A Question...

So I'm just wondering, people keep telling me that I don't want to be a CNA, all they do is change sheets and bedpans and and help people bathe, and just talk about the not so fun stuff. What I want to do in a profession is help people. I thought that CNA's help people, that they are the liaison between the nurse and patient, and that they make a difference in people's lives. Is this true? Or is it a wrong assumption?

Your reasons and assumptions of a CNA are correct. The biggest impact I have as a CNA is to safely and with dignity take care of the person and report all changes in condition to nursing. This makes a difference in the quality of their lives. I also make a point of being positive and friendly with the person. It only takes a few a seconds or minutes and I do this while providing care.

I think your reasons for wanting to be a CNA are great and it sounds like you will be perfect for this profession.

Good luck!

There's a little of column A, a little of column B.

99% of the job is bathing and toileting. You referred to those things as the "not so fun stuff" and I'm not really sure what you would consider fun, but whatever it is, you probably won't have a chance to do it much because you'll be so busy washing crotches.

Still, that stuff IS helping. As a CNA, you spend more time with the residents than anyone else. Some of your interactions will be positive, such as when a little old lady calls you her "precious jewel" or some other over the top name just because you took her to the bathroom, or when you witness two demented residents having a hilarious conversation; and some will be negative, such as when you get stuck in the shower with an uncooperative resident and end up falling WAY behind in your work, and then when you finally get out another one of your residents whines up a storm because you were late.

As you get to know your residents and what they like, you can figure out special little things that you can do for them.

I think you're right. Even if it's only for your shift that someone's happier than they were previously, I call it a job well done. I don't dislike changing people, feeding them, talking to them, etc. Emptying urinals and Foleys isn't bad at all. Making beds is fun. When I first got my CNA, I was really shocked at how different the working world is from the I was expecting while in school. I kept thinking, "Oh my gosh how do these CNA remember who goes to the bathroom when, and who likes what?" After a few weeks I figured out things that residents liked. This really helped me embrace the work instead of being disillusioned and fearful of it.

The only reasons why I don't like being a CNA? Probably the lifting, staff meetings (why in the world should the CNAs, the housekeeping department, and dietary have to go to a NURSING meeting?), sometimes the coworkers, and the often-delusional administration.

Yeah, that stuff does stink. But hey, it's part of the job! I will second what everyone else here has already said. And, there is such a feeling of pride when you finish up a bath and see your patient or resident neatly groomed and smelling good. Or, after you clean up some stinky depends and leave them fresh and clean. Sometimes, it's the small things in life...

And, you do get a lot of time to talk to them, more than the nurses. I work in a hospital, so it's a bit different than the LTCF, but we still are in charge of all of the same basics.

The thing I am most grateful for in my job is the amount of learning opportunities! Even though I don't have the responsibilities that a nurse does, I am often the liason between the patient and the nurse. So, if something comes up where a patient asks me a question about their treatment or a medicine that I am unable to answer, I ask the nurse. So yay! Learning opportunity for me! I have also found that a lot of the nurses are very willing to ask you to help out with certain things so you can observe what they are doing: inserting a foley (i'm holding the patient's legs), changing a dressing (again, i'm holding up the limb), etc.

And the best part of the day is when the patients and nurses thank me for all my help that day. It really does make the job a lot easier on one of those crazy days, and it's always wonderful to know that you are appreciated!

I couldn't do my job without my CNAs. It's very important that they give me the time to pass some meds when I get there, introduce myself, and make dr calls if I need anything right away. Otherwise, I have to get my own VS, feed people, walk people, and generally be running out of time.

CNAs are the backbone of a floor, I think every nurse should be one first so they get a feel for what CNAs go through and realize how important they are.

Your reasons are good and you are a big help. GL to you!

Thank you all for your comments. The CNA course I will likely be taking would be on the continuing care floor of the local hospital. (Continuing care is just like a LTCF) It's not where I want to stay, but I can handle starting out there. I want to get into a dept where I can possibly work with children, or maybe even the ER. Just somewhere where I am helping people and enjoying it.