I have lost all hope and passion.

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I've been CNA-ing for 2 weeks now. They put me on full-time for orientation purposes. It's burnt me out. I haven't cried so much in my life. This job has gotten me depressed. CNA-ing literally destroyed my drive, passion and excitement for nursing. Now, I don't think nursing is for me. I had a breakdown yesterday and the nurses and cna were so kind to me and supporting me and encouraging me. The staff isn't the problem, it's just the job in general. Another nurse, not from my workplace, said if I can't handle this then how will nursing me. That really crushed me. I don't know. I'm so lost now. I've lost drive to do my best in my pre-requ classes. Is nursing really this difficult? If I can't handle CNA work, then I can't handle nursing?

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Specializes in CNA, Aspiring CRNA.

is there anything in particular that is upsetting, is it the workload . . .

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Workload, yes. It's my 1st job ever. They put me on full-time for orientation purposes and it's been 2 weeks of full-time. I can't do this. I can't give up. I'll have to try to see how it is part time I guess.

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Specializes in CNA, Aspiring CRNA.

i'm sorry that this is so distressing . . . have you been employing ways to relieve stress . . . to give yourself an emotional/ spiritual boost?

biking, walking, and swimming are possibilities . . . rewarding yourself for successes is also good for self-esteem, perhaps taking up a hobby.

caring for others can take a lot out of you, and it's important to find at least a bit of pleasure in each day, even if you have to create it.

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I have a lot of hobbies! Wow I have forgotten about them! I knit and love creating things, but never had time because of school. Now, with work it seemed impossible. Today is the 1st day in 2 weeks I get to go to church, so I am extremely excited for that. I get to see my friends and my sunday school munchkins :D Caring for people does take a lot outta you, I never realized that til working.

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Specializes in CNA, Aspiring CRNA.

we must take some time to fill up . . . we can't pour from an empty cup . . . similar to parenting or being married.

even eating your favorite food for lunch is a reward, or lighting candles while you take a bath or shower . . . a bath before bedtime followed by deep breathing and stretching on the floor does wonders for the soul.;)

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Don't give up! if you are working in a nursing home caring for the needs of 10-14 people at a time that is too much for a first job, let alone a 1st CNA job. Like many CNA's, I am waiting to get into a RN program. I work as a home health aide & I love it more & more everyday! I care for one person at a time in the comfort of their home. Each and every day I work I feel needed, loved, and fulfilled that this is what I am meant to do! Try a different CNA job before you give up on your dream! :)

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That's the hard thing about nursing...for both aides and nurses. It is one of the few jobs out there that takes a lot out of you both physically AND emotionally/mentally. You don't realize how much until you start doing it. And it is really really important to take time for yourself and do things that relax and rejuvenate you.

If you stick with it, you'll see nurses and aides that seem like they're robots working in a factory or something and wonder how they can care so little, etc. I fully believe that those aides and nurses probably started just like everyone else, with the best of intentions, and then got hardened, because the reality of the job can take so much out of you.

That's why I don't work a lot of extra hours, I make sure to take my days off, and on my days off I do what I want to do. I regularly remind myself of why I am there. It would be a lot less stressful do work an office type or retail job, sure...but not nearly as rewarding either.

Don't give up yet! Give yourself time to adjust, and work out how to balance your work with your well-being. :)

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Specializes in LTC.

It's only been 2 weeks. Give yourself some more time to adjust.

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I understand, I have been a CNA now for a year and a half, i was full time @ hospital here in Texas and part time student while raising three kids, NOw im part time and school is full time. I am a 35 yr old male and have tried many trades but this has by far been one of the toughest. I remind myself every day #1 i am blessing to at least one person everyday, if that person is hurt angry or afraid, I will try my best to be the kind heart and smile that they need. So my work can be His work. #2 That this is my test and trial for my future career in Nursing so when i carry that RN i can say i worked hard for this and my CNA will know ive been there and be encouraged. #3 its hard but its a job there are too many out there without one to complain.

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Manage your time, care for pts, MULTITASK & BREATH. You will be just fine. I've been an aide for 3yrs and a nursing student for 2. Being an aide is great experience & will make you a better nurse!

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Yes, nursing is THAT difficult. I am glad you have realized this before you went any fu:yeah:rther.

Take the knowledge you have gained, apply it elsewhere.

Best of luck in your new endeavors.

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