Do I have to stop being reserved?

Poi Dog · Aug 10, 2011

I can understand how hard it must be for you. There are days when I wish my coworkers were quiet. There is nothing wrong with being quiet. It is not a reflection on you as a worker. I work with an LPN who is shy and she is one of the best workers there.

With the elderly I'll ask them questions about their life, family and just random stuff (if they like to read, about a show they are watching, favorite foods, etc). People like to talk about themselves and love a good listener like you.

I am the opposite of you and will talk to anything with a pulse .

I am sure that you make a great CNA.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Aug 10, 2011

I'm just like you and I don't really have a problem. As long as you're gentle and smile, people will be able to tell that you're just a naturally quiet person and not a jerk. And the patients are just like anyone else- some of them like the more boisterous CNAs and others like the quiet people like us.

I've found that I prefer working dementia over rehab. Rehab patients are a lot more "with it" and they expect a lot of customer-service type stuff and that's really not my bag. With demented residents I can relax and be myself without worrying about whether I seem awkward or if I'm saying the right thing.

northernguy · Aug 10, 2011

There are all types working as CNAs just like any other profession. Probably the only personality requirement is that you not be short tempered or hold grudges.

I find it easier if you use small talk and humor with the more alert patients/residents, especially if youre a male CNA, but its not like you have to be the life of the party. Like someone else said, different patients prefer different types of CNAs. Some prefer the more talkative ones, and others prefer you be as invisible and quiet as possible. With the dementia residents I think the most important thing is your tone of voice, facial expression and body language.

It seems to me most of the CNAs I work with who have been doing it for a long time tend to be really outgoing and talkative. I'm not sure if those are the personality types that last the longest or if people just become more outgoing the longer they do this job.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Aug 10, 2011

^I'm more outgoing on the job than I used to be. I used to just talk my way through whatever ADL I was doing and that's about it. Now I act goofy, make all sorts of stupid faces and gestures, and tell outrageous made up stories and gossip to my demented residents. lol.

mynhii · Aug 10, 2011

I really appreciate with all of your encourgement. I'm happy that I don't have to change to be an extrovert.

I find it easier if you use small talk and humor with the more alert patients/residents, especially if youre a male CNA, but its not like you have to be the life of the party.

I understand what you say. It seems like American women talk more than men, but men tend to use more jokes. Unfortunately, I'm neither one. I'm a male, but I don't joke around people. I speak softly, but I'm serious. But like you say, it's lucky for me to have patients who prefer quiet CNAs.

WKredz5 · Aug 10, 2011

You shouldn't worry about it one bit. If you feel like it is slowing your progress to becoming the best CNA you can be, get out of your shell day by day. Do one thing everyday that scares you. Here... this video might be of help

Cristae · Aug 10, 2011

As long as you do your job well and care about the resident, they will like you in return. Some residents may not get along with you well. But that's the same with any situation. Some people just don't get along as well as others.

blackbird singing · Aug 10, 2011

I think you will be surprised at how talkative patients/residents can be. Just keep up easy small talk with them! It takes some practice (I'm shy as well..) but just learn to ask questions about them, about something they said, something they have in their room, etc. And if all else fails, you can always chat about the weather :)

Good luck! I'm sure you will make a fabulous CNA! The simple fact that you recognize that you are a bit reserved is the small step in the direction of becoming more outgoing (at least at work). You will do great!

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · Aug 10, 2011

I am a naturally quiet person too. I listen, a lot! I can think of several times during a group conversation where I've had several people talking to me at once and not know who to pay attention to! Everyone knows (I guess!) that I listen. It used to bug me a lot that people would interrupt each other ALL the time! But when I had something to say, they never listened. After being a stay at home mom for a few years, I wasn't used to that! As for your residents, they will appreciate the fact that you do your job more than your conversation skills. In a way, you could sort of compensate your good work for your lack of conversation. Once they have been around you for a while, they will understand. When giving care, put on a smile first, then ask how they are doing. Small talk about the weather, they almost always have pictures in their rooms so ask about those, compliment their hair or clothes (everyone loves a compliment), ask how they are feeling and if they say something bad you can say "well, that's not very good" and get them to elaborate. That will also give you more information to report to your charge nurse.

I hope I didnt over-do this post, but I thought the same thing before I started. I even went to the library and borrowed a book called How To Make Small Talk or something like that. I was very nervous. I understand now that being a good listener is a very good thing. People like to talk about theirselves so just get a conversation started and they will take care of the rest. They have lots of stories to tell, you'll be glad you're a good listener.