Skill: Hospice (United States)

CNA's do all the heavy physical work and receive the least in compensation. CNA's are the number one occupation for personal injury, more than construction workers. However, in construction the pay scale reflects the effort. I would NEVER recommend to anyone a career as a CNA. There is tremendous disrespect from all the other types of healthcare personnel, from nurses to administration. I worked on a cardiac unit for 7 years as a CNA. By far, the toughest job I ever had and the lowest pay I ever received. I made more money in less time as a waitress! What's really sad is nursing has always been a woman's occupation, underpaid and overworked. To be treated as "less than" by other women is even sadder.

I have been in the healthcare field on and off since I was 15, (am now 39 with a disabled child). I definately am not getting what I am worth and never will, who does? However, in this day and age when you calculate what you are getting in terms of rate of pay consider the following, first health and wellfare: Is the company paying for your individual health care with low contribution from you? Secondly, if traveling what is the mileage rate and how many miles do you expect to travel each week? In addition is there cell phone reimbursement, shift differential and sick pay and holiday pay. Cummulatively add this up subtract actual cost and you will see what you really make. I happen to have been doing exceptionally well within this field. Also consider flexible scheduling between office and patient and the time I need to dedicate to my child when necessary. I am happy in what I do.

Our jobs as a CNA are very important to the pateints/residents also to all nurses who appreciate us. I have many certificates through out my life and I am only 28. You would think I would have gone further. My plans for the future, RN. I am stuck working at the lowest paying hospital in this area, literly speaking, I have many years experience and get paid less than $9 an hour CRAZY. That is life! No one to blame but your self. There are schools out there and anyone can do it. I have 6 kids and a loving husband we support each other. Our goal to finish school with in the next 5 years, so we don't feel like a nobody in life when really we are the most important person in nursing. GOOD LUCK to all.

I have been a CNA for 6 years now. I have had some jobs that pay extremely well and then I've had some thatpaid terribly bad. I love being a CNA. I have a passion for what I do. I enjoy helping people and the personal gratitude I get from performing to the best of my ability. This is the blessing you get from being a CNA, and the relationships you get to build. On the other hand being a CNA can get stressful and burn you out. I think that this is what a lot of healthcare facilities tend to ignore. While the residents we take care of, have rights, the employees have rights too. And while facilities go over and beyond to protect the residents rights, I think mine as a caregiver should be protected too. I don't deserve to be cursed or verbally abused while I am doing things for you that you can't do for yourself. I deserve to be treated with respect. And while job duties are supposed to be everyones responsibility all the real work ends up falling on the aides. Not only is all this distrubing, I also find it CRAZY that someone who is just checking medicines and pushing a cart is making double of what I make. There are real nurses out there who do assist their aides but there are very few, and aides often go unappreciated. Recognition of the work you do often goes unnoticed, by anyone other than the other CNAs and some good nurses. You could be the talk of the residents town for going over and above, but you will go un-noticed.

So while I genuinely like helping my seniors and treating them with love and respect, THE WORK CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENT SUCK!!!!!

My advice would be to NOT settle for the first wage offered you. EVERY employer I've had for the last 3 years has offered me the lowest wage possible. I actually worked for minimum wage for 3 months (as a CNA) until I found a better job. Most recently I was offered 60 cents more than minimum wage. After 3 years experience that's a real kick in the gut. This is hard work. I am done settling for the first wage offered me. I WILL not remain a CNA because unless I work for a hospital, I can't seem to find a living-wage position. I'm going to change professions but while here I will NOT settle for minimum wage!

Don't get hurt on the job because you will get let go from your job.

No I dont believe that I am being paid fairly because I have been a CNA for 7 years and doing this work for about 9 years. I think I should be paid at least 10.50+ .50 for every year that I have been a CNA.

I think it is fair to say that we all enter a job interview with a minimum compensation amount in mind. If the topic wasn't presented within the first 1/2 hour of the interview, I would raise the issue myself. Why waste the valuable time of the interviewer, or your own time, if the compensation is not acceptable to you? You know your experience, skill levels, and areas of expertise or specialty. You've worked hard to attain these goals. If the money isn't satisfactory . . . walk.

I was asked to "ACT" as unit manager on my unit by my nice boss, she stated that my work ethics were great, and I had all the managerial skills necessary. After 6 months, I was offered the job, which I accepted, and I signed a new job description manual with her and HR. After 3 months, I was told the company had located a potential RN for the position, and I was dismissed from the position of unit manager. I was offered a part time position in my old spot, which I refused, my only option was to resign as there was no longer a full time position available for me. I was used, and I have checked around and there are no labour laws in Florida to protect us from this kind of situation, unless you are a union member. So, don't let the nice boss scam you into the dream job offer with the word "ACT". Only accept positions within the scope of practice of your job description.

I am a partially handicapped nurse and was fired from my latest employment because they said that I was not able to meet the physical demands of the position. I was hired as Medicare Coordinator and was perfectly able to handle this aspect of my job. However, as with most nursing jobs my duties became more each day. I recommend you always get a list of your job duties, assure that if you have physical limitations that they are addressed and something in writing is received stating they know your physical limitations and accept you for only the job you are originally hired for. It is embarrassing to have to pack your things in front of other staff, especially if you are an administrative staff. Always get something in writing, signed by administrator and DON to list your job duties.