sm3215

You would get great experience in a hospital, and it can't hurt to apply! Other areas to consider are rehab facitily or SNFs. A completely different kind of experience if you're interested in it is working with the developmentally disabled. I've been working with this population for about two years and it's a totally different type of care. Since the patient to CNA ratio is way lower (I never have more than 3 residents on day/evening and 6 for overnights) you get to do a lot more patient interaction. I've learned tons about behavioral issues doing this, and it's a very rewarding population to work with.

Unfortunately mouth care is often forgotten/left out for time. I at least attempt mouth care on every resident when I'm working LTC. Honestly, it only takes a minute and it really is important for their health. You should try, even if you think someone won't let you, then at least you made the attempt.

Most hospitals have online applications now. Try not to worry, they will call. I just went through applying at a couple different hospitals and I got a confirmation email within a week, a phone interview, and finally a real interview. The hiring process took a while but unfortunately online is the only way the hospitals in my area do things. If you want to work in a nursing home, or SNF or something you could walk in and ask to talk to someone though. Good luck job hunting!

Learn to prioritize/multitask. You'll have several things that need to be done, or several patients that have to use the bathroom, walk, take a bath etc. at the same time. Don't rush the patient. Ask for help if you need too, but make sure you help others in return. Be careful about leaving patients in the bathroom to run and do a quick task, make sure they are comletely safe in there. Especially in a nursing home, the fact is you are there for 8 hours. Yes, the goal is to give everyone a bath before breakfast etc, but if something comes up just make sure you get it done. Try not to leave tasks to the next shift if at all possible. Sometimes it happens and that's okay, but it's better to give someone a bed bath at 2 p.m. then to explain to the oncoming shift at 3 why it didn't get done. From my experience, nursing homes and even hospitals can be gossipy at times. If you're in an environment like this, don't get sucked in to it, don't talk behind someone's back, and try to keep your problems/drama/whatever separate from work, you'll earn more respect from supervisors and co-workers that way. Take the time to talk to patients when you can, elderly people often love to tell stories, and many have great, funny, or interesting stories to tell. Honestly though the most important thing I do is to work as a team, even if your co-workers don't. If you have the extra time don't sit and talk, offer to help others, even if you know that person would never offer to help you. Because you did people are more likely to help you when you need it! I love being a CNA, I've been doing it for a few years, and it can be very demanding but it's worth it! Good luck!

Thanks for the information, and congrats on graduating ParkerBeanCurd.

Has anyone gotten their RN through and accelerated program? I am in the process of applying to an accelerated nursing program for students who already have a degree. It's a 15 month program, and what I'm wondering is, if you went to a program like this, how prepared did you feel to start out as a nurse? I know new nurses still have a lot to learn, but 15 months seems like a short period of time to learn so much information.