I am starting out brand new to the profession of Healthcare at 38 years old. I hated my
previous work as a Loan Processor. I always wanted to be a nurse and care
for the elderly. I was very close to my Grandma who passed in a LTC facility and
I saw how special of a job it was and felt that I always had the caring and compassion
for elderly especially, however I realize that reading about it and doing it are two
different things. Geriatrics is the specialty I plan on pursuing, I have always been horrible at school, however so far I am a B student and about to be certified as a Nurses
Aid so I can get working while I pursue a Nursing Education.
To cut to the chase, all I have done is the Lab stuff on manicans and other students and
Next week we start our clinicals.
I know I am far from being in any of your shoes as a nurse, but could any of you tell
me your experiences starting out in this field: giving Peri care for the first time, lifting
a 200 lb man or woman by yourself. What can I expect. I do not want to be at the
CNA Level forever, but all other nurses say the CNA has it worst. Could you tell me
what I am in for? I am determined to do this no matter how gross it may get. But I need
to prepare. Its easier said than done I have a feeling.:uhoh21:
Like everybody else says, you get used to peri care really fast. It honestly doesn't take that long, and *most* of the time it's not too terribly unpleasant. Just be professional and courteous about it and you'll forget the unpleasantness. Always read the care plan on how to transfer the resident. I guarantee you that unless the person only needs mild help with transfers, a 200lb person will NOT be classified as a one-person transfer. Heck, we had a teeny tiny 70lb amputee who was a two-person transfer.
I would also recommend you keep your perspective -- among all the poop and pee and smells and noises, you are performing a very important job. You are helping these people to lead the most fulfilling lives they are able to, which can be very satisfying. While some have dementia, many only have physical limitations and are still wonderfully smart individuals with so much to teach. Listen to their stories, and share some with them. They'll love it.
Think she was probably referring to the other staff, not the residents.
I was referring to both. It was a really bad place, with only 1 nurse, 1 medication aide, and 3 CNAs for 60 fully dependent residents. The staff was mean and hazed me like you wouldn't believe, and we had all sorts of violent residents including a very violent paranoid schizophrenic who refused to take her meds because she claimed it was rat poison. She'd snap at a monen't notice and bruise and gouge you with her long, filthy nails. She'd act sweet as pie when the DON came to bathe her, and use the opportunity to blame us for abusing her. Several princess-y old ladies would grab your hands and start scratching if you tries to explain to them that dinner wasn't for another hour. The nurses didn't even care, because they didn't have to take direct care of them and more documentation meant more paperwork.
I was referring to both. It was a really bad place, with only 1 nurse, 1 medication aide, and 3 CNAs for 60 fully dependent residents. The staff was mean and hazed me like you wouldn't believe, and we had all sorts of violent residents including a very violent paranoid schizophrenic who refused to take her meds because she claimed it was rat poison. She'd snap at a monen't notice and bruise and gouge you with her long, filthy nails. She'd act sweet as pie when the DON came to bathe her, and use the opportunity to blame us for abusing her. Several princess-y old ladies would grab your hands and start scratching if you tries to explain to them that dinner wasn't for another hour. The nurses didn't even care, because they didn't have to take direct care of them and more documentation meant more paperwork.
Good Luck on your CNA. Remember that each level is a steppin stone and it is what you make of it. While doing clinicals at a LTC for 2 mths, I seen some of the best CNA's. However, I do think they could be paid more, but that is besides the point. I wont repeat what Amy wrote above. It was well put and the very truth. I so agree on the Vicks Vapor Rub. I still carry it till this day and I can tolerate anything that has a stench. I would recommend just doing your very best and stay positive and know this experience will help you in the long run when you do decide to go to nursing school. Employers will look at that. Good Luck.
I agree, without CNA's where would we be. I worked a short period of time as a CNA. Each night I came home physically and mentally exhausted. I returned to school and am now an LPN, however, I will NEVER forget how demanding the CNA's job is. They contribute so much yet are not always appreciated. The satisfaction often comes from within. How rewarding you should feel having made a difference in someone's life. A kind word or pericare....you are treating that person with respect and dignity. Hat's off to you!
Specializes in LTC, home health, critical care, pulmonary nursing.
It is a very physically and emotionally demanding job. However, if it weren't for the pitiful money and the back pain, I'd do it forever. I absolutely love being the person that provides the personal care, the one that makes the residents comfortable, the one that knows and loves them. I love every minute of my shift. (most of the time)
as a Loan Processor. I always wanted to be a nurse and care
CHATSDALE
4,177 Posts
welcome to health care . yu will be needed...maybe not appreciated but you have to do somethings because they are the right thing to do