First day of clinical

[CNAstudentRN2B]

Hi, I wanted to share my experience at my first day of clinicals. It was described as just a tour, a day where we'd watch other CNAs at work and get an inside look at what is done during their shifts. We were told not to bring any equipment: our back brace, transfer belts, stethescope. We were also told we couldn't have any patient contact on this day because we were still waiting for our background check results. Some people in the class couldn't prove they were free of TB. I respected the rules and for most of the day I watched the CNA give bed baths, make beds, and helped bring food and at the end of the day was told to help feed a patient. I saw some of the other students lifting heavy residents WITHOUT back braces and some even told me they weren't given gloves or masks when being around residents with highly contagious respiratory infections. When we were called back to meet up with our teacher, she told us that someone at this facility was upset with us because we didn't do very much. We spent a lot of time observing. There were some of the people in my class that did A LOT and in my opinion way more than they legally should have. We were criticized for not doing anything but we haven't even yet done anything in lab, we've read our book but I really think we should get some lab work done before they trust us with residents by ourselves and especially without proof of a negative TB ( I had mine). I was talked down to and was made to believe I'll be a lousy nurse assistant but I believe that they put us and the residents in a dangerous situation, we don't have experience. Shouldn't it all be reheorificed in a lab setting? With a dummy and prop hospital beds? Does anyone agree? Or am I overreacting, should I have done more? It was my first day, I'm still learning how to do this job efficientally and want to do the very best. Thanks for any replies :)

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Shouldn't it all be reheorificed in a lab setting? With a dummy and prop hospital beds? Does anyone agree? Or am I overreacting, should I have done more?

Hi, there!

The only true way to learn to become a CNA is to jump in there to acquire the valuable hands-on experience. You are not going to learn much by rehearsing the skills in a lab setting on dummies. The best way to learn and hone your skills is by performing them on actual patients. As long as you err on the side of safety and always demand assistance as needed, you should be fine. Good luck to you!

[jelorde37]

i agree with commuter, but you guys were only supposed to be observing and the fact that you guys helped out a bit should be a complement to the facility and staff that you guys worked with. sure you can pass out trays, but lifting patients is considered direct patient contact and you guys were told not to have direct patient contact.. anyways, keep up the good work and remember to practice proper lifting technique.