I want to be a CNA...

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Mar 6, 2009

The training is easy. You sign up for a class that usually takes a couple months to complete. The bookwork stuff is really easy. You will learn different procedures like taking blood pressure, moving people safely, bathing someone, etc. There are a million steps you have to memorize, but a lot of them are the same for every procedure (like washing your hands and closing the curtain). Then you have a clinical portion of the class where you go to a real nursing home and practice your skills on the people there. At the end of the class there's a written test and a skills test. The skills test can be pretty nerve-wracking. Everyone freaks out about blood pressures and occupied beds (changing the sheets with someone in the bed). You have to know everything by the book for the test. In the real world you'll end up doing things a little differently.

Most CNAs work in nursing homes and the job itself is physically, mentally, and emotionally stressful. You have to take care of more people than you should. You're always in a rush. The pay sucks. But it can also be really fun, and personally I think it's a lot more fulfilling than food service.

*Miss* · Mar 8, 2009

It's very rewarding working as a CNA but it's also really hard and it's not for everyone. It's a very, very stressful job! I agree with FuzzyWuzzy. Make sure you do some research before you take the classes.

Good luck to you!

sonomala · Mar 8, 2009

I'm with the two prev two, make sure you do a lot of research. Its a ton of physical work with gross things that smell. You also get attacked at some point in your career esp if you work in ltc where most of the jobs are. I've been punched, clawed, scratched, and grabbed and that was in one shift, lol. The training is easy, the work is not. It is a great step though if you're like a ton of us who are going on in school :)

V9611 · Mar 9, 2009

I found an excellent website with video lessons of CNA classes...I am starting my CNA class in a week or so, I am a little nervouse, But, after downloading, and watching these videos, I know a little more of what to expect. I am even taking notes, and poiters, so maybe I will have a little head start with the curriculum... I was like you, working in retail for 4 years here, 5 years there,,,I had nothing to show for all my hard work, and after having my kids, discovered what career path I wanted to follow. I was in the Hospital for 4 weeks while pregnant (early labor) and really loved the nurses that helped me and took care of me... and now hopefully I will be able to help others that were in a situation like me.... so CNA is a step for me and hopefully I can continue my educationa nd be a RN in L&D.....:flwrhrts:Good Luck,

V9611 · Mar 9, 2009

here is the website!!!! cna video lessons , just download them.......http://deptets.fvtc.edu/nursing/index.htm hope this helps...:flwrhrts:

Girl Scout · Mar 9, 2009

I want to be a CNA, also. At the college I would like to train at, they offer a course where you also get PCA+ training in the same semester. I'm hoping to start either this summer, or in the fall. If that doesn't work out, then Spring of next year. But my ultimate goal is to get my gen eds done and save up for RN school. I'm starting with CNA because I'd like the experience. My last job was in a university office, very high stress, managing a section of my department and dealing with clients of every ilk and walk of life over the phone, in email, and in person. I actually look forward to the change of scenery.

My dad runs a nursing home and my grandma is there so I'm there often and see the work the nurses and nurse assistants do and the stress they're under. It's a lot of work but I'm preparing myself.