CNA- Do Over

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I took a CNA course a couple of years ago- and unfortunately, due to a very intimidating, harsh, instructor- I quit. I had an "A" on all of the bookwork material, it was just when I went into the clinical practice, I froze. When I asked the "instructor" how I could level out or let go of the tension, she just said "I don't believe nursing is for you- I think you should quit." Her statement took me totally by surprise and really shook me. I was devastated and with my spirit broken- instead of brushing it off- as I think I should have-I quit. I took my B/P monitor and stethoscope back to where I had purchased it- I could not even look at it or talk about the incident- for a long time.

I quit that CNA class, but that did not mean my dream of being a nurse died- this despite my return to college Spring 08 to pursue a Master degree in a field-- I wasn't all that excited about-- that I chose to quit when I completed the semester-- (I had to ask myself "who am I, why am I here?") The degree program just did not hold the interest in me that Nursing does. And Nursing, being unrelated to my undergraduate study (Communications/English) I know that in order to pursue it, I'm going to have to get that CNA ...

Could anyone share positive CNA class and field experiences that make going through the mess I encountered before, worth it? I just want to know if others had to develop an outer shell to deal with some people- those who you initially thought were there to encourage you?

At 33, married w/children, I know I want to pursue Nursing. I hope being a part of this forum will help me to- I know there will be bumps in the road ahead, I just would be so grateful for some advice on how to get through them all!

I will so appreciate all the advice

~Thank you;)

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I had a horrible time the first time I took the CNA classes- only it wasn't the teacher it was my classmates- I got thur the classes and clincials- but I wasn't feeling good about myself or classes- and then I took at job at a LTC place and it was a horrible place to work and I ended up quitting and didn't take my State Test-

Two years later I retook the CNA classes at a different place- had a wonderful class experience and landed a wonderful job at a different LTC and I love what I do-

so go some place else to take your classes- do what is in your heart- GO FOR IT-

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While I could not say whether or not you will like nursing, I can say you need a thicker skin. In nursing you will take abuse. Maybe from nurses, other CNAs or patients and definitely from families. If someone saying they don't think you should be a nurse can run you off you may need to work on that a bit.

While being nice and compassionate are very good skills in nursing. Being timid isn't. The meek will definitely get abused in nursing. You need to learn to stand up for yourself. Otherwise one bad experience will crush you and cause you to run away again.

That's just my :twocents: I may be off base.

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Specializes in Cardiovascular medical/surgical.

My CNA experience was wonderful, I had really great teachers who were nurses/teachers for a very long time. One thing to remember is tomorrow is another day. If something bad happens just push on and realize that tomorrow will bring something new, may that be good or bad it will be fine. As far as letting go of stress work out, read books that you can get caught up in or just go for a walk.

Nursing is a tough field, and if its not for you thats ok if it is for you thats great. CNA's often are abused a lot more than RNs, as they seem to be treated like the dirt they have to clean up a lot of times. Just show everyone you are competent and things will go fine. One of the ladies I took care of in my clinical was a very tough case, and I dreaded it at first but then as the days went on I realized that she needed care just like everyone else if not more and I knew I could do the job right so I was glad I was the one taking care of her instead of some of the slacker girls. Good luck!! :D

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Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions. If I recall, the CNA situation happened during a really volatile time in my life; I was overly sensitive. I have a handle on things now, and believe I can deal with constructive criticism, and either learn from it or brush it off and move on. I also believe if I do not go forward and embrace it all, the good with the bad, I will be one of those old, elderly ladies one day who might say something to themselves like "If I could have- or would have- or should have done- yada- yada." I am not going to allow myself to be intimidated to the point of quitting again. In regards to enduring coworkers who may have issues or lack of composure, or whatever, I will treat them with respect and also respect the division of authority in any situation I find myself in. Lastly, I am not bitter and I'm going to leave the first "Not so Wonderful Intro to the CNA World" in the past and Go For It!

"It's not that I'm so smart , it's just that I stay with problems longer ."

-Albert Einstein

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I remember during my CNA clinical experience, we had an instructor that used to say sarcastic remarks to the patients and then proceed to say negative things about us, but they were misconceived. He told me that I gossiped too much with the male CNA I was assigned to work with. That was very far from the truth...this guy made me feel comfortable and showed me everything I needed to know. He was easy going and made me laugh at my mishaps. I didn't pay that fool any mind, and now, years later, I am a nurse. If I had let him get to me, I wouldn't be where I am today.

We all have certain areas of sensitivity that are exposed, and maybe then was not the time for you. Now, with the past behind you, a goal in mind and more maturity, you'd probably ace the class and test to go towards your goal. Good luck!

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