What was your first day as a CNA/STNA like?

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Oct 30, 2012

I assume you'll be orienting with someone, and on the first day all you do is follow that person around and see what they do, so you won't be making any mistakes.

My first day was 3-11 which is even less busy than first shift but it was a whirlwind. If you'd asked me when I came home how things are done there I wouldn't have been able to tell you.

havehope · Oct 30, 2012

I have to agree with the above poster. My first day was orientation so, I followed her around not having to worry about anything. The first day by myself however, was different. When orienting it's like "Oh this is easy..", and when I got by myself its like "What did I get myself into?". As time goes on it gets easier (meaning managing your time better) . I have to say I love working with seasoned aides, they know soo much helpful information!

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Oct 30, 2012

I oriented for several days (LTC facility) so my first few days were what the other posters have said: shadowing another CNA, learning where everything was and how to use all of the equipment, learning how they served meals/did showers/dressing/ADLs, etc. I wasn't on my own for at least 5 or 6 shifts.

I'm starting a pediatric hospital position next week and will orient for at least 8 shifts before being on my own.

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Oct 30, 2012

My first day was BORING. We have a small unit as it is (ten beds), and that day we had maybe 5 or 6 patients, so there was not that much to do! Haha, but like other posters said, you will be shadowing someone else, learning where things are, and getting a feel for the routine. I found it helpful to record everything we did together, even while I was shadowing - you'll need to do that for accurate charting anyway, and it'll help solidify what kinds of stuff you'll need to be doing. A couple weeks in, I was taking more of a lead in ADLs and starting to chart on two or three of my own patients at a time. My first shift on my own was on Saturday and I felt pretty good about it (which is good because our unit was full by then!). Just watch, ask whatever questions come to you, and be a good observer - you'll do great!

rivershark2005 · Oct 31, 2012

My first day was unlike anything anyone else has described. I was expected to jump right in there and and contribute. Within an hour of getting there, I was answering call lights and changing diapers just like my coworkers. I also fed a resident his supper that night. I enjoyed it. I feel I would have been bored out of my mind had I just followed and observed all day.

Jessicainsantafe · Oct 31, 2012

My first day as a real CNA was with a private home health care agency. I was ready for anything since I had done my clinicals in a really ***basic care*** LTC.....well. There was no REAL orientation, but since I had only one client, it was alright. My client was ambulatory, aware, and sweet. Beginning stage Alzhiemers, but that was it.

I have since moved on. I am a full-time student, so I won't be doing anything but volunteer CNA work for a few months. I applaud all of you CNA'a who work LTC---I'm not sure if I could handle it.

Medeina · Nov 2, 2012

Thought I'd update that my first day went great! I was a little scared of dressing the residents because I didn't want to tear their skin! Gonna try to be more proactive tomorrow, today was just observe observe observe.

ElsaKay · Nov 3, 2012

My advice would be jump right in with your preceptor (person who is training you). Don't just passively observe. It's far better to try things for the first time while someone's watching and can immediately correct any mistakes than it is to wait until you're on your own to try it. Also, it will make a better first impression.

TurtleCat · Nov 3, 2012

I just finished my clinicals and plan to start job-hunting after I get certified. I admit this is kind of a concern of mine, too. :/ I'm scared to death of making a stupid mistake on the job, especially one that would hurt a resident. I'd NEVER intentionally hurt any of my residents, but I worry about doing something absentmindedly that could potentially cause harm. If something happened to my resident because of me, I'd never get over it.

When I was doing my clinicals, I liked the work but I did feel really dumb, clumsy and slow next to the experienced aides I shadowed. There were a couple of times I made mistakes and the aides had to correct me, or show how it was properly done. I suppose that's typical for the clinical externship but it still makes me worry about how I'm going to perform when I'm actually in a job. But I guess there's no sense in worrying -- all I can do is try my best. I'll definitely never get anywhere if I don't at least try.