My first day of CNA class

[Satori77, ADN]

Is today! And I am so nervous. The last month and a half I have been doing training through the county workforce center. They have been teaching classes on how to find jobs, how to interview, resumes, etc. Some very good stuff actually. And they set us up with a month long job shadowing. I have been working at an assisted/independent living facility. Some of it has been fun. Lots of wonderful residents, and overall, an easy place to work since most of them take care of themselves. Lots of cleaning, taking out trash, doing linens, and serving meals. Kinda boring a lot of the time. They don't hire CNA's there, only RA's, so I am not sure if this type of work is normal for CNA's. I mostly feel like a maid and waitress.

So I haven't been enjoying myself too much there. I mean, the staff I work with has been very helpful. And I adore the residents. But I am either bored out of my mind, or running around like crazy (3 floors, 100 residents, and 6 RA's on staff at one time). I guess I am wondering what to expect for the class and working as a CNA. I would really love to work in a hospital, not a nursing home. Eventually, I plan on going to nursing school and would love to work peds or NICU. Is it a lot different in a hospital setting, since you have kitchen staff, laundry attendents, and housekeeping? Just wondering if I am making the right choice here.

[Sally Lou]

Good Luck!

I was very nervous my first day of class. I'm done with class now and finishing my clinicials.

The kinda work you've been doing is normal for CNA's. You'll also be doing showers/baths, helping walking.

It totally depends on the area your from, but most hospitals won't hire you right out of CNA class. They want you to get min 6 months under your belt first. Also, a good thing to remember especially wanting to go to nursing school. Some places (usually nursing homes) will pay your tutition for nursing school after you stay with them for at least a yr, BUT you do have to sign a contract that you'll stay after school sometimes for as much as 2 yrs.