Reality for CNAs?

Marissa2619 · Feb 28, 2010

1). Didn't you bathe patients of the opposite sex during clinicals? I think if you love your job it shouldn't matter, i mean, someones gotta take care of these people, right? It shouldn't take long for you to be okay with it, it's part of the job and there people too.

2) I would say it depends on the staff whether there going to be nice to you or not. Everyones personalities are different and some people just may not like you. It goes the same with residents, some are nice and some are just down right rude.

3) I'm sure residents will be completely fine with you being 18 and a male. You couldn't really tell though since everyone is different.

4) I know some facilities will let you work all day saturday and sunday so you can go to school during the week.

5) Employers cant judge you by sex, race, gender, religion, your views on a certain matter or anything else for that matter. you should be fine.

-Marissa:)

eveningsky339, LPN · Mar 1, 2010

Let me start by saying I am a 19 year old male CNA, looking to attend nursing school, who is at the tail end of his clinicals. Although I've already been hired by a nursing home, long story...

1) First off, how long does it take to be immune to the idea of bathing/cleaning someone, especially one of the opposite gender?

The idea itself may be uncomfortable, but after giving my first bath it was nothing.

2) Secondly, are the residents of LTC facilities generally mean or nice to cna's. What about the nurses?

It depends on the resident. Some are great, others aren't so great. Generally, the residents are a joy to work with. And this comes from a guy who never thought "old people" would be any fun.

As for the RNs-- some will look down on you, others will work with you. It depends on how you treat them, really. Be nice to them and they will be nice to you. And never, ever disrespect your charge nurse, ever.

3) How would residents view me, a 18 year old male CNA. Would that cause some uneasiness, or are they completely fine with it?

Like I said, I'm a 19 year old male CNA, so I have some experience with this. You will have some female residents who are uncomfortable with you cleaning or even caring for them, but whatever, less work for me. There will be some "are you a man or a woman" questions because some residents think that only girls can be CNAs.

But generally, I don't have any problems with the residents due to my gender.

4) Since I am going to nursing school in the day, is it possible to work night or evening shifts?

Yup, just leave room for homework and studying. Night shift can seriously screw you up, though. I worked nights for three weeks before I said no more!

5) Would employers be turned off by an 18 year old male CNA?

I was hired as a 19 year old CNA before I was even out of CNA class! The facility which hired me seemed to be impressed by my "maleness".

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Mar 1, 2010

As a prospective cna, I was wondering what to expect and have a couple questions.
1) First off, how long does it take to be immune to the idea of bathing/cleaning someone, especially one of the opposite gender?.

All it depends on the person. There's nothing wrong with bathing someone of the opposite sex, I've bathed both male and female. I didn't have any problem with it. But everyone is different. You have to have confidence in what you do. But being male it would be wise to really be cautious because of the female population.

2) Secondly, are the residents of LTC facilities generally mean or nice to cna's. What about the nurses?.

It all depends, you will have both that are nice and some that are not so nice.

3) How would residents view me, a 18 year old male CNA. Would that cause some uneasiness, or are they completely fine with it?

Some residents mainly female wont like the idea of having a male CNA and there are some that have signs on their doors requesting female only.

4) Since I am going to nursing school in the day, is it possible to work night or evening shifts?

Most definately it's possible. I've worked all three shifts and I really enjoy nights.

5) Would employers be turned off by an 18 year old male CNA?
Thanks for all the future answers. Will be looking forward to reading them!
Any more info beyond these questions would be appreciated.

Not at all, I think they would be more turned off for a RN or LVN who's 18 years old because they're so young. For CNAs it's a bit difference since they're not really doing anything invasive. But that's just my opinion...Good luck in your studies!