Physical considerations for CNAs?

[csab]

Hi there. I have been considering making a career change to the medical/health care field, and have been researching nursing and CNAs. I have a question for those of you with experience.

I have heard/read how being a CNA is very physically demanding. I am an almost 40-yr old female. I am not in terrible shape by any means, but I do have a 'sensitive' lower back that I have trouble with it getting strained/stiff fairly easily. A couple months ago I picked up my 6-yr old son who weighs around 60 lbs I would guess, and that strained my lower back so that it was stiff and sore for a week. Then a couple weeks ago, all I was doing was bending over slightly to get some folded laundry off the bed and my lower back felt like it snapped like a rubber band. So after that I was sore and stiff for about 4 days (which, I was surprised that it healed so quickly after that one because it HURT when it happened!).

Anyway, I just wanted some feedback from some of you in the trenches. I will probably also post this on a nursing forum because I know RNs also do physical work, just not as much typically as a CNA. (no offense intended at all, just that seems to be the way it is). Should I look into other non-clinical areas of health care since I have some concerns about my back? I wouldn't want to spend time and money training for a career that I would have trouble physically performing. Thanks!

[sonomala]

I think you make some valid points about standing up for yourself ect. I think like all things, the education requires has got to change. Right now its a short program and then quick certification.

The way most jobs work you get respect from the employer by how much ie education you put in to get there. Cna programs are compared to almost all others quick and with little effort. Because they're so quick there are also tons of graduates every year. One won't stay, give it a week they'll be a new graduate in the application room.

Without higher education its tough in this country to get money or respect. I know its tough but even one class at a time will be so worth it. Until the field changes to a two year degree or at least couple semester certificate (which is on the horizon esp in this economy) things will sadly stay the same for cnas, in my op.

I've lived a long time without higher education, it stinks. Tell someone your working towards any degree they treat you better then someone who isn't or doesn't have a degree. Sad but its the way it is. Trust me life is better in school. (don't screw up like I did, lol)

[berly57]

Hi CSAB -- I'm a 51-yr-old who obtained my license last month and am working in a nursing home. I have had lower back problems all my life but decided to try to see if I could do this. Like one of the previous posters, for some reason, I've found that my back does not bother me at all now -- perhaps muscles have built up or something. Anyway, as long as you're careful, I say go for it!!! I really enjoy working with the residents. Of course, it does make a difference that I work the night shift -- but still doing rounds every 2 hours, you have to roll patients, etc, and I've had no problems. Hope this helps.

[azeala]

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[Anise1]

I think you make some valid points about standing up for yourself ect. I think like all things, the education requires has got to change. Right now its a short program and then quick certification.

The way most jobs work you get respect from the employer by how much ie education you put in to get there. Cna programs are compared to almost all others quick and with little effort. Because they're so quick there are also tons of graduates every year. One won't stay, give it a week they'll be a new graduate in the application room.

Without higher education its tough in this country to get money or respect. I know its tough but even one class at a time will be so worth it. Until the field changes to a two year degree or at least couple semester certificate (which is on the horizon esp in this economy) things will sadly stay the same for cnas, in my op.

I've lived a long time without higher education, it stinks. Tell someone your working towards any degree they treat you better then someone who isn't or doesn't have a degree. Sad but its the way it is. Trust me life is better in school. (don't screw up like I did, lol)

As for higher education... I have a master's degree in social work. After going back to school, scraping, sacrificing, overcoming obstacles, etc., I sent out over 60 applications without one interview; virtually everyone in my class except those who were retained by their internships had the same experience. My internship location laid off over 1/3rd of their work force the last week of the internship, so there was no chance of my being kept. That's why I went through CNA training. Yes, I wish it were a bit longer too, but I am basically guaranteed a job (as long as I'm not picky about its being in a hospital!) By this point, I have learned to appreciate that. I am highly educated, but that fact is doing little to alleviate the bitter disappointment right now.