kgillette

When I did the Oregon CNA level II course, everyone that was in my class worked in some sort of SNF or long-term care facility. They, for the most part, did not enjoy their jobs, although some did. I completed the course and started working at a hospital as a CNA, and I LOVE what I do. I quit being an elementary school teacher to switch to nursing, and so far, being a CNA has solidified my desire to go to nursing school. I've never gone home with a sore back, because my hospital provides all the lift, slide, and moving equipment and is always coaching us to use it. I never lift or turn patients without a coworker, and everyone works as a team. Some of the best poop cleaners I've seen are RNs that I work with that aren't afraid to get in there. So, I'm really sad to hear your experience was so bad, but I have to ask, why did you stay employed there so long if you hated it so much? The notion that it's impossible to get a job at a hospital isn't true across the board. Maybe where you live. I had never worked as a CNA and got hired right after I finished the course work. And, I did not find that my instructors at the local community college misled me in anyway about the job. So, I consider myself warned to not work where you did. Good luck with a better job! I hope you find something that makes you happy.

Thanks, looks like I might be getting the job! Will have to see!

A lot of interesting comments here. Unless you want to work at that hospital, I'd look for work elsewhere. It is definitely their loss, because from all of your comments, you sound like a conscientious, thoughtful person. If you decide not to discuss your options with a lawyer, I would definitely at least get a statement from your dean in writing. That way if this ever comes up in the future, you have the documentation proving that you did no wrong. You don't want to be in a situation where all you can say is that your dean agreed with you way back when. Also, I would start researching policies concerning mental health issues and employment so that you can avoid any messes in the future. I applaud you for being honest about who you are, I think it's healthy. However, when you're actually trying to get a job, the stakes are much higher and you will want to know the fullness of your rights. Best of luck!!

Thanks! :)

Thanks for your replies! They've been really helpful! Will keep it all in mind.

Hi there, There were so many postings in response to the "more CNA woes" thread, I thought it would be nice to start a thread for dialogue from RNs to CNAs about how improvements in teamwork can be made. I'm a new CNA and I'm going to a second interview for a position on an Ortho/Neuro floor. If you have any advice or experience to share about this type of floor, research you think I should do, or questions I should ask, I would greatly appreciate it. I would like to go into my next interview as fully informed as possible, and if I get the job, I want to be as excellent a CNA as possible in meeting the specific needs of this floor. Thanks!

Hi, don't know if you're still looking for replies to your post, it was a couple months ago, I did clinicals at the St. Charles ER for my Emergency Medical Technician certification, and I loved it. I thought the nurses and doctors were great, I learned a lot, and it's not an overwhelming environment to work in like a big city. A lot of the patients who came in were in car or recreational accidents. The HR department has been very selective about hirings due to the economy, I would keep trying to contact them, and call if possible. Good luck! I'm sure you'd like living in Bend.

Hi there, I'm a new CNA and I'm going to a second interview for a position on an Ortho/Neuro floor. I spent one day on this floor during clinicals, but it was an abnormally quiet day. If you have any advice or experience to share about this type of floor, research you think I should do, or questions I should ask, I would greatly appreciate it. I would like to go into my next interview as fully informed as possible, and if I get the job, I want to be as excellent a CNA as possible in meeting the specific needs of this floor. Thanks!