How Many New Cna"s Are Older?

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 12, 2007

At 20 I was the youngest in my CNA class. Most CNAs that I've worked with have been in their 30's-mid40's, but the ages I worked with span to just about every age. Currently I even work with a CNA whos is only a year or so out from her retirement.

megykilo · Jul 12, 2007

i was the youngest in my cna class, at age 17. i work with aides of every age and from all walks of life. it is a lot of fun and i will always have fond memories of my coworkers. just take care of your back and your feet, pee when you need to, never hesitate to call in sick when you are ill and never, EVER work a 24 hour shift. the oldest in my cna class was in her sixties. its no biggie and i wont ever forget my cna classmates!

HeatherB,CST · Jul 12, 2007

There are gazillions of CNAs (and college students) with kids out there...tell you instructior you appreciate her concern, but you'll do just fine, thank you. And then show her up by doing really well in the class! That should shut her up. As long as you have your child care lined up and manage to make time to study, I don't see why it would be a problem. I did 2 years of full-time school when my kids were preschoolers, and I started school again this summer...they are 12 and 14. Don't let one teacher with a lousy attitude make you doubt yourself.

buenafortuna · Jul 12, 2007

At 17 I was the youngest in my CNA class. The next oldest was in her early thirties.

mami2calebandrob2006 · Jul 13, 2007

well the first time i did cna i was 18 then i was being silly and let my certification run out. Now im 31 almost going back to cna classes on tuesday with 2 kids now so if i can do it so can you good luck!

NHLNA · Jul 14, 2007

I was 29 when I got my license, I will be 31 in September and just started working as an LNA in May. The youngest person in my class was 19 or 20, one girl was in her early twenties, two of us were close to 30 or early 30's, and two were 40+. I had a small class.

DreamyEyes · Jul 14, 2007

Don't worry about it, you'll be fine! I just started class and there are girls who are 17, some are mid to late 20's, some are 30's, and some are 40's. I bet that you'll have someone older than you in your class, too.

Sabby_NC · Jul 14, 2007

Well let me say my hubby has had a career change. He has just completed the CNA component of his Nursing Program which he starts next month.

He is 51yrs of age. I am very proud that he is following his dream.

Changed from management to student LOL

Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN · Jul 15, 2007

I was 35 when I got my license. That was six years ago and now I'm in a BSN program. I feel that my CNA experience has been very valuable during nursing school.

Sabby_NC · Jul 15, 2007

I was 35 when I got my license. That was six years ago and now I'm in a BSN program. I feel that my CNA experience has been very valuable during nursing school.

Thanks Kim for your comments as Hubby has finished the CNA Component and starts next month with the Nursing Program. He is trying to get some hands on experience at the moment. I shall pass your comments onto him as I am sure he will be interested to know that the experience for you was a good one.

I see that more states are requiring that you do NOT have to do the CNA component. Have you heard of this?

I feel it is a good thing to do for the 'basics' in good patient care alone. It is your grounding to what lays ahead of you.

How is the BSN going for you?

Hubby has already lined up to do his BSN after his 2 yr NP.

I wish you well in your career.

margaretptz · Jul 15, 2007

Well, I'm 55 and I am doing a PCT which is very similar to CNA this summer for the first time. I am an RN student as well. My preceptor for the PCT training was a 76 year old lady who has been on that floor for 36 years and she is fantastic, So tell your instructor age is not an issue. Nor is age discrimination legal.

Being a Mom on the otherhand is difficult too, it is hard when you are forced to be at work when something comes up at home and you are needed there as well. I remember that very well. I must admit I was not as dependable an employee at that period in my life as I am now.

Times have changed however and most Moms now can share that load with Dad or know how to be awesome multitaskers and full fill their obligations better than I did.

Margaret