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Surely someone will think I can do it



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Feb 23, 2009 09:06 PM

Surely someone will think I can do it


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.


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20 Comments
No. 1
from caliotter3
Old Feb 23, 2009, 09:10 PM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
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.
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No. 2
from ChristineN
Old Feb 23, 2009, 09:13 PM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
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.
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No. 3
from Nina2bRN
Old Feb 23, 2009, 09:25 PM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
Thanks so much for the confidence boost!
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No. 4
from chickapea
Old Feb 23, 2009, 09:59 PM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
Go for it!
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No. 5
from fuzzywuzzy
Old Feb 24, 2009, 12:07 AM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
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.
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No. 6
Old Feb 24, 2009, 10:29 AM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
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.
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No. 7
Old Feb 24, 2009, 10:44 AM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
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
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No. 8
from mncna08
Old Feb 25, 2009, 01:47 AM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
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
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No. 9
Old Feb 25, 2009, 03:59 AM

Default Re: Surely someone will think I can do it
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.
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