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.
I'm new to the field of CNA work. I'm 5'8" and weigh 130 lb. I don't consider myself particularly strong, but I was trained to use body mechanics for all transfers and maneuvers, so I'm able to transfer and ambulate people who weigh a lot more than I do. One of my co-workers is about 5' nothing and wears size extra small scrubs, she does all the same work that I do and usually doesn't even have to ask for help with transfers -- unless the care plan calls for a 2-person transfer. Don't be intimidated thinking you can't do it, because you can !!!!
It definitely encouraged me. You all are so right about body mechanics and how awesome a lot of short people are in the facility I am doing my clinicals in. I wasn't as weak as I thought too :)
It goes both ways. Being tall can make things harder sometimes. Also, being able to lift 200lbs is really not that useful, because a lot of patient's are so fragile that a one person transfer might put them at great risk for injury.
i feel your pain i am 4'11'' and 132 lbs. most of the residents are 3x my size i often need help lifting them. thank god for the hoyer lift. but this job can really do a number on your back............any advice
@systoli: Yes, you're right. I have to raise beds way up high to be at waist level in order to work with the residents. Because my spine is so long I tend to feel it in my lower back when someone I'm working with starts to sway and I have to brace them. I think I'm getting stronger the more I work, though.
I'm 5'3 and 110, I've seen much smaller and *sigh* thinner people do a wonderful job. Lifting with tall coworkers is a bit awkward, but please do try, it's very worth it :)
Ooo please don't let your size discourage you. I'm 19 and 4'9". I'm an aspiring nurse; just took my teas exam and applied to lpn school but ultimately gonna be an NP. You just have to be strong inside and out lol.
My coworkers are similar in your stature. I am a very thin but taller, but was told I was too skinny to be a CNA/might hurt my back. Yes it's harder for us. Some of my taller/stronger/simply larger coworkers can but a gait belt on someone and pivot-transfer them like it's absolutely nothing. For me, I need another pair of hands and sometimes it's a struggle. It's definitely a disadvantage in some cases but it's not impossible
interceptinglight, CNA
352 Posts
I'm new to the field of CNA work. I'm 5'8" and weigh 130 lb. I don't consider myself particularly strong, but I was trained to use body mechanics for all transfers and maneuvers, so I'm able to transfer and ambulate people who weigh a lot more than I do. One of my co-workers is about 5' nothing and wears size extra small scrubs, she does all the same work that I do and usually doesn't even have to ask for help with transfers -- unless the care plan calls for a 2-person transfer. Don't be intimidated thinking you can't do it, because you can !!!!
---Linda---