Starting my CNA class on Tuesday...Last minute advice?!

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Hello everyone!

I'm going to be starting my CNA class on Tuesday...Its 8 weeks long and I'll have 6 weeks of clinicals, 3 days a week, 6 hours a day (clinicals are 8 hours). I'm doing it at the county nursing/rehab facility through my school. I'm doing this so I can start getting some nursing experience since I'm working towards my bsn. I'm excited but nervous because this will be my first time interacting and taking care of patients...I know I'll make mistakes but I'm scared! The instructor I have I've been told is really great. Does anyone have any last minute advice who has finished their CNA or doing it right now?

Thanks!

Maddie

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Take it in stride maddiem. A step at a time. I was super duper nervous when I started out. I was afraid to get into pt's rooms, do adl's and I was really slow. Fast forward, 2 years - am an activities assistant at the ltc I started out at. Honestly, couldn't have survived being a cna there. But, am thriving as a CNA working part time at a local hospital. Horn in your confidence, pick up your pace, be a team player, stay neutral to the floor drama and you'll be alright. Your expertise gets better with time. Good luck! :)

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Specializes in Skilled Nursing/Rehab.

My best advice is to try to keep a positive attitude at all times and to be respectful to your coworkers/classmates. During clinicals you may be a bit shocked at the behavior of some of the CNAs who are working already... When I worked as a CNA at a LTC facility, people were kind of short with one another because there was always too much work to do and they were stressed out. I am working at a hospital now and the atmosphere is better... but I just think if people can be nice to each other no matter what is going on, things will seem a little bit better. Don't criticize others and smile when you can!

Regarding learning the skills and picking up speed... this will come with time. I have an undergrad in education and taught middle schoolers for 7 years, but I was so nervous when I did my CNA state test!!! Now that I have worked as a CNA for almost a year, the things that made me nervous have become old hat. I hope you enjoy your CNA class and best of luck to you!

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Thank you for the advice everyone! I'm very excited to start tomorrow morning!

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