There are so many things us grizzly, seasoned CNA's would love to tell you! Feel free to add any, but here are my two cents:
1. Please don't complain that you don't make that much. Guess what, neither do we! Don't believe those colleges that charge you thousands to become an aide and then guarantee you job placement. Sure you will get a job. Just not a good paying one.
2. So you wanna work at a hospital huh? No way you would ever go to the "stinky nursing home?" Come back in six months and let's see where you are.
3. Those CNA's don't even put square corners on the bed! Believe me, once you've been a CNA for years you don't go step by step through the skills. You have to get your patients looking(and smelling) good. There's time to make the bed look good (sometimes), but not "bounce a quarter off it" good.
4. Everyone is so mean, right? Get used to it. The stress of having to clean, bathe, change, feed, and anything else that comes to mind for 15-20 patients will put a little bit of stress on ya. Use these magic words: "Can I help with anything?" Even if you're done with your work, just ask. We'll love you for it.
Being a CNA might not be what you expect, but I guarantee that once you see the smile on a residents face or have one kiss you and tell you they love you it will be worth it. Sometimes we are all they have left in the world and it is our duty, no matter how frustrating it might be, to put on a happy face every day and BE NICE! It might be your grandmother, your mother, or even YOU one day!
....3 months down the road..I think am still a fairly new CNA in the geriatrics Ltc environment:igtsyt: but I couldn't help but smile. It is very true what you say. I couldn't apprehend half of what was being done or had to be done on a whole shift but, I stayed quiet, learnt my ropes, helped as much as I could, eventually got my own assignment and figured out how to manage my time well..ie, which resident to do when and what works best with me. I guess am doing an ok job coz am orienting someone on Sunday - already! :) :[anb]::loveya:
Thanks for getting back to the real advice for new CNA's instead of just making fun of them! I am still in clinicals but will soon by a new CNA....
By the way - at the risk of being ridiculed - why is it so annoying when people ask about the state test? I have a bachelor's degree and I love school, but have been working in a completely different field, and I, too, am nervous about the test. I think it's natural to be nervous when doing something you've never done before and to look for some feedback/encouragement. Is there a better place to post a question like that so it doesn't bug anyone?
I think part of the problem with these questions, is that a lot of people don't bother to see if their question is answered in an older post first.
I believe that is good forum "etiquette", I guess you can call it.
That way you're not asking the regular members to answer the same question over and over again.
Also, I suppose you could call it "paying the price for another's sin". It is far too often that posters will practically ask to be spoon fed what will be on tests (or darn near expect everyone else to do their homework).
but I couldn't help but smile. It is very true what you say. I couldn't apprehend half of what was being done or had to be done on a whole shift but, I stayed quiet, learnt my ropes, helped as much as I could, eventually got my own assignment and figured out how to manage my time well..ie, which resident to do when and what works best with me. I guess am doing an ok job coz am orienting someone on Sunday - already! :) :[anb]::loveya:
Vegemite
31 Posts
Dear new CNA's
Oh wait..I'm still a new CNA