So, you’ve been hired as a CNA in the hospital. Either you’re new to the field or you’ve been working in long-term care for years. So, how do you feel? Nervous? Confident? Scared? It’s normal. Relax. I’m going to share a few tips in this article that may help you ease into your transition.

First, realize that you have had some training. Your education may bring something new to the floor, but don’t be so quick to judge co-workers who don’t do things “by the book.” Shortcuts are a fact of life. If it doesn’t harm the patient, it may just be the way to shave those few minutes you need off your time. However, if saving time means only checking on a patient once every two hours, you should probably not do that.

Spend your first few shifts learning the routine of your floor. A medical floor would be different from a telemetry floor, and so forth. Learn what tasks you have to do by a certain time (blood sugars before breakfast, or baths before physical therapy, etc.) Usually, this would be vitals, baths, feedings, blood sugars, and so on. Figure out what you can do next, once you’re done with what you’re doing. Know that you can “plan,” but you may have to change that due to a discharge, a test, or a new surgery admission.

Never do something you don’t know how to do. Find someone who you can ask, or who can do it with you. Ask questions about interventions to the nurses (if you feel you can). Some nurses do not like to teach. Some of us do. Always communicate vital signs that are not normal. Tell the nurses what the patients need if you cannot help with that.

Objective vs. subjective data:

When you take vitals, you need to know what a normal range would be. It varies with each patient, but roughly: Temperature should be between 97.5-98.9 (lower as someone ages), pulse should be between 60-100 beats per minute, respirations should be between 14-20, blood pressure should be around 120s over 70s.

If you get a reading that is abnormal, or just aren’t sure, tell the nurse. Personally, I would rather tell the nurse than not. If it’s not important, the nurse won’t do anything. Also, TELL them what the vital sign is. Don’t chart it and assume the nurse will see. We try our best but we are human too; we get busy.

The vitals may be normal, but the patient may not be “acting right.” Tell your nurses what about the patient seems “off.” Usually, it’s nothing. It COULD be something though. YOU are the first line of care for every patient.

Customer service:

Like it or not, customer service is a big part of your job. Regardless of a patient’s attitude, you are “on-stage.” Basically, you have to have a moldable personality.

When you go into a room, knock first. Introduce yourself by name and title, and explain what you are going to do. Always call patients by their last names unless they tell you to do otherwise. Avoid using honey, dear, bud, buster, etc.

If they ask you something you don’t know, say so and that you’ll find a answer. Be friendly and polite. Ask visitors if they need anything. Always ask the patient, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” before you leave. Above all, don’t take a patient being mean personally. They may have just gotten bad news, be frustrated, be hurting, or any number of things. Or they could just be that way.

The thing to remember is that patients don’t come to the hospital for a vacation. They are sick, and it’s up to us to treat them and send them on their way. Hopefully this article has helped you learn about your practice. Welcome, and good luck!