Hard not to predicate how my shift is according to who I have to work with ;o(

[Autymnfyres]

Venting.

Love the actual skills I am doing and learning and the interaction with the patients at my hospital CNA position. However, I'm thinking after 6 more months I'd rather ask to transfer to a department that has fewer CNA's maybe. I'll be in my last pre-req classes in the fall before applying to several RN programs in my state.

Working in one of the general med floors, there are 30-ish CNA's. Sooooo many type-A personality's unleashed! Its awesome to know someone is sharp and knows what they are doing, is efficient and responsible. What isn't so great is having to hear about it throughout the shift etc. Where I've worked before when you have a tough patient load, or especially unstable patient care you of course vent a little or ask for more help from other CNA's, but you get the job done, get it done right, focus on the patient care etc.

However here, so many of them make a big verbal to do, flouncing around, acting like they are sweating, verbalizing every little task they do and how BUSY they are etc. At first when I started being irritated by it, I watched the RN's on the floor to note their reaction...but they seem to not think its wrong and offer sympathy. LoL, guess its cause I'm former military, or older or something. I've certainly had some pretty tough jobs in life, and while this job is super busy and many days you run your legs off, it is not like that every single shift, nor is it that crazy difficult on average.

I guess I'm just venting. I keep my thoughts to myself and my facial expression neutral, but it happens a LOT; seems to be part of the culture here. Having a can-do attitude and moving on past the difficult moment is not anywhere in the expectation usually.

Maybe I should later apply for a transfer to one of the departments that have fewer CNA's, ie on Mother-Baby, there is only one per shift a lot of the time. Guess I'm hoping maybe the work environment is different for CNA's say, in other departments. I love working in the hospital and have really enjoyed being able to do more skills than I did while working at LTC's, in home health or Assisted Living.

Just finding it difficult to find a comfortable working mental place I guess. Thanks so much for reading and any tips or experiences shared would be great.

[hookyarnandblanket]

These types are everywhere. And, it's easy to either get sucked in by the drama or let it wear you down. Some people just find it necessary to project their stress and anxiety on others. We have them at my job, too, and I can't tell you how many times I find myself hiding in the public restroom for 5 minutes to compose myself because it affects me so badly sometimes.

[ZoeFrecn]

That can be a frustrating culture to work in. I work in the ED and when I float to the other floors I'm shocked when CNA's are complaining how busy they are. I stop and look around the unit, and see that it's fully staffed, with a reasonable patient care ratio and while they are busy there is such a thing as BUSY. In my unit busy is two strokes, 5 MVAs and a code blue. But it is a matter of perspective.

What can be frustrating is when people spend all their time complaining how busy they are and how much work they are doing, instead of working and getting the job done. My best advice is to lead by example and try not to get caught up in the drama.

I would consider a change if you find it frustrating but not to a place that is less staffed because that can be difficult for other reasons. In my previous job we were understaffed and that can be dangerous for your health, especially if you have a heavy caseload. In my unit we have great staffing and everyone works hard but we don't spend all our time patting ourselves on the back about it or complaining. Hopefully the culture on your floor is not endemic to your hospital and you'll be able to transfer to another unit where you will be much happier.

If you can I would try to see if you can shadow/float to another floor. That way you can get a feel for the work culture before you consider transferring.