Any tips for a 17-year-old CNA?

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Hello! I'm 17, about to take my CNA class starting next week. I'm planning on applying to nursing school in February and CNA gives me points. I plan on working as a CNA at a nursing home once I'm certified, but I have to say that I am terrified! Not only am I young, I am a tiny tiny girl. (5"2 and 85 lbs.) I've tried to build some strength and drink ensures and such, but I don't ever gain weight. I've weighed 85 lbs. for 4 years now. I'm really worried about how I'm going to lift residents. I really don't want to feel like a burden on others if I'll always need help. And I'm also worried that I'll be super slow. Any tips or advice would help! Thank you.

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Hi Cailey,

Your size could be a issue. However i've worked with other CNA's who are your height and under 120 pounds and able to take care of bigger residents. Infact if you develop a buddy system(team work is 100% essential for your type of work) you can do anything your heart wants.

Please don't put off applying to nursing school. Don't be like me when your 24 going back to school for an associates.

Kadeem

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

It doesn't matter your size. You shouldn't be using brute force to move anyone. If they are heavy or dependent, you should be using some sort of lift. Good luck.

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Specializes in dementia/LTC.

I am 5'1 & about 105 lbs and worked as a cna for 4+ yrs before I passed rn boards. Sometimes it is a bit harder for me to boost and transfer pts but I made do just fine. Make sure to grab help when you need it and use lift machines when you are supposed to. Get a couple dumb bell weights and work on your arm strength. Sit ups to gain core strength will help too. It will be harder at first but after a few months of work you will be a lot stronger. I've worked with plenty of very petite CNAs and they did just fine.

Muscle weighs more than fat so as you gain muscle you might see your weight go up but I wouldn't be concerned about it as long as you eat a healthy diet and aren't over doing the cardio.

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