Two cna job offers!!! Which one????

caliotter3 · Jul 2, 2010

I am glad I don't have your decision to make. Any way you could accept one and go part time with the other? What a decision!!!

netglow, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2010

Lets see... if you think you will go on to nursing and have interest in cardiology do that... learn to run, mark, and read a strip etc. Find a nice nurse or card MD (little tougher to find). It is said that if you can do a tele/step-down as an RN well... doors will open too. You will have great flexibility some day if you want to move around... cath lab... PACU... outpt GI...(when you are ready to get off the floor some day).

ishootu · Jul 2, 2010

I am a CNA on a Med/Onc unit with a max load of 11, usually we're at 8 or 9 though. My advice is a little bit biased, but I love love love my job. I was very apprehensive of the emotional nature of a med/onc unit, but I love getting to know the families and the patients. Often towards the end of life, their stays are longer, or more frequent, and we really bond with them. It makes it very hard once they pass, but it is so rewarding when the family expresses their gratitude.

Strictly speaking on a schedule, straight nights would be much easier for me than swing/rotating. Even if I act like a zombie, at least I could get into a routine.

juliaann · Jul 2, 2010

Speaking as a cardio geek, I say go cardiology.

10-12 patients is a huge difference from 16. Even though the split shifts will be a pain, I would definitely go for the better ratios. And it sounds like they're really into education and advancement at the cardiology place, which is huge if that's an interest to you.

I've been really fortunate to work with some amazing cardiologists and CV nurses, and it's really been the best experience ever. My cardiologists are a little high-strung, but they're fiercely loyal and they treat people with respect and defend everyone in our department, from nurses to housekeeping, whenever needed. They also are always willing to take time to explain things and teach even in the middle (or more accurately, once the patient is stable...sometimes the middle) of a cath or cardioversion or code, because they know I'm actually interested and will absorb it all like a sponge and sincerely want to know. They're always trying to get me to go to med school, haha, but I'd rather be an awesome CV nurse, like the ones I work with.

Cardiology makes my little world go round.

birdcage · Jul 2, 2010

Cardiology unit sounds best to me except for the hours. Do you think your body and mind are capable of of the day/night rotation? That can be rough. I imagine you will be very happy at either one, so keep that in mind, too.

And I think it's awesome that you have this dilemma. Congrats! Let us know what you chose.

klone, MSN, RN · Jul 2, 2010

I would personally take the second one, only because oncology sounds more interesting to me than cardiology. Good luck, either way!

6mostogo · Jul 2, 2010

Depends ... are you a nursing student? Do you have previous CNA experience? I would lean toward the med/onc job myself. I've worked split shifts, and i would not want to get into that again! Straight nights would leave days open for school, and once you adjust really working nights isnt too bad. The pt load will be higher, but you wont be doing baths, meals, all the busy days stuff. Yet trust me they wont be sleeping, so you'll still get plenty of experience with pt interaction. So i wouldn't be put off by the pt/staff ratio. Also, onc/med floor, means not only oncology but overflow from other med/surg units, so you will get to see all sorts of things. Cardiac floor... a learning experience if you want to be learning about that specialty in depth, but from a CNA perspective... a lot of chest pain, in for 24 observation, self care.... not exciting stuff. Especially if it isnt an interest of yours.

JDZ344 · Jul 2, 2010

I would personally take number 1. I do day/night rotation, it really isn't so bad after a while! And the patient load is better- 16 is a LOT! I can just about keep 12 straight!

I say- go with your heart! Are you having a strong feeling either way? If you are, follow it!

hearts895, RN BSN · Jul 2, 2010

I'd say Cardiology, but I'm biased, as I love the cardiac unit and I'm hopefully going to be receiving a offer for CNA position on cardiac myself. That being said, the 2nd one is a good option because its a well respected hospital. I'd say, think long and hard at where you want to be in 5 years. Are you a nursing student looking to gain experience? Do you have a preference? Are you looking to get into a more intensive area of nursing eventually? If you are, analyze which one is more involved with high acuity pts. Would you like a more relaxing job? Do some homework if you can on the hospital w/ the cardiac job. Would you find it emotionally tough to deal with oncology everyday (I know I would). I think that making a good pro & con list based on the answers to q.'s like these would be helpful. No matter what, congratulations on two wonderful job offers! Thats a great accomplishment in itself! Good luck :)

pielęgniarka, RN · Jul 2, 2010

Yes, congrats on having two wonderful job offers! Having spent a lot of time on a heme/oncology floor I would have to go with cardiology. Oncology tugs at the heartstrings a little too much. Just my opinion.

mejajo08 · Jul 19, 2010

Well I chose the cardiology job, in the end i just could not go with the medical/oncology job, they were gonna knock me down to a cna I (i am cna II) a slight decrease in pay, and more patients, ..... Wish me luck with my new gig!!