How much time do CNA's change diapers?What else do they do?

Atheos · Dec 20, 2008

I am looking for a CNA class now. I just want to know more about what they do?
I am not as keen on wiping butts, but if its part of the job, its part of the job. What else do they do?
Are there other places to work besides nursing homes? Or do all CNA's start there?

CNA's do:

All cleaning activities, bathing, dressing, walking, set exercises, helping nurse, answering call lights, helping residents with whatever they need, housekeeping, answering phones, turning patients, transferring patients from bed to wheelchair to chair to wheelchair and so on, picking residents up, taking them to smoke, caring for them, act as stand in family member, look out for their well being, interact with them, let them know you care, protect them from abusive people, protect them from harm, keep an eye on them for the nurse, interact with the family...

I could go on and on.

CNA's do a lot... It's VERY physical and hands on. It is also VERY emotional and psychological.

CNA's usually work in nursing homes or rehab centers. They also work in hospitals but I have no clue what they do there but I imagine it is mostly the same thing with maybe a few more duties.

I will tell you though. The 2 things you will do the most are:

Lifting.

Wiping Behinds.

You got to be able to do both. A lot.

the1anonlycarol · Dec 29, 2008

Not sure if the ER is your thing, but instead of taking a CNA class, I took an EMT class and now work as a "Patient Care Technician" in an ER. Way less wiping of behinds!

It seems that a CNA job and a PCT job are very similar, except that as a tech I can also draw blood, take EKGs, and breathalyze patients. (Actually I should say I'm not sure that CNAs can't do those things, because I'm not really sure, but I do them as a tech).

I do a lot of stocking of the department, vitals, transfers, changing patients into hospital clothing, runs to the pharmacy, and assist the nurses in any ways that I can. I really like it, it seems like it was a very valuable experience to have for when I started nursing school.

Let me know if I can be of any further help!