I've been doing a LOT of reading up about the whole job description of a CNA, along w/ a lot of forums w/ people's opinions and stories. Is it just me or does it seem like when this question is asked, "Do you like being a CNA?" Everyone basically just moans and gripes about it?
For example, "Being a CNA sucks!" or "All you do is the grunt work, not enough pay, and you get hit/yelled at/pinched/kicked all day!" Of course, CNA's are going to do the grunt work... It's called starting from the bottom and working your way up. It would be like in any workplace if you're starting at the bottom. It'll usually never be what you WANT to do.
It just makes me kind of sad to hear some of the things that people say about their job and especially about what they have to do. I mean, of course no one likes to pick up feces/vomit/whatever! but from what I've read these people are making it sound like they didn't even know the job description before they started.
I've done a LOTTTT of research and I already am expecting to be overworked, stressed, changing out a lot of bedpans, and dealing with tempermental residents. All I think about is... How would I feel if I was in that position? I would be completely humiliated if I couldn't make it to the bathroom on time and had to call someone in to clean up my mess or how awkward it would be to have someone bathe ME because I can't. And yes I do know there is going to be those residents who, well, milk it out knowing there's someone who's always there to do anything for you. However then you got just the people who honestly don't even want to be helped let alone touched.
Anyway about the low pay, I live in Oregon and the average pay rate for a CNA is 12-15 dollars/hour. Which is definitely not bad over here! I just feel like I ALWAYS see people who HATE this job and have a lot to complain about. I wanna hear some positive things people! There has to be SOME people who enjoy being a CNA and those 'little things' that make their day just an itty bit better.
