I hate working as a CNA!

[shirlj88]

I'm currently finishing up my prerequisites for the RN program and decided to get some experience by becoming a CNA first. I just got my first job at a SNF and I HATE it! I love the patients and I seriosuly dont mind bed baths or diaper changes but I didn't realize that this would the hardest craziest job of my entire life! I dread going into work every day and sweat my ass off every second I am there. I work with women who are rude, dont speak much english and talk **** about me in spanish (I understand it but i dont want to cause problems at work....). I float from wing to wing and am not given any information about the 8-12 patients I need to care for and when I ask no one can give me information or they get very annoyed that Im even asking...i offer help to everyone who asks but when I need help suddenly everyone has gone missing or is "on a break" or "has a bad back". No one helps me with any transfers or tasks that require 2 or more people. I am constantly being yelled at by treatment nurses and charge nurses about new tasks they throw onto my already full list of unlimited thing to do. Im going crazy! I don't want to resent the job because I do not want my patients to notice how much I despise working there. I'm scared that I'm going to not like nursing because of just how much I hate this job. Is it like this everywhere or do I just work in a bad place? Any adivse is greatly appreciated. Help!

[Hygiene Queen]

It's not like that everywhere. There are some decent-- and even some very good LTC's. You just have to find them.

Try to hang in there a bit and get some experience and move on to greener pastures.

Don't forget your experiences there. Even if the experience was negative, it's valuable. You'll learn what not to do, how not to behave and how not to treat your patients and coworkers.

Also, this is a time to thicken your skin. When I worked in a dump, I was going to be damned if anyone was going to see me bothered. You will find yourself in many tough situations and you gotta keep it together.

Start looking for another job and do your best until you get one.

Unfortunately, the culture of your job is already set and you are no position to change it.

There is nothing for you there.

I've been in your shoes, as have many of us.

Good luck!

[OcMurse93]

First of all, CNA work in a SNF is much different than an RN in a hospital. No wonder you hate your job. You're working with lazy and rude people who are trying to do the bear minimum.

I can't possibly describe how amazing it is to work with people who are actually passionate about their job and are kind and helpful. It is still extremely hard work, but it's very rewarding. Everyone I have talked to tell me to stay away from snfs because of the low caliber of nurses they hire and crap they pull. Try to hang in there, but it might be in your best interest to try to get hired by a hospital.

[jennarae86]

Try to apply to a hospital if possible, it's still very hard work but regardless of what floor I've been on there is always a nurse or tech who is willing to help as long as it is not crazy busy. I have my CNA and currently work in the ER and absolutely love going into work, I even try to pick up extra shifts on occasion. But to be honest it all depends on your coworkers and the work environment, some shifts will always be more difficult than others, you will be absolutely exhausted but in the end if you don't enjoy what you do, try to find a different place to work.