Honest Questions with Honest Answers

[IcU2day]

Hello everyone,

I would like to ask everyone some questions so I know what I am getting into. Before I begin, I want to say I attempted to look for some of these answers online and everywhere else, but alas to no avail. So let me begin I live in Houston Texas. The reason I want to tell you where I am from is because as I am sure most of you know already know Texas Medical Center is the largest medical center in the world with one of the highest densities of clinical facilities for patient care, and the basic sciences.

Also the center contains 54 medicine-related institutions, including 21 hospitals and eight specialty institutions, eight academic and research institutions, four medical schools, and six nursing schools. This leads me to one of my questions; recently I have been accepted into a CNA (Certified Nurse Aide) program at one of the local community colleges (just outside of Houston).

My question is there a demand for this type of work? Mind you, I have done some research before and I very well realize I will never become rich with this type of certification alone. I recognize this and that is why I am just using this certification as a stepping stone for bigger and better things in medicine.

Which leads me to my other questions; as a CNA what is the difference working in a hospital or a nursing home facility or a doctor's office? Is the pay different? What about benefits? Do you do less scut work in one as opposed to the other? I do plan to network like crazy after I get acclimated and continue to learn and move to bigger and better things.

I do recall my prof once telling us (the students) LVN's (license vocational nurses) will be a dying profession and that was 2 years ago. I just don't see how this is possible because of the medical shortage, but I could be wrong. Am I correct in assuming this or is my prof?

As I mentioned already I do plan for bigger things in life. I am planning to apply to PA (physician assistant) school soon, but because of the competitiveness I know I need to make myself stand apart from all the applicants. (No throwing tomatoes lol) I know all the PA programs are staggering. I recognize this and that is why I need to be realistic, that is why I need a ‘Plan B' just in case (God forbid). I know I would like to be in a medical setting. (I would prefer something in a clinical setting. I already know I don't want to do something strictly in research. I already did that while working on my BS in psych (so this is a 'second career' in a sense), so I have been there and done that. I just want work somewhere and make a decent living and not worry about losing my job because of the loss of demand.

I can't think of anything else I should add. If any of you can think of anything I should else I need to consider or look at ask away. Also share your experiences; the good, the bad, and the ugly. I want to be realistic with myself and know what I am getting myself into.

So be honest … Thanks

[Momof8CNA]

well..ive worked in nursing homes, home health, and agency at our local hospital. i have to say that i would never go back to working in a nursing home. you will make barely above minimum wage, you will work very hard, and your coworkers might be less than desirable..home health pays a little better, and you are on your own. that said, it can get old not knowing where you will work, and you are going into a strangers home, on top of that. now working through an agency at your local hospital is amazing! (im obviously biased here) the nurses are helpful, respectful, your coworkers are background checked and drug tested, and there is security, you wont run out of supplies, and you wont be worked to death, either. the other evening, i made 15 dollars an hour to watch 6 patients who were completely self sufficient. i had to document vitals and blood sugars, and that was it. now there was another night when i had 10 people who were on their light pretty much nonstop, but that isnt the norm. maybe im lucky and our hospital is awesome, but all i can say is that if you work at a nursing home, be prepared to work yourself to the bone for 8-10 bucks an hour.

[Momof8CNA]

i wanted to add that i did enjoy working in nursing homes, but for the low pay and horrible working conditions. the elderly need so much more than what they are getting at these places, it seems. i guess its about profit, in the end.

[Missingyou, CNA]

I currently work in a nursing home and I LOVE my job. I come home exhausted every night but, I wouldn't have it any other way. My position pays well above minimum wage but that is unusual. we have great team work as well which is also not always typical.

I worked in home care and did not like it at all. I never knew what I was getting into when I walked into someones home. I've been in all types of situations so good and some not good at all. I also had no idea IF I would have a full work week or if I would work at all.

Where ever you work, a big part of it is what you make of it. I have co-workers who do not like being a CNA in a nursing home. I think they just look a the not so good parts of the job and forget the rewards there is in it!

As far as the demand. I'd say for the most part, there is a demand. I've seen on here a few areas in the country where people have trouble finding work while most others are in high demand.

Being a CNA first will serve you well if you plan to go onto bigger and better things. I would say you would get the most experience from working in LTC or in a hospital setting....and generally, you will need 6 months experience in LTC before getting into a hospital.

[IcU2day]

Thanks for the feedback Missingyou! I was wondering if you could you give me a 'range' or an expected salary/hourly range would be? I have looked online and it seems inconsistent at best. I assume you would work for a salary as opposed to hourly, is that correct?

[hookyarnandblanket]

Thanks for the feedback Missingyou! I was wondering if you could you give me a 'range' or an expected salary/hourly range would be? I have looked online and it seems inconsistent at best. I assume you would work for a salary as opposed to hourly, is that correct?

CNAs are paid hourly. I have never heard of a CNA position being salaried. As far as a range, it will depend on where you live and the area's cost of living as well as number of years in the field and the shift. 1st shift usually is paid the least and 3rd shift the most, and shift differentials also make a difference if they are offered. Additional certifications, such as restorative aide or medication aide in a nursing home, can also make a difference.

[Missingyou, CNA]

Thanks for the feedback Missingyou! I was wondering if you could you give me a 'range' or an expected salary/hourly range would be? I have looked online and it seems inconsistent at best. I assume you would work for a salary as opposed to hourly, is that correct?[/Q

It really does depend on where you live but, we could look at it this way:

It is generally $2 or $3 above minimum wage. However, it not only depends on the state you live in but it also depends on the facility where you work! Some more/some less. That's why you are getting such inconsistent numbers. I am getting $8.00 an hour ABOVE my state's minimum wage.

Another way to put it, I live alone with no kids. I pay my rent in a nice apartment. I have my own reliable car and I can afford to go on vacation. Never anything fancy but I manage just fine. I have friends who are CNA's and work in other facilities that don't pay as much but they get by ok.

I completely agree that CNA's are not paid their value but, since we have less education than a nurse, PA or a therapist, we get paid less. It is what it is.

Also, we are paid hourly. Never heard of a CNA position paid "salary".

[VicChic20]

I work at a nursing home for the last 5 years. Nursing homes are my only experience as far as facilities go, and I've been on night shift too. I personally enjoy working at nursing homes, it can get stressful and you're constantly on your feet on some shifts, some shifts have shortages in staffing because of call-ins, but mostly everyone is pretty good at working a full staff. I know on day and evening shifts, you have time limits on certain duties like on days, you have to get up your assignment by 8am for breakfast. When the day people come in, they're already in a frenzy and hustling. All in all though, I love working there. I have a good set of teamplayers on my night shift. I like the one on one time I get with residents. I find it rewarding to make someone's day because it's a lonely and sad time for the elderly. The pay I get is not higher than the other 2 shifts. The pay and benefits changes depending on where you live and where you work.

There will always be a demand for CNAs, because they're always needed because some facilities get a lot of turnovers with their staffing. You won't be out of a CNA job for long is the bottom line.

As far as LPNs dying out, I don't think they are. They are needed as much as any other kind of healthcare professional. They may not be needed primarily at hospitals, because I heard that from some of the nurses I work with, but I'm sure they're needed in hospitals regardless. They aren't going anywhere.

I applaud you for getting into the healthcare field. It is rewarding and challenging. Also, being a CNA is a great decision in starting your healthcare experience. You'll learn so much.