Category: Question of the Week

Question:
I’ve been working at the nursing home for 3 months now. More than a few of the CNAs working here are long term staff and the nurse depends upon them to get things done. I’m never asked to take on special projects or tasks. I really like this job and want to be part of the team but I believe I’m not offered the chance simply because I’m new. I’ve never called out or been late. I haven’t heard any complaints about my work. Is it too soon to ask the nurse to seek me out for more duties? I don’t think she values me.

Answer:
Good question and not one we hear too often! Many CNAs don’t stay employed long enough at nursing homes to be considered reliable staff. So those that do are indeed a valuable asset to the nurses. You say you’ve worked for this facility for 3 months now; how long have the others been employed? That might give you an idea of what the nurse considers to be “seasoned” staff. And that’s what it comes down to: The nurse knows the other aides well; she knows their skill level and quality of work; she knows when she can push them to do more and when she should NOT push them (but probably has regardless)! To begin, I would ask the nurse if she needs any help with anything at those times you have a free minute. If you hear discussions about a sick resident, offer to check vital signs- no matter who the resident is assigned to. Pick up any slack on the other CNA’s part. Offer to take on more residents to your assignment when necessary. Just show that you can handle the extra workload- AND importantly, get it all done in a timely manner. You don’t need to brag about this. Your work will speak for itself. As you grow in your job, nurses and others will take notice. Never complain! Don’t try to undermine the other aides either. Remember you’re all working as a team. Good Luck!

Question:
I have worked at the same nursing home for 3 years now. Initially the administrator and Nurse Director were a solid team of leaders. Then one day, they were gone! They got fired because of a poorly cited federal survey. That happened in the first three months of my employment. Since then, it’s been nothing but change, change and more change! An administrator is brought in and stays for 6 months and leaves. A nurse director gets hired and lasts maybe 3 to 4 months. More than one director has resigned within their first two weeks. It seems that whoever owns the facility can’t keep a management team in place. The turnover is incredible and there is not a good place to work. I am, the staff with the longest employment. There is no teamwork because people are not together long enough to form a team. Nurses, aides, kitchen workers all come and go through a revolving door that is never closed! SHOULD I STAY at this place?

Answer:
I’m amazed that you have stayed here for 3 years given all the turnover you describe. For that, you probably deserve an award.

I’ve seen situations where nurses and aides feel obligated to continue working for a poorly managed facility because of the residents. They do so in spite of their personal dislike of a facility management team or their low pay and/or poor benefits. While this is admirable, we should really make sure we’re doing the right thing for ourselves.
When it comes to decisions about employment, I always like to make a list of PROs and CONs: side by side. Write down what you like about your current employment.

• Is the facility right in your local area so travel/transportation is not a problem?
• Is the pay good, or so good you hate to give it up?
• Are the benefits top notch? (I suspect not but could be wrong)
• Since there is no management, how to you feel supported at this job?
• Do you work with lots of agency, PRN nurses and aides?
• Do you have any relationships with peers that are worth keeping a job over?

There is something that is keeping you here…you need to seriously look at what that is and decide if it a legitimate reason for you to stay. I get the sense that you want to leave but are not sure you should. I wonder if you’re feeling some guilt about the residents and how staffing patterns effect them.

My advice would be to draw up that list and think it over for a week. You have to know what else is out there for employment. Have you worked for other nursing homes? Do you have friends in other places who are content? Are you willing and able to travel to a facility further away if needed? How about working for an agency? What are the options for you, if you were to leave?

One last thing: Personally, I would find out the name of the person who owns the facility and write them a letter; expressing how the lack of management is effecting this nursing home, it’s residents, the quality of care, etc. YOU have nothing to lose but a lot to gain IF that person really cares.

Question:
I’m a new CNA and cannot find a job anywhere! I’ve applied at nursing homes, doctors offices and hospitals. Either they’re not hiring or they want a CNA with experience. How do I get experience if I can’t get a job? HELP!

 

 

Answer:
It can be catch 22 situation for sure. It has little to do with the current state of the economy as well; I’ve been asked this question for 20 years now. Nurses sometimes have the same problems with gaining employment. My advice is to apply to work at an assisted living home- they usually don’t require CNA’s but it won’t hurt to be one. Another option might be to apply to nursing homes and hospitals as a housekeeper or dietary worker….don’t snub your nose at this! Once you get your foot in the door, opportunities are bound to come along much faster. Just about every health care facility prefers to promote from within; this saves tons of money on training, benefits and the like. I started my nursing career in the kitchen of the local hospital…from there I went to the Med Surg floor and then onward to another facility. It was good experience to. Working outside the nursing department can give one an objective view of the work involved. Hang in there. It might take you several months to land the job you want. Keep applying; keep sending resumes and keep in touch with hiring managers. Be persistent but not pesky. Be polite and patient. Good luck!