Newish CNA needs advice please!

[daniellevw]

Okay, so I currently work as an RA at an Assisted Living Facility. I enjoy working there-I like my co-workers, residents, but I don't like the hours, the pay is crap at $8.50/hr, the commute is 30 minutes each way and the additional duties suck (washing dishes, cleaning up kitchen, etc.). I was offered a job as a CNA at a LTC facility that is about a 5 minute walk from my house, pays $13.65/hr and I got 2nd shift. So, I know this sounds like a no brainer to take the job at the LTC Facility, but I am nervous. I feel comfortable in assisted living because there are only 15 residents for 2-3 people to take care of, but at LTC I will have that many on my own. I will have to orient for about 4 weeks (which is good). Also, I will only be working there for 6 months. I start nursing school in September and am moving. ANY input or advice would be greatly appreciated-I think I am just nervous. TIA.

[live4ever]

How bad do you need the money and what new skills will you learn from the new job? Can you handle the stress for 6 months? These are just a few things I would ask my self if I were in your shoes.

[heelhook80]

I'd take on the extra money and stress and try to challenge yourself. Financially between car maintenance and gas money and income this makes all the sense in the world. Even not looking at it financially, this makes all the sense in the world since it sounds like better experience for nursing school. Its natural to be nervous, just go in each day well rested and ready to get everything done and be positive and you'll be way ahead of the game.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

I would definitely go for the LTC. Yes it sounds brutal compared to your job now but it's MORE MONEY, lol. Especially since it's only 6 months.

[AzDeb]

If you have the experience I would probably go for the LTC job as well. More money, closer to home etc. etc... I myself am a brand new CNA and just had my first shift alone at a LTC facility with 12 residents. It was chaos!! I did my best but I'm already questioning whether I will ever get to the point that I can give quality care to each and every one of my residents when I have so many of them. It was crazy. I'm even putting together an alternate plan to go to home health where I could maybe work one on one. I'm not throwing in the towel yet because I want to give it time and see if it gets better as the days go by. I have 2nd shift which I was told was great for a new CNA but right now I feel overwhelmed. Sounds like you have experience though and could probably handle it very well......and the money is definitely better. Good luck with your decision!! :)

[KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN]

I can totally relate. I started out as a caregiver in assisted living & we work in pairs(well that's how its SUPPOSED to be haha!). I started out @ 11.00/hr, which for my 1st CNA job I thought was great. But then I wanted LTC experience and so I worked @ this CRAPPY nursing home for 3 months on 1st shift, every other weekend. I was constantly overwhelmed, the place never had any supplies, and I almost never took a break. So I quit, and started working as a home health aide at a really really nice continuing care retirement community. They also had a nursing home, and the aides there were really great. I wanted to work for their nursing home, but they didn't have any openings. So now I'm going back to LTC. I just got a job offer yesterday & its for weekends, 2nd shift. The pay is really great and the facility looks very nice, but I'm just nervous about working in LTC again :uhoh3:

[daniellevw]

Thanks for the input everyone. It really helps put things into perspective. I have decided to take the position at the LTC facility. I know it will be hard work, but I'm sure it will be worth it in the long run (financially and for my future career as a nurse). I know I will have more free time, be able to take care of myself better and be more financially stable. I will go in with a positive outlook and the will to learn (and be well rested ). Thanks again!