Clover19

I may not be the most qualified person to answer this, but I thought I'd reply anyways ? I'm a an NA on a dementia unit in a nursing home, and there have been so many instances where residents say things that are rude or inappropriate. In my opinion, it's best to learn your residents/patients - because everyone is different! For some residents I've learned that it's better to just ignore it, because responding to it might get you nowhere or it might agitate them further. With other residents, I may politely tell them that it's not okay to say those things & they apologize right away. Of course yelling or fighting them back is never a good idea, but I really think the way you respond depends on the person you are dealing with. Like I said, I know my situation is different than yours but at the same time I can imagine that there are some parallels between psych patients & dementia patients! Hope this is at least somewhat helpful ?

I recently started working at a nursing home as an NA (and will be taking CNA classes when I have some time off from school!) I'm still being trained by the CNAs during my shifts & jump in to help when I can, but I'm nervous for when I'm responsible to transfer someone on my own! Since I haven't taken the CNA classes yet, I haven't been properly taught how to transfer - I've only helped/watched other people do it. I'm also not the strongest individual (might have to start lifting weights for this job lol) & I just don't want to transfer a resident the wrong way or end up hurting them! Any advice??

I was recently offered a job as a nurse assistant at a nursing home (and will become certified shortly after). I'll be beginning my school's nursing program next semester, and don't have any healthcare experience yet so I'm a little nervous to start this job! Any advice or tips for a newbie??

I just try to keep in mind that people are more likely to share their bad experiences than not. There are tons of nurses out there who love their jobs and just aren't telling about it online! I say listen to your own advice - try to focus on your own journey & enjoy the process!

I don't think it would be frowned upon. Even if you aren't certified, you're still gaining experience and putting a foot in the door! Every facility is different, but where I'm from, nurse aids are hired on and do most of the same work as CNAs anyways.

Recording lectures has been so beneficial to me in nursing school!! I use my cell phone to record lectures, and then listen to them later to fill in my notes with things I may have missed, or to review the morning of an exam. I would say I'm a visual learner for the most part, but re-listening to lectures has really worked for me also! Everyone is different though! Good luck to you ?

^ I agree with this!! & you can always use a cellphone to record lectures if your don't want to purchase a recorder. As for supplies you don't need anything too crazy - notebook, index cards, pens, highlighters!

The nursing program at my school is similar to this as well. A year and a half of prereqs, then the actual nursing classes begin your 4th semester. Clinicals are the last 2 years. Every school is different though! I also saw above that you're first career choice is in the arts - if you aren't sure it can support you as a career and are still passionate about nursing, why not do the arts on the side?

I agree with the above posters to retake A&P 1 before taking 2. Although you learn about different organs and body systems in A&P 2, there are still a lot of foundational things you need to understand from A&P 1 before moving on in my opinion. Either way, good luck in whatever you choose to do & try not to get discouraged! These classes are far from easy, but they are so helpful once you get to your actual nursing classes?

I agree with both of the previous posters. It's not healthy to hold all your emotions inside & always deal with things on your own. It sounds like therapy would be a good thing for you!

I know I'm a little late to respond... First off, congrats on getting a position! As for interviewing, I'm no pro but I still thought I'd share a few tips I've learned ? Steering clear of caffeine definitely helps me with reducing anxiety! It's important to prepare for an interview, but sometimes I think over-preparing can hurt you in the long run... the best advice I can give is to be yourself in an interview! Try not to answer questions like you've memorized the answers, you can answer them as you've practiced at home but also make sure to show them you have personality! My last tip for now is to remember that the internet is your friend!! There are SO many resources online that can help you prepare for interviews... use them!! Best of luck in your future & hope this helps ?

Hello! Any nurses want to share some things you wish nursing school would have taught you, tips for nursing students, tricks you've learned on the job, etc? This year will be my first year in nursing school & I thought it would be cool to hear some words of advice beforehand! ?

I am still a student & not a nurse yet, but I agree with this!! If I am having trouble hearing a pulse, sometimes it's easier to watch the needle jump on the meter than actually hear it!

I know the program at my university limits you to retaking a class 3 times, but every school is different so I can't speak for yours! If I were you I'd sit down with my advisor and they can tell you what the best route for you would be, how the program looks at grades, etc. But don't feel discouraged... everyone's journey is different!! Best of luck to you ?