New CNA advice

Silverdragon102, BSN · May 27, 2016

Welcome

Moved to the Medical Assistant (CNA/MA) forum

verene, MSN · May 27, 2016

I think feeling overwhelmed is typical of starting out as a new CNA. I felt pretty frantic and not sure that I was any good for about the first 2 months I was a CNA. The feeling will pass in time as you get used to the job and your residents.

Ask more experienced CNAs for tricks and tips to get the job done, and find a system that works for you.

Missingyou, CNA · May 28, 2016

Yes. what you mentioned is "natural".

Here's A tip that will make your job easier & less frustrating:

~Never argue with a resident ESPECIALLY if they have dementia.

It doesn't make sense to argue with someone who doesn't have a "sound" mind.....even if they do have a "sound mind" it is just good manners to respect your elders!!! It may mean just saying "yes ma'am/sir" & walking away.

~Trying to reason with someone who has dementia is nearly, if not completely, impossible. Just meet them where ever they are. If they tell you they have to get up for work tomorrow ask them what time they want you to wake them. If they are worried where their mother is, telling them their mother has been dead many many years isn't going to help!!

Just meet them where they are and just go with it. Your job will be SO much easier.

Skayda · May 30, 2016

Never...EVER say "Looks like it's going to be a quiet night/day." Hell, don't even THINK that! Trust me! Lol!

hookyarnandblanket · May 31, 2016

Always prepare for the unexpected.

future_RN, CNA · Jun 2, 2016

First and foremost, welcome CNA brother.

As far as advice or what I wish I knew when I was starting out, so many things. Number one is to not stress out over things. Nobody was a seasoned anything when they just began, and everyone had their first few weeks as well. Another thing, as "nurses eat their young" so do the CNAs sometimes. Don't get caught up in that, anyone acting like that is insecure in their own abilities. The LTC units, you have to remember that for a lot of those patients that is their home. They don't like their belongings to be moved or organized if they can do it themselves, and they like you to take your time while caring for them. Sometimes you may feel like you don't have enough time to do everything their way when you have a lot of patients, but patience is key with the elderly and/or disabled. But everything will come naturally to you before you know it. You'll be much more confident in your skills and performance with time. As far as a few tricks while caring for people: when performing Peri-care always keep the patients' dignity in mind providing privacy and comfort measures such as not keeping them uncovered for a very long time. Always ask someone to help lift a heavy patient, no job is worth injuring your back. Even the quietest or unresponsive patients may eventually tell you if something hurts or is uncomfortable. I'm assuming you are male by your username, don't get offended when patients or their family(it's usually the family) want a female staff member to help them; they are from a different time period with different ideas of what is appropriate, but it's nothing to take personally. Some people may actually prefer a male sometimes, which is nice to feel needed lol. Also, many CNAs feel that the nurses can sometimes be "rude" or "short" with them. But it's very important to remember, just as you are very busy, so is the nurse. And you are all there for the best patient outcome, or should be, so don't hold it against them. Also, always remain professional. I've worked in different types of facilities, LTC/SNF/NH, and a psych hospital now, and everywhere I've worked patients will always remember how you treated them.

Sorry for this super long post!

Just remember you're there for the patients, and that your time management skills will increase with time as will your confidence. Congratulations and good luck!