New CNA, On The Verge Of Tears

Missingyou, CNA · Mar 30, 2015

First of all, you MUST talk to a supervisor about the issues with the punching in!!

2nd, TAKE YOUR BREAK and DO NOT work, (no matter how urgent the need) without punching in. If you ever got hurt or something happened while you were "off the clock" it will not be good! Think insurance issues!!

While it isn't good to call off work while you're still in the probation time, you shouldn't let the supervisors guilt you into working extra shifts when you're already so stressed out...it will make it worse for you.

About the anxiety:

You are in fact, letting it get the best of you. I doubt that anyone expects you to be up to speed. They may grumble under their breath, but they were new once too and they know what it's like....but the job is stressful...and so they grumble. Just do the best you can and remember that you did what you could.

It takes time to learn a routine and you are probably improving with every shift....IT TAKES TIME!!! Most new CNA's say it took them about a month to get it all down and be really comfortable....and all the other CNA's that you work with know it too....and everyone that has worked as a CNA the 1st few weeks has thought "WHAT HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO!!!?".

We've all been there and if you go easy on yourself, you'll get through it!

To save yourself a few seconds....and seconds count when you're new....at the very start of your shift, stuff your pockets with A&D packets (or whatever other skin protectant), small trash bags and whatever other "goodies" you can fit in there to save you a few steps to get them, and to save yourself for having to search residents drawers for them.

Make your steps count. If you have to get someone something...water or whatever, wait until you have to make a trip to that end of the hall. "Kill 2 birds with 1 stone".

There will be times when you have to skip changing a resident's bed linens after a shower (as long as they aren't obviously soiled) or a bed will have blankets neatly tossed over the pillow rather than made perfectly...or a trash can will go unemptied for a while longer...

It's what you have to do to get it all done....we've all done it...we all do it...we just don't always "talk" about it...but it's the honest truth. YOU HAVE TO PICK AND CHOOSE YOUR "BATTLES"....

Hang in there.

You got this....you really do. :)

hookyarnandblanket · Mar 30, 2015

Ditto what was said above. As far as the anxiety? If it is so bad that you can't sleep, then it's time to get it checked out. I went into work many times on something like 3 hours of sleep because of my anxiety disorder. I finally went to see someone about my issues, got myself into therapy, and was put on medication to help manage the anxiety. It has made a world of difference; there is no need to suffer if you don't have to suffer. I waited 20 years to finally get help and it was 20 years too long.

m_n_b_96 · Mar 31, 2015

Thank you so much! That means a lot :) just got back from my shift. Had a mini breakdown earlier, but then all was well. I noticed, that I may not get everything DONE ON TIME, but I get it done JUST IN TIME. Also, I forgot to mention that everyone there is EXTREMELY understanding and very kind! I wish there were more words I could use to describe the staff. They're just amazing, definitely different than what I have expected. They help pick up my slack, give me advice, and are very encouraging. I love it overall :) Even when the days seems bad, I always go home with a satisfied feeling.

The thing about the routine is that I am a float CNA, so there's barely any chance for a routine and getting to know the residents. Especially being fresh out of school, being a float is by far the most challenging thing I've had to do! I suppose it will make me a better CNA.

m_n_b_96 · Mar 31, 2015

Thank you! =)

Missingyou, CNA · Mar 31, 2015

Thank you so much! That means a lot :) just got back from my shift. Had a mini breakdown earlier, but then all was well. I noticed, that I may not get everything DONE ON TIME, but I get it done JUST IN TIME. Also, I forgot to mention that everyone there is EXTREMELY understanding and very kind! I wish there were more words I could use to describe the staff. They're just amazing, definitely different than what I have expected. They help pick up my slack, give me advice, and are very encouraging. I love it overall :) Even when the days seems bad, I always go home with a satisfied feeling.
The thing about the routine is that I am a float CNA, so there's barely any chance for a routine and getting to know the residents. Especially being fresh out of school, being a float is by far the most challenging thing I've had to do! I suppose it will make me a better CNA.

WELL, being in a float position IS tough. It will take longer to get to know the residents and it's nearly impossible to get a routine! It's awesome that you have such a great team to work with. They are probably happy to have you there even if you are a little slower,because without you, they would be working short. :)

Working a float position is like learning the hard part first. I really do think it will make you stronger and a better nurse.