Member-only story
Nursing Assistant Students: Help or Hindrance?
By Rebecca Miller
You see them approaching at the beginning of your shift — a small herd of perfectly matched uniforms and name tags heading your direction with their white coat-wearing instructor leading the way as if they were a European tour guide.
First instinct — hide. Groan. Feel dread. Another STUDENT, you declare, but you know you’ll be picked to have a shadow because you’re great at your job. Plus, it’s tradition, and it’s required. Someone trained you; now it’s your turn to inspire the next group of CNAs.
Remember those student days? They’re dreading this as well. It’s early. They’re nervous, and they want to learn, and they really want to help. They don’t want to be a hindrance.
Guess what? You’re BOTH on the same page! Neither one of you wants to be a burden to the other. You need the help, and they are willing to provide it.
Great!
How can a CNA student help?
First, let’s cover what a CNA student CAN NOT do:
1. Transfer a resident alone.
2. Shower a resident alone.
3. Use a mechanical lift.
4. Anything outside of the CNA scope of practice.
