I need some advice

[Greenapp, CNA]

Hello. 
I’m a new CNA got my first job at a rehab/ acute care center. Come to find out that I’ve been working on a behavioral unit, so we can’t take “no” for an answer. But I’ve been noticing a lot of bumps in the road, as expected, but coming from my own co workers. 
so I’m under 200pounds and I’m very short being 4 feet something. Shortest one in the family. 
we deal with 18 patients each during NOC shift. So we check and change, do turns, make sure everyone is breathing , vitals ect. On my side I have 3 over 400 patients. So ideally, I’d need help. BUT the CNAs are teaching me to do change and turn these patients by myself. One CNA watched me struggle as I tried to pull the patient towards me and turn her over to change her brief, using a draw sheet. 
after today it made me feel like asking for help, is just causing trouble. My back and feet hurts constantly. And I feel like they just see me as week, I’m the smallest thing in the facility,,,,,, why is it a problem that I need help? Shouldn’t we be will to help each other??
 

I was even told that I may need to work alone on the whole unit ( 36 patients). And change the false accusers ( care in pair patients ) alone. I constantly see a lot of broken rules. 

[Channie512]

This should not be happening at all, number 1 if you need help, you are required to get help, and 36 patients is unsafe for one CNA to be having, that shouldn’t even be allowed. If your patients can’t turn on their own or assist you, you definitely should be getting help. 

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

If you keep doing this type of work, I'm afraid to tell you that your body will give way over time. You will end up being in constant pain. I would recommend speaking up about this, or going elsewhere. 

[ThursdayNight, CNA]

 Learn to use the features of the bed. Don't do things that your bed can help you to pull a patient up. If the patient can turn with your help, you don't really need help unless there's a Hoyer transfer or transfer or other reasons. Try to get the patient to move by helping you. You're not being lazy. The client needs to move around, too, unless contraindicated. If the patient has tubes and/or tracheostomy, be cognizant. Ensure that nothing can be unplugged when you move the patient or the bed. It's the same with almost anything. Don't wear your body out. That's the only body you have.

Do everything as much as you can when you ask for help. Let the person know. For example, some patients can turn on the right side only and can tolerate it without much of an effort from you. Roll and tuck in the 'secure magic tape' from the right side as far as you can medially to the back of the patient before you start with the pericare. It's easier and safer to pull out from your direction when everything is done and ready while the patient is laying on its right side. Try to keep everything in the brief so you won't mess up your new linen. If the patient is soiled, get an extra bed blanket to protect your fresh linen. When it's time to turn your patient to the left side, let the person know that you're ready and how long it takes to help you. Should be less than 30 seconds assuming that your patient can turn just fine. You're done changing. 

If the patient is really immobilized, try everything ready and do pericare as much as you can so your coworker won't resent you. Roll and tuck in the 'secure magic tape' on your preferred side if you're using brief otherwise.

If your patient has a nasal cannula, when needed to be unplugged and fixed, ask how many minutes can he or she tolerate without it. It helps you to gauge the situation and decrease the anxiety of your patient. 

I'm 5'2'' at 115 pounds. I've been a CNA for about five years. I was in your shoe. I was floated. Hard, medium, and/or easy. These days, I'm new in the building. I'm thrown in the busiest of the hall. It's fine. I don't complain. I do my duties. No nurses have been bothering me unless they need me. So, I'd say that I've been good with my coworkers and vice versa. I help and will change a patient with no problem. I do get pissy when a CNA asks me to help but not ready. If a patient can turn, please do put the damn sling on. Don't make me stand there for a few minutes or do it.  I mean, there are some things that she could do rather than having me do her work. I could use it to wipe off the dusty tables or tidy a room I'm working on. 

You will learn from your experience. Don't get discouraged. You'll meet wonderful nurses and CNAs that will help you advanced in your CNA skills. Ask the veteran CNAs how to do things. There are those who you will find pleasant to work with.