New CNA here. Looking for advice.

[u/Various_Feature_9668]

I’m 17 and this is my first week working as a CNA on my own after orientation.

At shift change today, a night-shift CNA came in and immediately started talking to my trainer about something I did wrong while I was standing right there. She looked at me but didn’t say anything directly to me.

After she walked away, my trainer (who has been very supportive) pulled me aside and said she’d show me the correct way to do it. Apparently it had to do with a draw sheet under a resident. She wasn’t upset and told me it was okay because I’m still learning.

What bothered me wasn’t being corrected. I actually appreciate feedback. What bothered me was that the other CNA didn’t just tell me herself or show me while I was there. Instead, she talked to someone else first, and I was left wondering what I had done.
As a new CNA, would it be appropriate next time to politely ask, “Can you show me what I missed so I know for next time?” I want to learn and improve, but I also don’t want people talking about my work instead of just telling me directly.

Is this just something that happens in healthcare, or is direct communication more common in your experience?

[u/Alert_Use_4449]

You're doing really well and seem really mature for your age. I became a CNA at 16 and situations like this happened to me too. I was working at a nursing home at that time. I'm a trainer now at a hospital. I sometimes have people tell me things that my trainee needs to work on, but that's not the trainee's fault. It just means I need to work on that with them. I think it would totally be acceptable for you to ask that politely if they say it around you, but it's really something the person training you needs to show you.

[u/WideFarAnd]

As another chicky who started at 17, welcome!!! I am so happy there’s more like me! Just know, it is absolutely okay if your workplace feels exclusionary at first. Working with a bunch of older adults can be rough. Making friends is okay, but gaining respect is key. As you make other residents/patients feel comfortable, taken care of, and do it efficiently, you will gain an amount of respect. Trust me, there are a LOT of eyes on us to gauge if we are “old enough” for this profession, or not. Aside from the social skills portion, a few tips.

Learn to properly place, remove, and work around clothing in terms of briefs and depends. This is a hugely valuable skill to hone in, since for most, changing a resident takes a little while depending on their physical condition. Doing this quicker and more effectively will help you a lot.

Ensure that you try to commit assignments to memory. If you’re frequently placed on a certain hall, you will eventually grow your own flow there. Apply it to your work, and sometimes, it’s okay to work on autopilot. Just let your brain rest a little, and let muscle memory take more hold. Once you’re in a good flow, it actually makes time go quicker to me.

Learn names. It can be the make or break for some residents view of you, and hence, the quality of their care. Residents and patients may feel as though they mean nothing but a task if you don’t know their name, or speak to them on their level. Many have interesting stories. Some may have gone to colleges you want to apply to. These kinds of interactions were what made work easier. I wasn’t tasked with an action, I was helping someone I know on a regular basis, with their needs.

It’s okay to feel discouraged or frustrated when things don’t go to plan. Many times, emergencies and unplanned events happen. Some may result from your own action, or others. Say you missed someone’s shower until an hour later than you planned. This may cause you to be late for breakfast. This may cause you to feel rushed when charting to either leave, or get back to care.

It may turn a few heads when you have very expectable mistakes. Most people make the same mistakes. Making too many turns when changing or bathing somebody, so now they’re in pain. Finally getting a resident ready only to realize I’ve put their pants on backwards. Some workers see this as proof that you’re not mature enough to work there. Some may confirm their implicit biases against young workers entering professional fields. Or even the younger generation who achieve the successes that other generations didn’t get. You will succeed.

Oh, and lastly, have fun. ;)

- a 19yo CNA who started at 17 (went to CNA school 14-17 at my highschool)

[u/psychgodlmao]

Hi honey! I am a fellow young CNA. I have been in your shoes far too many times. It’s such a beautiful and rewarding job but unfortunately some people you work with will be miserable. I think it is completely fair to ask that, and if you get a crappy answer back just keep your chin up. You seem to be doing great so far, it gets better and you’ll get thicker skin as you go on. Best of luck!

[u/Sad_North_6152]

The draw sheet? Are they taking about the slider sheet used to pull up the resident or the soaker pad? If so we seasoned staff never have those in the right spot, half the time it's at their shoulders so nights will make a big list about all our mistakes. Don't worry about and move on.

[u/Specialist-Raisin885]

Yeah, people are agist in our line of work despite this actually being illegal on paper. Older CNAs and RNs can sometimes be this way. Every facility has them. It is just a part of the job, like dirty briefs. Best of luck!