Looking to see if anyone here works as a nursing assistant.I recently started meds (adderall 20mg) and got a new job.
I know I have 2 be more patient with myself, these are 2 huge changes in my life ( before going to school for nursing,I did desk work for 12 yrs)

I would love 2 hear coping skills, because yesterday I was hysterical..I feel like Im chasing my tail, constantly putting out fires..and nothing is getting accomplished. I start off fine, but it feels like everything just falls apart. PPl around me say Im doing a good job..but I feel like an idiot most of the time.
Also, my hyperactivity is being taken advantage of by some co-workers..Im answering all call lights while they take their time geting things done.
How can I learn to pace myself?

I work in the medical field as well (Physcial Therapy) ... so *maybe* I can help.

I would love 2 hear coping skills, because yesterday I was hysterical..I feel like Im chasing my tail, constantly putting out fires..and nothing is getting accomplished. I start off fine, but it feels like everything just falls apart. PPl around me say Im doing a good job..but I feel like an idiot most of the time.
Also, my hyperactivity is being taken advantage of by some co-workers..Im answering all call lights while they take their time geting things done.
How can I learn to pace myself?

When I first started my current job, I had to make basic 'flash' cards on what I needed to make certain got done with *each* patient. When I got better at remembering, I didn't need to use them as much.
People at work still don't understand me ... and they sometimes take advantage of my 'hyper-multitasking', but they have learned that even I can only do so much.
Do you charts as you go - so you don't forget things. Try to give yourself 30-120 seconds before you answer a door light - that gives the OTHER cna's and nurses time to get off there duffs to check in on it.

If you have some more specific questions ... i would love to answer them.

Take care,

- Ane -

Looking to see if anyone here works as a nursing assistant.I recently started meds (adderall 20mg) and got a new job.
I know I have 2 be more patient with myself, these are 2 huge changes in my life ( before going to school for nursing,I did desk work for 12 yrs)

I would love 2 hear coping skills, because yesterday I was hysterical..I feel like Im chasing my tail, constantly putting out fires..and nothing is getting accomplished. I start off fine, but it feels like everything just falls apart. PPl around me say Im doing a good job..but I feel like an idiot most of the time.
Also, my hyperactivity is being taken advantage of by some co-workers..Im answering all call lights while they take their time geting things done.
How can I learn to pace myself?

Hi rain,

Your right your first call to order is to be more patient with yourself. I'm wondering how long you've been a CNA? I've worked as a CNA/MA for over 13 years I admit to loving my job but hating the BS I'm forced to put up with from co-workers who often dink around with answering call lights and I'm always finding myself with extra burdens to carry. Its been a long time dream of mine to finish nursing school but with three young high maintanance children, husband, house, etc I don't see myself having the time nor the energy anytime soon. I admire your spunk and fortitude.

I had the great honor of being trained my first few years on the job by one of those special nurse's who installed in me a great love for my work. The first thing she told me is that before I ever open my mouth to say anything to a resident or before I leave them alone I need to ask myself would these words hurt me, would I be comfortable in that position. In other words in all things put yourself in your residents position. Do not worry so about those who are lazy about answering call lights while you may feel as though your boss does not see your efforts they do. I'm one of the highest paid CNA's in Nebraska, I've checked my boss doesn't tell me everyday how great I do but it shows when raises roll around. On those days were your chasing your tail remind yourself its ok to slow down that is why there are co-workers I'm not saying be lazy but you do not have to be the fastest there, the most busy. I've always found that showering right after work is good for washing the day away...you have to leave work at work or it can and will eventually eat you alive. The most important thing to remember is to laugh at yourself, listen to your residents when given the chance to let their personalities shine you will find a lot "relief" in their words and wisdom. We have the great honor of helping ensure that the worlds greatest generation passes with dignity and as pain free as possible, let them share their wisdom with you. In other words SLOW DOWN!!!! It's hard I know I often find it difficult but we can do it when we really want to and careless mistakes happen when we are in a hurry. When you lose a resident find a way to say good-bye and take comfort in knowing that this person left this earth with dignity because of YOU. Our work is not something anyone off the street can do and excell at take great pride in that...you are special. Take a MA course this will give you a heads up in nursing school and when your passing meds someone else needs to worry about the lights. I promise its not hard at all.

Good luck,
Cherity

I was a CNA before mommyhood for about 4 1/2 years. I really liked it but not convalescent homes. Why? My ADD got in the way. It was too crazy. I did alright on 2nd or even better 3rd shift because I could think things through one step at a time. Learning the routine for first shift took me a while and unless I could find another cna patient enough to work with me I got easily confused. When I switched to adult day care and home health care I did much better. It was a focus thing. I could give the love and attention to the person at hand. I always got good reviews, the nurses thought I did a good job, but I have never done well with 4 things at once and think quick on my feet.


What got to me more than anything, that totally stressed me out, was the cat fighting amongst workers. The shifts hated each other, the other two believing that your shift didn't work as hard and weren't as good as theirs. It was awful. The thing is, it was a really good convalescent home. Most did a very good job. We only had a few that slacked and they weren't there long. I say stick up for yourself. Don't take it. You can be blunt but nice. Do the best you can. I like the idea of a routine. Plug the nurses and other cna's for tips on what to do 1st, 2nd, 3rd. I like the idea of writing down your routine. I was in this one nursing home...oh my word...there were an amazing amount of patients, several wings, unhelpful co-workers, and patients with special nutritional needs had to have their menu and how much of each food they ate written down. GAH! How am I supposed to remember that!? At the end of the day, you just need to know that you really did do the best that you could, that you do know your stuff and can take good care of people.

I would do home health care again. Unfortunately where I live they treat cna's like garbage. They don't appreciate that we're the first line of care for the resident and tend to hire undereducated girls. I was trained in a different state so I came here with better credentials. There it was a respectable career, here, well, the south has certain derogatory terms for it. I'm ashamed to say that that attitude even exists but it does.

I don't know if this was helpful as much as "I identify", but I think it's awesome when I hear about people in this field who truly care and want to do a good job. Right there makes you a success.

yeah but if you know your good then darn it demand the respect that you deserve. I don't take the cat fighting from other shifts but they know when they come on the job is going to be done right and that more of their residents are going to be bottomed or fully dressed because I was on. I've finally adopted the attitude that I spend 8 hours there and they don't matter one bit to me (co-workers) they can play nice and I'll do my best to help them when they are short or they can be *itches and I'll walk out the door with a smile on my face as they suffer the next 8 hours. Sounds heartless but I'm sure you realize half of them are there only for the paycheck and not for what really matters anyways...What matters? I don't know today I forget lol