I hate my new CNA job

Students CNA/MA

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ownthesky25

16 Posts

During my interview for my first CNA job, the DON told me "there are easier places to work". During my first few days, multiple aides told me they were quitting and that I should find another job. Being that I was a brand new CNA, and that I had not been there long enough to know what it was like to work there, I brushed it off. But everyone was right. This facility is chronically understaffed. For the LTC side there were 64 residents and sometimes 4 or less aides. At times I have had 20 or more patients to take care of. On those nights the best I could do was make sure everyone was in bed.

I would often get home and remember that I forgotten to get someone water or some other small thing that wasn't absolutely essential care and I would be upset. I shouldn't have to chose what care gets done and what doesn't. To me it's all important and it was greatly upsetting to not be able to do those small things.

As for your current situation, I would say stick it out. You are brand new so nothing comes easily or quickly to you. I remember I would hide in the bathroom and text my sister freaking out about how many patients I had to take care. Now I barely bat an eyelash. "We only have 4 aides? Guess I'm not taking a break or going to the bathroom." But you get through it and get better and things get easier. I used to make a mess when changing a diaper and now only the messiest diapers require that I might need to change a draw sheet. It will get better.

Many assisted living residents who require a higher level of care are kept in assisted living because the family likes the care their loved one receives there. I would love to only have 6 patients, and it's one of the reasons I'm considering going into home health. Good luck!

Specializes in LTC, Med-surg.

That sounds like a very good CNA:patient ratio and I would stay there. The work that we do as CNAs is hard but really rewarding and if you get 1 year of experience you can try applying to the hospital where it is less tiring work and more pay :D

Missingyou, CNA

718 Posts

Specializes in Long term care.

5 residents per CNA doesn't sound like a whole lot in assisted living compared to a nursing home where 10 or more to a CNA is typical however, in an assisted living facility there are additional chores such as cleaning, laundry, meal prep and clean-up that a CNA in LTC doesn't have to do...

Still, 5 resident's in assisted living IS typical. It sounds like this particular facility is probably a dementia care home and it can be MORE challenging than a nursing home. (been there, done that!).

LTC/dementia isn't for everyone and it sounds like it's not for you, especially as a new CNA. No shame in that! You have to know your limits so you can give the best possible care and actually like your job.

I'd sugguest looking elsewhere for work. In the future ASK about the level of care during the interview! Is this a "dementia/memory care" home? (If yes, more hands on care needed). Ask for a tour of the facility. During the tour, you can observe the residents and the amount of care they may need and the attitudes of the other CNA's.

I once went to apply to an assisted living home and I asked if I could sit in the livingroom area to fill out the application. The manager was in her office. I was able to observe/listen to the other CNA's interacting with each other and the resident's. I was uncomfortable with some of what I saw, but I ended up accepting a position with them because I was in need of a job. I regretted it and left 3 weeks later without giving notice because of the things I saw and heard there and I didn't want to be associated with that place!! (yes, I reported it to elderly protection services).

~another question to ask is "do you use mechanical lifts in this facility?" If no, why not? If yes, how many currently require the use of the lift? This gives you an idea of the care needed.

Keep in mind, YOU are interviewing the facility as much as they are interviewing you. You have to see if this is a place where you want to work! There are some not so nice facilities out there and there are some VERY good ones....the good ones are easier to work for no matter how many resident's and how much work you are assigned too. :up:

Specializes in Oncology, LTC, Rehabilitation.

In the olden days, assisted living was actually "assisted living". But now these businesses have figured out how to make even more money, by taking people to live there that should be cared for in a nursing home. I am so sorry that your 1st job as a CNA, has left such a crappy taste in your mouth. I don't know what state u live in, but different states have different rules as to where u can practice that training (hospitals, nursing homes, drs office, ect). Don't quit until u find another job, and u can call your state Board of nursing and ask them what your training allows u to do, what kind of places that u can work. Hang in there! I have been an RN for many years, and i can tell u with all the certainty in my heart, that being a CNA is hard work, but CNA's are very much in demand and so important. Do not believe it when a potential employer tells u that they r well staffed, because they r not. Ask them if u can speak to a CNA privately, and then ask her or him how well they are really staffed. Good luck, and hang in there!

VicChic20

78 Posts

Specializes in Nurse's Aide.

It is unfortunate that you were given false information from your boss when you got interviewed, however, it sounds like the number of patients you take care of is not that bad. I'd say try to stay with it until you get your feet wet and have some experience. It can be frustrating and it can make you feel like you're being a 'slave' but, stay with the job for the experience at least.

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