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I quit my CNA job in california with only a few days notice. When I quit, my now former boss started claiming this was patient abandonment because I was not giving enough notice. I was under the impression that patient abandonment was when you leave mid shift because you felt like it with no regard for the patients. My former boss is responsible for staffing and she is not very good at it. I feel like she was using this patient abandonment thing as a scare tactic and it just doesn't feel right. Does anyone else have experience with this "patient abandonment" thing as a CNA leaving a job?
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This guide to the best CNA programs in Miami introduces students to training options that meet Florida's certification standards for nursing assistants. Miami is home to a range of schools and community programs that prepare learners for essential roles in hospitals, long-term care centers, and home health settings. From classroom instruction to supervised clinical hours, each program offers a structured approach to developing core nursing assistant skills. Whether you're finishing high school or changing careers, Miami's CNA programs offer education aligned with local healthcare needs. -
Austin's need for healthcare workers is growing along with its population. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are essential in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers throughout the city, where they support patients with daily care and assist licensed nurses with routine clinical tasks. CNA students often complete training in care settings across neighborhoods like East Riverside, North Lamar, and St. John. Local programs focus on practical skills and are built to help students transition into the workforce efficiently, with options like short-term schedules and evening classes. This guide highlights the top CNA programs in Austin for 2025, including details on training, certification, and what to expect when starting a healthcare career in the city. -
Nashville is one of the South's major healthcare hubs, with a medical industry that spans hospitals, specialty clinics, and long-term care facilities throughout the city. For individuals pursuing Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, it offers a strong combination of job opportunity, diverse clinical settings, and a consistent demand for entry-level healthcare professionals. Students in Nashville often complete clinical hours in locations ranging from large regional hospitals to smaller care homes in neighborhoods like East Nashville, Bellevue, and Antioch. The city's mix of urban healthcare infrastructure and community-based care provides a well-rounded training experience for those entering the field. This guide outlines the top CNA programs available in Nashville, Tennessee, along with essential information on certification requirements, training structure, and what to expect as a student preparing for a career in patient care. -
Imagine you are a nursing student who wants to start accruing healthcare experience now. However, volunteering at a hospital or nursing home might be totally out of the question because you need to be paid for the services that you render. Volunteer experience is valuable in many ways, but let's face it: the unpaid experience will not keep the bill collectors away. If you are a nursing student, you have several employment options at your disposal that will lead to direct or indirect healthcare experience. You can directly apply for entry-level positions as a direct care staff member (also known as a caregiver), dietary aide, hospital housekeeper (also known as environmental services technician), or unit secretary, and hope that you are hired. The aforementioned occupations generally do not require certification and can be learned with on-the-job training. You also have the option of completing a relatively short training program to become either a certified nursing assistant (CNA) or medical assistant (MA). Both training programs can be completed within a matter of months. In addition, the tuition can be relatively inexpensive if you complete the training program at a community college, state-funded technical school, or adult education program. Beware of the for-profit entities that charge $15,000+ for the same CNA or MA training you would be able to obtain at a fraction of the cost elsewhere. CNAs and MAs both provide hands-on patient care, albeit in different types of settings. While MAs are typically found working in clinics, doctors offices, community health centers, and other types of outpatient healthcare settings, CNAs usually secure employment at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and most types of healthcare settings where inpatient care takes place. With very few exceptions, most MAs work typical bankers' hours, which are Monday through Friday during the daylight hours. Some MAs work from 7 to 3:00pm, others work from 9 to 5:00pm, and a few work from 11 to 7:00pm. If you are a student who attends a brick-and-mortar nursing school, the customary working hours of the MA might be problematic because, in most cases, your schooling will be scheduled during the day. Although a handful of nursing schools are progressive enough to offer night programs to accommodate busy working adults with day jobs, the vast majority of schools of nursing have class offerings and clinical rotations strictly during daylight hours. On the other hand, CNAs work various types of schedules. 12-hour shifts are popular at many inpatient healthcare facilities, and some workplaces even offer 16-hour shifts to enable employees to have four or five days off per week. The 8-hour shifts are normally from 7 to 3:00pm, 3 to 11:00pm, and 11 to 7:00am. Many of my classmates worked as CNAs on the 11 to 7:00am shift and attended school during the day. It was hard for these men and women, but they did it. Some students work three 12-hour shifts as CNAs on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays while focusing on school from Monday through Thursday. Personally, I completed a training program to become a medical assistant and was never able to secure employment as a MA. I ended up accepting an entry-level position as a direct care staff member at a group home for developmentally disabled adults. My working hours were from midnight to 8:00am. I later became a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). When I eventually returned to school to become a registered nurse (RN), I worked 16-hour weekend double shifts every Saturday and Sunday as a LVN in a nursing home while using Monday through Friday to attend an RN bridge program full time. In my humble opinion, the CNA role offers the most flexible scheduling for a nursing student who needs to earn money and gain valuable experience while attending school. The MA role is vital to healthcare, but the typical working hours are often too inflexible for many nursing students. Feel free to read Non-CNA Jobs You Can Work While You're A Student
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Night shift is the most challenging time to work be it any profession. Since we are going against the routine procedure, our body is not made for, experiencing certain health problems is natural once you start working in the night shift. As we are working during the time when our body and mind need the rest, we are doing the opposite. Even nursing aides working in healthcare sectors are not untouched with the problem faced while working in odd shifts. They have to deal with several types of problems besides fatigue. As you have joined the nursing profession, you must first know the following challenges while working in the night shift. Most of the problems in the nursing field is due to the staff shortage across the United States. That is why each nurse aide has to cater her services to minimum ten to fifteen patients. On the top of it, the situation each patient in the facility is experiencing is different. Some might be having a problem associated with dementia,while others may need assistance in incontinence. Then there may be some who have the habit of taking a shower before going to the bed.Handling people with such different types of issues all alone in a shift is a tedious task. Though death has no particular time or appointment, mostly, it occurs during the time when the rest of the world is sleeping. Death at night shift in various healthcare facilities has been confirmed through a survey. Night shift CNAs are the first to know that the patient has expired or is about to give up his or her fight against the death. When somebody dies, nurse aides have to remove all the equipments used in keeping the deceased alive. It is their duty to perform the after-death care and send the body to the morgue and inform the relatives. Another challenge is documenting the stock of supplies and sanitizing equipments. Nursing aides have to clean the wheelchairs, bed linens,help patients put on new clothing, and bathe them. Further, it is also necessary that the patient does not sleep in the same position to develop bedsores. Nursing aides have to change the position in the bed without disturbing or breaking patient's sleep. Here are the tips to handle these night shift challengesThe staffing problem can be managed if you are in good terms with other CNAs. As soon as you are debriefed by the outgoing nurse aide,try to sort out tasks starting with the most urgent. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance if the you need it. Since nursing patients is a team work, your colleagues will offer help if they are less burdened than you. If you are showing your concern for the comfort, safety and faster recovery of patients, getting help is easier. Since you have done your best to extend the lives of clients under your care, you should not be affected emotionally when the inevitable happens. When a patient dies, honor her or him by performing the after-death care. You may also need to console the relatives, and help them embrace the truth with a strong heart. Instead of lamenting over the fact, and take it to the heart, try communicating with co-workers. Get charged and make a promise to yourself that you will not allow any more death during your shift. This will motivate you to keep going. Keep the cleaning and documenting work when you have completed with activities like bathing, feeding, changing the soiled linens and patients' uniforms. Try to use the maximum of the shift time by organizing the equipment to be cleaned at one place. When patients are fast asleep, you will get enough time to handle these chores. These are the challenges and tips to handle them while working in the night shift. If you manage your time and have planned properly, you can also have your breaks and chat with your co-workers in the spare time. No doubt, you will have problems working in night shift during the first few months. However, once you are accustomed to the routine, the shift will become enjoyable.
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Though I may not consider myself as highly experienced certified nursing assistant, but my three-years of working have taught me a lot about the other side of this occupation. In this short span of career, I have faced many problems. Maybe, there are some more to come for me to handle it. For now, just out of the sense of camaraderie, I though about sharing my experiences on problems I faced initially, and how I got over it. Any new job be it first or the last is always exciting, and it comes with a lot of skepticism. You are excited and raring to go as well as nervous thinking how the new staff would treat you, or whether you would beable to cope with the work environment or not. And when the job is ofan entry-level like the nursing aide, lots of emotions creep into the mind. As a certified nursing assistant, you will start facing problems that stem out of sheer competition among equal rank positions. Your colleague, though holding same designation and pay will try to treat you as a junior, even if he or she might have joined just a couple of months before you. To keep with the self-esteem of being senior, the fellow workers may start poking their nose in everything you do, or try to kill your confidence. There are several problems you will face at daily work environment. The most common ishorizontal violence or bullying. These terms are related to any displeasing behaviors mete out to one colleague by another. This could be insulting or criticizing you in presence of a patient. This unprofessional act is easily recognizable. Bullying can also be indirect in cases where you are not counted or included in any teamwork. What I did to handle these odd conducts against me was to increase the level of communication with the staff. I tried to build up relationships with other nurses. Whenever any nurse dropped in wearing a beautiful dress, I appreciate it. I used to set reminders on my cell phone about the important dates of people working with me such as birthdays, anniversaries, and other small events. When the day arrived, even though I had a share in the staff contribution, I still used to present them with a separate gift. Slowly, the people started recognizing me because nothing bridges the gap better than gifts. Second in the list of problems you will face will come through the higher level. Though you may never have direct contacts with the nurses grabbing a higher position on the hierarchy of the setting, sometimes they will try to find in you a scapegoat so that they can impose any of their failureon you without any second thought. The problem can cost your job. To prepare for such incidence, you must make a few good and trusted friends among your staff who can boldly testify for you. These are just few ofthe common problems CNA has to face on the job. The severity, frequency and reasons may vary though. To stand clean and tall, I will suggest you to create an identity of your own with your nature.Try to share problems of fellow workers they are going through in their personal lives. If you are able to offer even a single solution that can work for them, you will surely make a place in their heart.
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One in eight Americans is currently over the age of 65. The number is expected to skyrocket! The Administration on Aging predicts that by 2030, there will be twice as many older people as there were in 2000-over 72 million "senior citizens." That will mean 1 out of 5 people! As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the need for CNAs to help care for them will increase. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2014-2024 growth rate for CNA jobs is 18%, much faster than the 7% for most other occupations. Because people live longer, even with chronic conditions and lifestyle-related problems such as obesity and diabetes, they are going to need your assistance and good communication skills for years to come. No matter where you work, you are likely to encounter elderly patients and residents every day. They require a different approach and communication style from younger clients. Here are 8 tips to make your interactions more effective and enjoyable:Accept the fact that elderly people need more timeThey process information more slowly and require extra time to answer questions. Don't rush them or try to finish their sentences. Yes, you are busy, but older people are slower in several ways, including speech. Give them the appreciation and time they deserve. Avoid distractions by moving to a quiet placeChoose a spot away from a common sitting area or the clatter of the dining room. Turn off the television or radio. It will be easier for the resident to hear if there is no noise, especially if they have a hearing loss. Get the resident's attention before you start to talkAddress them by name and use good eye contact. Make sure there is good lighting so they can watch your face and expression. Don't stand above them; put yourself at the same level so it's easy for them to see you. Speak clearly and a little slower than normalYou may need to speak a little louder, but don't shout. Use simple sentences and ask questions that are answered with a yes or no. Tell them what you'd like to discuss, so they have a frame of reference. Say something like, "I want to ask you about..." or "Can you tell me...?" You may need to repeat yourselfOften the resident will nod, even if they don't understand. Ask them to tell you what was said. If they didn't understand, repeat the statement or question. You may also have to rephrase, or say it in a different way. Stick with one topic at a timeEven though you and your friends are able to chat easily about several subjects at a time, elderly people can become confused when the conversation skips around. Offer choices when possibleIt's empowering to be able to decide for oneself. Ask, "Do you want to wear the blue sweater or the red shirt?" or "Do you want to shower before lunch or after you eat?" Allow them tell you which they prefer. Let them reminisceMany older people have poor short-term memory, but can happily tell you stories from their childhood. It isn't easy to find time during a hectic day, but one of the best things you can offer your residents is your attention. As a CNA, you'll likely have patients or residents with hearing loss.Even if they wear a hearing aid, it can be difficult for them to understand you because a hearing aid amplifies all sounds, including background noise. A few pointers for the hearing impaired: Be sure they can see you when you speak. They don't need to be a lip-reading expert to recognize words by the shape of your mouth. But don't exaggerate words; this distorts the mouth.Don't mumble, chew gum, or cover your mouth.Use facial expressions, non-verbal cues, and gestures to get your message across. You may both have a laugh as you display your acting skills.If more than one person is present, talk one at a time. Include the resident in the conversation, too.Be patient and know that they want to understand and be involved. Their intelligence hasn't changed, so keep including them as much as possible.For CNAs who work in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and memory units, residents with dementia and Alzheimer's disease require additional communication techniques. While many of these are useful for all elderly people, they are necessary when caring for someone with a brain disorder. Maintain a positive attitude, including a pleasant tone of voice and facial expression. Residents with dementia respond the the feelings you convey more than the actual words.Use the resident's name each time you speak with them. Identify yourself, as well. Also use the proper names for people, places, and objects; avoid saying he, she, it, or they so that the resident can understand.Visual aids should go with your words. When giving a resident a choice, show them the two options. Also, point where objects should go or where you want the resident to sit.Give directions one step at a time. Keep them simple and praise the resident for their accomplishments. Offer gentle reminders of tasks and assist as needed.If the resident's words make no sense, pay attention to non-verbal cues and the emotions behind what's being said. It's fine to suggest words or phrases.Humans are social creatures and need to communicate at every age.Just as we adapt our style to talk to a baby, we need to do it for our elderly patients and residents, too. When we're able to give others an appropriate way to communicate, we also giving them the respect that they deserve.
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I arrive on the floor at 1858 and quickly head to my sitter case after meeting the charge to find what room to head to. Whenever I go into a shift knowing that I will be a sitter I anticipate one of two things happening: the patient is either going to sleep the entire time or have an altered mental status and make the night very difficult. Unfortunately, it was not the former. The patient had recently attempted suicide. So, I start getting report: q4 vitals, diabetic, came from CCU, not combative, fall risk, ambulation with one person. I had it all in my head: I got this; the patient will be okay to work with. I was in for a surprise. The patient, though, was already asleep. They had some form of antianxiolytic, and I was not just about to wake them. So, an hour ticks by gradually. I am startled as the patient wakes up abruptly and claws over two rails out of the bed. The catheter is now on the floor following them as they ambulate to the bathroom without me standing behind them. As I assess their gate, I find them unsteady. The patient sways from one side to the other, looking like they were going to fall imminently. I rush to their side, and say, "Hi I am ...., do you know you have a catheter in?" "Yes, I want to sit on the toilet". "Okay, I am going to need to assist you up out of bed so that you won't fall; do not get up on your own." "No, I am fine!" The patient is having a bowel movement, and I thought I would be a nice companion and get them some wash rags so they can wipe. The patient is already up walking around by themselves by the time I am back by their side. They are yelling, "I need a pair of pants". I calmly inform them, "You need to sit down, and I will get someone to grab you a pair since I can't leave your side" (they were out in the hall). The patient, ignoring my words, while I walk right behind them falls to their right side. I am on the left but am nowhere close enough to help them fall to the floor in an easy manner. By the time the nurse arrives, I have already got the patient back in bed. We get a fresh set of vitals, with nothing too bad. Sometimes you realize with mentally unstable people, you must be over them like a hawk. There is a likely chance the person won't comply with much you say. Therapeutic communication and patience are the two best things to always remember. In the year that I have been a CNA, I have yet for one person to fall when I am by their side. No nurse, tech, or doctor can ever think they have enough "experience" that something will happen when you least expect it. So, the patient is back in bed, and I am back in business being extra careful and on my toes. Even with another dose of antianxylotic medication at 001, the patient remains restless in bed. Here is the 15-minute routine, patient would turn on his left side, right side, sit up to go to the bathroom (forget about the catheter), I tell him we just went 15 minutes ago, and he would get up anyway. So after we had been between the bathroom 5 times in an hour, 3 pairs of pants (all soaked from incontinent stool), I am peeved. What is going on? So, the patient continues to tell the nurse when she does two-hour rounds, "I am not in pain". It was far from true: the patient keeps repeating "Oh God, f this, f that". No sir, you definitely are in pain, and not sleeping through the night. Finally, 500 rolls around, the patient finally admits to the nurse, "I have been in pain all night". So, with some Tylenol, the patient is sleeping soundly by 700 (the time I leave of course!). If there are signs that the patient is hiding the pain, it is pertinent to let the nurse know. I wish I would have connected the dots much earlier to why the patient was so restless. It surely wasn't just because "he has altered mental status". Watching those patient signs is key! Another piece of the puzzle was the patient constantly taking off his oxygen. Me, being the companion, repeatedly kept putting it back on. This back and forth cycle I fought with all night! But, the patient's oxygen dropped into low 80's. I had no choice! The patient had much congestion, and I tried to figure out how I could help with all those secretions going on. The nurse ended up ordering a respiratory therapist to come up and do a nebulizer treatment. Soon, I was to find out though, it does not do any good to give someone that type of treatment unless the patient has a narrowed airway. The RT told me that nurses often just order the treatment "because they think it helps". She told me, all the patient needs to do is use their cough reflex to get those secretions out. Then came my aahaa moment! Why wasn't I trying to use that incentive spirometer with the patient all night? We could have worked on expanding the lungs and getting rid of those secretions! I began to see the bigger picture of care. Despite what the patient didn't want to do, the healthcare's role is to push someone to do the thing that will "make them better" regardless of how they feel. We need to get them out of the hospital stat! Regardless of all the good and bad of the night, every healthcare provider plays a vital role in the patient's well being. To all my patient companions, mad props to all the hard work you must do 75 percent of the time. Dealing with mentally ill people is a very taxing task. It involves repeated therapeutic communication, dealing with combative behavior, sitting in one area hours on end, and dealing with people who will not listen to a lick of what you say. CNA's, your role may feel hopeless at times because of everything you must do, but you play one of THE most vital roles to each patient. You will spend at least equivalent of what the nurse must spend with each resident each day. Your role keeps skin from breaking down, makes walking to and from the bathroom a safe thing, and keeps nurses on their toes about that blood pressure of 200/90. The patient's very well-being lies partially in your hands each shift. Of course, all my murses and nurses are definitely the biggest importance to the team, but you got to give a shout out to the whole team. Often the CNA's and Companions are overlooked, but their roles are the rock to a solid facility foundation. Their level of care, what to report, safety, and overall critical thinking will make or break each day. *names have been changed/removed
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0630 Leave the house, stop for coffee sing along to the radio praying today is going to be a good day. 0645 Punch in, put stuff in locker, pick up my list with 9 patients on it, put a phone in my pocket and start making rounds. 0646 The overnight Charge nurse spots me, "Oh! Good, you're here! I just put 213 on the commode, can you make sure you get them off when they ring"? The aid from nights asks for help getting 216 out of bed. (MAX x2, CVA, flaccid on the right). 0647 The patient in 216 also needs their pants put on, and has soiled their brief. We change the patient, put his pants on and get him up to the side of the bed. While we're transferring him, my phone rings, but I can't answer it. 0653 I Leave 216, and 213 is ringing, the secretary is yelling down the hall to tell me she's trying to call me to tell me 213 needs to get off the commode. The nurse for 212 spots me, and informs me the pt needs to have a bowl movement. I head to 213, a one person transfer. I get her off the commode and set her up at the sink to get washed up. 0658 The CNA from nights has report for me, she got two patients up and dressed, one of them is the patient from 216. 217 fell during the night, he is banged up but nothing is broken. 0700 I head into 214, to let him know breakfast is in an hour. "This is rehab, Mr. Smith. It's part of your therapy to get up and eat at a table", I say when he tells me he thinks he will sleep in today. He has PT at 0900, anyways. I look at the board in his room, it tells me that he is a max x2, and he needs help with all of his basic needs. He weighs about 250 lbs, and has no sitting balance. I start getting him washed, and give him the cloth so he can do his face while I check on 213. 0710 The pt in 213 is really angry that she's been sitting at the sink for 30 minutes. (I'm not allowed to correct her, I just have to say I'm sorry) I help her with the rest of her washing and dressing and set her up in front of the TV until it's time to take her to the dining room at 0800. By the time we're through, she's smiling again and wondering what's for breakfast. 0725 I go back to 214 and finish getting him washed and dressed in the bed. He needs a lot of help, and it hurts my back to help him roll over, but we get it done. I try to find someone to help me get him into the wheelchair, but there isn't anyone. I help him sit up, using my weight to keep him upright, while I put the gait belt around his waist. He knows the drill. "OK, ready Mr. Smith? ON the count of three, 1...2...3...., I hoist him up and scoot him over to his chair. Get him set up, he's grinning at me because he knows he gets to try mechanical soft today, which means real scrambled eggs. 0738 I finally make it to 212, who already put herself on the commode. Thank god, she didn't fall. I hate doing this, but I hand her a washcloth and tell her to wash up a bit while she's on the commode. I pick clothes out for her and get her dressed while she's pooping, poor lady. When I transfer her to her wheelchair, all I have to do is pull up her pants and she's dressed. I set her up in front of the mirror to do her makeup and promise to come back to help her with her hair. 0745 I'm sweating now, and my feet already ache from yesterday. 215 is a min assist, but needs a lot of cuing. I'm not allowed to leave her while shes on the toilet, so we do the same routine I did with 212. 0754 I fly back to 212 and help her fix her hair before scooting her to the dining room. She complains that she's early, breakfast isn't until 0800! 0755 I run to 214 and take him to the dining room for breakfast, followed by 215 and 213. The nurse took 217 for me, and 216 is in the hallway wheeling himself, except with only one working arm, he isn't getting very far. I scoot him along and park him at his table. 0805 I get to 221, who is a min assist with a TBI. He never remembers me, but I've been taking care of him for 2 weeks. He keeps yelling out words in German, and I have to ask him to tell me in English. He walks pretty well, but his gait is off. He doesn't like it when I help him, but I have to because he isn't steady. It takes me 10 minutes to talk him into getting out of the bed and into the wheelchair, so I can set him up for breakfast. He doesn't go to the dining room, because he disturbs the other patients. I get his tray, and set him up to eat. 0825 I rush to 220, who is NPO for a procedure, but has to get a shower and is a max x2 and a double amputee. I get the slide board and flag down a nurse. We get her on to the wheelchair, and wheel her into the shower. Getting into the shower is harder, because we're going uphill, but we get it done. The nurse hurries out to finish her med pass and I thank her. 220 is safe to be alone once she's set up, so I get her going, make sure she has the call light and head back to 221, I have to convince him to put clothes on. 0840 I go back to 220, and hand her towels to dry off after her shower. I call the nurse to help me get her into her chair, and I help her get her top dressed. We have to get her back into the bed so her dressing can be changed, I stay and help the nurse do the dressing change and hold the patients hand, she's afraid it will hurt. 0855 I start taking patients back from the dining room who didn't go directly to PT. 212 wants to use the restroom and 215 wants to go back to bed until his therapy at 10. I comply with both requests. 0910 With 215 back in the bed, I go to get 212 off the commode. Then I start making her bed and tiding up her room. 0910-1010 I go from room to room, stripping and re-making beds. Most of my patients are in therapy. 1010 Therapy calls, why is 215 in bed, I need to get him up. 1020 I have 215 up, and 220 needs to get up and use the rest room. Her procedure is over and she can have a tray now, I help her order it. 1030 My TBI in 221 threw his coffee, I have to convince him to let me help him change his clothes. It takes me 30 minutes and I'm only able to get a new shirt on him. He decides he has to go to the bathroom though, and then I am able to change his pants. He tried to hit me a couple times, but I managed to duck. The nurse makes sure I know I shouldn't be in there alone, but there isn't always someone else to go in with me. 1100 I take the patient in 212 to the restroom, she didn't make it and is so embarrassed that she soiled her underpants. I tell her don't worry, it happens and share an embarrassing story of my own. I promise it will be our secret. It's not her fault she can't just jump up and use the bathroom when she wants, besides these nurses love to hand out the laxatives! ? 1115 I take 213 to the bathroom, and he begs me to let him lay down for 30 minutes. I give in, I know he's tired from his morning therapy session. 1130 My patient in 220 is done with her meal, and wants to go back to bed, I convince her to stay up to digest her food. 1130 Someone laid 214 down, so I get him up, lunch is in 30 minutes. 1135 I really need to pee, and I'm exhausted. I grab a quick snack and eat it while I am peeing. 1140 The nurse needs a stool sample on 213, I think I might cry. I make sure to write it down, so I can collect it next time they go. 1142 I sit down to start charting my morning events, but someone calls for the restroom. 1150 I start getting everyone into the dining room, and I stay there until 1300 helping everyone eat and making sure they have what they need. 1300 My patents all want to go back to their rooms, one by one I give them rides and promise to come back to check on them. 1315-1400 I go from room to room, laying everyone down and/or toileting them. 1400-1430 I get 30 minutes to eat and rest my feet. Hooray! 1430 The doctor is here, and wants to check someone's incision. I help get them back to bed. The nurse tells me we're getting an admission. 1445 I get the room set up for the admission, gathering everything they're going to need. 1500 The new admission is here, a new CVA with R sided weakness and aphasia. She looks so scared. I help her get settled into the bed and tell her about our routine. I take her vitals, and get a weight on her. She looks like she hasn't had a shower in weeks, so I give her a good bed bath and shes' smelling nice and fresh by the time her family arrives. 1545 I start making rounds again, more toileting and up/down from afternoon naps. My feet and back are screaming. 1630 Dinner is in 30 minutes, I make sure everyone is up, a few of them always manage to get someone to help them lay down after therapy. 1700 Finished getting everyone up, and into the dining room for dinner. Pass their trays, and repeat the Lunch process. 1800 I start wheeling patients back to their rooms. Most are asking to get dressed for bed, I promise to come back when everyone is out of the dining room. 1810 I start making rounds, getting everyone into night clothes and into bed. 1910 I spot night shift, I think I might kiss them. We make rounds and I say goodnight to my patients. I'll be back in the morning, I tell them. 1925 I finally can finish my charting and punch out. See ya in 11.5 hours!
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Money is integral to our quality of life. Sorry, but a fake smile is not going to keep a roof over our heads, a pat on the back will not pay the past due electric bill, and a hug isn't going keep us fed and clothed. We all want, need and love to be compensated appropriately for the very important work that we do. Unofficial wage surveys are tremendously helpful because: They empower workers by providing information on the wages that our peers earn.They address aspects that strongly impact wages such as geographic differences, specialties, and cost of living.They allow people from around the country to disclose their earnings with a certain measure of anonymity. This is useful because many workplaces have policies and procedures that disallow any public discussion regarding pay rates, so respondents are more likely to disclose what they earn if they feel they will not be reprimanded for doing so.The millions of hard-working people across the country who belong to the allied healthcare community have recently ushered in another new year that is filled with a mixture of boundless potential, endless possibilities and anxious uncertainties. Nurses aides, medical assistants, patient care technicians, home health aides, and other types of unlicensed assistive personnel are extremely important to the flawless functioning of our healthcare system and to society as a whole. Unfortunately, too many allied healthcare workers are not always paid wages that correspond with their high levels of motivation, professionalism, dedication, thoroughness, multi-tasking capabilities and years of experience. In fact, it might be shocking to discover that some of our peers are not earning a great deal more than the federal minimum wage threshold. If we think about the topic of pay for too long, we might become disillusioned at the realization that the gum-popping cashier at the McDonald's fast food joint earns about the same hourly rate as CNAs in many cities and towns. Many people who deny the importance of wages are simply being dishonest with themselves. Salary is a major factor for the majority of people who figuratively bust their butts and put in exhausting days at work. And even though an allied healthcare worker might take great pride in the work she performs on a day to day basis, she probably would not keep reporting to the workplace if her boss made the following announcement out of the blue: "We are regretfully informing you that the company is no longer issuing pay checks to any employees starting today. From now on, the company will compensate all employees with thumbs up, hugs, warmth, smiles, pats on the back, cookies, platitudes, and recognition for doing an outstanding job." Members who want to contribute to the unofficial wage survey for 2014 should feel free to post their answers with the information in the following orderWhat is your job title (CNA, medical assistant, medication aide, HHA, PCT, PCA)?Where are you located?What is your hourly wage?Are you paid shift differentials?What shift(s) do you usually work?What is your current specialty (rehab, med/surg, ortho, doctors' office, clinic, long term care, psych, home health, hospice, etc.)?How many years of experience do you have?What is your status (full-time, part-time, or casual / per diem / PRN)?Are you a pursuing a career as a nurse (RN or LPN)?
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I am a 50-year old former teacher pursuing a 2nd career. Last Fall semester I applied to an RN program at a community college in the State University of New York (SUNY) system. This particular program had 160 applicants. Only 48 ( Most of my classmates, on the other hand, will be busy with 3, 4, or even 5 classes per semester, as they haven't already completed a college degree and are basically starting from scratch. With relatively a lot of time on my hands I decided I wanted to gain some work experience in acute care. Problem is, hospitals don't hire 50-year old former teachers with no experience in a medical field. At least not for acute care, at least not in New York state. So, a month ago I sat down with a representative of a local CNA course, asked a few questions, forked over $1,600+ out of my own pocket, and just today completed the 4th week of a 5-week (125-hr) CNA course. A week from tomorrow I hope to complete the Prometrics proctored exams and apply for an acute care position at a small regional hospital known for hiring CNAs. Last Saturday was 1 year since I joined this AllNurses group. I had lurked for a few months prior to joining. I have learned an incredible amount re Nursing, far more than any other single source, and have recommended this site to several RNs and prospective RNs. Until now I really haven't had anything to contribute, it has only been take, take, take, and no giving back. But finally I have something I'd like to offer. If you are paying for a CNA course please do yourself a favor: pay for one that your fellow classmates are also paying for themselves, and not one where your classmates' tuition is being paid for by the taxpayer. I am in a class of 13 students. Ten of whom are employees (UAs, Unit Assistants) of a local nursing home and 3 (including me) who are not. The ten are on paid training. So get this: the ten on paid training are not only attending a $1,600 course for free, but they are getting paid $10+ per hour x 125 hours = $1,250+ over a 5 week period. And, like anything else in life, when something is handed out there's little to no appreciation for it. Topics initiated by the ten on paid training in the last 4 weeks during class time: Bieber, Trump, sex (hetero), drugs, sex (transexual), who can hump the mannequins fastest (this one complete with enactment), the cheating boyfriends (boyfriends of the female students and boyfriends of the male students) who gave them gonorrhea, latest tattoos (this one is show-and-tell), how much of the neck can be covered in tattoos until it's actually considered face, and other themes fundamental to the pillars of society. These were just the ones of greater than 20-minute duration. There were others of shorter duration, all Jerry-Springer-worthy. All in all non-CNA related topics have constituted at least 1/2 of our class day. And the three of us who collectively chipped in $4,800+ sit and look at each other in amazement. What about the 4 skills that require documentation? We know we are gonna get one of those on the test, right? Let's hammer those home, huh? And the 6 "Promotion of Health and Function" skills that we are also guaranteed to see one from. Hey, can we talk about them? Or better yet, how 'bout we practice them some more. The instructor is an RN, and means well, but is all too easily persuaded to talk about anything other than boring CNA stuff. That she is leaving for another job next week, and that this is the last CNA course she'll ever teach, doesn't offer much incentive to stem the tide of garbage. Back to "The Ten." They couldn't give a flying, fornicating, fecal fragment whether or not they get through the Prometrics hurdle the first time around. NYS taxpayers are pathetic suckers, 2nd only to Californians. How dare you discriminate between those who pass and those who fail. Don't you know discrimination is bad? Tolerate them and grant them another chance. It's just money. Give them a hand, they won't take an arm, really. (This is why states like Texas are losing their population at an ever alarming rate to states like NY and CA and... er, um, wait, what?) Age is the factor here, right? The Three are older than The Ten, right? Well, I'm old. But the other two are not. They are the same age as The Ten. Education is the factor here, right? Well, I'm educated, but the other two are high school grads, like The Ten. Hospital prospective employees vs nursing home prospective employees? Hmmm... I've given this one a bit of thought. The three of us are, in fact, not interested in nursing home employment. But in the end I'm left with source of payment as the only real variable. As sure as the sun rises in the East and sets in West, it's the source of the funding, and the ensuing appreciation (or lack thereof) that's the only thing at play here. I drive home each day knowing that I'll pass the written portion with flying colors. It's not nearly as difficult as A&P I & II, and Micro. But lately, more and more, I have been up at night trying to memorize the materials needed, and all the sequential steps required, for perineal, and catheter, and dentures, and partial bed-bath, and bedpan, and the other "Personal Care Skills." After all, somebody has got to, and it sure as Hell ain't gonna be The Ten, so might as well be me. And wouldn't it be ironic if "the RN student" you know the idiot who paid for the course out of his own pocket, was the one (or one of the ones) to fail the CNA test? I still can't help to think though, that all that time spent on Jerry Springer rehearsals could have been better spent on CNA stuff. Another 60+ hours on CNA skills could have gone a long way toward easing my concerns. I don't blame The Ten. I can't. I'm an existentialist, so I can only blame me. I blame myself for not asking the question last month, "How many students are paying their own way vs how many have duped the taxpayer into paying for them?" Well, I wouldn't have worded it quite like that. Fiscal conservatives aren't popular in socialist New York. But I'd certainly have searched for a CNA program that consisted primarily of paying students. I blame myself for enrolling in the CNA program nearest my residence, instead of driving up to an hour away for a CNA program funded by the students, not by the taxpayer. I am kicking myself harder and harder each day for not asking the question last month. Don't be me. Ask the question. Get into a program with like-minded people. Don't make the same mistake that I did. And now that you've read the post that I wish I had read a month ago, you have no excuse.
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Should you become a CNA, if you are planning on going to nursing school? Is the experience worth it? Will being a CNA make me a good nurse? As in every aspect in life, the answer is not an all size fits one. The experience is a plus but not completely necessary. Being a CNA before going to school can help you to be more prepared, but you can still be a great nurse without it. There are many things to consider when making this decision. Lifestyle, pay, and location are just some things to think about. I have been a CNA for eight years and these are some of the things I think you should consider before working as a CNA. PROS: The Good News Experience, Experience and Experience I cannot say that enough. You can learn so much by working in the healthcare field. Basic knowledge of first term skills I found that my skills as a CNA were very helpful during the fundamentals of nursing. I had firsthand knowledge of so many things we went over for in Lab. Forming professional connections These connections can be extremely helpful. Coworkers are often used as references, for school or for new jobs. Some CNA's will come out of school with their first nursing job already secured. Plus, I can't tell you how many times, I have asked a nurse to explain something, I had a question about from school. Financial assistance (some facilities will help pay for school) This is a great resource if your place of employment offers it. My hospital has tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs. ( Plus, my employer pays for my BLS certification) Patient interaction before your first clinical I am so comfortable talking to patients and their family members. I am also used to having physical contact with patients; Helping someone to the chair, bathing, feeding, and helping with other ADL's (activities of daily living) Making a difference in someone's life This career can be very personally rewarding. For those of us who thrive on helping others, my work is beyond fulfilling. It might actually help you get into a nursing program Two programs I applied to actually gave me points for every year I worked as a CNA (there was a cap for that category). CONS: The Bad News It is hard on the body Depending on the unit/location the work can be incredibly physical. An 8 or 12-hour shift can take a lot out of you. I started working in my early 20's and even then it was hard on my body. To say it takes a good pair of shoes is an understatement. But don't forget those good shoes will cost you a pretty penny! While we are on money let's talk about salary! Pay To be honest the area of the country I work in does not pay CNA's that well. At least for what all you do on a daily basis. The amount of physical a mental exhaustion might not be worth it to everyone. Most places do offer shift differential for nights and weekends. Time to study You really need to have great time management skills to get in enough study time. The last thing you want to do after working a 12-hour shift is to stay up and study. If you have kids, you can feel guilty, taking the time to study. There might be times when you have been working the last two days, and you haven't even shared a meal with them. I talk from personal experience on that one. One great option is taking a PRN position with low hour requirements. So that might be something to look for if you are interested, but do not want to be tied down to a set schedule. I did a more of an in-depth video on my feelings on this subject down below. Feel free to check it out. I would love to know other opinions on this subject. Please let me know if you found this helpful. You can visit my channel here Rachel The Bookworm....
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I had posted this on a different thread here, so sorry for the repeat, but hoping maybe it might get some replies in this thread. I tried searching, but there weren't any recent threads on this topic. I am currently on a two-year waitlist for my local community college's ADN program and retaking some prereqs from my first experience with nursing school over 10 years ago. While I'm currently employed as an academic support coach for an online college program, I'm not very fulfilled by this. I'm trying to stay in this job for as long as possible because it pays pretty well and I have a fairly large sum of debt that I'm trying to get as much paid off as possible before starting nursing school. With the fact that I'm not happy with my current position (love the students I help, just not all the policies I have to stick to and that I'm not more hands-on helping), I'm considering my original plan of becoming a CNA and doing that sooner than I had originally intended to do right before starting the nursing program so I could work part-time as a CNA while in nursing school. Recently, I thought it would be very interesting to be an EMT and from what I can tell from job postings, they seem to get paid a bit more in my area and have a wider variety of places that I can work. The CNA program would definitely be faster, but as I had gone through CNA training before nursing school the first time around and I've spent a large portion of my adult life caring for adults and children with developmental disabilities, I think I have enough experience in the patient care side of things that I would like some more technical skills and to improve my confidence in acting quickly in medical situations. The downside to an EMT program is it's longer, but I think in the long run it feels more appealing to me. Any advice on which would be more helpful for my future ability to get into working at a hospital?
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FYI I am a VERY new nurse. When signing up there wasn’t an option for starting my nursing career in 2020. I would appreciate input on an issue that is impacting my ability to function as a nurse. For context I used to be a CNA and I understand how hard the job is. I was regularly told by nursing staff that I was very good at my job, and other shifts would try to poach me to their shift (haha). I know you have to move fast and efficiently, and that it can be very draining. I am now a nurse. Training was brief and inconsistent and I feel like I am still getting my bearings. I have up to 20 patients a shift. Very needy. Lots of behaviors. VERY heavy medication passes. The CNA’s I am paired with are always nowhere to be found. I genuinely feel like I am doing total patient care for all of my patients. I ask for vitals (when I am stupid busy and CAN’T do them myself) from the CNA’s, I never get them and do them myself. I am constantly having to go find the CNA’s (on their phones, chatting, in the kitchen, etc) and let them know they have call lights on, so-and-so needs to go to bed, etcetera. I am answering 80% of the call lights. Toileting, putting people to bed, etcetera. I just CANNOT FOR THE LIFE OF ME ever find the CNA’s paired with me. I know these are all things that are within my scope of practice, but they significantly impact my ability to act as a nurse. I can do a CNA’s job but they can’t do mine. I’ve talked to them about this and feel like I receive a lot of attitude and push back. I explain that I really need to focus on getting my “nursing flow” down, and constantly doing “their job” (sorry!), really impacts that. If I don’t get a flow down then I can’t expand and help where needed, and my shift will be chaos. I just get “so?”, “ugh, well I’m busy too!” , and other dismissive snide comments. I lost an hour of my med pass once because I did a patient’s entire bedtime routine because they said they didn’t like their CNA, and when I asked another CNA for assistance with this persons cares they gave me a snide “OK? So what?” And didn’t assist at all. Soooo I did it all on my own. I don’t want to be overbearing or rude to the CNA’s I work with. But I am genuinely lost as how to motivate them to do their jobs (?)
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Well something unfortunate happened...I am both an LVN and CNA at different jobs. I was at my CNA job when an RN asked me to check a B/S, I did it without even thinking twice (because I do it all the time at my other job) Someone saw and reported it. Am I fired ? What are your thoughts? Thanks
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What are CNAs? Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are the backbone of long-term care. They are the eyes and ears of the nurse and fill a critical part of the care continuum that you may not think about often enough. According to Rasmussen College, CNA is a broadly based term for a group of healthcare professionals that may or may not be "certified.” However, in skilled-nursing facilities or home health agencies that receive Medicare monies, they are always certified. The terms used for these professionals may also vary from state to state and include registered nursing assistants or RNA and state-tested and approved nursing assistants or STNA. CNA Responsibilities CNAs complete basic care tasks that include bathing, feeding, and moving or repositioning patients. Most CNAs work in long-term care nursing settings such as skilled nursing, long-term care, and assisted living facilities. They may also work in home health agencies and hospice. Not only do CNAs assist with activities of daily living, but they provide companionship, patient advocacy, and observe and report any changes in the patient's condition during care. CNAs Desire and Deserve Respect I've worked closely with and supervised CNAs for the better part of my twenty-plus year nursing career. During this time, I've heard countless nursing assistants report that many nurses don't respect them as much as they would like to be respected or even view them as a vital part of the nursing team. This is an issue that I've strived to change in every role I've held, including staff nurse, nurse manager, director, and now as a manager of a company that trains and places nursing assistants into jobs. How Nurses Can Collaborate With CNAs I often talk to nursing assistants about ways to work more collaboratively with nurses. However, I think it is important for nurses to understand how we can collaborate more effectively with nursing assistants too. Here are five ways every nurse can strive to support CNAs in their long-term care role. Be a Mentor We often think of mentorship as something that only happens between peers. However, when I think about my career, I can identify physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals who mentored me at different times. Nurses should actively look for ways to provide mentorship to nursing assistants. When a new CNA begins on the unit, be sure to introduce yourself and let them know your interest in being a resource for them. You can also offer to meet with them weekly or monthly just to check in on how they are doing and if there are any questions they may have that you can answer. Letting your nursing assistants know from the beginning that they can ask you for help will set up a solid and collaborative work relationship. Teach the Importance of the Care Plan Nurses know the importance of the care plan and use it daily. But, have you ever sat down to explain it's importance to the CNAs who care for your patients or residents? Take a little time to teach new CNAs to your unit how to use the care plan to ensure that they are providing the right care to each patient. Spending time with them may also help them to feel comfortable with asking other questions or just having an open conversation. Answer Their Questions Let's be honest, all nurses are short on time and those in long-term care are certainly no different. Plan out a little time each shift to connect with newer CNAs and answer any questions they might have. You can start by simply being as available as possible to help with simple transfers or to take a look at a resident's skin during pericare or a bed bath. Being present or helping provide care gives you a chance to observe the CNA, do a thorough assessment, and build a strong working relationship with the staff. Be Kind Nursing is stressful. It's easy to feel overwhelmed when thinking about all of the tasks you must complete in an eight or twelve-hour shift. Feelings of stress and anxiety can often manifest themselves in being short or snippy when someone needs your help or asks a question that you think they should already know the answer. These are the times when you should take a little time to be kind. Kindness isn't always our first reaction to some situations. However, the more you flex your kindness muscle, the more natural it will become. A few ways you can show kindness to a CNA include: Take a lunch or break with the new CNA Give them a hand before they ask for help Offer to teach them a new skill or one they need to improve upon Give a compliment when they least expect it Show gratitude by saying thanks or writing a note or kudos Give Constructive Feedback It isn't always comfortable to give feedback. However, it's part of a healthy and progressive work environment. As a nurse, you must learn to give and receive feedback with honesty, humility, and compassion. Providing constructive and usable feedback to CNAs is an essential part of your job, but it may not come naturally to you at first. A few tips for giving constructive feedback to the CNAs you work with include: Focus on the behavior, not the person. Always provide positive and negative feedback together Give specific examples of areas of improvement Help create a learning plan that has goals and target dates Long-term care nurses could never survive without the help and support of CNAs. So, then next time you see one of your favorite CNAs, let them know how much you appreciate them and try out of one of these ways to offer your support. Do you have other examples of ways nurses can be supportive of CNAs? If so, leave a comment below!
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Hello, I am the staff development coordinator in a SNF and I am preparing to host a skills fair for our CNAs. I am trying to come up with ideas to make it engaging so they have fun. I want a station on skin breakdown (in order to emphasize repos, lotioning etc) but I am having a hard time coming up with an associated activity. Does anyone have experiments, demonstrations etc that could help? Or do you think an info board with gnarly pressure wounds is enough? Looking forward to your ideas! Also, if you have any other input regarding a skills fair I would love to hear it!
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I am a Certified Med Tech as well as a CNA. I perform all of the duties of a LPN with the exception of inserting/removing catheters. Nursing home LPN's for the most part have disappointed me as a nursing student. As a CNA I have worked 3 consecutive 16-hour shifts on a lockdown unit with 19 incontinent male, behavioral residents. The LPN did not change anyone, did not feed any of the 3 feeders, did not shower any of the 6 residents per day, did not perform vitals on the 9 patients... I did it all alone. She did nothing other than chart and pass medications once per shift, and sit at the nursing station cackling on her phone. Well, according to the state of ARIZONA, these are ALL not only within a nurses scope of practice but their responsibility. A CNA is an ASSISTANT. He/She is to ASSIST the nurse with personal care, most nurses for some reason seem to think that these tasks are beneath them or not in their scope and responsibility. With the current shortages, and even more post COVID, imagine no CNA or PCT... Think about that the next time you sit at the nurses station while your CNA works their butt off. Think about if the industry went back to pre CNA era and you had to do it ALL. Answer a light. Pass water. Change a brief. I'm done. I will not go back to facility for a bunch of ungrateful nurses who spent way too much money on fig scrubs and are afraid of a little poop. I will laugh hysterically as they go to social media crying about being understaffed. For the way most of them have abused CNA's and neglected patients, they deserve to work alone. My heart aches for the residents that are stuck with these entitled, lazy people.
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I admittedly have anxiety and struggle with respirations. One night my respirations were 21 and I kept counting until it reached 24. I told my nurse in case she wanted to verify. I don’t think she actually counted but I can’t prove it. I asked her were things okay she said “yes you can just put 22” I charted 22 and said “nurse reported “. Is this okay ? What IF she didn’t count. Was I wrong to write her answer down and then leave the note that this number is the number the nurse gave me?
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I’m a CNA. I only have hospital experience (Tele-Step Down) but have been away from the hospital since 2019. I decided I want to go back into healthcare and applied to a nursing/rehab facility with a big sign on bonus. I’m freaking out because my orientation is on Monday and I’m already having all sorts of awful feelings about this. So much has happened in healthcare since I’ve been away and hearing about people losing their licenses has me afraid to go back. My goal is to apply to nursing school sometime next year. I thought getting back into the field would be a good start. How do you all manage to cover your butt in a nursing home facility? Should I tell the facility that I’ve declined the offer? I have no long term experience and I’m terrified! A part of me thinks it could be a good learning experience but the other part has my stomach in knots and says run…
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Hi all! I have a quandary I need help to think through. I just finished up my first semester of nursing school. I have a break in between my semesters and I am in the process of getting my CNA license( which can't happen until transcripts are released and then I go take my test and get my license). In the meantime A few of my instructors have mentioned the local Phlebotomy course offered( every Saturday for a few months) as a potential course I could take and beef up my resume when applying for jobs in the summer while I finish nursing school. MY question is: is this something worth pursuing? a phlebotomy license? I live in California btw and I really want to get employed in a hospital setting while I finish up school( not working is not an option for me). Fellow nurses and nursing students and potential nurses help me out here, is this a good avenue to pursue? Thank you all!
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I am a CNA who works in a LTC facility. Nursing is the only job I've ever wanted to have and I have been straight A's in all my pre-nursing courses. I started my first job as a CNA three months ago and I was super excited, but now I am feeling really discouraged. I work graveyard shifts, meaning that I am alone in my facility for half of my 10 hour shift. The residents like me, but I can't seem to go a shift without messing up. I am so exhausted by the end of my shift, I always seem to forget to do something, like forget to weigh someone or forget to put a cream on someone ect. I feel horrible about it. This isn't the caregiver that I want to be. I know I can't be perfect, but I feel that I should be better than this. On top of this, one resident that I am in charge of has a very stubborn personality. We don't have any lifts in the facility and I absolutely cannot lift him on my own if he refuses to get up (I have to bring him downstairs to get food because of blood sugar problems). I'm often in trouble because I can't get him to do what he needs to do, but no amount of being assertive will make him do anything. What's more frustrating is I can say the same things that my boss tells me to say, but he will only respond to workers he likes. When I run into problems at work, I am usually left to figure it out for myself. I know nursing is a hard job, and I'm not a quitter, but I'm questioning whether or not I am right for the clients.
