Should i become a CNA

misslo · Jul 7, 2008

Thats what I did and I can't say that I regret it at all. I believe that becoming an aid will make me a better nurse when I get there. Also, I have to take pharm, A&P II and multicultural health this fall so I took a job as a contingent CNA. That way during the hectic times I wont have to worry about juggling work and school.

MissLo

HealingHands327 · Jul 8, 2008

I say get another job until you at least are in nursing school where you can then get an extern position. As an extern, you can do more registered nursing stuff other then just basic care such as wiping ass, and making beds all day long. It's up to you. If you really need a job go for it. I just don't want you to get burned out until you find out what registered nursing really is about.

I would suggest another job such as a security guard which pays about the same and you do less, and plus I've seen guards review school material while on the job, something to think about, just until you score that student nurse position. You'll have plenty of time to learn how to be a nurse later on.

Dr.Nurse2b · Jul 8, 2008

Hello, I am considering quitting my full time day job to become a CNA. So that i can have more study time for my pre requirements for nursing. This new career change is big for me. I just completed A and P in summer one and it was very challenging. I just want time to focus and continue to do well. I only have three more sciences to take before i can begin my clinicals. Someone please tell me what you think, i do not have much support in this area. It will definately be a pay cutt for me. I could work 2-4 days a week at night as a CNA.

What level of nursing are you going for?

I worked as a CNA in med/surg for 1 year and hated every minute of it. I learned how make beds...I tuck some mean corners...and I am a master at bed baths. I can wipe a butt, eat lunch, text my mother and hold a conversation all at the same time...but I don't think I will ever put any of that on my resume.

And...

The pay was not very good...I ate mac and cheese a lot.

And...I have always been in pretty good shape...male, 5'11", 190lbs...I work out, eat right...I worked 12-hour shifts and came home each night with lower back pain, hip pain and felt like someone had beaten me.

I learned A LOT working in the units and got to do A LOT more...so if you can get yourself a tech position in ICU or CCU or even PCC you will learn more...at least I felt I did. I think there is more of a teaching mindset here.

Finally...I think working as a CNA might be more of a distraction...or a deterrent! ->

While working in the hospital - while working on my BSN here is what I have experienced (Hope you enjoy :chuckle)...

From other CNAs - "You're going to school to be a nurse? ...you can do this then." :loveya:

From LPNs - "All the RNs do is sit on their butts while I do all the work! What! You're going for you're BSN?" :angryfire

From ADNs - "Why are going for your BSN? ...you won't make any more then me! I don't understand why you are wasting your time!" :nono:

From BSNs - "When do you graduate?" :yawn:

From Docs - "Uh, you're going to school to be a what?" :stone

And my very favorite...from patients and lay persons..."You're gonna be a MALE NURSE? Are you gay?" :cool:

You'll have plenty of time to wipe butt and give baths post RN. I would recommend picking another area...like registration...or a unit as I mentioned. Save your back!

crazensweet · Jul 8, 2008

Dr.Nurse2b....wow.....wow.......lol

SharonH, RN · Jul 8, 2008

What level of nursing are you going for?
I worked as a CNA in med/surg for 1 year and hated every minute of it. I learned how make beds...I tuck some mean corners...and I am a master at bed baths. I can wipe a butt, eat lunch, text my mother and hold a conversation all at the same time...but I don't think I will ever put any of that on my resume.
And...
The pay was not very good...I ate mac and cheese a lot.
And...I have always been in pretty good shape...male, 5'11", 190lbs...I work out, eat right...I worked 12-hour shifts and came home each night with lower back pain, hip pain and felt like someone had beaten me.
I learned A LOT working in the units and got to do A LOT more...so if you can get yourself a tech position in ICU or CCU or even PCC you will learn more...at least I felt I did. I think there is more of a teaching mindset here.
Finally...I think working as a CNA might be more of a distraction...or a deterrent! ->
While working in the hospital - while working on my BSN here is what I have experienced (Hope you enjoy :chuckle)...
From other CNAs - "You're going to school to be a nurse? ...you can do this then." :loveya:
From LPNs - "All the RNs do is sit on their butts while I do all the work! What! You're going for you're BSN?" :angryfire
From ADNs - "Why are going for your BSN? ...you won't make any more then me! I don't understand why you are wasting your time!"
From BSNs - "When do you graduate?"
From Docs - "Uh, you're going to school to be a what?" :stone
And my very favorite...from patients and lay persons..."You're gonna be a MALE NURSE? Are you gay?"
You'll have plenty of time to wipe butt and give baths post RN. I would recommend picking another area...like registration...or a unit as I mentioned. Save your back!

Wow, you nailed it!

Moose31 · Jul 8, 2008

I have been an aide for two years. I am starting an accelerated BSN program this fall. I think being an aide is a very positive experience. I truelly believe i will be a better nurse for it. I have gotten nothing but support from LPNs RNS(BSN and ADN). It is important for nurses to recognize all that aides do when i am a NUrse I KNOW i will never take aides for granted!

Moose31 · Jul 8, 2008

P.S> Work per diem at a nursing home they actually pay very well ($20 plus for 2nd and 3rd shifts) depending on wwhere you live I guess

Moose31 · Jul 8, 2008

If you viewed being an Aide as "an ass wiper" than you probably werent a great aide. CNAs are so much more than that. I work in a nursing home and aides are these people's families. The good aides are the most caring and selfless people. I am personally offended by being refered to as anything less/ I am proud to have had the experiences as a LNAit has been so much more than wiping Ass:(

stelon · Jul 8, 2008

So far being a CNA has been more positive than negative for me. I'm doing a bridge program at my college, so I start LVN next month. The nurses at work have been very supportive, and I also feel like I'll make a better nurse for having been a CNA first.

I'm not saying it's always the case, but at least on my unit you can tell which RNs were aides first and I know I'll always appreciate the CNAs even when I do get my RN. We work HARD.

It is true though that I come home and my lower back is sore, my legs are tired, and some days it's very discouraging because no matter what you do a patient isn't happy with you. Today was one of those days, but I know I'll forget about it soon enough. :)

EmBeMap · Jul 8, 2008

Being a CNA has its ups and downs like any job. I can tell you though that 8 months as a tech in an ER just made pharmacology. I made a B+ with almost no sweat at all. and I relate it directly to daily exposure to hundreds of meds and DX. So if you an afford the pay cut by all means do it. If you can, try to work in the type of specialty you would like as an RN. (ie I am going ER all the way)

locolorenzo22, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2008

honestly, I knew I couldn't be a CNA in LTC(my hat's off to those of you who do it). being a CNA on a ortho/neuro floor really gave me a education...Honestly, every shift in 2nd semester, I felt like I got a patient with whatever diagnosis we had just talked about...and then I could see the interventions and really understand why we were doing x y or z for the patient. also, as time went on, I believe that it made me more confident and assertive with my care....if something wasn't right, I could speak up about it. Plus, in the hospital, you don't always get all total care patients....sometime you got selfs or min assists...those were nice to have.

I felt like being a CNA was a HUGE help for clinicals. It helps you learn how to relate to patients/families, time management, and how to answer questions. In clinicals, I got many compliments on my bedside manner. mainly because I always addressed patients as mr./mrs x, made sure they knew what I was doing/what was going to happen at some point in the day, and NEVER lied to them. I allowed them to talk about what they needed, and before I left I always ask "Is there anything else I can get you or do for you at the moment?" That question shaves a lot of time off of rounding...

In honesty, only YOU can decide if this is something you want/need to do....CNA work is much more than ass wiping. And when you become a RN from a CNA you learn how to NOT take them for granted and what they might appreciate from you in terms of help...never be above wiping a ass.

And honestly, externs I've known have been relegated to CNA work a lot of the time....just the way it works.