LTC CNA vs hospital CNA

mar12011 · Dec 13, 2011

I was working in a SNF/LTCF for 3 mos. straight out of CNA class, then I FINALLY got a hospital job 4 weeks ago - a WORLD of a difference!!! The first thing that hit me BIG TIME was my first 1/2 hour at the med ctr I saw RN's answering call lights, and 4 weeks later I think I'm still in shock!! Also, at the SNF, it may have just been because I was on night shift (still am on nights at the med ctr) and there were only 3 of us CNA's in my unit, BUT trying to get help to do turning the pts, etc. was like pulling teeth. At the med ctr the word TEAMWORK is front & center what they thrive on -- it is outstanding.

Plus on from the work angle, you have a much more likelihood of seeing a huge variety of diseases, post-op variances, it's not just changing briefs and cleaning up poop. Not that there is anything wrong w/working SNF/LTCF, I just think it's a personal preference.

CarolinaGirl1112 · Dec 13, 2011

I work at a hospital in a building that is half rehab and half LTC. There is definitely a difference in attitude and morale in rehab vs. in LTC. The people in rehab are busy, but helpful and for the most part cheery. They really work well as a team. The people in the LTC area of the building are miserable for the most part. They can get stuck with 12 patients that all need a Hoyer, and can't find someone to help them. (You have to have 2 people) Some of the residents are combative, too.

I am required to work in both areas from time to time, and I definitely prefer rehab over LTC. Granted, I am a new CNA, so perhaps after a few weeks or months I'll feel better about it, but I doubt it.

yousoldtheworld · Dec 13, 2011

You'll see plenty of these posts on here, and everyone seems to think that a hospital is a land of sunshine and puppies...but just for good measure, I'll tell you that I hated working at the hospital!

On most units, the patients are average, everyday people - which means dealing with the same rude, self centered, entitled people you run into in the rest of the world...and every time one gets discharged, you get 5 more. Then you also get drug seekers, people who think they are on vacation, and people who think that because they just had foot surgery, they are suddenly incapable of holding their own spoon.

And I constantly hear people talk about how LTC is "depressing"...but how is a place where most people have lived their lives more depressing than a place where you might be surrounded by kids with cancer, burn and terrible accident victims, horrendous diseases, etc...

My point is, I just don't get it. But to each their own. The pay isn't great and the work load is a lot, no matter where you work. Around here, LTC actually pays more than hospitals.

I personally hated the hospital, and don't care for geriatrics....so I found a job in a pediatric facility for developmentally disabled/mentally retarded/physically handicapped children and young adults, and I love it. The residents there actually need and appreciate my help, and it makes it worthwhile. :)

DarkBluePhoenix · Dec 13, 2011

Well I am *hoping* a hospital is better, but like yousoldtheworld said, the grass may not always be greener on the other side.

I did my CNA clincials at a LTC rehab place and it was between bad and ok. The nurses were extremely lazy, both LVN and RN and they think CNA work was beneath them. It was so bad that they would go out of their way to find a CNA to put someone on a bedpan. I mean, they couldn't do that? (See my post about pet peeves in thread) You can get that attitude anywhere, even a hospital. The CNAs there also only spoke Spanish and very little English so that also makes it hard for communications.

I just got my first CNA job at a hospital. A friend of mine got me in and she says that everyone works together regardless of being licensed or certified. Of course there are a few bad apples, but again that's everywhere you go. I would rather deal with a couple of non-teamwork personnel, again CNA or nurse versus working somewhere where there is no teamwork at all..

yousoldtheworld · Dec 14, 2011

It might be better for you...it is for many people. I just like to remind people that everyone's suited for something different and that "hospital" isn't always the holy grail of jobs for everyone, is all. :)