Journey to Becoming a CNA

• Initial Decision
  • Chose a private college in Watsonville
  • Required only a high school diploma to enter the program

Schooling and Training Experience

• Program Structure

  • Classes held every weekend for 7 AM to 3:30 PM over 1.5 months
  • Followed by 1.5 months of weekend clinicals
  • Testing every Monday and Wednesday to assess understanding of CNA material

• Teaching Method

  • Classes included practical demonstrations (PPE usage, etc.)
  • Independent studies were important; personal initiative was essential
  • Utilized resources like YouTube for enhanced learning

A Typical Day on the Job

• Work Environment

  • Fast-paced, busy, and demanding care setting
  • Begin tasks by addressing the patients who are most alert and responsive
  • Must prioritize patient care amidst distractions and frequent call lights

• Patient Load

  • In facilities, can handle between 8 to 30 patients (higher than hospitals)

Challenges Faced as a CNA

• Management Issues

  • Critique of facility management; issues with communication and understanding of frontline staff's challenges
  • Overworked due to inadequate staff-to-patient ratios

• Patient Suitability

  • Feels many patients, especially with mental disorders, are inappropriately placed in nursing homes instead of psychiatric facilities

Handling Emotionally Difficult Situations

• Dealing with Difficult Patients

  • Strategies for interacting with aggressive or emotionally distressed patients
  • Use humor to defuse tension, maintain a non-reactive demeanor
  • Recognize patients may have conditions like dementia affecting their behavior

• Coping with Emotional Attachments

  • Use therapy services when dealing with the emotional toll of patient loss
  • Mentally prepare for detachment when forming bonds with patients

Working in a Health Care Team

• Team Dynamics

  • Emphasis on helping each other; smoother workflow when team collaboration is good
  • Challenges arise when temporary staff from agencies (registry) do not know the patients' needs

• Assignment of Patients

  • Established CNAs usually have designated groups of patients, while floaters fill in gaps

Effective Communication in Patient Care

• Importance of Communication
  • Example of effective communication preventing a patient from developing a bed sore due to prolonged sitting
  • Emphasized the need for interdisciplinary communication among CNAs, nurses, and management

Delivering Difficult Information

• CNA's Role
  • Typically do not disclose medical information; nurses are responsible for such communications
  • CNAs can support patients emotionally when they are distressed about their health situation

Communication Training in CNA Program

• Clinical Training
  • Emphasis on hands-on training during clinicals for effective patient communication
  • Practice scenarios for addressing patients, maintaining professionalism

Moments of Pride

• Impactful Experience
  • Successfully assisted a patient who hadn't showered in three years through encouragement and support
  • Reflected on personal achievement in building trust and improving a patient’s hygiene

Motivation to Become a CNA

• Inspiration
  • Initially aimed to become a nurse; switched paths after caregiving for elderly patients sparked passion for this field

Job Satisfaction

• Enjoyment of Work
  • While management poses challenges, the fulfillment of patient interactions keeps the job enjoyable