Question

Well, I discovered that being a CNA in a nursing home was not for me. It was not the pristine situation presented in the textbooks, and it was hard work. I did it for two years. I felt that the residents were mistreated, and I would go home aching all over. Almost as soon as I started working as a CNA, I took additional courses in phlebotomy and medical assisting and that was more of my fortay, so to speak. Eventually, about two years later, I was hired at a hospital as a patient care technician in psych and then, got upgraded to a patient care associate working in a clinic. That was better for me. I also worked at an agency that used to send medical assistants to different places to draw blood or work in clinics. I enjoyed that, but it wasn't consistent enough for me. I think it is about finding your niche.

I decided I did not want to work in LTC so I got hired on by a hospital where I work med surg and ICU. I could not be a CNA for my entire life. It's ok for some but not for me. The pay is ridiculus. It's a thankless job.

I do like my job on med surg but I LOVE when I work ICU. I love having 1:1 care. I get to know the patient very well and family members also. I know her/his dislikes, I get life stories. ICU is where I really shine.