What have you learned along this journey?

[ArmyWife11B]

I started posting here when I was just begining my CNA classes, nervous about passing my state exam....posted when I got my job at the nursing home...and then again when I started working at the hospital....I've recently had my 2 year anniversary of being a CNA...although it feels like a lot longer.

So I just wanted to share little things I've learned so far, probably things you all already know, but thought I'd share anyway... Maybe you can share some things too?

• Time management, time management, time managment!
  
• Learn to prioritize
  
• Communication
  
• React swiftly to intense situations
  
• If you have it available don't be afraid to ask for help,if you need it, even if you think it makes you "look stupid" because it doesn't.
  
• You'll need lots of Patients...epecially when you have lots of patients
  
• Get a thick skin, quick
  
• Report any changes no matter how small, especially when you're new it helps to build trust between you and your nurse
  
• Stand up for your self (when appropriate...use lots of discression)
  
• Try to learn as much as you can from CNA's who have been working longer than you...the good habits only. & Stay away from the bad ones.
  
• Stay calm
  
• Rationalize all thoughts before speaking or acting
  
• Do what you say your going to do, when you're going to do it.
  
• Its sometimes a puzzle...take a minute to stand back and asses the sceen and then act.
  
• If at all possible take all of your breaks!! There are times I can't tell if I'm coming or going.. and then if you're able take your break and it helps you clear your head.
  
• Dont be afraid to stand up for your patients!
  
• Discuss discrepencies with your nurses, if something doesn't seem right, ask.
  
• Don't forget your pts on the bed pan!
  
• Dont let your BLS laps in date! ughhh such a head ache...
  
• No matter how much of a hard a** your charge tries to seem like, you want them to be your 'friend'
  
• When you're at work worry about work, leave your issues else where.
  

....I have a ton more but I think this is enough for now...like I said probably stuff you already knew.

[Bbo.W]

Those are all great, and very good advice! May I add:

The CNA who is always gossiping about everyone is *NOT* your friend. Anyway, who has time to worry about what anyone else is doing? I'm busy!

Some of your co-workers will be mean. Period. There is no way to make them like you. They are just mean. Move on.

If you have a patient with dementia (or a whole hallway of them :-) ) and they are sundowning, feed them, toilet/change them, and/or find something for them to do. If they are fall risks, keep them close to you! Nobody, particularly your charge nurse, wants a fall!

Even if you are super busy and you feel like your head is about to explode, remember that your residents are in the "winter" of their lives...try to give them a sunny day! A smile goes a long way :-)

Blessings,

Beth

[Gogo Dodo]

I look forward to wisdom posts like these. Thank you so much for your insights and advice. I started making myself a list of the CNA "Do's and Don'ts" in case I land a job after getting certified. Just have to wait to put them in practice.

Congratulations on your 2 yr anniversary!

[Poi Dog]

I have learned how to multi task.

[ArmyWife11B]

*when you're dealing with someone whoes been an RN for a long time, and I mean a looonnng long time, let them treat you like you know nothing, and that they always need to teach you something. Thats the best way to get along with them,in my experience. If you are recieving critisim from them, then say "thank you for letting me know,what else could I have done better" If they think that they're teaching you something then they'll tend to feel more close with you and wont be as hard on you. But also don't act like you are completly empty headed or they'll think you're stupid....

thats all for now...

[yousoldtheworld]

I've learned all of these things that all of you have listed, and I'm glad that I have...but the things that I've learned that I value the most are the things I learn working with my residents every day.

I take care of kids that are mostly profoundly mentally handicapped, varying levels of physical handicaps: lots of autism, cerebral palsy, shaken baby syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, crack babies, you name it. And every single day these kids teach me more about unconditional love.

They don't give a crap if my hair's a mess, if there's a stain on my top, if I'm 20 minutes late getting them to bed, if I'm having a bad day and feeling less than cheerful, if my socks don't match and my face is all broken out. All they care about is that I'm there! They are always, always happy to see me. They ask nothing more than a little attention and affection and the most basic care.

Many of these kids come from a background of severe abuse and neglect, some just bad luck and circumstance, but all of them could teach those of us who are lucky enough to be normally developed and normally abled about life and what matters. I feel like I "get it" a little more each day, to be honest!