new job!

[maggiex3]

Today I got a phone call from a LTC that I interviewed at last week, they were calling to see if i was able to attend orientation this coming Monday I am beyond happy about it, the job pays well for my area, I'm a college student and the hours are flexible enough to work while I'm in school. I asked the woman who called what to wear to orientation, apparently its an informal review of company policy etc day so just wear jeans and something comfy.

I got my LNA last April and this is my first job using it, so to put it simply I need to refresh my memory on a couple of things. I got hired to work the 3 to 11 shift. Are there any specific things you can think of that are most important for me to go over again? What do you wish someone had told you before you started your first LNA/CNA job?

[yousoldtheworld]

Congratulations!

As for going over things, you will be trained on the job. Normally they'll stick you with a trainer for at least a couple of weeks. It's more helpful than any review could ever be, because you get to see how the trainer cares for each specific resident (and believe me, it's different everywhere).

If you're really worried about going over skills, the main ones you actually use are bathing, dressing, and transferring. On second shift, you'll come in, get your rooms ready for the night, give showers/baths, feed dinner, put residents to bed, and do a bedcheck. The first half of the shift tends to go by slowly, but you're so busy for the second half that it races by.

The biggest thing I wish someone had told me is to not let myself be swayed by the bad habits and attitudes of other aides. You're going to have to cut corners and take shortcuts when it comes to resident care, but always remember that they're human beings just like you, and you may one day be in their place.

I've worked with people who leave residents in wet/dirty briefs the entire shift and just change it right before they leave, who skip showers and just wet down their hair, who don't wipe the residents when they DO change their briefs, etc. You'll probably see a lot of similar things, depending on your facility. Don't let other aides make you feel bad for trying to do a good job. :)