DevinsMom

Well, now that I've graduated and passed my state exam, it's now time for me to find a job (though due to my class schedule next semester, I'm hoping to keep it part-time). Anyhow, did anyone else feel completely unprepared after their CNA class for a real CNA job? In my CNA class we were assigned two residents, and that was it. Compared to the 12 that regular CNAs can be assigned to, I feel woefully unprepared and scared that I won't be able to do the job. Are these jitters normal? Do SNF's usually give you an introductory week where you start off with a few residents or do they dump the full 12 on you from the start? Ugh. Any comments/help would be appreciated!

I wouldn't worry about being a guy in this class - if your class ends up being like mine that I just completed was, all of the girls in your class (and the on-staff CNAs) will love you for your lifting ability! I've noticed a lot of the people on these boards got to shadow CNAs at their clinical facility, but we didn't. We were just kind of thrown in to the facility, assigned a patient or two, and just had to rely on our fellow students to get things done, which makes a male student all the more valuable (our facility was understaffed, so finding a CNA to help transfer was nearly impossible). Also, one of the male students in our class had a way with the senior men at the clinical site we went to. The male residents eyes would light up when they talked to them. I'd say your only struggle might be with female residents that may not want to accept care from you, but I'm sure your clinical teachers will make sure you don't get into that kind of situation. Anyhow, I'm excited for you! Good luck, and I know you'll do great and have a lot of fun in this class :)