Certified but TOO chicken to Get a Job

[justme01]

I am 40 years old working in fast food because I have no job training or job history. I got certified as a CNA in October 2009. My coworkers kept asking me when I was going to get a CNA job. "After the holidays," I replied. Well January rolled around and they started asking me again. "After I get my dental work done," I said. (My dental work is not scheduled until August because that is the first opening at the low cost clinic.)

They saw right through that one. Finally I told them I am scared of starting a new job and getting fired. My boss said," Well, if you get fired come back here." It's comforting to know that I have that option.

I work six days a week. I only get to work six hours a day so I work right through. Six hours on my feet with no breaks and no lunch. I used to get to work early and eat before I clocked in, but then I realized that I could not afford to waste 2.50 a day.

A coworker checks the papers daily and shows me the CNA positions available. Monday she tore two ads out and stuck them in my purse without me knowing it. When I cleaned out my purse Monday night I found the ads.

Today I found a job at the LTC facility that is only one mile from my house. I am waiting for the background check to be completed and then I will give my official two week notice. My boss has known since October that I would be leaving....eventually.

My heart is already in the nursing home. I feel like I have been working two jobs for the last six months because while I am cleaning tables and taking orders I am imagining myself caring for residents. I am a compassionate chicken!

I completed all of my nursing pre-reqs and got accepted to RN school. I got cold feet and backed out. I earned my CNA certification but have been too scared to use it. Has anyone else experienced this "failure to launch?"

[darci14]

I had to check to see if I had written this post. The only reason I knew it wasn't me is that I am 47 years old. I too completed my CNA in October 2009. I worked in an office for 16 years, laid off, 2 years of prereques, hoping to start ns this fall. I didn't really start to look for a CNA job until January. Not because of school but because I like you was terrified. My CNA clinicals were my only experience and I wasn't sure how many of my skills I remembered since I has been almost 6 months or more since completion.

I am lucky to have found a job at a hospital. I start on Monday. I am terrified beyond belief!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel intimidated, sick, nervous, sleep deprived due to nightmares. I say all of this to let you know that you are not alone. We have all been in the position of being new at a job. I always tried to treat new people with care and consideration and hope to be treated the same. I really want to be a nurse and have worked really hard on my prereques. This is the next logical step. If you are lucky enough to get a job that gives you experience at a facility where they are willing to take a chance on you, then you have to believe in yourself and your ability to learn. Of course I need a job as much as the next person, but the main reason I accepted this job is to LEARN.

Go for it, give it your best, and don't look back.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

You must be a really wonderful person for your your fast food coworkers care about you enough to bug you to get a CNA job, and for your boss to say you're welcome back if it doesn't work out. It sounds like you'll be more fulfilled at your new job, not to mention you need the money.

It's really hard work and it sucks at first. There are a lot of hurdles to get over. We all go through them. And it does get better.

[eveningsky339, LPN]

I have to echo fuzzy, it does "suck" at first. I can testify to that! I've met many CNAs who said it was all they could do to not quit right then and there.

It's all a matter of getting into the routine, getting to know the residents, and getting to know your co-workers. After about six months, it's smooth sailing, and I can tell by your "daydreams" that you will love it. :)

Before my LTC job, I was a nervous wreck. Then, when I was put on "probation" because I "wasn't fast enough", I was even more of a nervous wreck. In fact, I leave in about ten minutes to go hear if I still have a job.

Although, I never did mention to the DON getting accepted for a part-time job at the hospital. Let's hope that job works out.