Anyone here too "small" to become a CNA?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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The topic title said so.. And if you are, were you able to work OK as a CNA?

I am currently doing the clinicals for my CNA course.

I am 19 but I was told to look around.. 13-16. I'm also small (5 ft) and quite thin.. However, I tell myself many times to not let this get in the way because I am an aspiring nurse and becoming a CNA is a first step for me.. I love what I do. I am able to get up a resident but I can't help but feel sad when the other CNAs seem to get scared that I am handling their patient. But I always do my best everyday and would ask for help when needed. Always.

I guess,.. I need motivation and tips. I wanted to work as a CNA part time as I further my studies.. It is hard but at the same time I find it very rewarding. It makes me feel great that's why I look forward to clinicals. Nursing is really something I had been wanting to do since I was young and I don't want to get discouraged because of how I am physically, if that makes sense.

Sorry for this very bad explanation but I am hoping to meet other aspiring nurses who can relate.

Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

We need people like you. Please don't let your size get you worried. There are lots of aides that are small and do the job fine. You'll get your muscles built up and learn the best way to do things. It just takes a little practice.

Good for you for starting out as a CNA. When you become a nurse you will have aides working under you and knowing what it's like will make you a better boss. My opinion anyway. Im doing the same thing you are. Using this a learning experience.

Good luck!!

Specializes in public health.

The only thing I can think of that a "small-sized" CNA can't do it by herself is transferring, but in most cases, you need at least 2 people to transfer anyway. I am 5'3'' and have a small frame. I can't transfer even a 90 lb lady, but that's fine. I just go get help. It's better to be safe than sorry. If you learn to use right body mechanics and ask for help, you will do fine.

Specializes in geriatrics, dementia, ortho.

I seer cna's of all shapes & sizes at the facilities I've been at; as long as you're strong and figure out how to do things so it works for you in particular, you'll be just fine. There's a reason some patients require hoyers or 2-person assists, after all! Good luck.

Specializes in family medicine.

Yup, like everyone said, don't let your size worry you. When I was in clinical I ended up with a 400lb lady who was bed bound. I had to do a bed bath with another classmate and we had no idea how to turn her! A CNA assigned to her who was about 5ft came in and turned her by herself! Now that I am working as a CNA, i've learned a lot and each day gets easier! good luck =)

Specializes in LTC.

I'm only 5' too and I don't have any problems. I get comments about how strong I am despite being so small all the time. It's just a matter of figuring out your body mechanics. Being short can be an advantage. It's a lot easier to get under the patient so to speak. You don't have to bend and contort your body the way a tall person might.

Specializes in LTC.

I'm not as small as you are (I was 5'3" 110lbs when I started), but I've never had any problems. First of all if someone can't bear weight, they're probably assist of 2. I couldn't lift 100 lbs when I started, and now I can pick up around 130 by myself. As time goes on you get stronger and you learn how to use your body more efficiently.

Specializes in CNA.
I am 19 but I was told to look around.. 13-16. I'm also small (5 ft) and quite thin...

Some of the best CNAs I ever saw are your size. I presume you can walk a mile in 15 minutes or lift 50 pounds without stressing yourself too much. If so, you have what it takes to be a great CNA.

It is hard work for anyone, but being small does not make it harder. I think being really big makes it harder.

Specializes in LTC.

One of my close friends is 4'11" and she kicks so much butt at what she does (she's a CNA/CMA). I haven't worked with her personally, but I guarantee you that she is better at transfers than I am, and I'm 5'6" and 135lbs. There is no such thing as "too small". :D

I feel like you are writing this post for me!

I'm 4'11'' and about 90 lbs and I'm pretty thin. I always get told I look 13-16 and I always get smart remarks from people...I'm aspiring to be a nurse but I really want to get some experience as a CNA first. It's really hard cause I feel like I'm too small to lift anyone! I'm always telling myself it's for the experience and to better myself, I'm sure we'll both make it (: I have faith!

Hi!

This was just the question I was going to post today. I'm getting discouraged because I'm 5' and a weakling. I'm afraid I might accidentally shove the person off their bedpan or off the bed.

Is it true that people will help if you ask them? I'm just assuming I will always ask someone for help...but I'm afraid they will look at me with a look that says, "Why did we hire this girl? She can't even do her job. I have to help her all the time." =(

Specializes in Nursing Assistant.

Hi. I am a new CNA seeking my first job as a CNA. Great question you asked, at times I've wondered that as well. I am actually on the tall side (5' 10") and on the thin side. I'm sure I'll be doing a lot of bed raising in order to practice proper body mechanics. :eek: During my clinicals I worked with a couple CNA's that were really small and surprisingly they had no problem repositioning larger residents. So I have confidence that it will just take practice along with building up those muscles! Good luck to you! :)

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