mo1212

I'm 21 and graduated a one-month, Red Cross CNA training program in August of past year. Since then, I've been busy as a full-time college student. I live with my parents and they help me out with whatever I need so I haven't really "needed" to be working. Summer break started a couple weeks ago, and I feel like a total bum because aside from a small, four hours a week housekeeping gig, I am unemployed. I feel really bad about it, and so now I am figuring out whether I should apply for a job at my local Dunks, or just take the leap and apply for a CNA job. The reason I haven't yet, is because I get really really nervous about it. (I used to take meds for anxiety). I know in reality that if I just forced myself to apply at the local hospital/a LTC facility that I would be super nervous for weeks but ultimately would be fine. That being said, that rationality is constantly slipping from my mind. I feel so so nervous, that I'll be judged, that I'm not really ready, that I won't even know how to talk to patients properly and be confident in what I am doing. I'm also small and pretty weak.. I don't care about messy dirty work at all, but I get nervous about the literal small interactions between a patient and me or coworkers and me, and the patient's comfort. I just feel so nervous that I haven't even applied.. so I guess, I'm looking for some reassurance. Another question I have -- my dad is a CNA, and he has told me that he really thinks I should apply at our local hospital, or a LTC facility, rather than a home health agency. He says that it's better for me to learn that way, because at a HH agency you're alone, on your own. Is this completely true? Do new CNAs not usually go this route? The reason it seems appealing to me (after the nerves) is that I could do 20 hours a week just sort of being a companion, etc. Is it true that HH agencies can just send you wherever? Do you get oriented with the patient beforehand, or do you just show up and introduce yourself? Do they try to match you properly if you say you are a newer CNA with no experience?? (Some local HH postings say "brand new CNAs welcome" and things like that, but I guess I assume that's because they're staff hungry.) Could you apply for a companion or HHA position even though you're a CNA? I practiced taking vitals in my course, but if I was alone to take a BP, I would totally second guess myself. I'm sorry if I seem naive.. any advice is appreciated.