duke4470

I currently work as a CNA...but, my plan is to go into a straight RN program...then get my BSN. Reason? In 2015, everything is going to change. LVN's (or LPN's) are going to become obsolete. They are going to require all current LPN's/LVN's to get their RN...and all RN's to get their BSN.

Congratulations, Michelle!! I am 39 and just started the "plunge" into my Nursing career this year, too! My CNA class was only 7 weeks, and I currently work at our local care center. It has it's ups and downs, but I so love the residents!! I work the NOC shift, and truly adore the people I work with! Good luck...and always remember...You can do this!!! :)

caitylumpkins, I agree with everything you stated in your previous post...except the part about telling them you would get "fired" if they didn't help you. The facility I work at also encourages asking residents for their help, because if they can indeed help you, then that is a plus for the resident and also helps with their self-esteem. Every facility is different, though. When I asked my boss about this issue, I was told that telling a resident you could/would get fired if they didn't help you is (in the facility's eyes) viewed as a threat against the resident...and if you were caught doing such...you would definitely be fired on the spot. :)

I know at the facility I work at...if we told a resident that we would get fired if he/she didn't take a shower...we WOULD actually get fired! It is considered to be a form of abuse, because you are playing on their emotions. We have residents that refuse showers all the time...but, it gets to the point where eventually you have to make them take one. If this person is a lift...then I agree that there should be two CNA's present giving the shower. I also agree that if you contact the resident's family and explain what is going on, then they may be able to help talk the resident into it. For some residents, they may be refusing because of a dignity issue. Maybe they would be more receptive if they were allowed to wear a hospital gown during the shower so they don't feel so "exposed." It's definitely an issue that everyone needs to be aware of...charge nurses, other CNA's, the family, etc. I, too, don't believe in forcing a resident to do something they do not want to do...but, you have to draw the line somewhere when it comes to their personal hygiene. :)

I agree...I don't think any facility should hire men based solely on the fact that they can do the heavy lifting, etc. Male or Female...lifting is part of the job...and YES...a male can injure his back just as easily as a female! I see it all the time where I work. I do my best to carry my own weight (no pun intended) and only ask for help if a resident is definitely a 2 person transfer. :)

Noc Shift (10:30pm-7am) $13.00 hour...no previous experience...been there 3 months...California:)

I think she meant "Certified Nurse Assistant", too. Yes...LPN, LVN, RN are all hard earned titles...but, I don't think she intended to offend anyone by her wording. I also think she deserves the benefit of the doubt. I see that she hasn't even posted a reply to her own thread...maybe because of hurt feelings?? I truly don't think anyone meant to hurt her feelings...and when emotions/expressions are typed they do not always come across the right way...