Tudder

Can I just share something here? (devil's advocate) Is it possible that the reason the first preceptor didn't have you do things is this: He/she has been the CNA for these particular residents for a very long time and is "possessive" of them? By this I mean, look at it from the CNA's view... I have worked with Mable for years, she is like my own grandma, and I don't want a student to work with her because although they need to learn, I just don't want them working with my residents... My suggestion would be to say: "I know you do this all the time, and because I am a student, I am sure that you may feel uncomfortable with me doing _______ for Martha... but can I step in here, have you give me step by step instructions and give your back a break?" It isn't in doing the procedure, it is in how you ask to do it.

I just started a month ago at a nursing home... $9.25/hour before promissor certification day shift $10.25/hour after promissor certification day shift $1.00/hour extra for pm shift and $1.50/hour for noc shift added to the day shift pay... weekends are no different. after probation your pay increases on each of those wages by $0.25/hour and if you get a lead position that is another $0.50/hour. I know, very confusing! So, now that I am certified, working the pm shift and becoming a lead CNA on the floor, I am going to be making $11.75, but because I am not off of the probation period, I will not see the $12.00 mark until August. As for benefits, they suck!! Thank goodness my husband has health insurance!

I would definately recommend that you follow the promissors book because the proctor testing you will be from promissor and will not vary far from the booklet provided. As for the order in which you complete the tasks... doesn't matter (according to my proctor) just so that you get them all done in the time allowed. We had to complete them within 30 minutes, you would do one skill, could look back at the test sheet to see the next skill and then start again as if you were walking into a resident's room for each skill... does that make sense? In my state, in order to be on the waiting list to get into the Nursing program (yes, there is a 3 year waiting list to get into the core nursing program!!!) you need to complete the CNA class. You do not need to become certified, only to complete the class. Then the semester before you start the core program classes you need to complete the CPR for Healthcare professionals. I have completed all of the general classes, electives and prerequistes needed for graduation, so in August I will start the core nursing program... but over the summer I will need to complete the CPR class.

Well, I don't mean to scare you, but I do want to tell you everything... so here it goes. We had to be in our seats by 8:30 in the morning and trust me, they locked the doors at the exact time... you weren't in the room, you didn't take the test. There were about 15 of us there for the written portion of the test, and I know for a fact that two of the people there were there on re-tests (previous fails) of those of us there 2 failed (one was a "re-taker"). After the written portion was done, and we all had our scores back, we were divided into separate groups, given 30 minutes each to perform the five skills required. The skills were predetermined for each of us. My skills were: Handwashing- which everyone has to complete Respirations measurement- use a watch with a real second hand, not a digital!! Wash face, arm, hand and underarm- "victim" was wearing a gown over her clothes and we used real water... not just pretending. ROM one shoulder- simple skill in my book. Dress person with right side affected- had "victim" hold rubber glove in affected hand so I didn't forget which side was affected. My "victim" which was one of the girls who failed the written test, had to complete the skills test after already knowing she had failed, but since I was now her victim, I can tell you what skills she had" Hand washing- obviously. Urinary output measurement- apple juice in a bed pan, needed to be measured and disposed of properly. brushing teeth- weird for me because I don't think anyone but the dentist has done this in a very very long time! Bedpan procedure- don't forget to raise the head of the bed. (and I am sorry, but I can't remember the last one she did right now... If I remember it, I will let you know.) She did pass her skills test, and all I can give you for a word of advice is to remember K.I.C.K. Knock, Introduce yourself, pull the Curtain, and Know the procedure you are about to do! and then L.C.H. Low bed, Call light and wash Hands before leaving the room. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

How did you feel when you interviewed at the "bad place"? Did you feel comfortable? Sometimes you have to go with your own gut instead of what everyone else tells you; some just love to scare others.

I am surprised that you are able to take the test without going through the classes... (did I read that right?) The testing application required a signature of the instructor in order to apply for a testing date. I am in Wisconsin so the rules may be a bit different here, but you will want to double check to make sure that you don't have to complete the classes first. I just finished my classes in February and took my promissors test three weeks ago, so I know what you are going through... good luck!

Hello everyone! I am Teresa and just became a CNA officially three weeks ago! I have been working at a nursing home for just about two months now and am loving it! When I am not working at the nursing home, I am either driving a school bus or studying for the Associates Degree of Nursing program... yeah, I can spread myself pretty thin. I look forward to getting to know you all and learning from those that were here before me!