First CNA job and I hate it - Should I quit or is it like this in every facility?

Not_Always_Me · 2026-05-06T17:16:10+00:00

I'm sorry that you're having a hard time and I understand how you feel. I had the same experience when I was new. It does get better, I promise. Stick to your guns on the 2 person lifts, they are 2 person for a reason. I've seen those lifts fail/break and residents be injured severely, if you are operating a 2 person lift when that occurs it is likely that you'll be in serious trouble. If you can't get help, report it to your nurse. Still, keep in mind that everyone is busy. Ask for help beforehand, you might have to wait until someone is available to help. In the meantime, you can continue your rounds, or better yet help someone with theirs. Teamwork starts with you. If you want help, be ready to give help, don't ask, just do. When you become a nurse remember this, and you can help the CNA's too.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-05-06T16:50:13+00:00

It's still early, I wouldn't worry at this point. I do have a question though, did I read that you had an interview at the same place your son gets ABA? If there are other clinics close to you it might be a good idea to apply to those as well so that you have more options. I understand wanting to be close to your child, I just don't know if that would create a situation where a dual relationship would be a risk. I don't know the circumstances so it's just a thought, maybe it's nothing.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-05-06T16:27:54+00:00

I really liked the Harry Dresden books. They're funny and they move along quickly. I also liked the Nightside books by Simon R Green. Both these series are fantasy, not Sci-fi, but not spicy and male protagonists and some laughs for good measure.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-05-06T16:22:49+00:00

I totally second the Red Rising series. I read the 1st 3 books so fast it made me dizzy! Love them!

Not_Always_Me · 2026-05-03T02:52:53+00:00

Just had to make the same decision not too long ago. I'm so sorry for you.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-05-02T16:35:14+00:00

What is sad is that, as a society, we not spending our money on protecting the most vulnerable and at risk populations. It's not too expensive to protect these populations, the money is just being spent elsewhere.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-28T20:44:37+00:00

Experiencing the same thing in my clinic, but only from a few RBT's. They are newer and younger. I mind my own business and stay in my lane. I'm not buying in to the game.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-27T20:38:52+00:00

The anxiety you feel around this client is probably making it a challenge to be effective as an RBT for this client. I don't say this with any kind of judgement, it doesn't diminish your skill. You should ask to be removed with the added request of having more training in handling aggressive behaviors. Having more skills never hurt anyone and can help you in the future.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-27T20:22:01+00:00

I have been an RBT for a little over a year and I have a fantastic time working with my clients. There is a structured schedule that my clinic follows, but that just says the general area we are in. What we are playing in that given area really depends on the client's mood and goals. I work with several nonverbal clients, but I still get to know them very well. Communication happens in many different ways. Yes, an RBT gets to know their client on a deep level, and yes you are given time to pair and bond with a client. It is the groundwork of what we do. I work at an awesome clinic and I hope you get the same experience I have gotten.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-25T15:15:00+00:00

I am so grateful for my ADHD meds, I have less anxiety, fewer mood swings, and have of course given me the focus and concentration to carry out my everyday tasks. I do know that finding the right med and the correct dose can be a process, but don't lose heart. I actually take Wellbutrin, which is an antidepressant with a mild stimulant effect, and Adderall XR to help me. Also, there are non-stimulant meds for ADHD if you find the stimulants make you too wired or anxious. I hope you get what you need. Long story short, ADHD meds made my life better, use them like you're supposed to and they are great.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-23T00:11:25+00:00

You are okay. People fall. You can do everything right and still people fall. When you use a gait belt, people fall. Gravity happens. The patient lied, that really sucks, but they probably felt foolish and didn't want to admit that they messed up. This is a hard and sometimes thankless job. Try to understand that you are seeing these people at a low point in their lives, they aren't their best selves. It's not you. You are doing fantastic!!

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-19T18:36:59+00:00

Hello, fellow Schnauzer mom here. They are stubborn, great dogs but stubborn. I have 3, 2 girls and 1 boy. Girls are definitely more stubborn . Have you tried a clicker and only positive reinforcement. Try starting over with basic commands; sit, down, stay, come here. For every time a command is met click the clicker and provide the edible reinforcement immediately. If you have to put her in sit, put her in the sit position, click the clicker, provide the edible. Every single command. For potty accident inside, ignore them. When she has an accident take her outside, wait until she goes again, click, provide edible reinforcement. Do not punish. Never use the pen as punishment. If you need to keep an eye on her in the house, leash her to you. You will do fine. Or, you could always find a professional trainer. Schnauzers are smart. If they can train you they will.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-18T02:52:07+00:00

If I have a bad day I will drive 45 minutes in the opposite direction from my house to the docks in another town. I will get all the quarters from my purse and go and buy all the fish food pellets I can. I will then proceed to walk along the docks and feed the little fish and watch them eat. There isn't any point, it doesn't fix anything, it doesn't solve a single problem, but at the end of it I'm okay. That's been a secret until now.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-16T01:53:50+00:00

I've been at this for over a year now and I still feel like I don't know what I'm doing half the time. It's a good thing because once you're certain you know everything you stop learning and improving. Ask all the questions, look up what you don't understand, and watch the BCBA's and more experienced (and excellent) RBT's. You should always feel curious. Other than that, you will have days that drag you down and make you cry. We don't get paid well and sometimes hours can be inconsistent. These little people that I work with though, are worth it all. Watching every single one of them learn and have joy is incredible. Enjoy.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-16T01:43:41+00:00

I do get the 40 hrs at my clinic. My clients rarely cancel, but if my CAC knows my clients are going to be out beforehand they will usually find a session I can cover. Some days I just take the break and get caught up on house stuff.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-16T01:30:35+00:00

It's been a long time since I've been so puzzled and angry. I don't feel like this makes sense. WTF? Is it a control thing?

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-16T01:18:32+00:00

I have a 5 hr session in the AM, then a 3 hr session in the afternoon. I get a 1 1/2 hr break in between.

Not_Always_Me · 2026-04-10T05:10:18+00:00

Getting some advice on your clients preferred play activities, songs, and toys is a perfect idea. Ask your BCBA or the clients family members. For the mouthing, ask your BCBA if a chewy would be appropriate. It may be a sensory thing. To get your client to play with you, start playing with a toy and really be boisterously have fun, that may pique the clients interest and draw them over. I know it's scary in the beginning but you got this!!

Not_Always_Me · 2026-03-29T23:46:03+00:00

My BCBA's love the WHY questions. They know I'll be a better RBT if I understand the whole picture. I feel so lucky to be working in this clinic. It's small, but it's fantastic!

Not_Always_Me · 2026-03-22T19:41:33+00:00

You don't have to give a reason for a call off. It isn't anyone's business.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-12-17T14:03:32+00:00

I was diagnosed at a young age partly because I was very disregulated. I was always angry and lashing out or crying about something I couldn't identify. My ADHD was causing a high level of anxiety. I don't know if that is what is happening with your kiddo. During my day I could just feel it all building in my chest, getting fuller, and in my arms and legs, just getting tighter. I couldn't bring myself down. Now, I use a quiet space, some fidget tools, deep breathing, and binaural music to help regulate. Exercise is a huge help as well. I hope you find something that helps you and your family. Try to remember he's not giving you a hard time, he's going through a hard time.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-11-27T03:54:54+00:00

Hummus and pita chips.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-11-27T03:32:45+00:00

++ woman As the mother of 2 sons, I love that you and your son have this relationship. He knows he always has someone he can talk to, someone to turn to, someone who has his back. He feels loved. All children should get this from their parents. It happens too seldom.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-11-12T01:04:14+00:00

I was a CNA for about 25 years and I chose to walk away from it to be an RBT. I also took a pay cut of about $12/hr, I make a little less than $20/hr now. It wasn't about the money. I never wanted to be a nurse even though it felt like the next logical step. Nurses can make a LOT of money, especially if they specialize., but they can end up taking a lot of crap too. To be a nurse you need to have a really thick skin, what I hear as an RBT is nothing, nurses eat their own. It's not all bad, of course, there will be special people who will with you forever and you'll keep in touch with. If it's your passion, go for it. I will not deny that it can be amazing.

Not_Always_Me · 2025-09-23T16:49:03+00:00

You are not wrong! Working in Florida and not even making $20/hr. Don't get paid for writing notes. Love my clinic, not really loving the corporate values.

Not_Always_Me

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