Advice on CNA 30 Years Later

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Hi,

Just needed some advice. I was a Nursing Assistant thirty years ago at a nursing home. I was in my early 20's. Since that time I have worked at VA Hospitals doing secretarial type work, sitting most of the day. I took an early retirement (no money for another 15 years) for a needed change. I want to enroll in school to be a CNA. Well I have cold feet. I am not sure if the job requires standing all day and lifting daily. Also, would I have to work every weekend or rotate? I wanted to find a job where I can make a difference in someone's life instead of secretarial. I am afraid after taking the course and passing the exam, when I land a job I might not be physically in shape or what to expect. I am sure things have changed in 30 years! Thanks for your help.

:redbeathe

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If you are physically fit it will still be a challenge. Most jobs are in long term care facilities where the job is not easy. You can start out there and if you can adapt, fine. If you find out it is too much for you, after you have some experience, and perhaps have also obtained a home health aide certificate, you can change to home care. You can make a difference working with just one patient and will be able to handle the physical demands better. If you want to do it, then go for it.

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Specializes in LTC.

Yes you will have to stand all day and yes, you will have to lift. Usually you work every other weekend.

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Thanks for the advice. I thought about the home health aid but I assumed I would have to work in a nursing home for at least a year. I volunteered last summer to help a lady at church when her son (caregiver) went into the hospital and she needed someone to stay with her. She was pretty easy, she used a walker and just needed help getting up and dressing. Even though I have worked at a hospital, I never thought of the physical challenges CNA'a and Nurses face. I guess that's what happens being behind a desk and pushing paperwork all day. I did go to a couple of nursing homes last week and talked to a few CNA's, but I guess I didn't ask the right questions, like I did here. Thirty years can make a difference physically. Again, thanks for the advice and best of luck to you.

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wow, 30 years ago!

things have changed a lot, there are easy to operate mechanical lifts, computer reporting, more and stricter regulations and all that now.

i'd say getting a home health aide job (lower pay, sitting around a lot) is easier than getting a job in ltc (where most cna's are), both are easy places to get a job (not the sexy areas of health care).

being a cna can be great for some people that have physical doubts, because they end up doing well at the job while getting in better shape, losing weight, etc.

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You can always try working at an assisted living center. I heard they're always hiring. They usually don't require heavy lifting. Usually when working in health care you rotate weekends. Sometime you may find that people want to work weekends because they go to school so it just all depends.

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Specializes in CNA.

Hey, come on now, I just did it, so can you, I"m going to be 56 eeeek.

Pamela C

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Specializes in aspiring midwife.

You can do it! Lots of lifting and standing, but you'll quickly learn ways to do it fairly easily. Depending on the facility you're at, you may have more or less lifting and standing to do, some places really don't do much heavy lifting, but more helping residents support themselves. Shadow for a day and see what it's like where you're thinking of applying, and ask the CNAs to show you their tricks. :)

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The hospital near me has a CNA opening in the nursery. Wouldn't that be a fun job? I could handle "lifting" babies all day. :D

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