Trouble with first CNA job

[BobbiNicole]

I'll try to keep this short but I'm really in need of some advice. Today was my second day at my first CNA job. I left today extremely frustrated and not very eager to continue my CNA career.

First, I'm struggling with vitals. Blood pressure mainly. Sometimes it's fine but other times I have a hard time. And I'm really not sure why. Are there any hacks or tricks that could maybe help?

Second, I feel like I don't really know what I'm doing. There was a resident earlier who needed a stand pivot transfer from her chair to the bed. I used the gait belt but I still struggled to get her j to bed. I did but had to adjust her a little bit. She didn't complain but she looked really uncomfortable and I felt so bad. Then she had a BM and it ran all the way down her pants and legs. She has a catheter also. I have never changed a brief with a catheter and wasn't really sure how. I didn't want to accidentally pull the catheter out so I went to get help. The other CNA has been one for 20 years so she obviously knew what to do. I feel like she was a little annoyed but I didn't feel comfortable doing it alone.

And third, I don't like how I'm being trained. I was told I'd have someone with me all day. Because I'm new and obviously don't know what to do in most situations. But that's not the case at all. I'm often finding myself alone. There was another new CNA today who ended up asking me questions. I couldn't find one of the other 2 CNAs around either. It's my second day, I shouldn't be answering questions! I just feel like I shouldn't be left alone most of my shift when I'm still on orientation.

But overall I just felt super discouraged and stupid. I feel like I annoy them by asking but I mean I'm new and I'm still on orientation.

Advice would REALLY help. I like my job and I don't want to quit but I just feel hesitant to go back after today.

Thanks!

[caliotter3]

Please bring your concerns to your charge nurse. She is responsible for seeing that you get the information and assistance that you require to do your job. If she is a lost cause as far as getting things clarified for you, then perhaps you should consider looking for the next job. However, expect that you will feel uncomfortable for as long as it takes for you to settle in. It won't happen in a day, no matter where you work. Hang in there and give yourself a chance.

[PediatricMA]

Talk with your head nurse or who hired you first. As far as feeling stupid, do not feel like that. CNA work is seriously one of the absolute hardest jobs ever. I didn't pick it up for maybe a few months and when I eventually did I was one of the best they had. You will leave exhausted and discouraged for a little while but once you get the hang of it, it'll be second nature. Don't ever feel bad asking for help either, you are new! You can't expect someone brand new to the field to know what to do, if anyone gives you attitude about it just be like hey look I'm brand new, I'm really trying and I want to make sure that I am doing this right. They can't be mad at you for doing what you can. As far as BPs go it takes lots of practice, look up youtube videos, those helped me a lot in school. Good luck!

[Missingyou, CNA]

It's normal to feel overwhelmed and all thumbs in the beginning. It will take at least a month to get a routine down. Try to figure things out, but if you can't, don't be afraid to ask for help, you are after all, still in orientation!....gently remind the person who is suppose to be training you of that if necessary.

You should be assigned to another seasoned CNA during your orientation, if not, go talk to the person who hired you and tell them you are always left on your own & it would be helpful to have someone to train you.

If all else still fails, know that there are some facilities that are desperately in need of help and working conditions are very difficult. Do the best you can with what you have. Always follow the care plan with residents, even if it means not getting them up at all because they are 2 assist & you can't find a helper.