Student in need of advice...

MikeyJ, RN · Sep 29, 2008

I think everyone is apprehensive when first working with patients, but I can assure you that you will adjust quickly and become more comfortable working with patients.

If you do everything according to what you have learned in yours skills lab, you should be fine. Just use a lot of common sense and if something doesn't seem safe, don't do it and go ask your instructor or another nurse. :)

You will do fine and you will not hurt anyone. Good luck with your first rotation! :)

pielęgniarka, RN · Sep 30, 2008

Take any rings you have on, off. My first (and only) skin tear I gave a resident as a CNA was from my little ol' wedding ring 10 years ago, I felt terrible. Make sure your watch isn't too bulky either.

Use a transfer belt when its needed. Don't try to lift from the resident's armpits or back of pants etc. Too many people do this.

Roll with your palms/and or the lift sheet, not fingertips. Keep nails short.

Position the resident in alignment.

Make sure the feet are up on feet pedals when pushing a res. in a w/c.

Oh, and don't rush!

I am a nursing student currently doing my first clinical roatation in a LTC facility. One of my major concerns is hurting a patient. Can any of you that specialize give me solid tips/pointers on safely 'handling' the patient. I am very concerned about their fragile skin breaking...I would appreciate any help!

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2008

Where I work as a CNA, we have assignment sheets, which detail different aspects of ADLs for each resident. I know this data is very important for staffing/ billing, but I'm guessing different LTCs list this info in different formats. Oneof the categories is transferring on our assignment sheets and it lists whether the person is a one person, two person, hoyer, etc. You might find out where in the facility you could locate this info. Also, if your facility uses gait belts and you aren't familiar with these have some one show you how (or any other devices used in transferring). When you first encounter a resident, often transfers are more difficult because not only are you nervous, but so is the resident! As you gain a resident's trust, often it is easier to safely transfer a resident because they will work with you and not against you. As the above poster emphasized, safety first (for their and your sake) and don't be afraid to ask for help from someone who regularly works with that particular resident. Even if a person is listed as a one person transfer, and I'm uncertain as to whether I can safely transfer them myself, I always get help. And don't be fooled by a tiny resident, due to various conditions, they may be more of a challenge to transfer than it initially appears.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Sep 30, 2008

Ask the CNA's to show you how. Use all available resources, including personnel, lifts, gait belts - whatever