roangie467

The need for CNAs is so huge, you'll never be out of a job as a CNA. I would check to see if your local community college offers the ICATCH program (Innovations in Creating Access To Careers in Healthcare). They paid for my entire tuition to obtain my CNA. I like the flexibility of working as a CNA. I chose to work in home care after completing training at a retirement facility. People can also work in hospital departments. The workload between the 2 situations is immensely different. I have SO much respect for my fellow CNAs that work in a facility. There's a lot of physicality in this job, compared to an MA, so bear that in mind. We are people perform Activities of Daily Living. Lots of people get injured on the job. I feel like CNAs are more directly involved in patient care. We need to be hands-on. We see people at their most vulnerable, loneliest, and fearful. Many are so grateful. You would definitely be giving back to the community in this job. I like MAs too, and if I had another scholarship, I'd want to study that. I see it as more of a desk job, but I admit my ignorance on the subject. In fact, I see MAs relying on telecommunication to provide services now! It's smart of you to research between the 2 careers. Best of luck to you on your decision.

The hospital job would get you better returns for your job experience. You could look to see if your hospital participates in a training program. (I can't remember the name of the specific program I'm thinking of.) But it had an application process, mandatory training meeting, and then you'd float through the hospital departments working shifts. That could help your concerns about lacking the experience. And I would be honest with them! I asked my hiring manager for an extra day of training before they released me on my own. She partnered me with a CNA who had a great reputation as a teacher. I would also listen to your feelings. If you're feeling conflicted about your job, that's important to acknowledge. I'd hate for you to get burnout or compassion fatigue. Maybe your teachers have advice of their own. I think it's great that you posted this question. Your patients will be well served by you. Best of luck on your decisions and let us know how it all turned out!

I was a CNA in homecare so I was never quite so busy. But I did work with patients who were bedbound, morbidly obese, couldn't stand, and needed hoyer lifts. I always got everything prepared beforehand. I'd assemble the fresh change of clothing in the order they would be put on. For my bedbound patients, I'd cut open big garbage bags to keep their beds dry (just fastest clean-up). I'd turn on heaters in the bathroom and bedrooms to let the rooms warm up before having patients disrobe. I'd let family members know ahead of time we would be occupying the bathroom and to please keep hallways clear to avoid traffic jams. As you learn patients' routines and preferences, it'll be helpful to run it through your head when prepping. For example, Mrs G. liked to use a medium-sized washcloth and a small washcloth for her shower, and 2 large towels to dry off. I made sure I had towels and washcloths by the ready (plus at least one extra). Wheelchairs often didn't fit in the shower stalls, so showers always created bathroom puddles, ha. The only thing I could do about that was place towels on the floor (and take off my shoes and socks). This will always create a lot of laundry. I would write myself checklists of everything I'd need. The other shift CNAs found them helpful, especially if they were only subbing. Well, that's all I can think of the moment. I hope I helped, despite our situations being so different. Good luck with your patients! Happy bath times.