I really do not like going to work as a CNA everyday...what do I do?

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2009

Look at what you said you like about the job...you said you like the patients, but hate the pay and the backbreaking work. I hate to tell you but the pay and the backbreaking CNA work isn't going to get better. However, you might enjoy trying to find a hospital CNA job. In a hospital setting, it's more fast paced, you'll see more acutely ill patients, and it will be easier to apply what you are learning from nursing school.

superaunt · Sep 18, 2009

Girl I know exactly what you are talking about. I am in nursing school too and am doing the cna thing for the same reason you are but I HATE IT! I love most of the residents but the other employees and the work sucks! I am hoping to get on at a hospital or a doctor's office somewhere. At least I know I'm not suffering alone.

pca_85 · Sep 19, 2009

Try a hospital or homecare. The lack of money bugged me more than the labor, so I found a private duty case and love going to work. Also, CNA work is really hard at first, very overwhelming. Hang in there. You may do some CNA work as a nurse but it won''t be 8 hours of aide work unless youre in a facility with no aides.

lorelei1973 · Sep 19, 2009

In a perfect world, those who care for the elderly in the way CNAs do, would make $30/hr to start. It would demand greater scrutiny of the profession, and those in it, of course, but most CNAs would exceed expectations.

This is where the people who used to make the big money end up sometimes -- in a LTC. If they had the ability they would insist that CNA's be fairly compensated. It's so hard making the decision about who needs real care when you're already running your ass off and being paid an appalling wage. If you have benefits on top of it, consider yourself in a privileged class.,

bluebird123 · Sep 19, 2009

Oh sweetie I completely understand what you are going through. I am a BSN student that started last fall 08. Well that first semester I missed passing pharm by a mere two points so I had to take spring and summer off. I decided to get my CNA. And yes while I absolutely loved my patients I was EXHAUSTED!! I worked nights and had 20+ patients a night. I really felt worn thin. But who I felt worse for was my residents. They deserve to have more people there caring for them.

In the end you can only do as much as you can in one shift. You are only human. If you leave there everyday (with sore feet and a sore back!) but knowing that you did everything in your capacity to care for your patients, then I think you did a job well done. Most people do not even care for the patients as much as you do. To some its just a paycheck. You will be a wonderful nurse. Just keep on truckin!!

much love,

Jessica

ShantheRN, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

It's great experience for you - a lot of people in my clinical class have never touched a patient, and they're quite nervous about it. Your first clinical site will be SO much easier. When you graduate, pass your nclex (first time!), and start working - you'll appreciate your aides all that much more because you'll remember what the job was like. As an added bonus, it could help you secure a job as a nurse faster.

I'm working in alleged assisted living (a large %age of our residents should be in a full on nursing home....it's so sad and NOT safe) that doesn't bother to appropriately staff on our shift. Last weekend, there were only 2 of us. It gave us almost 40 residents apiece.

I'm happy to say, I accepted another position and put in my notice right before that happened. I decided not to remain PRN at that facility because the environment is toxic to morale. I'm starting at a pediatric hospital soon -so excited!!! I'm dreading telling the residents though. So far, it hasn't leaked out because I've been pretty quiet about it. I'm going to miss them, but....I have to do what's best for me, and if I stayed any longer the DON would probably have to fire me for finally losing my self control and telling her exactly what I'm thinking.

I had a feeling I wouldn't like geriatrics, so I looked at it this way: hospitals prefer people with experience, therefore I needed to tough it out for at least 6 months before venturing into acute care. Try applying at hospitals now, and KEEP on them about your app! Ask your fellow students if they have any contacts. I got the number for my HR recruiter randomly - I mentioned at clinical orientation that I was trying to get through to someone, and the guy in front of me said, "Oh here, I've got one of their recruiter's numbers...want it?"

Keep the faith - you'll look back on this someday and realize it helped you so much!

tokidoki7, ASN, RN · Sep 19, 2009

I'm a nursing assistant at a hospital and the work load isn't any better. My unit is short staffed and it's a pretty large unit. You do get to see more acute care patients though.

Teacher2RN · Sep 20, 2009

I'm right there with you. I HATE working as a CNA. I love my residents, but just like you, I hate where I work. I keep going because I need the paycheck and I know it's just a temporary stop on the way toward something better. I hate feeling grimy all day because I'm so sweaty. I hate that I'm always behind because I can't find anyone to help me do things for residents who are a 2 assist, and I hate the cliquiness of the other employees. I actually called in today with a "fever" because I just needed a day off between school, working, and working on my days off. Make sure you take time for yourself and like the others said, keep applying for other jobs. Good luck to you as a nurse. This is good experience.

emmasma · Sep 20, 2009

I am a CNA and it is the best job that I have ever had. I used to be a waitress and the work is easier as a CNA. It is more satisfying as well. This is my 3rd CNA job.

I worked many different jobs across the spectrum before I became a CNA. there will ALWAYS be coworkers that make you mad and no matter how much you make it will seem unfair at times. Some times it is worse though, at my 2nd CNA job i quit after a month because I somehow did not fit in with the b**** click and it really is a team effort. The other two have been great.

Maybe you should try another CNA job, just to see if it is better someplace else.

I think the nurses have alot more to deal with as far as stress and politics and this makes be nervous about advancing in this field.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2009

I have the utmost respect for good CNAs. It is one of the most important jobs I can imagine and the work is backbreaking and the pay is peanuts. I wouldn't do it.

ShaneIA · Sep 20, 2009

When I first became a CNA, I chose to apply at the closest place simply because it was closer and would save me money on gas, huge mistake. I hated it, and felt so bad because I didn't like my coworkers. Loved the people, so I chose to see other places. The next week I was working at a different LTC community and I was amazed at the changes. I love my coworkers, the elderly and their families (even when one might swing a punch at me), and the pay even got better. Sometimes, it's all about how the workplace is being ran.