Oh boy, what was she thinking?!

uRNmyway, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2012

Oh, and just to clarify before people get upset, I am in no way implying that people who dont finish high school or 16yr olds are all high, but I guess I was just struck by the low standards to become a CNA in the state of GA...

Pets to People · Jun 23, 2012

Ok, wow...did you ever stop to think maybe she was very nervous and/or shy and not high? Or that her concerns were about prescription drugs? Some people get worried or feel ashamed when they are on antidepressants, etc.

Shame on you both for being so cold, rude and judgemental, that's all I have to say.

Pets to People · Jun 23, 2012

And I take offense at your "at the very least a GED". My dear, I have a GED which has allowed me the great opportunity to persue two degrees (one of which I am almost finished, the other I graduated from with honors) and in the future I also plan to continue on to my Masters...maybe even to Ph.d; never thought I would ever go that far, considering the way I was raised (which insidently led to me have to obtain a GED instead of a highschool diploma....hard to graduate highschool when you have a drug addict for a day and alcoholic for a mother and they move you somewhere new twice a year), but as time has gone by and I have continued my education, my confidence has soared and I have come to see that the only limits that are set for me are the ones I set for myself.

There is so much more behind a person than simply what you imply over the phone.

leslie :-D · Jun 23, 2012

1. i don't understand what was so funny.

2. you are going to encounter pts from every walk of life, when you become a nurse.

and i truly hope you handle these types of situation, a lot more professionally.

3. i don't know you and maybe am even misunderstanding you, but your post comes across as extremely derisive and condescending.

**** happens to people throughout their lives.

circumstances frequently alter the paths we have chosen, necessitating much sacrifice.

you know nothing about this young lady, nor do you know why she asked about drug testing...

or why she didn't/couldn't finish high school.

what counts now, is she is trying to doing something positive with her life.

i wish her well.

leslie

caliotter3 · Jun 23, 2012

Not long ago I was applying for a job with a company that does pre-employment drug screening. My drug test was going to be after I had oral surgery and I had a prescription for vicodin. Having learned from this site that some employers will disqualify a person even if they test positive for something that is properly prescribed, there I am, looking on the internet to find out how long a single dose of vicodin could be a problem. So, really, I could see why someone would call beforehand. Everyone needs their questions answered one way or another. At least she called. Maybe the answer will give her food for thought.

aachavez · Jun 23, 2012

I've had people on the phone before that were very obviously high on illegal substances, and to think she called while impaired looking for a job in healthcare??? yikes...

I am also a little surprised at the low standards for being a CNA there. Pretty sure OP didn't mean anything by the 'at least a GED' comment, other than, WOW the standards are really low for CNAs.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jun 23, 2012

I agree that maybe she is a teen Mom looking to supply a better life for her baby......but if your FIRST question is about drug testing when inquiring about a position of any kind IS a sign of immaturity and drug use, regardless of actual chronological age.

We didn't hear the tone of voice the caller used....I KNOW I have received calls to the ED from stoned and intoxicated patients inquiring how long do munchies last and how much to drink is too much.... :bugeyes: and the typical "high schooler" with Hmmm, My friend did xzy....will she be OK? Can they find that on a drug screen if they come into the hospital? Do you have to call her Mom? Really? I get the humor as an ED nurse....I do find odd things amusing. :smokin:

I am however surprised at the "8th grade education" as minimal education requirement, with no mention of a GED....to care for our vulnerable population, now THAT does concern me. :eek:

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 23, 2012

No, really???? to the "take offense" posters.

I agree the bar has been set too low.

leslie :-D · Jun 23, 2012

No, really???? to the "take offense" posters.

If someone cant manage to do something as simple as getting a high school diploma, or at the very least the GED, how can we place patient care in their hands?!

the above statement by the op, is what i reacted to, netglow...

in combination with how "HILARIOUS" it was.

yes, really!!!!

leslie

healthstar, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2012

BTW even a 6 year old can be a nurse assistant....6 year olds can pass water, can measure intake output, can pass trays, can send messages to the nurse the way they are received from the patient.....a degree doesn't always mean you are great at what you do. ( this is just an example, please don't get offended, I am a nurse assistant myself). A degree without a good personality= failure.

rnlately · Jun 24, 2012

Just needed to share this HILARIOUS phone call we received at my new job. I work in a home care agency, and we also have a CNA/MA school associated with the company. Our marketing girls have been doing great work advertising and our phones have been ringing off the hook all week with potential candidates.
I got one call on Friday that totally made my week. Here is approximately how it went:
"(insert company name here), Julie speaking."
"Hi ummm, I was wondering ummmm what was the policy ummm in your CNA school umm on ummm....drug testing."
"(total silence on my part while I try to avoid laughing out loud and peeing my pants). Yeah, just a second, Im going to transfer you to our school, they can better answer your question. (This is where I put her on hold and proceed to warn our school receptionist to go pee before taking this call, and transfer it)
The receptionist later called me back, laughing, to say that when she told this obviously high `lady`that our policy was random drug testing, whenever we want to, she hung up on her.
When I questioned how in the WORLD someone like that would think to try to get work in healthcare, I was told that in the state of Georgia, CNAs need no more than an 8th grade education, and can be as young as 16yrs old. WHAT?! If someone cant manage to do something as simple as getting a high school diploma, or at the very least the GED, how can we place patient care in their hands?!
Ok, just needed to share and vent a little, thanks guys! :)

I live in Georgia and am somewhat put off by what I believe you are implying. Just because someone may obtain CNA certification at 16 doesn't somehow mean that they are incapable or a dullard. My daughter will be starting high-school in August and will be obtaining her CNA when eligible . Why? Because she will be enrolling in a health occupations program that will help prepare her for college after she graduates.

In short, I don't see the humor either.