CNA's and there uses

Will · Nov 3, 2003

Hi Michael,

No help from me about the career decision. Actually, you are I are sailing on the same ship of good intentions and ideal situations, full of energy and ready to go.

However, we're sailing this ship on the sea of disgruntled and burnt out nurses who have given all they can give and more, sadly some with only a year or so of experience.

The nurses here represent an underserved justice, after having given so much of their heart and mind have likely been shown very little gratitude for their many sacrifices and service for the public good.

My impression is this: this posting board is a safe outlet for nurses: away from the wards, the egomaniac doctors, and the endless apathetic families who can't do simple things for themselves. A brotherhood, or more PC these days; a siblinghood of nurses. Closed to those outside their world. Unfortunately, thats us right now.

Before you ask this crowd for any favors, first read some of the postings. I wish I had.

I'll chalk this up as a valuable lesson of insight. Are we going to be sitting in the same spot as these good people after a year or so of practice?

I don't know about you, but this is quite a sacrifice to make a new career. I want to be informed as well.

Buckle down, go to the hospitals (like I have), and see the reality of it. We're in for a hell of a ride once we get out. Its not a matter of being nicer or more caring in nursing. I mean, look at a typical day of work for us. Especially what your job functions are as a CNA. Its not about a lack of heart. Its a matter of being smarter about your career in nursing.

Look at the players involved in our future arena:

For one- a major staffing shortage- why is this? Turnover maybe?.... and why? Any relief in sight?

Two- hospitals with enomorous debts and trying to evade million$ lawsuits. Administrators out of touch with whats going on "in the trenches"

Three- Insurance companies

Four- Those "God bless them" families who are legimately in need of care, but more so- "those careless people who make life hell, but you still have to treat them anyway."

Five- The "Docs" with their attitudes, demands, and yes, incompetence.

Six- Sh***y floor managers.

Just a few to think about.... from the side you and I as students don't want to see.

Good luck to you Michael. Sincerely!

If you don't believe what I've said, just check the number of replies to your question compared to others. Its a clear sign to me whats important here.

Will

chad75 · Nov 3, 2003

CNA's can make or break my shift, a good CNA is definately worth their weight in PLATINUM !! And I show my appreciation by usually buying them lunch or just saying Thank you so much !

The CNA in the hosptial usually plays the role of basic care provider. Linen changes, baths, bed bans, basic I&O, vital signs. At some hospitals if properly trained they do glucose checks, blood draws, ECG's, and a few others advanced tasks.

CNA's usually work anywhere there are ill people in need of care. It is at times a thankless job if you rely on others to provide the thanks

Will · Nov 3, 2003

Well Michael-

Looks like some good apples have floated to the top. I think Chad has signs of a good manager. By being smarter and more thorough in our research of places to work, we'll be fortunate enough to work for someone like Chad.

The tide has also turned for me, I received a few good, brief postings, including one from Chad.

Thats enough commentary from me. Good luck!

Will

fergus51 · Nov 3, 2003

I think there would be more replies if more of us worked with CNAs. I haven't worked with any since nursing school as my area tends to employ them only in geriatrics and long term care. In those areas they do what Chad described and tend to be the first ones to notice changes in the residents condition, because they have the most contact with them.

ninakeele · Nov 3, 2003

I recently passed my state boards for CNA after taking a theory based class at the college I am attending. I would not have bothered taking the class, but having a CNA license will be a requirement to get in the the nursing program at my school come this spring. The directors of this program have added this as a requirement because many people entering the program have gotten wonderful grades, but really dont understand what they are getting into.

In my case I will most likely not work as a CNA unless I get on at the local hospital, around here most CNA's are employed at long term facilities only making $8 per hour (vs. 10.50 at a hospital) for VERY hard work. They are overloaded with patients and VERY under appreciated, but with out them the facilities would not be able to run.

After taking the class and clinicals, I think it is an essential stepping stone for a nurse to experience being in the shoes of the aids they are in charge of. I know I now have great respect for the thankless job the CNA's do!

mattsmom81 · Nov 3, 2003

Well, Michael, lot of us got our start in nursing as CNA's...it's a good way to see what it's like out there.

Yes, nursing can be frustrating today..the profession is under stress. But it has it's rewards for many of us too.

CNA's in my area work in all hospital units except critical care. In long term care they are the major care providers for their residents. I work in a hospital environment, where a 40 bed unit may have 2-3 CNA's to assist the nurses with care.. They assist the nurse by providing personal care, and performing tasks such as vital signs, weights, turning and sometimescan learn some basic skills such as blood sugar testing, insertion of ng tubes and foleys, and phlebotomy. This is usually through extra training and certification as a PCA/PCT (and a little extra money from that title)

Most nurses throroughly appreciate their CNA's particularly if they have done the job (I have). Like nursing, there can be a problem with too much to do and too little time. We learn to prioritize. I can't count how many times an expert CNA has alerted me to an important change in condition...a change that if undetected as quickly may have caused that patient's demise.

Good luck to you and hope you find what you are looking for!