randomCNA

I've said the same thing, I'd be happy to stay a CNA if it paid more, too.

Oh I know! You are so right! People are so discouraging when you tell them you are a CNA or are going to be one. I consider myself a medical professional, I used to be ashamed when I told people I'm a CNA. I'm not anymore, especially in this economy! I'm make more than minimum wage. The pay is how I contribute to my household, to feed my son, put gas in our cars, food on the table, etc. ALL nursing is kinda gross, if you ask me! I think it's funny how a lot of people hear "CNA" and say "EWW!" but when they hear "RN" they say "WOW! You're a hero! What a great job!!" (which they are! and it is!). But us CNA's are vital to the whole nursing team as well! Our job is important, we can't say one is more important than the other. They are just important in different ways. I stopped caring a while ago when I tell people I'm a CNA and get flack. I just don't care. I'm proud I don't sell drugs, have a job, all that good stuff.. Plus, like I said in this economy, having any job is commendable, I used to get flack about it. But honestly, the responses I get now are more like "That's great! You don't have to worry about losing your job!". And I do agree, these are people's loved ones. These used to be moms and dads with children and families. Now they are just old and sick. Any time I start to lose patience with people I just remind myself that if my mom were in here, I would hope that they would treat her so lovingly. I just think of them as my mom and it moves my heart enough to change my feelings at the moment. We are all there for the paycheck but these are human lives we are dealing with.

I think this is a great idea! It will give you perspective from all ends of the spectrum. You can't really go wrong... just be careful because if you do something to lose your CNA license, you won't be able to ever work in healthcare again. But, you have to do something very abusive, in all honesty, I've never heard of an aide getting a tag and I've been in the field for years.

Sorry to hear this.. I know what it's like.

I hear this a lot (I'm an aide myself). I had become a CNA with a good friend of mine, she started in a rehab center while I went into home health. She quit after two weeks (don't blame her honestly) but went back to school to become an RN. She said that her job was gross, seeing people pee and poop and all. My sister is an LPN, was a CNA for many years, and we agree that if you are "grossed out" from being a CNA, being a nurse void of all those features. You're going to see some pretty gross stuff as well. Blackened bed sore wound dressing stink, anyone? She has been an RN for about a year now and hates it, my friend who disliked being a CNA.I think she hates it because she thought being an RN was all about having a respectable title and doing paper work, and not realizing there is so much work and even more responsibility involved. I'm a CNA and care greatly about my patients, but when it comes down to it, I don't really like nursing. I don't want to become a nurse anymore, I'm really burnt out on it and just want to work in another field.