I quit..... and don't know where to go from here

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Hi,

after being severely frustrated with the nursing home where I worked, I finally decided to quit.... today was my last day, and now I am kind of second-guessing my decision.... i did have very nice co-workers, the residents liked me..... and finding a new job is scary....but on the other hand- i didn't want to get so frustrated that I come to work with a bad attitude. I posted a couple of weeks ago about our staffing issues + being forced to stay late. Now what finally made me quit was their holiday policy: Christmas eve is not a holiday. so far, thats okay. But they decided that overnight staff who have christmas off this year still have to work their shift on 12/24 - which ends at 6.30am on Christmas Day. Thats not having christmas of in my opinion. anyway, i got tired of complaining, so I thought maybe it's time to move on.

and now here is the big questionmark....where do I go from here?

another nursing home? there is one that's hiring in the next bigger town, with good hours and better pay....BUT it is another nursing home, and part of me wants to get away from the assembly-line toileting (sorry- but that is how my work felt sometimes- out of 8 hours you spend about 6 in people's bathrooms :-(...)

or is assisted living better? they probably pay less, but I think I'd be more satisfied with the work.... i just think you have more time for the residents there

or maybe a staffing agency? i'm thinking they might be more flexible and willing to hire someone who's gonna leave in a year anyway....

or maybe a hospital? i applied to two hospitals, but they are both about 45 min away, which adds a lot of extra driving time to my already crazy schedule....but the experience i could get there might be worth it

or should I just be a walmart greeter for a year....?

I only have one year to bridge, by next December I will be eligible to take the NCLEX-PN :-)

So what do you think would be the best part-time job during nursing school? i know school will be intense too....and i also have two little girls. But not working at all is not really an option....

I'd be really grateful for any kind of advice..... Thanks :-)

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Specializes in LTC.

I have to work 3-11 on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (which is when I see my family), New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. I feel like it's horrid and unfair, but what can you do? I've been working there less than 6 months. It seems a little silly that you quit just because you have to work till 6:30am on Christmas and then have the entire rest of the day off. Especially when everyone has to work one or the other. Seems fair to me. It's not going to be any better somewhere else... even a Walmart greeter has to work holidays.

Unless you have a M-F/9-5 job at an office, you're going to have to work holidays. When you're a nurse, you're going to have to work holidays too.

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I would definitely recommend assisted living. It's a lot more laid back and easier on your body, and you do a lot more than toileting. Especially since generally they can toilet themselves.

The unit I'm working in currently is very similar to assisted living - it's for people in the early to mid stages of Alzheimers who are otherwise still healthy. I get out their clothes in the morning (except the ones to like to do that themselves), pass out their meals, assist with showers (mostly just standby assist), do activities with them, encourage them to socialize, and do their laundry. There are a couple of people that I remind to toilet, but it's nothing like a nursing home where sometimes it seems like all you do is wipe butts. (I know that's not always the case, and I did enjoy working in one, though.) I LOVE MY JOB.

I'd recommend you look for assisted living, memory care, or home health. The CNAs I talk to in those fields seem to be happiest!

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Though, I will second what the person above said - no matter where you end up, you'll have to work some holidays. The first year is the worst, as the people with the least seniority tend to have to work the "good" holidays, like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I work thirds, so I don't mind much. It's better than the people who have to work seconds on their holidays. I used to work 2nds and it always felt like it took up the entire holiday!

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Heh. No matter where you go you're going to be working the holidays. Even seniority just means you get your choice instead of being off.

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I agree with what the other posters said, starting out your going to have to work the holidays at least for the first year. It stinks but it gets better year by year.

I would not go to walmart, they're open on thanksgiving christmas eve ect and, having worked there years ago, a nursing home is heaven compared to that.

Maybe you could try home health? Agencies in our area let people set their own hours. Just a suggestion :)

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Specializes in CNA: LTC.

Like "yousoldtheworld", I also work in a assisted living facility (Memory Care). In fact, I just started today, and the difference between them and one of the best nursing homes in my area was startling. It was very laid-back, small CNA to patient ratio (only 20 Residents reside there), and activity driven. I absolutely loved every minute I was there, and would encourage anyone to find a facility like this to avoid certain burnout.

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Specializes in CNA, HHA, RNA,.

Uhh..

The place I work at has me working thanksgiving day, I wouldn't have agreed but I'm sort of a newbie. However to those who are full time they get an extra day's pay for the holidays they work.. :3 I think it's just the place you worked at but it's not like the chances of finding something better is out there.. It would have been better to apply while working took up interviews and see what the others had to offer.

But then, from reading your post you sound like you got burnt out working there. I think a year is enough - you should just have focused on moving up the latter.

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Okay, for all those of you who think I don't want to work holidays: I DO realize that nursing involves 24/7 care. BUT- I was part-time, scheduled 16 hr/pp. This means I was not eligible for any benefits, yet I was expected to take on all the regular staff responsibilities, like working every other holiday, coming in at 2am to cover half night shifts etc.pp. For a part-time job like this, I am not willing to put my life on hold. I understand if you're full-time or at least close to it, your job needs to be higher on your prioroty list. But not a weekend-only job.

So anyway, one of my co-workers suggested that I stay on the resource list, and I did that- this way, I decide when and how much I work.

I also have a couple of interviews next week- one at a job where I used to work (youth shelter), which would be very flexible, and one at a hospital at the joint-replacement floor.... not sure if this is such a good idea, b/c the hospital is an hour away, and joint replacement sounds like it's going to be more or less like nursing home work.

anyway, I just wanted to clarify that I DO understand that everyone has to work holidays, but I think it's give and take. The more you get from your job, i.e., benefits, the more you owe them, imho.

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You got me there coming in at 2am for a part time job? Nope not going to happen. Joint replacement might be a fun place to work, you'll get people who are mentally fit and just need rehab. Keep us posted :)

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Do you have a home health aide certificate? You might consider a home health agency. They hire CNAs as well as HHAs (easier if you have the HHA certificate). You could really see a change in your morale when you start doing shifts with only one patient at a time. Imagine getting paid the same as a nursing home gig, or even more, for just one patient. Sounds to me like you need a change of pace, and home health might be right up your alley. Good luck with your next job.

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Ditto the above. That is one wacko schedule.

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