Is being a CNA a really hard job?

Beldar_the_Cenobite, CNA · Jul 28, 2017

I am thinking about taking a CNA class to see if I would like being a nurse. I do enjoy helping people including the elderly. But is this job really hard? Do you use lifts to move patients in Nursing homes and hospitals? I do have neck and back pain sometimes due to needing a breasts reduction. So I would be wearing a back and possibly a neck brace while working. Also are you allowed to wear masks and goggles to protect you from germs? I've been told that some patients will try to spit and throw feces on you. Which is why I will definitely want to wear a masks and goggles.

I also think being a CNA makes you a better quality RN once, and if, you become one. CNAs are a sonar to an RN who is the submarine...if that makes sense. Some RNs don't give a rats ass about their CNAs, and some RNs do. Though, we never know what kind of RN they are (ex-CNA or no), a CNA is usually the eyes and ears for the RN (if you didn't get the sonar and submarine approach). I've heard that RNs who were CNAs are better seasoned toward patient care under pressure than those who went straight into nursing school when it comes to treating CNAs.

I left out this: then again people just have an absent minded lazy attitude when it comes to treating the people around them. People nowadays don't use their brains. They're very "unconscious" as to how they act, meaning they act immaturely in a futile, feeble way. RN's will have their experience of snot-nosed CNAs who don't give a **** and that will season the RN to be the same towards the CNAs who AREN'T snot-nosed CNAs that don't give a ****, and the same goes for CNAs, they'll have a snot-nosed RN who doesn't give a **** and is too lazy because he/she has their degree and can afford a new car with all the bells and whistles and the CNA's will probably have less of a seasoning from that RN because they have to do what that RN tells them.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2017

A CNAs job is usually quite physically demanding. Many nurses have physically demanding jobs too, but many do not.

Have you considered becoming a mental health tech or aide? This is less physically demanding. You need to be comfortable around people who are different/odd.

Veronicax · Jul 28, 2017

I've thought about Mental Health, Phlebotomy, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting and Medical Assisting. But for most of those people want you to have previous experience. Another reason why I asked about CNA is because I know the training doesn't take that long and I would be able to get a job without experience.

blackmamba123 · Jul 28, 2017

Neck brace, back brace, mask and goggles. Are you sure you want to be a CNA? If you're talking about working in a nursing home, it is definitely physically demanding. It's been a while since I did LTC. At that time lift assistance was a luxury, not the standard, so not sure if that's changed. However, even with a lift, there is a significant amount of manipulating a patient in long term care due to positioning them in bed, assisting with bedpans, to the restroom, or changing adult briefs, emptying catheters, bathing or showering patients etc. I would suggest a "lighter" unit. I'm not sure where you're from, but postpartum and newborn nursery units hire CNA's too. It's physically demanding too, but nothing like long term care. Also, masks and goggles are typically reserved for isolation or tasks that call for that type of equipment. It's generally not worn in case of splatter, etc, so just be aware of that. Wouldn't be to budget friendly. Lastly, being a nursing assistant is not a good way to gauge if you want to be a nurse. The roles and level of responsibility is very different. Being a cna will teach you tasks that nurses do in addition to nursing duties. But honestly, you'd learn that in nursing school anyway. I would recommend shadowing a nurse. Sometimes facilities will allow you to do that. Call a facility you're interested in working at and ask if you can shadow someone. Hope this helps. Good luck to you.

Veronicax · Jul 28, 2017

I assumed that some CNA's did wear back braces but I guess that's not the case? I mentioned Masks and goggles because I was told that some patients try to throw feces at you etc. I mean aren't you suppose to try to protect yourself? And I'm from Michigan.

Career Columnist / Author · Jul 28, 2017

How do you get the patients up and out of bed? Do you use lifts? This is something I was told but is this only for certain patients?

In even the best run facilities that use lifts and mobility teams...you are always at risk for having to assist a patient in an unplanned transfer or turn. Also know that many facilities will require you to be able to lift 50 lbs as a qualification.

Veronicax · Jul 28, 2017

Well I'm thinking about going to see a Chiropractor about my back and neck pain so that might actually help.

yoshi87 · Jul 28, 2017

I worked as a tech during nursing school in an acute care setting in a hospital. Not only is it hard work, but making an occupied bed is hard on the patient as well. So yes, it is very stressful as well as physically demanding. I honestly think being a dental assistant would be a great career if you want to get in the healthcare field and can handle other people's mouths.

Veronicax · Jul 28, 2017

Dental Assisting was my first choice but then I read where people complain about not being able to get hired with no experience. That's the problem new graduates have not being able to find work after graduating. But with CNA it's a lot easier to get hired with no experience because people are always looking for CNA's.

Wuzzie · Jul 28, 2017

But with CNA it's a lot easier to get hired with no experience because people are always looking for CNA's.

There's a reason for that.

Veronicax · Jul 28, 2017

But doesn't it depend on where you work? In regards to how difficult it might be?

quazar · Jul 28, 2017

But doesn't it depend on where you work? In regards to how difficult it might be?

. It can, sure, but most CNA jobs that are plentiful and available are the ones that require extreme physical labor and endurance. It might not be what you want to hear, but it's the truth.

CNA work is very physically demanding, very sweaty, very hard work. Bottom line. I've done it. It's hard. No other way around it.