First CNA job!

[secretsunflower]

Hello all!

I'm a new member on this site. I joined because I just took a job as a CNA on the oncology floor of a local hospital. The floor only has solid tumor patients, and the nurses who interviewed me said the patients were usually high acuity. I'll be on the night shift from 7 pm - 7 am. As this is my first CNA job, I have no idea what to expect. I just received my CNA certification a few months ago, so I'm very new. This also makes me extremely nervous. I am finishing up my prerequisites for nursing school, and would really like to work oncology when I get my RN, so I'd like not to screw this job up. Any tips from anyone about what makes a good CNA? What can I expect to do on my work nights? Any advice would be great.

Thanks!

[valliloves]

Congratulations on your new job!

[studentbear, CNA]

1) Focus on doing your tasks thoroughly, not quickly. Speed will come with time, just be patient with yourself.

2) Lift correctly every time. It only takes one bad lift to injure your back and put you out of work for temporarily or permanently.

3) Expect to be exhausted at first and make mistakes. This will get better, just do your best and take care of yourself.

4) Get some comfortable shoes!

Good luck :)

[fifiandclea]

Hello and Congrats!!

Im also a new CNA and I also work night shift 7p-7a. My first day was the last week of January so I have been a CNA for about a month now. Im struggling and it is hard but slowly Im getting used to the work. I work at a rehab facility and most of my patines are alert as well. Im still learning on how to do some skills but I ALWAYS ask for help so don't feel bad if you don't get something or mess up. I have been told by fellow CNAs and nurses on how to do something or if I forgot something. It's part of begin new... you eventually will get it and they won't have to remind you anymore. Im PRN so I don't work so frequently but with long shifts it hard not to get used to it. I recommend sleeping at least 4 hours before your shift and sleeping early the night before. I also recommend wearing comfy shoes ( nike shoes work :)! ) and bring a snack that you can eat at the nurses station. Bring a sweater because sometimes when you are not doing much it can get cold. Nights in my faciity are the easiest shift compared to the day shift... I have never done a day shift but they have a whole lot more to take care of. Most nights you just get calls for using restroom and mot patients who need showers don't want them since it night( they get cold). Also unless you need to collect anything from blood sugar levels or urine or stool specimen you just check for those who are inconnetent and refill there supplies or wipes or briefs if needed.And check on every patient if their breathing.I know it seems like a lot but every facility is different so yours might not be the same but it's around the same idea. Don't worry!! You will do great! Ask for help and you will eventually learn how to do it. Im new just like you-- no experience as a CNA or any other facility , my first ever job as a CNA and Im working hard but learning and it does get better Good luck!!

[lcalhoun]

What makes a good CNA is treating your patients the same way you would want one of your family members treated. You must have compassion for people even when they are unkind to you.

[secretsunflower]

Thank you everyone for your advice! I really appreciate it.