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Discussion

qualities needed for CNA

I'm not sure if this was a posted question or not, so I'm sorry if it's a repeat. I'm not any sort of nurse, but I was considering being a CNA. I did some research and also talked to personal friends who are RN's. I was wondering what type of qualities were best for being a CNA. I would really appreciate any ideas.. doesn't have to be in-depth. If there was just what people look for in CNA's, etc. I don't know if you'd say the type of personality, or if it would be just "giftings". Like I said, any ideas would be great! Thank you! :wink2:

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  • Author

I'm sorry if I worded it in a confusing way...I have that tendancy sometimes. HAHA. Let me know if you don't really understand what I'm asking. I'll be more than willing to rephrase that

Compassion, organization, ability to prioritize, professionalism, good communication skills, knowledge of good body mechanics, and a good work ethic and ability to be on your feet for a long time dont hurt either:)

The ability to deal with crap, literal and figurative.:rolleyes:

Other than that, patience, empathy, cheerful nature, genuine concern for the patient's comfort, and a sense of humor will come in handy.

  • Author

thank you both for the advice. much appreciated. Ha of course being able to deal with both types of crap! ;) haha. Thank you again! Helped me a lot:)

yes everything that was mentioned above but always very important......

team work!!!!

trustworthy, honest, able to learn, good work ethic, able to understand when everyone is having a bad day, good communicator, and friendly!

I have to agree with the last post and of course the prior posts as well. I was a CNA for 4 years during nursing school. MOTIVATION!!! MOTIVATION!!! MOTIVATION!!! If you are planning on going onto nursing school, try to do EVERYTHING! If an RN asks you for help in a room (whether it be holding a leg to change a venous ulcer dressing, wiping up some poo or repositioning a patient)..jump at it!!! The more you see the better you will be! Trust me on this one. DO EVERYTHING! When a nurse goes into a room to start a new line, go in with him/her to watch how it's done (over and over and over and...) When it's your turn, your nerves will be "fairly" calm compared to if you never watched a bunch of IV starts.

Another tip...ask RN's if you can help them out by priming up their new IV lines for IV Fluids... (of course, these are "small" things in comparison to what you WILL eventually be doing, but all of this definitely helps.

Sorry for rambling, but the quality I like in the CNA/PCA's I work with is, (as mentioned previously)...MOTIVATION!!! MOTIVATION!!! MOTIVATION!!! Do everything you can, everytime you can, whenever you can! It will get you farther you can imagine! (been there, done that!)

  • Author

Thank you so much! That helps a ton! I'm still debating on whether or not to go all the way to an RN. I'm not saying no, but not saying yes. That's still undecided. I figure that at least if I get that and if I enjoy doing that, I'll stick to a CNA. But if I find that what I'm in is really interesting and would like to go further, I will definately strive for being an RN, or some type of nurse, if that's what I feel led to do. I'm so excited!!! I'm actually a PCA right now for someone with Downs Syndrom, and love it! Maybe this is my first step?!?!? THANK YOU AGAIN!!!! :D

  • Guides

GUTS! It takes guts. I was given nothing but grief from seasoned cocky co-workers and pts with no patience to deal with a green rookie. I thought, "Oh, Lord! Can't do it anymore!" but I kicked my self in the butt, forced my self to suck it up, let my dignity rule the day and became one of the best darn CNAs in the joint!

GUTS, my friend!

  • Author

Oh my goodness..guts...hmm..not my thing sometimes, I'll be honest. I'm sure if this is what I'm wanting to do I'll be determined to accomplish it, but I gotta be up for thc challenge huh? Thank you! Keep me in your prayers :wink2: haha

The fact that you ASKED what qualities are needed is enough to make me think you have what it takes! Everyone had great input. Team work, compassion, respect, empathy-all qualities needed when taking care of patients.

I think you had a lot of guts to come on a nursing forum and pose this question! Let us know what you decide!!

  • Author

Shelly304~

Thank you for that compliment! That honestly made my night. I was also concerned about the fact that I have never worked with that age group. From what I understood, it's with the elderly, which is not the issue. It's just the fact that I babysat little kids, helped a teen with downs syndrom, but those are the only age groups I've dealt with. So I'm just worried that maybe I don't have the "gifting" with the elderly. I was talking with my dad and he said they can teach you so much stuff, which is true, which is a bonus, I think. I'm excited to see what I end up doing, but the more I think about it and talk to you guys about it, the more excited I become! What do you think about the whole age group thing? Im sorry everyone for all the questions. I'm sure you're probably just laughing at the fact that I seem so paranoid, but like I said, I just want to make sure this is something I can do! Oh and I wouldn't deny the fact that I can ask too many questions, and think to much about stuff... I'll be the first to admit it HAHA :D

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