CNA Life 💉

    These past few days have been so exhausting! After a long week of school, I had work Friday and Saturday from 6 am-6 pm, in Chesterton which is about 20-30 minute drive from my house. I was waking up around 4 am both days to get ready and be there on time because this was a new assignment. 

     As I mentioned to you all on the first day of class, I'm a CNA (certified nursing assistant.) I was at the same facility all summer, but since my school schedule is kind of all over the place and conflicting with the shift hours, I realized I wouldn't be able to work and be the student I want to be. I told my boss I'd pick up some shifts when the longer breaks from school come around. Once I started getting the hang of my school schedule and how I go about things, I noticed I do have some time to work. I applied for an agency which is traveling, where you are partnered with an agency and pick up the shifts you want, at the time you want, day, and facility. This is perfect for me! I get to create my own schedule around school. I was so happy I got the job and my first day was yesterday, (Friday) and second day, today. Each day was at a different location though. Friday morning I was so anxious! I don't know why I was so nervous but as soon as I got there, I felt welcomed and it was way better than I was expecting. The other CNAs and nurses were showing me around and assisting me when needed, I felt way calmer.

    

Today's shift was a little different. I wasn't anxious at all, just sleepy. I got on the floor and saw I was working with a previous employee that I knew from my job, and we get along great! I was so excited to see her again and be able to work with her for the day. Between the two of us we had 21 residents to care for. All I have to say is..my back is killing me. CNA work is all about protecting yourself and using what's called "proper body mechanics." For example, raising the bed to your hips (working level) and bending at your knees to pick things up and any transfer movements. Even though you do this, the repetition of the work is still strenuous on your back, and I'm definitely feeling it. 

 

     I'm not really sure how I feel about this traveling job though. The pay is really rewarding, but I think I'm the type of worker who needs to know and be comfortable with my residents. It's way easier once you stick around the same people because you know their likes and dislikes, and how they like things done. I also really enjoy forming those relationships. It's kind of hard to adjust to the travel agency and just be thrown in to the facility to work because you're so unfamiliar with the residents and not oriented to where everything is (at first.) I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to try this out.