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Discussion

First day as CNA

So yesterday was my first day at a LTC facility and I feel like I had such a bad day. I may be over exaggerating because most of the day was pretty much good. When I first got there I was so lost, which is common I guess. I felt like everyone thought I was dumb because I kept asking where things were and when I had to report something to the nurse they'd tell me to ask a different one, but I don't know anyone's names yet so I was just as confused as I was before :unsure:

The one thing that I've been thinking about all day and is the reason I'm writing this post was a situation that happened with a patient and their family members. I saw her light was on and I came in to ask what she needed. She needed to use the bed pan so I went ahead and got her all set up to do so. When I put her on they told me that she was on wrong, even though she looked perfectly fine to me, and they told me to get another NA because it doesn't look like I know what I'm doing (they knew I was new here). I got another NA and that NA looked confused on why I even got her because I didn't really need her, the family just requested it. All she did was just reposition her a little so maybe the family would be a little happier. Then that NA left and I continued working.

I gave her her hand wipes, toilet tissue, and her call bell and asked her to call me when she is all finished up. I also asked if she needed help cleaning up because I didn't know what she is capable of doing. I guess the family interpreted that as me saying "wipe yourself" and they started yelling at me saying "she can't do that herself!". All I was doing was checking if she could or not, I am more than happy to help if she cannot :/ This is when I started getting nervous and stressed and I knew they could tell. I also had another patient across the hall that had called me that needed her diaper changed. So I gave my current patient the call bell and went to the room to help get her diaper changed. I finished up quick and went to the room I was just in with the family.

When I got in there they started saying I had left her there for too long and I was with them first. I was just trying to manage everyone I had as best as I could. Well while I was gone I guess they were complaining about me asking other NA "why I don't know what I'm doing". I finally finished up and a little later another NA pulled me aside and told me that the family had complained that I didn't provide enough privacy. I know I pulled the curtain first thing when I started assisting her with the bedpan but family members kept coming in and out so I guess the curtain got pulled back a little when that happen. I wish they would of told me when this was happening because I just could of pulled it back a little more again instead of them going and complaining about me to everyone :(

It was just my first day and now I feel like no one is going to take me seriously because of this and because of how lost I was at the beginning. All though I did a good job with all my other patients I can't stop thinking about this. I start nursing school this fall and I'm already doubting myself, I know I probably shouldn't but any advice on this situation would be great!

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    • Admin

    First of all, is this your first day period or first day off orientation? If first day period, where was your preceptor? And if you weren't given orientation at all, then that is one huge red flag.

    The thing with working with people is that you can't please them all. There will be those that can't be pleased ever, and it sounds like this family is that type. It could be that they feel guilty about the fact that they've placed family in a care facility. It could be there are family dynamics at play. My advice is to realize that those who can't be pleased exist, and let this situation just roll off your back. It'll get easier with experience.

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    I think you did a great job. It is always tough like that at any new job. I wish the family would have been a little understanding. That would have made a huge difference.

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    • Author

    This was my first day off orientation. Although when I was in orientation I was on the morning shift (7-3) on a different unit and I worked 3-11 on my first day off orientation so many things were a lot different and confusing for me. Thank you for your advice it really helped!

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    It sounds to me as if you are caring, kind, compassionate, and very hard-working. (((((gentle hugs))))) Today sucked; hopefully your tomorrows will be better. Try to grow a thicker skin and not let what people say get to you too much. Like said above, by the very wise Rose Queen, you can't please everyone and you will only make someone mad trying. Please yourself.

    On your days off, take a spa day, go to the gym, walk outside in the sun listening to your favorite music super loud, spend the day in jammies, watching junk tv....whatever makes you feel good. But relax when you're off and dedicate yourself to self-love and self-care. Leave work at work when you clock out, even if it's hard at first. It will get easier. It will get better.

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    You did nothing wrong. You sound like a conscientous CNA and unfortunately got paired with a patient who has difficult family members. They probably picked up on your newness - it's like chumming the waters for persnickety people. Part fear, part taking advantage of your reasonable sense of self doubt (which is not at all a weakness - I'd rather staff be unsure and ask questions them half-ass it and leave problems unaddressed). You'll meet many more like them. It gets easier as you gain experience and feel more comfortable calmly diffusing complaints. For now, continue judiciously referring to your colleagues for support. Validate any concerns, but reinforce that you're doing your best for the patient, e.g. "Bedpans aren't very comfortable, are they? I'm sorry. If you're in pain I can let the nurse know, but for now let's get you freshened up and in a more comfortable position."

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    Congratulations on your new career. I would say be focus on your goal and that is to finish nursing school and be the best nurse. People can be so rude at times and I know it bothers you but its times your going to give your best and to them its nothing. You have got to have tough skin and those nurses and cna you work with after I would have told the supervisor how you felt. I would have helped you knowing that you are new. The family is just looking out for their family member and since they are not a CNA they will never understand your point. Go to work head held high and keep your goal in mind on the hardest days because your learn so much that will help you in nursing school

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    You've received some good advice. The only thing I can add is to READ THE CARE PLANS. Also, ask the nurse about residents whenever you get switched to a new hall. A lot of times the aides will switch halls, but the nurses rarely do.

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    Ask around to see if the family has a reputation- many intense family members are well known to seasoned staff. I try to not send newbies in alone when the family is in the room.

    Maybe because I work with a highly disabled population I'm jaded but the whole "here's tp & handwipes" from CNA school is 100% inaccurate. I've never had a patient on a pan who could perform their own pericare.

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