Should a nurse aide start off working in a hospital, or nursing home?

Ok, it took me a long time to actually sign up for a cna class becuase I've always been intimidated by state. I feel like no matter how good of a worker I am, these people can get my job taken away from me. Anyway, Intimidation has always been a factor for me, and sometimes dictates my response to certain situations. I am trying to step outside my comfort zone and really live. I love helping people, and it's my passion. So, I want to work in the hospital, but I was kind of afraid of the different personalities. I figured in a nursing home, you would know what to expect from the clients ( in most cases), but at the hospital, you might have people looking at you stupid if you do like a catheter or something, or even just taking vitals. Some people have nasty attitudes. And..........what about family members or friends. I just feel more comfortable being by myself with the patient/resident.. I feel like I'm going to screw up if people are watching. WHAT SHOULD I DO???

Nursing home residents can be really great and they would steal your heart, but men and women with cognitive impairment aren't predictable, no matter how kind they really are. You're also more likely to have a very serious complaint lodged against you in a nursing home, because more of their residents must be advocated by outside people who have to use assumptions to protect them. Their skin tears more easily and they're more prone to decubitous ulcers that become necrotic. On the other hand, I laughed that I was leaving to take small business when I saw the perineal care video, but guess where I interned? (Hint: nobody there was young and I loved it!)

In a hospital you'll probably have more petty reprimands, but you'll also have fewer bruised shins. All you have to do is smile, remember clinicals and wash your hands at all of the appropriate intervals, and you'll be just fine.

Hospital...it gives you better experience and you work around more people that you can ask questions to so that you can gain more knowledge

It really doesn't matter which one you start in because all you do is clean **** anyway

In a nursing home you're going to get lots of visits from the state. You're also going to deal with all personalities and family members in the nursing home, just like the hospital. It's not just about the patient, they come first but other people are always involved. If these sorts of things are that big of deal you need to think about work for a home health agency.

I have been a nurses aide for a few years, so I have some advice. You are better off to start off in a nursing home kind of because you have a little time to learn vitals correctly; however, no matter where you go, there will be bad attitudes. Weather you work in the hospital or white house. If you love helping people, nursing homes are a great place to be because those people need people whom love them. They need someone whom cares because many aides do not unflrtunatly. just do whatever you want to do the most and where you think you will be happy. I am a surgical tech now and going to go to nursing school because I share your passion for care.

stay away from nursing homes!! they will ruin a good CNA, go for a hospital, relax and face ur fears u sound like u will do great! if people look at u like u r dumb then they just dont know what u r doing.....hold u head high not many can handle being a CNA, it is a hard job for little pay but can be very rewarding! behind every good nurse is a better CNA!:}

Most people think that working in a nursing home vs a hospital is diffrent, but in all actuality it's not depending on the level of care the residents need. I started out in a nursing home as a CNA and am now working as a Respitory Therapist at a hospital. I definently think you should start off in a nursing home.

depends on the persons nursing abilities,a hospital would keep them up on all the new stuff ,nursing home would be more geriatric stuff

Work in a hospital. You will have a broader knowledge base should you decide to further your education. You will find different personalities everywhere. As far as being intimidated, that's something you can change within yourself. Hospitals offer a variety of specialities. Do what YOU want to do and decide that you will do a good job of it.

First you need to find some self confidence. You made it through the class right? Then you can can make it whichever setting you choose. You are right that there is more pressure in a hospital than in a nursing home and that people can be nasty. Mostly the patients like the aides better than the nurses though, because they work more closely with the patients. There is more of a chance to sctrew up, but if you are clear with everyone that you are freshly out of school, that should help. And ask lots of questions.

As for the nursing home, that can be rewarding in its own way. You can develope a close relationship with the clients where in the hospital change is the key.

There is always Home Health to be considered as well. If you hook up with a good agency you can go to peoples homes and provide them servises for an hour or a few hours, depending on their need. These assignments last from a few weeks to a few months and you would see about 4-6 clients a day. Plus the people are always happy to see you aS you are insuring their independence.

Congratulations for choosing this feild. Too few people do, and they miss out on the rewards. It's a great way to furthur yourself as well, as most places have educational benefits that you can use to get an LPN or RN depending on how much time you want to spend in school.

Best wishes. And remember that if you try the hospital and don't like it you haven't failed, you've simply learned that it isn't for you. There's many more different opportunities out there for someone with your education.