new CNA first job 9 residents

LiveYourBrilliance · May 11, 2014

Unfortunately, this sounds common. You've got to learn to multi-task, ask for assistance from your co-workers, trouble-shoot the demands and concerns you have with your supervisor, and skimp on the less important aspects of the job. I was a CNA in a hospital for a couple of years before I was a nurse. Do you work in a Residential Care setting? Where I live 8 :1 is typically the ratio.

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · May 11, 2014

We have 62 residents and a CNA staff of sometimes 4, sometimes 5. The ratio is ridiculous. You can't provide good care.

hookyarnandblanket · May 11, 2014

My first on my own assignment after orientation was a section with 12 residents and it was the busiest section in the nursing home. You have to learn how to multitask and utilize all of your time. Buddy up with someone if you can and help one another with 2 assists. It can be stressful, yes, but I know of places where having only 9 people assigned to you would be a dream.

mineSgold · May 11, 2014

Yes, I worked in a residential care setting and it was very busy, I suppose it is like that in some places. Yes, that's a good idea to skimp on the less important aspects of the job. Sometimes I am hesitant to ask help for co-workers some of them are not willing to help you especially you are new. good to know that having 9 residents to cared for is not that bad at all. I just want to give the best care as much as possible.

Missingyou, CNA · May 12, 2014

9 residents is actually low, especially in an residential setting! It is typical to have AT LEAST 10 and most often (short staff which happens more often than not) 12-15 residents.

Chin up. it really does get easier. It will take a few weeks, but you'll get the swing of it and it will be "a piece of cake!" :up:

Just do the best you can.

Penholder · May 13, 2014

9 makes me nostalgic.

Learn to plan ahead. Once you know the residents routine learn how to work it into your assignment.

blondebabe0625 · May 13, 2014

Nine can be a lot when you're a fresh cna and are learning how you handle things and multi task. I'm a med aide and a pre-medicine student I work at a assisted living facility and have 80 residents in the AL side and about 80 more on the IL side. There's only two med aides and two caregivers per shift and i get everything done an hour before I get done with my shift to then do charting and stock my cart and insulin boxes. You'll get the hang of it :-)! Very rewarding and definitely has it's ups and downs.

mzsuccess · May 14, 2014

My job is ridiculous, I'm happy with 10-12. Sometimes we have 2-3 CNA's with 60+ residents who are mostly total dependence. You have to learn to multitask and learn your patients and it'll be easier. But being a cna isn't easy and its not a job where your mangers or supervisors appreciate you. I've had a whole hall by myself, me and my lpn had to work together, of course she did 5 and gave up.

mineSgold · May 14, 2014

Yes, being a CNA is not easy, sometimes I wonder if this career is really meant for me but I'll give it a try at least a few months. during my first day I saw the manager of the facility and she came to me and thanking me for helping them.