Is being a CNA a really hard job?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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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.

@textucker this is what I've been told is to use proper body mechanics. The school offers jobs assistance they have placed some people in hospitals. I know a lot of people say it's best to work at a hospital and not a nursing home.

I wouldn't lift anyone at all without help no way lol I don't get it they should allow all CNA's to use lifts it really doesn't make sense that they don't.

Specializes in Medical/Surgical/Telemetry RN.
I worked as an aid in the hospital for 4 yrs and loved it. To me it wasn't bad on the back and neck. unless you don't use proper body mechanics you should be fine. I worked in med surge so thats all i know about. NOW, nursing home is a different story. I'm nurse at a nursing home, I wouldn't be a cna at a nursing home if they paid 50.00 an hour. That is some back breaking work. Those poor aids have far to many residents to care for. I'm there to help them when ever they need though.

I agree with you there! I work in one and it's tough! It's kind of boring/hard at the same time! You gotta have a good crew to make it fun but it can be depressing in those nursing homes.

Yes it is hard. And so is an RN job. And yes both are very physical. If you already have back problems it might be tougher for you.

I think I'll try it and if I start to have any issues I'll stop I'll be sure not to lift patients alone. I am going to see what my chiropractor suggests though. A lot of CNA's say they see a chiropractor on a regular basis.

Yes it is hard. And so is an RN job. And yes both are very physical. If you already have back problems it might be tougher for you.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

YES it is!

Specializes in NICU.

Yes. I'll never do it. Kudos to those that do.

Practicing self care doesn't help at all with the physical stress?

Specializes in Wound care; CMSRN.

I think you're pulling our leg, but yeah, being a CNA is both hard, back breaking work,

and one of the best intros I can think of to nursing. Get a job on a rehab floor; the PT's will show you how its done. The human spine can really only manage a certain amount of weight and leverage, no matter what, and its not a lot. It's basic physics. Repetition will do the most injury. Some states have free schooling for NA's, but NA's don't usually make a living wage to start with.

I'm not sure what you mean by pulling your leg. I thought it really depended on where you work. But I guess that doesn't because the work will be hard regardless. For example most people say it's best not to work in a nursing home because that's where it's really difficult. Yet working in a hospital is a lot better. How is it that some people work as CNA'S for 20 plus years? I'm just surprised that anyone could be a CNA for that many years since the work is so difficult.

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

Yes, and the easier places to work will be the more desiraboe jobs with less turnover. They won't be hiring people with no experience constantly like the difficult jobs most people find themselves in to begin with.

The school I'll be attending offers job placement. And I was told that they place CNA'S in hospitals. I'm going to for patient care technician as well. Think I'd have a better chance at getting in at a hospital.

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