what do you want in a nursing assistant?

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Hi,

I am a student nurse who is leaving LTC and moving to a busy metro Labor and Delivery unit as a nursing assistant.

I know that the transition is going to be dramatic. What tips would you give me to make sure that I am not a drag on the unit. Ionly have a 2 week orientation, so I have to learn fast. On this unit, nursing assistants do a whole lot!

Thank you

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.

Lucky you. I love mother baby.:redbeathe

As for what to know? Normal VS for both mom and babe, if you will be doing newborn vitals as well?

I think telling them you are new in this area, but want to learn will set you on the right track. Honesty always seems to work. If you don't know how to do something, ask. I like it when my CNA's take interest and I can teach them something. I encourage them to ask any question, no matter how dumb it seems.

Good luck and congrats on the new job!

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Thank you so much for the response. That was a very good start for me. Can anyone else tell me the pet peeves that you have about aides, and what you would like to see in one, esp Labor and Delivery.

How do you survive and thrive in L&D?

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Specializes in LTC.

I loved L&D when I was there during OB rotation. I want to try to work there after I go back to school for RN.

I work in LTC so obviously thats a different story from L&D.. but we still have CNA's.

I have not been charge nurse of the unit yet so I can't speak when it comes to giving assignments.

I let the CNAs be do their jobs. I don't want anyone on top of my ass while I am working so I won't be on top of them. Theres a couple who have been a CNA since I was in pampers so I don't want to interfere with their routine. They know the residents better than I do so I also expect them to tell me when something is not right with the patient.

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um, your job is going to be soooo much easier in a hospital compared to ltc. if you can handle being a na/cna in ltc you'll have no problem in a hospital.

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um, your job is going to be soooo much easier in a hospital compared to ltc. if you can handle being a na/cna in ltc you'll have no problem in a hospital.

ItsTheDude, can you please elaborate. I will be honest: I have no idea what I am getting into. I want to be prepared as possible.

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