CNA pre-req class- really unsure about it

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Has anyone ever been super unsure about taking the CNA course? I know I definitely do not want to work as a CNA, and am only taking the course because I have to as a pre-req for the LPN program. I know so many that plan on working part time as a CNA while finishing up their general ed's and throughout the LPN program, but I know I can't do it. I don't start the class until mid June, but I'm so nervous. If I'm pretty sure I won't like the messy and personal parts of the CNA duties, am I crazy to think I will be ok working as an LPN? Is there anyone else that has felt this way about CNA duties? I have so much respect for those of you that are CNA's, I just don't think I'm cut out for that type of work, and am not sure how I will make it through the class!

Specializes in CNA.

:deadhorse LOL

Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

sorry I had to respond again. Ok this is to all of those RN students who think that getting their license will allow them to NOT do the gross work. Being a nurse you need to be able to handle everything from the most disgusting bodily fluids to post mortem care. Yes you will have a CNA to help but not always. I worked in LTC facilities where the nurses did nothing except pass out meds... and I work now at a hospital where the good nurses can do everything. Sometimes you can't rely on a CNA to help you. Some floors don't have an aide at all. You can't leave a patient uncomfortable until they can do the messy work for you. Especially with 1 aide to 25 patients and the nurse has 4 or 5 at most. It's just a fact and if you think that you can't handle it please think about your decision. I know that now when I get my RN license I can handle every aspect of the job. Not just the passing out meds and chit chatting with the patient. I hope that helps a little bit. :twocents:

:deadhorse

Specializes in LTC.

Ask any of the experienced nurses on this site what they think of someone who's not even in a nursing program yet and already finds CNA work distasteful or think they're above it. I'd really like to see what most of them say. :yeah:

You really are reading a lot more into things than are really there. Nobody said anything about distasteful or being above anything. My concern does not lie with wiping tushes or giving baths, it lies in handling people's privates, if you must know. That's a very personal thing IMO, and yes, it makes me uncomfortable. Much in the same way that a person is uncomfortable handling a newborn until they get used to it. Now please get off your high horse and find something else to complain about. Like I said before, this horse is DEAD!

Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

I think this board was created to give your opinion. No need to be rude about it.

I wasn't aware that CNA's did work other than with the elderly. What kind? I guess I've always associated the job with nursing homes.

CNAs work in just about all settings except ICU one on one care/or as many nurses know depending it can also be 4:1 care. In that type of setting a CNA my be requested to help transport a person and that is just about it. So - frankly - it isn't just the setting - or the desease - CNA is healthcare and it is a broad field.

I am a pre-nursing student, and I just finished my CNA courses. I went through a lot of feelings before and during my CNA lecture classes. I don't mind bodily fluids, having three children I am all good in that arena, but I was apprehensive about my ability to provide personal care with privacy and dignity to adults who cannot do it for themselves. I was petrified about my clinicals. Then, I started my clinicals. It was shocking to me how different the job is when you are performing those tasks on real people. Most of the residents who can respond are very grateful and helpful when you clean them and help them. Another huge surprise was how heavy a tiny person who cannot move their own limbs is! Very different from the dummies in lab! The biggest surprise to me, though, was that after not having time to eat during my whole first day of clinicals, I had absolutely no appetite at all for the rest of the day. I tried, but the food just wouldn't go down. The one thing I thought wouldn't affect me, did. Now, I can eat after a shift, but I have to change my clothes and take a good shower. I am a bit of a germaphobe lol and I think that was the biggest reason I couldn't eat, just being around so many things that microbiology has taught me can be pathogenic.

I think it is just a matter of adjustment, and there are plenty of healthcare positions that require you to be a CNA but you do not necessarily perform peri-care. That being said, I know RN's that don't have CNA's in their units and they do everything that CNA's do. I think you will be fine, and you will probably find, when you are faced with a person who needs your care you will do what needs to be done. :cool:

Specializes in CNA, PCT.
C.N.A's do more than wipe tooshies!!!!:nono: i think it makes no sense to go become an lpn when you cant even take the thought of wiping someone. I am glad that i became a c.n.a. I have learned so much this past year ,things that will only help me in the long run. Team work, people skills, the ability to handle stressful situations,vitals, wound care, feed, toilet, showers, your basic cares that i think would only make sense to be familar with. Even if c.n.a's are at the "bottom" of the chain, we play a very important role in peoples lives. I hope you wont be the type to expect someone else to do the dirty work when able, simply because of a title. Either way, i wish you the best with everything.

I totally agree .. I took the CNA course before going into nursing to test the waters.. I went in telling everyone that I didnt want to work Nursing Homes. After 2 days into clinical I loved it and I now know that I want to go on to nursing school and I want to work in a nursing home. I would highly suggest that someone take the CNA course to see if Nursing is for them If you cant take alittle doo doo and pee pee, maybe you should re-think your decision

Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
I totally agree .. I took the CNA course before going into nursing to test the waters.. I went in telling everyone that I didnt want to work Nursing Homes. After 2 days into clinical I loved it and I now know that I want to go on to nursing school and I want to work in a nursing home. I would highly suggest that someone take the CNA course to see if Nursing is for them If you cant take alittle doo doo and pee pee, maybe you should re-think your decision

Same here. I was totally against working in nursing homes too! But I liked it as well & am going to start working in an assisted living facility :yeah:

Specializes in Case Manager, LTC,Staff Dev/NAT Instr.

I found some of the comments to be hilarious and slightly harsh but we all have a freedom of opinions..right??...however CNA duties are hard and I applaud anyone that have a passion for what they do:yeah:...I started this journey years ago as a NAT/CNA/LPN/RN it really has allowed me to appreciate those around me and reach out to help someone else along the way...the experience is priceless...before coming into this profession I heard the horror stories concerning CNA duties but once I experienced the difference I made in anothers life by administering a bath, feeding, changing diapers, ROM, turning q 2hrs,...it was a MAJOR impact because not all were elderly pts...trust me if they could they would rather have their dignity....but that is where we all play a part with COMPASSION...my advice to anyone entering this profession...its ok to be nervous, just be in it for the right reasons, the outcome is more rewarding....best wishes:heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

if cna gives me a step ahead i'd do it. i'm starting cna class on monday but i am an rn-bsn, i have a ca license but i live in louisiana. it's tough up here,they don't recognize out of the state license. plus i'm a foreign graduate so i have to take the long way around.

i won't mind cna classes or work.my mom is an rn and she told me she does cna job during the night shift so it won't make a difference.

anyway, i'm working on my la license. it's going to be a while but i have a job waiting for me so i won't mind waiting for 7 to 8 months..wheew..i hope cna would get me by.:)

best wishes on your cna class and hopefully lpn too..:)

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