qualities needed for CNA

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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:

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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I'm sorry, is this kinda weird that I joined this thing and I'm not even a type of nurse? I'm sorry if that's weird, I don't mean to be. I just thought this would be a good place to ask people that have gone through it.

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Specializes in LTC.

The ability to continuously priortize and repriortize your tasks.

Team work. If you help others out they'll more likely be willing to help you out. When the poop hits the fan for a co-worker be willing to say "How can I help?" and then when the poop hits the fan for you don't be afraid to ask for help.

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Thank you! :)

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Casi~

I noticed you're from MN...I was wondering what college you'd suggest. I'm in MN too, and I was wondering if you know which colleges would be best. I was thinking of going to Inver Hills Community College, just because it's cheaper and within state...I would go to a university or something like that, but I figured I can save money where I possibly can..just wondering if you had any suggestions

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Specializes in LTC.

I took my CNA course at Century. Century and Inverhills have a joint RN program, so my title is Inverhills Century College Nursing Student. It's a really good progrm and I'm hppy with it.

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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

I was a CNA during nursing school. I worked at a LTC (long-term care) facility. Although we did have mostly elderly patients, a few were much younger. Several Downs Syndrome, and one, a young man in his twenties who had been injured in a diving accident. You never know who you will have the oppurtunity to care for.

As far as questions-I am like that too! My husband calls me "the have to know woman" !!!!!! So keep reading threads, do a search on here for other threads of the same topic and keep posting. When do the CNA classes start?

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I was a CNA for the 2 years of NS....learned on the job and it helped me out. Before that I was a activity director in a mentally ill nursing home for 197 residents, aged 18-98.....you had to get along with everyone, because they all came looking for you....

Being a CNA taught me lessons I never learned in school....it's more than a check. It's a calling.

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This is to: Casi, Shelly304, and Locolorenzo22!!

Casi~

Thank you for letting me know! Century... hmm... I've never heard of it. Yeah I don't live in the cities but my family lives in IGH so I was considering going to Inverhills. My boyfriend said they had a good nursing program from what he's heard, so he said it might me a good option too?!?!? BUt thank you! :)

Shelly304~

I'm not exactly sure when the classes start. To be honest, I haven't looked too much into it. I will go online and look at when they do start, though. It's probably bad of me that I haven't looked yet?!?!? I wanted to make sure a CNA is something I am for certain wanting to do. So far, talking to you guys has made me want to all the more. I know there are challenges, but we have to accept them and do it to the best of our abilities, I guess!

locorenzo22~

I agree. I think that we can't just think about the paycheck, it has to be about the calling, like you mentioned. I obviously haven't been a nurse, but I believe it should be like that with any job, especially when dealing with people on a daily basis. You have to be able to be good with people, from what I've heard, and if I'm not good with people, it wouldn't be a good idea. And this is why I wanted to come and talk to you guys..because I don't want to go to work, just because it's another paycheck. I wanted it to be because I have a passion for what I'm doing, so I wanted to know from people that have experience with being ia CNA what to expect! You've been a great help, thanks!

locolorenzo22/shelly304~

So this whole thing isn't just about the elderly group, but just all ages in general? That's a really good thing to know. Wow, I guess I should've known that..I'm sorry! So maybe it was a good thing I've worked with a couple different age groups?!?!?

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