My nursing jobs as a CNA, is affecting my life..

[mzsuccess]

I've been working at this nursing home for 13 months now. It is my first nursing job and I haven't been happy one day at this job. Everyone is rude and disrespectful and gossip. The DON, talks to everyone any kind of way. The residents are nice but get away with murder, like they are total dependent and want to lay down, get undressed and get back up in 30 mins and then lay back down and you have to do whatever they say or you get wrote up. The LPNS are sneaky, I've seen them get together and lie on a CNA because they didn't like them. They look for things for you to do and always your not doing a good job, get mad when you report to them about changes in resident and say you did it. If someone can't stand they expect for you to put them on the commode anyway. Your constantly getting down talked or unappreicated. Sometimes, I go in the restroom and just cry. The CNA's who's been cna's for years says all nursing homes are the same and its just part of it. I don't want to settle but I guess I stay for the residents. I'm not at all happy there. The nursing facility is 5 mins from my house and if they're all the same why leave? you know. I'm in nursing school and I'm afraid I won't like nursing because of this experience. Is it suppose to be this way? I mean we're like slaves, we have so much to do in 7.5 hours. Take trash out, weights every week, vitals, showers, and so much more. My body aches every night. I just want to leave the whole nursing field. Any advice?

[Baubo516, RN]

I worked only 5 months as an aide at a nursing home, and hated it for many of the reasons you state. Well, I had no complaints about the residents - they are there to be taken care of after all. So I don't really sympathize with the part about not wanting to help them lay down and get up when they want to...

BUT - I got a job as an aide at a hospital and the work load and professionalism are MUCH better. Basically, there are a lot more nurses around, most of them are RNs, and everyone in general seems to be happier and acts more professional. They will actually help you transfer a patient if you need help, especially if it is their patient. They are more hands-on that LTC nurses because they are assigned fewer patients.

Things to think about - you might make less per hour at a hospital, but you will work SLIGHTLY less hard and you will learn more. Find out if the hospital hires ADN nurses or is Magnet designated and only wants to hire BSN nurses. Compare that to the program you are in and decide if the aide job might lead to a nursing job when you are done with school. Also - make sure to give the proper 2 weeks notice at your current job before leaving. You never know if you may run into someone from your LTC later when you are looking for a job as a nurse.

All nursing is hard work, but working with people who act professional does help. Make sure that you act professional even when others don't. Patients can be silly and demanding at a hospital, too, but customer service is part of the job, so you may want to get used to that.

I cried in the bathroom a few times at my nursing home aide job because the other aides were so rude and mean to me. The nurses were pretty good, though. I have never cried at my current job, and I have been here for 2 1/2 years.

Let us know what you decide!

[mzsuccess]

Thanks for your response, I'm glad to know I wasn't the only one. Its very hard to get into hospitals in my area, its basically goes by who you know. I've been applying since I've gotten my CNA's. Also, I don't mind getting patients up. But the unit I work on is very tough and mostly all total dependence, so its alot on my body and plus its mainly during dinner time and I have to make sure everyone gets their food nice and warm. I'm glad all worked out for you!