February 18, 2011
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Northwood’s Lodge
Sometimes saying the simplest thing can make or break relationships.
I have been a registered CNA for almost two years now coming this March. For the first year of my certification I didn’t do anything with it and I just let it sit. Last year I have been contemplating whether or not I should get a job because although I have plenty of volunteer experience I did not have any work experience. There was defining moment that led me to get my first job. I was thinking how horrible it was to be constantly relying on my mom for everything and her having that control over me.
I applied to my dream job Northwood’s Lodge where I did my school clinical. Getting a job was the best thing that ever happened to me. It’s made dealing with my mom so much easier because I no longer have to rely on her for most things.
When I first started working there yes it was very hard because not only was it my first job but it was a very important job that didn’t give room for a lot of error. When I first started working I remember generally having eight to twelve patients at a time which is such a high amount when the average is six. All I remember thinking is yes, people will get mad at me and yell at me but I am going to work so hard and perfect this. I didn’t want to give up. Over the months I’ve worked there people recognized me a efficient, incredible and someone who will always show up and never call out from work (which happens often). My original plan was to work there for about three years because I loved that place so much. The people there are incredible and I will never forget them. I plan on keeping in touch.
Anyways, about six months ago a secret slipped. Thankfully I was one of the few important people to know about this secret that shook my thinking. For every year you work at Northwood’s you get an evaluation. The aides (me) would get evaluated by their nurse and just to generalize, it goes something like this. There is a scale from one to ten, ten being the greatest and depending on what you get on the scale is how high your pay raise is going to be. The thing is the management will not allow the nurses to rate the aides over a three, which in turn gives them a very low pay raise.
I am thankful that my friend told me this. I can’t thank her enough. Now that I can see the truth that the management truly does not care for it’s hardest working staff. This made me alter my goal and set out for a higher status of living.
In March I am going to hit my year mark at Northwood’s Lodge. I am debating on whether I should leave there entirely or just work one day a week because I am going to apply to the hospital. They pay considerably higher and although the hours are longer the work is easier for me (and my back).
I can’t help but feel a bit sad if I leave right after my year mark but it was good while it lasted.
I saw my old co-worker Sunny today and she strongly believes that I am such a great worker and I deserve better. Let’s see what happens.
