new frustrated cna!..advice needed

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 27, 2014

Hello and welcome to allnurses.com

We moved your thread to the CNA forum for the best response.

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CNA_Angl27 · Dec 27, 2014

Thanks couldn't find it.

Editorial Team / Admin · Dec 27, 2014

You are welcome. :)

mindofmidwifery, ADN · Dec 28, 2014

I would just let the manager know that even though I'm not the fastest person, I'm doing everything I can to provide good, efficient care. What can they say about that? Honestly, if they fire you that's their problem. I doubt they'd fire you for that but if the bigger problem is the other aides, either ignore them or let them know you don't need help.

RunnerD1987 · Dec 28, 2014

Don't stress over it even though it is stressful. Look at the positives here. Yes they recognized they are concerned about your work. However, they made an effort to talk to you about it. Look at this meeting what came from it...did they tell you area's that need improvement, what issues were raised, how to improve your self, and a plan to improve change. If not definitely ask your director or manager or educator on how to improve work. Work with your techs observe learn their tricks of the trades.

The negative aspect there will always be post I've and negative workers in a health care environment. You can be amazing bed side manner, but lack in skills. Granted there are those who can do both. Same goes for those who can be great people outside of work, but a different individual inside work. Their personality is lackluster but their skills are stellar.

You have to be self aware this is what working in the health care field is all about. You can have people who think they are the greatest, want you to kiss the ground they walk on, or just don't like you from one day on because you wore red socks.

You have to departmentalize and adapt to this. As I mentioned above you appear to have great rapport with your fellow techs or aides. Before start if the shift figure how can delegate certain task and balance the load. If you are working with a lot of patients who are not ambulatory and are in need of high care...see how can split this up. Make sure if you agree on it that the charge nurse or who delegates your task approves, trust me on that part. Figure out your own tricks and how you can provide quality but efficient care.

Next thing is departmentalize. Walk in that door work mode...walk out the door work what is work. Sure can chat with a few coworkers or friend's what a day, but don't perseverate on work. Find something you enjoy doing that is healthy and relaxing.

Finally a bit rude but you are not betrothed to work. You as well to your work...look for connections, educate yourself, and continue to seek employment. You may be a great employment buy work is work they can drop you like that...so never be caught off guard.

Best of luck and you will do great. Keep up the awesome work.

Make sure to recognize your own personal strengths

hookyarnandblanket · Dec 28, 2014

One of the most efficient ways of using the help of another CNA is to have the patient ready before calling for help. I.e., if it's lifting a patient with a Hoyer lift, have the sling under the patient and the lift hooked up and wheelchair at the waiting so the other CNA can come in to help you and be on his or her way.

CNA_Angl27 · Dec 28, 2014

I already do all that too. I ask for help if its a 2assist bedmobility. Most of the time we team tag. Aides are running their mouths for no reason at all. Thanks for the advice!

jjmm RN,BSN · Dec 28, 2014

It sounds as though your work environment is a bit toxic. I worked as a CNA in long term care before I got a job in a hospital, and my weakness was time management too. I did get recognition for being appreciated by the residents, LPNs and RNs too though. If things don't get better just finish out your required time and apply elsewhere, not every place is bad.

CNA_Angl27 · Dec 28, 2014

I dont know if ill survive long. I feel like these aides run this place to nurse manager report you enough ill just get fired. I had this very bad gut feeling. Just few weeks ago they said I was doing very good now im back under. The nursing director said if I cant do this job maybe I should switch shifts. I feel its unfair. Said something about coming to work probably not starting right away standing around and talking. I have no idea what she was talking about. I get up on floor put my stuff away straight to nurses station to look at masters any changes who has therapy fig out showers who should be done first. I dont fool around at work and take it seriiusly. They dont even see that. Feel like this place is just very toxic!!

Missingyou, CNA · Dec 29, 2014

If they are telling you that you don't start your shift right off, and you don't understand what they are talking about, ASK THE DIRECTOR what they mean since you DO, in fact, start your shift immediately. Tell them what you said here and ask for claification and an example of what they mean. (stand up for yourself!)Perhaps you both will get a better understanding of what is really happening. Maybe someone observes you at the nurses station (while you are looking at schedules to plan your shift) and they see it as you hanging around and they don't understand what you're doing. ~I'd make an appointment with the director, tell her after thinking it over, you want to clairfy things.

~Also, when going into work, always be polite and professional. Smile. Offer to help others with 2 assist transfers. Speak only about professional things concerning work (such as who needs assistance next) rather than what's going on in your personal life, your stuggles. Nobody has to know that you were called into the office, and that you "need improvement". Keep that discussion between you and the director, period.

~I wouldn't ask for help with ANYTHING other than when you need 2 assist transfer.

You have done your training, you passed a state test....you got this! If you aren't sure, for example, if a resident should get up for a meal, check the care plan. Figure it out on your own first.

Wing it if you must.

Of course, if it comes to a patient safety issue that you're unsure of, then ask the nurse (not your co-worker/fellow CNA).

Sometimes, if you ask TOO many questions, you appear incapable. It will cause the others to watch you more closely and FIND things that are wrong....

~Lastly, it is an unfortunate reality of the job in a nursing home that you MUST "cut corners". I'm not saying risk a resident's or your safety or hygine but, I am saying that sometimes a bed bath consists of armpits and groin washing and that's it. Sometimes, a resident's bed linen won't get changed on their shower day because you have other residents who need more important care like brief changes and repositioning and feeding.....as long as the sheets aren't wet or obviously soiled, change them later IF you have time.

~You have to pick and choose "your battles" and prioritize your tasks. It is the hard honest truth of caring for 10+ residents all at once. It is physically impossible and unrealistic to do everything "the way you learned in class". Anyone who has been a CNA in a nursing home for more than a few months will tell you, "there is the way you learned it in class, and then there is the real world".

~Another example, resident asks for ice water. They may have to wait until your next trip in that direction. They may have to wait 15-20 minutes, but again, figure out your priorties, just as you need to make a plan of action at the begining of your shift with showers, etc.

In the end, not everyone is cut out to work in a nursing home. Some people aren't cut out for working certain shifts in a nursing home. I don't intend to be mean, but if you really feel strongly about doing "everything the "right" way for my residents!"(meaning the way you learned it in CNA training), then maybe you aren't cut out for a nursing home. Maybe home care or assisted living would be a better fit for you.

CNA_Angl27 · Dec 29, 2014

Im always helping them even when not asked Ill pull the trash or ask if they need any assistance or anything they need. I didnt mean textbook perfect I know we have to cut corners I just meant with certain stuff is all. It takes time to get it down. Im def not perfect im just trying my hardest to be a good aide!