First day ever as CNA tomorrow!

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Hi all~ I'm new to posting here although I've been reading along for a month or so now. I've learned a lot just reading here :) I read a lot about getting that first job and things to ask. So that was quite useful! And I got the job! :yeah:

My first day as a CNA is tomorrow at an LTC facility. I did my clinicals and state test in Sept 07 and right now that feels like a LONG time ago! I'm switching careers from something about as far away from nursing as you can get and all this is completely new. At the moment, I'm pretty nervous about tomorrow.

The admin and DON who hired me know I have no practical experience and I asked for as much training as they will give me. They liked me a lot in the interview and I pick things up quickly. But it's intimidating right now! I've read threads about how hard the first day and few weeks are. Anyone have any good stories to share? How you didn't think you were going to die that first little while? :D

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Good luck to you on your first day. You'll do great!! :redpinkhe

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Specializes in CNA: LTC.

Good luck! I wish you all the best in your new career!

Mike:)

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

Best of Luck to you in your new career!

I am a business degree graduate who has gone back to school for nursing and am currently a CNA. It is the BEST experience you can get! I was so nervous at first, but the more you do it, the more comfortable you will become. I am in my sixth month and even though it is backbreaking work, I absolutely love it and am so happy that I have changed my career. I hope you will feel the same!

Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC.

Good luck and enjoy!

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Thanks for the well wishes, everyone :)

It was an interesting day! Sort of thrown to the wolves in some ways. I shadowed the lead CNA and some things I really liked, others I'm not so sure. It's been awhile since I did my class, so I seemed more a total newbie than I am. Some folks were nice and welcoming, other CNA's didn't talk to me the whole shift. The girl I was working with didn't introduce me to anyone, I did that as we went. I had to ask her around lunch time who was the nurse on our floor. A few people made kind of snotty comments to the new kid because I called something the wrong name. Oh well, thems the joys of being the noob, I guess.

One of the things I didn't like was how the two CNA's in my section just ignored the residents when they worked together to change or dress someone. They just took clothes off or did things without talking to the person at all and that seemed odd to me. No explain the process there, just yank off the O2 and get on with whatever. And really no conversation with the residents who will talk. This is the rehab floor, so most of them are fairly independent.

I had to ask about everything. I've supervised people and trained staff for years in my old jobs, so it's second nature to me to talk my way through a process and make sure they get it. The girl I worked with is young (22) and doesn't have that skill set yet, so it was a challenge to get what I need from her. I work with a different girl tomorrow.

I know I'll catch on quick enough but it's wierd being in this position of knowing NOTHING about what everyone else thinks is basic.

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Specializes in LTC, MDS, Education.

NM, second day will be better......and a little easier. Keep us posted!!:yeah:

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Sort of thrown to the wolves in some ways.

Welcome to nursing! :D

It'll get better and hopefully you'll love it!!!

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