Need Encouragement as a SNF CNA

[Clarifier S'il vous]

I am a CNA who is on the waiting list for my local nursing program. I am so mad at myself right now. I have been a CNA for over two years but have been doing home health care for most of that time. I just got my first job as a CNA in a skilled nursing facility.

The thing is, I knew during my clinicals that I preferred acute care. That is where I hope to work as an RN. I recently had my choice to apply for a patient care tech (PCT) in the ED or as a CNA in a SNF, under the same corporation. For some inexplicable reason, I chose the SNF.

I just had my first day on the floor and I was so overwhelmed it was unbelievable. I just got done orienting with two PCTs for the ED all week long, one of them with no experience and I am kicking myself in the butt for not applying for that position instead. Not only did I just hear that they get paid way better than CNAs, which makes no sense whatsoever, but I was just told by a long-time CNA that it is a way better job, plus it provides experience in acute care.

The caveat is, I got hired on with the corporation that I eventually want to work for in the future as an RN. I figure I can't just quit or ask to be moved laterally within the company at this point without looking really bad. I feel like a total idiot for not figuring this out in the first place.

The thing is, I have been applying here on and off since I got my CNA certificate and was so excited when they called me back with an offer, I just jumped right in with both feet. Now I feel like I need to stay with this position for at least a year before requesting a lateral transfer, in order to remain in good standing with this company.

On that note, I guess my question is multi-faceted. Number one, am I on the right track with presuming I'd better just stay put for a good year or so if I want to get in good with this company? Number two, will I really be able to become competent enough to work alone as a CNA in just one week? Number three, am I just dreaming about a PCT job being better? What is it really like to be a PCT in the ED? Which would you personally rather do? Fourth, are there any benefits in the long-term (as far as nursing) to being a CNA in a SNF vs a PCT in the ED?

If anyone can talk me down off this cliff, I'd really appreciate it.

BTW: CNAs rock and are amazing! I had no freaking clue as to how tough their jobs really are! Mad props to every one of you!

Thanks a bunch!

[Illuminati]

I so feel your pain! I'm a SNA in clinical right now. This is the hardest work I've ever done! Props to CNAs!

I don't think it makes you look bad. Go to HR, tell them its not the fit you had hoped for, then tell them about your long term goals with their company, then ask what you need to do to move into the department that will be the best fit.

[hookyarnandblanket]

It would probably be best to make what you can of your current position. Going to an administrator and saying you don't feel the current position is a good fit will likely be interpreted as you saying you're quitting. With your hiring being so new, there is no solid reason for them to move you unless that was the only option available.

You will still gain knowledge in things related to acute care, bit just not as much. Don't lock yourself down into one area of nursing; make yourself valuable by being open to all different kinds of nursing.

The nurses where I work do a huge variety of roles; They are ED nurses, acute nurses, skilled nurses, intermediate nurses, and staff nurses because we have no other option or staff.

I say give it time because.you never know when you may find yourself in a position where you need to change mindsets in a hurry.

[Clarifier S'il vous]

Thank you both for your thoughtful responses. They are much appreciated. Because I want to stay with this company long-term, I am afraid to rock the boat with HR at this point. I guess I will just get that magical "one year" at a LTC facility under my belt, which is what my CNA instructors always emphasized, before I try to make a lateral move within the company.

If anyone wants to jump in with more info on the PCT role, etc, that would be great.

Thanks again!