Veronicax

Well I'm saying would me not being certified keep me from being hired?

I've been told that I would have up to two years to take the state exam but that I would still be able to work. But that some facilitates would make you certify within 90 days of being hired. Yes most people say that CNA's have to start off working in a nursing home to gain experience.

Will you still have to start off working in a nursing home? Also can you work even if you haven't actually completed the state exams?

I really want to give this a try just don't want to end up injuring myself. But most CNA's have to start off working at a nursing home?

So do you always have to start off working in a Nursing home right after being certified? For home health care do you have to take the patients out shopping?

Everytime I tell myself I am going to try being a CNA I read something else negative that makes me reconsider.

Four days? Really? Some people say they took a month training and the one near me is 10 days. What is the difference? Do you learn more in the month training programs?

Was the skills test difficult?

But how do you keep the feces and urine from getting on you? I mean like your arms? I know some people where long sleeved uniforms.

@MissingYou thanks for replying after paying all of your monthly expenses do you have money left over to save?

The above poster mentioned they would smell of feces going home after work. Did this happen to you as well? I would only work as a CNA in a hospital. I've heard a lot of bad things about working in nursing homes and other facilities.

@NurseNinja Did you ever work at a hospital?

Well I've also thought about Massage Therapy I though that can be hard on the body as well. But I guess it would be a lot of stressful than the CNA work.

Chryssy you couldn't afford to live on your own working as a CNA? I was hoping I would be able.

The school I'll be attending offers job placement. And I was told that they place CNA'S in hospitals. I'm going to for patient care technician as well. Think I'd have a better chance at getting in at a hospital.

I'm not sure what you mean by pulling your leg. I thought it really depended on where you work. But I guess that doesn't because the work will be hard regardless. For example most people say it's best not to work in a nursing home because that's where it's really difficult. Yet working in a hospital is a lot better. How is it that some people work as CNA'S for 20 plus years? I'm just surprised that anyone could be a CNA for that many years since the work is so difficult.

Even though it's hard work does anyone here actually like working as a CNA?

Practicing self care doesn't help at all with the physical stress?

I don't know about being fit because I know at least two CNA's who are not close to being physically fit and have been working for awhile.

I think I'll try it and if I start to have any issues I'll stop I'll be sure not to lift patients alone. I am going to see what my chiropractor suggests though. A lot of CNA's say they see a chiropractor on a regular basis.

I wouldn't lift anyone at all without help no way lol I don't get it they should allow all CNA's to use lifts it really doesn't make sense that they don't.

@textucker this is what I've been told is to use proper body mechanics. The school offers jobs assistance they have placed some people in hospitals. I know a lot of people say it's best to work at a hospital and not a nursing home.

The cost of living in LA is way too high.

No I would have roommates I know the cost of living is high in LA. Which is also why I am considering Las Vegas or Arizona.

The neck and back pain comes from me having large breasts I hope going to see a Chiropractor will help with that. I talked to someone who works as a PCT and she said she has worked in a hospice center and with postpartum patients and babies. I thought other CNA's help with the heavy lifting or that you use lifts. And that you are taught in training how to lift patients without injuring yourself. These are things that I've been told but I don't know if this is actually the case. I picked CNA because the training doesn't take long and if I decide to relocate I can transfer my license. Dental Assisting was my first choice but then I see so many people complaining about how they can't get a job because they have no experience.