Posted by Debbie on July 15, 1999 at 05:54:16:
In Reply to: Re: orientation posted by Genevieve Gipson RN MEd RNC on July 15, 1999 at 00:56:19:
Linda:At our facility, the newly hired CNA's are
given a 4 hour orientation by our ADON and they
are paid for this time. Then, on the shift they
will be working they are to work with an ex-
perienced CNA. This is usually and hopefully
for 5 days. Sometimes, the orientation is cut
short due to needing the person on a unit by
themselves due to short staffing. We try to have
the new CNA work different units each day. The
new CNA is only to be our "shadow" and is encouraged to ask questions. The first day involves such things such as time-clock, sign in
and a tour of the building, meeting all super-
visors, etc. By the fifth day, we usually give
the new CNA 2 rooms to be responsible for. We
welcome new staff heartily and almost beg them
to stay if they are great. We only have about
160 residents, and stress to the new CNA that it
will take a while to get to know who everyone is
so it is important to look at the name bands, etc.
They eventually find out it is true that they can
ask anyone for help, and they will get it with no
questions or hesitation. The new CNA is a "float"
until a unit becomes available to them. Then they
may ask for a permanent unit if they want it.
In my experience, this is a reason why new staff
becomes frustrated, but there isn't much we can
do about it. Thanks for the question, hope this
helps. Debbie