I just recently became certified as a nurse's aid and am looking for my first opportunity for work. It looks like I can get a job in a small LTC facility. I'm wondering what to look for-I got a quick tour yesterday, and it seemed like a good place-very clean, no smells, etc.. I was told that there were usually 2 CNA's for 22 residents. Is that a good number? The DON seemed nice enough, but I got the distinct feeling that I wouldn't want to be on her bad side.
Also, as a related question, how do those of you who work nights function? I have 2 small kids and don't want to pay for daycare, so I am looking for evening/night shifts. However, as my dh pointed out, "when do you sleep and how will you manage 2 toddlers on no sleep?" How do you function with your days and nights mixed up? I am hoping I can get an evening shift from 2-10pm, but it looks like they want 10pm to 7 am.
I've been lurking on this board for a year and I do have to say that I've learned a lot. HOwever, I am rather depressed at the attitude towards CNA's, as if we can't be trusted or expected to act in a professional manner. This is a career change for me, and I have a MS in another field and professional work experience. I am planning on nursing school and am hoping a CNA job will be good experience, but if I'm not going to be treated well, then maybe I should continue working in my old field until I get into school. Anyways, thanks for any advice!
Bath Aides are normally day shift and they are responsible for giving everyone, or most everyone a shower or bath. They are absolute life savers!
It sounds like you found yourself a good facility. I've heard so many horror stories about staffing, where day shift is 12/1 and night shift is 25/1, which seems just humanly impossible.
On the note of nights, it takes a couple of months, but you'll get use to it. Just remember that you HAVE to make time to sleep. If you don't sleep you'll find yourself burning out.
thanks everyone-I think I will put my application in to this place, but am requesting evenings (2-10pm) and weekends. I will have to keep looking if all they want is nights because I would go batty trying to work and take care of my 3 year old and 16 month old during the day (who are not in daycare or preschool yet, and my 3 year old is giving up naps...).
maxcat
101 Posts
thanks everyone-I think I will put my application in to this place, but am requesting evenings (2-10pm) and weekends. I will have to keep looking if all they want is nights because I would go batty trying to work and take care of my 3 year old and 16 month old during the day (who are not in daycare or preschool yet, and my 3 year old is giving up naps...).