NOT FOR ME???

caliotter3 · Mar 11, 2010

Glad you went back. You will get used to providing basic care while being mindful of their privacy. As for the foul mouthed assistant, the residents will notice the difference and they will look forward to having you around. You can speak to the assistant about it if you wish or you can speak to the nursing supervisor, but you will probably get "attitude" from this person and it most likely isn't worth it. A resident complained one time about what was being said in her presence, the administration admonished the staff, and the personnel laughed about it and made threats to be heard by the resident, all in the presence of the supervising nurses where I worked one time. I just kept my mouth shut. If you get into fights that are bigger than you, you will be the person looking for the new job. Just mind your own behavior. Like I said, the residents will notice the difference.

kb514 · Mar 18, 2010

The positive here is that you care enough to worry that you are invading a resident's privacy! You will get used to the awkward situations the more you do it. I was so worried about the sites and smells of CNA work prior to taking my class, and now having been a CNA for over a year, I don't think twice about any of it. I just concentrate on the fact that I'm helping someone.

Also remember that there are many job opportunities for CNAs aside from LTC and there are also other LTC facilities out there to work for! So get through one day at a time, gain some experience, and know that you're not stuck there for life!

jessesgirl13 · Mar 19, 2010

don't give up. I had no interest in ltc care either. I much prefer assisted living. Those are the only two that i have experiance in. But once you finish the training course, you'll be able to find work elsewhere. Just keep working hard and doing what you're supposed to and you'll be just fine. Good luck.

JDZ344 · Mar 19, 2010

What made you want to leave? What didn't you like? Let us know and we can probably help you through it. I hated my job at first, but eventually I got to love it.

JDZ344 · Mar 19, 2010

I posted the other post before I read this one.

I did go back and I am not sure how it is going to go but I plan on giving it my best shot. I think alot of it has to do with me feeling like I am invading the residents privacy when they are being showered etc.... I am hoping that this will pass but it just really makes me uncomfortable and I feel like when I am uncomfortable it then makes the resident feel uncomfortable and that is the last thing I want. This is their home and they need to feel at ease.

I comppletly understand this. Even now, I still hate to think that I am invading privacy by doing peri-care or washing people...especilly when the person does not like it.

It's great that you are feeling like this; it means that you are respecting the dignity and privacy of that person. But if you were in that position, and not able to do things for yourself, would you want help?

kelsey.kristine, CNA · Mar 19, 2010

I was nervous my first day...and leading up to clinicals I was starting to think it wasn't for me!!!

I told myself(and a nervous classmate) that all we had to do was get through the clinical days....

Honestly. I LOVE LTC now. Sure, we do the dirty work....but what it took for me, was a resident during a rough time(sobbing because of the cold), taking my hand, kissing it, and saying thank you. Not only did I almost cry...but I felt something in my heart. I can't explain it. But that's when I KNEW I was in the right field.

It didn't happen right away. But I"m sure it'll happen for you. Hang in there, and keep working hard!

eveningsky339, LPN · Mar 20, 2010

After the first few nights in my LTC, I wanted to jump out the window. There's so much to learn and you have to change inherently as a person in order to become a CNA. That sounds drastic, but it's true. A year ago, I could never imagine doing a fraction of what I do now.

LTC is extremely difficult in many respects. I encourage you to stick it out, and if you find down the road that you would prefer another environment in which to work, go for it. There are many career opportunities out there for CNAs.

mizfradd, CNA · Mar 20, 2010

So glad you went back! Don't give up!! Like jessesgirl13 said, once you finish the training course, you'll be able to find work elsewhere if you decide LTC isn't to your liking.

Dorali, BSN, LPN, RN · Mar 21, 2010

I'm a new CNA, starting my fourth week tomorrow, in a LTC facility. I know how you feel about invading people's space. I just kept telling myself the first few days that they are used to it. You aren't the first person to go in and perform peri care on them. I've found out also that if you tell them that you're new, you're still learning, then they seem to be more understanding. I've told them that if I forget something or I'm not doing it right, just say so! And they do! It's important to me to do things the way they want it done. We know the golden rule: Treat people the way you would want to be treated. We learned the PLATINUM rule in our class: Treat people the way THEY want to be treated.

I don't plan on staying in LTC forever, but I do want to stay 6 months since that's what most places require anyway. There's so much you can learn! I am proud of you for sticking with it! Every day gets easier, I promise!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2010

We need you. Please stay.

Jen{NAR} · Apr 14, 2010

I felt exactly the same. I would go home and want to cry because I felt like I wasn't good enough...or I was in everyone's way. It was hard the first couple of months....but I am very much in love with my job--even on the terribly horrible days.

ijh6890 · Apr 19, 2010

I think you should give it a little more time. But if you still feel the same way in a few weeks, then maybe it's time to switch fields. CNA is pretty much the bottom of the totem pole (as well as the back bone of nursing, especially LTC's). From a CNA you can work your way up to Med Aide, LVN, Rn... whatever you want to do. Just follow your gut. Good luck