Anyone working as a CNA now?

Sue7573 · Apr 24, 2005

I replied to another post that you I think started. I am a CNA have been one since I was 16. I enjoy it. I want to warn you though. I have never seen a nurse have a flexible schedule (except those that work in Dr.s office in my area) One of the reasons I had not gone to nursing school before this is because (at least in my experience) the nurses had too much responsiblity they had to take crap from both ends CNA's on one side and higher up nurses, DON, Administrators, and Doctors on the other end. I didn't/don't envy them. I was pretty happy as a nurse aide but aides flat don't get paid what they are worth. DON"T get me wrong I am not in this field for the money. I am not going to be a nurse because they get paid more. My son is the one that got me to first think about and then continue my education. I chose nursing because there isn't anything else I would want to do. And another reason I am going to nursing is that all though I know that nurses work very hard, but from what I have seen they actually do a little less lifting than the aides. I have hurt my back a couple of times lifting or turning a patient, I am not saying here that I think for one minute that I will not be doing any of that as a nurse because I do know better but I wont be lifting and tugging and turning 16 residents 3 to 4 or more times a day. My back injury isn't the worst ever. But I watched my mom go through back surgery at the age of 35 and working as a nurse aide is what caused her back problems. Anyway I would if I were you go ahead and get your CNA before you get into your program. My friend is having to take the CNA class and she called me the other day after her clinicals and said that she had no clue what to do. The place she done her clinicals at just put her on the floor and said "get to it" can you imagine only just having text book knowledge of what you are supposed to do, to be put in a situation like that. I don't know where you live but in some places in Kentucky when you get hired they put you through the course for free.

good luck

Sue

Gennaver, MSN · Apr 24, 2005

I have applied and am waiting to hear back from an ASN program. I have to have my CNA before my first nursing class, so I was thinking of going ahead and getting that now. From reading on this board, a lot of people work as CNA's while waiting to get in. Thought that might be a good idea for me. How much do CNA's make and can they work flexible hours like the nurses. Has anybody continued to work through nursing school? If so, how was it?

Hello Pristy,

Have been a CNA since 1989.

Its hard work, (overworked, understaffed etc.) I have worked at nursing homes, hospitals and home health and all were equally as hard. Try to never 'expect' to do any homework while you are at work, it most likely will not happen. Its a tough job and a sweet job and something that takes a lot out of you and gives a lot back to you.

I have watched many co-workers through the years go to nursing school and continue to work as CNAs while in school and then watched some of those very same people become Nurses and work in that capacity. I have also worked with Nurses who used to be CNAs or phlebotomists and more and I was generally always glad to have former CNAs as my nurse. :)

Good luck!

Gen