New CNA

[Lexi1818, CNA]

I just started my first job as a CNA in an LTC unit. After orienting a few days I'm still confused. Most of the CNAs there work 12 hour shifts but I'm going to be working an 8 hour shift (2pm-10pm). The CNAs training me do not work the 2-10 shift so I don't feel like I'm really learning what I should be doing. They don't have care sheets that have what needs to be done for residents and when (like the facility I did my clinical at). I think once I'm on my own and no one is telling me what to do I will be lost. Can anyone give me advice? Also if anyone could give me a schedule of what they usually do for residents and when that would be great ( I know it won't be exactly the same at my facility but at least I would have something to go off of)

[socal212, CNA]

I have a registry CNA job so I have been to a LOT of different facilities and only one place has given an actual care plan to the CNAs. There's info on the computer sometimes. SNFs/LTC facilities can differ a lot in terms of expectations from assisted living facilities. Assisted living facilities usually require you to take on a slightly more housekeeping role (laundry and stuff like that) than SNFs where people aren't acryually living there.

From my experiences on the 2-10 shift, I just start by making sure everyone is clean. You'll have to get people up for dinner and put everyone to bed. Some are feeders or you'll have to help in the dining room. I'm sure there will be showers and I personally think it's best to knock those out at the beginning because it's very busy from dinner time until 10. Getting people ready and into bed can take a very long time. & don't forget to ake out all trashes at the end of your shift.

As far as the 8 vs 12 thing, I don't know. Originally it was always 8 hour shifts at these facilities, but a lot of people like 12s. Some facilites switch back and forth. Honestly, I think you will be okay. Will you be the only CNA between 6-10pm then if the others are leaving at 6? It does take a while to get a groove going and learn everything but you will find a routine that works for you once you have spent more tim working and getting to know everything Good luck!