Having a hard time at new Hospital CNA job

aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Mar 8, 2008

I think the best thing you could do is to talk to your coworkers. They are going to be your greatest resource for getting through the hump of learning a new job. They are going to know the tricks and the ins and outs to help you but if you don't ask, you'll never learn.

DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 9, 2008

Baby bluz,

I've been there and feel your pain. First of all, don't feel like a failure. When you are trying to get VS done on 8-10 pts and have 3 new admits, it is very difficult to get everything done by the end of your shift.

I did the PCA hospital thing for about 6 months. It was very hard and the workload was insane. I felt like I get run over by a truck at the end of most of my shifts.

But, that's why there are shifts. What you can't get done on your shift, will have to get done on the next shift or your nurses will just need to pitch in and help get it done.

Don't be discouraged.... You will often feel like you can't get everything done because of your heavy workload. Unfortunately, it's how hospitals operate these days. Do your best and be proud of your accomplishments anyway!

Best,

Diane

EmBeMap · Mar 9, 2008

I feel your pain as I am a brand new CAN working in a county ER. What I try to remember when it gets insane is to prioritize my care. For example. When I have 12 people to reassesment vitals on (we have do Q4h on everyone in waiting room) and im getting slammed with ambulances I pull the people im worried about going down (ectopic pregs chest pains high risk types) and make sure I get them and keep on rolling with the new people as well. So if you are one a flloor and you have criticals prioritze and then communicate with your nurse what you don't get to. I always base my decisions on best possible patient care. As long as you communicate with your nurse honestly and openly you shouldn't be afraid of getting snowed under. You are there to work as a team. Good luck and invest in good shoes and a good peppermint or menthol based lotion for feet and legs.

casi, ASN, RN · Mar 10, 2008

Talk to your co-workers, ask for help, and ask for tips on how to priotize. If a nurse comes up and says, "I need vitals on Mr. Smith." ask her "When do you need them done by?" or "I have to toilet Mrs. Jones and get her vital signs, can I get them after that?"

It's okay to ask for help and it's okay to admit that you are overwhelmed. And on occassion it's okay to say NO. You will learn the swing of things, it just takes time.

JaredCNA, CNA · Mar 11, 2008

I have been a CNA for 1 year. I have worked in a long term care facility and just this month got a job at our local hospital. I was so thrilled to be hired there. I am still happy I got the job, but I'm having quite a bit of trouble handling it.
It's not that I'm grossed out or anything like that. It's more the pace. It's so fast, fast, fast. I'm trying so hard to get a good routine going. But last night at 8pm vitals, I got three new admits! It set me back for the rest of the shift, and there was some work I was unable to get done. I felt really upset.
Has anyone had this experience, but then gotten used to it and ended up working out okay at a hospital CNA job?
I feel reluctant to admit this to my coworkers, because I don't want to be perceived as insecure. I just want to do the best I can for my patients, but I felt I failed last night.
I would welcome any input.
Thanks!

My very best advice is to seek input from your co-workers. Fellow CNAs where you work can offer time-management skills and all sorts of advice.

Also, don't forget that the nurses are there to help you out. Yes, they want may ask you to do all of their VS at 2000 but they are the ones ultimately responsible for that patient and they can usually help you out if you ask.

I use to take V/S and do I/O's on 30 patients every morning between the hours of 4 and 6. If they weren't done by 6 when the docs made rounds, they bite everyone's head off...but if you started earlier than 0400, they'd bite your head off. So that was 4 minutes in each room, to include putting the vitals in the computer and emptying foley bags, changing briefs, etc... which might have been possible if the other patient's weren't calling every five minutes for water, repositioning, etc.

To solve this specific problem, the nurses would answer and tend to all the lights while I was doing AM vitals and it really helped out a lot.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Mar 14, 2008

I would also watch the other CNAs to see what they do when they are in a pickle. Those that seem to have it together, ask them what they do, and you can even ask the nurse for time management suggestions. You are still relatively new, so, it is okay to be a bit behind at first. You'll be fine. Hospitals are very fast paced and unpredictable.

JaredCNA, CNA · Mar 14, 2008

Great suggestions from everyone.

Definitely don't fear being seen as insecure and discussion your issues with co-workers that you are comfortable around.

What I think of when I think insecure is when I see an aide running around with a chicken like their head cutt off, sweaty, anxious, "OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I FORGOT THIS! OH I'M BEHIND." And you know that the person needs help, but is too ashamed to ask for it.

baby bluz · Apr 27, 2008

This is a belated thank you for all your helpful advice and words of encouragement. Things have gotten lots better. There are still really crazy nights, but I have started to get into a better rhythm of getting things done. The other CNA's I am working with are amazing--really great team players and have been helpful in sharing their time management ideas. It's helped me a lot. Thanks again, all!

liljeepster · May 2, 2008

Have you ever thought about private duty or home health. It is SO much better. You get to spend much more time with each patient REALLY caring for their needs and also providing companionship.

The pay is similar to hospitals. If you look into be sure to find a reputable company. Tell them what your looking for, it they don't have it go to the next company.

Good luck.

Don't give up your intergrity just because hospitals are understaffed and have too many patients per tech. Ask your nurses for help. Most are good about helping. If there lazy...tell them they are.