low class

[metalhead]

i'm almost done with my cna training and when i tell people that i'm going for the cna they look down on it and say that i'm on the bottom rank .people always assume that i just clean poop all day nothing more nothing less.If cna are so vital to the team then why are we paid so little compared to a vn or rn?:uhoh3:

[al7139, ASN, RN]

Dear Metalhead,

Anyone who looks down on what you do has absolutely no idea just how important your job is. Without CNAs, the healthcare system would probably fall apart. I started as a nursing assistant, and then went on to get my RN. Yes there are CNAs who are probably not cut out for their job, and don't do much, but the CNAs I work with are great, and as a nurse I really rely on them to be another set of eyes for me. There are some nurses who don't really appreciate how helpful they can be. If a CNA comes to me with a concern about a pt, I never blow them off because often they are right on with their concern. I also know how hard they work, since I was one once. I am always willing to help with my pt care if I see they are slammed (Our CNAs often have 14 or more pts), and I am caught up with my work. I always try to thank them for their help, and be respectful when I ask for them to do something like get blood, change a pt etc. They know that if they are too busy they don't have to be afraid to say that to me, I will try to help if I can. One thing my hospital does that I love is that any new nurse must spend a day on orientation with a CNA to see what they do, and get a better understanding of the role they play in our hospital. I think it's so great for nurses who have never experienced a day in the life of a CNA. Gives them a better appreciation for what you do. Anyone who thinks you aren't important is ignorant.

Good Luck, be proud of what you do no matter what anyone else thinks!

Amy

[MrsHarrison0526]

Right now I am an intern so I work with PCA's alot and I've gotten to see a lot of what goes on. Honestly, from what I have seen between the interaction between patients and pca's and also nurses and pca's. On some floors I work on, I respect the pca's and what they do MUCH more than the RN's. This is true for all the floors I have worked on (I'm in the float pool) PCA's bust their butts and I don't mean part of the time I mean ALL the time. and It's amazing to me how they get all of their work done. They also seem to be in the best moods and are the ones least to complain. If I have learned anything that I will carry on when I graduate in dec. it will be to work WITH the PCA's. Because without them, most nurses wouldn't get through the day, whether they realize it or not.

[kendel]

society judges us based on what we do

that is a shame.

it happens to me all the time

i went to the real estate agent and they immediately assumed i must not be making enough money to buy a house until they ask my profession, when i tell them RN their countenance and personality suddenly changes.

i am not quick to tell people i am an RN- because i know theres a bunch of hippocrites

treat me like every one else

so i dont tell people period- its a last resort

[kendel]

every job is important

pca

na

garbage man

people need to stop putting other people down and looking down on others

its alll a job unless you own your own corporation

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Small people need to feel better about themselves by making others feel badly. Don't let anyone do that to you.

Hold your head high. A compassionate, intelligent aide is worth her weight in gold. You are the hands-on person, and may be the only one touching that individual in such an intimate way at all ever anymore. Your caring and gentleness and kindness mean more than I could ever articulate, because you set the tone, more so than a nurse or doctor ever can.

[Ginny Weasley]

I get treated the same way metalhead : ( don't feel too bad about it though. Just tell them that you are going to school to get your nursing degree.

[Jo Dirt]

A CNA's job is extremely important, although, it should be a job for a young person getting their feet wet in nursing and not a career. It's sad to see so many older people, worn out, making just a little above minimum wage.

[Bebi11]

I don't really care what people will say. I am a nurse aide and I'm proud of it. We want to help people and if it's to change their diper that will make them feel better so let it be it. :) Someone has to do it and I won't mind doing it. What would happen with them if it wasn't for nurse aides and everyone would think "EWWWW POOOOP"?!

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

A CNA is only low class if they act like it. I've worked with some CNAs that I wouldn't wish on anyone, and others who are the most dignified and professional people I have ever met.

[st4wb3rr33sh0rtc4k3]

You are not the bottom of my pile! I need you. So don't let others get to you. You are an important part of the health care team.

And I know about the pay thing, been there done that. At some places you can make a pretty decent living. It really depends on where you work and what you do.

[Plagueis]

A CNA's job is extremely important, although, it should be a job for a young person getting their feet wet in nursing and not a career. It's sad to see so many older people, worn out, making just a little above minimum wage.

It does bother me sometimes to see older coworkers who are still CNAs, and they tell me that the reason they didn't consider becoming a nurse was that they didn't think they were "smart" enough. I know that some CNAs also consider it a career, but then they are the ones who have to work numerous double-shifts in order to support themselves and their families. If CNAs started out at, say $20 per hour (and I think they should), then I can understand someone staying in that job. I give those CNAs who have been at it for decades so much credit because I have only been doing this for over two years, and I am so ready to retire from exhaustion!

[pgray1229]

You shouldn't worry when someone looks down on you. CNAs are very important in the medical field. WE are the hands, eyes and ears for the nurses.. if it weren't for us, who knows where hospitals/LCTF would be!

Good luck.