Hate my job, discouraged and sore!

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Mar 19, 2011

I'm sorry. My workload is a lot lighter than that (We have 16 people on each assignment but we work in pairs) and I can still relate to your frustrations. It's super stressful. The workload for CNAs is tough no matter where you work, but some facilities are better than others. Perhaps you can ask around and apply at a place with less ridiculous staffing ratios. I work in LTC. Most CNAs can't wait to get out of that setting, but there's something to be said for the consistency of the patients and the routine. And then there's home health, which is apparently a lot less stressful and you get to spend more quality time and care on the patients. I used to work with home health aides in my private duty job and they were assigned to each client for an hour or 2. They had plenty of time to get everything done. The pay is less (and you have to drive around all day and probably go into home where people smoke, which is why I avoid it), but it might be a better fit for you. At the very least, apply for some vacation days!

tomc5555 · Mar 20, 2011

Fuzzywuzzy, please give example of how working in pairs is managed. The LTC where i did clinicals didn't have this coordination.

Thank you!

CoffeemateCNA · Mar 20, 2011

Fuzzywuzzy, please give example of how working in pairs is managed. The LTC where i did clinicals didn't have this coordination.
Thank you!

We work together getting up our two-assists and then go our separate ways (unless it's one of my favorite coworkers, in which case we just do everything together but get in trouble for being giggly and disruptive). We also usually pass linens and water together. Some partners like to be responsible for everyone in the hall, while some partners split up and are just responsible for their own group of residents. I like working in pairs and usually only split if I get burnt on a bad partner who acts like every day is Labor Day.

yousoldtheworld · Mar 20, 2011

At our facility, we don't really work in pairs, but when I work with a couple of particular people, we will go around and lay down all of our residents together (they're all total care, so we have to lift them. Goes much easier lifting with two than getting a hoyer lift).

interceptinglight, CNA · Mar 20, 2011

Hello all,
First let me start by saying I made a career change this past year to a CNA due to a life changing event. My daughter was hospitalized and nearly lost her life, the nurses were great, staff etc but a CNA went the extra mile and had the time to really make her feel better. I decided at that moment I wanted to make a difference like this man did for my child. I didnt want to be a nurse ( even though money is better ) because it appeared that they lacked the time to really connect with patients. I am now a CNA and first loved every minute of the OH SO TIRING work :) I love people and love making them feel like we are friends, they know me and are comfortable. I do my best to really make them feel at home.... Well after some time and CNA's calling in, no other help being called in etc. I HATE MY JOB! I clocked over 11 miles on my pedometer the other day, did not bathe two patients and got in trouble for it In the morning I had 13 patients ( over half were total care ) by 3 pm I have more than 20!! Some with bed alarms, others confused many total care etc. Is it just me or is it IMPOSSIBLE to bathe 13 people in 12 hours and do bathroom assists, call lights on trach patients, accuchecks, vitals. I even skipped lunch and stayed late. Thats less than one hour per person for my shift and this doesnt include charting, walking, vitals etc.. What am I missing here? I wanted to make a difference, get personal and show compassion and care to people who are afraid in the hospital. Instead I am running around stressed, rushing through every single task and I find myself irritated that the patient cant walk faster etc.... I just cant cope... I want out, I dont think I want anything to do with the medical field! I am so glad I didnt go for the nursing degree What a let down this all is

I'm afraid I can totally relate. I've been working at the LTC facility where I'm employed for the last 8 months and I'm already burned out. I can't afford to get a nursing degree and if my employer scholarships me for the program, they will own me for the next 3 years. I simply couldn't stand that. My problem is not only the horrendous workload but the fact that I am compulsive about giving out so much to each person I take care of every day. These are human beings and not inanimate objects and it just takes it out of me so hard just to care for them, they are so helpless and emotionally needy. Then I go home to a busy demanding family, including a very disabled little boy who is also total care and guess what...? I have nothing left to give to my family. I'm too worn out to be much use at the end of the day. If it weren't for caregivers coming to our home to take care of my son and my loving husband helping me through all this, I simply could not do this job. I had such a great ambition when I started this job, I was so idealistic about what a great CNA I'd be.....and the truth is I am a great CNA, but the cost to my body and mind is too high for the low wage I receive. Right now I'm the only wage-earner in this family so I am forced to stay on this job until I find something that pays better and doesn't leave me so depleted at the end of the day.

I do not mean to discourage you, I only want to validate your feelings and encourage you not to feel guilty in any way if you decide this kind of work is not for you. It's possible home health may work better for you because you'd be able to offer one-on-one care to people; perhaps that would be more rewarding than what you're doing now.

:heartbeat

Thirdwatch · Mar 21, 2011

I can totally relate!

pca_85 · Mar 22, 2011

Try home health. Other than that, you sound like an awesome coworker I'd love to have.

Boerne Lou · Mar 22, 2011

I became a CNA for some of the same reasons as you-life change, thinking about nursing and ---bla, bla, bla. I love my job-also feeling like I don't want to go to work due to physical requirement, the degradation that is placed upon CNA's, and I wonder is the pay worth it? I can't help but feel happy once I do get going at work and happy to be there when I do work with my patients. Nerving patients I trade off with my CNA partner-and I can say not all but overall most nurses understand we are humane and laugh through the miserability as well and are supportive. Why I am a CNA and doing this stupid job still withe the low pay doing what I am doing is also beyound my brain cell. I just feel hope, hapiness and I know it is scary to move on-whith this pay and condistion I doubt I will be able to finacialy care for myself when I am elder-so why be a bleeding heart in such a physical, emotional no one cares world except the ones that are passing? Getting old is not for the weak :)

northernguy · Mar 23, 2011

CNAs are the lowest on the totem pole, so we are the ones who will get dumped on the most. In many cases management will just increase the workload until they burn people out and they quit, get hurt, or get fired. Then they simply replace them. It doesnt get any better, where I work, because of budget concerns, it steadily gets worse. The only real answer is to carry on with your education to the point you can ditch the CNA job for something better. The only thing that gets me through this job is the understanding that it is only temporary.

Where I work I have lost count of the number of CNAs who have been fired for things which are largely beyond their control but for which they are blamed. The number of people in management that have lost their jobs in all this time, ZERO. Number of RNs that lost their jobs during this time, ZERO. That pretty much says it all, as a CNA you will get the blame, by family, by the nursing staff, and by management, and you will be the one thrown under the bus when things go wrong, or even at the perception of something being wrong:redbeathe.

AzDeb · Mar 23, 2011

I can totally relate to your story! I went through that same experience and had to make a change. I now do home health care (same $$) with a LOT less stress. I love going to work every day and can give the one on one care and compassion that I became a CNA to do!! You definitely aren't alone with how you feel......good luck with whatever you choose to do. :heartbeat

hkendrick1987 · Mar 25, 2011

I've done this particular kind of work for nearly 5 years, and I can honestly say that i'm still not at the point of being burnt out. I get terribly frustrated with the fact that there is a lack of punctuality and work ethic among my fellow employees, and can totally understand being overwhelmed and aggrivated with the extra workload. It's my experience, though, that people that are burnt out in such a short amount of time just aren't "cut out", so to speak, for that kind of work. You can still make a difference in many other positions, though. Don't get discouraged, and do whatever you think is best for you.