by gentleMANhands

hi i am new to nursing am about to become a cna before starting the nursing program i am a male just a little curious on what to expect i know it is a female dominated field but i think i care enough about people in general to be one of the good ones.just want to do good but not have my kindness mistaken for weakness! i know i am not the only one who has had jitters before they started just want some remdies on handling them.

Re: advice for a male about to become a cna

I was a CNA for a long time before (and during) going to nursing school. I rather enjoyed it. I miss those days when my answer to everything was "I'll get your nurse."

No advice needed really. Just work hard and do the simple things that would make you succeed at any job. Be on time, try to go in extra when they are hurting.

Couple things that'll help with being a CNA:
1. Dont turn into a thorn in the side of the charge nurse. Some CNAs are never happy with how the pt.'s are split up. As if, they think they'll get a magical assignment that requires no work or something. Be flexible with taking the assignment.

2. Avoid (this is for guys and gals) the gossip and catiness. Just, dont do it. You'd be surprised how many people start to like you just for that.

3. Talk to the RNs. Learn things like what vitals to report right away and things like that.

Re: advice for a male about to become a cna

lifesaver

Re: advice for a male about to become a cna

Hi, I too felt the way you do now back when I got into nursing. 6 years ago I was fresh from the IT industry when I got my CNA cert. One thing that has ALWAYS helped me was to think of my clients as auto parts or like I was working on a computer (not actually treating them as if they weren't human) it helps to distance yourself from the obvious weirdness you'll feel the first couple of times out on the floor. I know it sounds strange, but it works. I mean you MUST be caring and compassionate, but try to look at it as you're doing a job, and that job is to help clients meet their needs. As for being accepted, the other aides will love you because men naturally have more upper body strength which is something that also comes in VERY handy as an aide plus males in nursing are still a novelty so you'll have that on your side. Also I agree with the other poster, don't get caught up in other people's BS don't snipe on others. Keep your opinions to yourself regarding politics and other taboo subjects. Always be available to help. Ask questions of the nurses and other aides and pay attention to what they're doing it will help you soooo much when you do your nurses training. Lastly, enjoy your time as an aide, it is hard work but I found it VERY rewarding, enjoy your clients, the smallest thing you help them with makes a world of difference to them, and remember you are there for THEM and only them, keep that in mind and you'll be done with the nursing program and working as a nurse before you know it.

Re: advice for a male about to become a cna

Becoming a cna was one of the best decisions I ever made. There is alot of little things you need to know as a nurse that is not in the books. Plus being able see signs and symptoms on an actual patient instead of reading about them in a book goes a long ways, especially if you are a hands on learner. I was worried about working in a female dominated profession but I can tell you I was completely wrong about that. Once the nurses seen that I was a hard worker and had a willingness to learn, they took me under their wings and have been an invaluable resource of information. I do not know how I could possibly pay them back.

Re: advice for a male about to become a cna

What is the difference between a CNA and an LPN as far as duties?

Re: advice for a male about to become a cna

Originally Posted by californiadreaming

What is the difference between a CNA and an LPN as far as duties?

An LPN is a nurse, where as a CNA is not. Since a LPN is a nurse, they can give medications, and preform procedures that CNA's can not.