1st day as a CNA HELP!

Butterfliesnroses · Jul 18, 2008

I hated my job (as a CNA in a nursing home) for the first few months...I felt the same way you did...Then I got a routine down and I was okay...I've now worked there for 3 plus years, I have the most seniority on evenings and I'm the lead aide...Just give it time, do the care, and go home knowing you did well...There are nights I don't get out of there until 30 minutes late and all the other aides are gone...but I know I'm doing my job and doing it well.

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2008

It takes a few months to get into the swing of things. Unfortunately being a CNA isn't like most jobs, where you can jump right in and feel comfortable right away.

My best advice is to watch others and learn by example. Also ask other seasoned CNAs for tips and tricks for managing time. If you think you need more orientation ask for it.

FutureNurse23 · Jul 18, 2008

Thanks, well day two was better but its still a bit of a task. I'm going to give it time. I'm not going anywhere,lol. It seems one difficult resident makes things awful for 10 minutes but one great resident can make things great for your whole evening. I think once I learn my residents capablities I will get better at assisting them. Also once I learn the time schedule for each event through the day(feeding,activities,ect). The charting is very simple though which I like. I seem to have a very supportive staff(nurses,lol). The CNA's on the other hand havent been very supportive of me coming on the floor. I most of the time are getting along with the nurses better talking about my future goals. Most are LPN's and have plans of getting their RN's as well. All the CNA's have been doing it for atleast 8yrs or more. Through it all though I'm grateful and will give it time.

rancelumsden · Jul 18, 2008

Oh man! I've not forgotton how bad things were for months, not weeks. After a few months, things did suddenly kick in and I started going to work not knowing what the day would bring, but finally having the confidence I would get through it ok.

Just stick with it.....

Butterfliesnroses · Jul 19, 2008

I also remember dreading answering call lights...I'd think gee what are they going to request of me...I'd literally get anxiety!!! LOL...Gosh those first few months were hell!

I have the same issue...I'm going to school (going back in Sept.). And alot of times if I talk of going back the aides think I think I'm better than them...They've been aides for 20 plus years of day shift...Really it's beneficial money wise for me to get my LPN and then RN...For them it's not, because they make as much as a LPN...I don't think I'm better! Not at all! We are all just human and I've promised myself I will always treat my aides good and try to help them out d/t not gettting treated so nicely by some nurses and how some nurses have made me feel...but anyways I do relate better with the nurses at this point and time.

One Flew Over · Jul 20, 2008

Stick with it. I work on a crazy floor and the first few months I was literally flying by the seat of my pants. I inherited a very intense assignment that was meant for a man and we worked short every day. But I got through it. One day I realized I was doing things a lot faster (even when I had new/extra patients). And even while doing things faster, I still made and continue to make quality time with my patients. Don't worry, You'll get there soon. Having heart is the quality that will get you there. And it seems like you have it :) :redpinkhe

FutureNurse23 · Jul 20, 2008

Thanks you all!

Well I feel like I'm not really prepared for the next week. I have been given one week of buddying. And next week they are putting me on my own, :banghead: . I dont want to tell them I need more time with a preceptor since I will feel like I'm not up to par,lol. I bacially did 1 day of just watching. The next 2 days I wasa assisting in feeding,incontient care, and changing linens, as well as a couple of bed bathes. One thing that I'm very comfortable with is bed baths,lol. Seems I can do one in about 3 minutes since I did alot of them in my hospital clinicals. I know rome wasn't built in a day. And a CNA sure wasn't made in 1wk. I will give it time. And yes I have alot of heart and passion. I try to remember daily why I become a CNA. Also is it normal to think about your residents everyday once you come home,lol. I think about mines all day. And since I'm a male the other staff always want my hand in transfering. Which can be a bit aggervating since I'm not a big guy,lol. Nevertheless, thanks for listening and always thanks to you Casi.

Butterfliesnroses · Jul 22, 2008

I don't think you will ever be truly ready to be on your own...You basically have to be thrown to the wolves to get it IMO...You should be told that if you need help we'll be here for you..Usually when I train new aides I don't choose how many days I train them (the DNS does) but generally I'll have them follow me the first day...Just a bit of advice to new aides, during your training jump in as much as possible...It irritates me when I ask a new aide to do peri care and they say they aren't comfortable...DUH you aren't comfortable but how are you going to get comfortable unless you do it!...Also realize that I have to do a checklist and watch you do all types of cares so we know you know what you are doing...Anyways the last day of training I generally stick them in their section and I don't give myself a section so I'm there if the aide needs help....I used to think about my residents on my off time...but now I try not to...I feel like I never left the place if I think of them on my off time...

FutureNurse23 · Jul 23, 2008

LOL, I have been doing as much as I can to learn. And also pericare,diaper changes,and the trachs don't bother me. Also the 1st day I was told to do pericare I asked her if I could help. She told me that alot of people didnt feel comfortable the 1st day so she didnt push it on me. I told her I want to do it. This is apart of the job and I will have to do it eventually.:) I also understand if your not comfortable with something, then you never will allow yourself if you dont try with pericare. That was my reason for telling her allow me to do it. As far as check off list. I have had it for almost a week now. I havent got anything checked off. Tomorrow is my last day with her and my checkoff list is blank:rolleyes:. Wish kind of mad me upset since I have had it everyday. Seems like we running back and forward room to room. Also I havent been getting both of my breaks. And I have been going to lunch at 1:30pm everyday and I get off at 3pm. So I havent been having any time to do anything but work, work,work. The only thing I dont feel comfortable with is the rolling technique with the incontient pad and diaper and changing linens. I always have the diaper up to high. So when I roll them it dont go in place right. I guess it takes time. That is the only skill I havent mastered. And since most of my patients are bedridden its something I must learn quick. :no:

Butterfliesnroses · Jul 23, 2008

I'm very lucky if I can manage to get in both my breaks and my lunch...When I work 6-2 I take a break at 9, lunch at 10 and then if I have time a break at 130...when I work 2-10 I usually take a break at 330, lunch anywhere from 630 to 730 and if I'm last lunch I take my break with my lunch...You'll get the brief changes eventually, it just takes time..and good for you for being so willing to jump in!