Starting the CNA course soon.. nervous

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I am starting the CNA course in two days..and let me tell you I am very nervous. My goal is to become an LPN then RN. Nursing was always something I wanted to do but never thought I could. I am actually a Dental Assistant and looking to switch careers. My husband recently got out of the army and I am in desperate need of job. I truly feel I am meant to help care for people however, I 've let my fears get in the way. I've watch my mother as a CNA for 23 years. I've watched her come home sore and exhausted 40+ hours a week. (She worked at a nursing home). I need to take the CNA course a pre-req for nursing school. The hospitals all around me are hiring for CNA's. What is the work like in a hospital compared to a nursing home? I'm also a petite person and CANNOT lift anyone on my own. Is my body stature going to cause a problem as a CNA? These are probably silly questions but I really do not know much about what CNA's do other than what I've seen my mother go through which was a negetive experience.

Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg.

I was extremely nervous too. You will probably feel very nervous in certain parts of your course. For instance, when you first go to do something on a "real person", such as your first time feeding a resident, you will be very nervous! I'm not done with CNA school yet, but I did my first feed two weeks ago and I found that it comes naturally after a few bites. :)

Now we are getting into AM and PM care, and soon we will be starting general comfort measures and bathing. This is a great way to get your foot in the door of the healthcare field. I'm actually planning on starting an EMT course later this year, so no matter what your end-goal is, CNA training is always valuable!

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Astigall, I asked that same question, but it seems as if there are no CNAs on here that went through the course.

:confused: so Im just going to guess :idea: you do book work during the day and maybe clinicals in the afternoon..

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There is no such thing as as a silly question. My advice to you is whatever you goals may be, go for it! Both long term facilities and hospitals are wondeful for the experience you get. But, if you can get into a hospital straight away do so. Hospital work is very technical, you are constantly learning new procedures and there is not so much lifting there. Ltc's not so technical, however the vast experiences and knowledge that I have learned in working in them is invaluable to me. Also CNA's are employed in home health, hospices, registries (I would wait to do this until I had a little more experiences or so). However there is a wide array of venues for you to explore. Know that I wish you every good thing on your journey, no matter what path you choose to take.

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I did CNA to LPN to RN and I am working on my BSN.

This is the route I will probably take, I will start the LPN in September.

(JULSEY) :D howz it going? Do tell?

I cant wait to start my classes, Feb 1 is so faaar away.

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This is the route I will probably take, I will start the LPN in September.

(JULSEY) :D howz it going? Do tell?

I cant wait to start my classes, Feb 1 is so faaar away.

Hi Restor, so when are you taking the TEAS? have you decided what school yet for LPN?

I have the paperwork with the dates to take the TEAS in april/may at Wilson Tech, but I really think I want to take the prep course for the TEAS first. I may even hold off and try to get into the March 2011 LPN program there..I keep going back and fourth with it...ugggghhhh

I also can't wait to start CNA on 2/8!!:D

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You know what, I keep going back and forth too. If I take the Teas it will be May. But then again, I would try to get into Farmingdale or SCC Lpn program or the RN; or just go to Molloy for the BSN :confused: ...decisions decisions lol

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i start my cna training in two weeks and I'm absolutely terrified. I was a horrible student in college and I'm scared that I'm not going to pass this class and the state exam. my friends who have taken the class say that it's super easy and that I'll breeze through it, but I'm still worried that I'm going to crash and burn like the Hindenburg. I could really use some advise.

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OMGoosh! I start on Monday and I can hardly wait! :rckn::anpom:

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
i start my cna training in two weeks and I'm absolutely terrified. I was a horrible student in college and I'm scared that I'm not going to pass this class and the state exam. my friends who have taken the class say that it's super easy and that I'll breeze through it, but I'm still worried that I'm going to crash and burn like the Hindenburg. I could really use some advise.

Don't beat yourself up!!! I'm what you could call a slow learner lol. It takes me forever to really "get" something( I failed my drivers test like 4 times because I couldn't parallel park:uhoh3::uhoh3:). But with the CNA class, I just took to it instantly! In fact I graduated with the highest grade average in my class & I passed my test on the very first try:nurse: My advice is to take good notes in the class, if possible, watch any videos possible related to the skills you'll perform, and practice practice practice!! Practice performing vital signs on your family & friends. Practice your other skills too..if you have to practice on stuffed animals & pillows (I did :D). You'll do great..you just have to believe in yourself;)

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