3rd day on the floor. still being trained. i have questions?

[DavidSquire]

I feel lost at work. All I know how to do is follow my mentor and do what they ask me to do. I'm so nervous to be on my own next week what are some tips to help me better understand how everything works? I am so tired of stressing out its exhausting me. I guess the best way is to just ask questions. but there is so much to remember its freaking nerve racking sometimes! I hope I can handle it.

[ShineyNickelRN]

I am sure by now you know if some of the basic things to do for your job. If you are still being trained by a mentor ask them to let you do some of the stuff you do know by yourself. That will help build confidence. That was the best thing I did when I was first learning my job. Another thing I did because I had some problems figuring out my daily schedule is I had my mentor drill me on the normal daily tasks.

[Glycerine82, LPN]

I guess if you can remember the questions you specifically have go on and leave them here. I can give you some general information but you may be better off reading the other posts for others who have had questions.

Its normal to feel like your head is barely above water at first. Try to remember that you are only one person and its going to take time for you to get used to everything. Try to go into a room with everything you'll need so that you don't have to go back and forth a lot. When I was new it helped me to remind myself to finish with one patient before I went on to another. As you get more experienced you'll be able to get two people ready for bed at once by going room to room....sounds crazy but it works.

Never transfer someone who is an assist of more than one by yourself. Its not worth it. Depending on which shift you work I can give you more insight but each shift is different than the other.....I'll try to think of questions other CNAs I have trained have had If I can.

[LightX]

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 common sense.

Move quickly between residents and slow down while with residents.

Get what you need/might need (extra bed pads for heavy bed wetters) before entering a room (you will learn quickly what you need!). Use any down time you have to do tasks (ex: while waiting on a resident who is on the toilet you can get their bed made, tidy room, get PJ's ready).

Most importantly, don't get discouraged. We've all been there and have all made it and you will too!