why is it..

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

This probably has been said before, BUT.....

Why is it that nobody thinks that a CNA can find happiness in being a CNA for long? I have been working as a Home Health Aide for a year and just recently passed by CNA States test, and have been over the moon and proud to be able to call myself a CNA. But I am constantly getting the Congrats for passing (and in the same breathe) say when will you be going for your nursing? When I say I am not I am happy being a CNA they look at me as if there is something wrong with me. I am almost 4o years old and a busy wife and mommy. I have no intention have spending all those years and money(we do not have) to be a nurse. Why must CNA work always be seen as a stepping stone then a career?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

There are many people who are perfectly happy making a lifelong career out of being CNAs or HHAs. If you're happy, don't worry about what others say.

However, I personally wouldn't be happy working as a CNA for the rest of my career. It is an occupation that is frequently overworked, underpaid, and disrespected. The very physical nature of the job leaves a CNA prone to debilitating injuries. Workplace politics also ensure that the CNA often gets blamed, fired, and reported, especially in LTC, for issues that have been festering for a long time.

If I'm going to deal with being overworked, disrespected, blamed, reported, and the risk of being injured, I want to be compensated with RN pay for all my aggravation.

I salute the CNAs out there who are pleased with their roles because we need good people on the front lines of healthcare. Good luck to you!

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I'm a mom to 5 beautiful children. Ive been a CNA since 2004. I love working with the patients, but the pay is really low for the amount of work that is done. That is why it took me 5 years to do my pre-reqs. I got accepted into the RN program for fall 2013, so excited to continue my journey in healthcare. I truly love working with patients even as a CNA, but I will be relieved with better pay as an RN.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

I love being a CNA so far. I find it to be rewarding and fulfilling work, I always wanted to care for the elderly as a living. However, it is true that it can be hard to make good money doing it; right now, it's not such a big deal since I live with my husband and we share the bills, however I realize he's not going to be around forever and one day I will need to be making enough to live on my own. For that reason, and also the fact that I'm the type of person who likes to be constantly learning and improving on myself, I'm considering going back to school later on down the line, probably for RN. However, I'm content with working as a CNA for a few years.

If you are a CNA or HHA for life, though, I don't think there is anything wrong with that. It is very noble work and a great service to society; I've never understood the stigma behind being a CNA because I've had nothing but the utmost respect for people who do the work.

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I love being a CCA but I look at some of the women I work with and I know how much tougher it is as one gets older. I see nurses at the same age and the job isn't as tasking physically, at least not where I work. I started as a CCA at 34. I was part way through the 10 month course when I got a job as an aide. After finishing my classes, but before I could test, I took my first practical nursing class. I knew for me, I need to work until I'm in my 60s I need a job that my body will be able to keep up.

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