New CNA in ORTHO/TRAUMA Unit

seaspray700777 · Oct 14, 2008

Hi amyKelley: I am a CNA, I have been doing this for 16years. I worked in a nursing home and was so psyacally tired even though I loved the residents, anyways I applied to a well respected hospital in Maine and I got the job in the Intensive Care Unit and I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!! I was scared at first but once I got the hang of it, it is awesome! The biggest difference is that I am not running around and trying to find the time to take care of ALL the patients. I have more time with the patients but of course the hard thing is the emotional stuff that comes with seeing people literaly die in front of you and the one on one with the families although this part of the caring I would not change for the world. I am In my last pre-reqs for Nursing school so I love the learning experience. The pay is so much less than long term care but the strain on my body is so much less. Dont get me wrong sometimes I am stressed because a Doctor or a Nurse is yelling at me to find a piece of tubing they need STAT and I dont know where to get it but when I do its great and most often after the crisis is over they are so thankful. I work in the most amazing hospital on earth. Maine Medical Center In portland Maine. Most of the nurses are so great to the patients and to me. I remember ansering the phone when a doctor said I need the blood gas for ## and I said I am just the CNA. A nurse took me aside and said be proud of what you do becsue without you getting what we needed at the time it would have been a disaster. She said you are one of the best CNAs we have seen in awhile. Sorry to go on forever but my adivce is work hard, keep your ears and eyes open and never be afraid of asking for help it is the only way to learn. Sorry about the spelling I guess I am just tired. Good Luck I know you will love it. :yeah: :redbeathe

rancelumsden · Oct 15, 2008

Of course, it's always difficult to generalize. I primarily worked on a med-surg/oncology unit, but would go to the ortho floor from time to time depending on staffing needs.

There was more personal care on that floor in that a higher percentage of patients could not do everything for themselves and might need assistance reaching for things, help in feeding, needing bedpans, bathing in bed. There are machines (such as a CPM) you'll learn to work with along with setting up the 'trapeze'. No problem, you'll be trained on those items used in that unit.

The major concern with working with patients in ortho was knowing what areas were affected and how NOT to hurt the patient. For instance, you will need to make an occupied bed but unlike patients in other units, you may not be able to 'rock and roll' them to make the bed. If they're in traction, you're going to be really careful in how much they can be moved, and what can be touched. The CPM needs to be monitored. The nurses will be giving you that info on a patient-for-patient basis. That's the big difference between hospital and LTC to begin with. As soon as you get to know a patient and how to work with them, they're released and you're on to a new set of people --- constant change. Don't know if you like that or not --- if not, stay in LTC.

You're dealing with all age groups, their families. I found LTC overwhelming, but not hospital. You will do far more tasks in a hospital --- the learning curve is far greater.

I guess you'll find out soon enough. Stick with it for awhile. Any experience you get in hospital is good. If you don't like ortho, but want to continue working in hospital, you can always transfer in the future depending on the rules of the hospital.