somewhat intimidated by first CNA job

mgd31181 · Feb 23, 2005

Hello,
I'm a college student considering a career in nursing. I've never had a nursing job before and am looking at entry-level CNA jobs - particularly at the state hospital for the developmentally disabled.
I am a bit intimidated by the prospect of providing personal cares. I'm not averse to it at all and I am interested in nursing because I feel my personality is suited to a job helping people on such a personal level. But I think if you've never assisted someone with hygiene, bowel care, and so forth it can be daunting.
I'd like to hear your experiences with personal care - especially first jobs and from a male perspective. Do you feel your training on a first job helped you become accustomed to working so closely with patients, etc.
Thanks!
Todd

Hey Todd. I know what you mean abou being intimidated at first. I started doing cna work before I got accepted into nursing school, so that I could get some experience. It was really good for learning how to work with people on a basic level, but you get burnt out quick. I have only been doing it for 6 months, and it seems like all I do is take people to the bathroom and dress them. I always have to many residents to give them the proper care they deserve. It is a very unrewarding job, but that is just my opinion.

framps · Feb 25, 2005

Hello,
I'm a college student considering a career in nursing. I've never had a nursing job before and am looking at entry-level CNA jobs - particularly at the state hospital for the developmentally disabled.
I am a bit intimidated by the prospect of providing personal cares. I'm not averse to it at all and I am interested in nursing because I feel my personality is suited to a job helping people on such a personal level. But I think if you've never assisted someone with hygiene, bowel care, and so forth it can be daunting.
I'd like to hear your experiences with personal care - especially first jobs and from a male perspective. Do you feel your training on a first job helped you become accustomed to working so closely with patients, etc.
Thanks!
Todd

During my first clinical experience in an RN program, we essentially did the work of CNAs. My impression: God bless the CNAs, they truly work hard for their money. I would hit burn out in 6 months tops. As for personal care from a male perspective, you'll get over your fears in a short time. The folks you provide care for are used to receiving it from males and females. I can assure you that they generally have none of the worries that you have.

A funny story... I don't think this is in the CNA scope of practice, but the first time I inserted a urinary catheter in a female long term care patient, I was literally dripping sweat. I was so nervous and she was so... not. It took me forever, but I finally did it. I was apologizing profusely for my bumblings and I looked up at her and realized she was sound asleep!!

I'd recommend looking into other entry level positions if you think CNA might not be for you.

A couple of suggestions...

PCT - patient care tech-

EMT - emergency medical tech-

They both can be attained with a minimum amount of education and the burn out rate isn't nearly as high. Also, IMO these positions offer more medically oriented experiences. -CNAs, if you disagree w/this, please enlighten me.

Good Luck!

Framps

longroadahead · Feb 25, 2005

Well this is from a girl's perspective, but...

I took a CNA class as a prep for nursing school and I'm still currently working VERY part time as a CNA just to keep up the skills. My first clinical day as a CNA - I was shocked!!! This was in a LTC facility. It's a great facility and I love working there now, but when I first saw what EXACTLY they wanted me to do, I was like.....uhhhh...maybe I should rethink this whole thing

For most of my clinicals my CNA that I followed pretty much figured out I was very intimidated and she did most things and just let me watch and assist. Well I took a job at the same LTC facility and they put me on the floor without orientation at all because they figured that I had CNA training there so I SHOULD be good to go...uhuh..

I had 8 complete care residents, all lifts and most couldn't coherently speak. I didn't know who needed what or when or anything and by the end of my first shift I was on the verge of tears - I hadn't taken a break or sat down in 8 hours and I was completely overwhelmed. I was seriously thinking of telling the lady who hired me that this wasn't for me, but as I was walking to my car at the end of my shift another CNA I was working with told me it will get better and easier soon. So I kept with it and I've now been a CNA for 7 months and trust me - it gets MUCH easier. Most the time I even have time to take my breaks :) , I know my residents and their needs now, and I feel competent in what I'm doing and what I'm talking about.

Trust me - you can do it.

Heather

mangb · Feb 25, 2005

being a cna i hard work and most of the time you are under paid but if you want to be a nurse it truly is one of the most rewarding jobs there is. the pts dont think of you as male of female they think of you as someone who takes care of them and respects them but the best way to get over it the 1st time you are giving a bath or what ever else it is your doing is talk to them about something else. and before you know it you are done with what you are doing good luck with what ever you do