CNA jobs...is it always like this?

[deewee]

I was just recently certified with the state and got my first job. I loooooved the work, the residents and the other girls I work with however, the working conditions seem to bit....ummm....unfair to the employee. We aren't allowed breaks or meal breaks during our shift. As a matter of fact, if seen sitting down you can get into trouble or fired. Also, they are requiring us to clock in 15 minutes early, but are not paid for that time. I will say that the residents are extremely well taken care of. They know they are loved and cared for by the staff.

Help! I think I've made the wrong decision about where to work.

[deewee]

I got another job! I'll be working PRN, but can have as many shifts as I want. I didn't want to accept this particular job for my regular job, because I'm still looking for home health care but this fits the bill for now...and will hopefully be a continuing source of income as I need it.

Thank you all for your comments and advice! :heartbeat

I am reporting the other company as soon as I start my new job this Thursday.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

sounds like par for the course. It's unfortunate, but if you're going on to become a nurse, get used to it!

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I got another job! I'll be working PRN, but can have as many shifts as I want. I didn't want to accept this particular job for my regular job, because I'm still looking for home health care but this fits the bill for now...and will hopefully be a continuing source of income as I need it.

Thank you all for your comments and advice! :heartbeat

I am reporting the other company as soon as I start my new job this Thursday.

Thats great! I'm glad its worked out for you. That's why its extremely important that employees know their rights. No one should have to work under those condititions:angryfire

[deewee]

sounds like par for the course. It's unfortunate, but if you're going on to become a nurse, get used to it!

I'm not going on to become a nurse. It's one thing to decide for yourself if you don't need/want to take a break or eat a meal...it's another to be told you can't.

[MassED, BSN, RN]

I just mean in general - scant meals and no breaks are not unusual.... in the ER. If you were to work on a floor, you would have meal and bathroom breaks. We were all recently told not to clock out as "no lunch," even if we've not had a lunch. I ignored that. If I don't take 30 minutes for lunch, I am going to punch out "no lunch" and get paid for it. I have "heard" that they threatened that if you clock out "no lunch" it'll be part of your review, and in a negative way. Please. That would be harassment, hostile, and it would be illegal to say we have to clock out "no lunch" even if we haven't had a break. It is some BS. Some days, though, and there aren't many, but you can sit around and it compensates for those days when it's nonstop chaos. Again, this is ER specific. The floor wasn't like that at all. You work in a nursing home? You should try working in a hospital, if home health doesn't turn out to be your thing.