Is the CNA course difficult?

[CNADaughter]

Hello,

I am planning on starting the CNA course August 2013, but I am wondering if the course is really that hard? My mom and sister are both CNAs. My mom is very good at her job, and she's been working as a CNA for over 20 years; However, my sister is having trouble. She failed the written and the skills test her first try, but passed them both her second. She also doesn't seem as enthusiastic about her job as my mom does.

Anyways, I was just wondering if anyone had any difficulty with their program? What was the most difficult thing about becoming a CNA? What was the easiest? Any fun stories?

I just want some information from people that are not my family. :)

[Hygiene Queen]

It was very very easy.

That's good for you, but unfortunately, it is so easy, that I have seen some of the most stupid and ignorant people manage to become CNAs (and god help their patients).

I know it doesn't sound nice of me to say that, but it's true.

[TurtleCat]

The CNA course is easy peasy!! Especially the written/theoretical portion: if you have common sense, you should be able to pass it with no problems. Now the skills might be a little harder because they do require some practice/memorization. I personally felt the class I took could have done a better job teaching us the skills and making sure we had them down pat before we got certified. Because of this, I think I had a harder time than most when I actually started my job because I'd barely had any hands-on practice.

Now the actual job I found to be A LOT harder than the class. Namely due to having such a large number of people to care for in a relatively short period of time and having to learn good time management as a result, and also the different kind of patients you'll have to learn to properly care for -- some morbidly obese, severely contracted, suffering from behavioral issues, etc. But like anything else it's a learning curve. I've heard it gets a lot easier as you go on but unfortunately I didn't stick around long enough for tat to happen, for reasons I'd rather not go into.

[corndog56]

How long does it take to get your CNA?

[blondebabe0625]

In Washington state it takes 3.5 weeks; clinicals included

[LadyLeo75, LPN]

I am currently in a CNA clas that is four weeks long and so far it is easy I also heard the exam am the skill are not hard just practice the skills and remember them. Good luck

[Skayda]

The course I took was through the Healthcare Training Center in Spokane Valley, Wa and not only was the class and clinicals very, very easy, the teachers were awesome and they really drill the skills into you and allow you come back and practice as needed before your big test. On the last day, to relieve testing jitters and in securities, they have you pair off with another student and a teacher and give you four skills + handwashing to do in front of the teacher taking turns with your partner as to who plays the part of the patient, who's the caregiver, and they score you like at the test but also give you pointers on what you need to watch for and work on. By the time you get through the classroom time then the clinicals you will be so comfortable with your fellow classmates that it will be no big deal to pretend to do their nails or wash a mannikin's peri area with them. Lol. I really enjoyed the clinicals portion, too, it was very fun meeting and helping to care for all the elderly folks in the very nice nursing home we went to, though there was some negative nellies on the staff the residents were wonderful! If I weren't very happy where I am, I would seriously be tempted on taking them up on their job offer to all the students at the end of clinicals. The written and lecture parts of the class are very easy. Common sense and all that. The skills just take rote memorization and practice, practice, practice. It'll be easy peasy breezy.

[CNADaughter]

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Theses post make me feel a little less nervous about the course. I hope the CNA program I am enrolling in is as helpful as the ones you guys have taken. I think I might have an advantage because I have two CNA relatives, and hopeful they can help me along the way. I have heard that the skills test is the hardest out of the two test, as well, and I think I will focus harder on that portion of the exam. Also, for some reason my CNA program is two semesters long, which is way longer than three and a half weeks, but maybe that will enable me to have a little more practice with the clinicals and such. But thank you all again for the advice and information. I truly appreciate it.

[Twinkle007, LVN, RN]

Now I think it was easy bc currently I am enrolled in nursing program and getting my butt kicked evry day.

All the best to You!