Nurse Assistant - A New Career?

casi, ASN, RN · Apr 19, 2008

Go for it!!! If your heart is in it and you think you would enjoy it, there is no reason for you not to.

I've worked with quite a few CNAs who were in their 60's (and I have a strong feeling that they were quickly inching towards 70) and they did the work just the same as everyone else.

ecmb · May 15, 2008

Thanks for the positive and encouraging replies!

As the mother of six children, I have always been very active. Because of this, the demands of a job as a nursing assistant do no discourage me in the least. On the contrary, I'm drawn to it for this very reason. I'm the type of person that needs to be busy. The thought of sitting behind a desk (been there, done that) does not appeal to me at this stage of my life.

I've read comments from men and women as young as 24 asking the question: "Am I too old..."

My thought is that you're never too old as long as you're alive.

paffsc · May 16, 2008

I have been an aide on a med/surg floor and long term care for 6 years now. It has been a great job. I took the CNA class after being a stay at home mom and wanted to get back into the work force. No doubt that I have left work extremely tired. It is important to use good body mechanics and get help. The nurses that I work with are great. They do their best to help when it comes to repositioning and lifting. We have a program that targets back strength and good ergonomics. Strengthening your back and stomach are important to safe guard against injuries.

I don't think age should be a hinderance to taking the class and working as an aide. But remember that it is tough work, lifting, bending, twisting, walking (miles and miles), stooping, etc. etc etc.

Good luck

ecmb · May 16, 2008

A poster said: "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 on top of my 12 patient assignment I must also do the above. "

I was under the impression (because that's what I've been told) that NURSING ASSISTANTS do NOT perform EKG's, blood drawing, and blood glucose. And as far as "translating" goes, I'm not sure what that is so I don't think I'll do it. )

Have a nice day.

mantczak · May 16, 2008

In Fl (it may be the same in other states) If you work in a hospital you can do all of those things. In LTC you do not, the laws regulating LTC are very straight forward. In hospitals we can do alot more as long as the hospital is willing to train you and keep your education updated. The work is alot more physical in LTC. In my hospital we have a "Lift Team" we call to help with turning and getting OOB on the larger pts.

Mary

Pauligirl · Jun 1, 2008

Happyloser points out factual and relevant information.

As we age there is a gradual loss of fluid in the discs in the spine. This reduces space between the vertebrae and puts more pressure on the joints.

As you can imagine, CNA work is often hard labor. Twisting, turning, bending, reaching, pulling, lifting, .... all of this puts stress on your body. Proper lifting techniques won't be worth a darn if there is an underlying condition which becomes activated with all this laborious work.

I worked as a CNA in my early 20's at a long term care facility. I would often have to lift, transfer, pull, and turn heavy patients on my own when no one else was available. In those days I would have an occasional lower back pain after my shift but it would always go away after a good nights rest.

After graduating college I've decided that I'd like to get back into the nursing field. So I took a hospital nurse aide job while getting my pre-reqs for nursing school. I've been at the hospital for about two years but am currently on a medical leave...

I developed sciatica in one leg but I kept working thinking that I just needed more exercise, etc... Once my toes started getting numb I decided to see a spine specialist. I have a herniated lumbar disc. No idea when it happened as it's possible to have a herniation without any symptoms.

I've been through three rounds of lumbar epidural steroid injections and one round of injections in the facet joints (spine joints) and sacroiliac joint. Along with a lot of physical therapy and various appointments with other specialists. :sniff:

I'm certain that I had these problems prior to my most recent patient care position. It's just that all the heavy labor of the job aggrevated my underlying condition.

I'm not sure if I will be returning to my job even if/when I do get into physically acceptable condition. I really don't like having to put my physical health on the line in order to care for ten-twelve patients a shift. And when it comes to helping a patient who is about to fall to the floor...what can I do? Injure myself while helping to break the patients fall or keep myself healty and just stand back and watch them fall???? :eek:

And from my experience, quite a few of the patients are able to push themselves up in bed, sit at the side of bed, and stand but they prefer the nurse aide to lift them out of the chair, pull them up, etc...Maybe these folks enjoy watching us break our backs??? :rolleyes:

littlebitark · Jun 1, 2008

One of my co workers is a CNA and she is 67 yrs. old- and the rest of us are all around 50 yrs. old- To Old? Never- There are gait belts, hoyers lifts for the really heavy residents.

orangelily68 · Jun 1, 2008

Go for it! There are lifts to help in moving people. I also left my corp job after 11 years and I will be 40 very soon. I help out at a local nursing home and take care of my disabled sister, it's very rewarding.

Just be sure to take care of yourself and use proper lifting procedures.

Just remember, we're like fine wine. :)