I Need To Vent

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I'm into about 7 months as a CNA. I work at a hospital and I have it better than aids who work in a LTC or general nursing home so I am grateful. What I mean by that is I never have more than 12 patients at a time. Some days, most of them will be total care, but most often, they aren't.

I'm just so tired all of the time even though I get enough sleep, eat right, take vitamins, drink enough water, wear proper shoes, etc. I'm exhausted. Being a CNA is very very hard physically. I've already suffered a lumbar sprain and am now wearing back support; getting ready to do PT at Occupational health through my employer.

I just want to cry because I'm scared that my back won't get better. When will the body aching stop? When will I be motivated to do stuff on my days off? I have no energy to do anything. 12 hour shifts are extremely hard for me, physically and mentally, but I know that I will not receive better pay or patient load anywhere else. Well, at least, with the limited knowledge I have about job prospects, that's what I think. It's getting to the point that, after three days off, I work a day and then I don't want to go to work again my next scheduled shift because my back hurts so badly and I'm so tired. I don't ever call off though.

What do I do? Am I being ungrateful? Many people ask me if I plan to go to nursing school. I tell them yes, but the truth is, I'm not sure anymore. The longer I work as a CNA, the more I become unsure. On the other hand though, I just got a Cosmetology license in 2012 and changed my mind. I don't want to keep changing my mind and feel I should push myself to accomplish something before I will think that I deserve to change my mind if that's what I want to do. I know I can do anything I put my mind to. I just don't know what I want to be when I grow up and I'm 31!! Ugh.

It's probably not as bad as I'm making it out to be and I'm just feeling emotional, but I just needed to vent. Thanks for reading.

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What you do IS very hard work!! Is there an option for 8 hour shifts?

Don't let your back pain get too out of control. Do what PT/OT tells you to as far as taking care of you.

There are many facets of nursing. It is not all acute care running around stuff.And the physical job of lifts/transfers is not a huge portion of a nurse's duty in some instances. (There are exceptions, though)

In the meanwhile, perhaps see about getting a phlebotomy/EKG certificate and what you could do with that? Maybe an EMT?

And just off the cuff--how about Assisted Living where you could do hair there (many have "beauty salons") with your cosmetology license, then per diem as far as CNA? That is not a situation where you are lifting/transferring if you are part of the AL community. (Again, some have special care units that do more physical stuff, so there are exceptions)

I would look around at all your job prospects. There are many opportunities for CNA's that do not involve LTC and full lifts/transfers. One of the ways to do that is to look at the websites of some of the facilities in your area.

Best wishes!

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Specializes in Research.

Go work in the ER. Completely different than being a floor CNA. I have 2 jobs one in the ER where I do vitals, take blood as well as blood cultures, straight caths, splints, remove sutures, GCS and mini stroke assessments (upon entry to the ER so I can quickly alert the triage nurse for further assessment and decide upon calling stroke alert, ordering EKG). Of course CPR on codes and accompany nurse transporting patients who need to be on the monitor to ICU and to CT scan with nurse for stroke alerts.

My other job is on a med surg ortho floor but we get everything. Post op, isolation, tele everything except PCU/ICU patients. All I do is accuchecks, take vitals and toilet patients.

The ER I'm rarely lifting patients my back is fine. One the floor that's a different story and I have to be very careful and use good body mechanics. Don't give up hang in there maybe you just need a change of scenery 😊

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Specializes in Long term care.

After doing this for 25 yrs, my back never stops hurting.

I just accept it as a part of the job.

Focus on good body mechanics. Ask the PT to show you how to use better body mechanics!

Does your employer use hoyer lifts and Easy stand lifts for patients that can't transfer with minimal assistance? I have found that Assisted living and many hospitals (that I've worked for) do NOT use mechanical lifts where as LTC facilities do and it makes a world of difference.

Stretch before/during/after your shifts.

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Specializes in Nursing Management.
Go work in the ER. Completely different than being a floor CNA. I have 2 jobs one in the ER where I do vitals, take blood as well as blood cultures, straight caths, splints, remove sutures, GCS and mini stroke assessments (upon entry to the ER so I can quickly alert the triage nurse for further assessment and decide upon calling stroke alert, ordering EKG). Of course CPR on codes and accompany nurse transporting patients who need to be on the monitor to ICU and to CT scan with nurse for stroke alerts.

My other job is on a med surg ortho floor but we get everything. Post op, isolation, tele everything except PCU/ICU patients. All I do is accuchecks, take vitals and toilet patients.

The ER I'm rarely lifting patients my back is fine. One the floor that's a different story and I have to be very careful and use good body mechanics. Don't give up hang in there maybe you just need a change of scenery 😊

Wait are u a CNA or an RN?

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Specializes in PICU, CICU.

I personally like to reflect on why I originally entered the field when I'm in times of inner emotional distress. Typically this is enough to negate me from continuing on with the negative thoughts. Though physical pain can place an additional hamper on ones psyche lifting with correct mechanics as well as calling for assistance will help to potentially alleviate some of these issues. I'm not sure if you said your age somewhere but age does take its toll on a CNA as well with the elder workers definitely suffering more aches and pains albeit working the same hours as their younger compatriots.

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