Did anyone feel this way when they first started working as a CNA?

mvm2 · Apr 22, 2015

I think that in health care you can never be 100% prepared for the job and tasks that is required. It is a learning process I feel that the classroom just can not give you.

Every job and place has there own ways of doing things. Yes some things such as O2 tanks and organization will be a learning process as you work. But every day, Every week that goes by you will get more confidance in your abilities maybe so much you will be able to do it in your sleep.

Just know you are not alone. Look at LPNs and RNs. They go to school for years and many are scared and feel unprepared for their job too sometimes. Just give yourself time and allow yourself to be an open book to your co workers who will teach you new things andtricks to get you threw.

peachescna · Apr 22, 2015

I felt that way too. I only had 3 days orientation in a nursing/rehab facility , every day was a new think that I never had idea how to do it. So it's when I became the aide of the aides . Sounds terrible but true . There was some thinks that cnas don't do . As I was told in class , but surprise !!!! You have to do them like the oxygen tanks and so so more. just to mention some

of the thinks and the way I feel

been self motivated has helped me a lot . Things I don't know I ask and then I try and keep trying

MVM2 has responded to you professionaly in general . Good luck .

hookyarnandblanket · Apr 22, 2015

Clinicals teach you the basics; the rest only comes with experience, trial and error, and making mistakes. Most people will be forgiving when it comes to being a new CNA on the floor, some will not, but no matter what, take it as a learning experience.

Everyone experiences moments of feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, even seasoned CNAs. This career field is rife with opportunity for things to take unexpected runs without warning, and this is where you have to be able to think on your feet. It comes with time and practice. Don't feel discouraged; you'll get there.

mirandaaa · Apr 22, 2015

CNA school teaches you the basics of the job, but work is what teaches you how to actually be a CNA.

In school you learn proper hand washing, oral cares, peri-cares, state laws to follow etc., but on the job you learn routines, different machinery, and how to be a CNA.

Totally normal to feel a little lost.

You'll do great!

tco12001 · Apr 22, 2015

I'll be starting a 2 1/2 week CNA class in May, any advice on what to expect?

FNP2B1210, MSN · Apr 22, 2015

Thank you everyone, your responses were very helpful. It's extremely overwhelming because this is a lot of responsibility. Fortunately, I have very helpful coworkers. I wasn't sure if anyone else started this job not even knowing how to do vitals since I wasn't thought it. I thought maybe the other CNAs were looking at me as if I was a lost cause. But your replies are very comforting.

FNP2B1210, MSN · Apr 22, 2015

Hi! Well the class is just that, a class. I found it very easy and mostly common sense. You're going to learn the basics. Like I mentioned, I didn't feel prepared after my course so definitely try your hardest in clinicals because that's where the class is really going to pay off.

MegGusta · May 5, 2015

I hail from Florida, and let me just say that the programs here basically intend to pump out ALF/Nursing home flunkies. I do not mean to knock what us CNAs do; it is an essential civic duty to our elders. However, CNA work can only prepare one for very basic and menial tasks due to the exam's nature. I spent four days learning all 30 something CNA skills and practicing on mannequins before I sat for the exam. I passed and the next week found myself caring for a real human that needed assistance with all ADLs. And I mean all. So I went home and cried everyday for the first week or two.

It can be very overwhelming walking into a CNA job, because people expect so much out of you and you may walk in knowing next to nothing. The fact of the matter is, you can do it and it will make you stronger.

lcalhoun · May 6, 2015

Expect a lot of hard work and sometimes being unappreciated. It's always tough to be a new CNA because you haven't yet developed a routine. Once you become familiar with your surroundings and patients your job will become easier. Also, treat every patient as if they where your mother or father. Make sure they look neat and clean. Take the extra time to straighten up the rooms. Appearance goes along way and the nurses and family members will know you do good work. I worked as a CNA for many years and just recently became a nurse. I perfected my job as a CNA and felt it was time for me to move up the ladder and become the nurse . I would suggest you eventually go back to school for nursing.

KayKaz23, LPN · Jun 12, 2015

I feel like during clinicals you really have to force your way into getting that hands-on experience. The first few days the CNAs I was shadowing would just do it all and I would watch but as we got further into it I would ask them to do it and volunteer for things. Then eventually I would just wait for call lights to go off and run in the room to help them. We did have some people in my class that didn't do that and they didn't get as much hands on. I was lucky to be in a facility that let us move around pretty freely though I guess. We didn't have to have someone standing over our shoulder the whole time. A lot of places may not be this relaxed.

Cakelady1 · Jun 15, 2015

I feel like during clinicals you really have to force your way into getting that hands-on experience.

YES. I really had to speak up during my clinicals. I had to volunteer, ask "May I do that for you?", etc. It wasn't that the CNA I shadowed wasn't doing a good job, it's just that she was so busy trying to get everything done that I'm sure it was just easier for her to do it herself. So, I simply started observing what she did at various times and started taking initiative and doing it myself the next time.