I'm Back!

Just got the letter yesterday that I'm going back to Nursing school in the fall. A packet came in the mail with a list of hoops that I'll need to jump through; you know, physical, TB test (failed), state background checks, and a new one, the requirement that I pass a math test to get in. I wonder, didn't I pass 14 of 14 math tests just recently?

Oh well, as we all know, college is mostly about jumping through administration's hoop, anyway. I'm just glad I'm going back!

Namaste'

Disappointment

Well the job is over @ WHHR. A number of things caused this, but hard work WASN'T one of them. When I was hired, I asked what the patient/CNA ratio was. The person I asked was obviously surprised by this, and stated 12:1. I have seen that only on 1 day. Mostly, its 14 or even 16 to 1, and my last day there, it was 18:1. And they wonder why they constantly turn over staff and why they have so many calloffs. Mostly, I like the residents, and they were not only nice to me, but were gracious, and thanked me often for helping them. WHat a shame the management can't get their act together.

So far so good....

It's been 3 of 4 orientation days now, and it's not been too bad. It's really the same type of work I was doing @ HVB, but these patients are here for longer. Most of the CNA's know the patient's needs and preferences by heart, and that's something I'll need to get, but I can't complain. But, as I learned from the last employer, sometimes things change. we'll see...

Namaste'

Back to it......

Well, today I start orienting at my new job at a local long-term care facility. As usual, I enter this with a bit of trepidation, due to not knowing exactly what to expect. Some good things, though; at a paperwork session I had to attend yesterday, I found that one of the RN's at the facility is the mom of one of my Nursing school classmates, and on top of that he works there too! At least I'll already know someone there. But, I regress, I'm still a bit nervous over the whole thing and I see some reasons that it may not be all peaches & cream (or as much as described to me). My experience tells me that:
1. HR people are not always as truthful as possible. Let's be honest here, no-one's gonna tell you the bad stuff.
2. Unfortunately, people in healthcare tend to burn out and become bitter & angry.
3. I have yet to meet my direct supervisor, and I'm a little concerned that I've been there 5 times already & this hasn't occurred.
4. This particular facility has been owned by at least 3 different corporations prior to the current one, and all have failed miserably.
5. Being the new guy means you get treated poorly by some.

But, I'll do my best to make a good impression, and maybe it'll all be for the best. But if nothing else, I intend to relieve as much suffering as I can, and hopefully get out with my sanity intact.


Namaste'

Working again

Funny, I get my CNA certification, and exactly 1 week later I get a job. Nice to know I can still get a job in this economy.

Namaste'

A reminder

Since not much is going on in the way of nursing, I have been trying to take care of life stuff and trying to be mindful, compassionate, and follow the Dharma. My wife & I were getting our taxes done last night, and I was reminded about compassion by of all people, my tax preparer. Her daughter is currently in Nursing school, and a story was told to me about how much the young lady enjoyed Nursing, and how she believes that she was meant to be a nurse. I know this feeling. I have felt this way pretty much from day 1 of clinicals. I do truly enjoy helping people, and even though the pay would be nice, that's not my motivation. It's all about the patients.
Even when I was employed as a aide, I really did enjoy providing for my patient's needs.

I just wish that I had discovered this some years ago.

Namaste'

Just in case....

Now, don't get me wrong, I expect to graduate from school, pass NCLEX and become a nurse. But, I have been around the block enough times to know that sometimes things happen that are not in one's control. So, as a backup, I decided to be certified as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). As with most other aspects of healthcare, you have to learn to jump through hoops to do anything. Such as getting the American Red Cross chapter in Harrisburg to not only accept my application to take the test, but to accept payment as well. It seems that unlike most organizations in this country, they do not accept personal checks. So, it took 4 tries to finally get my exam date, which is April Fool's Day. (I wonder what exactly to think of that) And I will have to count on being downtown for most of the day, which will cost at least $15 for parking. The test itself should be no big deal, since I learned all of that in 1st year of nursing school, and did that for HVHS for 6 months. Now, I wonder if this will all be worth it.
We'll see.......

Namaste'