Was this true for you?

[sincerebliss]

My aunt has worked as a CNA before and I asked her advice on it. She said, "Why would you do that, Alicia?" She talked with my mother on the phone stating that I'll probably hate it the first year. Did you all hate being a CNA and then grew to like it? What was your experience?

Alicia

[sgregory0020]

I have been a CNA for 3 years and I have to say in the beginning I was very curious and not so sure because of the things I had heard also never thinkin I could stand giving someone ADL care but once I had done it I thought to my self that this could be me someday and I hope to have some caring, respectful person to assist me! So as time goes on you have doubts but I love what I do and those that I do it for! Oh and the feelin you get when one of your pa's or residents tell you thank you and they love you ! Oh what can I say it makes your light up ! :balloons: :monkeydance:

[passinthru]

:zzzzz Hmmm, maybe things have changed over time since I worked as a nurse's aide over 30 years ago when I was in my teens and during nursing school. I loved my jobs both in a nursing home and as a student nurse's aide on a surgical unit. As I remember it the work was hard, but I did not have the responsibility the RN does. If there was a problem I hollered "NURSE!!!" Perhaps my outlook is warped by time.

[KaytheCNA]

My first day as a CNA I wanted to run for the hills. I saw things that I had never seen before. Terrible things. I stuck with it. I learned the ropes, I perservered and I put one foot in front of the other. Fast forward two years. I am a great CNA. I am confident in my abilities and skill set and most days I love my job. The key to enjoying your time as a CNA is to find a good facility and good coworkers. I personally can't do LTC as I can not adjust to the pace and at times lack of help. Many love LTC and are great at it. You will find your niche. Give it a try, it was the best thing I have ever done and got me on the path to becoming an RN.

[meant4me2]

Ditto!!!!!!!!

[hikernurse]

Bliss, I liked being a CNA. It was a lot of hard work and I had no idea how much the nurses rely on CNA's until I became a nurse myself. It was great experience while I was a nursing student and for when I became a nurse.

The thing is, you really can make a difference. There were nights I had time to sit and listen to a patient when the nurses were too busy. You will be helping people with the most basic of needs. If you treat them with respect and dignity, the work you do can really make their hospital experience a better one.

I'd recommend it :).