Overwhelmed, stressed, questioning CNA.

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Hi all. I've lurked on this site for a while and recently decided to sign up. I am an aspiring RN, but currently just landed my first job as a CNA/Med tech while I finish up my first BA before applying to nursing school. I took a CNA class but haven't tested yet however my interviewer must have seen something in me and hired me that day. I've worked almost 2 weeks and have still be training although some days I came in to fill for someone I was on my own. They asked me to get my Med tech cert and have just started training for that as well.

I just need to say somewhere, to someone who understands, that I AM OVERWHELMED. I read many posts on here for assurance and know that this is common, but I still wanted to type it out myself. I feel so stressed out and physically sick. I've been crying almost every day after work. It doesn't help that I have a 1 year old and this is his first time in daycare, so life is just overwhelming all around.

I want it to get better, I want to be good at my job, and I really want to like my job. I hate feeling this way when I am already feeling so worried over my son being away. Many of the CNAs I work with are not team players and are in their own little clique. I feel stupid asking them questions and they are not helpful when it is obvious I'm struggling or stressed.

One of the floors I work on is Memory Care and it is CRAZY. There are residents who try to escape, residents who try to punch you in the stomach, and residents who refuse everything and anything.

Please someone, anyone, give some words of encouragement or advice? Right off the bat they put me on for 40 hours/week and have even called and asked me to come in to fill for people some days. I wonder if I am fit for this job. Will I be good at my job or did I make the wrong decision? Am I wasting my time and the companys time? I just want to quit but I dont know if it's just because I'm stressed or because I want to be home with my son or if because I realize it really isn't the job for me? I love to help people and feel happy conversing with the residents, helping them shower, use the restroom, get dressed...but I hate the ones that cuss, hit, refuse meds, refuse to showers, get angry... I just want to lay in bed and cry. :arghh:

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I guess I meant to say I dont "hate" the ones who cuss, hit, etc....I hate the fact that they do. I do understand that they are not necessarily doing it to be mean or difficult. Some of them are just not in their normal state of mind.

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

LTC can be very overwhelming, especially when there's no team work. That makes a world of difference. They hired you on the spot because they need you and I am sure your an asset to them too :yes: It is great experience, but try not to take the issues at work home with you.

My advice....Say to yourself... "work will stay at work, I will not bring it home with me. " Reinforce that to yourself every time to go in and every time you clock out. It takes some practice and some days its impossible to do...but try to do it.

You will get a routine down and hopefully your son and you will enjoy your precious time together when you get it. I've heard it quoted from someone...."you're aloud to scream , your aloud to cry, but your not aloud to give up. "Your not gonna be doing this position or facility forever. Try to do your best...don't let it wear on you. Dont even answer when they call on your days off. Best wishes!!!

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

I kind of disagree, although the PP has more experience than me. It seems as though your primary concern (other than your son) is school. 40 hours a week seems really difficult with school and a child at home. There are other opportunities for CNA's like part-time hospital positions or maybe even at an LTC facility that is not so short staffed. Getting into nursing school is tough and I say you should focus on getting your grades right instead of working so much. Just my opinion.

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Maybe you can look into home care until you start nursing school and then you can try to get into a hospital..

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Sometimes it help to just vent! Glad you joined and signed up to allnurses.com! Nursing is a journey I would not trade for anything. Feeling of overwhelming stress are not permanent....this too shall pass. (((Hugs)))

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Sometimes it helps to vent! Glad you joined and signed up to allnurses.com! Nursing is a journey I would not trade for anything. Feelings of overwhelming stress are not permanent....this too shall pass. (((Hugs)))

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When I first started, I was nervous of making a mistake. Eventually, you will get comfortable and be able to manage your time well.

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When I first started my job, I was terrified and very confused. I had no idea what was going on for around a month! Eventually it "clicks" and you find a way of working that suits you.

But full time school, full time work and a 1 year old is a lot of stress. Could you afford to do less hours at work?

Hey KatieP86, that is EXACTLY how I feel. I'm a new cna and landed my first job ever in a Convalescent place. I am very terrified and confused! I'm glad the noc shift is very laid back and willing to help. They say it comes with time and practice. But I still can't shake the feeling that I just feel like dead weight not knowing how to really do everything in a efficient manner. Today is my 1st official day only after 2 days of orientation. I feel like I'm getting sent out with the sharks lol! :nailbiting:
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Specializes in Long term care.

You may want to consider doing home care. So much less stress!!! Most states allow you to provide care even without certification. It won't pay as much but you will have experience plus the ability to ...for the most part...make your own hours...The best part is that you will be working by yourself, without other aides (who do not help anyway). The pace is much slower, and you will be working with just one or maybe 2 (husband & wife) patients in their home.

You can also try Assisted living homes and group homes for retarded adults both of which also don't require CNA.

It is crazy working in a nursing home and it takes about a month to get into a routine. However, This nursing home you're working for seems to be desperate for help and the lack of team work makes your job that much harder.

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Specializes in public health.

I cried too and didn't enjoy my life when I was working as a CNA at a nursing home, which was why I quit after 2 weeks there. Then I switched to the mom/baby floor in a hospital. It was a good improvement. Maybe you can try different facilities.

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:( It will get better with time. Don't focus on what your coworkers think of you, focus on what you did for your residents that day. When the patient in room 1 said thank you after you gave him a bath, even after the patient in room 10 punched you in the face, you still know that you took care of her and she was clean, dry, and tucked into bed when you left, etc. Healthcare seems to be one of those jobs where you have to "prove yourself" and some people see a new hire as an inconvenience, when in reality you are a huge asset. Chin up! You can do this! Once you get to know your residents and what makes them react in certain ways, it WILL get easier, I promise.
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