Written Up 4 Weeks into First CNA Job- feeling discouraged

Zalina · Jan 25, 2014

Hi. I understand how hard the beginning journey in the medical field can be, specially if you don't get support from the people you work with. But if you sure that it is something you want to do then do not let people to discourage you. What happened with your resident was an accident and you learnt from it, didn't you? I also love to work with elderly, but few years ago when I first became cna, I decided to let my license expire after 1 year working in long term care facility because I did not know how to deal with negative working environment. But it has been 5 years since that time, I took another CNA class and iam starting my journey in the medical field from the beginning, my state test is actually tomorrow. I am also planing on pursuing my nursing carrier in the near future. There will be a lot of obstacles,but you have to be focused on your goal. Good luck.

SunnyVet14 · Jan 25, 2014

Mistakes are so hard to get past especially when it involves actual/potential injury. You sound sincere and empathetic, which are helpful qualities to have in LTC but your manager may be calling upon you to self-evaluate which is very scary for the newbie. Other CNA's or nurses on your unit may offer up some moral support. Don't under estimate veteran co-workers when you're in need of support! They can probably share an "I remember when" from their careers and how they navigated through it.

As a new CNA, I remember cutting a dementia resident's fingernails who would constantly rock back and forth in the shower chair. I felt terrible for weeks when I ended up cuttting into a fingertip! It wasn't serious enough to require stitches but this one was a bleeder (on ASA). Gauze pressure dressing and Band-Aid did the trick. I had the support and guidance of the LPN on shift but I still felt so bad. The LPN would specifically let me change the Band-aid until the finger was healed. I really respected the gesture to give me the chance to be involved in the healing since that's what nursing is all about.

Hang in there:up:

Nurseeverywhere, CNA, LVN · Jan 25, 2014

I am a new CNA (passed test December 19th 2013) and just started at a SNF last week. I had four NOC shifts of orientation and today was to be my first 7 am - 3 pm orientation. I wanted to run out of there crying. Nobody wanted to orient me and I didn't know the day time routine or what was expected. Nights and days are very different. I wanted to cry because they were all speaking a language I do not speak, including the nurses, so I had no one to run too. It can be very discouraging but like you I am also there for the patients/residents. I was given attitude when I wasn't doing something I was supposed to be because I didn't know. It is difficult but just move on from it and don't let it bring you down. The fact that you feel remorse proves that you actually care. I have heard some people in LTCs are bullies but don't give up - I know I won't be. The moments you can put a smile on someones face is worth sticking it through. Many of these people have few visitors if any at all, so be the one that makes the difference. Everyone makes mistakes.

LayneCNA · Jan 25, 2014

Being a CNA is rough. I have been recertified since June of last year, and this time around has been easier, but I first certified in 2004 when I was in my twenties and was very naive about what happened in a nursing home. It can be alot to take in. Let me just say that just because that person is the manager, doesn't mean she knows everything about everything, or everything about you. YOU decide if this is for you or not. Running over someone's toe sucks, but really, there are a million wheelchairs and a million feet around a LTC facility, it isn't the worst mistake you could make. Good Luck!

OhioTry · Jan 26, 2014

I think I forgot to mention that I recieved a 3-day suspension along with the write-up, which combined with my managers remarks was extremely discouraging since I love my job and really want to keep it. That said, looking on the bright side they could have fired me outright, since I am in my probationary period. And when I said to the DON that I had been overconfident and had asked to be taken off orientation too early she agreed that when I come in on Friday I will be working with a preceptor. This does suggest that they do think I could be a good STNA with sufficiant time and additional training- they are willing to invest more time and money in me. So I will not give up now.

Bexsie · Jan 27, 2014

Hang in there! I'm currently going through a phase where I'm questioning if I'm a good nurse because of an incident gone wrong!

I recently became a CNA in July 2013. I have had previous health related experience from jobs and volunteer work. 10years or so. I've had my moments where I'm stressed or just tired but I'm always attentive to my work and try to do things well in order.

While transferring a resident with a fellow coworker, I ended stepping on this residents toenail. We were transferring her to the shower chair. Her slippers made her have trouble standing. Her other shoes were hurting her (due to toenails) I had been complaining to social worker, RN supervisor & Charge Nurse how the toenails needed care ASAP. They were growing long and outwards. She was constantly complaining of pain. A few days before incident, I had put her (once again) on the list for the podiatrist to see her. She was so excited of the news. I went on my days off. Come back 2 days later and realized they did not do her toenails. When I asked why, they stated because she was not diabetic, they couldn't do anything (despite her complaining of pain)

I stepped on the mere tip of the toenail. It popped. Bleeding so much. My coworker ran out and call treatment nurse (RN). Charge Nurse (LVN) & treatment nurse both came in. Plus RN supervisor. The treatment nurse (RN) began to freak out. While 2 CNA's were calm. Needless to say, we made 2 incident reports. Mine and the witness (coworker) and turned it in to the RN supervisor. Followed by a rude comment: you CNA's need to do nail care!

In CNA course, we were trained to do fingernail care with caution. Not toenail care. The reports submitted were lost by the RN supervisor. Then I'm hearing how the upper management was not aware of the incident because the reports were never submitted. Social worker investigating, the family is upset stating I kicked the mom. Stepped on her and I was now about to reported to ombudsman for this. Being a first time CNA, I freaked out. I was being questioned by upper management. Despite me making reports to get her toenails done, getting 2nd person for transfer, reporting stat and making incident report...I was given a write up.

When asked why!? I was told they were just giving me a verbal write up that I had to sign. Which means, written write up not verbal. 3 write ups and you're let go. I began crying. Saying I did nothing wrong and did not deserve this. I felt as if I was not good anymore. They told me they were doing it to protect themselves in case the family did call ombudsman. The family apparently understood his mother was kicked and stepped on. The whole incident was out of control all because they lost the report and failed to admit I kept reporting nails. Thankfully the resident went to defend me (she's high functioning alert). They finally accepted it was all a mistake, but the write up is in my file now. My first one ever. Now I feel like every time I walk at work and do my job, they are focusing on looking for bad rather than the good I have done

I know now it's tough. If you love doing what you're doing. Don't stop. I now look at the write up as a reminder to be extra extra cautious and to make sure all paperwork submitted is properly submitted. Cheer up!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 27, 2014

I think I forgot to mention that I recieved a 3-day suspension along with the write-up, which combined with my managers remarks was extremely discouraging since I love my job and really want to keep it. That said, looking on the bright side they could have fired me outright, since I am in my probationary period. And when I said to the DON that I had been overconfident and had asked to be taken off orientation too early she agreed that when I come in on Friday I will be working with a preceptor. This does suggest that they do think I could be a good STNA with sufficiant time and additional training- they are willing to invest more time and money in me. So I will not give up now.

Since you have three days off, you'll have time to think about how you could prevent errors of this time from happening again. Perhaps paying more attention to where exactly the wheels of the wheelchair are in relation to other patients, perhaps going a bit more slowly so you have more control. I'm sure you know why the incident happened and what you can do to prevent it in the future. Make sure that your DON knows you spent some time figuring it out.

Being willing to give you more orientation time is indeed a good thing. So don't give up now! The fact that you want to keep your job is a good thing.

Now, about that avatar . . .

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/about-that-avatar-900567.html

OhioTry · Feb 1, 2014

Just wanted to post an update- I did very well today on my first day back on the job, and was seen doing well by management, and praised for it. I had a good day and am feeling relaxed and capable.