Need Advice about being independent!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Well I got through my first week as a Nursing Assistant. I still have three more weeks of training to go. The hospital I am at is training me for NA and paying me. I feel really lucky to have a hospital around that still does that now days. But I am still "shy" and a bit scared. I think it will take some getting use to but my ONLY problem is being independent. I am GREAT with someone there to watch me! You know makin sure I am doing everything right! But once this month is over, I will have to do it By myself. I guess that is what I am scared of. Please let me know if there is a way to get out of this!! I ain't scared of baths and changing "messes" but doing it all alone is scary to me! Any advice will greatly be appreciated!! Thanks

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Most of us are nervous when we're just getting started but get over it. You'll gain confidence the more you practice.

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I was nervous too and I actually kept a little notebook so I could remember things. I don't need it anymore.:D It'll be overwhelming at first, but the more you work by yourself, the more confident you'll become. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CNA, HHA, Nurse Mentor.

"To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest"

:)

I live by this quote anytime I have to do something by myself and scared to death like when I got my driver's license, moved across the country and gave birth for the first time the way of screaming, hammering the parturient-controlled epidural analgesia and wanting to kick my husband in the face. *lol* Although, that quote didn't come to mind until I was heavily sedated but .. you get the point!

It's completely normal to be worried, anxiety ridden and/or scared to be independent or flying solo as a CNA. You'll do fine because being worried is a sign of a good CNA, over confident ones tend to mess up on the job ALOT.

Good luck! :yeah:

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I totally understand. I just got a job and had my first orientation. I have two more days of orientation then I go solo. I am so scared. I have been assisting my orienting cna but I dont know if I am able to do this by myself. Everyone has been telling me to just stick with it, give it more days and it will get easier as I will get used to it. It is just tiring and I don't want to mess up. AHHH I feel so lost at times...:crying2:

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Specializes in CNA (geriatric), taking class for PCT2.

You will be fine. I was so nervous my first day of clinicals I thought I was gonna throw up. Once you get the basics and do it repeatedly, its 2nd nature. And remember, ask questions when in doubt :)

Good luck !!

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Thanks so much!! I have been doing ALOT of second guessing about this Nursing Assisting! I am REALLY scared of going by myself in a few more weeks. I get a whole month of "orientation/training", but I have only had TWO full days of it. I am just VERY NERVOUS.. especially if I say the wrong thing to the patient. I do have a small notebook I carry with me all the time when I am at work! I have gotten vital down pretty good, we pass trays on my floor as well. (I work on the Pulmonary unit.) I haven't been able to feed a patient yet, so that will be different. I have been bathing and cleaning up poop... just not comfy doing that by myself yet either! But I am sure with time I will get it! At least I hope so! Thanks to all of ya'll for ya'lls advice and motivation. I will use it when I get back to work Wednesday.

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I understand what you mean. I am starting to do home health and i am so nervous. What if i mess up. What if i do something wrong. I don't want to get in trouble. anyway tomorrow will be my first day. Today i think my nerves got the better of me and i chickened out. Anyway i am going to go tomorrow and hopefully i can do it. anyway i wish you the best of luck. and be thankful to already have a job in a hospital and getting paid for the training that is the best of both worlds.

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Look @ every experienced CNA you pass by tomorrow in the halls, they were newbies at one time too! Hang in there!!

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