Help!! questions on more CNA training?

[nj37]

Started CNA class in March and got license certification in April. I haven't looked for a job yet because I'm scared I don't have enough hands on experience. My clinical was very short. The only thing my instructor said I needed work on was my BP readings, but I feel like there were other things she should have gone over but didn't. She said she will work on them with me.

Did anyone else feel this way after completing their CNA class? I'd like to volunteer at nursing homes, hospitals, and/or hospitals for more job shadowing, since I don't think I'm ready to get a job yet. What are some options I might have for more training? Refresher courses or CEUs? Please any advice would be appreciated!!

[AzDeb]

Congrats on becoming a CNA! I think a lot of new CNA's feel that way. I finished training and didn't start my first CNA job for almost 5 months. If you can find a LTCF that will hire new grads, you will be shadowing someone for probably the first week or so. Everything will come to you. You learn and get better by just diving right in! You will do fine. Good luck!!

[nj37]

Thank you for replying and wishing me luck. I think I'm gonna try to volunteer at the hospital and a nursing home soon. I just have to do that around my work and school schedule. I'm probably gonna look for a job after that.

I hope you're right!!

[soxgirl2008]

You'll be shadowing someone for a little bit when you start a job...The longer you wait to get a job the less fresh you'll be and the less you'll remember from your CNA class. Most CNAs feel overwhelmed when they first start, its normal, but the only way to get more real hands on experience is to get a job. The volunteer work you'd be doing is probably going to be a lot different than CNA work, so it might not help that much.

[lillymom]

I agree with the above poster. Go ahead and get a job because that is the only way you will really get any idea of what it is like. They should give you orientation when you get a job and most places won't leave by yourself for the first couple of days or so.

It seems to be, with the healthcare field in general, there is no school work or clinicals that get you fully prepared. My teacher would always say "What I am teaching is not written in stone and I am teaching the ways to help you pass the test. It is never like class in the real world so remember that when you start working."