dulcemorena

I already had my CNA certification while I attended nursing school. Those in my class that didnt have their certification were told that they could take the CNA written and skills test once we finished our geriatric rotation in school, for that would be accepted the same as if they were to sit in a six week CNA training class. Just call the FL DOH .. call whoever is in charge of the testing. Or take a chance and call a few nursing facilities and see if they hire LPN's as CNA's without CNA certification.

I just had to go back on orientation for 3 days.. I was hired for night shift, but they had me train for 4 weeks on day shift and then someone from day shift volunteered to orient me to nights, but she only stayed for one day. There were complaints about things not being done correctly because I wasnt properly oriented, and the main one complaining was the one who was supposed to train me. I let our nurse manager know and she apologized and let me orient with a seasoned night shift nurse this week. They do everything backwards but I do feel much better now.

I did find a job, its a LTC facility, unfortunately its has the worst reputation in the area but its a job for now. Im just glad to be able to give my family a decent Christmas. Im trying to start taking my prereqs in January for RN so I can get out of this area. It cant be this bad everywhere. Thanks for all the encouragement.

I work in a facility that was on the verge of being closed down a year and a half ago. The place has a bad reputation but from the day I started I could see the potential in the place and the dedication of some of the staff. It just seems as if theyre just not sure of how to correct some of the problems. Most of the issues are simple issues such as keeping track of BM's, intake (even though they dont track output). Things that are common in other facilities. My frustration is that theyre trying to scramble to cover things up. For example, I was asked to add up the fluid intake of all the residents at the end of each day (I work night shift), which is fine, but my 4 weeks of orientation was on day shift, and not once did I see any aides or nurses go around and see what people actually ate. When you look at the books its obvious that they just filled in random numbers. Due to a heated discussion this morning between the floor secretary and the DON, I overheard the DON mention that if theyre under 1500cc intake for the day then the Nurse Manager is supposed to do something about it. I wasnt even aware of that facility policy because when I was orginally approached about it adding up the consumptions (this policy was just put into effect last week), the only instruction I received was to "add them up". Well, with all the numbers that were put in, most of the total amounts of fluid intake for the day only add up to 1440cc for the day. I suppose they'd be over 1500cc for the day if any snacks were actually recorded in the books, but there arent any. Ive also seen places where the nurses have to record the amount of fluids given with each med pass, but they dont do that here either. So if the state actually looks at all the totals for the month, these people have been under 1500 since the 1st...they'll question why is the Nse Manager just now doing something about the situation. Its the middle of the month! I tried to clarify what the DON said, but she didnt want to be pulled into the discussion. Unprofessional. I just dont understand why they want to give the illusion that theyre doing something when they really arent. I dont know, there's some good staff there, my night crew is great. The residents are great, its not their fault they couldnt go to a more high scale facility with a better reputation. They still deserve good care. I dont know whats going to happen, but I hope theyre able to stay afloat.

wow your facility tested you for HIV? Ive never heard of such a thing, I didnt even think it was legal for anyone to ask your HIV status besides your own physician. Thats crazy, its discrimination. I know of someone who is Hep B pos but I dont think she ever had a problem finding a job. Ive never been asked either in an interview and I dont see how any employer can really ask that. Yet there was a story aroud the area where a bunch of pts were infected with Hep C because a surg tech (who was an addict) passed it onto them, so it must be scary as an employer to hire people not knowing what they could possibly pass onto the patients, yet how can you turn a good employee away because of something that they cant help?

I understand not forcing her to stay, but if their orientation is altered then at least try to make sure they have on clean clothes or clean pajamas. Maybe thats just my ltc cna experience talking. Or how about contacting a social worker, can they enforce some type of temp custody? At least to keep her from driving and possibly injuring herself or someone else?

Just as someone else said, hit the thrift stores. I volunteered at a Rescue Mission thrift store earlier this year to make up some hours for class, I was surprised at the amount of decent clothing they had available. Think conservative, it makes you look much more professional.

I work in NYS, I just received a note with my check last week (I work for a staffing agency) that told me if I didnt get the shot by 11/30 that I would be terminated as of 12/1. Even though the facitlity they send me to is giving everyone the choice of whether or not to take it. If they decide not to they just have to sign a form stating they dont want to take it. I think its crap to force people to do something. Like someone else said not everyone responds to everything the same way and with the short trial I dont trust it. I had to get a tetorifice shot before class before class began last year. I guess the nurse hit a nerve or something and I couldnt lift my arm higher than my shoulder for a while. Full ROM didnt return to that arm until 3 1/2 months later. I know its not the same, but I dont want to get something if its not absolutely necessary. I'm an asthmatic ex smoker but I never worry about the flu. Ive had it once in high school and once a few years ago when it was going around really bad. I was working as a receptionist so I was pretty exposed at the time.

No, usually the LPN is charge over the CNA's

I can understand not getting the job you want due to lack of experience, that happens in any field, but when everyone turns you down because of being a new grad, or when certain places have phased out LPN's, it just feels like you've been tricked into paying money. Yes you are supposed to know the career before you go to school for it, but the instructors (who you grow to trust during the time that you are in school) act as if you are in such high demand.Who else can you expect to have a better insight to the field than people who have been in it for 20-30 years?

I live in an area where there are just a few schools, but are holding 3 or 4 classes at the same time (night classes, weekend classes, day classes, Ft and Pt) so there are a lot of LPN's in the area.only two of the hospitals hire LPN's, one of which is the VA and theyre on a hiring freeze. Theres a bunch of nursing homes that are advertising but since there are so many around that already have experience, they get picked over many new grads. Many employers want at least one year experience, how is a person supposed to gain experience if no one hires them?? I was going to start prereqs for RN classes this month but I cant because I have no idea what my work hours will be if I ever do get a job. I'm so stressed that I cant concentrate on a class right now anyway. I sacrificed a lot to try to get into a field that I loved, I never wanted to be one of those people that have to drag themselves to work everyday. And no, in reference to one of the other comments, I didnt get into this for the money, but yes I do need to think about how I will provide for my family. Money is a part of life, and as a parent its something I need to think about. I'm not a fresh high school grad that can just jump into anything because it seems fun. I have to think about finances as well. I really feel like I shouldve never quit my old job and just taken night classes for RN. Now I'm stuck barely making ends meet. Trust me, I've been filling out apps and making calls and sending out resumes since the spring and nothing. Every city and state is different and I hope that one day I'll be able to relocate and find something. I'm not trying to gain pity, I just feel like I wasted my time. Oh, yes I've looked into becoming a private provider, I have the paperwork in the works, but they say it can take up to 90 days before youre approved so maybe I'll be able to start by.. what...new years?

so much for the so-called nursing shortage

Have some of you worked as CNA's before you went to nursing school? I feel like those that have worked in facilities as CNA's beforehand understand the politics a little better than those who jump into it fresh. Nursing is nothing like what they tell you in school. As a CNA you get an idea of what goes on and once you step up they are not able to take advantage as easily. Its easier to speak up for yourself if you already know the rules and how things work in a facility

There was one person in my class that failed with 85 questions. Think there was a language barrier. He hasnt taken it again as far as I know. I passed with 85. Sorry for those that have to wait long for your results, I dont know how you can stand it. We only have to wait 48 hours and pay a small fee to get results quickly.

I graduated earlier this year, (March), could not find a GPN job. Got my license a month ago and still no luck. I have applied everywhere, nursing homes, hospitals, Dr offices. I feel like I wasted a year of my life. I quit my office job because they were laying off. I figured that was a sign that I should pursue my dream of becoming a nurse and that I would have a steady career. 6 months after graduation and I'm still working as a CNA for a temp agency. No one will permanently hire a CNA who has their LPN license because they know eventually an LPN will leave in order to use their license. I feel like I wasted my time and now I'm 7000 in debt. Loans payments will start to be due next month and I cant afford to make payments because I have two kids to support. Thought the investment would be worth it. There's only about 10 people in my class that have jobs, and most of them had been working as CNA's at the same facilities beforehand. What a waste of time. I'm considering going to try to get my old job back and just hope that I dont get laid off. What a joke.