macrich84

1:5? That would be so nice!

We have the yellow and green, too. I wish whoever ordered supplies would pay attention to the toothbrush stock. We get notes that we don't chart on oral care, but how can we if we can't get a toothbrush??

haha thank you CoffeemateCNA. The thought of seeing another CNA walking around with a wheely backpack made me

Try splitting up what you do when you check the vitals. Refill your water pitchers, empty foleys/urinals and change your inc. patients, etc before you start with your vitals. Make those rounds first, maybe a half hour, or hour before vitals..depending on your speed. It sounds like you are trying to do way too many things during vital checks. As far as your respirations, you'll get use to doing those.. but, if you are having a hard time try asking your nurse to verify your numbers when they pass out AM meds.

If you pads aren't big enough.. you need a draw sheet. just take a normal top sheet, fold it in a half and put in under the patient. When moving the patient up.. tell her she HAS to bend her knees and push. Also, put the foot of the bed all the way up. If you don't have the supplies, tell the charge nurse. She may not know, and would be able to get you what you need. And yes, there are some patients what will drive you crazy if you let them. You don't let them by taking care of you important duties first and then, helping them with there none vital needs when you can.

Our hospital carries the small bottles of mouth wash, so, when I got into a room with a patient that has cdiff.. I'll put a tiny drop of mouth wash on the inside of the mask.. Can't smell a thing other than minty freshness.

I highly recommend a CNA job. Some of the best nurses I know where CNAs before becoming RNs or LPNs. I know that my CNA job has help to reinerate many of the skills I'm learning in school as well as given me the opportunity to get receive support and see many other nurses skills.

To the few notorious nurses that always sit up at the nurses station "charting" for most of their shift: I am not wonder woman. I can not be in 5 different rooms at once. I do not ignore the call bells in my assignment. So, when you hear one of your call bells going off for 10 minutes can you please go answer it. I would be in there if I wasn't being soaked in the shower room or cleaning up the worlds largest BM.

I agree.. Thermals under your scrubs pants would just be way too much. Boy shorts are the best things to wear with the white scrub pants.

It's funny how quickly everyone forgets that once they were the newbies too. Kinda reminds me of the silly high school drama. Best to ignore the drama as much as possible. I'd just be nice to the new girl (maybe because I'm currently a new girl too... haha), maybe one day they will learn from example... if not, at least the new crowd might be a better one for you to associate with.

Sounds like it was the best move for you in the long run. Good luck on the job hunt! I'll be working this Easter so, enjoy yours for me too!

I know this might be easier said then done, but sometimes we are busy or just don't think about stopping to show someone else the ropes. The best advice I can give you is to be firm but friendly about getting help. Remind them that you are suppose to be training. Don't!! do anything that you aren't sure about or trained to do without someone else with you. Even if that means being a pain in the butt to the other CNAs. Better safe then sorry for yourself and your residents. Also, if you know something should be done, such as the showers or other care, and it's not done.. you need to report it to the charge nurse or your supervisor before it falls on your head. The one's training you can't blame you if you have already brought it up as an issue. If you are unsure about certain tasks you have to perform... look up how to do them on youtube. If you still need hints about how dress someone with an IV bag, I'd be more than willing to pass on how to do it.

I've never tried Tafford... I'll have to take a look around the site. Thanks!

When I was applying for jobs I told them that I am schedule to take the state boards March 25th. Some said to wait until then, while others were still willing to interview. I'd call any of the places you are interested in apply to see if they require you to be state certified or if the certification from the class would do until you pass the test. In my state, we have 120 days to work while class certified. So, you never know if you can start working now. As far as forgetting what you learned... practice on everyone you know! I use my friends and family all the time to make sure I remember all the skills while I wait for the state board.

i found the cherokee4less.com is a really good place to buy, of course, cherokee scrubs. if you use the coupon annx you get 20 percent off your whole purchase plus shipping is free if you spend over $25. scrubsandbeyond.com is another really good site to purchase off of. you can find coupon codes here http://www.momsview.com/scrubsandbeyond.shtml. they have free shipping if you spend over $100. just figured that i would pass on the savings!

Good luck! The first day is always crazy... But I'm sure you'll catch on in no time! And don't forget, just because you're done with orientation doesn't mean you can't ask questions or for help!

EricaB, Reading the chapters before hand is a good idea. I know when I was taking the course I had a test every week. We were somewhat lucky that our program had packets for each chapter along with a study guide to fill out. It took a good chunk of time, but reading and filling out the guide really did help me out in the class. I do agree with Katie. You are lucky you had the experience working with residents. That will certainly help you with your clinicals and if you ever need to get a job as a CNA before you complete nursing school. Sounds like you'll do great in the course. Good luck!

I'm not trying to start anything because it is obvious you've been in our shoes before. But, there are still some of us that are trying to gain experience while in school or it is required by our schools to get into a nursing program. Or don't live within the poverty level when combining incomes with a spouse. It's hard to generalize any profession. However, there is one thing that most of us all have in common with each other (nurses not just us cnas), we are caregivers with very little time to spend on ourselves. We are wifes, husbands, parents, students, etc on top of working on your feet all day or night. I'll be the first to admit that it's a strungle finding time. And like most of us said before, we were chunky before we started. And I'm with EricaB on this one... When I worked at a desk job for 5 years, I could just look at a cookie and gain weight. At least now I know that I can work that cookie off after a couple transfers.

I know this is way late, somewhat new to the site, but I'm going through the pre-nursing, applying, and waiting stage too. PM me if you want to chat.

Dondie, Good luck with your class! Feel free to ask if you have any questions.. Resa, Sounds like you and I are in the same boat. Start my orientation April 6th and state boards on April 25. Good luck! Let me know how orientation and the boards go.

You have to take a look at the benefits and the facility too. But, You need to take in consideration what's the lowest wage you're willing to work for. I can't tell you not to take the job.. but, if you think you are worth more or you think you can wait long enough to find a better paying job.. then that's what I would do. I know I am making 10/h days, 11.50/h 3rd shift, 12/h weekends. But, the benefits and the prospect of a long career here is worth the pay.

I guess I can put myself in the overweight category as well. However, the weight was there before. It is very difficult to feel like running to the gym after a 12 shift. And there are days when you're so busy that you forget to eat or just don't have the time then when you get home that you feel like you could eat everything not nailed down. I've finally figured out a schedule that works for me that as stick to as much as possible. I agree though... I don't see how we have the fattest job!

I have a list that I got while taking my cna course. I'll try to scan it later or write it up tomorrow.

Congrats!

apply apply apply! if you are able to work a night shift or weeks... make sure you use that to sell yourself! you have some experience from your clinicals, right? put that on your resume! give them the idea that if they need to you give a shower that you can! use your clincal and theory instructors as references, if you can. if your future employers found out you worked your bootay off during clincals that shows them that you'll work your bootay off for them. home health is a great place to start to gain some experience. most agencies are desperate for cnas and willing to hire you with little to no experience. good luck on the job hunt jangelvi!