Afraid to be a CNA!

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I'm 19, and in my second semester of college. I've applied to the LPN program, and am waiting to hear back. Lately I have thought about applying for a CNA job at my local hospital. I did clinicals there when I look a Nursing class at a Technical School during High School. I know what to expect, but I'm so scared. I'm scared of not knowing what to do. I'm afraid of doing something wrong, and people being mean to me. If I can't even be a CNA, how can I possibly be an LPN. Do you think I have what it takes?

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Hey. I think everyone goes through those phases where they do not know if they're cut out for something or not....most people will tell you that there is only one way to find out....trying!!!! And i agree. Maybe you should try the CNA job first before beginning the LPN program to see how you like it. Do not be scared, thats why you will go to school for, to learn. I am beginnng my ABSN next week. And I'm scared but that will not stop me from doing it. If you have the motivation and desire, accompany with hard work, you will do great!!!! Dont give up because of your fears, try it and then see, you may be surprised.

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I was too, so I never practiced as one before becoming a nurse. It's probably not a bad idea to work as one, but I wouldn't say it's necessary.

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Specializes in ICU.

Personally, I hate hate HATE being a CNA but enjoy being a nurse. If you can't stand being a CNA that doesn't mean you won't like nursing. Honestly, I think being a CNA is way more difficult than being a nurse, but I'm the kind of person where I like to use my brain more than I like to use my muscles. You do both as a nurse, but there's not really a ton of brain involved in being a CNA and the constant physical labor wore me down fast. Then again, I am going from being a rehab CNA to an ICU nurse, so those are totally different worlds anyway. Maybe I'd hate being a nurse too if I had to stay on rehab... or maybe I'd like being a CNA if I'd had an ICU job. It's hard to say. Just don't let whether you think you can be a CNA or not influence whether you think you can be a nurse. The jobs really are radically different.

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Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.

Wherever you work will (I hope) train you so that you know what to do. There is usually an orientation period where you shadow someone and that is a good way to learn the routine of what you should be doing. It's different everywhere, but I found my CNA experience to be very valuable in the long term. Some CNAs were very mean and toxic people, but there are mean and toxic people everywhere.

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If I could get LPN wages and work as a CNA I would prefer to be a CNA. I really felt like I was helping people when I worked as a CNA. Now I am just a pill nurse who has no time to talk to the residents. I found my CNA experience to be very helpful when I was going to nursing school.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

a general lack of confidence will cause the anxiety you describe. Once you have some experience under your belt you will gain confidence. I believe this job could help you be a better nurse.

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Specializes in Peds, Float, Ambulatory, Telemetry (new).

Working in health care is scary but you will never know what it is like if you don't try. I was a nurse's aide at 17 and I was nervous too. But I was good at it, you learn your role and you will get used to what you have to do. You will have someone to guide you when you first begin, they won't throw you to the wolves, lol. I think being a CNA will help you when you get into nursing school because you will be used to talking to patients and already have the patient care down to a tee. Once you love people, patient and care for them you will be a great CNA. And when you graduate as a RN you can possibly get a job on the same unit you were a CNA on. Good luck and keep us updated on your decision.

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Not a CNA or a Nurse but I'm disabled and in a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. I never let the Wheelchair or CP stop me from doing things, Same with fear, does it slow me down? No. I don't let it. I think of the outcome I want to have, and the positive things that will come out of it.

Once you get into the swing of things it will be like second nature, You don't want to be visiting someone in the hospital years from now and say "I wish I tried to do that"

I can't speak for everyone that is disabled but I really respect healthcare workers, Nurses and CNA's the most. As a patient you see them more often and they do so much. I will always be grateful for people who choose to go into healthcare and help others, Nurses and CNA's have really impacted my life. I'm sure you will do great!! :)

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Specializes in Short Term/Skilled.
Personally, I hate hate HATE being a CNA but enjoy being a nurse. If you can't stand being a CNA that doesn't mean you won't like nursing. Honestly, I think being a CNA is way more difficult than being a nurse, but I'm the kind of person where I like to use my brain more than I like to use my muscles. You do both as a nurse, but there's not really a ton of brain involved in being a CNA and the constant physical labor wore me down fast. Then again, I am going from being a rehab CNA to an ICU nurse, so those are totally different worlds anyway. Maybe I'd hate being a nurse too if I had to stay on rehab... or maybe I'd like being a CNA if I'd had an ICU job. It's hard to say. Just don't let whether you think you can be a CNA or not influence whether you think you can be a nurse. The jobs really are radically different.

Im a Rehab CNA too. I feel your pain, except I do love it but my body doesn't agree. I actually think I want to make my career in Rehab once I am a nurse. :)

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All I can tell you is when you get a job as a CNA or PCT they don't just put you by yourself. You get to train with another aid, which is between 4-6 weeks long. You will be comfy by then :) Trust me, when you think about it, it is easy to get scared. Don't think about it, just do it and I'm sure you will be fine. I felt scared at 1st but that was 10 years ago. Good luck, if you enjoy it like I do then it will be very rewarding. I enjoy the hospital a lot more than LTC, but a lot of the people in LTC (workers) love LTC.

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I was scared when I started as I had never worked in this field at all. I was scared all the way until after I worked by myself for the first time. It was then I realized that I was okay, I had learned a lot and to not be afraid to ask questions. I believe you can conquer your fears :)

After being a CNA I say that I feel more confident in my RN program now that I am used to working with people at this kind of level.

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