New Career Jitters

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Hello to everyone! :)

I took the CNA course in High School, passed the State exam- and PRESTO! Never followed through by actually making a career out of it.

I am now nearly 33, I passed my class with a 4.0, passed the State exam in February, and PRESTO! Have yet to take the first baby steps towards filling out applications, interviewing, etc...

What is my problem? :confused: I have worked in the food industry since I was 15 years old. I really feel that this is a huge case of nerves. I do not want to embarrass myself, I guess. I did fine in clinicals. I think that where I did my clinicals is part of the problem too. I did clinicals in a hospital, and wish to work in LTC. I am fearful of big differences.

Has anyone else experienced this? Did you push through it, and get that job? How did it turn out for you? Any advice?

I think Friday, I will take those first steps. I am terribly nervous though.

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Hello and congrats on passing with a 4.0!! That's great! Sounds like you just need some encouragement (who doesn't, right?) and some confidence in your abilities. I'm sure you'll get lots of encouragement here on this site.

I was 38 when I went through nurse aide training and got my certificate. I was scared to death. I actually had clinicals in LTC and worked there for a while and then switched to working in a hospital. In my experience, the hospital was much more fast paced than LTC with a lot more clinical things to do (taking blood sugars, bp's & temps every four hours, etc.). LTC is also challenging, especially skilled care vs. assisted living. But it definitely is a different environment and I would say that if you could do the hospital setting, you will be fine in LTC.

Whenever negative thoughts come into your head, push them out and replace with "hey, I passed this stuff twice...I'm good at this...I can do this". You never know until you try. Good luck!

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:) Thank you very much for the encouragement.

I'm going to try and relax about it. I know I can do this!

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

A new career move can make anyone nervous. I know you can do this, you just have to put in the effort. I wish you luck! :redbeathe:redbeathe:redbeathe

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