Fresh CNA Job in Hospital

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Hello everyone! I have a few questions. I just got my Nursing Assistant certification a month ago and I was lucky enough to get hired on at one of the biggest hospitals in my city. My long term goal is to get my BSN so I am really thankful that I will be getting this hospital setting experience but I am NERVOUS! Everyone I have talked to at my new hire paperwork seminar has had years of experience in a LTC facility. From looking at forums on here it seems like everyone has had LTC facility experience. I only did 3 clinical days during my class. I guess my question is, has anyone on here been hired as a CNA right out of class into a hospital with no experience? Also, what kind of things will you be doing? The more details the better!

Thank you in advance! :)

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What you'll be doing will depend on what unit you're working and the size of the hospital. I work in a very small hospital but I can tell you that there are days I may only have 4 patients assigned to me, but I may not get a lunch break because those 4 and the other patients keep me that busy.

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I'm working on the general surgery unit, 12hr shifts 7AM-7PM and the hospital is very, very big lol.

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Specializes in none.

You will do fine. Stay confident and get in there!

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Specializes in None yet..

Congratulations! That is quite an accomplishment and a credit to you.

I think it's safe to say that the learning curve of any CNA is extremely difficult. Healthcare seems to always be seeking to maximize profits no matter how many human beings it needs to put through the grinder to fuel its drive. I would expect that you'll be exhausted, overwhelmed, confused and filled with self-doubt on many occasions.

Just get through it. Remember that your employers saw something special in you that made you worth hiring, new and inexperienced. Trust that they will allow you time to learn through an apprenticeship period and if they don't, move on and count yourself lucky to get out. Don't kick yourself for being a sprout, keep in mind the CNA (and nurse) you will be.

And celebrate your accomplishment. WOOHOO!!!

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Congrats! I just got hired straight into a hospital as well (currently in nursing school and no LTC for me either). It can be very overwhelming, but a lot of the skill comes through repetition. Patient safety always comes first. It is also very helpful if you can shadow someone during your orientation so you can see their methods and shortcuts for getting things done.

Time management and prioritization are your friends, do the best you can to organize your day before the shift starts and then adapt it as needed (something will always get in the way of your best laid plans). I use a post-it note with the room number written on them along with the tasks i need to do for each patient in that room; then cross them off as I go.

Do not be afraid to ask questions. No question is too stupid, especially if you are worried about doing a procedure correctly to ensure safety! And ask for help if you need it, everybody on the floor was once a newbie too ;)

If you work the day shift you will probably be getting vitals, blood sugars, setting people up for meals, bathing patients, emptying foleys, helping them to the bathroom without the patient triping over their O2 or IV tubing...I swear half of the learning curve is keeping cords untangled and pushing the right buttons on the bed!

I still get overwhelmed (about 2 months into the job), but it is so satisfying going home and knowing you made a patient's day even a little bit better. And it really is awesome experience for nursing school, you will be well prepared for your first clinicals :)

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