Nurse Assistant - A New Career?

AprilRNhere · Apr 15, 2008

No- but what are your reasons? It's very difficult work. Stressful and hard on the body- and you often work short staffed. If you really have a heart for it- then I say go for it. But- the $$ isn't very good if that's your reason.

ICor9:24 · Apr 15, 2008

I'm in the same boat as you ECMB. I start LPN school this fall, and I am considering leaving my corp job after 10 years - so that I don't have to work full time and go to school. I have done it before and it's too much pressure with a family. I was thinking of getting certified as a Nurse Aide - to work part time while attending school, to make some of the financial ends meet. I will be broke either way - leaving a $50k a year job to make $10 an hr.. most people think I am crazy! But hey - even though I know nurse aide work is hard and little money - its great experience and a means to an end. I say if your heart is in it - and this is what you want to do with your career, DO IT! And good luck!

love_being_an_aide · Apr 15, 2008

I don't think there is a cut-off age at all to be a nursing assistant. It is hard work, but if you're in good health and take care of your body, you'll do wonderful. I work with an aide now who just turned 60, and she's still going strong. Never worked in another profession. It is very fulfilling work, and the pay isn't to bad really. I personally don't think we get paid what we deserve, but it pays the bills. Good luck! Let us know what you decide!

aundrea543 · Apr 16, 2008

I'm debating on whether or not I should start training for Nursing Assistant.
In all practicality, is there ever a cut-off age that would be considered "too old" to begin a new career as a nursing assistant? I'm 56 and in good health.

I am a firm believer in there being no such thing as "too old". There is a lady in my class that is 65 but she does just as well (if not better) than those of us who are less than half her age. Keep in mind that they will teach you body mechanics in class and the proper way to lift. No one expects us to be superwomen (or supermen), but you definately don't want to go into this with back, knee, or similar injuries or complications. Age is just a number. It all depends on how you "feel" talk to the guidance counselor of the school you're thinking of attending and express your ideas, concerns, etc. He/She might have some information to help you in making your decision. Probably wouldn't hurt to speak with your doctor if you're concerned about your physical ability. (not recommending because of your age, but anyone with a weak back, bad shoulders, etc. would be wise to consult before deciding)

Good luck :wink2:

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2008

I do not recommend being a CNA at that age. It is very strenious work leaving you sore in places you never knew could be sore. Also no matter how much you may practibe safe body mechanics you will end up hurting your back. I know I did, even though I enjoy my job and like the people I work with I am obligated to tell you the truth about this job.

There are days will you might have 12 patients plus, all wanting you at the same time, nurses asking you for a lot, and stressful family member. If you feel you can handle all that then i wish you the best of luck

aerorunner80, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN · Apr 18, 2008

I do not recommend being a CNA at that age. It is very strenious work leaving you sore in places you never knew could be sore. Also no matter how much you may practibe safe body mechanics you will end up hurting your back. I know I did, even though I enjoy my job and like the people I work with I am obligated to tell you the truth about this job.
There are days will you might have 12 patients plus, all wanting you at the same time, nurses asking you for a lot, and stressful family member. If you feel you can handle all that then i wish you the best of luck

Don't listen to the above poster. A lot of what they posted is negative. The job isn't as bad as that. I've been doing it a year now and am doing just fine. I'm probably a lot stronger now than when I first started due to all the lifting and whatnot. It gets easier as you go.

I've worked with people who were getting ready to retire (65y.o.) and were still doing just fine.

If you want it and your :redbeathe is really in it, you have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.:heartbeat:D

Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2008

I do not believe I am being negative, I am simply being truthful. Everything depends on the type of CNA you are. I work in a very busy hospital where I not only have to provide patient care but I also have to perform EKG's, Blood drawing, blood glucose, and translating when needed hospital wide. So ontop of my 12 patient assignment I must also do the above.

As you can see it can get pretty busy. I am simply saying it is not the best of choices for someone of 56 to go into, I do it now because I am 19 but it is not my career for I will be climbing the nursing latter

keepingmycool30 · Apr 18, 2008

You are never to old to try something new. I go to school with women in their 60s who are changing careers and they love it. You can do anything if you put your mind to it and your heart in it.

Patti1029 · Apr 18, 2008

I don't think there is such as thing as being "too old" for this work. It's not easy, what we do. At times it can be downright brutal on your body. Lots of lifting, tugging, moving of patients...wheelchairs...and such. Your back will FEEL it and it is important to take care of yourself.

But the work itself will pay off in benefits not always spoken of: Knowing you've done something to help another person who needed assistance; providing good nursing care; making someone else's day with the little things...it's worth it to me.

love_being_an_aide · Apr 19, 2008

I

do not believe I am being negative, I am simply being truthful. Everything depends on the type of CNA you are. I work in a very busy hospital where I not only have to provide patient care but I also have to perform EKG's, Blood drawing, blood glucose, and translating when needed hospital wide. So ontop of my 12 patient assignment I must also do the above.
As you can see it can get pretty busy. I am simply saying it is not the best of choices for someone of 56 to go into, I do it now because I am 19 but it is not my career for I will be climbing the nursing latter

I definitely don't think that a person is to old to try anything. And hopefully if you're going to be climbing the nursing ladder, you change your negative thoughts. There are many nurses who are the OP's age, and are doing just fine. And as i'm sure you're aware, nursing is a tough job. I hope you know it is.

noneil680 · Apr 19, 2008

Hello there! I definetly dont think there is an age limit on anything in nursing. However, I want to warn you before you sign up for this that being a nursing assistant is really rough on your back! I am currently a student in the CNA program, and when I am at clinicals I have back pain from the constant strains on my body and I am only 23! You only get one back, and I see now that this job is too hard on your back and could really damage it! My fiance's grandmother did it for a few years and had back and hip injuries on the job and is now on disability. Of course you wear back braces and use gait belts during transfers, but sometimes it just isn't enough. Just think about it before you go ahead and sign up, that would be my advice :)