brightdays

I did not know that many CNA's did not choose the field, but rather were offered "free" training in exchange for a commitment to work for an employer, for a specified amount of time (some say 2 years). In a poor job economy (depending on where you are), the CNA's will likely be at lesser social advantage than others. They are initially excited at the prospect of the training and employment. The entry level pay is below a living wage, in many states, and at some institutions, the average CNA is responsible for 12 or more patients. Ive seen a population of CNA's at one facility who were just miserable. The management was so strained. These CNA's were considered well off if they had their own barely functioning transportation, and did not live in the local projects. They were required to stick it out, even if they found the job was not a good match for them (when fresh out of training), as they had signed a contract in exchange for this "free" training. Management, without really understanding the dynamic, were finding themselves trying to manage a group of unhappy, impoverished, indentured servants, who were not able to leave due to contract. These CNA's turned on each other, their own management, and did not enjoy their work, which can result in poor patient care. Not one CNA, did I meet, paid for their own training. The good CNA's all left, as they had a luxury to leave ,and find other work. Administration needs to address these issues, not the nurses. Change the CNA/Patient care ratio to a reasonable one, have mandatory drug testing of all employees, annual CORI checks, and "raise the bar" by increasing wages, and requiring at least an associates degree with some experience in the field. If where you work sounds like this, all you can do is get out, and be grateful that you could.