scared to take CNA class

Published

Hi all,

Today I confirmed starting next week Monday I will be starting my extensive CNA course. While on the phone today lady told me good luck as it is a hard class. Now I'm so nervous and scared I've been out of school for a while and I have never done anything medical related before as I was a business major before. Can some of u guys who took the course advise me what to expect or dometrtjat may help me? It is a six weeks course and I'm taking it at a local community college. Anything I can study now before starting class will be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's not hard at all. It's mostly common sense. You learn how to do basic skills such as handwashing, taking vital signs and assisting residents with daily living.It's pretty easy once you get the hang of how things go. Just go in there ready to learn and dont be afraid to ask questions. That's what the instructor is there for. You will be fine.Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of CNA work,lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm taking a CNA class too and it really isn't hard. As long as you pay attention to what your instructor tells you while in class and review the material at home, you'll do fine. Most of it is common sense. Some of the test questions can be tricky and you'll have to use critical thinking skills to pick the best overall answer but once you get the hang of it, it's not hard at all. Some of the students in my class are struggling and some won't make it to the end but those same students are the ones talking instead of practicing skills, texting while instructor isn't looking and staring off into space during lectures. If you pay attention, you'll have no problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

CNA class is easy by almost any measure. The academic and classwork is simple and probably taught at an 8th grade level. The practical skills do take a little bit of practice only because the state practical exam(at least in my state) really nitpick and want everything done in a specific order, but some of the skills you can practice at home if class time isnt enough.

The hardest part of the class is probably clinicals, assuming the class has them. Thats because things in the real world are much harder than in a classroom, but as you are a student you will have a really light patient/resident load, maybe 1-3 people, and will probably(hopefully) be supervised. Just be polite and friendly and dont do anything overtly dangerous or stupid and youll be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The class is very simple, commen sense type stuff. I think she was just trying to scare you. I had absolutely NO medical experience either. Always worked in an office setting and I did the best in the class. Don't get me wrong, it can be intimidating but once you get in there and just do it, it's a piece of cake.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Keep in mind that 16 year-olds can become CNA's... it's not rocket science.

When you get out there and see some of the people who have their CNA, you'll see that just about anybody can take the class and pass it... unfortunately.

Whoever told you it was a hard class didn't know what they were talking about.

However, there will be some challenges that are not acedemic in nature.

For example, you have to overcome that natural aversion to violating a stranger's personal space... you will be up close and personal with your patients.

In the beginning, that is a bit freaky.

You also have to prepare yourself for seeing the not-so-pretty side taking care of people: bodily functions, heavy lifting, multi-tasking and bad behaviors come immediately to mind.

These are things you will learn to deal with over time.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank u guys so much I guess I was freaking out because I will. Be dealing with people lives and I want to make sure I know what I'm doing. I'm sensitive to the matter because I have an autistic daughter and she is in other people hands ever day and I don't want to be the cause of anyone being harm or worst

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank u guys so much I guess I was freaking out because I will. Be dealing with people lives and I want to make sure I know what I'm doing. I'm sensitive to the matter because I have an autistic daughter and she is in other people hands ever day and I don't want to be the cause of anyone being harm or worst

Exactly.

It is an awesome responsibility to take care of people who are very vulnerable.

You will learn how to keep your patients safe.

That is the #1 priority at all times and safety measures will be drilled into your head.

You already sound like you have a healthy respect for that aspect of things and I suspect you will do just fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics.

CNA class is easy peasy -- I would not stress it. If you have common sense, you can pass a CNA course. Now the actual job itself is a lot harder, especially in the LTC environment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Locked unit dementia.

A CNA class isn't anything to get too stressed out about. It's mostly common sense. I can sum up my CNA classes for you:

1. don't wipe females back to front

2. use two people when using a hoyer/sit to stand lift.

3. when in doubt, ask questions

4. don't do anything with medications until you're licensed to do so

5. be compassionate

And what they didn't teach you in class?

Speed comes with time. You will get so fast and awesome at your job in a few months. Not even joking.

Practice manual blood pressure. Again, it comes with time.

Don't be afraid. It's an amazing experience!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

like many have said previously, it's not hard, it really is common sense. The woman really didn't know what she was talking about she maybe just wanted to freak you out on purpose.

Anyways, you got this :3 You'll be fine!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in DD, Mental Health, Geriatric.
A CNA class isn't anything to get too stressed out about. It's mostly common sense. I can sum up my CNA classes for you:

1. don't wipe females back to front

2. use two people when using a hoyer/sit to stand lift.

3. when in doubt, ask questions

4. don't do anything with medications until you're licensed to do so

5. be compassionate

And what they didn't teach you in class?

Speed comes with time. You will get so fast and awesome at your job in a few months. Not even joking.

Practice manual blood pressure. Again, it comes with time.

Don't be afraid. It's an amazing experience!

2. Unless you work alone in a 6-resident AFH where one or two residents use a hoyer or a sit to stand, then you will have to do it by yourself cause you'll be the only aide on duty at a time! (Trust me, I work at an 6-resident AFH and I stay from Friday 2pm til Monday 7am all by my lonesome and we do have a resident who uses a sit to stand and there's no one around to help me with it).

4. Unless you work in an AFH by yourself in which residents need meds. Not sure about other states but in Washington a registered nursing assistant can pass meds in an AFH and for stuff like inhalers, blood glucose testing, medicated creams and oxygen care, etc, you can be delegated by an RN. But, you know, when I very first became an NAR back in 1995 we didn't need any special class other than Fundamentals and there were no MARS or narc count sheets, everything was just Willy nilly, (though we did use to have to practically write novels of documentation on our residents so having the check list ADLs are a lot better unless you have an incident that needs extensive documentation!) it's no wonder a lot of places didn't last back then! I'm glad things have changed for the better but I don't have to be a Med tech/aide to pass meds in an Adult Family Home. Probably for nursing homes though!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion