Advice on jobs please!

[Codeda]

Hello all! I got my cna certification at the beginning of the month and every since been applying and interviewing like crazy. WELL today I got two offers! The first is at an assisted living facility up the street from my house ( about a ten minute walk) and they specialize in Alzheimers. It seemed like a really cute place with very nice people. The 2nd is at the hospital. It is a sitter position but they said in 3 months I could transfer to a PCT position. I don't really know what to do. The pay is better at the ALF but the pay will be better at the hospital after those first 3 months and I've heard a lot of people say they prefer hospital work. Anybody been in a situation like this and if not what do you think you would do? Thanks!

[yousoldtheworld]

I'd go with the assisted living because I LOVE it. But, of course, it just depends on what you want out of your job. Hospital work is good because you see a lot and staffing is usually better than LTC, but it can be really hard work. Assisted Living is physically easier on your body, and since you will help out the same residents, you get to know them and love them.

Also, living within walking distance is a HUGE perk. I don't know where you live, but where I live, winter means snow and ice and lots of call-ins. I live a mile from where I work, so when conditions get too bad to drive, I can pick up extra hours covering for call-ins. :)

Either way you decide to go will have perks. Congratulations on getting two offers!

[caliotter3]

If you have plans to go into nursing you should take the hospital job. Hospital jobs are difficult to get and you will be getting your foot in the door with this position. You can advance with hospital positions as you advance your career. There are people who start out as PCTs in the hospital, then get LPN jobs, and then RN jobs, as they progress; all at the same hospital. The assisted living job is nice but will not do as much for your career as working in an acute care hospital will. Also the hospital employee benefits should be good. Good luck with your decision.

[pianistaqua]

I agree, it kind of depends on your end goal. If you want to go into nursing the hospital would be a great place to "get in the door" and have a larger scope of care. If you want to be a CNA then the ALF sounds perfect. :)

Walking to work is a great perk!

[rancelumsden]

It's really difficult to answer as you're the only one who can answer it. As far as 'career-wise', yes, hospital is 100 times the experience than LTC and especially AL. If you're looking to go into nursing, then the hospital is the way to go and the experience there is invaluable in the amount of knowledge you could gain.

But not everyone likes working in a hospital, or LTC. They are totally different jobs. If you look at past postings and read about duties in a hospital, you'll see. In AL or LTC in general, you get to know residents and work with them. In hospital, you're turning over patients and only work with them, on average, 1-7 days, unless you're in hospice or a unit that tends to have longer term care.

I can't say what's best for you. It IS more difficult to get in a hospital, and I liked working in hospital better than LTC, but that was me.

[Codeda]

Hi everyone. Thanks for the responses. Not looking for anyone to decide for me just seeing what your opinions were so that I can kind of weigh the pros and cons myself. I have until Monday to decide so I'll figure it out I suppose. Thanks again!! Oh and I do plan on going to nursing school so I'll keep that stuff in mind

[caliotter3]

Enjoy your turkey! The answer will come to you by Monday! Happy Thanksgiving!

[Codeda]

Thanks caliotter3! I'm actually sick today so home watching movies and no eating for me but I appreciate the thought ; )

[caliotter3]

How weird. I came down with a cold last night so I'm not too chipper myself. Well get well soon. Save yourself some leftover turkey for when you're better.