I'm currently enrolled in nursing school and started my 1st job as a CNA. I am enjoying nursing school (so far), but I hate being a CNA. I've worked for 4 days so far on a floor in a hospital. Let me say, it is back breaking work. I've had anywhere from 7 patients on a good day up to 14 on a bad day.
Some of these patients can't even move in the bed. It's nearly back breaking to turn them to wash, or too change the linen. Some of these patients are confused or even suicidal, so getting them to cooperate so you can care for them is practically impossible.
Dealing with family members is another issue. The other aides are busy with their own patients and it's hard to find help. When I ask the nurses for help, their either too busy or don't want to help since they may feel they are above this type of work.
A part of me just wants to quit, I'm starting to feel that I'd much rather be unemployed then work as a CNA. I go home tired, battered, and stressed to the point it ruins my day. It came to the point in which I started questioning my career path and if I should bail and look for an entry-level office or desk job. It pays slightly more than a CNA and I wouldn't have to deal with back breaking work. Risking unemployment and not having a backup, a sacrifice I'm willing to make to regain my sanity. I do plan on continuing and finishing my nursing education.
My experience as a CNA has not lead me to quit on nursing. I can see that nurses on my unit do not do cna work. I have much respect for CNA's, sometimes I wonder how some CNA's have been doing this for 10+ years. It boggles my mind.
When I'm a RN, I certainly will look after and help my CNA's. I'm certainly not above them. They work hard and are dedicated. I've learned this being just 4 days on the job as a CNA.
