CNA student need suggestions...

Galore · Jul 6, 2006

I'm not certified yet but have been looking into CNA positions. Is it possible to get into a hospital setting? Those jobs seem harder to come by and you usually need to be phlebotomy and EKG trained also, but I'm sure it would be faster paced and perhaps not as saddening since on most floors the patients aren't long term.

AuntieRN · Jul 6, 2006

I too do not enjoy long term care. I did at one time....anyways...i work in a hospital now and have for about the past 10 years. To me it is a whole different ballgame...one...most people do not just get "dumped" there to "die" and that is how I always felt in the nursing home...in the hospital you get to watch people get better and go home. I also get to do all kinds of things like foleys, start IVs under direct supervision, blood sugars, draw blood, apply splints, but we also do stuff like toileting and bed baths too. If you are planning on nursing school I personally think it is a wonderful learning experience in the hospital (just my opinion though). I also loved rehab when I did it. There are all kinds of places a CNA can work. Some doctors offices hire CNAs, theres home care, hospice, long term, short term, rehab, hospitals....

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 6, 2006

Have you thought about home health care? Does your state allow medication aides? If so, you might consider getting the training for that.

Here's a link from a CNA website that you might find interesting

http://nursingassistantcentral.homestead.com/WhatisaCNA.html

Marie1205 · Jul 6, 2006

WOW! thanks a lot for all your advice. I really found that website really helpful!!! Thank you again...

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

You may also want to look into other nursing homes or other nursing home units. I honestly don't really care for working with those that are 'with it' and have managed to fall in love with working on the dementia unit.

I'd lvoe to get into a hospital, but there isn't a nursing shortage in MN so the hospitals are picky about who they hire.

lisabeth · Jul 7, 2006

Hello everyone. I'm currently a CNA student working in a Nursing Home. For some reason, I don't really enjoy working there because I always find myself so sad when working with the residents. Anyway, are there any other departments a CNA can possibly work in? If so, what would their duties be like? Thanks, I really appreciate it....

I must admit, I know I would feel the same way. I dont think a nursing home would be a good spot at all for me. I think it takes a special person to work with those patients. I guess it is knowing that time is short for them and I just dont know what to say. I know many of them feel bad and some can be very difficult.

Cococure · Jul 7, 2006

Hey all,

I am a CNA who works in a hospital and i never had any intention of working in a nursing home so i just kept bugging the hospital until they hired me as a patient care tech/PCT.... working in a hospital is just as demanding as a nursing home and although you can avoid the older patienst by working in peds/ob/mother-baby etc the majority of the patients will be elderly. The duties as a PCT in a hosp. will vary depending on the hospital and they will train you. It is a very good idea to be a CNA before entering nurisng because you will see a lot and it will help with cope with real life as well as difficult situations.

good luck

coco

crazylilkelly · Jul 7, 2006

there are lots of jobs @ hospitals that CNAs can work as. Thing is, they're not always listed as cna. For example, you could be a patient tech, ER tech etc.... i would go talk to your local hospital's human resources & ask them what jobs require a cna cert. I just found this all out myself recently. good luck!