Okay here's the deal: Everyone here, with the exception of those of us who are still taking classes (me) has put in the work and time it takes to get certified, as a Nursing Assistant. You have all had the jitters when it came to taking the Boards, and regardless to how experienced you are till this day, I'm sure there are days that make you smile down to your soul after a shift, just as there are nights-which are sleepless.
In essence, are you all proud of your job as a CNA?? When people ask you what you do for a living are you particularly eager to explain to them you are a CNA, or is this something you only disclose to a select few because of the not-so-glamorous side of being a certified nursing assistant?
I'm 22 years old, and last night I was coming home with a student from my class. We were waiting in line to catch the bus, and she went on to say: "People don't know that if your a CNA, you are going to have to wipe butts! Thats what we do!". LOL Needless to say, I was in my scrubs and people had no IDEA what I was could have been a Nurse, or a Doctor etc. then she said out loud we are CNA's and have to wipe butts; which was a little embarassing to me :chuckle. Of course i'm working on my humility.
How comfortable are you all in disclosing your careers, and the details of what you do? Also, what measures do you all take to prevent the spread of infection to you, the ones you love, and prevent infection from spreading into your home after your shifts (i.e. Taking off your scrubs before you leave work)??
I am aware that this job requires humility and a humble spirit which is fine, but I love myself too, and our "Health is our Wealth". If we are not healthy, we cannot provide care for our residents.
While I am not embarrassed at all at what I do, (I think it takes a special person...) I am proud of the fact that I am continuing on to my RN, and cna is just a stepping stone for me. I, personally, would not want to be a CNA for my long term career...I am the type who wants to constantly do more, bigger, better...you know? But I do not look down on those who chose to remain as CNA's. The patients need good, happy, qualified people to do that care. I have tremendous respect for the women I work with who have done it for 20 years, and done it well.
But for me, personally, I guess I would have to say that I am proud to be a "temporary" cna. If that makes sense.
Wow, great post. Ironically I've been thinking about just getting my CNA so I can start working while I wait to get into the R.N. program here. My sister in law who is an LPN at a nursing home, keeps laughing at me, putting me down, says I'll be doing the "grunt" work she doesn't have to.....I'm having some issues with that attitude. Regardless, we are all there to help those that cannot help themselves....right?
44 and going back to school!!! THANK YOU so much, I'm 36 and have been feeling a bit embarassed and unsure, but thank you for letting me know that we are out there! :0)
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
Wow, great post. Ironically I've been thinking about just getting my CNA so I can start working while I wait to get into the R.N. program here. My sister in law who is an LPN at a nursing home, keeps laughing at me, putting me down, says I'll be doing the "grunt" work she doesn't have to.....I'm having some issues with that attitude. Regardless, we are all there to help those that cannot help themselves....right?
Your sister in law's attitude stinks. She may have told you that you will be doing some of the work that she may not have to, but it strongly depends on where she works. If she worked in a hospital and no CNA was around...guess what, LPN...YOU will have to do it.
For those of you who plan to rise up the nursing ladder, you will see that each position encounters the same..LPNS are told..."You do the things that the RNs don't want to be bothered with...". Associate Degree RNs are told similar things "Oh, you are REALLY a nurse when you work in Critical Care, ICU or the Burn Unit...why are you working in psych", those who don't specialize are told this, it can go on and on. It is great to have aspirations, but you can only do one thing at a time at this exact moment. Be proud of what you can do for this moment in time.
I am extremely proud to say that if I had to hit the floor as a CNA, I can still hold my own and then some. I am also proud to say that I can wipe a butt, excoriated from numerous loose stools, in a way that provides relieve rather than making the owner go through the roof.
I'm proud to be a CNA.....I love taking care of my residents and I confess that I tend to spoil them. I have my own hall with 7 residents, 4 of whom are total care, 2 are partial care, and 1 is independent. I know who wants what when, and exactly how my residents want something done. They hate it when I'm off and love to see me come back.
I am 54 and have wanted to be a nurse for over 40 years. I actually started RN school back in 1973 but quit to get married (I was 18). Since then I've moved around a lot, married twice, and just this past year moved to a town where I could get into nursing via getting certified as a CNA by the LTC I work at. I'm going on from here and hopefully starting LPN class next January and then bridging to RN ADN after that.
i tell people what i do all the time. i tell people i am either a cna or nurses aid.i cant say that i have ever changed at work before leaving. unless something gross gets on there, then i will but it has never happened. my BIGGEST thing .. is hand washing, i wash for every reason, even if i i go into a sick persons room and i just touched the door knob. the flu and another virus has gone through where i work, and i have yet to get sick. and i think a lot of that has to do with my hand washing and other infection control habbits. same with gloves, i will put them on for any reason, even if im not going to come in contact with any bodily fluid. i wont even put lotion on with out them...well enouph about that!
I am very proud of the work I do. We are all special people who choose to serve those who cannot help themselves. We are a vital part to the everyday lives of people. For me the journey has been more than just a job. Yes, we all have our days, but for the most part the "second paycheck" that we receive is very real. There are many times when the satisfction of the work is overwhelming and makes me very proud. We are the link to the well being and everyday comfort and happiness of people! In fact it is an honor and a priviledge to me to be trusted with the everyday care of so many people. We do more than wipe butts. We provide comfort, cleanliness, dignity, a sense of well being, happiness and love.
k-t-did
72 Posts
While I am not embarrassed at all at what I do, (I think it takes a special person...) I am proud of the fact that I am continuing on to my RN, and cna is just a stepping stone for me. I, personally, would not want to be a CNA for my long term career...I am the type who wants to constantly do more, bigger, better...you know? But I do not look down on those who chose to remain as CNA's. The patients need good, happy, qualified people to do that care. I have tremendous respect for the women I work with who have done it for 20 years, and done it well.
But for me, personally, I guess I would have to say that I am proud to be a "temporary" cna. If that makes sense.