Asclepios

Well, I've noticed (after reading all posts) that I have started some debates about this topic. So allow me to clarify, that I understand there is much more to being a CNA. It just made me feel sad to see this treatment, and I needed to get the feelings off my chest. I also want everyone to understand that i am no foreigner to care-giving. I was a member of Dive Rescue in Alaska, and an EMT in Utah. I have seen many sad things, and felt powerless about it at times (even with extensive training). I know that there are some things that are out of our control. But we do our best to achieve the best of for the person that is under our care. These activities during the day at clinical I did not seem to see that. I am taking a path in the medical genre that is, honestly, new to me. I only seek to prepare myself, and others in our journey. My thread was for venting and to see if there were others out there that have seen the same type (or quite similar) of treatment. Please don't make this a battle between who knows best! We are here to help uplift others, to share what little knowledge that we have ourselves. Again, I ask not to fight or argue over the matter. Uplift, guide, help your fellow members and newcomers in care-giving. Thank you kindly, Asclepius

oh, btw, if you want to be an RN.. go for the RN, don't really bother with the LPN, you will learn all of that anyways in the RN programs.

I am a male that is in the process of going to school for my nursing as well (I want to work Critical Care). It varies with everyone, but I will tell you what I am doing. I chose to go through the CNA program first so I could get a hands on view of what the aides do, I find it to be benificial for myself. I am also going through a community college for the RN program (2 years: Associates in Nursing) This will place me in the medical field at a quicker pace and I can progress to the 4 year program (my other half) for my Bachelor in nursing (BSN) From what I understand, the BSN is not needed as much unless you want to be an instructor/mentor or such.. Now I might be mistaken in all of this, but as I said earlier "it varies with everyone"

I just started my clinicals for my CNA course and I have some concerns that I was wondering how common they appear. I realize that this work is tough, and I expected nothing less, but I also believe that we should always place the well being of the residents that are under our care first. We are here to improve health were we can, not make it worse. Throughout the day I noticed that the majority of CNA employed at the facility were quite rough and impersonal with the residents. In class I was taught that we needed to greet the residents and state our business, what we were going to do for them, before we began any process. Yet, I saw none of this happen. The caregivers just walked in and began their duties, not once did i see anyone greet the resident before starting. While offering care there were little, or no, words spoken to the residents. It was very mechanical, and harsh. I noticed during the range of motion exercises the aides were moving the limbs in rapid and rough manners. One resident had a stiff knee, and the aide forced the leg to bend in a very harsh fashion. It appeared that there was alot of over stimulation to the resident that could make their condition worsen. Often I noticed that the residents that could not speak showed obvious pain during these exercises, and that the aides bluntly ignored their groans and moans of discomfort. I saw that perineal care was rushed and incomplete, leaving fecal matter on the resident. At some points I noticed aides ignore a plea from a resident to go to the restroom. Even their dining was rushed and forced. By "force" I mean that exact wording, it was as though the aide crammed huge spoon fulls into their mouth. It was such a risk for aspiration and choking. My first day at clinicals had me heartbroken, I went home that evening and cried for those residents. Many of them had cried when my class had to go. Just in that one day I feel that I have made many friends of those residents, and it hurts me to see that their care is so disappointing. I did speak to my instructor about these concerns that I observed, and hope that they will be brought up to the DON. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the things that I noticed wrong.. Is this activity of care a common thing? Why do people that are so unconcerned for a persons well being involved in providing care in a medical facility? I appologise for my rants, but I had to get this off my chest, it is so sad for me to see this occur. Thank you for your time in reading this.

Thank you. I understand that the comfort of the patient is paramount, and i would hate to be a negative factor in that area. As far as memorization, that shouldn't be much of a problem. My mind has a habit of doing that, even when I had no intention of doing such. Again I thank you for the help.

Thanks. Listening to places tell me that I would need to have experience before I could be hired had me rather worried about where i could get that experience.. Thank you, for your greetings and confidence.

Thank you for your help. I was worried since it is said that I will be a minority (my school says they haven't had a male in the CNA course for quite some years now). But it sounds easier than some tasks I have undertaken. thank you again

Sounds like LIFELINE is the one I would pick. They seem more commited to you and your desire to get the certification. It gives me the feeling of a more professional atmosphere, in comparison to what you have said of the "competition". Good Luck!

Thank you, thank you. I will indeed keep all of your advise in mind as I journey through this process. Don't worry either.. I am sure I will have many questions as I progress along.

Thanks Chris, I intend to keep a professional attitude with this career, I have kept it in everything I have done. Plus, I never want to hinder the care of any person that I tend to.

For myself there were not many options as to where to work (basically two). The first one had been around longer, with more clients. But while I was attempting to get hired they really gave me the run around (ie: saying on the phone they're in the office.. while I am in my car outside the locked building, with no lights on, during normal posted hours.) That was a major sign, to me, of the dependability of their agency. The second choice, whom I am with now, has been around for a much shorter timeline (5 years) with a little over 100 clients. Yet, they have a more professional approach with staff and clients alike. The hours we get are based on our personal availability, which is to be expected. Basically what I am getting at is that the agency path is a pick-at-your-risk thing. So basically do alot of "homework" when you are involved with an agency. I myself, am just using it while going to school so as to get experience needed for a hospital job. I notice that seems to be a norm around here anyways.

I am about to start my CNA course here in a couple of weeks and honestly don't know what to actually expect while in it. I eventually want to be an RN, and hope that this will give me a bit of the experiences that I will need. Does anywone have some tips? Any would be helpful. To add to my worries I am a guy, and for some reason that adds to my fears of success in this field. Also I just started working for a non-medical at home care agency, and was wondering if this actually helps my cause in the medical field. I know that most hosptals will not take a CNA directly after the courses (they require some experience), and I'm not sure if my employment with the agency would count as such.