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Discussion

I need to quit

I'm a new can. I just started working 3 weeks ago. I loved the idea of being a cna before nursing school. I LOVE helping people, caring for people and the thought of being a hardworking cna made me smile. but this job is killing me honestly. Not only am I not able to help and care for my residents like I want to, but my feet and back are killing me everyday. I can only count on about 2 coworkers that like to help when I need help. And most of the time I NEED HELP. Most of the residents they assigned to me are either super heavy or super needy! 4 of them are large & heavy which makes it hard as hell to turn and change them. 4 of them ars pressing there call light buttons every 10 minutes and its Almost always while I'm n the middle of providing care. The nurses make sure to say over the intercom, "______, answer call lights 16, 17, and 23 please!" And I'm still struggling to change a residents bed because she loves to pee while I'm n the middle of changing her. I try to b fast but I'm really short and thin. I just feel really weak and unable to perform like the other cnas. If I take too long to answer a call light while a residents family is present I get in trouble. So many things going on at once. And to top it all off, most of my residents don't speak or understand English. Omg....I really just want to quit. I really dread going to work each day. It's so bad that I hate to have to give a 2 week notice. I just want to leave and never look back :nailbiting:. And then during the 30 minute lunch break I have to eat in the middle of a group of Spanish speaking cnas. I understand its probably easier but it is so awkward to sit and be the only person to not know what the conversation is about...do I really need to do the 2 week notice?

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    • Featured Replies

    I'm currently a CNA as well (until I pass my Nclex-PN boards) and you're pretty much described a Cna's job in a nutshell. I've been doing this for 4 years and I will say that it gets easier. In the beginning I was so overwhelmed and wanted to quit as well but I didn't. It may be hard to see it now but the job is rewarding. I would advise you to go back to school whether you decide to stay or no because you'll end up breaking your back trying to lift a patient twice your size.

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    Agree with Journey! This is what CNA's do, and it will get better. Being new it can all seem overwhelming. Just learn to prioritize and ask for help when you need it. As far as the the other CNA's, you are not there to make friends and chit chat so I wouldn't let that bother you. Be pleasant of course, they are your coworkers and you will all need to work together. If you are miserable then put your 2 week notice in, but it isn't better anywhere else. And yes, put in the 2 weeks...just up and leaving and never coming back looks bad, and that kind of thing will follow you when you are looking to get hired elsewhere. I do hope you choose to stick it out tho.

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    in nursing school, the majority of the things we do revolve around bed changes, baths, mainly things cnas do and rn skills when we get a chance. If you want to go to nursing school I think it would be in your best interest to hang in there and get some experience. it will really put you ahead of the game for nursing school.

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    You're going to get used to it eventually. Maybe next week the load will feel lighter on you. It's hard to work LTC. It's the same routine almost everyday. A lot of bathing and toileting assistance because none of your residents can take care of themselves. My body was in pain when I first started but I was surprised when my back stopped hurting. You need to have a strong back, so try to stretch and gain muscle.

    Also, I've been using the Dr. Scholl's insoles for work. I'd like to think they help and cushions the impact.

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    Being a CNA is HARD work, and it is going to be hard work anywhere you go. However, the the facility you work at and the people you work with can make all the difference. Working at a facility that is understaffed and having crummy coworkers can make you want to quit the job and never be a CNA again. Believe me, I know. But it isn't like that everywhere. I say put your 2 weeks in and start looking for other facilities to work at. Hospitals tend to be difficult to get in to but they are generally less understaffed so try to put in some applications there. There is no reason to "stick it out" as other people are saying, and being miserable if you don't have to.

    I hope you find a better facility and are able to see what a rewarding job being a CNA can be!

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    • Experts

    Persevere as long as you can. Give yourself time to acclimate and your coworkers time to accept you. As time goes on more people will help when they see you are willing to help them. Ask one of them to teach you phrases in Spanish "so you can better communicate with Spanish-speaking residents". When your coworkers see that you are trying to fit in, they will be more likely to ease your entry into the work group.

    If after a reasonable amount of time, six to nine months at least, if you feel you can not deal with the physical demands of the job, then resign. You need to realize though, that this atmosphere is similar in all facilities. You should then decide if you should pursue another line of work.

    Another avenue of coping would be to seek a job in home care after you have about three months experience. You will find working with one patient to be manageable, unless your patient is huge. You can preclude that situation by setting limits with your home health employer concerning the patients you are willing to work with.

    Remember that any job requires time to get settled in, no matter what the job duties or what kind of workplace atmosphere. You should always give yourself a chance. Good luck.

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    • Experts

    I forgot to mention the "two person" policy that our nurses used with us. Two CNA's can more efficiently work both their assignments if they work as a team, than either can do by themselves. This eases the strain on both worker's backs, speeds up the tasks at hand, allowing for 'extras' (better all the way around for all), and frees up time to even take turns sitting down waiting on call lights. You should approach your charge nurse to ask for team assignments for these reasons.

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    • Author

    I know that I'm super duper late but, I just want to say thank you all so much for responding with such wonderful and helpful advice. I didn't even expect anyone to answer but a lot of you did and with really insightful answers. Thank you so much! :)

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