Guest707336

Misery loves company. I know it's challenging, but I don't entertain their disrespect...you can't control their personalities, you can only control your own attitude. I smile, I'm polite, I explain what I'm there to do and move on to care for next resident. I show absolutely no negative emotion...I don't give them the satisfaction! As long as they aren't physically assaulting me...they can throw temper tantrums all they want. I find not reacting to their poor behavior...they eventually leave you alone. Sometimes you may also have to redirect residents in an assertive yet professional tone. I've had to remind residents in so many words that I had other residents to care for... unfortunately there is no VIP treatment & I have assignments I must complete...lol.

It's a good idea that you are asking these important questions before considering becoming a CNA. Looking back I wish I would have asked these very same questions. I became a CNA because I wanted to pursue a second career as an RN and complete a Second Degree BSN program. I figured being a CNA would give me insight and a bit of experience; plus I like to help people. However, in my opinion I don't think it's worth it. Despite that statement it can provide job security. From what I have seen pay doesn't vary that much from state to state...depending on the shift/experience I found it to be from $8-$12ph. The requirements to take a course, pass testing, etc. isn't worth the unlivable wage to me. As far as the disrespect...with any job it's a possibility. From my own personal experience, I have worked with a few nice and professional nursing staff. I'm nice, soft-spoken & professional. But, most of the staff I worked with were were rude, angry, & unprofessional...both nurses & CNAs'. As far as the patients/residents...in my experience it was 50/50 as far as rudeness & disrespect from them. I took into account that the rude ones were probably depressed due to their health state, therefore took it out on those of us who took care of them. I have always had a thick skin and not easily intimidated...I just let it be known the first time disrespect happened that I wasn't going to tolerate it. It worked. Since I took the time, spent the money, and passed the certification process...I just do CNA work PRN now (I find it more tolerable doing it PRN). After the experience though...I went back happily to my old profession fulltime & still pursuing an RN program. I think an LPN program would be worth the investment...they make a decent livable wage.

The federal government has a lot of nursing positions that are Mon - Fri...7a-4p...a lot of regular work hours. Try the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, for example.

You've already earned a degree...so the pre-reqs shouldn't be too tough...lol. Working full-time, I find that a combination of on-line classes and traditional classes work for me. The EDUKAN site has community colleges that offer on-line science classes with virtual labs. They have every nursing pre-req required. I made sure they were accredited and that the accelerated BSN programs I plan to apply to would accept my credits. I only took Microbiology through them. Somehow I got a B...definitely was challenging! But I'm going to take Anat/Phy and Chemistry at my local community college.

Unfortunately bullying isn't just an adolescent issue...it happens in professional adult-based environments as well. A fellow classmate of mine experienced what your going through. We as a class noticed it and it was so obvious. People only do what they think they can get away with. It was resolved with witness statements, going through the chain of command, and ultimately a hidden camera...lol...apparently someone must have had a camera in classes, a pen, or something and it showed evidence of bullying and unprofessionalism. People pay good, hard-earned money for their education and bullying while learning is unfair. In conclusion, the instructor was terminated.

Hi Destiny'skid, I know how you feel. I also seem to attract bullies in the workforce. I think it's because they take my kindness and quite demeanor for weakness. I was once told by a co-worker that "...a grown woman can't be bullied...". Well, adults bully each other just as school-age children do. I agree with you that as a CNA bullying takes on a whole new dimension. The job is stressful enough without co-workers making it uncomfortable for you. I too work with nurses "managers" who reward bad behavior and seem to be hard on the professional and cordial CNA's. I had a nurse pull me aside last night and tell me that a co-worker complained to her that I don't talk and just come in and start my work. Wow...not even a legitimate complaint and shame on the nurse for wasting her time and mine on such foolishness. This complaining CNA is mean, miserable, thinks she can assign teams to the other CNA's after she picks the residents she wants to work with and scratches the names off of the ones she doesn't want to work with. This particular night she had to work with a resident she did not like and she took it out on me. The nurse seems to be afraid of this CNA and asked me to ask her who she wanted to trade with me. I did...however the CNA got irate and refused to talk with me. I then told the nurse she is in charge so she needs to assign residents to CNA's. I also let her know that I am not there to make friends and in the future please do not pull me aside over a complaint about my quiet personality. I then spoke with the CNA and pretty much told her the same thing I told the nurse. I also informed her that she was wasting her time trying to intimidate me and that she has a personal problem that has nothing to do with me. There were other CNA's at the nurses station so hopefully the other "mean" ones got my message also. The CNA said nothing, rolled her eyes and walked off. I think if people just adhered to their job titles and responsibilities then some conflict can be avoided. In my case if the nurse just assigned residents at the beginning of our shift, instead of letting certain CNA's pick and choose...most problems would not occur. I don't like conflict and you do have to pick your battles, but some people deserve and need to hear that you won't accept their disrespect or won't allow yourself to be an easy bully target for them...misery loves company...but it does not have to be your company.

LadyLeo, I don't know why the majority of co-workers treat new people so rudely and try to intimidate. I experienced what you have at my LTC. I even had CNAs and RNs giving me nasty looks and rolling their eyes. Sadly, I guess it's like initiation...they test you. I find that the CNAs I work with are competitive and for what? I mean...the pay sucks and we pretty much clean up human waste most of the shift. I must say...I have fun with the mean ones I work with...I must admit I am a little cocky when they test me because I have a degree and daytime career...working here is just a way for me to gain a little perspective on the healthcare environment because I want to pursue a second career/degree as an RN. From day one I have had to let bully co-workers know that I am not intimidated by them...I basically don't hold back and keep it professionalism...but I also keep it real...so far most have backed off of me...guess I passed the initiation faze.

LadyLeo, This site is therapeutic...I thought I was one of the few new CNAs' who is beginning to dislike this job. Apparently I am not alone. I've been a 11-7 shift CNA for 4 months. My dislike stems from most of the rude and lazy people I work with and some of the rude and combative residents. I spent or should I say wasted $1400 at my local community college for certification as a CNA/GNA...the program mostly focused on geriatric nursing assistant duties due to the state supposedly needing GNAs'. I make close to minimum wage and to me it's just not worth it. I recently found out that I could have taken this class for free at some places. I came into it with a big heart and wanting to help people and gain experience for my future endeavors as a RN. So far, at the LTC I have learned very little. However, I have learned how to deal with combative and emotional residents. I hear that working in an acute hospital setting is much more rewarding than LTC. I thought the grass was greener on the CNA side, but I am thankful that I have my current daytime career and business management degree...to think I actually complained about my daytime job...what was I thinking!! There's something for everyone and being a CNA is definitely not for me, but I wouldn't have known this if I had not tried it. I am still interested in becoming an RN though...but I don't think you have to be a CNA to be a better nurse.

With sites such as Care.com background checks are done and provided to interested clients when posting caregiver jobs. The idea of working for myself interested me due to numerous patients at my current place of employment requesting my services upon their return home. I work at a LTC/Rehab center. I work in the Rehab unit with mostly geriatric patients who are rehabilitating after surgery. Thank you for your opinion & response.

With sites such as Care.com background checks are done and provided to interested clients when posting caregiver jobs. The idea of working for myself interested me due to numerous patients at my current place of employment requesting my services upon their return home. I work at a LTC/Rehab center. I work in the Rehab unit with mostly geriatric patients who are rehabilitating after surgery.

A GNA is a Geriatric Nursing Assistant.

I think it is therapeutic and I get great advice from others in the profession. As a future RN I feel like this site is preparing me for what's to come in my healthcare career endeavors. This website and its members provide common sense advice from experiences. I recommend this site to my co-workers, especially when they vent, because most say they have never heard of it.

I've recently been thinking about doing home care as a CNA/GNA part-time; not with an agency, but on my own. However, the idea of going to a strangers home to administer care kinda worries me. There is the concern of liability issues and my own safety. I have some experience being self-employed as a military family home childcare provider. I was required to purchase liability insurance. I'm familiar with websites that market caregivers...babysitters, nannies, CNAs, pettsitters, etc. So I suppose marketing my availability would be rather easy. Does anyone have experience being self-employed in the healthcare field?

Thanks for the advice. I have been using your idea of redirecting residents when they become agitated or just plain mean. So far it's working. I can see how being in this profession (or any profession) CNAs have to maintain professionalism, yet take control of situations. I have past childcare experience and remember using the redirection techniques whenever children became agitated. Seems like caring for residents in LTC, whether their alert or not, is similar to working in a childcare environment. I try to remind myself that the residents don't have much control over their health situations anymore, so I guess they often try to gain control by being disrespectful towards staff. I just hate that they often tend to be so mean to the nicer CNAs. Alot of the CNAs I work with are not as nice to residents...they tend to not speak with residents when entering rooms or performing care, and some are so rough when turning residents. Funny thing is...the residents appear to show these type of CNAs respect.

Thank you all very much for your replies and terrific suggestions. I will definitely document any aggressive behavior and report it to the charge nurse. The mean residents and their profanity don't deter me. The alert residents that threaten physical harm are the ones that I am most detered by. All in all, I must say that the majority of the residents are kind, act civilized, and are respectful. I now realize that this experience won't be the last and comes with the job. In the meantime, I will focus on gaining all the experience I can and pursue certifications in EKG and phlebotomy. Hopefully this will increase my chances of working in a hospital. I'm sure hospital settings have difficult patients as well, but I think I could gain more valuable experience for the future.

So I've been a GNA for a couple of months now in a LTC...I went into it with a positive attitude and felt like I was really making a difference in the lives of others. Now reality has hit that not all patients reciprocate professionalism and kindness. Residents with Alzheimers/Dementia have an excuse if they are combative towards staff. However, I recently encountered a young man who called me every profane word he could think of; over his cup not being overflowing with ice. He even went as far as to threaten my safety. I understand that many residents are depressed and angry about their health situations, but taking it out on very kind GNAs is definitely not the answer. I tried to work with him and refill his cup to his specifications, but he still maintained his irate demeanor. I informed the nurse that I did not feel comfortable working with him alone due to my concern for my safety. The other GNA's refused to work with him when the nurse asked, so she was kind enough to be a "witness" whenever I cared for this resident. I'm finding that many residents treat me like a servant and disrespect me. Being new, I know many are trying to push the limits with me. I have let it be known that I'm nice, however, I won't be disrespected while doing my job. Management does not seem to take threats from residents seriously. Another GNA told them since they force her to work with a violent resident...she will call 911 next time and if she is assaulted and injured she will file a worker's comp claim. I only make $10.75 ph and that's definitely not worth putting up with physical threats. This GNA job is part-time and for experience only prior to RN school as a second degree. Any suggestions on how to care for combative residents and keeping yourself safe in the process?

I started working a few weeks ago. Orientation/Training is anywhere from 5 to 10 days depending on your experience. You have a mentor to show you the ropes. Each facility is different, but thus far the residents/patients are awesome and really friendly. My nurse educator is very thorough and seems to take her job seriously. Management is there if you have questions and friendly. The staff (most GNAs, LPNs, RNs) not so much. There are too many examples of negativity to give so I will give two examples. I work nights and one GNA made a comment to my mentor (while I'm standing right there-comment was indirectly about me) that "...it's not fair, other GNA's have been working here longer and want night shift, but they gave it to her." "Her" being me and this GNA is at least in her mid fifties...how immature! I strongly believe you teach people how to treat you, so I spoke with her privately and told her straight out that my work hours are none of her business and if she felt so strongly about it that she should speak with the management. She also will only speak to my mentor and say" ...where is she, I need her...(again "her" being me)." I told her if she needs my assistance with a resident she is to ask me directly. She must be bi-polar because her entire attitude and demeanor was pleasant after I spoke with her...as if nothing happened. Sadly, I anticipated all this behavior before even working here...being a predominantly female profession...it's really not a surprise. During orientation management told new staff...bring your own personality to work, don't try to be like anyone else; stay out of work-related clicks; just come to work...do your job...and go home. The fact that they had to say this speaks volumes. Sorry I had to vent :)

I have finally been hired at a LTC part-time after obtaining my CNA/GNA certification six months ago. I am thankful because most hospitals and nursing homes seem to only hire nursing assistants; with at least 6 mons to 1 yr experience. I had to continuously call, e-mail, and follow-up with HR over a 6 month span to finally get a start state. I chose and was hired to work the 11p-7a shift. However, since I'm a new GNA I am training/working on the 7a-3p shift for 10 days. After only a week of working, I must say I really enjoy caring for others and contributing to making their lives comfortable and happy. However, as I already anticipated...the staff for the most part (Lpns, RNs, and GNAs) are not friendly or helpful whatsoever. But, it's not just the medical field, every job has negative personality types. I feel like I am being initiated by the way co-workers talk to me. I truly believe "you teach people how to treat you". I let it be known as professional as I could that I will not be intimidated and that respect goes both ways. I try to keep my busimess to myself, however sometimes people assume things and treat you accordingly. It's not right, but they do it. Most of the unfriendly (won't say good morning or help when I ask work questions, but like to ask me personal questions) co-workers ask why I chose to be a CNA. I let it be known that I have a BS degree in Business and a full-time job, however I am on my path to a second career as a RN and will a few prereqs left before I pursue my BSN. I explain being a CNA will give me valuable experience. It also does not help that I look like I'm right out of high school, but I'm in my mid 30's. Not saying that younger people should not get respect, but the older co-workers here seem to treat younger newer staff quite harsh. Another young lady who started with me was ask by her GNA mentor, "Do you have an attitude or something?" She ofcourse had no attitude and was just eager to learn from her montor. I can't wait to actually work my night shift because I here the night shift staff at my job are alot nicer.

Hello, Are there any CNA's who can attest to having additional certification in phlebotomy, ECG, IV, etc. as making them more employable in hospitals? As a new CNA/GNA working towards a second degree in Nursing; it's been quite challenging breaking into this field. Most nursing homes want you to have 6 mons to 1 yr of experience. Most hospitals require at least 1 year experinence. My CNA/GNA course mostly emphasized the geriatric part of being a nursing assistant. My practicum was located at a nursing home. After much research, I appears that if i want to get employed in a acute care hospital setting; I need at least a yr experience...even if it's in a nursing home. I also need to get my phlebotomy and ECG certification. I can get these certs at the same college I got my CNA/GNA cert. Apparently this will take a about three months per cert. After reading many blogs from new RN grads, it's equally hard to get employed as a new grad with a BSN. Hopefully, as a new rn grad I will be marketable by having a couple years experience as a CNA/GNA with additional certifications. Fortunately, looks like I'll be starting my first job at a nursing home soon. I enjoy caring for geriatric residents, however I want to get more experience in a hospital environment.

Hi, My background check has taken a month so far...but they said it would take about a week. I am a future Genesis CNA/GNA...at least I hope! I have been dealing with their HR since Feb of this year. Their entire hiring process is puzzling to me. After a couple months of following up with them...I was told to come in for interview. Then another two months went by. Then after I called to follow-up again...I was asked if I was still interested and told they were behind in paperwork and they apologized. I was then told to come in for urine test, bring immunization records, and fill out background check info. (I had already filled this out on-line a few months ago). I know they need employees because they consistently have open houses and even encourage 90-day lettered CNA's and new grads to apply. In conclusion I was told they would call me within a week for orientation...it's been almost a month. This entire nursing assistant experience has been challenging...from dealing with the MBON to get my certification in a timely manner...to the hiring process. I'm trying to start a new career and become a RN...but I must say at this point my enthusiasm is wearing out. At this point I'm looking into becoming a medical or pharmaceutical sales rep...gotta keep options open...since nothing is guaranteed.

Hi, I realize your post is a year old, but I'm a potential employee at Genesis. From your experience...is the Genesis hiring process, background check, etc. unusually long? So far HR does not seem competent...I had to call after three months to follow up after submitting application...then I was scheduled to do a urine test, submit immunization records, and fill out background check info. and the HR representative was three hours late to meet me.

Hello, I took my tests for CNA/GNA Jan of this year with the American Red Cross and passed. In my opinion, the written test was quite easy. I think nerves get the best of most students when it comes to the skills testing. I'm in Maryland and I found the youtube videos helpful, although some videos showed minor differences than what was in my study guide. I suggests not showing the tester that you have any hesitations or doubts...basically even if your unsure of a skill step...show confidence and move through skill at a steady pace.

It is very confusing when you see a position you've applied for closed and then reposted. Especially if you did not recieve an interview prior to the reposting. I've never been a recruiter, so I don't know their candidate selection processes. However, I do think that many times qualified candidates get overlooked because their resumes get lost amongst the hundreds or thousands of other resumes/applications. I suggest you physically go to the places you'd like to work and speak with the DON or whomever is in charge and actually put your resume in their hands. This way you stand out and they can put a face to a name and it shows you are very enthused and proactive about the prospect of working with them. This has worked for me within several different career fields. Good luck:)

As a new CNA...I would never think this behavior would be acceptable...I'm prior military so I'm use to the chain of command and showing proper respect based upon rank. I have a bachelor's in Business and Management. I will be doing an accelerated second-degree BSN program soon. I recently got a chance to use my degree; I was a manager at a previous job and employees did not respect me either. It is hard to balance being nice and making sure job gets done. I found that employees respected the dictator/tyrant-like managers and disrespected the nice ones. I bought lunch for my staff and tried to help them advance and they had absolutely no respect for me and made my job hard. I decided to become strictly professional and dictated what needed to be done...if not done...verbal warning...then write-ups. They only seemed to react appropriately to this type of managing. I think the CNAs' are testing you, jealous, and have problems with any type of authority. Although my personality is sweet, nice, mild-mannered...once I showed authority as a manager...they acted like they respected me...even if deep inside they still resented my authority. Hope things are better for you now:)

I enjoyed your article...you have some good ideas on surviving as a new CNA. I understand wanting to gain a workplace ally or two, however I personally would not give free compliments or gifts to get on their good side. The way I see it, as a new employee I've already been interviewed and hired...I don't have to make co-workers accept me or allow myself to be hazed or initiated by them. I find that workplace bullying exists in every profession. I know of an anesthesiologist who told me how a seasoned orthopedic surgeon bullied him as a new resident. Not constructive criticism or tough training, but bullying and harrassment. So, I guess miserable co-workers are everywhere...misery loves company. If I am a new employee I am friendly and cordial. However, I let it be known from day one that I'm confident, not intimidated, and have a thick skin. I take constructive criticism well, so I can learn as much as possible. I pretty much just clock-in, do my job, mind by business, clock out. It's nice to make friends at work...but ultimately I'm there to work, not make friends. I notice being female and from my experience that some females at the workplace start and keep drama going...I never experience bullying from male co-workers.