New CNA Advice

ZoeFrecn · Oct 10, 2016

First of all, congratulations. My first job as a CNA was in a LTC facility. Most people find it stressful until they learn their residents routines, after that things become much easier. When you work your first shift on your own, I would ask someone who works on your unit for advice. Like, what time should I get so and so up? Do you have any tips on dealing with any of the residents. Little tidbits like that will make it easier. Good luck!

FutureNICURN93 · Oct 10, 2016

Thanks! I'll be working 2nd shift so I'll be putting people to bed more than getting them up. lol Turns out my first 3 days are classroom orientation (paperwork) and then 10 days floor orientation. Thank goodness!

Missingyou, CNA · Oct 12, 2016

I work in a nursing home on second shift.

First, let me say that you are going to be VERY overwhelmed the first few weeks...and it's completely normal. If you can work through the stress and self doubt in the first weeks you will do fine.

Prioritize!!! Figure out what is most important and what can and can not wait. It's very likely that one resident or another is going to be upset that they had to wait. There is no avoiding it. ...just apologize, let it go and keep moving.

ALWAYS be willing to help your hall mate with 2 assists ...they will be more likely to help you! If you can't help them right then, tell them you will when you finish what you're doing. If you are "way behind", do it anyway and just do what you can. That's not to say you should drop your own work to grab hallmates call lights...take care of your residents and then if you have time, then take care of theirs.

NEVER STAND IDLE! There is ALWAYS something that can be done....ALWAYS! Gather supplies for next round of bed checks, stock up on supplies, help other CNA's. Sit and hold the hand of the confused resident who is always climbing out of bed....

Stuff your pockets with things like A&D (whatever they have), trashbags, pen and paper...it saves steps and helps you to remember important things like charting bm's...that you are sure you'll remember,,but probably won't.

Every other CNA there remembers their first few weeks and hopefully they will be supportive, but some will not be. Just look past it, do the best you can and you will get the hang of it.

FutureNICURN93 · Oct 13, 2016

Thank you!! I work my first shift with a mentor tonight and I'm incredibly nervous. I'm just hoping I get a decent mentor.

FutureNICURN93 · Oct 14, 2016

UPDATE: Trial by fire!!!

I met my mentor CNA and then was immediately left with a combative resident for an hour while she had a training to attend. I was not prepared for this-AT ALL. The rest of my shift didn't get any better, I was so nervous and kept making stupid mistakes. I can't reposition people on my own and I feel utterly useless asking for help so much. I'm really hoping it gets better soon!

Missingyou, CNA · Oct 25, 2016

Told you it would be rough! Hang in there, it does get better in time.

I could not reposition people by myself at first either. You will learn. Don't forget, turn at hip and shoulders and cross their leg so it points in the direction you are turning them.

Not surprised at the "stupid mistakes" either. It means you need to slow down a bit until you get the hang of it more. Pay attention to who has alarms, if you forget those even for a second and they fall, you will lose your job! Better to be too slow than too many mistakes.

Speed will get better as you learn the routine and the residents.

Hang in there!

p.s work on building arm strength....altho, in this job it will come naturally! It makes a world of a difference!

FutureNICURN93 · Oct 25, 2016

Thank you! It's getting better already and I'm about to come off orientation. I still make a few mistakes or forget to bring someone something, but not nearly as much as I did at first.