has anyone ever asked you why or discouraged you from being a cna?

[cnamommyto2]

My husbands sister came over to drop a check off that was sent to her house by accident and when I told her that I was going to college to be a CNA she told me that I wouldn't want to do that. And I know what's involved with being a CNA. Note this a woman who never changed/bathed/fed her dying parents.

What's your story/stories?

[yousoldtheworld]

I have plenty of college credits under my belt but no degree yet. I am not exactly rolling in money and my family has never been in a position to help me either. But I guess I'm just "lazy."

Yep, this is me, too. Creditwise, I am considered a Junior (actually only one semester away from being a senior). And like you, my family is not well off. I get no aid other than loans, which I already have so many of them and can barely pay on my meager wages. So it really got to me when those people were commenting that "If you aren't in nursing school, you're lazy/making excuses. If you wanted to do it, you would". Yeah, thanks for claiming to know everything about my situation and assuming because something was one way for you, it's also like that for me. I'm not making excuses, I'm being realistic.

....sorry for the mini rant, there. :)

[CNABESS]

I returned to work after many years at home and chose not to continue in the field I was once deeply entrenched in and for which I have have a required degree. I like what I do. I went to the CNA class w/ a young woman who had her Masters degree in education and quit teaching after only 2 yrs. because she hated it so much. She is far more educated than most of the nurses we work with and I am as educated as most. We choose to do this "dirty, low paying job" as a labor of love for those who need care. If my parents, husband, children needed someone to care for them in this way, I hope it is a person who is content in the knowledge that helping and caring are superior career choices.

I was recently asked several times by hospital nurses why I was not an RN or "continuing on" with my nursing education. My hubby was in for a cardiac procedure and several of the nurses could not believe that I would actually choose to be "just a CNA". They seemed to feel like I was insulting them for not pursuing their chosen profession. I am content with my life, and that is a great thing.

[karamarie91]

My mother had been most supportive of me going to become a CNA because she knows my ultimate goal is to get my BSN. I quit my job in customer service two months ago in order to change careers to nursing. My state exam is next Sunday, but I'm so eager to become a CNA so I can get more exposure to nursing.

Most people I talk to keep saying the same thing:" Don't you stay a CNA for (insert some large number) years. You better get your RN". I agree that being a CNA is a selfless job that you definitely can't do just for the pay-you have to like taking care of others if your going to avoid being a miserable CNA.