I almost sent someone to the EMERGENCY ROOM. I'm so terrified!!

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I am really needing some advice or positive thoughts PLEASE. :no: I just recently got my first CNA job at a really nice SNF. I had 3 days of shadowing which didn't seem too bad. But my first day on my own was a whole different story. I got my list of residents and tried to read up on all of their conditions, problems etc, but there was SOO much information I pretty much forgot it all as soon as I left the nurse station.

My biggest concern is hurting the residents. I am SO scared of accidentally hurting them and sending them to the emergency room. I have already made some mistakes I hate to even admit. There was one resident (I had another CNA with me to show me how she usually helps the resident so the CNA positioned her wheel chair like usual) that I was helping to stand at the toilet and her leg hit part of her wheelchair and she started saying "owww" so I lowered her backdown and she started crying. The other CNA said, here I'll take care of her, you go get the other call lights. I almost started crying, I couldn't believe I just hurt someone on my first shift!! --Later that CNA said that it happened to her on her first time with that resident too, which made me feel a little better.

THEN I was walking down the hall and saw a call light on a room that wasn't mine, but I went in anyway to help out. The resident was shouting "HURRY HURRY I'm not going to make it" So I rushed in to help her to the bathroom, she was practically running to the toilet and she rushed me so quickly that I didn't notice she had a feeding tube underneath her oxygen tubes in her nose. She said that it was pulling so I ran into the other room and got the stand so that there was slack. OMG. So then I ran to get the nurse to check and make sure the tube wasn't pulled out. The nurse came in a measured the tube and said it was fine and that it wasn't pulled out and she said "Good thing your feeding tube wasn't pulled out or I would have to send you straight to emergency" OH MY GOD I almost caused a resident a trip to the ER on my first day!!! I'm not an idiot, and it's not that I don't care, there are just SOOO many things to remember and it's so easy to forget them during a stressful time when a resident is rushing you.

I instantly burst into tears the moment my shift was over. I can't handle the pressure. It is SO stressful to have somebodies safety and well-being in your own hands. If something serious happens to a resident and it is MY fault I don't think I could ever forgive myself. Am I too weak to be a CNA?? Is healthcare really not for me??

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

First of all....BREATHE.

Next, it was your first day.

Moving forward, have a system of organization down; also, make sure you are rounding on your pts, especially checking when they are on a toileting schedule-which is usually eveyone. :yes:

Get to know good body and safe handling when toileting and moving pts; you will eventually find a happy medium when handling pts.

In LTC, you are the eyes and ears for the nurses; YOU didn't send the resident to the ER; and personally, things will happen, even as much as one tries; some residents are so antsy that they will fall, pull everything, or get sick, or end up having to go to the hospital; it HAPPENS, ok?

(((HUGS)))

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Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I just can't believe how scary it feels. So intimidating, when you don't know their usual habits and things like that. And the residents always seem to have a favorite CNA, like " Jenny knows how I like to get ready for bed, go find Jenny." That's another thing that's got me down. I HOPE I can figure out moving the patients safely... In school it seemed so easy! They should have warned us in school how scary it is at first and that everyone goes through it!

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I am telling you right now, elder patients are not use to change they like it their way lol They are use to "jenny" but give them a little time and they will be requesting you (: lol. And my first day a lady hit her leg on the wheel chair and gashed her skin... she had such thin skin I almost cried I felt so bad but the other CNA said it is a weekly occurrence she kicks her leg out and it happens. I am not saying to not be vigilant and careful but realize things happen. It takes time to adjust! Do not let it get to you!

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Thank you! I'm so glad "it happens" that what the other CNA said too, she said it happened once where her leg got gashed and that it happens all the time because of the way she puss out her leg. I wish there was a better way to do things, but you have to have the wheelchair so darn close.!

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Oh things do happen! I was picking up a resident's immobile hand and my fingernail nicked her skin. She now had a new skin tear (her skin tears so easily!) I was so upset but told the nurse and she said things do happen - just remember this and wrap it up next time. There are a lot of close calls on a daily basis and you have to know that you are doing your best. Keep their safety in mind first and keep going. First days are REALLY hard! We have all been there!

Hang in there!

Brook

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I would have died if I made someone bleed. But I'm sure it might accidentally happen eventually. I should probably trim my fingernails before my next shift!! Thanks for the insight!

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

You seem to be very caring. These things happen. It takes a while to get to know the residents. You are doing fine.

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Specializes in MICU.

The easy way to remember is when you're given a list of your residents, jot down a little something about the people you don't know anything about. Example, "C" for continence e.t.c. Ask the nurse or another CNA about a new resident. If you feel you're not sure how a resident transfers, ask for help. I hope you work in a friendly place.

Trust me you'll be fine. My first CNA job was in a nursing home, it was and sometimes still is scary.

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Specializes in Varied.

Asking those around you for help, especially when you are nervous or freaking out, will do wonders for you. You'll learn invaluable information from those already working there, and it may help your nerves to hear shortened versions about your residents.

Relax, you've got this!

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Awwww... Its nice that you are very mindful to the patients. It was your first day. You live and you learn. Do not fear asking your fellow CNA's for a hand! If you have any doubt that you cannot do the job by yourself... ask for assistance! Its how you learn what you can and can't do in some senses. If you ask a CNA for help and they something along the lines of "Oh thats simple... just do this, and dont forget to lock this", then it stays with you and you may not need to call them again.

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Specializes in Emergency and Critical Care.

I would like to add to the already very encouraging statements you have received.

First, YOU CARE, that is why it upsets you. Second, a little bit of fear is healthy it makes you stop and think before doing. Third, WE HAVE ALL BEEN THERE. As someone said earlier, before long they will be calling your name, and you will wish they were calling Jenny, but you will be so happy that they have become comfortable with you. Don't be afraid to ask the patient what they need, don't just go by what you have been told, make the patient the center of your care not the paperwork. I was always taught to breathe and check my own pulse first. I have torn skin too and it breaks your heart, but you dress it and fix it. Cotton tube socks with the toes cut out work really good on peoples arms who have problems with paper thin skin, also keeps them warm. You sound like you are doing just fine. Never forget this day, in 6 months or less you will look back and you won't believe you were there, but you will have the same compassion to help teach and mentor new aides when they start. Thank you for all you do. As a 35+ year RN I truly appreciate every aide, housekeeper, maintenance person, and all the other professions involved in caring for our patients. Never forget you are as important as the Doctor that writes the orders and sees the residents on an occasion, you are their family. Good Luck!

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