supraargo

Hi there. I'm a new CNA that started a job about 2 months ago. I work part time evenings at a nursing home (every other weekend). My first day on the job was pretty rough. One CNA had to go home sick so we were short staffed half of the day. My hall was one of the rougher ones to deal with..so I had it out for me going in there. The day couldn't pass fast enough for me. I felt perpetually behind and completely lost. I'd ask my fellow CNA's on the floor for help every few minutes. Half way through the shift I wanted to cry...once I got home I actually did. I didn't want to go in for my second day. I contemplated calling in and not going. I started doubting whether or not Nursing would be for me at all! My boyfriend was extremely supportive and said all the right things such as " it was just your first day...it'll get better." I just kept crying and shaking my head and going "you don't understand what its like out there!!" Eventually I sucked it up, my second day came...and it was very slightly better than the first. I breathed a heavy sight of relief after my shift ended, but still felt exhausted and beaten afterwards. I still was contemplating quitting... Fast forward to my second weekend on the job...It was heaven! I was on a better hall (with lots of independent residents) and I was able to manage my time much better. I actually was able to get every resident on my hall into bed and changed by the end of my shift. I was very proud of my self for sticking with it! The purpose of this post is merely to try and encourage others out there who are going through situations like I did. I'm SURE you exist. I just wanted to say...it gets slightly better! I'm sure the more I work, the more comfortable I'll get with time management and dealing with transferring residents smoothly. Hang with it (unless your facility is horrible for other reasons )!!

I took my CNA course over this past summer while taking A&P 1 and working full time. My CNA course had labs on Saturday (clinicals on Sunday) and lecture online. If I can do it anyone can. I agree with the others. The CNA course is pretty easy. Its mostly going over and memorizing the steps of the skills that takes a bit of time. Good Luck!

I'd recommend trying a CNA program. It seems to help some stand out in a competitive application process. It also helps you get your feet wet in dealing with patients and the eventuality of having to touch people (although you may get some of that in apparel). I second what the previous poster said. I live in Denver and I already know that whenever I go to nursing school I can only go for a BSN because most hospitals won't hire those with ADNs. Good luck