CNA problems

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I am a new CNA, I love what I do and my goal is to become a RN. I decided to start on the CNA level get money/scholarship and use it to get into a good school. This is a new step in life for me becuase what I originally went to school for and degreed in, did not work out.

I was hired by a great place, but am having a really hard time after about a mounth of working there. The problems that I have is a lack of confidence, lack of help, and other things.

I think the first problem was that the nurse cordinator hired me new, and i dont believe that the place had a plan implented on hirering a new CNA compared to someone who had a year experience. also on the second shift, I feel that it is the worst possible shift for myself because there is no support for a new CNA. eeryone just dose there own thing. where as the day shift or first shift there are more people on and more support. I hae tred to tell the nurse cordinator about it, but it seems like iam bothering her. the NC just says, keep working the 3-11 and we will talk. I feel fustrated day in and out. I hate this because I need as a new CNA confidence and I am a hard worker and take alot of care and love of my paitents. I am looking for some adice and hope i can get some from CNAs and nurses.

..fustrated!

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for got to add i also went to be a CNA for patient experience.

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Sorry for the spelling...my computer sucks

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Emergency, CEN.

Hang in there! Being a brand new CNA or a brand new nurse is tough, tough, Tough at first.

Second shift is hard because of the lifestyle change you have to make for friends and family and it can feel lonely at times, BUT there are it's good sides. You get to sleep in or go out in the mornings and you get to sleep a normal night without having to turn your body around.

Find someone at work you can ask questions to about how they do things or some tips that they think will help you.

Good luck!! :cat:

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Yea being a new can can be really hard. I found in my experience that I would go out of my way to help my coworkers. I always ask if I can help and I think they like that.

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If you find yourself having a hard time, you need to remember that it's your supervisers job to ensure you're properly trained and equipped for the job. Don't worry about bothering her, you need to voice you problems to whomever can fix them. Learn as you go, ask for help if you're unsure, and do your very best! Good luck!

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Hospice, Palliative Care.

Please come and work at my facility! I'd love to work with a CNA who is willing to learn, work hard, and give good care. I'm a nurse and am weary of the silly divide between nurses and CNAs...we're all supposed to be working in synch for the good of the patients.

Second shift is hard if you are in a SNF; lots of admissions, families visiting, and sundowning patients kicking into high gear. There are many demands on your time, but please put safety first - if you need to use a mechanical lift and your facility policy requires two people (it should!), then don't move someone with out a partner. If that means getting your nurse to help, then do it.

Eventually you'll gain confidence, but until then, practice safely, even if that means slower. Good luck!

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maybe it's your approach in asking others to help you? i think you gotta kinda read people to know if they're willing to help you or not. and ask them in a way where it doesn't sound like you're demanding it. some people just won't help you though, even if you had offered to help them in the past or if you have asked them nicely. i just avoid those people. i make sure to check on others to see if they need my help, hoping they would do the same for me. but as far as your supervisors, they should definitely help you. there are some things that new nursing assistant just don't know how to do or shouldn't do on their own.

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I think its more how they bounced me around my first week I was paired with a guy who was ok buy way too busy to help, so I basically was stuck in a room watching a resident most times...the second week I was put with a cna who is good bit not a trainer, she seeems to just be ablr to handel her own assignment and was way to crazy to train. So I had to fend for myself again. The thirsd week my supervisor put me on dau shoft with a wounderfull trainer and pkenty of help. It did help me ouy trendously. The drawback was going from a day shift which is where I need to be as a new cna back to a hard no help second shift. Right now ots going a little better but still shakeu

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The way some CNAs treat new employees with no experience is disturbing. Being a CNA means your supposed to be compassionate, and if they arent compassionate towards a new CNA whose struggling, who knows how theyd act towards residents and patients if they could get away with it.

You'll find that CNAs who treat new employees well are generally the good CNAs who treat residents and patients well and go the extra mile.

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Dont be frustrated thats how some CNA are.they dont help. But go to the charge and say you dont have any help. She will take care of it. I am a CNA for 8 years so ive been there.

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.

Ugh!! I'm so sorry for you. I promise if you hang I there things will start to calm down, you'll get more comfortable and you'll feel better. Ask questions. Be specific. If you don't know go ask the nurse, seriously!! I know they're busy and maybe they'll be annoyed at first but you will become better and better and wo t have to ask so many questions. I found when the CNAs wouldn't help me I'd ask the nurses like " do you think I should put mrs smith to bed before or after dinner" or whatever. Get your patients who are willing into pajamas as soon as you can it will make your night easier. Also if someone is a min assist and incontinent stick em on the toilet and a lot of times they will be continent the rest if the shift. Also, multi task. When someone is on the potty start putting their Jammie's on. You can also fit a brief like it were underwear while they're sitting there so all you have to do when they're done is pull it up. You'll get the hang of it. Just remember safety first. Best of luck

"No day but today"

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