First Day as a CNA

Hi Monique, I feel your pain. My name is Doris A and I am the program Director for Blossom Nursing Assistant Training School in Kent WA. Do not let the attitude of your preceptor discourage you from achieving your goals of becoming whatever you want to be in life. My students feel the same way you are feeling right now on their first day of clinical even though they had some receptive preceptors that they are shadowing. The best part of this is that they get the hang of everything they need to know about caring for people by the end of their clinical orientation at the Nursing home which is usually the fifth day. Keep going on and focus on your learning. I started from being a CNA to RN BSN. Your goal is achievable!

Hi Monique,

I have been a CNA in both ltc & hospital settings for last 8 years so I will try to give you some advice. I did screw up my back and cant do patient care anymore but I do still work at the facility and provide help to the residents however I can within my restrictions. Being a CNA is a hard but rewarding job and not everyone is able to do it.

First off, you should not know everything in one 12 hour shift. No matter how long your schooling was - every facility has different policies, procedures, & routines. The facility I am currently employed at has a 2 week mentoring program but if aides need more time they can ask for it. If you feel like towards the middle/end of the week you are going to be needing more time then talk with the HR dept./person. Also if you feel like the person mentoring you is not a good fit, ask to be put with someone else. Like I said some people are CNAs that shouldn't be & not everyone that is a good CNA is a great trainer but a new employee shouldn't be doing patient care by themselves if they do not feel completely comfortable & ready. Also I see that you will be doing 12 hour night shifts (overnight? or 3-11?). Personally, I feel that day shift is the hardest shift (at least at my facility) but 11p-7a is a close second because although people would love to think our residents sleep, some don't and the patient load is higher.

When you are on your own assignment just remember to breath, if you get overwhelmed don't be afraid to ask for help. Take it person by person and establish a routine for yourself. Make sure that before every shift you know the transfer status of all the people you will be taking care of, if they are contient or not, etc. Things can change from shift to shift (or you could be in different assignments). Get report from the previous staff but don't rely on that, also look it up wherever it is at your workplace. Make sure you have your supplies & just know that you will be okay. I also stress to the girls here that if a person is a 2 assist but maybe they are doing better one day or you cant find someone - it doesn't matter, you need 2 people. I know reality is that sometimes its hard to find &/or get help but if you or that person were to get hurt because you don't use the correct transfer method/amount of people, you can get 1)fired, 2) workers comp denied.

I felt like you did at the 1st place I worked as a CNA (also was certified there), I only worked there six months. Honestly, most people love it at that facility but I didn't. The thing is you need to just give it your best shot. Yeah it sucks I am in pain all the time now but I have made some of the most rewarding friendships & relationships with families & residents doing long term care. I love it a lot & will be sad when I am no longer working here.

In PA the ratio for CNA to patient can be 20 patients : 1 CNA on any given shift according to pa department of health & although I've never had 20 in LTC, I had 16. I've also routinely & the girls/guys currently working have 11-14. It is hard to give proper care to people when the ratio is that. Sadly, I do not think it will be getting better so I always advise the staff to just give the best care they can, ask for help, & breathe. If you have any other questions please let us know.