Please tell me that it WILL get better...

Irene joy · Apr 11, 2007

Well I'm not in your shoes yet but I wanted to tell you that yes, you will be a great cna. I know that from your enthusiasm and the fact that you want to help people. Think of it this way, you know when you get a new job and evan though you've done that type of job before, it still takes a while to get used to a new place. It would take weeks to feel comfortable in a new environment. Well your learning new things, meeting all new people, getting a feel for the pace of things around you, it's a lot to take in. Give your self a break, I'm sure everyone else in your class feels the same way you do. I KNOW things will get better in time! Good luck, let us know how things are going!

yousoldtheworld · Apr 11, 2007

Don't forget that taking classes and actually being a CNA are two very different things! The classroom work might be time consuming and a lot to read, memorize, and think about... but honestly if you separate yourself from your stress and look at it, much of it is common sense. I know that it is very tough to memorize the steps to procedures - but you know what? After you pass your exam and are certified, you don't have to have those extensive steps memorized.

If you ask a resident what makes a good aide, most will describe someone compassionate and enthusiastic, not someone who knows and performs every single step to every procedure by the book From your posts, I'd say that describes you! The first few days of anything are going to be tough - you have to get yourself oriented to doing something new.

Anne36, LPN · Apr 11, 2007

Yikes! You are making me nervous. I am thinking of dropping $800 on a cna class. I also havent been in the classroom in 10 years. I thought that it was mostly common sense stuff? I live in MI. What exactly are you finding is so challenging?

DreamyEyes · Apr 11, 2007

LOL...I'm with ya Anne...I'm supposed to start CNA classes this summer. Just reading your post made me feel overwhelmed! :uhoh21: My 2 close friends took the course and said it was mostly common sense and pretty easy....maybe it's just because you haven't been in school for awhile? I wouldn't worry about it though, like another poster said- CNA school is not the same as working as a CNA! I think you'll still make a wonderful CNA if it's truely what you want! :)

Feathers · Apr 11, 2007

I have just completed my CNA course & I was a little overwhelmed at first, even more during my very first clinical (& I've been in school chipping away at RN pre-req's part time for 3 years now). As previously stated, it's a lot of common sense material-which will eventually become second nature for you. You will naturally adjust. Good luck!

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2007

Folks, my biggest fear is coming true. Only 2 days into CNA classes & I am wondering - WHAT THE HECK HAVE I GOTTEN MYSELF INTO???
My class meets every day for three weeks from 8:30 in the morning until 3:00 in the afternoon. I am feeling SO OVERWHELMED & it's rather upsetting as I was SO EXCITED to START CNA classes three days ago!
I'm playing the blame game. Saying that I'm just overwhelmed because I haven't been in a classroom in almost 10 years. The facility I am taking classes at is busy, busy, busy. By the time I get home my head is SPINNING & when I think about applying for jobs - heck! Are you CRAZY???
Seriously - I need to know that this is okay. That it's normal to feel this way - that I'll get used to it & things will get easier. That things will get better, at least.
I just cannot BELIEVE how discouraged I feel - I was SO excited only a few days ago...
Does this mean I'm going to be a bad CNA??? :uhoh21:

All I can tell you is that IT WILL GET BETTER AND EASIER....I felt the same way when I first started the CNA class and even after I got hired....It DOES get better and easier.....you just have to get used to it...you're still young, don't let that little furstration get the better of you.....Finish it, stick it out, you're only new in the class....it's a lot to absorb...So everything that is happening with you is NORMAL....You're fine and you will make a good CNA ..Good Luck

couldntbhappier · Apr 11, 2007

Okay, Folks! Didn't mean to freak you out - today went MUCH BETTER! I got a 96% on my test & I realized that I am going to make one kick-a** CNA! Today we covered different parts of the body & a bit about different diseases & we learned to check vitals - it was FUN! Taking a blood pressure reading is difficult to learn but I have to admit - yesterday when we learned to make beds - AGK! Now THAT was difficult & who'd have thunk it???

I didn't mean to overwhelm anybody or discourage them from becoming a CNA - I changed my attitude up a bit - rather than afraid or overwhelmed I was excited again - and today was GREAT!

P.S. I love that I can practice certain things at home - checking for a pulse, respirations, etc. Yesterday, I taught my two children the universal sign for choking - they still remember it! It's AWESOME to know that I know the Heimlech now...

:monkeydance: :monkeydance: :monkeydance:

DreamyEyes · Apr 12, 2007

Glad to hear your day went better! You sound much happier. :)

allantiques4me · Apr 12, 2007

Starting in the medical field can be pretty scary.But if thats what you really want,youll do well.