My journey as a certified nurses assistant
The course- My class was small (6 ppl) and was held 3 days a week and 8hrs long. We did lots of book work and did clinical work at a local hospital. We learned how to make an occupied/unoccupied bed, how to take vitals, how to chart, how to do a bed bath, how to transfer, how to feed and much more. We took quizzes every week and even practiced certain tasks on each other like transferring or making an occupied bed. It was kinda funny doing it on a peer lol but it was good practice and we got a definitely got a better understanding. When doing the book work and reading about a lot of the tasks I’ll be doing, it sounded easy. Although when I got in the floor, the environment was a little overwhelming, seeing the patients in such a vulnerable and fragile state, and not having much experience with people made it feel 10x harder. After a 5 weeks of consistency and practice, my skills improved and I felt much more confident in myself.
Studying- Studying was quite easy for me, how I studied was reading over the textbook and after every few paragraphs I would place a sticky note at the end for a brief summary of what’s most important. I’d also take my quizzes and rewrite the questions I had wrong and used them as flashcards with the answers on the back and go over them several times until I remembered the answer. After using these strategies, I found my self to be more successful in my quizzes, which then reflected positively on the state exam.
State exam- When I found out I passed, I felt so happy and such a sense of relief. This was a huge accomplishment and I was very proud of myself. I was very excited to experience the doors that would open for me.
1st Hospital Job- The course that I took was ran by the hospital I got hired in, they typically encourage you to apply once you graduate your course. Due to that it was very easy for me to get hired and my experience there was a true rollercoaster. I had great coworkers, a good team, sweet patients and all of my skills grew & expanded throughout my time there. Although there were pros, there were cons. Are assignments were heavy, are patients were time consuming which effected our time management and we had limited resources. The stress I had walking into my job everyday was unbearable and although I had a heart for it, I decided to put myself first and left after 1 year.
Transition to Agency- After I left the hospital I went full time with agency. I have a few different agencies that I work with and I have been loving it. You get higher pay (20-40$ an hr), you get to choose your schedule, you get paid after you clock out, you get bonuses, you can choose where you work, and you are freelance. All of these benefits that come with working for agency has been a huge help for me and I’m super grateful for it.
5+ Agency’s- Its good to have variety just incase one resource has no opportunity’s for the day you’re looking for work. Having multiple apps has helped me a lot.
Are you thinking about working in the healthcare field? Or maybe already onboard? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear about your thoughts/experiences😊.
Entering the healthcare field as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) can be a fulfilling journey filled with unique experiences. CNA training programs typically vary in length, with classes like Nesha's lasting about a month and offering both theoretical and hands-on learning. Engaging in clinical work is essential for understanding patient care and mastering tasks like monitoring vitals and assisting with daily activities. Many new CNAs feel overwhelmed by the responsibilities at first, but consistent practice helps them build confidence. Effective study methods, such as summarizing key information and using flashcards, can enhance learning and improve performance on state exams. Upon completing training, CNAs often embark on rewarding careers in various healthcare settings. Working in a hospital may provide valuable experience but can also present challenges like heavy workloads and time management issues. Transitioning to agency work allows more flexibility, higher pay, and the ability to choose shifts and locations, making it an attractive option for many CNAs. Networking with multiple agencies can further expand job opportunities, making it easier to find work. For anyone considering a career in the healthcare industry, there are numerous paths available, each with its own rewards and challenges. Sharing experiences with others can also offer support and insights into making informed career choices.
I’m interested in taking the course as well. Thanks!