Once you’ve graduated and become an official Certified Nursing Assistant, starting your new CNA career can be an exciting, and nerve-wracking, experience. While you may have excelled at school, the harsh light of working in an actual clinic can be an overwhelming sensation.
Whether this is your first time working in an official medical environment, or you’re returning to the job after years of absence, there are several unique and powerful tips designed to boost your overall efficiency and productivity. Of course, some of these tips may not be applicable to your unique situation. However, regardless of your experience and situation, the most important tip to starting off in a new CNA job is to remain vigilant with your desire to learn and grow. If you hold this truth close to your heart, then it’s only a matter of time before you become the most successful version of yourself.
Always Ask Questions, Even If You Think You Already Know
The biggest mistake a new CNA can make is failing to ask a question because they feel silly or embarrassed. As you navigate the halls fresh out of school, you should remain diligent with your desire to ask questions. Not only can this prevent from making potentially serious mistakes, but asking questions means you’re paying attention. Your employer will expect you to ask questions and constantly confirm your process meets their standards. Failure to do this may come across as you being insincere or the dreaded know-it-all.
The most important rule here is to never assume. Even if you think you already know the answer, ask anyway. If you were right, then you’ll have confirmation of your skills.
Organization is Paramount for Success in your CNA career
As you likely already know, working in a medical environment can be chaotic. From demanding patients, to sudden emergencies, your day is never predictable. While this is exciting, and the main reason why so many CNAs started their CNA career, this environment demands organization.
While feeling overwhelmed is a common sensation for any member of the nursing staff, you can minimize the negative consequences of this emotion by enhancing your overall organization. Always start your day by arriving at least 15 minutes early. This is essential as it gives you ample time to plan your day and review notes from your previous shift.
You should always gather your supplies after performing your initial planning session. Never go into a patient’s room without everything you need, and maybe a few extra supplies you don’t. If you’re able to provide your own vital signs kit, then you should. This can save you a substantial amount of time searching fo ra free kit.
Lastly, the key of organization is understanding your role within the entire team. By fully understanding how you fit within the nursing team, you can not only become a more efficient member of this entity, but you’ll understand how you can better organize your day to help support the overall functionality of the department.
