Talking to Residents

Your classmates sound like jerks and I'd ignore their remarks. Take your cues from the instructor. And it's perfectly fine to ask how they are doing. We are supposed to be their first line of defense and how do we know if they are in pain or have some other problem if we don't ask! I'm in classes right now too and we haven't started our clinicals yet but we practice on the mannequin and all of my classmates ask how is "she" doing today. I say things like "would you like to sit up and watch tv?" We laugh because it is a bit hard to talk to a mannequin. Next week we start clinicals so we'll be able to see how to really interact.

Also, in our book, it says to be in tune with the residents non-verbal cues as well. They might tell you they are doing fine today but if you notice they are holding their head or acting differently than they say they are feeling, then you can ask questions that will give you more information. I'm sure someone on this site who is already a CNA will be able to tell both you and me what to ask because I need help in that area too!

In our book, the guidelines are to keep conversations on the resident or things in general like what the weather is like. We aren't supposed to talk about our personal problems with the resident or bring up our social life. If they ask us directly about something, then we can answer but not be too personal. And don't ask questions that will give you a yes or no answer if you need more information. Such as when feeding, don't say "Do you want some green beans" because if they say no, then you're put in a corner. Instead ask, "Would you like green beans next or some chicken?". Things that will help you help them.

Good luck in your class and don't let your classmates influence how you interact with the residents.

It's much easier to talk to real residents then the manaquin! You can ask about their day, their lunch, their hair... It gets sooo much easier. Don't worry about what your classmates are saying either!

I know this is probably going to sound strange, but i would rather get advice then try to muddle through, lol. I am currently taking my CNA classes, and in lab and clinical we are working with mannequins , but the instructors want you to pretend like they are real and go about your duties while holding a conversation. Now I have played make believe before so this doesnt bother me, but i have discovered i am not exactly sure what to say. I like to ask the patient how they are feeling, but some of my class mates have scolded me and told me "How do you think they are feeling? The're in the hospital!" And with every scold I lose more confidence:o. I dont want to make the patient feel awkward, or totally flub a conversation by putting my foot in my mouth. I guess my question is, Is there any wrong thing to ask, any questions or points of conversation i should avoid? Any advice would be great!!

Thanks,

Shy

This doesn't sound strange at all! I was worried about the same thing during my CNA class. I finally came out of my shell about five months into working as a CNA. You will become much better at talking when the procedures beome more routine. Don't listen to your classmates. You never know when asking how they are doing may lead to realizing that there is a change in the patient status that the RN/LPN needs to know about!!

I agree. Your classmates sound like jerks to me. Trust me when I say that not only is it okay to ask residents how their feeling, it should be one of your first questions everyday. One of the most important parts of being a CNA is that you MUST know exactly what is going on with your patient. Are they in pain, are they feeling unusually sick or uncomfortable. You are the one that has to let the nurse know if there is something different going on with a patient. Many times what seems insignificant may be a sign of something more serious. You will learn with experience what different signs are but you cant protect your patient if you dont know whats up with them. Also it is just common courtesy to show some genuine concern. So dont listen to them, you sound like your going to be a very good aide, dont let them take your confidence away from you. Stand up for yourself and tell them to shove it. I most definately would.

Thank you so much!! I was beginning to feel like i didnt know how to socialize. I like talking to people, I like knowing whats going on in their lives, and i just like listening, so when people started questioning my conversation i got antsy. I am not used to it, but I will do as you say and tell them to stick it! I think it will get easier the more i get exposed to people that can answer back! Thanks again!! I needed the encouragement!:redpinkhe

Your classmates are being jerks. I was always silly in my mannequin talking , complementing his hair or the color of his gown but talking to the residents acutually comes to you naturally and its my favorite aspect of the job.