Older CNA Student with Questions

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Hi, everyone. I have enjoyed reading the posts...lots of good advice! I'm starting CNA training next week, hoping to go on to become an RN. But one thing at a time.

Mentally and emotionally, I'm ready. I'm also a cancer survivor (cancer-free for 3 years). However, I need to get into better shape. I need to strengthen my back for the "back-breaking" work. I am making a list of shoes recommended in the posts. I've joined Weight Watchers and I'm losing weight, slowly but surely.

I am also in some financial straits, as the cancer kind of drained us financially. Because of this, I am going to school gratis for my CNA certificate. I don't want to mess up this opportunity.

Any advice on how to strengthen my back and feet? I know I can do this. Mind over matter, right?

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

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Oops...correction. I will be starting in the CNA class next MONTH, not week. :uhoh3:

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Hi, everyone. I have enjoyed reading the posts...lots of good advice! I'm starting CNA training next week, hoping to go on to become an RN. But one thing at a time.

Mentally and emotionally, I'm ready. I'm also a cancer survivor (cancer-free for 3 years). However, I need to get into better shape. I need to strengthen my back for the "back-breaking" work. I am making a list of shoes recommended in the posts. I've joined Weight Watchers and I'm losing weight, slowly but surely.

I am also in some financial straits, as the cancer kind of drained us financially. Because of this, I am going to school gratis for my CNA certificate. I don't want to mess up this opportunity.

Any advice on how to strengthen my back and feet? I know I can do this. Mind over matter, right?

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Congratulations on surviving cancer and making life improving changes.

Make sure you choose shoes carefully. It usually isn't necessary to buy expensive shoes, but they must be comfortable over an 8 hour time period. I have a client I work one-to-one with in a LTC facility and I wear compression socks as I am not moving around as much. The stockings help prevent mild swelling in my lower legs and I only need them with this one client, once a week.

I also took my CNA training in my (late) 40's. As it turned out there were a lot of home care jobs and I have worked more than full time ever since. I would like to work long term care, but it seems my forte is one to one home care. I do have clients in LTC and I make a point of providing most if not all cares while there. The CNA's love me for it and I pick up information and techniques from them.

I can't comment on back exercises, I think you can get great info on the web and weight watchers.

I do know my back wouldn't survive a LTC job, I have some compression issues likely needing surgery in the future. One can work in a variety of settings not as strenuous as LTC.

I love working with the elderly, even the difficult gents I sometimes have. Same goes for the families, some are great, others not so, but I am there to support and assist them all.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

welcome to allnurses! best wishes as you start your new career!

:balloons:

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I suggest joining a gym and doing exercises with light weights and high repetitions, use the machines.

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Thanks so much for your advice!

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I posted this on another thread yesterday.

https://allnurses.com/health-stress-management/dealing-low-back-689730.html#post6290562

You need to work on your core strength and you don't need a gym to do it.

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Strong stomach muscles are a great asset to lower back protection from injuries and strains. The simplest exercise is isometric: simply hold in your stomach! Try holding it in for longer and longer periods of time, like right now I am holding it in while typing.

Always elevate the beds to do cares and then lower them. I do this religiously with my residents even when I am feeling way behind. It is those very times when you are stressed that rushing will cause an injury.

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Strong core muscles! Try yoga its low impact and it works

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I am 55 and just started my cna "career". I also have an ailing back, but I make sure I get help with transfers,

use my gait belt, bring the bed up to my waist to change diapers, get help if possible to roll obese residents

during diaper changes and do a two assist if I think I can't do a 1 assist with a resident. As for shoes, dr. scholls

are good and reeboks. Also night work is better and less strenuous than day and evening shift. You will get

quite the workout working as a cna no matter which shift, with alarms going off constantly during the night.

I've already lost 15 lbs. Also during the day alot goes on....I've worked all 3 shifts and the night shift

is where I'm staying. Good luck

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How about knees? I am now wearing elastic supports on both knees and it realy did help. I am thinking of wearing two on each knee to double the support ( I am serious- I want to protect from further damage). Any other hints about knees? I heard boi-freeze is good and am looking for that today.

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If I were you, I would do home health aide work. Many agencies hire CNAs. That way you won't have to put your body through a lot of stress. You'll have just one patient to care for which is easier

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