chibifloom

A CNA class isn't anything to get too stressed out about. It's mostly common sense. I can sum up my CNA classes for you: 1. don't wipe females back to front 2. use two people when using a hoyer/sit to stand lift. 3. when in doubt, ask questions 4. don't do anything with medications until you're licensed to do so 5. be compassionate And what they didn't teach you in class? Speed comes with time. You will get so fast and awesome at your job in a few months. Not even joking. Practice manual blood pressure. Again, it comes with time. Don't be afraid. It's an amazing experience!

If you're thinking about getting your CNA, seriously, do it. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. If you're worried about the job situation, take a look at local job sites or sites for local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health. I can almost guarantee you that they need help. Granted, I'm in Nebraska and although we have a lot of nursing schools and CNA's, most places are always looking for more help. Check out the job sites, look at a program, and do it. It's worth it. :)

LTC is HARD. There's no getting around it. Personally, I worked in a skilled nursing LTC for 4 months and it seriously makes a difference in how good you will be as an aide/nurse. I started off as slow as they come, but speed will come with time. Cliche, but true. It took awhile for speed to come, shortcuts or not. I now work in home health (boooooring! compared to the constant running at the SNF) and an assisted living facility (which scooped me up as soon as they heard where I worked and what I did there). I have skills that are desirable to other employers and if you're anything like me, you'll miss the stress. I honestly think about going back to the SNF I was at before because I miss my old residents, I was good at what I did, I always had an adrenaline rush, and my weight was down while working there. Don't give up! You'll thank yourself later! And good luck in the meantime!!