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Specializes in ALS, LTC, Home Health.

I am about to start my CNA class in a couple of weeks. I can't wait as this is the first step in getting my RN.

While reading a few threads on staffing and the workload of both Nurses and Nursing Assistants a few questions popped in my head. I know I will most likely get the answer in my class but When I have a question I like to get it answered as soon as possible.

1. I have a resident who is very upset and needs to be consoled. With the work load put on the aids I was wondering what would be the repercussions on sitting with the resident talking to them helping them to understand what is going on. Also being a caring shoulder for them to lean on to help relieve their anxiety. Would it be ok to take 10 or 15 minutes talking to them reassuring them.

2. How much time generally will I get to really interact with the residents. Not talking job wise. I mean really talking and listening to the residents. Once I get to work in a LTC I really want to get to know the residents. Not looking for numbers here but in your experience just a general amount of time i.e. allot, little.

Thanks for all the input!! I just am so excited to get started and start something I truly feel in my heart I will love doing.

Man I sound like such a newb. But then again I am.

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To be honest, in the beginning you will have very little time to sit and talk with residents. Once you become faster with your work you learn how much time you can sit and talk with a resident. I try to give about two or three residents a day more time to talk.

As for number one, it depends on the resident. Can they be consoled? Some people because of medical conditions or lack of medication cannot be consoled. The main thing to do is give yourself a time limit before you go in. Let the resident know that you can't stay indefinately.

2. I use the time i "do my job" to talk to the resident and listen to what they have to say. So i guess a lot.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I am an LVN employed in the rehab unit at a nursing home. On Monday, the CNA's workload included 25 patients all by herself! That does not leave a great deal of time for sitting with patients, consoling them, and relieving anxieties, especially when 10 call lights must be answered at once. In addition, rude family members and other distractions will prevent you from being able to sit with a particular patient. Of course, I will help the CNA answer call lights, but you might be working with a nurse who is not helpful.

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

What awesome questions!! They are very touching.

With caring and a heart like that, you will go far in this life. Given your obvious commitment, you will find a way to connect with your residents. You are starting an incredible journey. You can take care of my family anytime!!

:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

:loveya::loveya::loveya:

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I am an LVN employed in the rehab unit at a nursing home. On Monday, the CNA's workload included 25 patients all by herself! That does not leave a great deal of time for sitting with patients, consoling them, and relieving anxieties, especially when 10 call lights must be answered at once. In addition, rude family members and other distractions will prevent you from being able to sit with a particular patient. Of course, I will help the CNA answer call lights, but you might be working with a nurse who is not helpful.

I agree with you. I was working as a student nurse tech, similar to cna, I barely had time to talk with patients. The minute you start a conversation, phone is ringing. I find little time to conversate with patients.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

Unfortunately, there are going to be things that you just won't have the time to do. As a CNA, your role is very task oriented. It would be wonderful to be able to fit time to be with your patient into your schedule, but it's really not a reality for most CNA's, at least the ones I've worked with. Everybody is just so busy getting the basics done. As others have mentioned, it isn't unusual to be responsible for the daily care of a lot of people. But I think you'll learn to be a multi-tasker, and you'll be able to interact and assess your patients needs during routine care.

I like that you're interested in looking after the psychosocial needs of your patients, and I truly hope you get to experience the satisfaction that comes with that. Much good luck to you!

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it depends on what shift you worked,it depends if you have full house or short on staff it really depends on what kind of day you going to have because anything can happen while working as a cna. like for instants on day shift there are facility that has where you're getting residents up for breakfast, doing bed baths, or showers. than you got those who needs to be put down because they can't be up at a certaining time. it depends on what you're day is like. the best time to really be talking to them is when you're with them giving their cares.

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Specializes in ALS, LTC, Home Health.

Thank you all for the wonderful replies.

I am not going into my new career blind. I do understand as many of you stated that there will be very little time for me to have a conversation with a resident with out the distraction of doing my job. As I get more proficient in my job caring for the residents I am hoping that i will be able to see some time to as it were be with the residents. I don't have to like that I will get very little time with the residents to just be there for them. Having said that I will not allow my displeasure to in any way interfere with doing my job to the best of my abilities. I will there fore use the time I am with the residents caring for there needs as an opportunity to get to know them and be there for them. I know that there will be residents that because of medical and other reasons will not allow me to interact with them other than doing my job. But they are still human and deserve the dignity that they want and desire.

After reading this it kind of sounds cold and aloof. Please believe me when I say that I am in no way cold and aloof. I care deeply for all life and am going to dedicate my life to caring for others. My now chosen career path allows me to do this. I just wish I could walk out my door right now and walk into a medical facility fully trained and ready to go. But I know it will be a few years before I can actively do what I want to do. I am just so happy that I found my path in life. I told my doctor today about my decision to enter the Nursing profession and he was more than supportive. I also told him I only have one regret about entering the Nursing field. My regret is that I did not do it sooner. By starting later in life I will not have the opportunity to practice as long as I really want to. Well at least i will get to practice. Sorry this got so long winded and thank you for the great replies.

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