Dawnski

When I worked at the hospital, I was paired with the most experienced CNA on the floor for about 3 weeks. The first few days, I just followed her around and watched what she did, then I started helping her, then she had me do stuff while she watched and helped me. I hope your hospital does that for you. You will learn everything you need to know if you have this type of orientation on your floor. Good luck!

Good luck!

I totally feel your pain. I worked at a hospital on a telemetry floor for 6 months and had the same complaints. I was also night shift (7pm - 7:30am). The workload was horrible and I was tired all the time. I felt guilty leaving, because I know how hard it is to get a job in a hospital, but I was going home crying almost every night, and it just wasn't worth it. I interviewed for and got a job as a caregiver at a retirement community close by. There are individuals living independently in apartments, assisted living, and SNF and hospice care, all in the same community. I only work one-on-one with the residents, about 20 hr. per week, and I LOVE IT! I'm not really doing CNA work, and I don't make lots of money, but I am so much happier! Some of the caregivers work up to 60 hours per week! 12 hour shifts with one person might be kind of hard, though. 2-6 hours with one person is perfect! I also work for a home health agency (although they haven't called for awhile). I am much happier providing one-on-one care.

At my hospital, I'm on the tele floor. Patients with telemetry get their vital signs taken every 4 hours. Check on all patients every 2 hours and turn patients who can't move and change those who are incontinent. We also are required to shower or bath a minimum of 2 patients per night. Hard to do if all your patients are trying to sleep! Many times I have more than one patient that is awake ALL NIGHT. Many demented patients don't use they call button and get out of bed and we have to run for the bed alarm. Then wait around 5-20 minutes while they use the bathroom. Help the RNs admit new patients (vs, ekg, set up room, take bed weight), bladder scanning, pick up blood at the lab. Change linens on pt who wet the bed, pull out their iv or when they shower/bath. I've worked there for about 4 months now and I'm always surprised at how busy the nights are. I can't imagine what it's like during the day when the patients are all awake, doctors are around, they have to pass out all the food and feed some patients, and deal with the families.

That's where I work.....it's a very busy floor, and I work the night shift!!! Be prepared for good days, and really tough days. Most of the patients are older, and many are demented. Try not to take anything personally. You will be doing lots of turning, so be sure you utilize good body mechanics. Is this your first CNA job? It was for me, and I love it!

Hang in there....it took me about 3 months to find a job, and I was lucky enough to get one in a hospital. And that's with no previous CNA experience. Granted, I'm working the night shift, but I'm in a hospital. I never even got calls from any of the long-term places. I was hired about a month after graduation, by a home health care agency. I kept looking for full time employment because the agency didn't have regular hours for me. One week something, the next two weeks nothing.

I'm 55....got my CNA certification at the end of May and I have found that people like that I'm older. I worked for an agency until I got my job at the hospital, and one of the reasons they liked me was my age. Just starting the hospital job tomorrow! I'm so excited!!! I'll let you know how it goes. I'm also a career changer. I worked as a secretary for the past 30+ years and wanted something new! So far, I haven't regretted it.

Congratulations!

Thank you everyone for your tips.

Thanks!

Just accepted a job in a local hospital for the night shift (7pm - 7:30am). Anyone have any tips on how I can get my body used to the hours? Or should I just drink lots of strong coffee? I'm starting in about 4 weeks. I'm so excited!!!

I graduated from my CNA training at the end of May, and have been putting in lots of applications....everywhere! I have found that most of the assisted care facilities want me to stay there to fill out the application (no idea why). Maybe they want to make sure that you are filling it out and not having someone else do it because you can't read? That's the only explanation I have come up with so far..... I have been attaching my resume and they have all accepted it. The hospitals that I've applied to have all been on line applications. Some nursing homes have given me applications to take home and return. I agree, it's very strange. I've been looking on Craigslist and the Penneysaver for jobs.....that way I know who is hiring. I put in applications with a couple of places near to ones that I knew were hiring. So far, not many bites. It's getting frustrating!

Congratulations!

I just had an interview today and wore my standard interview "uniform" - black slacks, white blouse, black blazer and black heels. I know it's a little dressy, but I worked many years as a secretary and this is the type of clothing that I always wore for interviews. I haven't gotten a job yet, but crossing my fingers. The more interviews I go on, the easier they get. Good luck to you.