Training: What you wish you'd learned

[LaterAlligator]

I'm training a new employee at my job for the first time, and it has me thinking about what I learned during my training and whether there's anything that we're rarely taught at that time but wish we had been.

So far I've been focusing on trying to make sure she learns all our residents' names and one important fact about them (such as what lift to use for them, whether or not they have a catheter, who may try to bite her, etc.) in addition to the basics about where everything is located in our facility and how we do our charting and stuff.

Any suggestions? What was your training like at your job? What do you wish you'd been taught from the get-go?

[Ev1987]

How to handle difficult situations with relatives/co-workers. Stressing the importance of time-management.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

Exactly what Ev1987 said.

A lot what you need to know as far as how to accomplish all your tasks in an efficient manner can only come through doing it on your own, rather than listening to what your trainer says, although I think a really, really detailed cheat sheet can be really valuable. I'm not saying you can't learn anything from your trainer, but in my experience, no amount of following someone around watching them work or doing what they told me to do made me feel "ready" to work on my own. I was not comfortable until I HAD to sink or swim and subsequently developed my own way of doing things. Time management is the most important thing, IMO, here are so many tips and tricks that can help.

[Starletta, CNA]

I am only on Clinicals at the moment, but hope I can help a bit from what I've experienced so far.

Take the time to show the new employee without rushing them or skipping steps. Let him/her digest what you have instructed before showing a new task. Don't make them feel intimidated to ask questions or repeat what you have shown them. Nothing is worse than being new and made to feel "stupid" if something didn't sink in the first time.

Encourage them to take notes on what you may think are the little things - i.e. where all the different supplies are kept, etc.

Make sure they are with you all the time. Don't ask them to get supplies and then start a procedure when they are not present.

[Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN]

A cheat sheet would probably be the best thing. Include the room number, residents name, type of lift/transfer assistance, short summary of their diagnosis (Alz./dementia...), etc. I have made my own to give to trainees, it's very helpful.

Encourage them to get hands on. Instead of having them follow your lead, have them do it while you stand aside to give instruction and step in if needed.

Also, make sure they know how to properly use a lift. A lot of people that have come in to my facility that didn't know how to use a sit-to-stand or it had been a long time since they had used a Hoyer.

Be open to answering questions, especially to a brand new CNA.

We all know the golden rule, treat others as they want to be treated.

Hope that helps!

Dondie

[Boerne Lou]

Be careful with you patients. While you may become stressed with a time schedule - what is best for your patient and yourself is respect, dignity, and safety. Use good communication skills - let your patient do for themselves as much as they can.You will encounter patients that are unable to understand your question - example "It is time to get dressed for breakfast - ok?" Always be comassionate and in due time your skills will enhance. Let a patient transfere themselves as much as possible-don't just lift and swing them in a wheelchair because your are stressed with a time line. It hurts their hips, ankles, arms shoulders and takes away from their dignity and what they can and cannot do. Keep safety - respect, diginity and empathy first before time. That is your job as a CNA and don't let anyone make you feel less for doing it.

[karamarie91]

Be careful with you patients. While you may become stressed with a time schedule - what is best for your patient and yourself is respect, dignity, and safety. Use good communication skills - let your patient do for themselves as much as they can.You will encounter patients that are unable to understand your question - example "It is time to get dressed for breakfast - ok?" Always be comassionate and in due time your skills will enhance. Let a patient transfere themselves as much as possible-don't just lift and swing them in a wheelchair because your are stressed with a time line. It hurts their hips, ankles, arms shoulders and takes away from their dignity and what they can and cannot do. Keep safety - respect, diginity and empathy first before time. That is your job as a CNA and don't let anyone make you feel less for doing it.

I love this quote.