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

[Beeptime]

I am really needing some advice or positive thoughts PLEASE. 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??

[BigRed86]

You are new and things like this will happen. It is also completely normal for you to worry about this incident. I wouldn't beat yourself up though; no harm came to the resident. Take it as a learning experience. Trust me, we've all made silly mistakes like this. Here's some tips that will help you manage your time and provide safe care.

When you get your list of residents gather and write down this info about each one:

- How they transfer (Full lift, 1 person, 2 person, sit-to-stand lift, walker, gait belt)

- Continent/Incontinent/Toileting habits

- Any tubes/lines they are connected to (O2, IV, G-tube, etc.)

- Thickened liquids/diet restrictions

- Bath day?

- Orthotic/Prosthetic devices and their scheduled application/removal

If you've never worked with the resident before ask them how they transfer/how they receive care. Always promote independence. Never assume someone can't do something for themselves. At the same time you have to identify the resident's limitations and know when to provide assistance, this intuition will come with experience.

Always, always, always ask for assistance if you are in doubt about the care you are about to provide.

I'd also suggest you ask your supervisor for a few more days of training.

I promise you that things will become easier with experience. Hang in there!

[Beeptime]

Thank you guys for such WONDERFUL, USEFUL and HELPFUL comments. I really appreciate each of you taking the time to share your bit of insight. I just finished day 3 on my own and already feel completely comfortable with most of my residents. It's been so heart warming to hear them telling me how patient I am and how good I am for the job. Some of the residents that wanted nothing to do with me in the beginning now reach out to hold my hand when they are in a wheelchair passing in the hall. I even had a nurse today say she wished I worked more during the week because she really enjoys working with me. YAY! There is still one resident I am a bit scared with because She is pretty heavy, had a stroke and has full sided weakness, and she DRINKS. Tonight was a glass of vodka and two glasses of wine (from what I SAW, who knows what more she had) So she was NO help with transferring to the bathroom or bed. I ended up asking for help because she was so needy, impossible and heavy. UGH. But that's still scary, knowing that theres something I can't physically do, but my other coworkers CAN... so.... I'm hoping to either learn a trick, gain some muscle, or.. I don't know. But I can't always run and get another CNA, especially if someones already in the middle of something and I can't even find them ( often) Anyway, things are going so much better and again, I really really appreciated everyones words. They really stuck with me and gave me inner courage when I felt alone and in the dark.

[cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN]

I am so happy to hear you are falling into a groove. Just remember, don't hurt your self trying to help someone, then where would you be except unable to care for anyone else in the future, think and move smart. Make sure you know what equipment is available to you for lifting and moving a patient, if the resident is impaired and it is difficult to get her all the way to the bathroom on some occasions, go grab a bedside commode chair, she may not like it but you must try to keep yourself safe too.

[MohinjoDaro]

Thank you guys for such WONDERFUL, USEFUL and HELPFUL comments. I really appreciate each of you taking the time to share your bit of insight. I just finished day 3 on my own and already feel completely comfortable with most of my residents. It's been so heart warming to hear them telling me how patient I am and how good I am for the job.

I'm am glad to hear that you are adapting to your work setting! Congrats! Glad things are going so smoothly!

There is still one resident I am a bit scared with because She is pretty heavy, had a stroke and has full sided weakness, and she DRINKS. Tonight was a glass of vodka and two glasses of wine (from what I SAW, who knows what more she had) So she was NO help with transferring to the bathroom or bed. I ended up asking for help because she was so needy, impossible and heavy. UGH. But that's still scary, knowing that theres something I can't physically do, but my other coworkers CAN... so.... I'm hoping to either learn a trick, gain some muscle, or.. I don't know.

Hmmm I had to chuckle reading that part. I am surprised she is able to drink so freely! Then again, technically it is her right... still interesting nonetheless. Im going to have to agree with cinlou. You should familiarize yourself with the transferring equipment. Can't hurt to ask =)