Any Career CNA's out there?

[futureLVN40]

Hi, I am just curious if there is any CNA's out there that absolutely love their job and are completely content with being a CNA and don't plan on becoming a Nurse. I believe that I could be an excellent CNA because I want to work directly with the patients one on one and have that close relationship with them taking care of them on a daily basis. So I was just wondering if there's any CNA's that could share their daily duties and how they feel about being a CNA? I was thinking of becoming a CNA and staying a CNA, as I'm a Medical Assistant in Externship right now and am soooo worn out with school. I know the money is not good and CNA's really deserve to be paid more, but I just like the job itself caring for the elderly. I think it is such a rewarding career.

P.S. You're probably wondering why I want to do CNA if I'm completing my MA program. I decided I wanted to do the CNA job duties more than the MA duties, but I am glad I have the skills and experience like drawing blood, injections, EKG's etc. It also gives me an opportunity to fall back on it if I need to.

[penny186, ADN, BSN, CNA, RN]

I have been a cna for a while and am going to school for my bsn. There is nothing wrong with being a career cna, which is what I feel I should have done. Being a cna is very rewarding. However, it is also backbreaking and stressful day after day. The job itself is stressful and it is even worse when your coworkers suck. Basic duties include washing, dressing, changing, toileting, feeding, transferring, grooming, vitals, and pampering to the extreme for those residents that have unending requests. There is extensive documentation and good communication skills are needed to relay information to nurses, help other cnas, and make sure the family members are satisfied. The job is very satisfying and you will be giving it your all. It is intimidating at first, but after a while you will be doing it like a pro. You will learn most things on the job, not in class. Try being a cna and if you are happy, there is nothing wrong with making it a career. If you want to go further, you can go to school because most facilities are willing to work around your schedule. Right now im wishing i was a career cna. Good luck!

[futureLVN40]

Thank you for your response. I'm going to do it, and as the years go by I will pursue my goal in being an LVN, but for now I think I will be satisfied with being a CNA til I break my back lol jk :)