Wow, where I'm at, NA is usually no formal training. Meaning they just cold applied at nursing facility somewhere and were hired, and learned on the job. Unless they have experience and the facility hiring them doesn't care about the C part. But just...
Girl Scout replied to CalledtoCare's topic in CNA/MA
We're always understaffed where I work. And since I'm new and still trying to make my own routine/way of doing the things I've got to get done, I seriously lag behind when the other CNA on the floor has to leave or isn't there. It makes me dread 3's,...
Girl Scout replied to form530bask983's topic in CNA/MA
I can only tell you what I'm making. And keep in mind that Arkansas is notorious for being one of the very lowest-paying states for CNAs and nurses in general. After taxes, I'm making $30 less than the 2009 federal poverty guideline. Yes, it hurts. Y...
Girl Scout replied to form530bask983's topic in CNA/MA
Before this, I've never worked in acute care. Didn't even work in a nursing home. I worked a year in one woman's home, and she had dementia, but she took her own baths, voided on her own, got herself dressed, etc. Everybody who works in a hospital, h...
Girl Scout replied to form530bask983's topic in CNA/MA
It just really depends on the hospital and the floor. In the unit I work in, I'm on a 12 hour shift. I do vitals every 4 hours. When surgical patients come in, I set up the room, help transfer the patient off the stretcher, plug in oxygen, set up the...
Girl Scout replied to AHeartLikeHis's topic in General Nursing
AHeartLikeHis, I applaud you! I wish that anyone who works with people in a healthcare setting (not just patients or residents) had a foundation of basic patient care. CNA is one great place to get it. There's actually a whole CNA forum here - https...
Girl Scout replied to Girl Scout's topic in CNA/MA
Thanks! I do hope to get on down the road to nursing school, at some point. I was denied my financial aid award because of a grade I got when I was a teenager (read: 20 years ago), and no way to appeal, so looks like it'll be coming out of my own po...
You can't be a PCA/PCT without first being a CNA. I'm a PCA, which is same as/similar to a PCT (in some places, a PCA and PCT are the same thing, and in others, the "tech" part comes with a small pay increase and slightly more responsiblity than an ...
Girl Scout replied to Girl Scout's topic in CNA/MA
My first day of orientation is 1/11. I've gotten all my insurance paperwork in, badge made, and my parking sticker is in the corner of the window. I just have to get some pieces of paperwork in to HR, make another pass with the employee health nurse,...
Girl Scout replied to fuzzywuzzy's topic in CNA/MA
On the floor I'll be on, there's a dedicated PT, so I don't assume I'll be doing ROMs on my own, as part of my major duties. I'm sure it's possible that I could be asked to assist, but mostly, I feel like it's not really part of the job description (...
Girl Scout replied to Girl Scout's topic in CNA/MA
Thanks for the advice! It's such a help. I agree now about not taking the extra top with me. But I think I may take that extra pair of socks. Thick, cushy ones, at least. If my feet are really killing me, they might welcome a change. I have a backpa...
Sooo, my first day of orientation at the hospital is on January 11. It lasts for 4 weeks. I've never worked in a hospital, and this is my first "official" employment as a CNA, and I've never worked 12 hour shifts. I know I'm in for a challenge. I'm w...
Girl Scout replied to Girl Scout's topic in CNA/MA
LOL - no "you all", only me. And thanks. And I don't have any advice except be yourself - but you'll probably get more replies if you actually make a thread about it, instead of burying it in an unrelated thread (like this one). Good luck! :)