CNA vs COTA

I have been an agency CNA for 5 years now. While I have enjoyed immensely helping folks out, much of the treatment and low pay of CNAs leaves a very bad taste in my mouth, particularly at LTCs.

COTA, at least from initial research, seems to be basically CNA with a bit more respect, a bit better pay, and much better travel opportunities through agency (CNA agency travel is non-existent).

Anyone else gone the CNA to COTA route?

Oh.. and nursing is not an option. RN programs have huge wait lists, a reputation of being unnecessarily brutal on students, have "take it or leave it" programs where you must attend ALL classes and usually can not realistically work and attend at the same time. Starting RN pay is not all what they advertise, either - unless you luck up and get PACU or some specialty. Floor nurses in my area start at 17-18 per hour. A bit low for 2 years waitlist, boot camp school, and brutal schedule.

Thanks.

COTA, at least from initial research, seems to be basically CNA with a bit more respect, a bit better pay, and much better travel opportunities through agency (CNA agency travel is non-existent).

LOL!! Here we go!

Yes, I have gone that route. I worked as a CNA (evening shift) while going to school. (days) It was very worth the time and effort. There are similiarities and differences. One aspect I had to get used to was not helping people so much. You have to step back and let them learn and make mistakes. CNA's are very underpaid and the work is very hard. My back was ruined from transfers in awkward spaces, but I don't have to transfer as much as a COTA. As a CNA, you "DO" for them, while as a COTA, you teach them how to do for themselves. Yes, you bath, and dress, but in a therapeutic manner to teach them or show them how to be independant. CNA=dependence, COTA=independance. May want to look at the job market though. Since graduation, I have had trouble finding permanent full time work. If you need more info, just ask!

Cheryl in Saint Louis, Missouri said: Yes, I have gone that route. I worked as a CNA (evening shift) while going to school. (days) It was very worth the time and effort. There are similiarities and differences. One aspect I had to get used to was not helping people so much. You have to step back and let them learn and make mistakes. CNA's are very underpaid and the work is very hard. My back was ruined from transfers in awkward spaces, but I don't have to transfer as much as a COTA. As a CNA, you "DO" for them, while as a COTA, you teach them how to do for themselves. Yes, you bath, and dress, but in a therapeutic manner to teach them or show them how to be independant. CNA=dependence, COTA=independance. May want to look at the job market though. Since graduation, I have had trouble finding permanent full time work. If you need more info, just ask!

I was also a CNA while attending school to become a COTA. And I couldn't have summed this up any better: CNA = dependence, COTA = independence. The hardest part for me is sitting on my hands and letting them do as much as possible for themselves. I've been so used to doing for them. But this will pass. :)

I hope that you make peace with whatever you choose. Good luck!

thalia in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: Great that you want to "sit on your hands" in the patients room. That is a joke. The CNAs expect you to get them up, washed and dressed. You are doing the exact same work, but just have to document more on it to get the money coming in that the CNAs cannot bring in. The demented and severly handicapped that haven't done self care in years are not suddenly going to start doing it because you have a fancy title. OTs do not know more about this than CNAs. Really it is very elementary stuff. You can teach a 3 year old this stuff and do not need a degree in anything for it. Been there, done that, unfortunately.

You either misunderstood me, or you're being an idiot. Of course I don't expect the patients to do everything themselves. It would not be safe to simply stand back and let them attempt it all. Duh.

I really don't care what the CNAs expect of me. I will work with them if necessary, but they are not my superiors, and I will not bow down to their silly expectations. Getting them up, washed and dressed is THEIR job, and only part of mine.

Of course, you've "been there" and "done that," so I don't know why I am justifying what I said to you. Goodbye.

amelia in Palm Coast, Florida said: You either misunderstood me, or you're being an idiot. Of course I don't expect the patients to do everything themselves. It would not be safe to simply stand back and let them attempt it all. Duh.

I really don't care what the CNAs expect of me. I will work with them if necessary, but they are not my superiors, and I will not bow down to their silly expectations. Getting them up, washed and dressed is THEIR job, and only part of mine.

Of course, you've "been there" and "done that," so I don't know why I am justifying what I said to you. Goodbye.

Amelia,

In your previous post you said that you have trouble finding permanent full time work. This really surprises me because I thought Florida and Texas have many job opportunities... Is it because the market is flooded with new graduates? I am considering spending a lot of money at Pima for my degree but I expect to land a job when I graduate....

ardentanglophile in Redmond, Washington said: Amelia,

In your previous post you said that you have trouble finding permanent full time work. This really surprises me because I thought Florida and Texas have many job opportunities... Is it because the market is flooded with new graduates? I am considering spending a lot of money at Pima for my degree but I expect to land a job when I graduate....

Hello,

Actually that was Cheryl in St. Louis who said that she was having trouble finding work. Florida has lots of job opportunities. I'm not sure about your area, but I'm sure something will happen for you. Good luck!

I have moved to New Orleans to work with another agency as a CNA that pays a bit more and has more work since I first posted.

Next week, I have arranged to shadow a OTA at one facility that likes my work as a CNA on a day off. I am also going to talk to some of the OTs in the 4 other facilities my agency sends me to so I can get a good overview of a COTA's job in different environments. One facility is an adult psych, one a nursing home, one an LTAC, and the other a long term rehab for stroke patients. Seems like a good general overview.

Amelia... I love the fact that this is about independence over dependence. One of the most heartbreaking things about CNA is that I seem to be merely on poo and pee patrol and really can not help my patients actually improve and get better!

The trouble finding work that I have heard from some troubles me, though. Hopefully, it is not quite as bad as those folks I knew that blew 10K+ on Med Tech training only to have to drop back down to CNA work because the schools were graduating so many Med Techs and the local area facilities just were not using that many. However, I have also talked to some recruiters, and it seems if I am willing to relocate to some place far away, I may not have as many issues.

Thanks for the insights.

A CNA is a tech and nothing more. It is nothing compare to COTA because of schooling and the fact that we are board certified. Every one should know there title and stick to it. On the other hand if you don't like the treatment your getting or don't like cleaning crap, GO TO SCHOOL.