New tips for new CNA students?

yousoldtheworld · Jul 31, 2011

You can expect to be very, very, VERY overworked. That is why you read a lot of negativity on here. Many of us love our jobs, but this is a safe place for us to come to vent.

The good is the work itself - it's very rewarding to take care of people who need you. If you find the right area that suits you, you'll be amazed at how fulfilling it can be. I was fairly unhappy in my work until I found my current job, at a children's home for the developmentally disabled. Now I can't imagine working anywhere else, and those kids have truly changed my life for the better.

The bad is that facilities are consistently understaffed - most have a limited budget and we truly have too many residents/patients to take good care of. It can be very physically demanding, mentally stressful, and emotionally draining.

The ugly is the stress of the job - there have been quite a few nights when I've been in tears, just overwhelmed at the amount of work I have to do - and I'm a very efficient worker.

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 31, 2011

If you've been reading the forum, then you probably know most of the bad: smells, staffing, pay, etc.

What you don't see very often are the good sides. Going home knowing that you helped someone, the things your residents say that make you laugh or feel good. The bad always seems to overpower the good.

Pay attention in class, ask questions, learn your skills as best you can. You HAVE to do this in order to pass your state exam. When you're done and you land your first job, expect to drop almost all of that at the door. The CNAs you work with will not be going by the book. They will be doing things the way they have to in order to get the job done. BUT don't forget the things you learned and if you don't START bad habits, you won't have to worry about breaking them. You will have to know the things you learned in class when state comes and you will have to use them. Your main concern when it comes to working is that your residents are clean, dry & safe. Make sure they look nice, are dressed appropriately, bathed, they're rooms are clean. These things will reflect back on you and believe me, your nurses and supervisors see these things even if you don't think they will. You will get stressed out and you will get overwhelmed, but one day it will just click for you and you could be the best CNA in the facility. Then, they will start asking you to do more and it will feel like too much but it's a good thing. You are trusted and have respect. Do what you are asked to do. If you can't, ask for help. It is a very common sense job.

Good luck!!

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 31, 2011

Yousoldtheworls--you posted just before I did and we basically said a lot of the same things! Must be good advice!!

KatieShoe · Jul 31, 2011

Thanks! Hearing the more positive aspects of it definitely reassures me that this is what I'd like to do! Any tips as far as LTC versus hospitals and clinics are concerned? What would be the differences as far as job responsibilities, etc? Thanks again! :)

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · Jul 31, 2011

I've only worked in LTC. Regardless, your job is doing hands on patient care. Assisting them to do things they can't do for themselves. A good friend of mine worked as a CNA in a hospital for a long time and she always told me that it was a little easier, but you still have to do some of the same things you do in a nursing home. If you think about it, we have people that go to the hospital all the time due to a fall, pneumonia, whatever. If we are changing them and doing all those things here, then who will do it at the hospital? The CNAs! Lol

My opinion is that every CNA should work in a LTC facility for at least a little while. No, it's not as "glamorous", but there are still soooo many things you can learn. A lot of hospitals require you to have LTC experience anyway.

As far as home health, I don't think it's as stressful, the pay may be a little better, but I'm sure you spend more time working alone, 1-on-1 with your client. Gotta know your stuff.

Like I said, I've only worked in LTC, so most of my information comes from either co-workers or this forum. There are lots of topics on hospitals vs home health vs LTC.

yousoldtheworld · Aug 3, 2011

As far as a hospital goes, it really depends what kind of unit you work on. Some are not that different from LTC. Some are mostly "normal" people who can largely care for themselves (but use their call light like they think they're at a 5 star resort). Some are very specialized, like peds and mother/baby units. Those units tend to be very competitive, as everyone seems to want to work on them.

In general - LTC is more routined, more showers and personal care. Most of the residents have been there a while. Hospital changes by the day. You will probably do more things like vitals at a hospital. A hospital is a more clinical atmosphere, while most LTCs try to have a more casual or homelike vibe. Both tend to have staffing issues, though LTC staffing might be a bit worse in most areas. Many hospitals won't hire a new aide without a year or more of experience.

KatieShoe · Aug 4, 2011

Thanks so much for everyone's advice! I somehow managed to get an interview tomorrow for an LTC center but I doubt they'll hire me because I haven't even started my CNA classes yet (they start in a week). However, I think it would be great experience! Any extra advice or tips of things that may help with the interview? Thanks! You guys are amazing!