Is being a CNA really so dreadful?

RN2serve · Jun 6, 2014

I am a second career RN. I went straight to nursing school without any time as a CNA. I have worked recently as the aid on my floor, as we were over staffed with nurses and under staffed with CNAs. My company would rather pay me my RN pay to be an aid vs. sending us home. CNA work is hard and I feel that I have always appreciated my aids, but have a new appreciation for all that they do. I wish I had been an aid first and had a better understanding before my RN. But two weeks as the aid was plenty. Thank you to all the CNAs for all the work you do and for all the nurses that you make look good.

mrsoly2010 · Jun 6, 2014

There is truth to being understaffed, overworked, and underpaid. I have been a CNA for just over a year, I did home health briefly, but I really prefer the hospital environment. I highly recommend working as a CNA to any one who plans on being a nurse. It gives you the perspective of being in that position before you are an RN using the help of a CNA. It does get hectic sometimes, and there are days that I feel like I do not make enough for some of the things I have to do, but my patients make it worth it. I have a job that not only helps me build on nursing skills to make me a better nurse one day, but I also get the opportunity everyday to make someone feel better. It is so unbelievably rewarding!

verene, MSN · Jun 7, 2014

I think it really depends on where you work. I work part-time at a Mental Health ALF and love my job. Some days it is frustrating, but what I am doing is rewarding to me, much needed by our residents, and very good preparation for a future career nursing, particularly if my interest in psych nursing continues to stay as strong as it is now.

Jcgirl · Jun 8, 2014

I like my job as a STNA. I have learned a lot, especially on how just to talk to residents and their families. I'm a night aide, which for me is "easier" in some ways, the work load is still a lot, but compared to days it's less hectic (and I feel that there is more teamwork). There are some aspects I don't like, such as being understaffed. Sometimes we work short handed (I typically have 16 residents, but on a short handed night I'll have 22), or if there are too many AM calls off, the possibility of being mandated comes up. That part stinks, we are only allowed to decline once in a year

blondebabe0625 · Jun 10, 2014

Not to burst your bubble.....we are understaffed, underpaid, and overworked!!! But the hard work makes a difference for the person you are taking care of!!

SoOo unfortunately true!

betm, CNA · Jun 14, 2014

I do love what I do, but I'm not going to say I'm not underpaid and overworked in an understaffed facility.

NaeRN · Jun 16, 2014

Being a CNA is what you make it. Sure there are nights I'm on the floor by myself and I just want to snatch this badge off and tell my nurse manager where he can shove it ... but there are MANY more nights where the love and appreciation from my patients almost make me forget about every other problem. For the last two years I have been a fulltime CNA on a busy med/oncology floor while taking my pre reqs, and now that I've been accepted into the nursing program this fall I have decided to go PRN. In some ways I think I will almost miss being full time and building those relationships with my patients! It is worth all the hard work in the end. :)

pookabeary · Jun 30, 2014

It's one of the hardest jobs in the world, IMO. I have been a cna for 5 years with the plan to eventually go to school for RN.

Most of the CNA's I know have worked at many different facilities. It is hard to find a good place to work. The best advice I can give you is to ask around. Look for a good LTC to work at, and when you get a job keep your chin up. There can be a lot of drama from coworkers which is often the biggest challenge you'll face in this field.

Personally I think this job has made me a better person. I've gained a great work ethic and compassion. I've learned how to time manage and grew a thick skin. All things I think will undoubtably benefit me down the road as I pursue a career in nursing.

MsNancy · Jun 30, 2014

Just be careful with the home health jobs, unless you find a good agency to work for. I was a CNA 15 years ago, and trying to get things back up to date again, and hoping to be in the Red Cross Program in August. CNA is what you make of your job, not what everyone else thinks of the hard work you do. Remember you are a professional. Whenever I tell people I want to get my CNA again. All I hear is "Oh that is a back breaking job". or "Oh we are at the bottom , doing all the dirty work". Well hello we have to start some where what do you do for a living? Needless to say after being out of a job for so long, I have realized I respect the medical field of profession and pursuing that career again. There are so many possibilities to upgrade your career once your foot is in the door. That is the way I am thinking about it. Good luck to you! it is hard work, but pays off in the long run of things.

VGaulden · Jul 3, 2014

I became a CNA 2 years ago. I had been in customer service for 20 years before deciding I needed to do what I wanted-help people in the healthcare profession. I am now going to LVN school this fall. I am currently a PCA at a county hospital. My RNs make me feel appreciated, and I appreciate them. I worked in a LTC facility before moving to the hospital. I loved the residents-they made the hard work worthwhile. I hated that getting help moving a pt was like pulling teeth.

I know a lot of people cannot hack being a CNA. Luckily, I don't have an adversion to poop

bettiboop___ · Jul 4, 2014

I am currently a new nurse assistant. I'm working at my first job, an LTC facility. Personally, I've had more good days than bad days as a CNA. Yes, I am new, but I've been here for about a month now and I've gotten used to how things run at the nursing home. I love my residents; it's other people that I don't really care for, but I put up with them because this is my job and like I said, I love my residents. They make me happy, but you will have your moments. You'll have good days and bad days, but remember to not take it out on the residents and just try to keep it together. If you have to vent to someone, take them aside and vent. PLEASE DO NOT SHOW OUT IN FRONT OF THE RESIDENTS!!

I feel that if you can't be a good CNA, then it may be in your best interest to look for something else to do with yourself, professionally. Being a CNA is a good start in the medical field, seeing as you will be spending most of your 8-12 hours with the most important people in the health institution: the resident/patient. This is a good way to determine your people skills and if you have the stomach to put up with bodily fluids (though you will see a lot more gritty and gory things, depending on where you work and/or as you go up the medical food chain). CNAs are very important, regardless of what some may think.

Congrats on getting into a program and have fun learning a lot. You'll do fine once you get your exam and get out there in the workforce. Just remember that everyone included in the care team is an important member...including you, the CNA.

kynmarie · Jul 4, 2014

Dancingqueen94, you rock! I share the same position as you on this topic, I really like being a CNA. All through my clinicals I had the opportunity to get to know these wonderful adults who shared some great life events with me. It felt great making a difference in their day & making them feel safe & comfortable! I had a couple patients who spoke of all their days in the nursing fields & how things have changed, it was just a great experience. I really cant wait to get a job as a CNA & get experience under my belt. I know I may be treated like slave labor at times but I know i'll be an RN one day soon & my CNA's will mean that much more to me! Everyone has to start somewhere!

OP- im sure you'll love it! Work hard & pay close attention in class & keep a good, kind professional relationship with those around you, it makes everything a lot easier!