Surely someone will think I can do it

caliotter3 · Feb 24, 2009

Don't be deterred by the naysayers. CNAs are supposed to work in pairs on the floor anyway to get the job done efficiently and prevent back injuries. You just have to be smart about what you are doing and don't go overboard trying to do what you aren't capable of doing alone. Rather have a small CNA who wants to do a good job, than a lazy, ill-tempered CNA anyday. Go for it if this is what you want to do.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2009

If you want to do it, I don't see why not. I am also tiny (5'1 92 lbs), and yet I can move pts with the best of them. Just remember your proper body mechanics, and don't be afriad to ask for help.

Nina2bRN · Feb 24, 2009

Thanks so much for the confidence boost!

chickapea · Feb 24, 2009

Go for it!

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Feb 24, 2009

I'm 5'3" 120 pounds (I was 110 when I started), and I can do it. I've gotten much stronger- I think a lot of that 10 lb gain is muscle.

NM nurse to be · Feb 24, 2009

I'm not tiny but work with many ladies who are. Many are in their mid-late 50s and can move even the big men if they do it right.

This is something that happened in my CNA class last summer. There were several tiny-ish girls in my class. We were assigned different partners most of the time and especially when it came time to learn about transfers and moving people. The looks on those girls' faces when they got assigned to work with me was really sad. It did make me feel bad, I mean I'm not an amazon but tall and a bit overweight. I spoke with the teacher and we did have a nice discussion in class about what people (even non-verbal ones) can read in your face.

But what they learned was that by using proper mechanics, it ISN"T that hard to move a larger person. I got bruised up a few times, when people flung me as hard as they could into a chair. What you should realize is that is doesn't always take 'as hard as you can', if you do it right :)

So yes go for it! You'll find out in class if it's for you or not.

prettyNpurple · Feb 24, 2009

Girl! you go for it! my mom is short and tiny and believe me that has not stopped her from anything! She's a CNA to this day (she loves her job too much).

Being a CNA will definitely serve you as experience and a first hand look on what RN's do. This will only better your knowledge and abillities, soo don't let others make decisions for you! YOU know what you wan't, go and get IT!

More power to you is my point basically! hehe

~God Bless

mncna08 · Feb 25, 2009

i wouldnt worry about it! i work with a girl who is pretty small maybe 5'5 ond 100lbs, and she does everything very well! never thought anything about it!sometimes i wish i was shorter so my back wouldnt hurt when bending over in certain ways lol. do it what makes you happy :)

yousoldtheworld · Feb 25, 2009

Being small shouldn't be a hindrance at all. I have worked with people of many different sizes, and as long as you use proper body mechanics and transfer people the way they're supposed to be transferred, you will be fine.

If anything, it COULD be a benefit to you - those of us who are larger have to deal with more strain on our feet and legs. It's not fun.

CNAMichelle · Feb 25, 2009

I say go for it.....I'm not "tiny" in the sense that I am tall,but I dont weigh very much.I think it may be easier on you,because you are closer to the ground,bed,wc,etc.... goodluck and dont let anything stop you! I have a disease(heridetary spastic paraplegia) that I almost let stop me,but I decided until the day I really cant do it,then I will do it (cna work) now!{{{{{{hugs}}}} Michelle

morte, LPN, LVN · Feb 25, 2009

Please give me your honest opinion. I've had so many people tell me that I shouldn't become a CNA because of my size...I weigh 108 lbs and my height is 5'3". My mother was a CNA when she was younger and only weighed 80-90 something pounds and her height is 4'11", she also said that she never worked by herself...could it be because *they* thought she was too little? I really think I could do it, and I know anything can happen but I wanted to get other people's opinions.
My dream goal is to become an RN in L&D and I figured being a CNA would be a wonderful experience, but people have me doubting myself now. Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

good grief, you are not that little......a little on the light weight side perhaps.....but i have seen many a cna no bigger......and your mom worked for a good employer and/or SHE was so good everybody wanted to work with her!....know your limits, and if you can afford it, a gym membership wouldnt (ever) be a bad idea....good luck