Are you proud to be a CNA?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in PCT/CNA/HHA.

Okay here's the deal: Everyone here, with the exception of those of us who are still taking classes (me) has put in the work and time it takes to get certified, as a Nursing Assistant. You have all had the jitters when it came to taking the Boards, and regardless to how experienced you are till this day, I'm sure there are days that make you smile down to your soul after a shift, just as there are nights-which are sleepless.

In essence, are you all proud of your job as a CNA?? When people ask you what you do for a living are you particularly eager to explain to them you are a CNA, or is this something you only disclose to a select few because of the not-so-glamorous side of being a certified nursing assistant?

I'm 22 years old, and last night I was coming home with a student from my class. We were waiting in line to catch the bus, and she went on to say: "People don't know that if your a CNA, you are going to have to wipe butts! Thats what we do!". LOL Needless to say, I was in my scrubs and people had no IDEA what I was could have been a Nurse, or a Doctor etc. then she said out loud we are CNA's and have to wipe butts; which was a little embarassing to me :chuckle. Of course i'm working on my humility.

How comfortable are you all in disclosing your careers, and the details of what you do? Also, what measures do you all take to prevent the spread of infection to you, the ones you love, and prevent infection from spreading into your home after your shifts (i.e. Taking off your scrubs before you leave work)??

I am aware that this job requires humility and a humble spirit which is fine, but I love myself too, and our "Health is our Wealth". If we are not healthy, we cannot provide care for our residents. :nurse:

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Specializes in LTC.

I don't really mind telling people what I do. I enjoy seeing their reaction! The only people who really have ever made me feel ashamed of my job are a few licensed nurses, actually. I think most people don't really know anything about roles in healthcare anyway.

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This is an interesting topic. This is something I've been thinking about while in school for the past couple of weeks. When I'm talking to family, I'm very blunt about what I'm going to be doing. But when it comes to friends, I reword things. For example, I just emailed a friend and told him I was in school to become a "Nursing Assistant." For some strange reason, "Nursing Assistant" sounds better than "CNA." It sounds more distinguished. And if a person is not in the health care field, they will believe your job is "special." lol. I also told him I "prepare" patients for the doctors and nurses. Everything I said was true, but I'm really careful in my wording when I'm talking to friends. I don't think I'm embarrassed though, CNAs do what some nurses do anyway. There are butt wiper RNs out there. lol. I actually thought most RNs were butt wipers until I did more research into the CNA field. I don't know about you but I LOVE wearing my scrubs. People have no idea what we really do!!

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For me because I'm so education minded, I tell people that I'm a cna as I'm working my way through school, which is exactly what I am :). I love my coworkers who have been cnas for years and many are close friends but I want a couple of degrees on my wall. Its just me, my personal thing. I'm also in the group of people who think education so easy to get in this country compared to others that I think not going as far as one can is a bit of a waste, but again thats just me :)) Everyone has to decide what makes them happy and not let the ops of others bother them. I also love wearing my scrubs, being able to dress for work without spending a fortune is fun :))

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No- not at all- I consider it a priveledge and a benefit. I'm planning on going on to my RN, but I think it's important for (me) to start with my CNA cert and work from there. I think that doing so tends to make a nurse appreciate what CNAs and other members of the team do and leaves alot less room for that looking down on others that I see so many complaining about. If one just goes to school and gets thier RN right off the bat, I'd think it more likely (not that it's going to happen across the board) that one might have more of an attitude and not appreciate what others do, not having done it themselves. So- for me- I want to experience and actually work in this area of healthcare, and then take a side step through my LPN, and eventually get my RN. I think (for me) it will make for a far more well rounded and experienced nurse when all is said and done... So no- I am not at all ashamed or embarrassed of what I do- I AM proud of it. I feel that EVERY member of the healthcare team is VITAL and so very important to the patient and to the rest of the team. I am proud and happy to do my part as a CNA- and a member of that team.

As to the butt wiping... I have two preschoolers... I've been wiping butts for a bit over 5 years now *anyway* LOL ;) IMO a butt is a butt.

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Specializes in PCA.

I love my job, and have no problem telling people what I do when im at work. I do a lot of fun things at work but i never forget to throw in the icky stuff like the poop : )

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

I was never ashamed to be a CNA when I was one. I was proud that I wasn't "above" wiping butts or feeding people. I could see Mother Teresa or Jesus himself doing CNA work. Be proud, it takes special people to do this work and do it well. :yeah:

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I have never been embarrassed to say I was a CNA. Some people will ask what a CNA does, and I just say anything that involves personal hygiene. My friends and family all admire what I do, because they say that they couldn't do it. Also I feel prestigious when I'm wearing my scrubs somewhere, because people look at me like I'm important. I am proud of what I do. I make a difference in 15 people's lives everyday I work. :)

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CCU, Alzheimers, Med-Surg.

I am proud to be a CNA. And I'm not embarrassed to inform people that I wipe butts! Mostly because I love seeing the reaction on peoples faces :p 99% of the population just couldn't do that everyday, which makes you special because you can!

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I'm proud of the work I do as a nursing assistant because I work really hard to make sure I provide as much support as I can to the patients and nurses. I have no problem telling people I'm a nursing assistant, but I wouldn't say I'm proud to be one. I"m proud of myself for anything I put a lot of effort into.

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Specializes in LTC private/CBRF.

I'm currently enrolled in CNA classes and will be certified in April- I'm so happy that you all are so proud of what you do. It makes me proud and I know I've made the right decision. I'm 44 going back to school :)

I am a former CBRFcaregiver and am all too familiar with wiping hinders! But I loved the residents and they loved me and that's what it's all about; love and kindess. What GooeyRN said about Jesus and Mother Theresa almost made me cry. That was such a kind and sweet thing to say.

I'm so proud of us all!

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm proud to be a CNA !

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