Starting CNA program

Write notes, get yourself some flash cards for the medical terminology and abbreviations part, start practicing with a sphygmomanometer or b/p because when taking the skills test you never know if you will be pulled to take a b/p. Last but not least, STUDY and PAY ATTENTION!! I don't know how many students I would watch during class not paying attention to the instructor when she'd hint you'd need to write this down and they over looked it. That's pretty much some basic tips. If you want to know anymore just pm me I'll give you an extended run down.

Good luck! :typing

I'm retaking the CNA class after almost 20 years. I started today. Just read you books and pay attention and you should be fine.

I agree with everyone else, just pay attention! take lots of notes! & study! I am in my third week of a 11 week program, we just did CPR today, and are starting on vitals. We start clinical's next week(that should be fun) but I will say alot of what I notice is the book stuff is sort of common sense. However, we will see how my skills are when we start clinical's. You will do fine, good luck, and stick with it!

Thanks everyone for the advice..........I am mostly nervous because I dont know what to expect as this is a totally opposite field than what I have been doing for the past 20 years!! I got my book already so I will start to read it before class starts in a couple of weeks!

Good luck! I haven't been through the CNA training yet, so I don't have any advice that I can give you first hand. Just be confident and know that you CAN do this! I am about to make a career chang myself, and it is very encouraging when I see others are doing the same:yeah:

My advice to you is buy the book ahead of time if you can & start reading through it. I loved loved loved my cna class & recommend anyone who is considering taking a CNA program-please do!!! Being a CNA is very challenging & at times, stressful..but the motto on my uniform says "We made a difference" & I truly believe that. Good luck in your class :)

I am in my second week of a five week program. I cant tell you how nervous I was the first day. After the first day I was glowing though. My instructor is the sweetest lady, and actually has been an RN all over the world so she has very many exciting and inspiring stories. I'm also making new friends and learning a lot of interesting things. You will be fine. As mentioned it's mostly common sense except for maybe the skills you need to learn but you will get lots of practice. Just study and participate as much as you can! If you enjoy people, and want to help them then you will be just fine!! : )

I wouldn't worry. I went to a long standing and reputable program and I did other homework during class times, didn't study, and finished with a 100%.

Thanks everyone for the messages!! I am going to start reading the book so I get a bit of a heads up. Mostly I am nervous because I know I am probably 20 years older than most of the other students....I just hope there are a few that are my age!!!

Im 23, and the majority of the folks in my class are older than me. There are only a couple younger than me. Lots of people are starting "new careers" in this economy. I think you will be pleasantly suprised!:wink2:

Depends where you take it, I'd imagine. I took mine at a local community college and at 22 years old, I was definitely the baby of the class. A fair amount of people in my class had kids my age!

I'm a late-thirties career changer in the third week of CNA class. I come from the corporate world. There is a mix of teens, 20 somethings and 50 somethings. I think I'm one of two thirtysomethings in the class.

i learned pretty quickly when we practice skills, to make myself focus on what I am doing step by step and take my time to complete the skill, whether it is making an occupied bed or taking blood pressure. If you are practicing in a lab with other students all trying to learn a skill simultanuously, it can be difficult to focus on your own work instead of sneaking peeks at others nearby. Don't feel rushed, take your time to complete the skill correctly and have the instructor watch you as you practice when possible. Also, as a soft-spoken person, I force myself to speak up and "act out" the caregiving scenarios, starting from introducing myself to the patient to explaining the steps involved in the task.

Haven't gone out to clinicals yet but all the practicing in the lab setting should prepare adequately for that.

Good luck!