I want to train to become a CNA but..

tomc5555 · Dec 11, 2011

You may try getting a job in a long term care facility. They will pay you while they train you.

Good luck!

Sunaj · Dec 11, 2011

can you give me some examples of "long term" care facilities?

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Dec 11, 2011

I am pretty stuck right now and don't know what to do as I can't physically take the strain anymore I have to endure on this job, and the work pace is extremely fast and unsettling. I don't want to quit my job because then i'll have no income coming in, but in the same breath I'd do it in order to pursue something more humane and responsible.

You do know that CNA work is physically straining, right? And the work pace is also extremely fast and unsettling? So if you hate being a dishwasher for those reasons, you're REALLY going to hate being a CNA. It's like being a dishwasher, except the dishes are butts... and they're really heavy.

If you still want to try it, I'd recommend waiting until the summer. The class isn't very hard, but it's a commitment- you're allowed to skip/be late to a very limited number of classes before you get kicked out, and it doesn't sound like the class you'd be taking right now is a feasible option.

student forever · Dec 12, 2011

I ditto fuzzywuzzy. Wait til summer. Pay cash for the course. Do some investigating of SNF, assisted living, and nursing homes near where you live. Maybe even volunteer at one of them some, to be able to talk to the workers as a fellow "insider," to help you make up your mind if it will be your cup of tea. Find out if they pay 9.50 or better. Hospitals are another place to look into.

Sunaj · Dec 12, 2011

Name:fuzzywuzzy

You do know that CNA work is physically straining, right? Yes, I presume it's relative to some degree.

And the work pace is also extremely fast and unsettling? I presume it's also relative to some degree.

So if you hate being a dishwasher for those reasons, you're REALLY going to hate being a CNA. It's like being a dishwasher, except the dishes are butts... and they're really heavy.

If you still want to try it, I'd recommend waiting until the summer. The class isn't very hard, but it's a commitment- you're allowed to skip/be late to a very limited number of classes before you get kicked out, and it doesn't sound like the class you'd be taking right now is a feasible option.

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The physical strain is not my primary reason for not wanting to do the job. In my opinion, it's sort of a pointless and unproductive job. I want a career that matters, and to me I'd rather assist peoples needs than wash dishes.

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Dec 12, 2011

Well based on what you said in your original post (where you emphasized your dissatisfaction with the physical strain and fast pace), I don't think you would be totally fulfilled by CNA work. A lot of people think that CNAs get to mosey along from room to room fluffing pillows and taking temperatures on sweet old ladies, when in reality it's extremely stressful. You're in a constant state of stress because there is too much work to do in too little time. And not all of the patients are sweet. You will deal with residents that kick and punch, call you names, and do allll kinds of annoying things. Most of the job is cleaning up pee and poop and you spend all day running up and down a hallway. You also have to lift people heavier than yourself.

Is it more meaningful than washing dishes? Yes. But do you go home with a song in your heart every day? No. A lot of the meaningful stuff fades into the background when you come home with a sore back, aching legs, and holding onto a ton of stress.

I'm not trying to crush your dreams on purpose. I'm not trying to be mean or patronizing. I am just trying to help you make an informed decision. A lot of people seem to get into CNA work for the wrong reasons, and they spend time and money on a class and end up really unhappy. Since you currently have a job that you don't particularly like and doesn't pay well, it's not such a risk for you to pursue the CNA route. However, I don't think it would be worth it for you to sacrifice a whole lot to take the class right away, which is why i think you should wait until the summer.

Ev1987 · Dec 31, 2011

Why don't you see if you can get your job's hours changed during the NA course? A different working schedule that will fit into your classtime, along with time to study afterwards.

jjic3982 · Jan 4, 2012

Hey sunaj,

CNA is a rewarding job, and I think it is great you are considering it. Yes, I too felt dissatisfied serving food all day and night. I'm currently working with kids, and I love what I do. Yes, it is very strenuous and my knees are hurting, but there is always a way through everything (looking into buying knee straps) :)

As for the schedule issue that you are having. There are plenty of public schools around my area that are cheapest and each provide a different schedule.

If you have enough money, I recommend considering Red Cross if there is any around your area. The private school that I went to was difficult since they had little resources and also a "different atmosphere." But I guess all in all it depends on one's attitude and the people around you. One lesson I learned through my tough school.

Here is a handbook someone posted here that will give you an idea of what the CNA exam will be like.

https://allnurses.com/cna-ma-nursing/cna-skills-handbook-635547.html

Someone from allnurses just pm'ed me for help, and I though maybe you would like to take a look too.

DarkLotus · Jan 5, 2012

being a CNA. It's like being a dishwasher, except the dishes are butts... and they're really heavy.
.

ROTFL Love it!

archangel31 · Jan 5, 2012

In addition to what "fuzzywuzzy" said above, you also need to consider that if ANYTHING goes wrong with your patient or patients, the family, facility and the state will come at you from all angles to investigate the incident, and depending on the family's feelings and details of the investigation and facility policy, you could lose your certification and be banned from working in a nursing home. I worked in a resturant too before I became a CNA ("thought the grass had to be greener on the other side" kind of feeling), and if I had it to do all over again, I would have stayed in the resturant. I wanted to go to nursing school, and the one I chose required all prospective students to have a certain amount of time and experience by working in a facility such as a health care center. I do not want to hinder you either, but just really be sure. To be honest, it is all about the residents. Yes, you are providing a lot of direct care, you will see them one on one more than the nurses, but your feelings and mental/physical limitations come LAST, and you have to act so until you walk out the door after your shift. You really have to be able to turn everything off and on before and after your shift. If you do go ahead, I wish you much luck and strength!!

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Jan 6, 2012

I used to be in a similar dilemma - I wanted to explore getting my CNA, but the community college classes didn't fit into my school/work schedule.

If I could advise anyone, I'd tell them to explore more private tech schools. I wasn't sure about the quality, but as long as they qualify you to take the state exam, it doesn't matter where you take the CNA class. In my area, there are private schools that offer the CNA course in 19 days of FT or 2 months of weekends or evenings only. In my area, these classes cost about $900. There are other private schools that take 2 months full time and cost $2,000, so you should shop around.