experienced CNAS give advice pls!

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I started my job at a LTC facility last night (midnight shift) and everything went great. She was pretty thorough in teaching me (the aid) and and I went home feeling pretty good about it. Well I am due to go back in tonight and it is just supposed to be me and another cna working the floor, who is an agency nurse. I am really nervous because I do not really know the residents yet. I have never given a bath by myself yet (using the machines) and am still practicing on things like rolling the bed liners to change them etc., I do think this will give me a lot of really great experience, But I also want to be safe. They are supposed to split up the facilty, she does half and I do half. But I do not want to do 2 person lifts by myself. I have a long career ahead of me and do not want to ruin it by ruining my back. Not to mention the fact that I could seriously injure someone if I dropped them, that would be horrible!:cry: So, I am wondering if it would be bad of me to ask the agency nurse for help with my lifting and baths. I will offer to help her with any of hers too of course, but is it unprofessional for me to ask that if the floor is supposed to be split? Thanks :jester:

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Specializes in ICU, ER, Hemodialysis.

You should always ask for help, when needed, and give help, when you can!!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

You have a long career ahead of you, don't do two person lifts by yourself. If something were to happen you would be held responsible. Offer to make rounds with her for those that need more than one person.

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I started my job at a LTC facility last night (midnight shift) Well I am due to go back in tonight and it is just supposed to be me and another cna working the floor. I am really nervous because I do not really know the residents yet..... I also want to be safe. They are supposed to split up the facilty, she does half and I do half. But I do not want to do 2 person lifts by myself. :jester:

They are letting you work solo after one night of training? Think about this. You are right to be concerned about the safety of the residents and your own physical health. Ask for help! Caring for residents is teamwork. It is not unprofessional to ask for help because no one can do everything alone. Some jobs are two-person jobs and that's all there is to it. By taking care of yourself, you are also taking care of every resident who depends upon you.

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Specializes in Nursing home, private care.

Always ask for help, no matter what! You will find that there are CNA's in this world that will roll their eyes as if it is so hard to help another human being...ignore them! God willing you will find yourself working with a great group of CNA's. Also, in my experience, just b/c the halls or floors are split up doesn't mean it's unprofessional to help or ask for help. It just means that at the end of the day, if something isn't done it will be you who get's in trouble. Most charge nurses, and "powers that be" do not care how it's done, as long as it's done safely, and nobodys complaining about another not doing their share.

Always remember your primary job is SAFETY, for you and your residents.

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The other aide actually did come in last night so they canceled the agency aide. BUT tonight I really do work with the agency aide (will be my 3rd night) so wish me luck. Our charge nurse told me the guy that they have coming in is really creepy, kind of perverted, with poor personal hygiene. She said some of the residents have complained about him and even she and the cnas have taken issue with him to the DON. She told me if I need help, not to even ask him, and she would help me with any lifting or repositioning. She also is going to split the halls, because he is known for not doing all his work. And at least that way, my job wont be on the line if something doesn't get done that he said was done.

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BUT tonight I really do work with the agency aide (will be my 3rd night) so wish me luck. Our charge nurse told me the guy that they have coming in is really creepy, kind of perverted, with poor personal hygiene. She said some of the residents have complained about him and even she and the cnas have taken issue with him to the DON. She told me if I need help, not to even ask him..... he is known for not doing all his work. And at least that way, my job wont be on the line if something doesn't get done that he said was done.

I wonder why the facility that you work at doesn't tell the agency that they don't want this guy working for them? Seems to me if the residents complain and other aides complain, that something is not right.

But good luck to you. I'm sure you will do fine.

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I wonder why the facility that you work at doesn't tell the agency that they don't want this guy working for them? Seems to me if the residents complain and other aides complain, that something is not right.

But good luck to you. I'm sure you will do fine.

I think everyone is wondering the same thing.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

As everyone said, do not do 2 person lifts alone. And, if the other aides do not assist you, tell the nurse. I suspect you will be finei.

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