Pretty down about being a new CNA

[evack5318]

Hello everyone. I am currently working at a pediatrics LTC. I'm 20, but I'd say I'm pretty lanky, around 5'10. I'm also one of the very few male CNA's there. I'm a little down because I recently got a back strain, and now I will be unable to work for a week. I had to 'dump' my patients on another CNA, while I went to the urgent care. And I've already been working there for almost three months.

I'm very grateful that I'm able to work with children, (being that majority of CNAs work sub-acute) but some of them, especially the teenagers are heavy. Some of the girls I work with pointed that I should start going to the gym more because they really need MEN to help them lift patients. I'm the lightest male CNA at my facility, so I'm not very strong.

I'm really trying, but I'm also hurting myself in the process. I know I should stand up to these girls more, and I will. I just need a little advice.

On the other side, I really want to become a Nurse, I love my job, it's just I find the lifting all the time, very stressful. The people are also stressful, but I ignore them. I also am thinking of ditching my plans to go to RN school to being a LVN/LPN, because it's quicker. I was originally planning to work as a CNA while I try to earn my ADN, but I don't think I'll be able to work as a CNA for three plus years. And I think the LVN-RN bridge programs will be easier to get into.

Thanks.

[PTKChic]

A chick said she needed a "man" to help lift? Wow, she should not be a CNA if she's not comfortable with the physcial aspect of the job. I was 125#, 5'1" and I lift the heaviest of the residents by myself (safely and always asking help, if needed). That sucks about your back. Strength in lifting will come with time. Tell them sexist gals to get over themselves.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

Agree with the improve-your-general-strength-and-fitness recommendation. It's like the teenagers who are already comparatively osteopenic because they don't consume enough calcium and blitz their bones with carbonated drinks all the time. They're ok now, but they will get older, and they will get osteoporosis earlier because they aren't building stronger bones now when their bodies are supposed to be doing that.

So with your back. Get it stronger now, and then when you begin to experience the inevitable declines with aging (like in your thirties and forties, and beyond) you'll have better reserves to fall back on.

Do not ask me how I know this so well.:)