Got Med/Surg position!

[Jen411]

A hospital I had been waiting to hear back from, called today and offered me a position on either cardiac rehab unit,med/surg,another unit with infectious diseases?, or float.

While I was waiting to hear back from this hospital a big article was in the newspaper saying that the hospital will be "phasing out LPNs" 51 to be exact and will be hiring RNs and CNAs to fill their shoes.

Unless the LPN's would take a drop in pay and work at CNA wages, or further their learning and become RN's.

I feel nervous about starting there, Because it seems like there will be alot of VERY bitter nurses.

But I have bills to pay too..

Any case, I accepted the Med/Surg position on dayshift.

This is my first time working in a hospital. I have been a CNA for 14 years, but always worked in LTC, I decided I needed a change and applied at the Hospital.

Is any shift better to work on then others? These are 8 hour shifts btw.

My tentative start date is May 2.

Also What type of training/orientation do most hospitals offer for new employees?

Any help is appreciated

[winniecooper]

Congratulations girl! It's such a bummer that LPNs are losing their status during what I thought was a nursing shortage. I wanted to become an LPN but I'm rethinking it.

[Jen411]

Thank you! With working in LTC for so long, I seen some LPNs with no bedside manner, no respect for CNAs and think they were better then even the Doctors. I never wanted to be that typed of LPN or nurse for that matter. I enjoyed the one on one with the residents, I also found that the LPNs that started out as cna's were the best. They treated you like an equal, and actually knew how it was to wear "CNA shoes"

[winniecooper]

Thank you! With working in LTC for so long, I seen some LPNs with no bedside manner, no respect for CNAs and think they were better then even the Doctors. I never wanted to be that typed of LPN or nurse for that matter. I enjoyed the one on one with the residents, I also found that the LPNs that started out as cna's were the best. They treated you like an equal, and actually knew how it was to wear "CNA shoes"

Ya, I'm so glad that many nursing schools (at least in IL) are requiring applicants to complete CNA training. Even though they may only do the dirty work for 5 days in clinicals, it's still better than nothing. There are a couple people in my CNA class who planned to go on to RN and are now rethinking it.

Keep us updated on your job and how you like it. I'm doing home health right now and can't decide if I should do LTC or hospital after I get my certification. Hospital is eventually my goal but I love the older residents and think I might want to work in LTC for a little while.

[Starletta, CNA]

Congratulations!! :yeah:That really sounds like a wonderful and exciting career change. Good luck!

[pgray1229]

I used to work in Pediatrics when I worked in a nearby hospital. All the nurses were R.N.s and I was the only CNA working the evening shift. There were two CNAs for the day shift. I loved worked in a hospital setting, and when I get my CNA I will apply at whatever hospital is hiring.

I often floated to Med/Surg or Post Partum - LOVED the babies!!

Good luck on your job change, and I hope it goes smoothly for you!

[yousoldtheworld]

Congratulations girl! It's such a bummer that LPNs are losing their status during what I thought was a nursing shortage. I wanted to become an LPN but I'm rethinking it.

Unfortunately, that so called nursing shortage is a myth. Many new grad nurses all over the country are unable to find jobs right now.

And to the OP, congrats! :) When I worked at the hospital, I preferred 2nd shift. Less hustle and bustle than 1st shift, goes by quicker than 3rd shift...and management goes home halfway through your shift so things tend to be a little more relaxed.

My orientation consisted of 1 day of videos and introductions about the hospital in general and then 2 weeks of training with aides on the floor. Nothing too different than what I've usually had in LTC.

I was a float and I loved it! It was a bit intimidating for a while, because I'd get sent to so many different units and I didn't know the general routine on each unit, or the people who worked on them, etc. BUT after that adjustment period when you're getting used to the differences between the various units, it is awesome. Since you float all over, you see and experience a lot. You get an idea of what you enjoy and what you hate. And I really like variety.

[Starletta, CNA]

Unfortunately, that so called nursing shortage is a myth. Many new grad nurses all over the country are unable to find jobs right now.

And to the OP, congrats! :) When I worked at the hospital, I preferred 2nd shift. Less hustle and bustle than 1st shift, goes by quicker than 3rd shift...and management goes home halfway through your shift so things tend to be a little more relaxed.

My orientation consisted of 1 day of videos and introductions about the hospital in general and then 2 weeks of training with aides on the floor. Nothing too different than what I've usually had in LTC.

I was a float and I loved it! It was a bit intimidating for a while, because I'd get sent to so many different units and I didn't know the general routine on each unit, or the people who worked on them, etc. BUT after that adjustment period when you're getting used to the differences between the various units, it is awesome. Since you float all over, you see and experience a lot. You get an idea of what you enjoy and what you hate. And I really like variety.

I do see a lot of RN job postings on local Hospital websites, but many are Per Diem. Wonder if that is just another way to cut costs? No benefits, vacations, etc.

[winniecooper]

I do see a lot of RN job postings on local Hospital websites, but many are Per Diem. Wonder if that is just another way to cut costs? No benefits, vacations, etc.

i know, right. i see tons and tons of RN postings.

[yousoldtheworld]

There was a big controversy at the hospital I worked at where they would post job listings in order to satisfy staffing regulations, but never actually hire anyone. Ever since then, I don't really trust job listings.

There are lots of positions available in some areas, but there are more nursing students than there are nursing positions, these days. I read an article about it not long ago, but I don't remember where it was.

[yousoldtheworld]

And yeah, the per diem thing is really crappy. Not only do they not get any benefits, but they can't depend on their salary because they aren't guaranteed to get hours every week. Some facilities around here do that, too.

That's not to say that working per diem is crappy, if you aren't dependent on a regular guaranteed paycheck, it would be awesome. Unfortunately, though, not everyone can do it.

[Jen411]

What worries me is who will train me? Will I be orienting with a fellow CNA or LPN. Like I said right now at the hospital 51 LPNS are being replaced with CNAs and RNs. I just don't want to look like a scab and possibly be trained wrong because nurses may think I'm taking their jobs. :/

In all fairness I was unaware of the LPNs losing their jobs, when I applied there in March. This week it was released to the public that they were losing their jobs. I had no knowledge before hand nor did Management state anything during the interview.

So as of yesterday I spoke to HR and she said I would be contacted to come to the hospital for a heath assessment(physical), and schedule finger printing...

Hopefully this process goes smooth.