I'm starting my CNA course on Thursday! (:

SeattleJess · Jun 17, 2014

First, congratulations! You are going to learn valuable skills and perform a great service. Be happy about your path.

Then, just remember to breathe. It's not rocket science, as a classmate told me when I was freaking out.

Next, practice. Practice before skills lab, during skills lab and AFTER skills lab. It helped me to set up a place at home where I could simulate the testing site as much as possible. (If only my bed did raise and lower. Ow, my back.) I listed the skills for the test on paper, cut them into strips, and put them in a can. Then I set a timer, drew them out and tested myself. I kept a list of the time it took me to complete and watched it getting shorter. I recited the steps out loud as I did them. (I did that on the test, too, and I would suggest you do the same. I've heard stories of people failing because the examiner didn't see them do the step, so do AND say.)

Sure, you'll be nervous and you will need to be disciplined (practice every day), but it will all be worth it when you pass your exam and get that first job!

Carol Austin · Jun 17, 2014

Thank you SO much! I think the skills lab is what's worrying me the most! Since I've found this site and have been reading through the threads, it seems like that is the hardest part! I'm definitely going to take a TON of notes and give your studying technique a try! :)

First, congratulations! You are going to learn valuable skills and perform a great service. Be happy about your path.
Then, just remember to breathe. It's not rocket science, as a classmate told me when I was freaking out.
Next, practice. Practice before skills lab, during skills lab and AFTER skills lab. It helped me to set up a place at home where I could simulate the testing site as much as possible. (If only my bed did raise and lower. Ow, my back.) I listed the skills for the test on paper, cut them into strips, and put them in a can. Then I set a timer, drew them out and tested myself. I kept a list of the time it took me to complete and watched it getting shorter. I recited the steps out loud as I did them. (I did that on the test, too, and I would suggest you do the same. I've heard stories of people failing because the examiner didn't see them do the step, so do AND say.)
Sure, you'll be nervous and you will need to be disciplined (practice every day), but it will all be worth it when you pass your exam and get that first job!

SeattleJess · Jun 17, 2014

Carol, sills lab was the hardest part for me (and most of my class) in that it took lots of time but it's far from impossible. Just keep in mind why you are doing everything (disease control, safety, patient dignity, etc.) and it will all make sense. I know you're going to do just great if you're already watching videos. It's all about prep and practice.

One other suggestion, if I may? Ask your instructor(s) and clinical supervisors to be references and get their complete contact information immediately. (People move around, take leave and have babies!) Stay in touch, keep them informed about what you're doing post-class and let them know when to expect a call and from whom. My references were a big reason why I got a great CNA job with zero work experience.

Carol Austin · Jun 18, 2014

That is a great suggestion!! I will definitely ask if I can use them as references! That's another one of my worries, finding work with no experience after everything is said and done! My dad is a Hospice nurse and is always telling me they're hiring, but they require at least 1 years experience..I've seen alot of places saying the same thing! Thank you so much for the suggestions!! :)

Proton · Jun 18, 2014

Wow! Seattle Jess gave some great advice! You won't go wrong following that!

Sounds like you already have what it takes to succeed. Passion and willingness to learn! You're going to be great.

SeattleJess · Jun 18, 2014

My dad is a Hospice nurse and is always telling me they're hiring, but they require at least 1 years experience..I've seen alot of places saying the same thing! ...

You may want to consider signing up for some volunteer work in LTC after you pass your test. You probably won't be able to use most of your CNA skills, but in my experience LTC facilities are grateful for volunteers who can assist residents with eating, give nail care, etc. Also you can learn and gain experience to answer those job interview questions like "How would you deal with a resident with dementia who is angry with you?" with a specific example of an experience that you may not have had in your clinical experience.

I am so happy that I might have helped someone who so obviously has the heart for CNA work! Just in case you're like me and maybe neglect the self-care and self-promotion, don't forget to keep track of exactly how you resolved disputes, dealt with angry dementia patients or delivered exceptional service. Interviewers (at least in my experience) are really big on behavioral-based questions. I bet you'll be awesome at your job; you owe it to your interviewers to let them know exactly how you can be awesome for them.

Please thank your dad for his wonderful service. Hospice folks were an incredible help when my father was dying a year ago.

Carol Austin · Jun 19, 2014

Right Proton!? She's got some GREAT advice! Thank you so much! I've always wanted a career in the medical field!

Jess, Im so sorry to hear about your father *Hugs* My dad is my inspiration, I hope I can be half the nurse that he is.

I will look into volunteer work for sure! That would definitely help! :)

I worked with people with disabilities for a year and a half, but the company was...kind of a joke and ended up getting shut down :yuck: I really don't want to put them down as previous experience since they don't exist anymore...Plus with the way things were I didn't leave on the best of terms :cry:

I am so thankful for all of your help and suggestions! Your going to make a stupendous nurse!

smers · Jun 24, 2014

Hello, good luck with your training! I started my weekend CNA training last month and we had our first clinicals this past weekend at a skilled nursing facility. The first day was a culture shock for sure. One thing to keep in mind that our instructor also emphasized to us, is that the CNAs you shadow may do things differently or cut corners than how we've been trained. She said to make sure to do the skills portion of the certification exam the way it's outlined in our textbook and not to follow any of their deviations if they have any. To be honest, I'm kind of shocked at the state of the facility we are at. The CNA I shadowed the first day would do her procedures on the resident without telling the resident what she's doing (we are trained to tell the resident what procedures we're doing to them), and I felt so bad for the resident. Like for example, the CNA wanted me to help move an obese resident to her side during bathing so she can clean her back and buttocks. But instead of telling the resident, "Ok, ma'am, we are going to roll you to your side on the count of three," she just told me to come over and help her, and we just did it without saying anything to the resident. She didn't even tell her to hold onto the rail, the resident just reached out and grabbed it when we started. And she also kept leaving me alone with the residents, expecting me to know what to do, when it's my first day! (And I know we practice in skills lab, but that's totally different from real life, and I was super nervous.) I shadowed a different CNA the next day, and she was much nicer to her residents and to me and the other CNA shadowing her. She was always in the room with us for things like bathing in case we needed any help. So I was a little relieved to see it wasn't the whole culture of the facility, but maybe just the work ethic of that particular CNA. I hope you have a good clinical site and good CNA's to shadow!

Carol Austin · Jun 24, 2014

Thank you so much! Today is my fourth day of class and it's been great so far! Oh my goodness! That must have been difficult, having someone contradict everything that your instructor has been pounding into your head! I'm glad your second day was better! We start our clinicals next week in an LTC facility, I'm super excited but also nervous! Best of luck to you!