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I must vent or I'll explode. I work in LTC. I'm usually pretty good at staying "on schedule" with my residents. Lately, when any nurse is filling in (we have an open position), that nurse (different each day) seems to feel the need to point out to m...

Try applying for a job working in an assisted living. I don't think you need to be certified in RI to work in an assisted living. You can also do home care. You won't be able to do any hands on care without being certified, but you can be a Home hea...

Ask tons of questions!!!! This is the time to ask. If you get the chance, talk to the CNA's that work there about their job. Tricks and tips they can offer. Some of the "tricks" and "short cuts" you will NOT be able to use during your clinicals or fo...

Pull the shirt all the way up in the back to her neck first, then get an arm out, then the other arm, then over her head. Mention to the social worker that she could use some better fitting shirts. The social worker can talk with the family or if th...

You will learn faster by doing. Ask the mentor to let you do every task and have them correct you or show you an easier way if necessary. You will feel a little freaked out at first, but that's normal. Just remember what you did in clinicals and use ...

There is always home care. You can pick and choose your shifts and could even work 2-4 hours a week! Family will be happy and so will you!

If the specific color is just for the class, cheap is ok. Once you start working, you will find that pockets are a MUST! The more the better. Stretchy isn't as important but I like to have room in my scrubs, especially the tops. I have been able to f...

If you past your state exam, you'll be fine! Most of the job is common sense. The only way you could "mess up" in a way that could get you fired is if you forget to attach a residents alarm and then they fall. The best advice I got when I first start...

Many of the AFH in my state also provide respite services to families on weekends or for short periods of time. (so the family who usually provides care can get a break for a few days/week...). That "client" will receive care along with the other re...

Don't panic. Show no fear (or anxiety). Act like you know what you're doing, even if you feel like you have no clue...at the same time, don't be afraid to ask questions. Most of the job is common sense and if you past the state exam, you'll be fine!!...

I work part time. I have about 8 sets...all of which I bought from yard sales for $1. or less or had been given to me. They are all nice tops (and pants) too!

It has been my experience that the home care agencies will use you as much as and in any way possible. They will probably send you out of your radius of where you are willing to travel "just this once" then soon you will find it happening more often...

I had pulled muscles in my back as well as a hernia in the past as a caregiver. When I had a physical for my CNA I included that information. The doctor asked me if I any problems and if I felt I could perform the lifting duties required of a CNA. I ...

I would say that if it's just the people you work with and not the job then stick with it. Being a CNA is great experience and in my opinion will make you a better nurse. You will be able to say that you know what it's like to be the aide. Going to ...

I have a resident with a feeding tube. I know he needs to be upright at least a 40degree angle when connected. He has skin break down on his bottom. He is in his wheel chair most of the day because of "school" and in the bed evenings with the feedin...

Thank you for all your answers. The nurse knows about the break down. The resident leaves the facility for about 7 hours a day for "school". He is "out of our care" for that amount of time and in the care of another program. His wheel chair tilts ba...

Don't let this resident shake your confidence. I agree the the others. Sometimes a resident will not like you for no apparent reason. Sometimes it's because you're new. Again, I agree with the fake it til you make it. Don't let her see or know you a...

I know some places don't allow you to wear any rings that are set high because you can scratch residents.

Not all LTC facilities are so hostile. I work for a nursing home as a CNA and all my coworkers are wonderful and supportive. We are a great team. It may not be the norm, but you can find a great LTC to work for. Dont be afraid to ask about the staff...

If the question were on the state CNA exam...Do u use the gait belt even if the resident refuses it? Your answer would be "yes". The reason being it's a safety issue. If it says on the residents care plan that they can refuse use of gait belt (or som...

There is a resident who is a mechanical lift to transfer. She hates waiting and often tells me to leave the room so she can self transfer without me seeing her. (Because I tell her I can't let her do it without the lift). I told the nurse this and sh...

This resident is currently in the hospital because of a fall. ( I wasn't working the night she fell). The nurse told me she broke her wrist and has a black eye. This is the same nurse who told me she would never be able to try to transfer.... I'm not...

I kind of just fell into being a CNA and health care in general. I have no desire to become an RN. Like you, I got my CNA because it's the one thing I knew I'd find work in and I knew I could do it. I don't mind it, I like taking care of the older fo...

When I worked for home care, I didn't get to meet the client first. I was assigned, I showed up and worked the schedule. That was how it went. I also knew that a nurse had done an visit with the client before me and if that nurse didn't feel safe, th...

You will get to a point when the smells just don't bother you anymore. I can clean a resident covered in poo and then go to dinner afterwards without a thought about it. Until you get to that point, the vicks thing may help but, I used to put a stro...