Should I apply at a nursing home that was recently negatively reviewed?

Bird2 · Oct 19, 2005

Short background: I will be starting nursing school next year, but in the meantime I want to work as a CNA. I've been looking for nursing homes in the area that will train and certify on site, and I have compiled a short list of facilities in my area that do this.
While reviewing my list today and preparing driving directions so that I can go out and fill out some applications, I was using google, and I came across an article about one of the places on my list. The kitchen area had some critical violations and got a really low score. It seems like this is a red flag. Should I take this facility off my list?

Any facility can have something go wrong. The important thing is did they fix it. I would apply, ask for a tour, and ask the pertinent questions at that time. Then you can make an informed decision.

SFCardiacRN · Oct 20, 2005

Hospitals use CNAs. I would try that route instead.

Sandi0302 · Oct 26, 2005

I agree with the previous poster: Go the hospital route, especially if you can get into the ER. I worked in an ER before becoming an LPN, and it was great experience. I'm now in RN school, and I think working in the hospital gave me the know how I needed. Good luck to you.

NeverQuit · Dec 11, 2005

Short background: I will be starting nursing school next year, but in the meantime I want to work as a CNA. I've been looking for nursing homes in the area that will train and certify on site, and I have compiled a short list of facilities in my area that do this.
While reviewing my list today and preparing driving directions so that I can go out and fill out some applications, I was using google, and I came across an article about one of the places on my list. The kitchen area had some critical violations and got a really low score. It seems like this is a red flag. Should I take this facility off my list?

This original post was awhile ago, but I felt I had to reply.

I am working as a CNA to get through nursing school.

True, hospital work is great and you have a chance to learn more of you want to be a nurse.

But working with the elderly is a truly rewarding experience, and if you have your heart set on it, do it. But, I would advise against working at places

that are significantly below par. The things people will do or not do will cause you disillusionment. And worse yet, it's likely you won't be able to help the situation. In addition, if its your first CNA job and you don't hold

a certification, you could end up learning practices that are unsafe or unsanitary. When I got my first job I remember coming back home saying the place I had went to was so horrible I never wanted to go back, paycheck or not. People not wearing gloves, no handwashing happening,

disrespectful treatment of the residents, and no one seemed to care unless state was there.....

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 11, 2005

I'd take into consideration what specifically the low scores were for, and decide from there.

Shell5 · Dec 18, 2005

Be sure and look at all the scores, not just dietary. I do agree with a previous poster who said go to a hospital first. You will learn a lot from a hospital, especially one that is a teaching hospital. You will learn from others and you want to get a firm foundation. Most nursing homes have the bare minimum staff and are doing the bare minimum to get by with daily care. This is a fact. You need to make sure you take care of your needs first. Good luck.:)