One piece of advice you wish you knew when starting?

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Hi! I’m currently enrolled in CNA training because it’s required for school but the further I go into my training, the more I realize I’d like to work as a CNA or a PCT while in nursing school.. My heart is so in it & I want to make a difference in my residents lives as much as I can. That being said - I’m curious, what’s one piece of advice you wish you knew when starting as a CNA/PCT or some advice you’d give to a newbie? Also, would you recommend applying at a hospital first, or a nursing home/assisted living/long term care facility? 

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Wow what a great question! Your heart is in it?  ….you will be a great nurse! One piece of advice … let me give you background about my self first.. I have been in different healthcare setting from doctors offices nursing homes for the last 20+ years before I landed in a hospital as a PCT/ PCA. I have worked with PCA’s while they were in nursing school and let me tell you what I know. It help them put the clinical part of school into a real life setting giving them a better understanding of their study’s, It gave them a well rounded understanding of patient care, and helped them gain the confidence to really care for a patient as a whole not just in a nursing role. To the newbie…..Apply for a hospital position. You will get so much more experience and it will help you in your schooling as well. Good luck newbie. Make that difference you know you can!

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TIME MATTERS. Be fast. Be efficient. Get a wristwatch you like. Use it. Always be acutely aware of the time.

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Specializes in CMA, CNA.

Great question!

Know yourself. Know your abilities as well as shortcomings. Don't let people walk all over you. Do your own work and help others, but don't do their work! Steer clear of gossip because a LOT of people in healthcare are related or grab a beer together at the end of the day. There's a lot of gossip and will be about you too sooner or later. Brush it off--small people talk about other people while great people talk of ideas.

Be proud you chose to help people for a living-- it's challenging and not for the faint of heart. Keep learning and growing-- there's higher-paying positions awaiting you should you choose to pursue them. Find a mentor or two. I purposely work overnight because I get time to pick their brains and have them show me things. They can turn out to be your biggest cheerleaders. I love my nurses! ❤

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