CNAs! question about incontinence care etc.

[kelnkhalif]

hello all!

im currently in cna training,and im so worried about getting a position where i have to deal with changing the patient etc. i know thats what being a CNA involves but i have 6month twins and 2yo I CHANGE BUTTS FULL TIME AT HOME HONESTY I THINK I WOULD DIE IF I HAD TO GO TO WORK AND DO IT ALL DAY RIGHT NOW. i was thinking is that what every position involves? should i have waited until maybe i could deal with this,...im currently waiting todo pre-req for lpn and wanted to get a position while im presuming that also. should i go into maybe phlebotomy until my lpn?? HELP !!

[JDZ344]

You could work somewhere where the patients are generally younger and self caring, if you could get the position.

[CoffeemateCNA]

Peri-care is part of being a CNA pretty much no matter where you go -- LTC, hospitals, home-health. One of the only positions I can see where it would not be involved is if you were hired to a clinic or doctor's office in the area. You may get to do less, but not completely get away from it, by working in a residential care facility or assisted living.

Don't want to burst your bubble, but you will be doing plenty of wiping in nursing school, too, especially during clinicals. Then again, when you graduate and work as an LPN, you still may be doing it, depending on where you work.

If you can stand it, work as a CNA. Phlebotomy may help some, but not nearly as much as being a CNA. Don't forget the enormous cost of the course in the first place. It may also be more difficult for you to get hired as a phlebotomist. CNA jobs are a dime a dozen.

[kelnkhalif]

thanks guys, guess ill have to make lemons into lemonade for now

[eveningsky339, LPN]

thanks guys, guess ill have to make lemons into lemonade for now

You won't even think about it after a while. It just comes with the territory.

[fuzzywuzzy, CNA]

The work is so fast paced, it won't feel like you're changing your kids all day. I mean changing your kids is probably a chore you feel like you have to do constantly but it's different when you're at work.

If you can find work in a rehab center, like for people who've just had hip and knee surgeries, you'll do a lot less wiping. Most of those people can wipe themselves. You'll still be emptying commode buckets and urinals a lot though.

[Ev1987]

I remember in cna training, some of my classmates would feel grossed-out and discouraged thinking about changing or cleaning a stranger. But I'm thinking to myself 'Providing basic hygiene is in the job description. Imagine a waitress not wanting to serve food to the customers?!' I think assisted living facilities/rehab would have you perform less of the task, but try to mentally prepare yourself for the task if it presents itself.