injured as a CNA... where to go now?

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Specializes in CNA - Tele.

Hi all! I've been a CNA for a year now, working on a tele floor. I've learned a lot and I enjoy working on my floor, but being a CNA is obviously a physically difficult job.

A couple months ago, I injured my neck moving a patient. Lots of PT, scans, and doctor visits later, I pretty much just keep hearing, "well, being a CNA is a tough job... lots of CNAs get back or neck injuries... maybe you should look into something else... etc." I'm frustrated by by being in pain/having headaches/numbness all the time, and it seems like even with being careful of lifting techniques, using lifts, asking for help, etc, its not getting much better. 

I want to be a nurse (applying to schools now) but am worried working as a nurse won't be any better. I've wanted to work in the ER forever (was considering applying for a transfer within my hospital, and am hoping to work there as an RN) but now am worried that specialty will be similar in terms of physical demands to tele.

What can I do as a CNA that would be less physically demanding? I did apply and interview for a preop/PACU position, would I lift less patients there if I get the job? Am I going to have to give up my ER nursing dreams? My career isn't worth my health, especially not now at basically minimum wage. Advice appreciated, thanks all! 

- a sad CNA

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Please don't stay discouraged. You could have injured yourself on the job if you were working in an Amazon warehouse.  There are many ways to get hurt on just about any job.  Not to be facetious, but you could be tussled out of bed during an earthquake and land the wrong way.  Seriously reflect about the direction of your career.  One possibility would be to do work in hospice, where you might be assigned to make "companion" visits.  Visit hospice agencies and inquire about their openings for CNA/HHA.

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Specializes in CNA - Tele.
24 minutes ago, caliotter3 said:

You could have injured yourself on the job if you were working in an Amazon warehouse.  There are many ways to get hurt on just about any job.  Not to be facetious, but you could be tussled out of bed during an earthquake and land the wrong way.  

I get what you're saying here, I could have been injured in lots of jobs. That said, nursing assistants have one of the highest rates of occupational injury (3rd highest: https://www.BLS.gov/news.release/osh.t04.htm ) so it seems dismissive to say it could have been anywhere. I will look into hospice/homecare though! thanks!

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I was trying to give you a different direction to aim your thoughts and emotions.  We all know how hard it is to be a CNA or a licensed nurse.  Many of us have been injured. It would not make sense to "dismiss" another person's concern about injury.  I hope you find a safe job.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Any bedside nsg job has the potential for injury. And then there's the issue of getting through nsg school, where your clinical performance is required.

Have you considered becoming a Medication CMA/CNA? I believe it would most likely have less injury potential.

If your health is that fragile now, you may need to re-evaluate your long term career plans. Something else health care is poss, but less of a physical demand. Not quite ER, but worthy.

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Specializes in Wiping tears.

You can either get injured with body mechanics or one of your clients that appears to be A&Ox4 surprises you with slaps in the face or other body parts. 

If you're disabled enough to get the paperwork, you can use it as an excuse not to lift heavy people.  In some workplaces, it's still expected of you to assist during a crisis.  Passing meds or work in places where there's minimal physical work because the residents or patients don't need to be moved around. Perhaps, find a place where there's plenty of staff to help if you need extra hands. 

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Specializes in Wiping tears.
On 6/25/2021 at 8:11 AM, amoLucia said:

Any bedside nsg job has the potential for injury. And then there's the issue of getting through nsg school, where your clinical performance is required.

Have you considered becoming a Medication CMA/CNA? I believe it would most likely have less injury potential.

If your health is that fragile now, you may need to re-evaluate your long term career plans. Something else health care is poss, but less of a physical demand. Not quite ER, but worthy.

I worked in the past with known psych patients. They didn't hit me. A week ago, I was floated in a new hall. A  resident, I was her CNA, surprised me. She didn't catch my face. She tried multiple times during changing. I stopped and lowered the bed and asked for assistance. We changed her.  I learned then that this specific resident slapped staff and visitors, including residents. While I was occupied, she suddenly turned on her back and slapped me...caught my breast. The CNA who assisted me didn't even see it coming with her new tricks. Then, the resident screamed on top of her lungs and exclaimed, "Nobody loves me!"  I was baffled. First time I encountered this type of person. 

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