First day tomorrow!

[kungfu_panda]

Today was my last day of orientation and tomorrow I will be working by myself! I'm nervous! I'm scared that I'm not ready. I should be ready since I had 3 days of training, but I guess I just don't feel confident enough. I'm afraid I might cause a resident to fall cuz I'm not a strong person (5"1' 100 lbs) But the biggest worry is not finishing my work in time, especially in the morning. I'm still a little slow cuz sometimes I have to stop and think about what to do next, or I have to run back and get something I forgot. `sigh. Oh well, I guess I'm just gonna have to do my best. I don't even know which residents I gonna get...Wish me luck...

[macrich84]

Good luck! The first day is always crazy... But I'm sure you'll catch on in no time! And don't forget, just because you're done with orientation doesn't mean you can't ask questions or for help!

[JEisinger]

Good luck on your first day! You will be fine. Don't worry about being slow, just take care of your patients.

I am new at my job too. I remember my first night by myself, I was worried about the same things. Each day you learn and get more comfortable with what you have to do. For instance, I always stock my linen cart first thing and have in my hallway at all times so I save myself of having to keep running back to the supply room.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

No one expects you to be perfect right away. Or fast. So don't stress out about running behind the other aides. You'll hit your stride eventually.

Follow your instincts and ask for help if you feel uneasy about transferring someone. And make sure the resident is safe before you leave the room- is their alarm on, bed to the floor, pads or bolsters in place, etc. If you forget to turn someone or take their dentures out or something- no biggie. If someone falls out of bed after you didn't lower it to the floor, or their alarm wasn't on and they got up by themselves, then you have a bigger problem.