 3 easier units, then 3 days each on the two hardest. (12 days orientation total). I am part time so I'll float around where ever I'm needed after that. For my first two days I followed the CNA for a few cares, then preformed a few on my own while she was in the room with me. Now I'm on to the next area so that CNA may do things differently One thing I am noticing is that I'm watching people preform cares, but then being told to make sure I do it another way when state is around-lol

[patrobinson]

There are three units at my place. East, West, and Memory Care.

It's day four for me, and I've just been following around CNA's that work there for 4 - 8hr shifts.... doing nothing but watching what they do.

so I feel it is very slow paced for orientation.... I have 10 days of orientation before I am let loose on my own.

[chicagoing, ADN, RN]

Thanks Kitsey and patrobinson. I was just thinking (irrationally) that a new CNA would be let loose the first day and be expected to be doing the work (at a quick pace). The skills themselves I could probably feel comfortable with after a few days, but I am terrified of not being able to find what I need when working.

[cna23]

I only had 3 days of orientation, and on the second and third days the CNA that was working the floor."got sick" and they put me on their assignments. Which kind of sucked because I was a brand new CNA

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Where I work they generally have you follow the same person around on the same unit (but different assignments on that unit) for 2 weeks, then you're on your own. After 6 months or so they will start having you work other units, but they rarely train you for them so you just have to ask someone else what you're supposed to do.