second week in cna school need help

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 17, 2012

Ignore the annoying people in your class; you'll probably never see them again after you graduate... ever.

You should be learning how to make a bed. o_O Isn't that what you're in school for? Haha.

But anyway, at my facility we do this:

1 Fitted Sheet

1 Draw Sheet/Chux

1 Top Sheet

1 Blanket

1 Comforter

1) Put the fitted one first, then line up the draw sheet in the middle, put the top sheet on and make sure it's even on both sides, then put on the blanket.

2) Tuck the linens into the end of the bed, and then go to the left/right side and lift the blankets up. Then get the little piece that sticks out and tuck that under the mattress. Repeat on the other side.

3) Then change the pillowcases and fold back the top of the sheets so it looks nice. Put the pillows in the bed. You should have a bed with hospital corners. In my unit, after I do the corners I put on a comforter. Ours don't have to be tucked cuz they're made that way to fit the bed.

It's not so hard :]

For my skills test, I got really easy stuff: Count a pulse, ambulate a patient with left-sided weakness, and making an occupied bed.

IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN · Feb 17, 2012

could anyone give me tips on the skills test what to expect and how to make a bed and deal with classmates thats rude and plays alot and is the written and skills test hard i am in houston tx

Skills test - you'll be freaking out from the stress.

Bed making - you sleep on one at home, I expect (although there are people that don't - I apologize if you're one of them) so practice the technique on your bed. It's documented in your textbook, so I won't bother with the exact steps (nguyency77 gave an excellent rundown, BTW) - practice, practice & more practice.

Rude & annoying people - um, are your instructors not keeping these people in check? If not - tell 'em to shut up & learn!

Are the written & skills tests hard - if you haven't studied & practiced; yes. Otherwise; sort of - because of the stress.

In a bit more detail - with the skills test, just about everyone figures they're going to fail due to not being letter perfect on technique. Here's 3 things that'll help:

1 - You're going to make mistakes. When you do; 'fess up & tell the examiner what you did wrong!

2 - This is a simulation of a real-world experience; treat it as though the examiner is not there whenever possible.

3 - If you're going to get zapped, 99% of the time it's because you (a) did something that compromised patient safety, or (b) did something that compromised infection control, and it's usually the infection control issues that get most people. Once in awhile it's just a dumb mistake (had a classmate that was 30 points off on his diastolic reading for BP) but it's usually the 2 biggies listed above.

Written test - for me, it was a challenge because I underestimated it. Some of the questions you'll have to give some thought because NONE of the answers are correct; the objective is to pick the BEST answer, not always the RIGHT one.

And - I passed on the first try. Got Radial pulse, back rub & placing pt. in a modified lateral position - again, simple stuff. Still made mistakes, though.

HTH,

----- Dave

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 17, 2012

Dave's right; a lot of the people who fail do so because of infection/safety issues.

Never, ever leave a bed in a high position! Even when you're working after you graduate, you can get cited if you leave the bed up and a resident/patient falls out of it.

Privacy is another issue. Make sure you try to close the curtain and pretend to shut the door, etc.

Easgaskins · Feb 20, 2012

I took my CNA exam in Indiana in 98, then I moved to Missouri and had to take a skills test, then I moved back to Indiana in 06 and had to take another skills test. Now I have practice, but in the beginning, my class had some practical jokers, but they actually helped me remember some things. You should practice atleast once on each task outside of school if possible. Sometimes the instructor will make time to see you to practice a skill if you ask. Asking is one of the things that will make or break you as a CNA. Some people are too proud to ask for help and don't stay in the field long. Remember to wash you hands, and talk through all procedures, even if noone is in the room. It will be major helpful when you have to do it in front of others.

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 20, 2012

I practiced on dolls from when I was a kid, with random things from around my house!

Easgaskins is right; you should really ask for help if you need it. People dislike know-it-alls, and part of starting a new career is just learning. Good luck!

shyred2581, CNA · Feb 21, 2012

thank you all for the great tips and i have been studying and practicing like crazy i have 4 weeks before the cna class be over and i be taking my state exam i am so excited but i am trying to stay stress free and to remember to talk my steps out. it just the tucks that i keep messing up i will keep you guys posted

1010MASH · Feb 21, 2012

Here in Texas, many of my classmates failed the communication and privacy part of the skills. ALWAYS knock and announce yourself before walking in. CLOSE the door and if you are doing any kind of care, close curtains or blinds. One classmate failed to close the blinds and she failed instantly. The written is a piece of cake. The skills is not so bad.

nguyency77, CNA · Feb 24, 2012

thank you all for the great tips and i have been studying and practicing like crazy i have 4 weeks before the cna class be over and i be taking my state exam i am so excited but i am trying to stay stress free and to remember to talk my steps out. it just the tucks that i keep messing up i will keep you guys posted

Are there any videos on Youtube for making hospital corners on beds? Try doing that; it may help!