What is the best way to put in my two weeks notice?

[FutureDr]

I began working at a LTC facility at the very end of December. Without giving too many details, I no longer feel that I can continue working there. Being a brand new CNA, I simply needed the clinical hours to get my foot in the door.

There was a situation last week, where what I said to a charge nurse was misinterpreted as demanding and rude. This was not my intention, but she reported me to the DON.

Then the very next day, I kind of lost my cool with the charge nurse. Stupid, I know. Basically told her I felt disrespected, and I didn't like her. After that, I was forced to have a sit down with the DON. I told her that I felt targeted by the women, and I admitted to losing my cool due to built up frustrations. I explained the situation, and I sincerely apologized for my behavior, because that's not like me. Then, the DON attacked

my character, insinuating that I am unprofessional and negligent. This really hurt my feelings because I have truly tried to take care of my residents as best as I could. When I asked if I was being fired, they said no. They said they were going to closely audit for the next two weeks.

I am still in my orientation period. Right now, I'm working full time. I would love to change my status to PRN, but if that's not allowed, I'll be forced to quit. I'm miserable, but I want to stick around PRN for the next few months. Does this look better than quitting out right? Who do I need to tell to get my full time status changed?

[Snees46]

Unfortunately Working in a SNF is really hard. I remember getting my CNA and crying every day on the way to work and on the way home during my 90 day orientation/probation period. Our ADON would target people and once she latched on, it was impossible to get out of her hair. I worked mainly weekends so I was able to avoid her altogether until the summer time came round and I started working week days.

Sometimes it is better to stick it out. To truly show them what you are made of. Something I learned was to put my head down and do the best I could, to learn wherever there was an opportunity to make myself a better CNA. I remember there was one hall I HATE working because the LPN over me was so mean. EVERYTHING was wrong. All the time. Anything I did, any room I was in or any resident I cared for, she always found something to get on to me about. Instead of being offended, I would say "thank you, I will make sure it doesn't happen again" and then I would fix it. Eventually she stopped targeting me and realized that I really could do my job.

As much as it stinks, and as hard as it is, its a good lesson to learn. People are always going to try to get to you. Nursing homes really are a pool for drama, but once you prove you are a good CNA, they move on to the next one. But don't let one person turn you off from something that you want to do. There are going to be a million people that will tell you cant do it, when you are a nurse, when you are an FNP and even when you have a Doctorate. I had a teacher tell me I wouldn't make it in Nursing school, and I graduated. You just have to pick yourself back up and show them what you are made of. I take that criticism and use it to fuel my fire to be a better Nurse.

If you feel like you can not work there anymore, for the sake of taking care of your residents then put in your notice. The best way to do it is to go to your DON and be professional. Thank her for the opportunity to work at her facility and so on. It is important not to burn bridges professionally.

I wish you luck. Don't let them get you down. If you're a good CNA, that will shine through.