Should I tell the truth before I begin my program?

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So I'm in a bit of a pickle, and am very nervous to begin my nursing program. I begin nursing school in approximately two weeks and it is freaking me out. The reason being is that in my program, we must have our CNA license prior to applying to the program and be competent in those skills as well as anatomy, physio, and micro.

I did well in all my pre-reqs, however My issue is, I did my CNA licensing when I was 16 and did not take it seriously what so ever. I passed my state boards honestly by a fluke. (I got really easy skills: ROM lower body, feeding pt with NAS diet, and measuring HR.), However if you asked me, "Please make an occupied bed, or closed bed, do peri care, or put a gait belt on this patient. I would probably be a lost puppy. The school that I went to, honestly did not care if we did things right or wrong, and when we did check offs, our instructor wouldn't really check to see if we did things 100% correct, we would just go up to her and have her sign a paper.

I worked as a CNA for a bit and found out just how badly I was struggling. Doing things textbook perfect vs in the nursing home setting is different and I really could not do much without another CNA's help. I am competent in some skills like vitals and dressing a pt with an effected limb etc, but I struggle with basic skills ESPECIALLY bed making. I am worried because I did not take the CNA course at the college, I do not know what to expect, and I do not know what they expect us to know?

So finally, should I email my professor letting her know this situation prior to beginning the program? What would be the repercussions? Also, HOW should I phrase this email?

I don't want to get kicked out of my program before it even begins, so please help :sorry:

EDIT: My nursing program expects us to be competent in CNA skills prior to beginning the program. I looked at my clinical guidelines and just started freaking out a bit :/ I have not gone to orientation yet, so maybe I am wrong, but just seeing that check off list really scared me

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I'm confused...you do have a current CNA license, right? I'm not sure why you would email them. If you really felt like emailing them, I would say something like, "I have a valid CNA license but I received it 10 years ago, what refresher courses do you suggest?" That makes you look motivated and like you want to be prepared, not like you just blew off the class the first time around.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Well you have a valid CNA certificate & experience. I don't see what the problem is. The real world isn't textbook.

Did you have to get your CNA certificate recently? If so, then I would e-mail the school. If not, there's no problem.

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Yes, I have a current CNA license, but no longer work as a CNA. When I did work as a CNA, I worked NOC shifts and really needed help from other CNAs to finish my shifts. The reason I am worried is because, I looked at my clinical guidelines workbook and saw that on Week 1 we have check offs on skills such as making an occupied bed, oral mouth care etc. (Basic CNA skills) however I do not feel confident in my abilities to perform them textbook perfect, especially when I don't have my CNA textbook anymore. My school does not provide refresher courses, unless I take a CNA course, while taking my RN course, which is impossible since the clinical times overlap.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Yes, I have a current CNA license, but no longer work as a CNA. When I did work as a CNA, I worked NOC shifts and really needed help from other CNAs to finish my shifts. The reason I am worried is because, I looked at my clinical guidelines workbook and saw that on Week 1 we have check offs on skills such as making an occupied bed, oral mouth care etc. (Basic CNA skills) however I do not feel confident in my abilities to perform them textbook perfect, especially when I don't have my CNA textbook anymore. My school does not provide refresher courses, unless I take a CNA course, while taking my RN course, which is impossible since the clinical times overlap.

Well in my nursing program they showed us how to make the bed then we checked off on the skill, but we didn't have to have a CNA cert.

I wouldn't email the school at all. I would Google CNA refresher courses in your state. Your school doesn't need to know at all. Or get the book from the CNA program & just go over the skills. You can do them at home. Good luck!

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Don't shoot yourself in the foot by providing negative "information" about yourself. Basic patient care skills will be introduced and reinforced in your nursing fundamentals class. Pay attention!

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ATI or youtube would have good instructional videos.

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You're going to be ok. You have a valid license, and you have time to brush up on skills. Relax.

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Specializes in ICU.

I would not worry at all. Pretty much every school checks off on these first semester. Ours was the first 4 weeks. I had never done any of it before as we were not required to be CNAs and I passed first try. Before you check off you should get a check off list with critical steps numbered or starred. You failed the check off if you missed a critical indicator. Bed making and oral care are fairly easy. Brush up on sterile field. How to put gloves on properly and how to not break sterile field with cath and teach care. My school gave you 3 attempts, yours may not, but I never had to redo a check off. Don't unnecessarily freak yourself out.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I agree with the others. No need to panic. I agree with the suggestion to review some instructional videos for CNA skills. Anything that helps keep the dreaded "what ifs" at bay will help. All the best to you!

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Are you talking about certification or an actual LICENSE? (there's a difference people!).

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Specializes in Ortho.

I wouldn't tell them anything, plus that's a stupid requirement, what does a CNA license have to do with nursing. Btw, I still struggle with occupied bed changes

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