Tips for a Future CNA! :)

sj73201, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2011

thank you sooo much! that really helped. I am a nursing student & i will be graduating next yr in May. I have an interview on Wednesday & i really want this position!!! omg. i've been obsessing about it like crazy..i constantly hear from others in my nursing program about how hard it is, but i still want the exposure....im freaking out about the interview tho, i think i'm really afraid of not knowing the answers to the questions, i dont think i've had that much anxiety about any other interview. i hope i can convey my passion for the profession...ahhhh! i'm going crazy lol

ArmyWife11B · Mar 7, 2011

In my interview they had a question about organization: If all these things were happening at the same time which would you do first? (and in what order) (1.)a call light is going off (2.)a pt. needs help to eat (3.)a blood sugar was high and you need to notify the RN (4.)Routine vitals need to be taken on your patients. Your answers say a lot about your organizational skills, and ablilities to be a team player.

Thats awesome that you're doing CNA work before being an RN, because it will give you inside perspective. :yeah: And thats another key point you want to highlight in your interview, hopefully you have a CNA interview at the hospital that you someday hope to be an RN at? Stress that fact, so that they know you're trying to gain more knowledge and plan to keep employment at their establishment long term.

Sometimes interviews might be group interviews, I had an HR personel, and 3 Nurse Managers at mine that means those 3 people are seeing if you'll be a good fit on their different floors. but try to focus on who ever answers the question, and make eye contact with the others, Chances are if its a group interview then they'll take turns asking questions. Also try to prepare good solid questions for them at the end (when they ask "so do you have any questions for us"), a lot of people don't think that far forward; it shows that you are really thinking it through (IMO)

Something else, take typed references if you aren't already planning on it, and maybe make copies of them so that you can give it to the main interviewer, possibly a cover sheet, possibly in a nice folder; makes you look prepared and organized!

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2011

Be ready to learn good time management, be a team player, and don't be afraid to get your hands dirty. Be aware of what nurse's aides are and are not allowed to do at your facility.

And be well aware of what sort of environment you will be working in, and how sick the pts will be. One of the most frustrating nurse's aides for me to work with is one that assumed that the pt's in the local community hospital wouldn't be "that sick" so when she started seeing pt's on bedrest, unable to talk, etc she was overwhelmed.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Mar 7, 2011

Remember why you are there. Yes, we all work to collect the pay check, but helping others. People (for the most part) don't decide one day to go to the hospital, nursing home etc and say....I want to loose all control and depend on another person to help me get dressed, bathe myself, go to the bathroom. Remember that the person in that bed really does need your help and could be your dad, brother, sister, grandma, etc. It is a person.

On the other hand...you are just one person and can't do it all. Team work is the only way you can get thru the day.

Every day I go to work, I learn something new. I've been a nurse for 15 years and continue to learn and grow. If you quit doing this...you are done. Soak up all the info you can as a cna. Watch what the nurses are doing.

I've learned a good bit of how do treat and deal with people on an interpersonal level as a CNA. Don't be quick to judge the nurses or other cnas.

Learn good body mechanics. I started as a CNA in an LTC. Years ago, if you were in nursing school, you could skip the class and just take the test for certification. All fine and dandy, but I never learned the proper body mechanics until I was a few months into working as a CNA. Worst thing ever..Save your back at all costs.

And of course...there is never a dumb question.

EduardoLugo · Mar 7, 2011

here's a few tips that I will be using! even though I have not started to work as a CNA yet.. however, I am student and will be going to clinical.

Always smile no matter what and think positive.

Act impressed when dealing with something unpleasant.

use your common sense when doing tasks.

For me, it will be awkward to deal with bowel movement, baths (especially complete bath) I think it depends.. because some can't watch their own perineal area. I will get used to it! Pretty sure.. Feces are normal, so what! ^^

parumph · Mar 7, 2011

First thing my instructor told my class was his 4 rules.

1) 90% of the job is presentation. Don't look like you rolled out of bed in your scrubs. Make sure your rooms look good. Make sure your patients look good.

2) Do the right thing. Pretty cut and dry there.

3) Gain their confidence by proving your competency. Again, if someone doesn't trust you cause your new, you have to gain it. Prove yourself to them. This also goes hand-in-hand with #1.

4) Frost 'em like a cake. When applying moisture barrier, put it on thick.

Boognish · Mar 9, 2011

I'm in nursing school right now, and while I never actually worked as a CNA, I've done almost all of the same work that a CNA does as a caregiver and med aide in memory care and assisted living for several years.

I'm so glad that you're excited about this work and that you are seeking advice to be the best CNA you can be!

The work you're preparing to do is challenging, but I'm sure you know that. But it is incredibly rewarding. Remember that every person is different, and the approach that works with one won't necessarily work with another. You may be told not to call your patients pet names like "honey" or "sweetie," but for some people it makes them feel at home. Just don't use pet na,es with everyone by default, and certainly not when you first meet them. It really does make some people feel condescended to. You will have difficult patients. Personally, I found that when I was having trouble with a resident at my facility being rude, agressive, or uncooperative, taking a minute (sometimes more once I got home) to really imagine what it would be like to trade places with them, and to remember that my purpose is to care for them in whatever way best preserves their comfort and dignity as well as their health. I found that it was necessary to actively cultivate compassion and empathy in this way in order to perform my job effectively week after week. And it paid off. I could much more easily care for residents that tended to give some of my less patient coworkers problems, because I was able to approch them with a gentleness that is impossible when one is angry or frustrated. But it 8am be very difficult remaing patient when you have a ton to get done in a short time. There were times I'd have to go into the laundry room and just kinda freak out a little under my breath to blow off steam during a difficult shift- weird maybe, but it helped me maintain my calm composure with frustrating clients.

I honestly had more trouble dealing with coworkers than residents. To be sure, I've worked along side many incredible human beings who provided me with guidance and inspiration. But I've also worked with people who lack the work ethic, understanding, and compassion necessary to care for vulnerable people. I found ways to work with them, most often by leading by example, sometimes by calling people out on their BS; and occasionally by bringing up my concerns with management.

I also highly recommend that you take good care of yourself outside of work. Do what you can to relieve stress. Exercise, soak in the bath, read something to take your mind off work, meditate. Spend time somewhere quiet and peaceful for at least a few minutes after work every day. If you are religious, actively practice your faith and seek strength in it.

I hope that helps. Good luck! Those you will be caring for are fortunate to have someone like yourself entering the field :)

whyowhy? · Mar 9, 2011

I was in you're shoes before I became lvn. For 5 years. No matter what,provide dignity!!! If doing peri care or bed side care, for goodness sake close the door/curtain. And please don't talk over the pt to other cna's in the room. Yes, smile! And talk to pt, yes even in vegetative state ..good morning Mr. So and so..glad to see you. And I don't care how tired or busy you may be, TURN YOUR PT BED BOUND Q 2!! If a pt had NM or soiled themselves, there is no need for the whole floor to know. Not trying to be insensitive here, but if you speak a foreign language (which I don't ) please do so on you're own time. Irks me when a pt asks me what a person has said, and not even I have a clue! And help out your fellow cna and nurses! Stick to these few simple things and you'll do fine! Good luck!

kndrpn · Mar 9, 2011

:uhoh3:I worked as a CNA before going to nursing school. My best piece of advice is organization! If you can get into a good routine, things will flow more smoothly! You will have nurses who expect you to do everything alone, and you'll have some nurses who will help. If patients yell, just apologize, work quickly and get out of there! Good luck!!! :yeah:

stargurl2006 · Mar 9, 2011

Have a sense of humor!! Trust me, you will need it!

sj73201, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2011

thank you all soooooo much! you just don't know how i appreciate you taking the time out to answer my questions. i will be using all your suggestions & bookmarking this page bc i had the interview today, & i think i got it! the nurse managers on the floor seem like wonderful ppl and i think they liked me as well...she said she was going to talk to HR to extend me an offer! can't wait! ahhhhh im on cloud nine. the onc floor is where i wanna beeee :) :) :)

escpthemadnss · Mar 9, 2011

I was a CNA for awhile, went on to become an LPN for a couple years, and just finished my classes for my RN.

The biggest thing that I have learned and the most important tip that I would give a new CNA is this. That patient you're taking care of is someone's mother or father, sister or brother, grandmother or grandfather. Someone, somewhere loves or loved this person very much. Whether they're the sweetest person you've ever met or you bear the scars from multiple bites/scratches, they are someone's family member. I always try to treat the patients I work with as I would want one of my family members treated.

Include them in your conversations. Wait to talk about your hot date to your coworker. That's for the break room or for after you clock out for the day. I've seen too many CNAs that treat their patients like an inanimate object. They roll them back and forth to clean them, dress them, lift them out of bed, but never really talk to them.

And last, never look down on yourself for doing what you do. CNAs are one of the primary caregivers for patients, especially those in nursing homes. Take pride in what you do because it is needed so much!

Best of luck to you in your career!