What clinicals have tought me...

yousoldtheworld · Oct 29, 2008

Yes, doing it is a LOT different than talking about it in class!

I would encourage you NOT to get discouraged, though. Yeah, it's hard sometimes, you can't always do everything by the book, you will have difficult patients, and not enough time. Once you get the hang of it, though, you get your own rhythm and you get to know your patients...and that makes it worthwhile.

Clinicals are a strange thing. You're unsure of yourself, you're being observed so you're nervous, and you're afraid to do things incorrectly or to get in the CNAs' way. It's very different when you're out on your own, I promise! Give it a chance. :)

sonomala · Oct 30, 2008

Thanks so MUCH!!! I needed that!!!!!:tku:

yousoldtheworld · Oct 31, 2008

No problem. Believe me, I have been there. My first week of clinicals, I was so nervous that it took me forever to do everything, and half of what I did do, I did shakily.

On top of that, I remember watching the CNA's and being startled at how they'd drop the dirty linens on the floor as we were instructed never to do, or how they'd help a patient transfer in a different way than we'd been taught, and I was appalled at how RUSHED they were and how it seemed like they didn't spend enough time with the patients and were too hurried.

Trust me, you will understand. Sure, ideally you would never drop dirty linens or clothes on the floor. However, when you only have two hands and a very unsteady patient needs you to help them transfer and/or walk instead of walking to the linen hamper, you have to prioritize. They don't transfer the patients in an "unapproved way" because they are lazy, but rather because that might be the only successful way to transfer that patient, or maybe that patient needs more people to be transferred but are unable to get the help they need. They aren't rushing because they don't want to talk to the patient, they're rushing because sometimes, it's the only way to get stuff done, and after you get those things finished, maybe then you'll have the time to sit and visit with a patient.

In an ideal world we'd be able to do everything by the book, exactly as we were taught. However, I think any CNA will tell you that all you can do is figure out what works for you and your patients and do the best you can. It is hard sometimes, but it's very rewarding. After a few weeks working, you'll figure out a routine and you'll be well on your way to knowing your patients and their individual needs. Good luck and don't get too stressed!!

rancelumsden · Oct 31, 2008

It will get better. We all had the similar experiences as others have posted. We were nervous, unsure of ourselves, overwhelmed. At clinicals, some of us were pretty drenched in sweat after a day of nervous tension and physical exercsion.

Then, sometime down the road, a month or two, or for me, more like 3-4 months, things start to click and you come into work actually feeling 'comfortable' that you know your job.

Yes, there are difficult residents/patients. I always though the families were far worse than any residents.

But realistically, yes, the job is always physically demanding, often mentally demanding, and dirty. In LTC, is was all about bodily fluids. In hospital, I was continually exposed to TB and had to be tested several times a year. Patients would come in with bad coughs that after a couple of days were diagnosed as TB (with no precautions prior to that).

Keep in mind there are different settings for CNA's. If you don't like hospital or LTC, home health care might work for you. I've always advised that you do not do home health until you've had a year experience in an institution to get your skills in line.

But, as you get confidence, it gets better. And yes, how things are done in the real world is true for every business....

Muttlover · Nov 1, 2008

Thanks for sharing your kind words and experience. I start my internship this Monday evening at an LTC. I took a dry run drive over today, because I wasn't sure how to get there. As I approached the hospital/ltc -- there connected, I was surprised at how nervous I got. Driving home, I realized that I do have the jitters about it. Although, I've wanted to be a nurse since I was 15 and I'm now over 40. So, it's a case of .....I'm almost there and excited (also working on my pre-reqs for nursing school) and I also can't believe I'm starting on Monday. Thanks for sharing -- it really helps us "newbees"!

Speed Freak · Nov 29, 2008

Dibbs, when I ride my motorcycle to work that first day, I may just take the freeway the wrong way. Ride against traffic like Trinity did in The Matrix. Gives you a whole new appreciation for everything.