Taking my CNA Class

[nurseinthemaking2010]

I am taking a CNA class, and I looking for tips on studying, getting ready for clinicals and how to remember all the tasks. I started the class this past monday, and the teachers have told me some horror stories and I must say that is given me more of a drive to do better. I just hope I am live up to it. I know it is going to be hard but this is something I really want. I have seen too many people die from lack of care, and I can help just a few then I will.

Also does anyone have just plain advice for me about what I am getting into?

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Don't go out and spend a lot of money on "supplies" for your class just because you're excited. I've seen a ton of posts on here asking what people need for class, clinical, or their first day on the job, and everyone posts huge lists and the OP has to pack a freakin suitcase just to leave the house. DON'T spend your rent money on this stuff. You need a pen and a notepad. If there's anything else you really need you'll figure it out yourself.

The class is easy. If you practice your skills a lot you won't have much trouble remembering them.

What horror stories have you heard? Who have you seen die from lack of care? Because there is absolutely no way you can fix the system.

[SoberGirl]

Fuzzywuzzy is right - don't go buying a ton of supplies! I think all you need is a stethoscope, watch w/a second hand (and for me a big face), pen and maybe a small pad of paper. If you practice, practice, practice the skills you'll do fine. The class was not hard at all.

Good luck!

[misswillow]

I wrote all the steps to the skills on big index cards, which made it easier to practice and just review them when I had time. As for the written tests, just keep up with the reading, review your notes, and you should be fine.

And for supplies - I also needed only a notebook, pen, and watch with second hand. They'll tell you what you need for scrubs and shoes before clinicals start.

Good Luck!

[nurseinthemaking2010]

My aunts FiL died from a dirty cath. It was never cleaned and he got a UTI. I got my scubs for free from the class so those should be here soon. I just found out we are going to get some stuff for clinicals too a watch and something else but i forgot.

I found a great way to study I have a 6 yo and a 4 yo. I have made the bed 100 times this weekend and my kids had a blast. I did some repositioning too. And my daughter got her teeth brushed by me. I think I created a moster with that one lol.

In class I am doing ok, I got my first grade and it was a 94 got one wrong stupid mistake.

Oh i know I will never change the system but it just makes me sad when I have a teacher tell me that in one local NH the residents that had their real teeth never got their mouth care. And the one that really stuck with me is one my other teacher told me. About a person that was contracted and the persons hads never got any ROMs and the nails grew into their hand and caused infection. It was a long time ago but it still happened. I am not here to change the system but just try to make a few old people live the best they can till they pass.

[nurseinthemaking2010]

Oh and i am doinng the steps on the flash cards and I am finding myself going over the steps in my head over and over again. I was making dinner and my daughter came in a asked who are you rolling over mommy you are cooking.

I also want to thank you all for the support! It really helps! Thank you

Samantha

[Satori77, ADN]

I just finished the class. It was a 3 week long class, 2 weeks of lecture, 1 week of clinicals. Pretty intense, but not that hard. Just make sure you pay attention during class, do your homework and study every night. Find out what works for you. Some people use flash cards, some people like to take notes or when practicing spelling, write the word over and over again. The hardest part for me was remembering all the skills (the little things, what order, etc....more worried about being able to do it perfectly for the state test). I praticed at school a lot with everyone. At home, I practiced what I could on my husband and kids. In my free time, I would "practice" in my head. Go over each skill in my head, picturing myself doing it. I would also have my hubby say a skill, and I would have to tell him what items I needed, then tell him the steps to do it, while he looked at my sheet to make sure I had everything right, and in the correct order. Those are the things that worked for me.

[ctmed]

CNA class is easy. Memorize task steps and basic medical terminology and do not anger the instructor and you pass.

As mentioned in other threads... THEY GIVE THIS TO YOU EVEN IF YOU CANNOT READ in many places.

In some places if you took this in a community college, you may get slight credit towards LPN/RN.

It WILL make a difference in getting hired, and you will always have a position in an air conditioned, understaffed NH of your choice, at the least.

[nurseinthemaking2010]

@ Ctmed... Lol that was funny. But at least it is in AC. My class is in AC and I freeze everyday. I am starting to like the 90* days I have when i get out. I finally get to warm up.

I started doing the tasks s/ my cheat sheets. I still need help memorizing the supplies but the steps are starting to become second nature. Today we had a chance to review all that we learned last week and that was great. And I gave class mates mani and petis lol. They liked that. I am making sure I always have someone looking over my shoulder so I do not freak out on the day of the test. I took my first unit test today and I think I did ok, we shall see. But I really am liking this and I cannot wait to get on the floor. Oh and I found out that I will be on the dementia floor when I do my clinicals and I cannot wait. I took care of my grandfather and boy was he mean and stubbor but we still had a good time.