Any RNs/LPNs/CNAs on here?

[erinm]

I am an RN at a Worcester MA. hospital. Hard hard work. I would rather stay home and farm my back yard most of the time. That said, i do enjoy being a nurse also. It has its rewards and its stressors. ErinM

 

[NancyDz]

I say "Go for it!" my best friend of 30 years just graduated in December with her RN degree, she passed her boards 2 weeks ago. She's worked at a hospital for 19 years, has always wanted to do it, started it two other times and life always got in the way somehow. I'm so proud of her to have finished her dream. She's 43 ... I don't think it's too late. In her class at least half the class was over 35, the older students actually did much better . It's a great career choice, there always seems to be a shortage. I think it's a good idea to start the CNA program to kind of get a feel for it and know if you like it before the April deadline. If you can't get in the CNA, try volunteering at
a hospital ... you can at least see the environment. It will be a lot different from your legal background.

Good luck!!!

Nancy

 

[skirbo]

Thanks for the advice guys! Turns out the CNA class starts early March, but still doable. I'm going to the vo-tech school tomorrow to take advantage of their career aptitude tests and counseling.

If anything interesting happens, I'll post about it.

Sarah

 

[sc-chick617]

I am a CNA. I went to our technical college and got a certificate that took 6 months. I worked in a nursing home and loved it but it paid 5.25 an hr... that was 5 years ago. I then worked at our hospital and pay was better but it was 12 hour night shifts and they wanted me to work 6 in a row with Christmas right in the middle. I quit and never worked as a CNA again. That was 4 years ago and since, I have got an associate degree so I could work a 9-5 job. I have been jobless for 4 years because the good jobs for me are an hour to an hour and half away. So now I have gotten my first job in four years that starts next week in a pet store. I am excited.
Anyway I loved the work as a CNA but pay was horrible, if you don't turn patients exactly right, you ruin your back, and you literally clean crap for a living. Also a lot of co-workers I had, were in it for the money and gave the patients little to no respect because they were always mad they weren't paid more. They gave the minimum because their pay was minimum. It is very rewarding though. I worked in alzheimers and I loved the challange they gave me.

Hope this helps!

~Elizabeth

 

[sc-chick617]

Sorry I now have an associate degree in accounting... left that detail out.

But yeah CNA, associate degree in accounting, and I will be working in a pet store because I still can't figure out what I want to do. At least my husband is very supportive.

Elizabeth

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I was a CNA for many years.....until I married my wonderful husband and am a housewife. Would I do it again....*sigh* no, really I wouldn't. I worked myself to death for little pay and honestly couldn't afford to now if I ever had to go back to work. However, the majority of the residents and their families appreciate you (which is the important ones anyway) and quite a few of the nurses do.

I had my nose broken by a male resident (punched in the face) and received a permanent back injury (will eventually require surgery). Many times I worked with with just one other aid...we had 140+ residents. Yes, that is illegal. We had time to start at one end of the building, start wiping rears, make a continuous circle until the shift was over.

It is hard work but someone has to do it.

Good luck with whatever you decide.