Some silly questions and concerns

[Lulu Belle, RN, EMT-B]

Hello all

I just accepted a per diem CNA position at a LTC facility. I'm very excited as it's my first CNA job but I'm also incredibly nervous! I just need a place to voice my concerns and I would really love some insight.

1. What can I expect for the physical fitness assessment part of my physical? They said they'll be testing endurance, fine motor skills, lifting, bending etc., but what will be the degree of difficulty? I'm under 20 years old, 5'4" and 118lbs. I run regularly but I'm not very strong at all, so I'm worried about this.

2. This one is beyond stupid, but I've been stewing over it. The first two days of my orientation will be only stuff like fire safety and how to use the computer system for charting. Day one will be with new people from all departments and day two will be just nursing people. My question is WHAT DO I WEAR for those two days??? Do I need to be in my work clothes or can I wear street clothes?

3. I'm so nervous for this job. I've worked with horses since I was little. At first I would just get paid a little bit here and there to do barn chores like most others who took riding lessons. But as I got older I started taking on more and more responsibility, and eventually I started to travel with a professional equestrian around the region/country. Then I quit riding and started my pre reqs for nursing school. My point is, that type of work environment is its own little world and it's all I've ever known. I'm worried that I'll be completely incompetent in a "real world" setting and get fired. Not looking for anyone to tell me ill do fine and blow butterflies up my butt, just a worry I have.

I know that was long and I apologize. Thank you for reading and thank you so much in advance to anyone who offers advice.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

Relax, you'll do fine....and I'm not blowing butterflies anywhere. Honestly, most physical assessments for jobs are similar to those at your primary care doctor's office. I've had anywhere from a simple, "Can you lift 50lbs or more? Circle yes or no" followed by a urine drug screen to a full physical with VS, physical assessment and urine test. No big deal. My husband had a question like yours when he went for a job with a manufacturer and asked what they meant he had a job offer providing he passed the physical. He was told, "Pretty much everyone passes unless you are not able to walk or something" (It was a job that required walking and physical activity).

Ask your employer what you should wear for orientation. Some want business casual if you are not going to be around patients/residents. Some want scrubs. Some have their own uniform that you will be wearing. If you are going to be on the floor learning about your position hands on I'd guess scrubs or assigned uniform. Again, perfectly reasonable question to ask your employer prior to orientation.

Good Luck!

[betm, CNA]

You'll be fine, sweetheart. Wear professional clothing on your fire safety and computer orientation training days unless told otherwise. In fact, you can ask your employer. Call them and ask if you need to wear scrubs those two days. If they say no, wear what you would to an interview. The physical fitness test is nothing to be scared of either. It's basic lifting, bending, walking, etc. They just want to make sure you can get down on your knee to assist a resident and that you have stamina to last a shift.

As for a real world job, I'd say don't worry. If you show up on time and do your work and stay out of drama, you'll be okay. :)

[Lulu Belle, RN, EMT-B]

You are both so kind and helpful, thank you. This makes me feel a lot better.