got a job as a cna!

[NursingIs4CoolPeople]

I start orientation this thursday and friday and im super nervous and excited about starting work, because i have no idea how i got the job, seeing as i don't have a cna license, (i finished fundamentals of nursing, going to go to ob next week) and hired me with that.. i'm really nervous because the things i see done in the hospital by a pca is quite different then what i learned in school, any tips i would be especially grateful for, and especially from the male cna's out there, thanks!

[rancelumsden]

Since you're starting out, can't give you real tips other than to pay attention to everything. Learn what you can. Carry a notebook around with you (small one that fits in pocket) all day, every day, and take notes on whatever you think is helpful.

Unlike CNA's in LTC, you will work hand-in-hand with the nurses. Be attentive, be on time for your shift, work the shift, and life will be good. The only real difficulties I saw with CNA's were with those who called in, were late, long lunch, poor work ethic. If you're trying your best, others will see it and you'll work together.

It didn't really matter that I was male. I would run into an occasional patient that wanted a female to do the more 'personal assistance' required or didn't want me to do an EKG on them. Just don't take that personally and you're fine. I would trade patients with other CNA's when we ran into something like that. Actually, some male patients would do the same (didn't want a female working on them).

I didn't find CNA's doing things differently than what we learned in school --- we simply did a whole lot more dealing with the various devices in hospital.

Just work hard, take notes, admit you don't know something and ask, be respectful, and you'll get respect in return.