What is it like working as a CNA at Duke hospital?

U.S.A. North Carolina

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Hey everyone! I am in school to get my nursing degree and I have been working as a CNA at the same time. I did home care, but recently got hired by Duke Regional on the Orthopedic floor and I am so excited! However, I am a bit nervous and was hoping someone could clear up my concerns, preferably someone who works in a hospital setting. 

1) I have NO clue where to go or who to ask about where the Orthopedic floor is. I struggle with really bad social anxiety and really like to know in detail where I am going and who I am to speak with, etc. before going places. I don't start until December 14th.

2) What is it like working on the Orthopedic floor? What are the responsibilities of a CNA in Ortho? I have only done home health and it was far different than what I had expected.

3) I will be working night shift 7-7. Any advice for night shifters would be greatly appreciated.

4) And lastly, how do I handle catty nurses if that situation does arise? I have heard horror stories about CNAs being mistreated. I am a very kind and caring person and can get along with really anyone, but I am a bit shy at first and some people take that as me being rude when I'm not...my anxiety is just through the roof in unfamiliar settings with unfamiliar people. 

Thank you in advance, as any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Welcome to Duke and welcome to ortho!! I am an ortho RN at one of the other hosp in Duke. 

You should get orientation with another aide under the supervision of a nurse. 

Many of the ortho floors are now a mix of ortho and other types of patients d/t Covid. 

The big thing w/ortho pts is making sure they are safe transferring. You should learn the proper way that a hip pt or a knee pt should be moved. We struggle with answering  call lights quickly because they are all falls risks and many times they try to get up on their own. 

Night shift is not my wheelhouse but, getting everyone to the bathroom, helping get them ready for bed, VS, and in the early morning, pre-op baths. 

Lastly, I hope that you will not have to worry about catty RNs. I know that our nightshift group is pretty close and they work well together. 

You will figure it out! Welcome!

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On 11/19/2020 at 6:36 PM, mmc51264 said:

Welcome to Duke and welcome to ortho!! I am an ortho RN at one of the other hosp in Duke. 

You should get orientation with another aide under the supervision of a nurse. 

Many of the ortho floors are now a mix of ortho and other types of patients d/t Covid. 

The big thing w/ortho pts is making sure they are safe transferring. You should learn the proper way that a hip pt or a knee pt should be moved. We struggle with answering  call lights quickly because they are all falls risks and many times they try to get up on their own. 

Night shift is not my wheelhouse but, getting everyone to the bathroom, helping get them ready for bed, VS, and in the early morning, pre-op baths. 

Lastly, I hope that you will not have to worry about catty RNs. I know that our nightshift group is pretty close and they work well together. 

You will figure it out! Welcome!

This is SO helpful!! Thank you so much! I’m hoping to continue working with Duke once I’ve got my RN!

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