Tips for a Future CNA! :)

hospicetec · Mar 10, 2011

You know.......I've been a CNA for 6 years and now I'm 2 years into a 4 year BSN program. The very best advice I can give you is to get back in school! CNA work is hard work! As the years go by, your back hurts, your legs hurt, your shoulders hurt........not to mention the pay for all that hard work is really sad. Every facility is always understaffed and chance of advancement is pretty much zero. Don't get me wrong, I love working for hospice! A adore my patients and families. But, I can do much less lifting and get 3 x the money as a hospice nurse! Also, I go to lots of facilities and know lots of techs who are stuck in the same system I was.......Get ahead, while you can.

sj73201, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2011

I'm in school, I have a yr left of my BSN program. I just thought it would be great to get in there and learn some skills...learn to somewhat carry a patient load and prioritize for those patients. i hope i get the job even though i'm somewhat concerned. the shift is 2:45-11:15...& i'm worried about how that will work with school and all...we'll see!

EduardoLugo · Mar 10, 2011

I'm in school, I have a yr left of my BSN program. I just thought it would be great to get in there and learn some skills...learn to somewhat carry a patient load and prioritize for those patients. i hope i get the job even though i'm somewhat concerned. the shift is 2:45-11:15...& i'm worried about how that will work with school and all...we'll see!

Won't be good! Some people can handle it though. I hope to find a part-time as a CNA.. I would like to work on the weekends.

lulu in ks · Mar 10, 2011

As an LPN I've worked with great CNA'S and I want to say that I always told my cna's that they are my eyes and ears and not ever feel unappreciated. Lots of nurses have said " I don't answer call lights,I went to school to be a nurse" Nursing is nursing at any level. I would go home feeling like I didn't do enough or I could've done more.Just do your work with a happy heart,there will be residents that will just love you,others will kick,spit on you,just remember when that happens it's not them, it's their illness that makes them act crazy. Some are lonely and forgotten by their families. It can be very rewarding and trying on your mind and body, don't work more hours that you are scheduled,you will get burned out and want to quit DO NOT ANSWER YOUR PHONE !!!!!! you will get calls to come on your days off. Trust me, you don't want to over work your mind and body, Be helpful with your co-workers but don't let yourself be taken advantage of. Good luck, :nurse:

Tonya75 · Mar 10, 2011

I worked for two years as a CNA, with geriatric patients, and psych patients.I am now in nursing school, and I feel that my experience as a CNA was a huge benefit. Also, I think it will make me a better nurse because I truly understand how hard the CNA's work, so I will appreciate them. Here's what I learned from the experience: treat each patient as an individual. What works for one person may not work for another. And have patience- the extra few minutes you take to avoid making your patient feel rushed is much better than the 3 hours it will take to calm them if you don't. Other than that, the most important thing is to care-and show that you do. Also, as everyone else said, teamwork is essential-be sure to help others any time you can, and they will be much more willing to help you when you need it. Good luck!

jonekem · Mar 10, 2011

The key to becoming a successful CNA/PCT is loving what you do for a living. When you love what you do; and you take pride in your job. Everyone else around you will too!! I was a PCT for nine years before becoming a nurse and I would not have change a thing. I loved my job!! I put all my heart and soul into my patients. Without being a CNA I would have not made it through nursing school!! So if you want to be a CNA take pride ,time and effort into your work and you will be fine!!

allnurses Guide · Mar 15, 2011

1) Never rush your patients... rush in between.

2) Don't let anyone (the patients, your coworkers, your charge nurse, no one) catch you doing nothing.

They will have no respect for you.

3) Just do it whether the task is "yours" or not. It builds "karma points"... trust me.

4) CNA's often get a bad rap. Just because you are at the "bottom of the totem pole" does not mean you do not have to behave professionally. Be gracious, practice your best communication skills and, if you work with the elderly, you will go a looong way with a "yes ma'am" and no argument. Be respectful.

5) Learn to let comments and situations "roll like water off a duck's back". Keep a poker face, make no comment and carry on.

6) Anticipate anticipate anticipate! Try to act before you have to be asked.

I could go on and on and on...

sm3215 · Apr 30, 2011

Learn to prioritize/multitask. You'll have several things that need to be done, or several patients that have to use the bathroom, walk, take a bath etc. at the same time. Don't rush the patient. Ask for help if you need too, but make sure you help others in return. Be careful about leaving patients in the bathroom to run and do a quick task, make sure they are comletely safe in there. Especially in a nursing home, the fact is you are there for 8 hours. Yes, the goal is to give everyone a bath before breakfast etc, but if something comes up just make sure you get it done. Try not to leave tasks to the next shift if at all possible. Sometimes it happens and that's okay, but it's better to give someone a bed bath at 2 p.m. then to explain to the oncoming shift at 3 why it didn't get done. From my experience, nursing homes and even hospitals can be gossipy at times. If you're in an environment like this, don't get sucked in to it, don't talk behind someone's back, and try to keep your problems/drama/whatever separate from work, you'll earn more respect from supervisors and co-workers that way. Take the time to talk to patients when you can, elderly people often love to tell stories, and many have great, funny, or interesting stories to tell. Honestly though the most important thing I do is to work as a team, even if your co-workers don't. If you have the extra time don't sit and talk, offer to help others, even if you know that person would never offer to help you. Because you did people are more likely to help you when you need it! I love being a CNA, I've been doing it for a few years, and it can be very demanding but it's worth it! Good luck!