Does anyone here actually like being a CNA?

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Even though it's hard work does anyone here actually like working as a CNA?

Everytime I tell myself I am going to try being a CNA I read something else negative that makes me reconsider.

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Specializes in Long term care.

If you pay attention in class and read the material it really isn't that difficult.

There are different settings that you can work in as a CNA. The most common one is a nursing home...which also happens to be (in my opinion) the most challenging and most difficult. It's not for everyone. Not everyone can do it. I happen to love working in a nursing home. I enjoy being constantly busy, constantly moving.

An assisted living facility is less busy and usually (but not always) less physically demanding.

A hospital setting will likely require you to have at least 6 months in a long term (nursing home) setting... probably because it will help you develop organizational skills and teach you to prioritize tasks.

Home care is a much slower pace. You typically have only one person to care for (sometimes a husband and wife). You will be spending more time cleaning and doing house hold chores more than using your CNA skills....but it depends on the client. it will not be uncommon for you to have down time if the client is napping and your chores are done.

You will hear more negative things about being a CNA. That's because people tend to look at the negative of this job and forget to see the good things.

You will probably see more negative things on this site because we CNA's tend to come here to vent about our struggles and challenges and sometimes need the support from other CNA's who understand.

You need to take a look at yourself and know there are negatives in this job, just like in any other job and decide if any or all of them are "deal breakers" for you. You also have to look at the good things about it and see if they over ride any of the negatives.

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So do you always have to start off working in a Nursing home right after being certified? For home health care do you have to take the patients out shopping?

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Not always. I spent 7 months as a caregiver before getting a job in acute care, and after hiring me, my hospital hired people with no heallthcare experience whatsoever. I should also mention that those new hires weren't in nursing school. It really depends, but some kind of entry-level experience is sure to help you get your first hospital job.

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Yes. One of my favorite jobs ever was as a CNA - (Assisted Living) while I was in nursing school. I loved that job and was very sorry to leave to start my first RN job.

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I really want to give this a try just don't want to end up injuring myself. But most CNA's have to start off working at a nursing home?

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:inlove:26 years. 26 years of helping thousands of patients in every situation imaginable. I've worked Psych, Drug& Alcohol Recovery,Oncology, MedSurg,Hospice, Mother/Baby, NICU, ICU, PCU, Emergency Room. I've done CPR more times than I can even count. We are more than merely "butt wipers". I am proud of my profession and I'm proud of the care I've provided to patients and their families. From a birth to a death, we are a major part of the team for these people. So be proud of who you are and the care you give!

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:inlove:26 years. 26 years of helping thousands of patients in every situation imaginable. I've worked Psych, Drug& Alcohol Recovery,Oncology, MedSurg,Hospice, Mother/Baby, NICU, ICU, PCU, Emergency Room. I've done CPR more times than I can even count. We are more than merely "butt wipers". I am proud of my profession and I'm proud of the care I've provided to patients and their families. From a birth to a death, we are a major part of the team for these people. So be proud of who you are and the care you give!

You have a very good resume if I do say so . I had no idea that CNAs could work in the NICU, my teacher said ,that we couldn't and it's only for nurses . Maybe in the future, I will try to get a job in the NICU that's where I want to work when I become a nurse.

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