Being a CNA

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

Just a shout out to all my fellow CNAs. Want you all to know there is nothing "Lowly" about what you (we) do. It is honorable and honest work that most people can't do. If you do it, and are good at it.....kudos to you and keep up the awesome work. You are making a difference in someone's life and there is nothing at all wrong with that!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Very true! When I told people that I was going to become a CNA and work with elderly, I got some negative remarks. "Oh I could never do that" ...... Well, I can, and I will. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC.
Very true! When I told people that I was going to become a CNA and work with elderly I got some negative remarks. "Oh I could never do that" ...... Well, I can, and I will. :)[/quote']

Or the whole all your going to do is wipe butts all day! Coming from other fellow nurses that were about to start a nursing program. Well if that's what I'm doing all day as a CNA ill probably be doing the same as a nurse so let me get a head start ;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I worked in public education for 10 years, in a high school setting no less. I think I can handle wiping butts and aggressive demented residents. It's true; this job isn't for everyone. That's why those of us who can handle it and have the fortitude to soldier on despite lack of staff, increasing workload, and dwindling or nonexistent supplies.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Transitional Nursing.
I worked in public education for 10 years in a high school setting no less. I think I can handle wiping butts and aggressive demented residents. It's true; this job isn't for everyone. That's why those of us who can handle it and have the fortitude to soldier on despite lack of staff, increasing workload, and dwindling or nonexistent supplies.[/quote']

I'd say there's a lot more to this job than wiping butt and dealing with aggressive residents though...... what I mean by not everyone can do it is theres a certain lwvel of compassion and empathy you must have ya know. Its easy to handle maybe but handle with compassion and empathy? Not always easy

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, I know this, but I was addressing the image the average person has of what we do. Most people don't realize the scope of our job. I would even venture to surmise that a great many of our residents' family members don't realize just how attached we become to residents or that to some of the residents, we are family. That level of commitment and devotion is uncomfortable for some. I can guarantee you that I had a very difficult time on the outset of my CNA career not with the basics of doing their personal hygiene, but the emotional connection and the latent, repressed, and unprocessed emotions I had in regards to my own mother's time in a LTC facility. My journey in this career thus far has been therapeutic and enlightening.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

Oh yes for sure most don't have any idea what is involved. I still have a hard time when I get brain tumor patients due to losing my Nana to one when I was 19.

The emotional aspect can be hard. I have so many "Grandparwnts" now. In many ways we get to know them like no one else and are there for them in a way no one else is. Sometimes I think I will end up choosing LTC as my career.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A CNA/MA is the most important staff member to patients, and has enormous influence on the impression and experience of the patient and their family members. When people complain about a hospital or any health care setting, most of the time the bad experience comes from unhelpful and unfriendly nurses. When people have good experiences in the same, most of the time it's because the nurses were excellent, friendly, etc.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think it's just really overlooked that one of the major factors of quality healthcare is how personable the staff are. Too much of medicine is cold and emotionless, and the nurses on the front lines are the ones in a position to make the difference combining skill with being an awesome human being.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes. I believe every nursing student needs to work as a CNA. I can't stand that half my nursing class is "above" CNA work. Drives me crazy!!! If you don't want to wipe butts and clean up puke, please do not become a nurse. You don't deserve it!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The floor I work on gets nursing students occasionally and without a doubt theres always one or two people who think they're above CNA stuff. My favorite is the ones who spend ten minutes searching around to tell me their patient needs the bedpan. Uhh....then put them on the bedpan? If they're totally new to patient care I don't mind showing them some butt wiping technique but I've seen so many students who tell me they can't deal with poop or vomit but its okay because thats what the aide is for........

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.
Yes. I believe every nursing student needs to work as a CNA. I can't stand that half my nursing class is "above" CNA work. Drives me crazy!!! If you don't want to wipe butts and clean up puke, please do not become a nurse. You don't deserve it!

I agree 100%

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment