APC53

Working in LTC is an experience like no other. I've worked in a LTC/MR facility for almost 3 years and I'll tell you...it's one of the most stressful things I've ever done in my entire life. And I admit, there are things you'll see in LTC that you just won't see anywhere else. Things can get very busy and insane at time, and at times it seems more like a crazy house than a nursing facility. But my best advice is to stick it out as long as you can. While LTC as its setbacks, it also gives you a one of a kind learning experience. And you might even find you like it after a while. For example, I have so many options around me, so many different places I can work as a CNA, but I always decide to stay where I'm at in the end...even though I know I may be better off somewhere else.

LTC facilities can be very frustrating. I work at an MR LTC facility, so I think that's a little more stressful. In general though, nursing work, especially CNA work is a thankless job...for the most part. There are ups....but there are a lot more downs sometimes.

I don't think it's very likely you'll find a place willing to do that. Most places, especially nursing homes, have a hard enough time keeping the CNA's they already have. The turn-over rate for CNA's is rather high. Most places however, are willing to give you a "part-time" schedule...with fewer work days per week.

I have been working at a LTC/MR facility for almost 3 years. I work midnight (my favorite shift) and I make a base pay of $8.81/hr, with a .50 differential. The overtime is readily available, mostly on the weekends. There is another facility, much closer to home. I would to do weekend option, it pays $10.45/hr, plus differential....it's not available right now, but could be soon. I could start out on either Days or Midnights (no evenings for me!) making roughly $8.50-$9.00. They would also pay for experience, which should be around 10-20 cents per year. Knowing that I could get the weekend option schedule I want if I just wait, should I take this job? Where I'm at now, part of of me doesn't want to leave. It's a huge comfort zone for me, and I feel very settled in doing what I have been for almost 3 years. And I know that after my next annual raise, I could be making around what I could at this other home. I'm just really torn, if you can't tell. What should I do?

I work midnights at an LTC facility and typically every night I have 10-15 residents. It's usually the same throughout the same too. Of course, when we're short-staffed...which is a lot...the CNA/resident ratio is a lot worse.

In my area, Muncie, Indiana...new CNA can typically earn about $8.50-$10.00, depending on what shift you want. I've been working in LTC for almost 3 years at the same facility and I make about $9.31, after my shift differential. I'm hoping to another job, doing weekend option, I think making about $10.45/hr, plus pay for experience and differentials. Around here, the average wages seem to be a little low compared to other areas. Especially in bigger cities.

I know exactly how you feel. I have been working at an LTC/MR facility for almost 3 years...and I have been burned out more than once. For me, I have to put up it with because I have a family to take care of. But there are ways to make working as a CNA more enjoyable. Actually try to enjoy the residents. A lot of CNA's a I know are just there to get the over with and go home. Well, I want to go home too...but I still have to be there for my whole shift. You might as well find something to enjoy about working. A lot of the residents I work with can easily grow on you. It's little things like that that keep me going.

My best advice is to just be as helpful to him as possible without seeming too pushy. One thing we as CNA's need to remember is that we just allow the resident/patient to have as much indepence as possible. Some residents/patients may get offended if you bother them too often. I agree with the every 2 hours. Of course, if you need to find work to do, ask other CNA if they need help with their load. Do you only have one resident to take care of that day??? If so, that's really helpful. Having several can be a handful. Good luck!