Discouraged CNA

[A_Nurse_Assistant]

I worked my first week in a LTC facility. The guy training me, he's obviously a very experienced CNA and one day when the shift ends he basically tells me I am doing nothing compared to him and the nurse on duty. This was sixth day ever as a CNA, I had been working on what I could all day, but then he just goes and tells me that I need to step up and makes me feel, well, really discouraged and it makes dread going back to hear that I am not good enough.

But my case is valid, right? I am willing to learn and get better, but isn't making mistakes part of the process?

[caliotter3]

Don't let him discourage you out of your job or you will never get the experience to improve for your next job. Each day strive to do better. When you go home at night, think about your day for a short time and try to identify at least one area where you can do better. Ask for specifics in your preceptor's criticisms and ask him how he thinks you can do differently to improve. By requesting specifics from him, you are precluding any attempts to categorize you based on poor first impressions. After all, your ability to catch on quickly is impacted by his ability to teach clearly and quickly.

[Murse4]

Wow, and this makes me wonder how people even got their job in the first place. Ignore him, he isn't paying you.

Don't let negative people ruin it for you. People usually get into this field because theyes love helping other.... this dude is working in the wrong field.

[VinTX2019, CNA]

Agreed! He's not demonstrating what a good effective leader should be. Criticism and complaints are one thing, but constructive feedback to do better is another, and that's what you and anyone new on the job truly needs and deserves. I always say you don't know what you don't know. Next time, ask him on specifics, so you could learn and improve on them. If he continues to discourage you without productive reasonings, then I would speak to the next level up at your facility. Committed CNAs are already getting shorter in supply and harder to come by in our growing industry. The last thing any facilities should do is by making their valuable resources to quit because they think they aren't good at their jobs. Don't give up. Work harder and smarter. Love to hear your progress!

[napswithcats, ADN, CNA, RN]

What you are going through is perfectly normal. The truth is that starting out, you WILL be slow, you will make more mistakes that will get on people’s bad side or frustrate them. People WILL be rude to you because you are either slowing them down or not leaving everything as the oncoming shift expects. Getting the hang of a new job is hard, but trust me you eventually WILL get the hang of it and will meet those expectations. It’s a process, it took me months to truly feel confident and not get on other co workers nerves lol, I use to come home crying! You will be fine, just stick with it and ask for tips and how you can improve.

[Jasmine Brooke Johnson]

Don’t let him discourage you. In my opinion, his statement wasn’t necessary. Instead of criticizing you, he should have asked you if there was anything you needed help with or offered you some pointers. I am a CNA and I know how it can be starting out. Keep your head up. You’ll get the hang of it and develop your own routine in no time. ?

[Queen Tiye, RN]

Did he literally say you were doing nothing? I’ve trained many a CNA/ PCA and I almost always told them they need to step it way up. Just step it up. If he’s telling you to move faster, it’s because you need to move faster. If he’s telling you to be proactive and anticipate resident needs to keep your shift moving at a good clip, then do that. Care at a long term care facility moves unbelievably fast for CNAs. If he’s an experienced CNA, then listen to his advice.

[T.TNurse]

wow, keeping trying! He shouldn't be an instructor if he is belittling the students. You've barely been there for a week...