Concerned mother..question about clinicals

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My 16 year old high school daughter is thinking about going into nursing so she signed up for the CNA course offered at the local technical college which she also gets class credit for. At the time we signed her up, I really didn't know what a CNA did, but the more I research, the more I am worried about her taking this course.

It's the clinicals that I am worried about. She will be working in a nursing home, helping the regular nurses there care for the elderly, right? The part I am worried about with that is the "assist in dressing and bathing". In clinicals, can the nurses have her bathe a naked man including washing his genital area? Or have her change a Depends undergarment and have to clean the genial area of an old man? :eek:

For her to have to do that at 18, I wouldn't have as much problem with it. At 18 your considered an adult. But I don't want her doing that sort of thing at 16.

Please let me know.

Thanks!

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I understand as a mother your concern. CNA are responsible for baths, vitals, and etc. I don't know for sure if there are rules and regulation because the CNA is a minor. In clinicals they probably will be learning all the duties, so when she takes the state board she will be prepared. Talk to the school she is attending and they will be able to answer your questions more accurately.

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Specializes in PACU, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Psych.

Yes, she will have to clean genitals, wipe buttocks, and change adult diapers. However, I would not worry as there is nothing sexual about this. Someone has to change and bathe folks that cannot do for themselves, and it is CNAs that do this. She will also learn basic medical terminology, some charting, CPR, and how to deal with patients.

However, I would most definately encourage her to not stop here at this job.

CNA is an excellent introduction to other health careers. However,

CNA historically is a low-pay job with no chance of advancement, hard work, and sometimes demeaning work environments. It is best used as a stepping stone to better things. If it were up to me, I would require 6 months CNA to gain entry to any nursing or allied health program.

EDIT: Also from my experience, RNs, LPNs, and other health professionals that started as CNAs are alot better at thier jobs than those that just went straight RN/LPN/etc. and have alot easier time in those programs. But, that is a matter of opinion on my part.

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during clinicals she will see male and female genitals. I assume at 16 she has an idea of what the male genitals should look. I remember learning about the reproductive systems starting in middle school. There is nothing sexual about the work CNA's do. What she will learn in class (I hope) is how to respect someone no matter their physical capabilities, that the elderly have some amazing stories to share, and she may find a love for geriatrics.

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Specializes in LTC.

I normally hand the man a washcloth so he can wash his own genitals. If I'm doing it for him it's because he's so confused he has no idea what's going on in the first place, or he's had a stroke and his hands don't work and he's the one to be embarassed.

In the rare case that you get someone who's acting intentionally pervy, you ignore it and walk away.

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Just wanted to add that you referred to the nurses a couple times. In your clinicals you shadow and work with other cna's. You don't work with the RNs or LPNs as following them would teach you nothing of the job of a cna. Cleaning a male isn't that big of a deal. Don't make her feel it is or she'll be nervous. Just encourage her and support her. :yeah:

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I started as a CNA and am now in Nursing school. Your daughter will gain valuable expeirnce from this. There is absolutly nothing sexual about providing care to elderly people. And she is supervised during clinicals if you are worried about the patients.

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I became a CNA at 16 and got my first job as a CNA at 17. No one was concerned about these issues, or brought them up. I was expected to do my job just like the older CNAs.

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If your daughter is mature enough to realize what is involved in this field (i.e cleaning up poop, wiping butts, etc), and she still wants to do the course and clinical time, then she is mature enough to handle seeing a mans private area. I have seen some 40 year olds that are less mature then some 16 year olds!

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I do encourage you to have a talk with your daughter and suggest to her that she pair up with another CNA student (if allowed) or CNA (on the job). It is a lot more efficient, safe, and the second person can assist with keeping things toned down if necessary and act as a witness. We always encourage CNAs to work in pairs.

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Specializes in med/surg and Tele.

i would have to say something in this about that age. In Florida you have to be 18 to do anything in nursing field. I am surprised that they allowed her to be able to take this class. Being the nature of what we do.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I agree with mikejjmay. Incidentally, I worked with a sixteen year old CNA for over a year. This kid happened to be an exceptional employee. Reliable, hard working and caring she received one of the best evals I ever wrote. I do think a minor should have special coaching and be assigned a mentor. I also agree with babe48076's suggestion to talk to the school and discuss any special consideration. Your daughter is very fortunate to have a concerned and caring parent. Just a wild, wild thought. Could you take the course with her?

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