I'm about ready to quit!!

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a CNA of 11 years. I have degenerative disc disease, and it's getting harder and harder to perform the tasks associated with being a CNA. I really need help!! If anyone else has had to deal with this or, any have information to help me with my next step would be greatly appreciated!

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

See if you can get a job in a clinic or doctor's office.

I have done that BUT, not many hire CNA's here. I'm really starting to just give up.

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

What about exploring being a medication aide, if you're in a state where those are utilized in LTCs, assisted living, or home settings?

Or an aide to a medically-fragile child who attends school?

Best of luck to you, that you find something that is less physically demanding. Don't give up, unless your condition qualifies you for disability, or you can afford the loss of your income.

Where I live, medication aide is a hard catch. Due to the high volume of LPN'S in LTC, and other places, that hasn't even been considered as an option. However, I would like to find something less challenging on the body. I thank you for your kind words.

Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Where I live, positions of "activities supervisor", "enrichment specialist" and the like are popping up in different LTCs from time to time. As far as I understand, at least some of them do not require RN.

Other option for you might be private duty with very small children. We hired aides after my labor to help with baby and light home tasks, as I hardly could move around for a while. At least one of our aides was an CNA who told me that she was doing it with the hope to let her back heal. She had to learn a bit of stuff, but things turned out just fine.

After all, there is always options to go back to school if you want and can afford it.

I live a pretty tough state. Where darn near everything, requires some kind of degree or certificate. I However, the childcare jobs haven't been too legit here lately. But, school is definitely on my to-do list. I'm feeling like giving up.

Although you would most likely take a pay cut, look into working for a home health/hospice agency as a companion, rather than a home health aide. Make certain your employer understands your limitations in doing ADL's. Another opportunity would be as a sitter. Agencies send sitters into facilities and sometimes you can find positions to be a private duty sitter (with better pay from the client). If you can't make it in health care at all, then it is time to get your PCP to help you get disability. Good luck.

I'm pretty much limited with ADL'S at this point. I also have myositis so I'm inflamed a lot! Thank you for your words : )

I am a CNA of 11 years. I have degenerative disc disease, and it's getting harder and harder to perform the tasks associated with being a CNA. I really need help!! If anyone else has had to deal with this or, any have information to help me with my next step would be greatly appreciated!

I have no real clue but what about switching careers and become a medical assistant or phlebotomist?

Specializes in ICU, LTACH, Internal Medicine.

Phlebotomists walk a whole d*** lot while pushing heavy carts and they bend a lot, too.

Sitter sounds like a great idea, except the employer will have to know and consider the sitter's physical limitations. It is two different animals to compare - sitting for a demented LOL who is completely happy as long as there is somebody to chat with her and help her to "knit" her Kerlix roll, or for another LOL who is A, Ox1, spry, strong and stubborn and falls all the time. Not mentioning that sitters can be made responsible for the patient's body care, cleaning and all the stuff.

i am thinking some self care is in order, before further pursuit of a job.

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