Who looks out for them?!

[tlklvn13, CNA]

It's sad when people in the health field have to leave it, just for the pay. Met a CNA of 20 years hard worker(making 13.20), who just was offer a job for Amtrak, I ask her the reason for that, and she said, they offered her more money to start.Also met one who took a job at the Airport, which was paying more than her giving care to someone's love one. Who's looking out for the CNA's? When will their increase go up? SAD:no: Thank for all those who responds.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Pragmatic answer is never. Caring for loved ones is irrelevant as you are essentially talking about unskilled labor.

[macenroe]

Pragmatic answer is never. Caring for loved ones is irrelevant as you are essentially talking about unskilled labor.

Ouch! Unskilled labor? Although I'm sure it wasn't your intention, that comment sounded a little harsh. Being a CNA/CNA-M myself, I take offense to that. Not everyone can physically or emotionally handle the type of work that CNAs do. That is a skill in itself. There is a certain amount of skill involved in simply getting to know each of the residents, and their likes and dislikes. Being able to understand a resident who suffered a stroke, when nobody else can. Being able to connect with a difficult resident to get them to do what needs to be done, without them becoming agitated. Trying different approaches to get the resident to take a bath, eat or whatever else. Taking the time to get to know the folks. All of these things require a skill to some degree. Although these skills may not seem that important to some; to the person that you are caring for, it is very important and does make a difference. We are the "hands-on" people who are usually the first ones that notice problems, or potential problems, with the residents. We are their ears, eyes, and sometimes voice. It's too bad that CNAs don't get the respect that they deserve.

[generalRN2008]

Sadly most others jobs pay more than CNA pay or phlebotomy pay.

[j0yegan]

Ouch! Unskilled labor? Although I'm sure it wasn't your intention, that comment sounded a little harsh. Being a CNA/CNA-M myself, I take offense to that. Not everyone can physically or emotionally handle the type of work that CNAs do. That is a skill in itself. There is a certain amount of skill involved in simply getting to know each of the residents, and their likes and dislikes. Being able to understand a resident who suffered a stroke, when nobody else can. Being able to connect with a difficult resident to get them to do what needs to be done, without them becoming agitated. Trying different approaches to get the resident to take a bath, eat or whatever else. Taking the time to get to know the folks. All of these things require a skill to some degree. Although these skills may not seem that important to some; to the person that you are caring for, it is very important and does make a difference. We are the "hands-on" people who are usually the first ones that notice problems, or potential problems, with the residents. We are their ears, eyes, and sometimes voice. It's too bad that CNAs don't get the respect that they deserve.

"Unskilled labor" as in they don't critically think. Yes, they work hard. But they don't need a degree. They don't need to pass a board exam. They see a high blood pressure, they just report it to the nurse. They see an IV leaking, they just tell the nurse. I understand what the OP was saying. It shouldn't really be taken as an insult.

[macenroe]

I understand what the OP was trying to say, as well. I simply stated that it sounded a bit harsh, even if that wasn't their intention. "Unskilled" sounds like we are brainless and unimportant. I was just saying that skills come in many forms.

[twinkerrs]

I think the OP was meaning more along the lines of unlicensed than "unskilled" some CNAs are far more skilled than I can even begin to thank them for!

I agree it's sad they don't make more but unfortunately with our economy it is going to get worse.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Unskilled as it pertains to the work force has nothing to do with innate intelligence or character. It simply means the job does not require any education beyond high school, if that, and training needs to perform the job are minimal.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Employers will NEVER pay more than they have to. As long as they can continue to employ CNAs for the wages they offer, there will be no change. Same goes for social workers, pre-school teachers, truck drivers, airline pilots, etc. BTW, you may be shocked at how little the commuter airlines pay their pilots.

[macenroe]

Unskilled as it pertains to the work force has nothing to do with innate intelligence or character. It simply means the job does not require any education beyond high school, if that, and training needs to perform the job are minimal.

As I said before, I understand what they were trying to say. I just felt that a better choice of words could have been used.

[SleeepyRN]

I understand what the OP was trying to say as well. I simply stated that it sounded a bit harsh, even if that wasn't their intention. "Unskilled" sounds like we are brainless and unimportant. I was just saying that skills come in many forms.[/quote']

I know my incredible therapeutic listening SKILLS is a skill. I didn't get that from a degree. I'm skilled at calming people down, easing fears, conflict resolution.... Unskilled was just not the right word IMO.

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

I believe the op was comparing one "unskilled" job to the other. I'm sure the amtrak and airport jobs are unskilled too. But I bet they are union. And I bet they do pay more.So of course someone is going to snag those jobs if they can. Heck, I would too, if I knew I could.

I am very glad I work with some great techs who work their buns off. I also did PCT for 6 mos. before I finished my RN. Hats off to those who do that job for a living, cause its a sucky job. Well, then so is nursing and healthcare too , LOL

So where is this Amtrak, and are they still hiring?? :-)