How long do I stay here ?

[RNMarykay]

Hello,

I am a total newbie to healthcare, but have a lot of life experience and family in healthcare. I took a 2 week test prep course to challenge the FL CNA exam, studied like crazy and ended up being in the minority of those who passed on test day (3 of 9 passed both parts). I ended up getting a job in a hospital (a miracle, I'm sure) and am now finishing my first month on the rehab floor (PRN full time). My nurse leader is putting me in the nurse tech training next month. I already know I love what I do and am excited to be adding skills. There is a good chance I'll go back to school to become an RN at some point.

Because I am a newbie I have a lot to learn -- and nice nurses and techs on my floor who have been pretty patient so far with me. The ONLY concern I have is that I don't think I will want to stay in rehab for years to come. The physical effort is amazing since a lot of my pts are total assist. We help each other, but it is still hard work! I also wonder if I wouldn't enjoy a different unit more at some point.

I don't want to seem ungrateful for my nurse leader giving me the foot in the door to healthcare and I don't want to ditch the people that have helped me so much. I'm not thinking of moving in the next month or so, but am wondering after six months if that is too soon to have that kind of discussion? Do people move around a lot? I would be very grateful for any advice in this area.

I'm also interested in being a unit secretary if the door opened for that.

Thanks,

Gill

[86toronado, BSN, RN]

I think due to the wide diversity in health care settings, "job hopping" is pretty common. That said, most places have a 6-12 month waiting period before you can transfer to another unit. So if you are thinking about changing jobs within the facility you work at, you should look into that first...

[PAERRN20]

Generally I've found that some hospitals like you to stay anywhere from 6 months- 12 months before you change jobs if you are an RN. I have no clue if it is different for CNA's/techs. If you don't like where you are you have two options: tough it out and stay 6 months or talk to your manager. It takes time until you will feel comfortable in your new position. But if you truly don't like the floor talk to your manager. I'm sure she or he has dealt with this before. You won't be the first or last CNA to leave the floor.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

I would say 12 month would be long enough, rehab is very hard work and most will understand.

[tishirajan]

As a CNA, it's always great to have the opportunity to gain new skills. I, personally, would hang in there for the 6 months then request a transfer to a different floor. But if you feel that you really do not like working on this particular floor then discuss it with your manager. The fact that you work in an environment where the nurses and techs have been helpful is a pro in my opinion. It is tough work, I know from experience and I'm 41. 6 months is not that long when you really think about it. It is, however, your choice and I encourage you to talk to the manager about any concerns you may have. I'm starting school in the fall to get my ADN because I realized that nursing was what I really wanted to do with the rest of my life. I wish you lots of luck :)