I feel like there is nothing more to learn here.

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Specializes in CNA.

Hi, I am a CNA in Ca.

I graduate last December, and got a job in a LTC in January. Well I been here for about 3 months now and for some reason I am getting bored of the routine at the LTC, I want to continue studying to become LVN but at this time I can't (financial problems) my problem is, that I am getting bored here, because I usually have the same assignment every day, Do the same thing every day. I am the kind of person that likes to learn different things. For some reason I feel like there is nothing else to learn here..But patient care, we usually only do ADL. We don't do blood pressure, ROM, or other related stuff we supposed to perform as CNAs all these are done by others.

This is my typical day at work.

700 do rounds and check for wet diapers-Briefs.

730 pass BF trays.

800 remove trays.

830 start with showers.

900-1230 get all residents up.

1230-Lunch trays- help with feedings.

1330-remove trays.

1400-1430-put everyone back to bed and change diapers.

1445-Document in chart.

1300 Finish my shift.

This is EVERY DAY, same routine....

I am thinking of looking for other Facility, but is it like this in every LTC? I can't apply at any hospital yet, because I only have this much experience and in most hospitals required at least 1 year exp.

What Can I do? :confused: to not get or feel bored?

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Specializes in SPN.

Very sorry, but this all sounds like a typical day at any LTC. I know that it can be very boring. If it helps, remember that while other differently certified employees r doing the BP's, ROM, and stuff like that, you r providing the most important care your pt's will get for the day. While we think the feeding and bathing(and all the ADL's) are boring, ur pt's , wheather or not they r able to express it, appreciate the fact u are willing to make sure they are'nt hunger, not laying in their own pee(or worse), and u make sure their ears get washed behind. While it all can b a bit rountine, b proud of what u do.

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Specializes in LTC.

Maybe it's the type of people you're caring for. I work with mostly dementia, and we have the same old routine every day, but I don't get bored because for one thing I'm always busy- there is always more work to be done- and for another, with so many demented people there is never a dull moment.

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Specializes in CNA.

Oh, don't get me wrong. I got busy as crap...too. Its just that for some reason I was expecting to learned more or get other type of experience as well.

and yes I do Feel PROUD of making a difference on my patients life, Because to be brand new and have learn this right away. I am always told by the family members or oriented patients that I do GREAT work! it makes me feel Good. But I wonder if the routine it's the same every where?

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Specializes in LTC.

It pretty much is. I've worked with other types of residents- either all rehab patients, or long term people that are pretty "with it" and able to do more for themselves- on those units it's a lot easier to get bored, even though you are still pretty busy. Can you switch around to different units or do you already do that?

For comparison, this is my day:

700- get most of my residents dressed and OOB, check the rest for incontinence.

800- pass breakfast and feed

900- get report from nurse, take everyone to the toilet, lay some of them down again, do mouth care on whoever I skipped before, and do AM care on whoever I didn't get before breakfast, pass snacks

1000- showers (I usually only have one or 2 and these would usually be the only people I didn't dress before breakfast), vitals, pass waters out

1100- toilet everyone again, make sure everyone is OOB

1130- transport to dining room, chart, take lunch break, feed in dining room

100- lunch is usually over by now. Toilet, walk people, lay them down

130 or 2- do laundry duties, I & O, pass snacks, do a bed check. If I have any free time after this I will cut and clean nails, clean out closets, wipe overbed tables or something like that.

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

Sounds like my routine as well.

Talk to your nurses, let them know you want to learn and see if they will let you go in when they have something out of the ordinary to do. We got a new resident a while back that had knee surgery before she came. When it came time for her staples to come out, I asked if she would wait for me, and she did, and I got to help! Find out when Foley's are changed and help with that. Sometimes, even if you aren't supposed to, your nurses will let you get in on what they're doing. That is hands-on stuff that you will NEED to learn anyway. I know the routine seems boring, but if you set yourself some sort of goals it will help the time go by.

Plus, when you do go apply at the hospital, they will be happy to see that you can hold down a job, especially one in LTC. I was bored at my job too, I feel like I miss working at the hospital even though I never have before (other than clinicals). It's where I want to be.

Put in a year at your job (I know that's forever! :) ) and tough it out.

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You can apply to the hospital...some dont require experience. It cant hurt

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I agree. Some hospitals don't require experience. Keep in mind, some are very hectic and everyday is different, but you'll learn alot more than tha tuypical ADLs. How to give oxygen, place tele monitors, ekgs, finger sticks and other stuff.

...so just apply to the hospitals.

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You would get great experience in a hospital, and it can't hurt to apply! Other areas to consider are rehab facitily or SNFs. A completely different kind of experience if you're interested in it is working with the developmentally disabled. I've been working with this population for about two years and it's a totally different type of care. Since the patient to CNA ratio is way lower (I never have more than 3 residents on day/evening and 6 for overnights) you get to do a lot more patient interaction. I've learned tons about behavioral issues doing this, and it's a very rewarding population to work with.

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I will also say you might want to work with the developmentally disabled. While I do have between 10-14 residents to care for each shift, I agree with the above poster - it's a completely different kind of environment. SUPER rewarding, every day is different, and very few, if ANY, rude and ungrateful residents (except for unintentional rudeness that might come along with certain types of DD, which is a completely different thing.)

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I felt the exact same way a couple of days ago.It is like in a nursing home you don't really get to use your skills to its fullest.I felt like I was just changing and feeding and that is it.I got really tired of the same thing everyday.The routine in nursing home never changes.What I kept doing while I was working was filling out applications for the local hospitals and home health.I finally after a year got a job in one of the biggest hospitals in my area.I was persistent and I am pretty sure I filled out over 10 applications before they finally gave me an interview.My advice to you is to try something different.Try a hospital or a behavior center.My problem was not being a cna but not using my skills to its fullest.I started traning on my floor last friday and I think I am going to like it.The hospital has better benefits and the pay is better also.I am very excited about the choice I made.Good Luck to you!!!!

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