Help, I'm scared as he** about my new CNA job!!!!!!!

Scrubby · Mar 4, 2008

I can't tell you what to do but i can offer some advice and my own experience. Cleaning up poo, vomit and changing continence pads isn't exactly fun but it is a basic skill that is required of EVERY nurse out there. It's generally expected once you have graduated to be already competent in this area. At some point your going to have to learn to do these things, now wouldn't it be easier learning when your a CNA, or when your under the enormous pressure of being a graduate nurse and having loads of new skills to master? I found working as a carer a valuable learning experience because it gave me the opportunity to learn these skills so i wouldn't be too far behind once i graduated.

When i graduated i worked amongst other graduate nurses who had no idea on the basics. They struggled a lot harder than me because they had to be supervised and needed more training.

So it's up to you. Would it hurt even just doing one or two shifts to see if your able?

Jess_Missouri_RN · Mar 5, 2008

Aside from fast food in high school, working at a long term care facility (nursing home) was my first job, at 19. I went that route because 1) I had a friend who was doing it and 2) because I love nursing.

It wasn't/isn't easy by any means, you are always on your feet doing something. I was scared to death too and wasn't sure if I could do it. But once I got in and started, I really had a good time. I didn't have much vomit but poo, yeah, a lot, nightly. But honestly (at least for me) it didn't bother me as much as I thought it would. I think it even made me stronger to handle such things. I was proud of myself for sticking it out and working.

I find it very rewarding. I have since moved on from CNA/NA to Unit Clerk, which is what I do now, just the other side I guess. I dont get the hands on like CNA/RN but I get all the labs, doctor orders, charting, etc. At times I find it boring and wish I was out on the floor with the other CNA's, I want to jump up from my seat and "get my hands dirty".

But, I will keep this job for now b/c I am getting great experience with paper work.

At any rate, all you can do it give it a try and some time. I found that once I was on my own with my own pts I sailed and did good.

Dont give up with first day or even the first week, it's scary but give it some time before you decide.

fan1008 · Mar 5, 2008

Thanks for the great replies so far! Anybody else got something that they would like to share? It will be greatly appreciated and thanks!

MaineEMT2RN · Mar 5, 2008

I don't quite get how you can say it's almost like you're forced to work as a CNA. The decision to take the CNA class was yours. After having provided your training, you have an obligation to provide CNA services to the facility that trained you. So you don't want to clean up poop. Who does? But if thousands of other people can handle it, you can to.

In everything I do (EMT, CNA, Nursing Student) I always try to remember that this patient is someone's family, and this helps me respond to them the way I would want my family to be cared for by others. When my parent or child needs care, I want them treated with dignity and respect - that's our mission. Would I want my loved one clean and comfortable? Absolutely! So I will deal with my patient's blood, poop, urine, etc., immediately and with every bit of dignity I can manage. You have to let go of your stuff to genuinely provide CARE for others.

fan1008 · Mar 5, 2008

MaineEMT2RN,

Your right, It was my choice to take the classes. At the time, I was desperate for any job because I had to make the due dates on my bills and second, I had to clear my record. I was fired from my last job which minimizes my chances of getting another job. I decided to just go for it because everything was in my favor and by me getting accepted into the cna class, I was almost guaranteed a job afterwords. I didn't start to feel sour not until I did my clinicals. Maybe my thought process was off. What would you have done in my situration? Appreciate the replies so far and thanks again!!

eccentricRN · Mar 5, 2008

I was like you when I began clinicals for the CNA program... I was so not ready for changing diapers, etc... However, I quickly learned that if you barely separate your lips & breathe through your mouth, it makes smells much more bareable & you don't offend anyone. Just remember that you can make the difference in someone else's life... you will make the difference between embarassment & respect. Treat everyone as you would like to be treated yourself... and realize that everyone poops, pees & vomits at some point in their life. If you couldn't take care of yourself, how would you want someone to help you care for you??

Good luck it takes a little getting used to, but eventually it's just another task, it may also help to talk while you work... I talk nonstop to my residents when cleaning them... it take my mind & hopefully theirs off the task at hand.

tigerlilyrnstudent · Mar 5, 2008

:wink2: I understand completely what you are feeling........I was the same way when I first started. It took me a while, but you will get used to it. After a while, your compassion and desire to want to help will develop even more and will allow you to handle BM's much better. I have heard that wearing Vick's vapor rub, just a small smear, under your nostrils will help a little and sucking on an Altoids mint, as far as masking the odor. The altoid's mints are very strong. You could also wear masks, BUT DO not wear the same mask in every patient or resident's room. :nono: You will have to put a new mask on every time you enter another pt's room, due to infection control measures. Good luck!

fan1008 · Mar 6, 2008

Wow, this forum is great, thanks for all the replies so far. That Vicks and the mints is a great idea, thanks alot. I feel much more relieved now going into this. I think you folks gave me enough confidence to go into this.