Only Geriatrics?

[chavaries]

I'm taking my CNA course over Christmas break from school, and the more I read about it the more questions I have. The biggest one is that it seems like the only employment I can find as a CNA is in geriatrics. I know people have to work up, etc., but will there be opportunities for me to just work in a hospital or clinic maybe? Geriatrics does not interest me at all unfortunately. If it's something I absolutely have to do, I obviously will. I plan to continue on to my LPN, then RN but work as a CNA before that.

Also, it's my dream to work in pediatric oncology and is there any specialty I should concentrate on to get there?

[TiggerBelly]

I work in a hospital on the Medical unit. In the hospital I work at there are aides in Telemetry, Surgical, PCU, Medical, Pediatrics and ER. We are everywhere lol. Although my unit is open to anyone in the 18 and over age bracket most of the patients are geriatric. I can remember saying how I didn't want to work in geriatrics at all, however now I don't mind it one bit. I geniuenly (sp?) enjoy going to work and talking with 80-90 year old patients who have so much to teach us about life. All I am saying is don't disregard this field until you have tried it. And if you don't like it, theres always the possibility for a transfer to another unit. Good luck

[casi, ASN, RN]

There is always a chance to work somewhere else as a CNA. I started out in geriatrics working on a dementia unit. I thought I would never like the geriatrics either, and I absolutely fell in love with it. Now I'm working on a Telemetry unit and as Tigger said, most of the patients are older.

Once you're done with your class you just need to get out there and send in applications everywhere.

[avery157]

I have taught the CNA class for years and I have seen my students everywhere there is

healthcare. Doctor's offices, disabled children, labs so on. The CNA certification was started because of elderly abuse so that is why it is all geared twards them. You may

want to consider home care. There are many home care agencies out there. Home care is one on one care. It is a good place to start, less stressful. Then you get experence and can then go into other enviorments. Also consider volunteering (even if it is only a few hours a week) in a hospital with children (if that is your thing) and when they get to see what a good worker/on time/ reliable person you are by the time you get your CNA license they may find a spot for you and even if not you have experence!! Good Luck!

[CainRN]

I'm a CNA, but I have never worked in Geriatrics. I am currently working in an ICU. I think I may transfer to the ER though. Seems like it would be fun.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Hospital work is heavily glamourized by society, as evidenced by primetime television programs such as "ER," "House," "Scrubs," "Grey's Anatomy," and so forth. Since almost everyone (including CNAs) wants to work at hospitals, this leaves numerous job openings at nursing homes and extended care facilities. As the others have mentioned, you definitely are not going to escape the geriatric population simply by finding employment in a hospital.

Here's something else to think about...the Baby Boomer generation is aging, and will flood the acute care hospitals in a few short years when they become a part of the geriatric population.

[pgray1229]

I loved geriatrics. I felt comfortable with them, and knew I was going to see the same faces everyday I went into work. I want to go back. Working in a hospital was hard for me, I didn't like working with new patients I didn't know. LTCF for me!

[livinadream]

I just received my CNA certification in December and did my CNA clinicals at an Alzheimers & Dementia facility - I was the only one in my class that looked forward to the clinicals and working at the facility. Now. that I have my certification I have a part time job one shift a week and weekends at the same facility. I plan to begin a nursing program in the fall. I'm leaving a respectable job that I've held at the same company for 12 years in the corporate world. At the tender age of 46 people look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them my plans. My ultimate goal is to specialize in geriatrics specifically Alzheimers. I love working with the elderly people and though in some cases there isn't a lot still know or recognize, most respond to a smile and a gentle touch. My new career give more to me already (yes even as a CNA) than all the corporate titles have done in my working career.

Guess my point is give geriatrics a chance - as others have said you might not be excited at first but you may change your mind. If not you've gained experience in the process!

[bethin]

I worked LTC long enough to get my certification. I applied to a local hospital and accepted a postion in med surg. After a year I started floating to ICU which I love, then floated to ER and OB. I love ICU more than anything. LTC was never my niche. I love med surg and ICU because I'm an adrenaline junkie. I love knowing not what is coming next. The least you can do is try LTC for awhile and if it's not for you, move on. But most importantly, even if you hate LTC, arrive on time every day, act professional, and treat pt's with diginity because you do not want to burn any bridges.

If you love LTC but hate the facility, look at other LTCF. Not all are the same.

Truthfullly, I found hospital work harder than LTC work but I have learned so much more.

[Feathers]

As the others have mentioned, you definitely are not going to escape the geriatric population simply by finding employment in a hospital.

Here's something else to think about...the Baby Boomer generation is aging, and will flood the acute care hospitals in a few short years when they become a part of the geriatric population.

So true. I'd say about 60% of our pts on my med/surg unit are elderly & a good majority of those elderly pts are completes.