Recently Certified CNA scared to take the next step...

lalopop86 · Mar 14, 2012

The more you dwell on it, the worse and more anxious you are going to feel. What is the next step for you? Do you mean getting a job as a CNA or applying to nursing school? Why do you say you didn't do the best- did you struggle with certain skills, etc? If you are interested in working as a CNA, I suggest going ahead and applying to jobs in your area. Nobody is going to hire you if they don't think that you are competent, and you will be trained wherever you work. Good luck, and congrats!

interceptinglight, CNA · Mar 14, 2012

Don't worry too much about how you did in class. Even A-students in the classroom have a boatload of stuff to learn once they are actually on the job, because there are going to be a lot of things that are particular to the way it's done in the facility you're hired to, plus you'll need to learn about each person that you're going to be taking care of, etc etc. To be honest, the classroom doesn't do as much to prepare you for the job as much as actually DOING IT will teach you. Even with clinicals there is only so much you can learn. You sound very motivated and excited to be doing this kind of job so you have nothing to be scared of whatsoever. Best advice I can give you is do not allow anyone to make you feel bad about yourself for any reason. If you have a question at your new job -- ASK it. If you make a mistake -- OWN UP TO IT AND LEARN FROM IT. If you need help -- ASK FOR IT. When you start out brand new, it's easy to feel really stupid and like you're just too slow. EVERYBODY and I mean EVERYBODY feels that way in the beginning -- no exceptions to that rule. I'm pretty smart, but boy did I feel dumb those first few.....months...on the job. Honestly it took me a long time before I even felt I was even just a little bit good at it.

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by 'the next step', but if you mean getting a job -- GO FOR IT!!! I promise you it will be the most rewarding thing you will EVER do in your life.

Maryea · Mar 14, 2012

Okay, stop right there!!

First of all, I start CNA classes next week, so you may need to remind me of all of this in about 8 weeks...But....

You need to look at your post and pick out all of the positives....like....

"I recently passed my state CNA exam and am very excited about it."

"I think back to my exam day and get happy chills. I became a CNA because it was something I thought I could do well and it would put me in the right place to begin my career in the medical field (not to mention I'm a genuinely kind, loving person who really freaking wants to do this!)."

You already get it...

"this is people's lives and there is NO room for error or mistakes. And while I get that,"

Heck....look at your signature...

"LeslieCNA"

You are on your way....You are a CNA!!! Have you ever taken a class in your life that you learned everything you needed to know and immediately did everything perfectly when you did the job? Probably not!! Do it!!! You could make a difference in just one persons life, but you will never know until you get out there. Go!!

And BTW...Congratulations!!!

IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN · Mar 15, 2012

I recently passed my state CNA exam and am very excited about it. It's been about 2 weeks now and I still can't believe it. I think back to my exam day and get happy chills. I became a CNA because it was something I thought I could do well and it would put me in the right place to begin my career in the medical field (not to mention I'm a genuinely kind, loving person who really freaking wants to do this!). However, for some reason, even with all this excitement, I am scared to take the next step.
In CNA school I didn't do the best, and my teacher made no point in letting me think otherwise. I already doubt myself, so my teacher being hard on me didn't help at all. Don't get me wrong, I understand why COMPLETELY. This isn't me standing at a cashier taking orders, this is people's lives and there is NO room for error or mistakes. And while I get that, I still was left doubting my ability to perform as a CNA. I know I can do it, I'm just scared to take the next step... So, I was wondering, do any of you other CNAs or Nurses have some words of advice or encouragement for a new CNA? I need as much as I can get.
Thanks in advance,
LeslieCNA

Hmm...did you happen to take your training at the same place I did? :eek:

Yes, you're dealing with people's lives - but, as a CNA your responsibilities, while broad-based are pretty limited in scope. You don't get to do anything invasive, & you consult with the charge nurse on anything questionable. And, yes there is a margin for error and mistakes. So long as you're keeping up on infection control & patient safety issues 99% of the time you'll be just fine - and the other 1% will be less serious than you think.

Part of why the instructors whack on you in class is to get you used to the abuse that you're likely to encounter on the job - not all patients are little angels & some of your co-workers will be pretty toxic as well. Their reasoning typically is that, if they're rough on the students, they'll weed out the "wanna-be's" & by the time they're through with the students, getting into a "real world" environment's going to be a relief. Note that I don't agree with this policy - and have stated same to my former instructor's bosses.

Beyond that - yep, your first days as a "real" CNA are going to be pretty intimidating; heck, you might even have patients that'll die on you (especially if you're working LTC). Guess what? I'd be willing to bet that it wasn't your fault - ever. We do the best we can - but, we make mistakes. And, sometimes even when we do everything just right - things happen. It's a part of the profession.

So long as you're sticking to your training & being willing to listen and learn, you will be just fine.

----- Dave

northernguy · Mar 16, 2012

Being a CNA isnt rocket science. You arent going to be making life or death decisions. If you are hard working, polite, have a healthy back, and try hard, theres nothing to worry about. Yeah you will always deal with people who will look down on the new employee or new CNA, but so what, thats the case with any job. You probably would encounter the same thing starting at Mcdonalds. Doesnt hurt to try, if you find out being a CNA isnt for you, then move on to something else.

nguyency77, CNA · Mar 17, 2012

Try to think of it like this: the patient's life is not really in your hands. Yes, it is expected and required that you don't drop people when you transfer them, and that you don't burn them while giving them baths or leave them in their urine all day. But you will not be the one passing meds or assessing the resident/patient. That is the nurse's job. :) So don't freak!

In any work situation, you'll encounter people who don't really like you. And that's okay. When I was first hired, my coworkers tried to get me into trouble and stuff. It really felt like hazing, but I stood my ground, was never nasty back to them, and did the best work I could. Now none of them try to bother me, and they even offer to help me.

LeslieCNA · Mar 24, 2012

Wow! I just wanna say THANK YOU to everyone who responded! I'm sitting here at my computer with a huge smile on my face, feeling super inspired and ready to get started with my new medical career! I appreciate you all taking time out to give me your words of inspiration. They really helped and were the perfect boost for my confidence.

Thanks again,

LeslieCNA