Unsure about being a CNA after clinical experience

[roxannetruck]

So, I'm in a bit of a predicament.

I decided to take a summer CNA course because I'm interested in becoming a nurse practitioner, and wanted experience with working with patients/in the healthcare field. I'm currently getting my bachelors degree in a subject other than nursing, and plan on enrolling in master's direct entry programs after receiving my bachelors. I really enjoyed the classroom portion and simulation lab skills, but I am having extreme doubt after the first two days of clinicals.

It's like the textbook was thrown out the window. The nursing home we are at doesn't follow standard protocol at all. Apparently, the state came 4 times within the past month for infractions. There are barely enough CNA's to take care of the residents (only 4 to take care of 40 people on the floor) and I feel so unprofessional and unprepared. I could go on about how unsanitary and uncompassionate the staff is, but I think you guys get the picture.

While being a student nurse, doctor in residency, physical therapy student, etc. you are never left alone with a patient to do a procedure. I'm so appalled that that is the norm when training to be a CNA. I feel extremely uncomfortable and taken for granted by the staff that is there.

To summarise, the experience from even my first two days of clinicals are making me question if taking the state test and working as a CNA is worth it at all. I feel like I wasted money taking the class, and I feel turned off from working in any facility.

I'm posting on here because I know there are numerous people who have worked as CNAs prior or during nursing school or do this as their full-time job. Should I still follow through with doing the state test? Are there better facilities out there? Is it possible to get hired at a hospital/urgent care clinic/doctor's office? Is it worth the emotional stress? How do I find these better jobs? Also: any advice for making it through my clinical?

Thank you for any feedback/advice/support. It means a lot.

[Sour Lemon]

You find better jobs with experience and good references. As a new CNA, you're not likely to have a lot of choices and a nursing home is most likely where you'll end up. Doctors' offices and urgent care clinics typically utilize MAs.

[UnbreakableOne]

So sorry you are seeing the realistic world of being a CNA (in the LTC setting at least)!!! I started out as a CNA in a nursing home and needless to say it was horrible! But I stayed a year and told myself this is only temporary as I know what I wanted to do with my career. There are many other areas to work as a CNA. I now work in a hospital which is great but you still will have times when you are short staffed and over worked, even in the hospital setting. It just gets easier with time and experience and you learn what to expect and how to deal with issues as they arise. I'm not going to tell you to stick it out, but don't throw in the towel yet. Look into a hospital position or maybe even home health! Good luck to you!

[Wiggly Litchi]

10 patient load? Where do I sign up? haha

I've had as high as 16 before; granted, they weren't all total-cares, but still required a lot of my time which is totally coolbeans.

As Sour said - the first year is the worst, really... you're going to need at least a year under your belt before you can move to other places such as hospitals.

Do the state test, get your certification, and after that start applying. Apply everywhere, even the hospitals! You might even be able to get a nice spot at an ortho clinic or something.

Don't let one bad facility break you down, there's plenty more that can do that (Kidding!!), but seriously - get your certification and rock it like the awesome CNA I know you're going to be.

[Missingyou, CNA]

Ten patients to one CNA is the minimum in long term care! I typically have at least 11 plus I help my hallmate with her 2 assists, which would mean I really have at least 16, with most of them being total or near total care & at least 2 being combative most of the time.

Since you are already overwhelmed with the idea of working in a long term care facility, and its unlikely you will find work in a doctor's office I'd say your best bet would be homecare. You don't exactly get to use all your skills as a CNA but it's an option.

I think we have all felt overwhelmed when we first started In a LTC. There is CNA textbook, & then there is the real world. With such a workload, you have to-do what it takes. Some nursing homes are better than others, some CNAs are better, more compassionate than others.

[Missingyou, CNA]

Btw, keep in mind, generally hospitals require CNAs to have at least six months of long term care, nursing home experience. Of course it depends on the demand in your area. The logic is that with 6 months of long term care you will have learned organization & time management skills.

[rroossii]

Hi All,

I just graduated with my MPH and plan to apply to accelerated MSN programs as soon as I finish my pre-reqs. I have research experience as a research assistant in public health and currently I am a research specialist working full time managing clinical trials at my university's School of Nursing (I've only had this job for 2 months and my contract is 1 year). While I do interact with participants, I would not say this can count as clinical experience. So far, I have none and was planning on volunteering at a local clinic. However, as I was researching volunteer opportunities I came across a job opening as a health care specialist which would give me a lot of introductory clinical experience. While I think working as a research specialist is wonderful for developing management skills, I'm wondering how useful it will be for my future career as a nurse practitioner. I don't want to quit my job now but if it is better in the long run to get that clinical experience then it is an option I am wiling to consider. Please let me know which is more valuable-- management-level research experience or beginning level clinical experience? Thank you!