Feeling really unprepared

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Hello fellow students and CNAs,

So, I've got my written exam for the course on Thursday. I've done really well on all the practice exams and am about to go study my butt off some more.

What's freaking me out is that I am realizing how much I still don't know after taking this class. We did a little of this and a little of that in our lab and practiced a few things in clinicals, but overall we didn't do a lot of repetition of anything. Even though I know the sequence of steps for different procedures, I know I don't move fast enough and still don't have the best body mechanics, etc.

My question is, when you train a new CNA, how much do you expect them to know/be able to do on their own? I am lucky enough to be in line for a CNA job where I work currently, and I know my co-workers will be patient and want me to do well, but I don't want to waste their time on stuff I'm supposed to already be able to do, either. I guess I'm just wondering what to expect and hoping that it's not the end of the world if I still need to practice some stuff with their supervision...

[Abigail612]

Where I work usually a CNA espeically one just out of school usually has two weeks of orientation, the first day or two they just follow and observe and help out here and there. Then after a few days we give them a few patients to be responsible for and to do charts on and we then towards the end we end up spliting the wing three ways (usually only split 2 ways) so that they can get a feel for having an actual assignment while still having my partner and I helping out and giving advice. Just do your best and make the effort and you will do fine :)! Good luck!

[mindyfromcali]

My first job as a CNA was probably the hardest place to work for so far. That being said, I don't think anything will prepare you for being a CNA as much as hands on experience. If you get plenty of orientation, that does help. Just be patient, pay attention, try not to be too hard on yourself, and be open to any suggestions from your coworkers. Big hugs :)

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Thanks, Abigail and Mindy! Feelin' a little better now. :) I should be OK as long as I can observe first and then help. My preceptor in clinicals was having me actually do all these things I'd only tried with a mannequin before, and I think she thought I was a real dud. So hopefully that won't be the case after growing into the job a bit!

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

The best way to get used to it is to do it. For me the biggest adjustment wasn't the actual procedures we learned in class, but figuring out how to juggle everything I had to do in the few hours that are available to do them in. And as someone else said, when you are new you get orientation, so there is always someone right there for the first few days. Are you currently working in housekeeping or something? If so you have a jump start already since you know the building and the residents' names. Good luck!

[gummi bear]

On my first CNA job I had one day of orientation, and then I was on my own because the facility was understaffed. You'll get the hang of it eventually and develop your own routine. Most CNA work is common sense. But, if you ever need help, or if someone asks you to do something that you've never done before, or you're just unsure about something, then speak up. People will appreciate it if you're willing to learn, as opposed to not asking for help and screwing things up.