Started a new CNA job; could REALLY use some encouragement

yousoldtheworld · Aug 30, 2010

Did they not put you with a trainer? Every job I've had, I spent the first two weeks or so with a trainer who would make sure I knew the routine and how each resident is cared for.

As for staying organized, I'd make yourself a little checklist. Put everything you need to do on it, from passing ice water to turning down beds or setting out clothes. Every single little task, no matter how small, put it on your list. It's probably best to make the list each day before you go, so your mind isn't stressed and overwhelmed yet. Make yourself one of these every day until you have your routine down. I still make myself a list once in a while when I'm on a new unit or at a new job. :)

emily_ganshert · Aug 31, 2010

Did they not put you with a trainer? Every job I've had, I spent the first two weeks or so with a trainer who would make sure I knew the routine and how each resident is cared for.
As for staying organized, I'd make yourself a little checklist. Put everything you need to do on it, from passing ice water to turning down beds or setting out clothes. Every single little task, no matter how small, put it on your list. It's probably best to make the list each day before you go, so your mind isn't stressed and overwhelmed yet. Make yourself one of these every day until you have your routine down. I still make myself a list once in a while when I'm on a new unit or at a new job. :)

Yeah, I was put with a trainer, but only for FOUR days!! Then I was thrown onto the floor and feel completely in over my head. I did make a checklist, which is helpful. But I'm having a hard time remembering peoples' names and am stressed about remembering who's continent/incontinent, who needs assistance and who doesn't, etc. Ugh. I will be SO glad when I don't feel physically sick every time I think about going to work, lol

diane0228 · Sep 1, 2010

Emily,

I'm in the same boat. I've only worked two nights. It's very overwhelming. I took lots of notes and plan on typing a checklist in MS Word to print off before each shift. I wrote my notes during training on the patient lists so I have their room numbers and names on it. Of course, I won't remember everyone's names in the hallway away from their room. I could add a separate note sheet with name and identifying characteristics to help me memorize their names.

Best wishes,

Diane

yousoldtheworld · Sep 1, 2010

Many facilities have a sheet for each hall/unit that lists all the residents, how they are transferred, and whether or not they are continent along with other info. If your facility doesn't have one, maybe you could make your own makeshift one to get you through the adjustment period.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Sep 1, 2010

yeah... I thought all facilities had sheets like that. At the very least you should be able to get your hands on an I & O sheet or something like that that has names, room numbers, and a blank space that you could use to write notes on.

kissthesky · Sep 2, 2010

Hang in there, it took me about a month to feel like I know everything and I am still learning new things. Also, it takes awhile to learn to manage your time to get everything done on time....I was very behind my first few weeks. Good luck.

IKnowYouRider · Sep 2, 2010

I just started a Nurse Tech job as well. For me the best thing has been to fold a blank sheet of computer paper into 16 separate boxes and assign a room number to each box. If I write small enough I'm able to write:

- bathroom info., diagnosis, and presence of any drains, foley, etc.

- blood sugar check?

- 3 sets of vitals

- I's and O's

-and some room left over for obscure info.

One of the younger RNs who graduated from the same school I'm attending assured me that she was in 'orientation' for a year. I have to level my pride every day and ask for help. Hope this helps, and just know that you'll be fine -- no matter what.

Peace

LaterAlligator · Sep 2, 2010

Just keep trying, you'll get it! In LTC a big part of it is just learning your regular residents and their habits and routines. When I first started my current job, I made a copy of my run sheet, brought it home, and made myself flashcards from it. On the front I'd put the resident's room number (since that's what we must say on the walkies, I had to learn those ASAP) and on the back, their name and what I do for them (ie Mr. Zoolander, change every 2 hrs, walk to and from dinner, TED hose off at night, dentures & hearing aides) plus an identifying characteristic (ie likes to show me his blue steel gaze).

Eventually it'll become second nature to you. Just give it time to sink in and become routine for you, and try to cut yourself some slack while you're still learning. And always take your meal break!!

pca_85 · Sep 3, 2010

Consider yourself lucky, I only had two days of training-jk! Seriously, it takes three months to get used to it on average and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying to you. Do your best, you will get better and faster with every shift.

emily_ganshert · Sep 3, 2010

Thanks everyone SO much!! I appreciate all the encouraging and kind words. I was feeling really down when I posted this and you all really lifted my spirits. :)

bd22 · Sep 5, 2010

It will get better! I have been at my job for about 1.5 years and it did take awhile to get used to. I was full time at first and it seemed like months went by before remembering staff AND resident's names, let alone what each resident needed and preferred. My time management was also very stressful! It seemed I was always the slow moving one, but once you get used to the specifics you'll be great! I am now per diem and each time I go to work something is different, but once you're comfortable it will be much easier for you to go with the flow. It is all worth it in the end. The residents really appreciate/need the care and support we provide, even if they don't always remember our names & faces :)