Alternative name for CNA?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Just curious but I heard that there will be a new name to replace Certified Nursing Assistant... anyone heard of it?

Specializes in oncology.

About 10 years ago in my hospital, they 'retrained CNA's' to be "Techs", because the reasoning was they may stay longer if they had a better title.  

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Specializes in CNA and Pre-Nursing student.
Moluski said:

Professional Butt Wipers

This is literally how they see some of us CNAs in the part of CA where I'm from - haha! It's just funny. No hate on the CNAs for I'm completing my skills exam tomorrow.

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Specializes in CNA and Pre-Nursing student.
JakeF said:

Found out the new name is "Patient Care Technician" in my area of California.

I have experience as a PCT while working for a dialysis clinic in Northern CA. An older member at the church I attended in his 80s was going through dialysis and (without him telling me and his fam knowing) it inspired me to go into the dialysis setting to gain experience in the health field. BTW, he and his family watched my family grow up in the church. I apologize if this post sounded awkward or uncomfortable.

Anyhoo, I've always wanted to pursue the health field. Although it's a challenging field (and whatever profession one chooses), the inspiration I received from a church member - the 80-year-old church member passed away (prayers of peace and comfort to all his loved ones), led me to earn the title CCHT (after passing the state exam for PCTs) to practice in a dialysis clinic. Working one-on-one with the patients and observing what the RNs do at the dialysis centers have encouraged me to want to do more. He may have passed away, but I will not allow the inspiration to die out. If anyone has inspiration of any form to do the things they do, do not give up. I pray you don't.

In a fast-paced setting, it may seem crazy to even want to pursue another challenging and back-breaking (and, likely, emotional and psychological trials like any hard professional) pathway, but the term servanthood keeps reminding me why I wanted to go after a BSN. Currently, I'm studying to complete my CNA skills exam and, later on, working towards earning a BSN. I'm learning to take one stepping stone at a time.

Regarding titles, it may seem or even be discouraging for others to see your profession as little, but as long as you know that you are truly doing the best of your abilities to work alongside your coworkers and doing your best to improve the well-being of your residents/clients/patients, then you are living well. If all you do is genuine, with heart, even when it hurts, then you are truly exemplifying the saying, "Life is short, live it well." Regardless of what anyone believes you to be in their eyes, you are doing your part in humanity, hospitality, and servanthood is what's more important than their discouraging viewpoint. Don't permit others to create definitions for and in your life.

God bless you all in your pathways. I hope and pray that even in the struggle(s), you find peace and joy in the tiniest of things. Even then, those moments, whether it be a second or slightly more, will produce endurance and personal success in character.

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Specializes in Corrections.
Moluski said:

Professional Butt Wipers

Maybe I should be a bit more specific. 30 years ago when I became a CNA it was an ongoing joke that we were going to open our own business and go out on the road. We would buy a big white cargo van and have gigantic blown up rubber gloves on top, flapping in the wind. On the side of the van it was going to say "Professional A$$ Wipers of America". Aahh yes, I can just see it now. ?

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

@fermelis_0329  It seems to me you're getting into the healthcare field for all the right reasons and a great attitude as well. I believe the role of a CNA is every bit as important as the roles of everyone else.  You usually spend the most one on one with the patients and pick up things others do not.  

My only regret is that for the most part, CNAs are not paid what they are worth and given such a heavy workload they just don't have the time to do everything they would like to do regarding patient care, which is a type of stress that too often leads to them leaving bedside nursing for good.

Anyway, just want to say-- all the best to you!

fermelis_0329 said:

I have experience as a PCT while working for a dialysis clinic in Northern CA. An older member at the church I attended in his 80s was going through dialysis and (without him telling me and his fam knowing) it inspired me to go into the dialysis setting to gain experience in the health field. BTW, he and his family watched my family grow up in the church. I apologize if this post sounded awkward or uncomfortable.

Anyhoo, I've always wanted to pursue the health field. Although it's a challenging field (and whatever profession one chooses), the inspiration I received from a church member - the 80-year-old church member passed away (prayers of peace and comfort to all his loved ones), led me to earn the title CCHT (after passing the state exam for PCTs) to practice in a dialysis clinic. Working one-on-one with the patients and observing what the RNs do at the dialysis centers have encouraged me to want to do more. He may have passed away, but I will not allow the inspiration to die out. If anyone has inspiration of any form to do the things they do, do not give up. I pray you don't.

In a fast-paced setting, it may seem crazy to even want to pursue another challenging and back-breaking (and, likely, emotional and psychological trials like any hard professional) pathway, but the term servanthood keeps reminding me why I wanted to go after a BSN. Currently, I'm studying to complete my CNA skills exam and, later on, working towards earning a BSN. I'm learning to take one stepping stone at a time.

Regarding titles, it may seem or even be discouraging for others to see your profession as little, but as long as you know that you are truly doing the best of your abilities to work alongside your coworkers and doing your best to improve the well-being of your residents/clients/patients, then you are living well. If all you do is genuine, with heart, even when it hurts, then you are truly exemplifying the saying, "Life is short, live it well." Regardless of what anyone believes you to be in their eyes, you are doing your part in humanity, hospitality, and servanthood is what's more important than their discouraging viewpoint. Don't permit others to create definitions for and in your life.

God bless you all in your pathways. I hope and pray that even in the struggle(s), you find peace and joy in the tiniest of things. Even then, those moments, whether it be a second or slightly more, will produce endurance and personal success in character.

 

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Specializes in Cna1/cna2/med tech.

Cnas are not the bottom of the totem pole we are the base! Without Cnas the rns would have to also do the aides work therfore doubling their workload.   Most rns are happy to have cnas around. 

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
rrunkles said:

Cnas are not the bottom of the totem pole we are the base! Without Cnas the rns would have to also do the aides work therfore doubling their workload.   Most rns are happy to have cnas around. 

I agree with you 100%!

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