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?
+1 on taking the class; in my case I was one of about 7 males in a CNA class of 30 students, so it made things a little easier than for you. That said - learning to get along with your peers, even if you tend to feel self-conscious is going to be a major factor in whether you'll make it in the nursing (or, when you get down to it, ANY) profession.
Much as I'd like to say something more substantive than "suck it up" - in this case it's about all I can offer. Part of this line of work means you have to leave your preconceived notions at the door - you can't afford the luxury of refusing to take care of patient X because they make you uncomfortable. They're there in your facility for a reason, and it's your job to take care of them to the best of your ability. Likewise with your co-workers; some'll bite your head off, but most won't. And - you're going to have to work with the head-biters right along with the others. I don't like it any better than you do - got the chew marks to prove it, too.
In any case, if you just can't (for whatever reason) adapt, you may want to re-think your career choice. Plenty of different positions available in healthcare; you can still be a part of the team, just playing in a different position. No shame in it.
@ somekindofstrange. In my Cna course, there were only two men. But we all got along well. Everyone is there with the same goals, as in to gain insight in the medical field. So don't feel awkward :). But yes do what you need for those points it will help. But at the LACC district of community colleges where I am from in CA. We do not get credit for any of that. It's entirely based on GPA. and Lottery. So make sure of that if it truly does give you credit. Because right now I am a CNA but it does not benefit me whatsoever. Its only beneficial if you work in a Hospital. Because as I am currently trying to get a job in the hospital. No one will hire me because they want ACUTE care experience. or you have to know someone directly...But its all okay because I'm one class away from finishing my prereqs to apply for nursing. And im sure you are in your nursing now or what not So I wish the best for you!!!!Youll be a great nurse.
Thank you very much for your encouragement. The road I have chosen to become a nurse has been an unusual one. My first semester in nursing school ended with a complete diaster. I had no prior nursing experience so I underestimated the clinical portion of the the class. Since my initial failure, I have applied to 2 local nursing programs. I was waitlisted for one and rejected for the other. Presently, I am awaiting the decision of my nursing program on whether they will allow me back in. I am happy had this set back because it has given me time to reflect and grow. All of the following events have made me more motivated to become a nurse.
Best of luck to you, almost. I will roll with the punches in my CNA class and even get a CNA job. My resilience, thick skin, and faith in God will guide me through any situation.
Just a little update incase anybody has been following this thread. So far its been a mixed bag and I have been able to secure a partner for lab pratice. The most awkward situlation throughout the nursing classes I have taken has been securing a partner for lab pratice. I donot want to be presumptious but I suspect some of my classmates and possibly the instructor feel its a little strange for a male to choose nursing. These feelings have alot to do with the sentiments shared by the local traditional southern undercurrent in the local population.
I sort of made a fool of myself by sharing a personal experience from volunteering at the local hospital. I mentioned that a patient I transported was being rude towards me so I just ignored me. Was this appropriate to share with the class? Should I have held this piece of information back? Either way, I caught some of my fellow students gossiping at the vending machines. I confronted them and only one responded and most of them walked away. I asked them what I said wrong and most continued to walk away and ignored me.
I am enjoying the course material. Its a nice review that will benefit me when I get back into nursing school. I have no intention to drop out of the class.
I was so worried about this very thing. I signed up for and was accepted into a CNA program at my local community college. Fortunately, there are two other guys in the class with me.
Now as far as Skills training goes, I actually had four of the girls arguing over who would be my partner today. Today's skill was ambulating with gait belt. It was actually funny because one girl in the class and I have known each other for a long time. Not friends, but always spoke. She was the one I eventually picked to be my partner. We were called first and went through the Skill. As soon as we got back to the class, everyone else was asking me to help them prepare. I walked back to the lab, got a gait belt, and "tutored" everyone in class. When I went to return the gait belt to the lab, my teacher asked why I had borrowed it. I told her and she smiled as big as she could, gave me a high five, and said "Good for you!"
I hope everything turned out good for you in your CNA class. I just finished my first week and am loving it. My teacher has already pulled me into her office and told me that if I perform as good in clinicals as I have in the class room that she'll write me a letter of recommendation as soon as we get our certificates.
Just a little update incase anybody has been following this thread. So far its been a mixed bag and I have been able to secure a partner for lab pratice. The most awkward situlation throughout the nursing classes I have taken has been securing a partner for lab pratice. I donot want to be presumptious but I suspect some of my classmates and possibly the instructor feel its a little strange for a male to choose nursing. These feelings have alot to do with the sentiments shared by the local traditional southern undercurrent in the local population.
I sort of made a fool of myself by sharing a personal experience from volunteering at the local hospital. I mentioned that a patient I transported was being rude towards me so I just ignored me. Was this appropriate to share with the class? Should I have held this piece of information back? Either way, I caught some of my fellow students gossiping at the vending machines. I confronted them and only one responded and most of them walked away. I asked them what I said wrong and most continued to walk away and ignored me.
I am enjoying the course material. Its a nice review that will benefit me when I get back into nursing school. I have no intention to drop out of the class.
I am blessed to live in northern California and not experience this type of intolerance. The home health agencies are begging for male CNA's or caregivers. I've always had an abundance of work, and NEVER have to deal with the ignorant gender bias you describe.
Keep on course and don't let the small minded haters get you down.
Well, the class has taken a turn for the worse. I gave into my better nature to refrain from childish actions. A classmate attacked me so I decided to insult them back. I wish the CNA class would simply end so I could collect my 5 points but I plan to stick the class out no matter how many enemies that I make. I suspect that the instructor doesn't like me either because she has this condescending because she is constantly talking down to me. I don't know. Perhaps I need to adjust my attitude so I can fit in with my classmates.
somekindofstrange - First of all, I love your profile pic! I just started watching Dexter online and I am already 1/3 of the way through Season 3.
I just read your latest post and I am sorry to hear that things have been tough for you in class. In CNA class, like in a healthcare setting, you will run into all types of people. My class had ages 16 through 40ish (that was me), and a range of education from current high school student to college students (nursing and premed) to second career nursing students. It was quite a mixed bag but we all learned and those of us who did the work got our certifications.
I know this is easier said than done, but try not to worry about the classmates and teacher liking you. Just do the work, practice the skills - chances are you won't see any of them after the class is over. I would encourage you to do your best to stay out of any drama. If you are respectful in class to the teacher and your classmates, what they talk about by the vending machine will not matter. None of your classmates will be grading you when you take your state test. Since you have already passed the state test, will you even have to do that? ANYWAY - I guess I am trying to say don't stoop to their level if they are clique-y or rude. Also - most instructors don't grade on whether they like you or not, just on whether you know that material. If your teacher is a pro, she will do the same! Good luck and keep us posted!
There was only one guy in my CNA class. I thought he was funny and awesome, until he lied about his age and we found out that he was 40 years old. Not a big deal, but we ragged him for it. It was all in good fun and he knew we thought he was awesome. In the end, he turned out to be a total psycho though . The fact that he was a male didnt matter to me at all. Actually, I would love to have more men in my classes!
don't give in to foolishness. do the best you can and *bump* the haters!
Just have fun with it, if they see you are comfortable, they will be too. And again as CNA1991 said, you are there for YOU. We had 3 males in my CNA course. It was a 3 month program and by the second month only one male was still there. He was such a good sport about it and I never felt uncomfortable and he was always keeping things fun so we all enjoyed him. If any students are going to judge you, then they are in the wrong field. Part of being a CNA or anything in nursing area is that you have a warm heart and care about people and want to help. Once you get a few sessions under you will feel more and more comfortable. I took the course for the same reason, to get my feet wet and earn more points for getting into the RN program. You will be glad you did.
I just went through a CNA class as the only male...and while I am admittedly a loud-mouthed know-it-all, I also had some doubts when I first started as to how I would be accepted.
After the first day, I just shrugged all that off and spent the whole time smiling...while it may not help with your own uneasiness at first, it does tend to make everyone else around you more relaxed, which turns into a positive feedback loop. Plus it makes everyone wonder what you are smiling about
Being shy is going to get you nowhere...for one day, just try being as loud and as obnoxious as you can. You might be surprised how many laughs you get.
Good luck in your class! I just completed a 15-day CNA course (super intense!) and I must say that the quality of your class might depend on your classmates' personality and where you're taking it. There were 2 guys in my class (they were mid-20s & 40s) and we had a wide range of ages too (high school to middleaged). It's definitely interesting to learn other people's backstories too, like how one person had to take the whole course over again because Wisconsin requires 120 hours of training (with 32 clinical hours) and she moved here from another state with that had less hours for certification. And the instructors always have related stories to share with what you're learning! I would recommend being outgoing and try to get along with people in your class because you might have to do clinical hours together and you'll have the chance to practice with various people. There are a wide variety of students in class and some people sailed through the skills part of the class easily while some needed to practice and review the skill a bit more to get it perfect. Please remember to be respectful to your instructors, even if you clash with their personalities, and try to get the most out of them for what you're paying for the class or the 5 points at the end when you get your CNA certification. Most instructors want to make sure that you're doing the skills correctly... they will correct you over and over until you get it right (from personal experience) and they've been teaching for a while so I agree with Baubo516, they're pros at trying to help you get better!
So what skills are you up to in the class? Or are you up to clinicals? One of the hardest skills for me was transferring someone to a wheelchair because at the beginning, I would somehow forget to lock the wheels. When it came to clinicals, it was hard NOT to forget when you have your first patient and you don't want to mess up for their sake. And I aced that part on my certification exam yesterday! Once again, good luck with the rest of your class!
PS male nurses are a rarity but very appreciated! It's always great to add diversity to the field of nursing~
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. The fact that he was a male didnt matter to me at all. Actually, I would love to have more men in my classes!
IEDave, ASN, CNA, LVN
386 Posts
+1 on taking the class; in my case I was one of about 7 males in a CNA class of 30 students, so it made things a little easier than for you. That said - learning to get along with your peers, even if you tend to feel self-conscious is going to be a major factor in whether you'll make it in the nursing (or, when you get down to it, ANY) profession.
Much as I'd like to say something more substantive than "suck it up" - in this case it's about all I can offer. Part of this line of work means you have to leave your preconceived notions at the door - you can't afford the luxury of refusing to take care of patient X because they make you uncomfortable. They're there in your facility for a reason, and it's your job to take care of them to the best of your ability. Likewise with your co-workers; some'll bite your head off, but most won't. And - you're going to have to work with the head-biters right along with the others. I don't like it any better than you do - got the chew marks to prove it, too.
In any case, if you just can't (for whatever reason) adapt, you may want to re-think your career choice. Plenty of different positions available in healthcare; you can still be a part of the team, just playing in a different position. No shame in it.
----- Dave