New CNA Anxieties

allnurses Guide · Nov 9, 2016

Be polite, respectful, ask questions as needed, offer to help, don't be presumptuous (know it all), show up a bit early and ready to start at the beginning of your shift (don't dwadle around getting coffee etc.).

Cheerful is good, over the top is not.

Don't expect to be instantly accepted, there'll be a time of watching and waiting to see how you do.

My residents (long and long ago) told me once I was the only who listened to them; see your clients as people first, look them in the eye and really listen to what they are saying (or implying).

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Nov 9, 2016

Be polite, respectful, ask questions as needed, offer to help, don't be presumptuous (know it all), show up a bit early and ready to start at the beginning of your shift (don't dwadle around getting coffee etc.).
Cheerful is good, over the top is not.
Don't expect to be instantly accepted, there'll be a time of watching and waiting to see how you do.
My residents (long and long ago) told me once I was the only who listened to them; see your clients as people first, look them in the eye and really listen to what they are saying (or implying).

Cheerful is good, over the top is not? You can't be too happy? Oh my. What have we come to?

allnurses Guide · Nov 9, 2016

Lol, I meant loud, brash, in your face, exuberant, nonprofessional demeanor. :roflmao:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2016

Moved to the CNA forum for more replies.

Glycerine82, LPN · Nov 10, 2016

Watch the seasoned CNAs and learn from them, take bits and pieces of things you observe and find what works for you.

Understand that not all of your patients are going to like you. That's just the way it is, some will just not like the circumstance they are in, and it will cause them to be grumpy to everyone. Some you will just have a personality clash with. Take those situations and learn from them, remember that these people are likely losing control of many if not all aspects of their lives. Anything you can offer them as a choice will be well received.

Be careful with humor until you really learn to get a feel for what's appropriate and when. It takes awhile to develop a "radar" for the patients who do well with light hearted humor and those who are all business. Some want to be called Mr. and Mrs. (and really, they always should be addressed that way until you develop a rapport with them) and some would prefer their first name used.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, to other staff as well as the patients. Many times, they can tell you what they need and how they like things done. Obviously, this can vary if the patient is confused.

Don't learn bad habits, offer the restroom BEFORE they ask. That will save you a ton of time and energy.

Be prepared for it to be nothing like clinical, you will have a lot to do and you will feel overwhelmed, but it gets better every day.

Missingyou, CNA · Nov 12, 2016

When dealing with any resident, regardless if they are easy going or difficult, be mindful of your tone of voice. Noone likes to be bossed around, especially by a kid (which is exactly what you are to them, even if you are 40 yrs old!).

A common mistake (one I made) was to talk to some of the more "confused" residents with the same tone that you would use with a child. Even some of the most confused will take offense. Sound confident and as if you are there to help them because you are. If you sound rushed, disinterested, lack confidence, or bossy they will know it and will get frustrated with you.

Don't argue with a resident. If you disagree with them, just say ok and change the subject or walk away. It makes absolutely no sense to argue...it's impossible to logic with someone with dementia and a waste of time. Just "meet them where they are". Example: if they tell you to wake them up early tomorrow because they have to go to work, just ask them what time should you wake them....

Something I see ALL THE TIME is a CNA telling a resident they HAVE to do something, like get out of bed, etc. This is a sure way to get a resident to dislike you. The way I see it is: this is THEIR life. I can encourage them but, I can not make them. In the end, they have lived their lives, made their choices and are at the last stage of their life, they get to spend it however they want, that is their right.

Be willing to help your hall mates. Never say no, you can say " I can help you when I finish what I'm doing", but never say no. If you don't help them, they won't help you when you need it.

Do the best you can. You will get more efficient in time. When you get behind, it will only make it worse if you allow yourself to get frustrated. Frustration doesn't "look" good on anyone and it never helps!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2016

When dealing with any resident, regardless if they are easy going or difficult, be mindful of your tone of voice.

I concur with this advice. Moreover, be mindful that speaking to a resident using an inappropriate tone of voice can be considered verbal abuse if the exchange is overheard by a state or federal surveyor during a visit.

Buyer beware, BSN · Nov 15, 2016

OP:

You sound like a lovely person.

I do admire your stepwise approach to gaining confidence and experience. So to the point.

If I read one one more post about someone wanting to be a NP with an AD in sociology PDQ or "I'm on the job for 2 months and I hate nursing so much I'm going to NP school," even a banshee's scream from me would sound like a whisper.

So just remember this; and I say it somewhat tongue in cheek, as a CNA you'd have to get pretty creative to inadvertently kill one of the residents. So you can relax.

After all that would be the sole domain of the nurses as defined in the gray area portion of the nurse practice act.