supermotojen

Seriously!! Those are the most comfortable scrub pants I've ever worn and so soft! Have a few pairs of them :)

Red top with our school logo and black pants, black shoes.. love it!! Had to wear all white for CNA class and was so glad for that to be over, especially after the one morning I spilled coffee on them!! lol

housekeeping/cleaning

Sorry, I left out about making a bed! The things I do to make it easier for me: 1) Communicate with your patient so they always know what you're doing. 2) Encourage the patient to help you as much as possible if they can! Ask them to roll to the side and help them over by supporting their hip and back, have them hold onto the handrail while you tuck (dirty) under them and make one half side of the bed (tuck clean under). Then have them help you roll them to the other side and pull (dirty) out and pull clean through. You would be surprised how much strength some people have to hold onto the rail, even being sick. 3) Make sure the bed is raised up to working level, you should not be bending over to make it. Lower it back down when you're done. 4) When finished I always thank the patient for doing such a great job helping me out! If someone is incapable of helping at all, or a very large person too heavy for you to move-get help. The other night I had this situation where I couldn't support someone and he couldn't hold himself up. I asked one of the other CNAs if she could help me, and she did. Later on, I ended up helping her with one of her patients. Teamwork!

I'm in the same boat as you! This week is my 2nd week on the job, orienting with an experienced CNA. I was pretty overwhelmed my first 2 days...I noticed that some of the CNAs carry notebooks in their pockets with pt room numbers and list their notes (vitals,i&o, etc) throughout the whole shift. The girl I'm working with has a small clipboard for all her notes, and does charting halfway thru shift and near the end before report. I think all of the things to remember will come naturally with job experience. I will be keeping a small notebook on me though, just to be accurate! It really seems like so many things to do! We can never really stick to a strict schedule (with call lights going off all the time), but I have been starting to get into a routine by following a general timeframe to get everything done. I have also been making a big effort to do things on my own so I can get used to the job, and if I need anything I'll just ask someone for help. Others know what it's like to be new to a job and most of the time are totally willing to help. Don't worry I'm sure after a few weeks you'll have everything down.

Good luck!! Try to get rest, eat a good meal, make sure you're hydrated, and trust that your co-workers will be there to help. Don't hesitate to ask questions- everyone has had a "1st day at the new job" at some point in their lives.

I was thinking the same thing! I just had 2 pts with it the other night (one that had it in a gangrenous ulcer on their leg), and many of them have stinky pee. Vicks under your nose will work to diffuse smells. This would be a good job to get to OVERCOME the smells...After awhile you don't notice most of them.

You are right, It's sure going to be rough at first to get in the swing of the job. But- I love fast paced work and have always had hard-working ethics on the job and in school, I like to be busy and a little overwhelmed at times, that's what keeps work interesting for me. I am also going into the RN program this Fall and cannot wait to start working like crazy- it just suits me to a "T". It may suck at first, but that will eventually pass. Thanks for the heads up

How exciting!! I am also starting a new CNA job at one of our local hospitals in Med/Surg/ortho tomorrow night! I am working 3 12s per week on night shift. I am thrilled, but also a little nervous! I am working with another experienced CNA as well, and hoping I will learn some time management skills pertaining to that area of the hospital from her. I think with any job, it's just a matter of getting into a comfortable and effective routine. Good luck with your new job and congrats on landing it!

I recently acquired a "casual" position as a housekeeper/EVS associate, and worked in that dept for a month, to gain general hospital knowledge and get my foot in the door. I began applying for full-time CNA jobs and got an offer in my 1st interview, I start the CNA job tomorrow. There was no probationary period (ie. 3 or 6 mos) because I was "casual/on call" status. Maybe you could try something like this? or maybe sign up for a pt transport position? Best of luck!

Our hospital uses "gel in-gel out" and wash with isolation,etc

I am not yet a nurse, but I really enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing, happy nurses week!!!

Your story sounds very close to mine lol...I just finished up all pre-reqs and had been wanting a job to save up and put away for when I got into the RN program. I applied for 8 unit secretary jobs, 10 CNA jobs, 3 patient transport jobs, and 3 EVS(housekeeping jobs). I hadn't heard anything for months and after the last EVS job I put in for..2 weeks later I had an interview and got the job. Two weeks after that, I got a hospital sponsored seat (at the hospital I work) to start the RN program this Fall semester. Housekeeping hasn't been all that great, but, I got my foot in the door and have learned my way around the hospital, met a ton of the staff, and....I just had an interview for a CNA job 3 days ago and got it on the spot, I'll be transferring to the best "training" floor to work- I start in 2 weeks (very excited). What I'm trying to tell you is that sometimes, in order to get a desirable job you want in the hospital...you just have to work your way from the bottom up. Some hospitals, like ours, are union based, and can be very difficult to get hired on with. But once you're in, you're in. Good luck to you in your schooling and I hope you find something in the hospital to work with your schedule!!

ENFJ....that is definitely me! What an interesting test. I am beginning the ADN program this fall, but my long term goal is to become a nurse practitioner, either PNP or FNP.

I thought of this the other day.... We actually know and understand the scientific reasoning behind a fart! LOL (after learning in MICRO that our gas released is a byproduct of the normal flora in our gut, after they metabolize the sugars we consume)