CNA

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So, I've been considering becoming a nursing assistant.

And I was wondering if anyone could give me any info about the job's pros and cons, and any other info about it.

I think I have the basic idea of the job but I can't be sure so I decided to ask a nursing forum.

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Hi!

There's a entire CNA section in the students area with lots of information. I suggest you search around in there. I'm signed up to do a 8 week certification as a CNA & Home Health Aide this Summer and I'm really looking forward to it.

Good luck!

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the job sux you will not enjoy it.

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Thank you touchhealth, I'll see what I can find there.

But um, Harleyhead, was there even a point to that post?

I asked for information about the job, not whether or not you think it sucks.

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From the perspective of somebody in Aged Care:

Pros

-Meaningful work.

-Get to make a difference in peoples lives even if it is over trivial stuff. But its stuff they can't do for themselves.

-You get excellent people skills.

Cons

-Very physically demanding.

-Can't do everything you want to do for people, not even close most days.

-The pay is generally pretty awful.

-Get to be the absolute bottom of the ladder in terms of power in the workplace.

I've never had any other kind of job. I do love it even though it drives me batty sometimes. I think my first point about it being meaningful work is the most important part. You feel like you are doing something really worthwhile even if sometimes it goes unnoticed and unappreciated and the good generally outweighs the bad in the overall picture. It's also a really good place to start at if you want to move further into Nursing, the experience is priceless.

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Yep, same thing I've heard elsewhere.

Meaningful work, physically demanding, and low pay.

Money shouldn't be a problem for me for a few years so I won't have a problem with low pay.

And seeing as how I'd rather have less power in the workplace(strange, I know) and I can deal with physically demanding I think the pros definitely outweigh the cons.

Thanks for the input.

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Flight.

it is really not a good paying job..... as the others have told you..

it can make you a better person though...

i did it when i was in high school.... im still in the medical field and a very important person with the ENA....emergency nurse association...

it is up to you on what you want to do.... im telling you....being a CNA is a hard job...

but... it can be very rewarding as well...........

look at me... many years later.. im not only a nurse..but help teach the nurses around our country......

i make more money than most doctors.......

i started out as a nurse aide~~~~

:cool:

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Good morning! Next week,I am receiving my certificate to teach CNA's and am curious as to which schools you recommend that I apply to teach for? I want comrades who respect the students and are not burned out. I have 30 years of wonderful expereince as an RN and want know the profession.

Thank you and all the best to you,

RNnamaste

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I am applying to teach in a CNA program. I am earning the certificate to train CNA's and LPN's and am going through the process of finding a school that has high respect for themselves and the students. Please keep in touch about your process and conclusion.

Best of luck to you,

RNnamaste

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Specializes in General (OB, Peds, med-surg, etc...).

I worked as a CNA for two years, starting off at age 18, right out of high school. I worked in a great nursing home, and really loved what I did every day. I feel that the experience I gained helped me in nursing school, and continues to help me. Here are some similarities between being a CNA and being a nurse: you will go from one room to the other and be on your feet all day, you must find helping people rewarding, you are required to assist people when they can't do activities for themselves (such as hygiene care), you will deal with people who try to throw around their power...there are many other similarities as well. I believe it is a great place to start if you are interested in becoming a nurse. Some may disagree, but this is just my opinion.

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I'm a nursing assisistant. The major advantage for me is that it has been a total learning exeperience. I get to interact with patients with various ailments (can apply A&P); I work with great nurses who show me how certain procedures are done and how certain equipment works. They're also happy to answer any questions I have. I observe how the nurses interact with patients, other nurses, physicician as well as how they handle stress. Some of the other nursing assistants I work with are also in nursing school, so I get to ask them questions about their program. I'm currently training to become a PCT so I know how to do wound care, straight catherization, and phlebotomy. Everyday I learn something new and I feel confident (but still a little nervous!) to start nursing school this fall. I can also work 3-12's (FT) and have 4 days off :D. Disadvantages: you're on your feet a lot, your patience is always tested, other lazy nursing assistants, and low pay.

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While many people have mentioned the low pay, I have to point out that there are plenty of jobs that pay even lower. In my area, CNA's in LTC start at $10 hourly, while retail jobs, fast food and other areas of employment pay much less, so it's not all bad. :yeah:

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