ShaneIA

20 days. 5 hours a day, was pretty relaxed and I really liked it. After my first four days I got to begin working so I worked while my education was being paid for by a local work program. Even paid for my scrubs, gas (even though I walked), and other little things.

I used to work 2nd shift (evenings) and I liked it, then I switched to 3rd (nights) and I like it even more. I try to work both shifts when the offer is presented to me, but then again, I have no kids, and nothing to really do at home.

When I first became a CNA, I chose to apply at the closest place simply because it was closer and would save me money on gas, huge mistake. I hated it, and felt so bad because I didn't like my coworkers. Loved the people, so I chose to see other places. The next week I was working at a different LTC community and I was amazed at the changes. I love my coworkers, the elderly and their families (even when one might swing a punch at me), and the pay even got better. Sometimes, it's all about how the workplace is being ran.

I finished my CNA class about 6 months ago. (I even got a CNA job while going to school to become one, it was an awesome quick change in my life) - at 22, I was one of the youngest. I was also the only male too, which was a little weird. I was so nervous because I didn't know what to expect. I heard stories about how it was so fast paced and stuff because for my program, they cram everything into a short period of time. Once it got time for clinicals, I thought to myself "That was it? - why didn't I do this sooner?" Fast forward 6 months, after gaining some experience in a positive workplace, I can say that I absolutely love my job. I work with a bunch of petite girls that always need my help when moving slightly bigger patients, and I wouldn't change anything about it. Now I'm going back to school to become a RN.

This is funny. I feel a little bad for the OP, the question of having to assist in cleaning the bowel movement of a patient is always on a newbies mind. I work as a CNA while going to school to become an RN and it's a concern I see new students bothered with more than myself. I feel the OP's original post was one of honest concern, even if it was of slight immaturity. If you want to work in this field of work, I think it's important that you not only "deal" with the idea of cleaning another human beings excrement, but you should be more than willing to do so. You aren't just cleaning them, you are helping them. Don't be one of those nurses that leaves the patient in a state of feeling uncomfortable about needing this type of assistance, or just leaving them to sit there because you are too immature to look past what you should already be obligated to do to help. Try to look past the excrement and see the person, and the help you can provide them.