3 day orientation?

FutureRN-GA · Aug 31, 2014

Well I haven't worked at a nursing home in years but a 3 day orientation may be general orientation (facility policies, skills checkoffs etc) or it may be 3 days of orientation with another employee. If its with the employee you will just be shadowing them mostly, so you can learn the schedule for the patients, the facility, and assisting when necessary. they will basically be showing you whats required of you when you are working on your own.

Tim92 · Sep 2, 2014

I remember during my 3 day orientation the first two days I shadowed an employee then the third day I did most of the tasks but they shadowed me and would help me up if I got confused or had problems. Also, the three day orientation was not enough for me because it was my first nurse aide job and I felt lost. If you feel that way, simply ask your new supervisor of you can have more orientation days.

Missingyou, CNA · Sep 3, 2014

Where I work, we have 8 day's of orientation. First and most of 2nd day is policy/procedures, and mandated inservices.

The rest of the time is spent shadowing another CNA.

I would sugguest the first day of shadowing, do just that (if possible), just shadow. Pay attention to where needed items are located, paperwork, schedules such as meal times, etc. Use the rest of your "shadow" time actually doing the tasks, and ask them to show you tips/easier ways to do things.

You will eventually get to know your residents and what works for some CNA's may not work for you...you have to find your own "niche". In the meantime, TAKE THE ADVICE OF THE CNA'S as far as time management (unless it's a safety "shortcut" like "don't use a gait belt" or "don't bother raising the bed.

EVERY SINGLE CNA I've trained did NOT raise the bed when providing care. When I corrected them, they would say, "it takes too much time and my back is strong. It doesn't bother me". :nono: You may feel fine now, but you gradually destroy the muscles in your back and sooner or later there will be an injury!!!

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK!!!!!

funtimes · Sep 3, 2014

Most likely it will be paperwork and maybe some classes followed by shadowing a CNA and having them supervise and help you while you go through a shift.

3 days is actually on the short side. My LTC orientation lasted a few weeks and was almost like taking a CNA course over again. We even had to be signed off by a physical therapist on wheelchair transfers and mechanical lifts before we could do it on residents.