Fanie_Mae

I am a new CNA and I have been interviewing for a CNA position at two different places...place #1, I would REALLY love to work at. This is my first choice. They pay well, have great benefits, and I really enjoyed my job shadow. I felt that the interview went extremely well and they are currently (as of yesterday) running my background check and reference checks. Place #2, I like it but its 3rd shift, which I don't necessarily want... and its a very small home, so I feel there would be no room for growth. I would be transferring back and forth between 2 of their sites in order to get full time hours. And I kind of got the feeling that I would be doing more housekeeping than anything. This place pays $2 - $3 less per hour than the other place... and no benefits. Currently I am unemployed and need something soon. Place #2 called and offered me the position at 9pm last night and want me to start tonight. Should I call place #1 and ask where I stand with the position? But I also don't want to seem pushy. I don't want to accept #2 and be offered #1 a few days later.... What should I do in this situation?

I've gone through the interview process and did a job shadow on Friday. They called me this morning and said they're doing my background and reference check... does anyone know how long these take? I assume that it depends on whether people answer their phones.... But I'm desperate to get started working!

it depends on your school... You have to have a minimum of x amount of hours. Some will allow you to make up the hours. I was able to miss 2 days but those hours had to be made up with hours in the nursing lab or extra course work/essay work outside of the lab. It was a pretty big PITA.

okay... so I had an interview on Monday at a place that I REALLY liked. Its close to home, amaaazing benefits, HUGE facility, but I'm not sure what the starting pay is... but I felt like the interview went REALLY well. They said that I should hear back from them within a week. Well, today I interviewed at a small 20 bed facility. Its really nice and I think I would enjoy working there.... but it starts at 9.50 an hour and would be 3rd shift, which I'm not crazy about. Also, I would have to get my CBRF certification within 90 days and they reimburse you after you're employed there for a year. She offered me the job but before I "accept", she wants me to job shadow for a few hours tomorrow morning. What would you do? I NEED a job. Quickly.... so a jobs a job, right? I should take whatever I'm offered. If place #1 comes and offers me a position, I'm taking it but what if I accept the offer from place #2 tomorrow and then tomorrow afternoon, place #1 calls? Someone tell me what to do!

Thanks! Thats what I was thinking but wanted to be sure...

This is more or less what my cover letter and resume look like.... Because I had no healthcare work history, I kept it very simple and just put the name of my past employers with the dates that I worked there. Most places wouldn't even consider my application or look at my resume until I passed my certification test though.... Hope this helps! Good Luck!! I am applying to express my interest in the position of Certified Nursing Assistant at Such n Such Nursing. Although I have no work history in healthcare, with effective patient care skills and hands on experience during clinical training, I am confident in my capability to deliver the best services and compassionate care to patients. I also feel that Such n Such Nursing would be a valuable employer to myself while I continue to follow my dream of becoming an RN. I feel that I am a strong candidate for this position. I am highly skilled in assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, feeding, ambulating, and toileting of patients. I demonstrate ability to take vitals and assist with other day to day tasks efficiently. I am confident that with my training and yearning to learn, I would be nothing less than an asset to your facility. I am a hardworking individual who is focussed on safe and efficient patient care. I am available for any shift, any day of the week. My resume is enclosed to highlight skills and abilities gained from my education and clinical experience. I am confident that these skills are what you are seeking in a Nursing Assistant. I look forward to hearing from you. I can be reached at (555) 555 - 5555 or via email at _________. Thank you for your consideration of my application for the CNA position at Such n Such Nursing Home. Sincerely, Molly M. Hatchet Molly Hatchet101 MainStreetChicago, IL 55555(555) 555-5555[COLOR=#1155cc]email address here Objective To obtain a Certified Nursing Assistant position where I can utilize the education and training that I have received through my classes at________ and the hands on training I received during my clinicals. Strengths Caring and compassionate Detail oriented and self motivated Demonstrates a consistent and positive attitude Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills Education Chicago Community College CNA course - January 24, 2013 - May 16, 2013 Clinicals were completed through CCC at Such n Such Nursing Home Completed the course with a 96% State certification was completed and passed (You could put State Certification to be taken 07/15/2013) Registry #_________ Clinical Experience and Skills Provide cares in assisted daily living Maintain medical asepsis and clean technique Apply mobility aids as well as restraint alternatives Efficient in taking TPRs Thorough understanding of providing personal hygiene for patients Capable of managing bowel and bladder Maintain intake & output Work Experience

SO.... I just got my certification last week, had interview #1 on Weds and thought that I really liked the place. They pay really well and its also the place that I did my clinicals and I REALLY wanted the job. BUT today I interviewed at a different place (#2) and even though they don't pay as much, they have EXCELLENT benefits and are a huge facility with tons of room for growth. PLUS they have a pontoon boat that you can rent! WOOT! Now I think I'd rather have this job even though it doesn't pay nearly as much, it kind of evens out. I think the interview went quite a bit better than interview #1. They said that I should hear back from them within a week... here is my question, the interviewers didn't give me a card or anything with their email addresses and never told me last names, just introduced themselves as "Mary" and "Kathy". How do I send a thank you to them? Should I call human resources and ask for their last names or an email address? Should I send a "thank you" card in care of Mary in Human Resources?

I haven't been in your specific situation but I do agree that there is a fine line there..... Maybe you're looking at it the wrong way. I think we associate that way of talking with children because we see it more often. Everyone has kids and we see it day in and day out. Speaking slowly, with a kind tone isn't just they way we speak to children but the way you would speak to anyone who has a hard time understanding or hearing. I mean, I imagine that no one is trying to get them to "open wide for the airplane". Just use your grown up voice and when you find that they are having trouble comprehending... soften it up and slow it down a bit. You don't have to talk to them like toddlers...You want them to feel respected but you also want them to feel cared for. I don't know how well I answered the question but... eh thats my take on it. Hope it helps!

Definitely not kidding yourself! Its never ever too late to follow your dreams!! I'm 28 and just started... I just got my CNA and am working on prereqs. There were students much older than myself in my CNA class who were working on getting their RN. Just know its a little harder when you're older.... not so much the course work, but nursing school is a lot of work... its not easy to work and find the time to go to school and do all the necessary studying. Its hard work but definitely worth it in the end!

That thought scares me! I hope they get this figured out! I would definitely contact the manufacturing company just to be sure of specifics but under no circumstances is it safe to have a resident in the air on a sit to stand.

I completely agree with loriangel14. I'm assuming a sit to stand is the same as an EZ Stand... if thats the case, then yes, you're doing it wrong. The straps should go under the arms and around the belly. There should also be a strap to go around the calf of the legs so they can't "step off" and hurt themselves. But....if the resident is completely non weight bearing, then they should definitely be in a hoyer.

oops!

Our examiners talked through our entire written test... mine walked out of the room when I was doing my hand washing skill... but the other one seemed pretty tough on the other test takers. We had a piece of wood to use as our "call light" and used pillow cases as wash cloths. What scares me the most is that there are classes taught at the facility where I took my test. EEK!

wow, I didn't have to have most of that for my class... but you should be able to go like a nursing/scrub/uniform store or medical supply store and they usually have that stuff.... as far as quality vs price... I say you get what you pay for... We were taught how to use them but aren't tested on BP in Wisconsin so we didn't have to purchase those things. I imagine that your future employer won't require you to bring your own cuff... so I don't think I would spend TOO much on it. As for a gait belt, you can get that at the same place BUT check out thrift shops. For some reason a lot of people in my class were able to find them at thrift stores. Just a tip... look for a bigger one. Not all of your residents and fellow students will be small and you'll want to be able to get it around them!

Thanks, I really hope I get this one! Its #1 on my list!