Does. Anyone like their CNA job??

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Outside of nursing students, is there anyone who actually likes their CNA job? I'm thinking about getting certified. I've been a teacher for 30 years but have always wanted to do patient care in a hospital setting. If you like your job tell me in what department you work and what you do. Thanks!

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Specializes in Long term care.

I love my job as a CNA!

It certainly has it's moments like all jobs, but I love what I do! I don't ever plan to become a nurse. I am happy doing what I do.

I work 2nd shift in a nursing home. I have around 10 residents that I am responsible for.

We have awesome team work and that is a huge part of me enjoying my job. I couldn't do my job as well as I do without great teamwork.

What I do:

Yes, we change alot of briefs, but there is SO much more to it than that!

I encourage residents...to do what they can for themselves, to continue with therapy even when they don't feel like it....

I celebrate with them even the smallest of accomplishments. One gentleman who is in for therapy after a hip replacement was able to lift his legs off the floor half way onto the bed. We celebrated!!! because last week he couldn't even lift them at all!

I comfort them! I do for them what they can no longer do. When they are confused (and they are scared because they know they are confused)I reassure them, and repeat it as many times as is necessary.

You are the one who speaks up for those that can't speak up. You recognize the signs when someone is sick. Most of the resident's can't tell you when something is wrong. You just have to 'know' your resident's and know when something is not right. It is up to you to recognize it and bring up it to the nurse.

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You are amazing! Thank you.

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Getting out of public education and into health care was the best thing I have ever done. My time and energy is better spent helping the sick and elderly than it is trying to cram inferior, superficial knowledge down the gullets of children who don't care about anyone outside themselves. I don't plan on going to nursing school, but I do plan on getting my restorative assistant, activity director, and social services designee certifications soon.

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I have loved my 30 years of teaching even with all its difficulties, but I have always wanted to care for people in a hospital setting. 14 years ago I went back to school for my Masters when I probably should have gone for nursing. Being a CNA will give me the opportunity to do what I've always wanted to do it's just that there are so many CNA's on these boards that hate their job it made me wonder if anyone actually finds the job fulfilling. Thank you for your response.

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I don't like my job,I LOVE MY JOB! I work at a Hospice House,I drive 40 minutes to work and 40 minutes back home for very very little pay.Yet every day that I work with hospice I am grateful for the opportunity to be a valuable part of other people's lives. Please don't let other people's negativity drive you away.

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I love my job as a CNA. I work in Home Healthcare myself and it seems to fit me best. I worked from 2008-2012 in LTC and hated almost every minute of it. I couldn't stand the 'herd' mentality that was expected. Our residents were so cheated because we couldn't spend much time with them. Often when we were short staffed; we would have 30+ residents per CNA to care for. This included everything from waking them in the morning, dressing, showers, serving trays, assisting in feeding...all of the normal CNA duties. Most days I would sit in my car at the end of the day and cry out of frustration and feeling like such a failure. I always did my charting off the clock; because there was never enough time to do it on the clock. In Home Health, it is so much better. I actually have the opportunity to treat my clients as they deserve to be treated, not like cattle that I need to get 'in and out' in 3.2 minutes. I have also learned some awesome things; like dig stem. I think it's worth it; if for nothing but life experience. HTH

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Like what others said, I love being a CNA. What I hate is the pay, certain nurses, certain dept. heads and certain residents lol.

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Outside of nursing students, is there anyone who actually likes their CNA job? I'm thinking about getting certified. I've been a teacher for 30 years but have always wanted to do patient care in a hospital setting. If you like your job tell me in what department you work and what you do. Thanks!

I am a CNA and work in a hospital setting. Most days, I do like my job. I have been a CNA for 12 years. Around here, it is very hard for a brand new CNA to get work in a hospital, unless they are experienced. I started out in a LTC facility, and worked there for many years. I'm not saying that this is how it is everywhere, but just something for you to think about.

I have had several jobs, over the years, before becoming a CNA. I did factory work for many years, stockroom work, and even worked on a farm for a while. I am used to physical labor and heavy lifting, but even I wonder if I will physically be able to do this type of work, a few years from now. Right now, I am 46 years old, and it's honestly not an issue for me. I am just thinking ahead to my future. CNA work is physically exhausting, backbreaking work. Not to mention emotionally draining. The hours are long too. I work 12 hour shifts, and that is normal around here for hospitals. I actually like the 12 hour shifts, because I have more days off during the week. But, it does make for a long day. I'm not trying to discourage you, just giving you some facts. Obviously, being a CNA will not give you the income that you received from being a teacher, either.

I used to work with a lady who was a teacher, and worked part time as a CNA during the summer months. This might be something that you might want to consider. Keep your teaching job, and work during school vacations as a CNA. It will give you an idea of the health care field, without giving anything up.

Again, I hope you don't take offense to my comments. It all comes from a good place. I just wanted to give you friendly advice, and give you something to think about. Many places offer flexibility in scheduling, so you can do both jobs and see which one is the better fit for you.

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Thank you Macenroe!

It's so wonderful to hear your story.

I could never work both jobs; CNA and teach. I'm retiring from teaching and I'm ready to work at a Catholic hospital which is something I've always wanted to do. It's not about the money, a CNA 's pay wouldn't even come close to what I make teaching now that I'm at the top of the pay scale, but it's what I want to do.

Your post was encouraging and thank you!

I'm going to start volunteering soon hopefully that will get my foot in the door and see where it goes from there.

God bless you and all the good work you do. 💛💙💜💚

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I love being a CNA. Of course there are times when I want to pull my hair out, and my body aches when I get home, and it gets hectic...but its worth it. Knowing that you're helping people that cant help themselves, knowing that your making a difference for someone, is pricless. Being able to hold their hands, clean them up, make them comfortable, fill their bellies, and be there for them....just means so much.

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Thank you Macenroe!

It's so wonderful to hear your story.

I could never work both jobs; CNA and teach. I'm retiring from teaching and I'm ready to work at a Catholic hospital which is something I've always wanted to do. It's not about the money, a CNA 's pay wouldn't even come close to what I make teaching now that I'm at the top of the pay scale, but it's what I want to do.

Your post was encouraging and thank you!

I'm going to start volunteering soon hopefully that will get my foot in the door and see where it goes from there.

God bless you and all the good work you do. 💛💙💜💚

You sound like a wonderful person so I want to be as honest as possible to help you make an informed decision.

I think in some cases CNA's who work in a hospital setting are happier than those who work in LTC facilities. So it's a good goal to want to end up in a hospital.

Now, every facility is different but unfortunately if you end up in a facility that will not allow you the time per patient you think they should have the experience is overwhelming and very negative for the CNA, the resident and the nurses which creates an extremely toxic environment. If you take your time, talk to them, etc. you could actually get yelled at by management for being too slow. Some facilities say you MUST get all your residents (who don't get trays) out of bed, washed changed and in the dining area by a certain time so they don't miss breakfast. It's physically impossible to do that with 10+ people without rushing around and prioritizing what really needs to be done (yes, cutting corners is what they force them to do) This was my experience and the experience of CNA's in a facility I spent a very short time in. Not all places are like this but must know they exist.

Home Health Care is better for me (same hospital system as the facility) I make less than $11hr but for me it's enough right now and I love what I do. I get a full 2 to 4 hrs per client as a Home Health Aide. It's wonderful! I can get to know them better, take proper care of them and help them to stay in their home longer. I even do little extra things to go beyond their expectations which they are so grateful for. I'm new to this but it's the most fulfilling thing I have ever done and I'm so happy with my choice. Since you say it's not about money maybe Home Health could be a great fit for you.

I'm not knocking LTC, I'm sure there are many great facilities however I think it's important to warn people incase they find themselves in that situation. I say pursue the hospital first, and if you can't get in then look into Home Health or LTC or Hospice. If you know someone who can get you into a hospital without any LTC experience use that resource. Research every hospital in your area and see if any will hire and train you to be a CNA, there is only one in my area that will do this and it's a Catholic Hospital. It's worth a shot if it's what you really want.

Also I wasn't fully aware going into this how hard on the body this work is. Most people tell me that you won't be able to physically do this job forever. I'm in my 30's and had to learn good body mechanics quickly and pay attention to my back. The Catholic healthcare system I work for makes you do a little physical exercise test when hired, they want to make sure you can truly squat properly. They make you sign off that you can carry/ lift 50lbs at an minimum because if you are not physically able to do this job you jeopardize the clients safety and yours as well. Just something to factor into your decision.

Good luck to you, I really hope you find your niche as an aide/assistant!

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