[sail81]

I just got called to interview for a CNA job that would be twice a week (I already have a full time job).

First, I have been going back and forth on a career in Nursing and I read this forum daily. Some of the negativity really scares me but I read a post recently stating that many RNs use this place to vent about Nursing issues and it really isn't all that bad)...I just really feel when I look back at my life I want to see I made a difference and Nursing seems to be that career...

do you think I will get more comfortable of the idea to be a Nurse by doing two shifts a week as a CNA?

What happens when you are asked to do something and aren't quite sure how to do it? I took my CNA class last fall and I am just scared I won't be able to remember it all!

Thanks!

[babbz]

Just to be direct, I say yes! The CNA's do a lot of repetitive but relatively easy tasks. These are things that you would natuarally know how to do assuming you had a sick/ill loved one at home. You just have to know how to deal with people and follow the medical/ethical guidelines and requirements like Infection Control (very important) and following legal guidelines ie: abstaining from abuse, patient neglect etc.


Although CNA's do a lot of grunt work, I definitely think that working as a CNA will not only give you the exposure you need to observe nurses at work but will also familiarize you with health facilities and how they work. You will see nurses at work, see other health professionals at work and this will help you decide.

If you don't know how to do something, you are allowed to get support from other CNA's and the nurse that's there. That's always better than risking hurting the patient and/or getting fired for it. Most new CNA's are paired with another experienced CNA for assistance. A good rule of thumb is "If in doubt, always ask the nurse". Even when you think it's a dumb question. This will save you from accidents and liability issues.

When I was in a hospital for a month, I really bonded with the CNA's and nurses more than the doctors who were in and out of my room like trucks at a pit-stop.

Nurses also have sooooooo many options it's crazy. Nurses can decide to work at:
- Acute Care Wards in a hospital
- Long Term Care Facilities that don't always have the craziness/workload/politics of a hospital, like nursing homes
- Home Care Agencies; just from being a HHA (Home Health Aide) with a home care agency I remember that the nurses who visited the clients who I worked with were soo much more relaxed since it was a one-on-one patient to nurse ratio. This is also a good option for an older nurse or nurse with physical limitations/injuries. ***PS You can also work with just one patient for the whole week as opposed to visiting different patients everyday.
- Teaching Nurses; No doubt your CNA teacher was a nurse. And you don't need much experience to teach. Two years might even be enough depending on the school and other regulations. The advantage of being a teaching nurse is that you can teach M-F and have weekends off and other flexible scheduling.
- Teaching Nurses can also be the ones that supervise the CNA's when they do their internships at health facilities and rarely are they asked to do holidays or weekends. You mainly work with the students and not directly with the patients.
- Per Diem nurses or traveling nurse; Depending on what agency you find or where you live you can get more pay, bonuses etc. I have a friend who is a per diem nurse and she is able to take a whole month off once a year for vacation.

I can go on and on. The disadvantages are there just like any job but I think the advantage of helping other people will add longevity to your life, lol. It's definitely not for everyone. It’s challenging and hard. Some people have the heart but not the stomach (those who faint at the site of their own blood). Others learn to get rid of the queasy-ness. You really have to be in it to withstand a lot. Just test it out and hopefully you’ll find a nursing position that suits you and you will love nursing like many, many, many devoted ones on this site.

[sail81]

Thank you thank you thank you!! You made my day!!

[Dragonfly_GirlSWVA]

Take this from a 15 year CNA vet, it will come back to you. Usually you are paired with a CNA who is going to orient you to the facility and the polices and procedures, etc. Nursing is a calling and not for everyone. I have been slow in my journey towards my final goal in nursing, but blessed in the experiences. Good or Bad, I have learned from each shift, each patient.Remember one thing though, regardless of title,you play a vital role in patient care, even as a CNA. I wish you well and hope you will share how it is working out for you. Take care and be well.

[sail81]

I have my interview tomorrow. I will definately keep you posted on my experiences...I am excited but also really nervous! But I need to do this to see if I truly think Nursing is for me. Thanks again and I'll keep you posted!

[Tweety]

Good luck.

[babbz]

Hey Sail81,

It's Babbz. How's the CNA job going? I am still waiting to get a CNA or PCT job. CNA's they usually hire w/out experience but with PCT ("Techs" or Patient Care Technicians) they usually want some experience so I will most likely try and get a CNA job and then after 1 year move onto a Tech position. I have the EKG and Phlebotomy skills needed for PCT position, I just have no experience.

Hope you are doing well and hope to hear from you babe!!

[sail81]

Hi there,

I just started this week! I am overwhelmed right now and question if this is for me...but I know that's just who I am "my worst critic" I'm going to give it the summer before I make any decisions. I just hope I don't hurt anyone or break any rules...there is so much to remember...I hope I can do it and I hope the RNs don't "eat their young" on my floor b/c will have a lot of questions especially regarding medical terminology. I just need to remember if it was easy everyone would do it and we wouldn't have a Nursing shortage and just to have confidence and do one thing at a time and NOT look at it all together. We'll see I'll keep you posted. Thanks for being interested!

[Bumashes]

From what I've experienced, you basically get a mini-training session when you're hired anyway. I mean, there are different things needed to be done on each unit, so they'll have to instruct you on what to do and how to operate any equipment. Don't sweat it. You'll get training from them so you'll know what to do.