aweful as a CNA, what else can I do?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 7, 2005

Have you thought about working as a patient care tech/CNA in a hospital? I did this back when I was in nursing school, and it was a wonderful experience. The work is much less physically demanding than in the nursing home setting, plus you'll probably get a chance to learn expanded skills such as checking blood sugars, taking out tubes and catheters, doing phlebotomy and other tasks that CNAs in LTC usually don't get to do. You'll also have the pleasure of caring for patients of all ages, with all sorts of conditions.......it's definitely good training if you're going to become a nurse, and it's less likely that you'll get burned out.

Best of luck to you.

rn/writer, RN · Jan 7, 2005

You could also look into home health or an assisted living facility. My 23-year-old daughter has been a CNA for 4 years and has worked in all kinds of situations (she usually has two jobs at a time and once had three) and those were the ones she liked best. With home health, you see one client at a time and you usually get paid an amount for mileage. In assisted living, the clients should be ambulatory and somewhat coherent. If you work third shift, you might have some time to study.

Cheers,

Miranda F.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 7, 2005

What about medical transcriptionist? I did that while I was in LPN school and it was very flexible and the pay was much better than the CNA wages at the time.

Purple Princess · Jan 7, 2005

:) I have applied to hospitals in the past for cna work. The local hospital told me that I didn't have enough experience. The other hospital which is almost 25 miles away said they couldn't work around a nursing school schedule. I have applied to assisted living facilities but wasn't successful. Around here since the economy is bad and alot of people are out of work, you can put in 20 even 30 applications and no one calls. I have done home health but only received 17 hours, drove around 90 some miles a week, for 3 clients. The other home health place told me they would call me and get me started after the interview but never did. I call them and the position had just been filled. The phlebotomy won't coincide with my schedule as it is evenings and weekends. The nursing home I'm at is suppose to be assisted living but where? I do it all for these clients. but maybe that medical transcription is worth looking into. what do you have to know how to do, any courses needed??

Trauma Columnist · Jan 7, 2005

I did medical transcription in an agency (medical transcriptionist agency) in Las Vegas. I had no special preparation, just my knowledge of medical terminology and A&P. They taught me how to do the technology of it. You might try to locate a local transcription agency.

PHTLS · Jan 8, 2005

have you thought about working as a patient care tech/cna in a hospital? i did this back when i was in nursing school, and it was a wonderful experience. the work is much less physically demanding than in the nursing home setting, plus you'll probably get a chance to learn expanded skills such as checking blood sugars, taking out tubes and catheters, doing phlebotomy and other tasks that cnas in ltc usually don't get to do. you'll also have the pleasure of caring for patients of all ages, with all sorts of conditions.......it's definitely good training if you're going to become a nurse, and it's less likely that you'll get burned out.
best of luck to you.

i agree. i've worked in both settings and you'll pick up more skills in acute, but you'll be a nurse taking care of residents in ltc.

i know alot of pca/cp's that could never survive in a convalescent type setting.