Not sure if I can handle it....

[mickey_RN]

Hello,

this is my first thread on allnurses, and I just wanted some feedback.

I just finished my clinicals for CNA certification. I am a nursing stufdent, and I want to get my hands dirty, so to speak, before I do my nursing clinicals.

My clinical for CNA went well, I enjoyed the residents, and (most) :) of the work. I keep questioning myself though, I thought I did well, but I am slow at some of the tasks, not very organized and hesitant at times about what to do next. I also wanted to know how much training you got before you were on your own? In my past jobs, after some time, I am very efficient, and can really get things done. Maybe it is the human care aspect that is making me nervous..

I really think that I could like the job and I feel that I need experience before I start my nursing clinicals.

Just thought maybe if anybody on here felt the same way, you could give me some pointers?

[CoffeemateCNA]

Oh my. Yes, we have all felt that way. If anyone tells you otherwise, they're not being totally truthful. :)

CNA class and clinicals are TOTALLY different than the real world. In class you have a very idealized view of health care. They assume you have few people to care for and will have all the time in the world in which to do it. And of course, every resident is Happy Harold and Susan Sunshine and would never dream of mistreating nursing staff or not cooperating. In my coursework, all of the scenarios in the book revolved around 1 CNA having 4 residents, who were all fairly independent. Yeah, right. Textbook writers need a BIG FAT REALITY CHECK!!

In clinicals, you always have another person to fall back on. If you aren't comfortable with something, generally you won't have to do it. If there is a difficult resident, the regular CNA can just come in and take over for you.

This is what just gets me about the state and all of their training. They are really doing students a disservice by not preparing them for the real world.

Anyways... Back to the topic at hand.

Unfortunately, yes, you are going to be slow at first. It may be difficult to get your work done by yourself, and your coworkers may have to step in and help. It is stressful, and you quickly realize how much you still have to learn.

I myself got a whopping 1 shift of orientation before I got thrown in and was expected to do everything alone.

Now comes the wonderful news:

It will get better!! :thankya:

You will get more experience and be able to handle things like a pro. In the beginning, it's all about learning how to get the basics done on time. Later on, it becomes about doing quality care.

Hang in there. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

[mickey_RN]

thank you so much, that makes me feel a lot better about what to expect. :)

Let me just say too, I have even more respect for the CNAs that do this everyday, quickly, efficiently, yet still with compassion.

[aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

What you are going through is so normal! I felt the same way when I first started and then one day everything clicked and went on like a light bulb and I didn't even have to think about it after that.

I was a new tech when I got hired on a SAC unit. It took me about a year or so of working 2 days a week (I was PRN) for everything to fall into place and once I did, the job went so smooth comparatively! I felt confident and competent.

Just hang in there and know that you are completely normal.