Is becoming a CNA a bad idea?

remotefuse · Apr 18, 2015

I am currently working as a nurse tech while I finish up school. Working as a CNA is definitely hard work. And the days can also be long. Depending on what kind of facility you are working in, you can expect to work either 8hr shifts or 12hr shifts. The mandatory overtime is something that I have never heard of. From my experience, if the on coming CNA is a no call/ no show, they will usually just try to figure that out during that shift. At my hospital, that sometimes means the nurses have to do more care for their patients and they really do try to call someone in to work. I work nights, and one time, the morning CNA had called in, and the supervisor asked me if I would be able to stay until someone that was called in to work could make. She was sure to specifiy that I didnt have to if I didnt want to, and I told her no, I was wayyyyyyy to tired, and the person ended up showing up before I was supposed to leave.

mvm2 · Apr 18, 2015

I have two children ages 12 and 8. I work as an aide/CNA for home care and as a mom it is wonderful.

You pick your own hours as well as days you want to work. At our agency we hand in a monthy avalibility where I can tell them what days I am available and what days or times of day I am not. I never have to miss a birthday or a doctors appointment. Its been great for me.

Now I will say there are a few drawbacks such as of course you will be droving to many different places instead of one. With home care many times we get paid a little less then LTC.

Just an option to think about if you don't want to work too many hours

guest769224 · Apr 21, 2015

They then mentioned that there is such a thing as mandatory overtime where if one CNA doesn't show up to cover my shift i will have to stay and do his/ her shift as well. And that leaving is illegal.

Lol, that is so far from the truth. You will get to go home when your shift ends.

Sure they may say, "Hey cinnibun2618, can you please stay later since we are short staffed?", and you'll have the option to say yes, or no.

If you are concerned about taking time away from family, just get a part-time job. It's worked well for many people. I think it's a good idea.

Missingyou, CNA · Apr 23, 2015

I work in a nursing home. In the 3 years that I have been there I have been asked several times to stay beyond my shift. Sometimes I stay a few hours, sometimes I tell them no.

I have been mandated to stay once in those 3 years and it was because of a bad snow storm and many had called out and they HAD to have a certain number of staff to cover a shift as required by the state.

Now that I have more time in, it is the newer staff that get mandated. It happens in our facility about 3 of 4 times a year.

It all depends on the facility where you work. Nursing homes tend to have the greater chance of being mandated, & even that depends on the facility. ..Keep in mind, if you ever want to work in a hospital you will probably need 6 months of long term (nursing home)care experience.

It is unusual in home care to be mandated since most of the shifts are 2-4 hours for each client, then you leave them on their own or in the care of a family member.

mvm2 · Apr 23, 2015

With home care there are plenty of cases that you must stay. I have a few 24hr cases that if the next CNA is late or the agency calls and says they are working on getting someone we have to stay until we are relieved.