Not sure if Im ready?

[cmm4ever]

So this week is a very busy week for me training (Monday-Friday). I started training May 30th. This week was supposed to be my last week training, but my preceptor for the majority of the time mentioned last Friday (maybe because I seemed overwhelmed because it was a very stressful day..others thought so to.), that if I need more time training to let her know so she can talk to the nurse manager. I mean I dont know how long others have had for training where I am. Friday she said I need to work on time management (when to do what ..I have been trying to follow the list she wrote for me) and lifting etc. Think she is supposed to go over the check off sheet maybe tomorrow to review with me how I am doing. She said not to feel bad because it is a very busy floor etc. I have no experience as a NA at all. Today wasnt too bad, and she thought I was doing okay (did most things by myself). I guess she talked to the manager and is supposed to let her know by tomorrow if I need more time. I think it is up to both of us. Im not sure what to tell her. Like I said today wasnt too bad, but still wasnt a breeze (we had 4 rooms today). Like last Friday for example. it was horrible..no time to chart..because so much needed to be done (alot of patients)/everyone was wanting something...when I charted I had to do most of it all at once which made it very overwhelming and made it more difficult for me to remember. So I dont know if I should tell her I need more time. Next week I am scheduled Tuesday,Saturday Sunday I think. Im not sure when my main preceptor will be working. I hope they dont completely switch my schedule. Dont know if Im ready, or how I feel about everything in general.

[pinkstethoscope]

Two things.

#1 - I highly recommend buying a little notepad that will fit in your scrub top pocket. I think you can get them for about 50 cents at Walmart or Target. When you have extremely busy days like you mentioned you can jot notes down on there to help you remember what you did and important information.

#2 - Only you really know if you're ready. If you walked in there tomorrow could you do the job without someone there to help you out or guide you through things? If you can, you may not need help. I think the fact that you aren't sure means you may need another week or two of guidance. It's ok to ask for help I hope that you don't feel ashamed to ask. Like you mentioned this is all new to you, so it's normal to have questions.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

I don't think anyone feels like they're ready. Two days, two weeks, or two months, it's still scary when you first go on your own. Although I was terrified to go on my own I almost felt like I just wanted to get that sink-or-swim part over with because the anticipation was killing me. You're lucky that your trainer gives you feedback on how you're doing. Time management is one of those things that comes after you've been working a little while- basically you need to think of ways to multitask and be efficient. Did she have any tips or examples for you? Like what exactly you're being slow about? I agree with the previous poster that if you don't already have a small notebook, then carry one and write down anything you know you'll have to chart or just need to remember to do. Then you don't have to get stressed out trying to "cram" and remember a million things.

[Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN]

I agree with everything said. You aren't going to feel ready, but at some point you are going to have to take the leap. Is there anything that you really feel like you don't know? If you are EVER in doubt about how to do something, you should ALWAYS ask. Everyone there wants the best for the patients and no one wants to see you or them get hurt. If you're worried about lifting, give it a try. You'll know pretty quick if you will be able to transfer them on your own. If you don't think you can do it, run to get help and get it done safely.

Get hands on. You CAN do this!

[pinkstethoscope]

Exactly. I think everyone is nervous and afraid at first, but I think you truly know if you're ready to go out on your own or not.