Only male in the CNA class; feeling awkward

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The local community college offers 5 points on the application for completing a 120 hr CNA course. To gain the 5 points I decided to join a CNA program at my local community center. I never thought I would be the only male in the class. I understand completely that most of the CNAs and nurses are mostly female but I figured there may be at least one male. Know I am having second thoughts about attending the class because I feel it may feel a little awkward for myself, the instructor, and the students if nobody wants to pair up with me for skills.

I hate to sound judgemental but alot of the students appear to be unpolished and not very understanding of a male CNA. Many appear that they may be there are part of some work rehabilitation program. I donot need the class except for the 5 points for the
RN
application. I already have a CNA certification so I can probably obtain a job at a local LTC.

Should I still take the class despite feelings of awkwardness?

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Specializes in Geriatrics/home health care.

I think you should. Think about it, are you there for them or for yourself? Even if you hate it, this class will not be very long and it will be very beneficial for you in the long run. I remember when I went through my CNA program I also felt out of place (out of town, youngest person in the class) and I thought nobody would talk to me either. But to my surprise, I made friends very easily, our class was a team. We actually all held hands and prayed before taking our CNA state test at the end. People come to a CNA class ready to learn and it's not like high school where people judge you if you are different, you are there to be a team and pass that state test. Even if things don't work out as you would have liked, you can always study really hard and I promise you will eventually pass that test, support or not. Don't let others bring you down, you can do it! Good luck!

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I'm in the same boat. I had my first clinical experience last week and I can tell you this: a resident (or pt) will not care what your gender is, just that you treat them with dignity and respect. In my experience, the CNA that my partner and I shadowed was VERY impressed by what we were able to do on our first day. My partner turned to me at one point and said "You were just so confident in everything you did that it made me less nervous and I felt like I could join in and help". That's what you're aiming for. If you feel the need to stare, stare into the resident's eyes. Let them know you are there for them, not to oogle their bodies. Treat them like they were your family, and they will respond in kind. Personally, I injected some humor (tactfully) when able and it seemed to lighten the mood no matter what I was doing. Good luck and stick with it!

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CNA1991 and got2startsomewhere I appreciate your positive feedback. Let me further reinterate that I am a little shaken from my first semester of Nursing Fundamentals which was not a very pleasant experience. I am naturally a shy socially awkward person so I kind of stick out in crowds. Because of my shyness I could not get a proper partner to pratice my skills. In the crowd of the male students I could not get any of them to pratice with me so I was left alone most of the time. The clinical instructor I had was very draconian marking off for even the slightest amont of error. I plan on going back to nursing school giving it another try.

Just to clarify that I am taking CNA course to prepare me for reentry back into Nursing Fundamentals. I have passed the state test and have a CNA certification but have been able to get a job. I am taking this class to gain the 5 points for the nursing school application.

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Fake the confidence bud. For it to be real it takes time. Stop feeling awkward and you won't be awkward. We are all human and if something makes you feel weird tell them that. Being a little vulnerable isn't a bad thing. Just don't let it prevent you from experiencing things. Go into this with the attitude that it doesn't matter what other people think as long as I'm doing a good job, that's all that matters. Concentrate on what you're doing and NOT on who's watching.

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I definitely think it is a good idea for you to stay in the class especially if you plan to pursue a future career in nursing. You will be experiencing this probably through most of your career so you might as well get used to it until it doesnt bother you anymore. My nephew was recently in the hospital and we had three different female nurses and one male and I can whole heartedly say the male one was the most understanding and helped the most. As time goes on I think the acceptance for male nurses will be more understanding and seen more often. Everyone's view on you depends on yourself and your own actions. Go in with a positive attitude and everyone will enjoy being around you no matter what gender you are.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Many appear that they may be there are part of some work rehabilitation program.
The TANF program (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) frequently arranges for women on public assistance to learn new job skills with the ultimate goal of completely getting off the welfare rolls one day. CNA training is one of the most popular work training programs for TANF recipients because it is relatively short in length.
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If it helps you get into a nursing program, do it. Believe me, your presence in the class is a plus, and will be appreciated if you are positive and friendly. Training is a time to evaluate and learn the material and grow as a person. By the way, I'm more outgoing, less shy in healthcare/school settings. I make a point of extending myself and practice empathy. Good luck.

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Take the class. We had 2 guys in our CNA class and I preferred to work with them because they were just nice without any of the 'female politics' and competitiveness that I sometimes felt from my classmates who were women. Sometimes they were also better at practicing the skills than the women were, I'm not really sure why that was the case.

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Thanks everybody for your kind words and responses. I have decided that its in my best interest to take the CNA program to help me with my first semester of Nursing school. Hopefully, with this 120 hr class I an aquire a part time job and gain at least some nursing experience.

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We had one girl that got in a domestic violence situation and couldn't work at my nursing home even after she completed the class. Another one had a boyfriend that was a big criminal and we heard about his eventual road to prison in class. She supposedly married him in jail. Another girl was total airhead and a redneck. She was really rude and snobby. It was quite the adventure being the only male in my CNA class last year. It got me in the RN program though! I just kept my mouth shut and chuckled now and then.

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Take the CNA class. If you are feeling awkward about just practicing on female students, imagine how awkward your gonna feel taking care of female patients. Better to get over it now before you start doing Nursing clinicals. As for the students being immature or trashy or whatever. Oh well, its more good practice, because your patients are going to come from all walks of life.

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