New CNA job isn't working out. How to build a resume going forward?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I had a job working as a CNA at a CBRF. I liked my residents but it was hard work, cooking, cleaning, doing dishes and taking care of everyone. I was exhausted after every shift and even woke up in the mornings feeling worn out from working the night before so I decided to leave when I landed a new job at a skilled nursing facility. The facility just opened and it was beautiful inside and nurses on staff 24-7, so I thought I could learn a lot being a nursing student. I was wrong! The nurses are no help, two CNAs assigned work 1 1/2 hallways, everyone is a hoyer lift, and some people weight 300-400 lbs and me being tiny just couldn't do it. I've never dealt with so much feces in my life. I decided to go back to my old job I think it is better than risking an injury. I only worked there for two weekends before deciding to leave. Did I make the right choice?

Well I see neither job being out of the ordinary or being bad places to work. CNA work is hard no matter where you work.

I think what it boils down to is where you felt the most comfortable working, and it seems to be that even though it might not be your favorite place your old job was a better fit for you then the 2nd job. As long as they took you back, and you can be happy working there I think you made the right choice for yourself and that is all that matters.

Well I see neither job being out of the ordinary or being bad places to work. CNA work is hard no matter where you work.

I think what it boils down to is where you felt the most comfortable working, and it seems to be that even though it might not be your favorite place your old job was a better fit for you then the 2nd job. As long as they took you back, and you can be happy working there I think you made the right choice for yourself and that is all that matters.

Thank you so much for your comment! You made feel a lot better about my decision!

How would we know what the right choice for you is? What you may not like others may like. Everything you described is pretty standard for LTC you didn't have clinical as a CNA. Sounds like home health is better for you

Specializes in Long term care.

Each to their own. You have to be where you are most comfortable and happy.

Yes, being a CNA is really hard work no matter where you are. You said you were only at the 1st place for 2 weeks before leaving because you were exhausted. Now that you are back to that place, I think if you give it more time, your body will adjust to the increase in activity and you won't be as tired as you have been.

You can also take a look at how you do things. Fewer trips walking/running up and down the hallways and planning your routine out will help. For example, getting linens all at once in the begining of the shift instead of individually as the shift goes on, will save you trips...also, taking trash in one "sweep" down the hall instead of after each resident will help. It's not exactly how you learned to do things in clinicals but, you're not endangering anyone and you have to do what you have to do to get everything done (and it is ALOT!).

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