sewsgoats

Another option is to look into nursing jobs in home health and see what they require (LPN/LVN or ASN versus RN). Home health nursing would work well for someone who may not want to be on their feet running all day, not to assume anything about your ability to work at that pace. LPN/LVN/ASN programs take less time and generally less money to complete as well. If you want to do it, I say go for it. I'm sure you'd be able to find a nursing job somewhere, if that's your goal.

I get what you mean about having something but waiting for the other shoe to drop, ie anticipating when staffing will suck again. BUT just think of all the things you can get to now with another person on the floor that you can't without them. Maybe there's a cleaning project that housekeeping never gets to that has been driving you bonkers. Maybe you want to reorganize or re-label the supply/utility rooms. Maybe you have a resident or patient that is always up all night and they want to do an art project or redecorate or reorganize their closet or what-have-you. Or MAYBE staffing has just been so terrible that you haven't had a lunch break in a year which is extra annoying because you would have used that time to study. The world is your oyster; you may not know for how long, but use the time while it's there :)

@Annie (and others): Such a shame seeing a lack of compassion to fellow healthcare workers. Our system really is broken if we can't accept the fact that even as healthcare workers, we are still human. We have limits, and not being able to acknowledge them in ourselves or allow for them in others is when healthcare workers start making mistakes that can seriously endanger their patients. It's also a sign of complete arrogance and overall just makes for a crappy, crappy person to be around. Do better. You're in healthcare, for Christ's sake.

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I'm so sorry your facility isn't addressing it - it sounds like an ongoing struggle that really is impacting your other patients when this one keeps needing constant checks. We've all been there before, and we all have our limits. I'm sorry that some others on this board don't seem to have compassion for their fellow healthcare workers. Yes, we chose this field and all that comes with it, but that doesn't mean that sometimes we reach our limit. You asked what your facility's responsibility is in this case, but it seems like you know what they should be doing, but aren't doing it. That being said, can you ask to work a different section for a few days, or to at least not be put in that section every day? Is there another CNA that happens to love working in that section that you can trade with? Some people work really well with patients that others don't work particularly well with, and it's nothing against the staff member or the patient. It's just life, and recognizing that - as well as when we are nearing our limits - is a sign of STRENGTH. Hang in there, I hope you find a resolution that is beneficial to you and your patients :)

The great thing about learning from others is sometimes we see great examples of how NOT to behave. To me, this sounds like she's bullying the new NA, and probably others. Luckily, you see this and don't want to perpetuate this type of behavior. You sound like you're already a fantastic nurse and will be an exemplary role model for all whom you work with :)

Every program is a little different as far as what they look at; do your research and focus on programs that weigh nursing prereqs more than overall GPA. Then ease into your prereqs to ensure you can devote the time needed to get As and Bs. You'll do fine! Best of luck!