Which position to accept???

If the second one is what you are most interested in I would go with that one. It takes more than money to be satisfied with a job.

go with your heart. you know what you want to do deep inside.

LTC facilities tend to understaff and you will likely be run to death. CNA turnover is usually heavy and you are constantly covering for vacant positions. There is a lot of lifting, assisting and changing both clothing and bed linens. You will also likely spend a lot of time playing traffic cop, keeping dementia patients out of one anothers' rooms.

In adult mental health patients tend to be self sufficient in terms of ADLs, and you will spend a lot of time interacting one-on-one.

Having worked both (as an RN, I grant you) it would be a no-brainer for me as well - and the money wouldn't be the deciding factor. LTC is heavy physical work, especially for CNAs. Mental health causes you to use your interpersonal skills more, and IMO is more stimulating intellectually.

I was in the exact same position as you. I had one job that was going to pay me more but was 30 minutes from where I lived and the other was 10 minutes from where I live but it was $3 less of a pay and its where I wanted to work. I decided to go with the one that pays less because that is what will make me happy. You don't want to have a job where you wake up everyday wishing it was friday...and its monday. its not about the money all the time. if thats the case then become a doctor!!!

. its not about the money all the time. if thats the case then become a doctor!!!

all doctor's don't go into it for the money either....

:) but I agree with everything else the above poster mentioned!

Not only do I think the second offer could put some experience on your resume, it might even lead to a higher paid long term career.

The first offer looks as if that's the highest a CNA is likely to make. Not only that, but LTC faculties work you to the bone! Or so I've heard.

I vote for offer number two.

:yeah:Thanks to all for the responses! As luck would have it the nurse on my hall tonight worked for the MH facility for 10 years, but got burned out. She said it was a great place to work and learn.

:cheers:

I am currently in a position I know many others on the forum would like to be in. Two seperate jobs offers! Just looking for some insight from the masses.

Offer#1 CNA at LTC facility about 10 minutes from home, 2-10 shift, pay is $13.00 per hour

Offer#2 Mental Health Worker at 24/7 crisis unit, adults only, similar shift, and facility gives you 40 hours of paraprofessional training, facility is about 40 minutes from home, pay is $9.00 per hour

I know this might be a no brainer for some, but the second position is one I've been after for six months. Money....it's really not about the money, but the experience and knowledge that can be gained.

When it rains, it pours!

Reading your post, I think you know the decision. Go with your gut feeling! Sometimes it takes me writing it out to see what my gut says....it's in your words, friend!