Surely someone will think I can do it

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Please give me your honest opinion. I've had so many people tell me that I shouldn't become a CNA because of my size...I weigh 108 lbs and my height is 5'3". My mother was a CNA when she was younger and only weighed 80-90 something pounds and her height is 4'11", she also said that she never worked by herself...could it be because *they* thought she was too little? I really think I could do it, and I know anything can happen but I wanted to get other people's opinions.

My dream goal is to become an RN in L&D and I figured being a CNA would be a wonderful experience, but people have me doubting myself now. Your input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

cna work is very rewarding and like others have stated using all the proper body mechanics is what will keep you from straining and injuring yourself. although at times you may come in a situation where you are alone and if you feel uncomfortable about it ,i suggest you hold out till you have help so you don't risk injuring yourself .no matter how other aids or charge nurses..yes i said charge nurses may rant and rave about how you may fall behind because you choose to wait to be safe than sorry. its better to do the job safely than put yourself and the pt at risk. aids are suppose to work in two's any how.follow your heart and pursue it and class will give you a feel for what you have in store as a cna and if you like to continue down this path.

best of luck in your decision.

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Thanks for all the positive posts. It's funny how people that I see tell me NOT to become a CNA and the people I can't see...have nothing but positive things to say to me..I'm glad I came here and asked, needless to say, I'm feeling much better!

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.
Thanks for all the positive posts. It's funny how people that I see tell me NOT to become a CNA and the people I can't see...have nothing but positive things to say to me..I'm glad I came here and asked, needless to say, I'm feeling much better!

Do the people you see work in the field? I actually think a smaller stature could be an advantage in that it encourages you to use better mechanics. There are times when height matters. For instance, a two person transfer is much easier when both staff are approximately the same height. As far as lifting is concerned, a lot of times I ask for help with lifts and transfers, because a lot of the pt.s are fragile. It's a question of safety not how much one can lift (you leave that for the gym).

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Yeah, three are CNA's and one *was* an RN. She's my neighbor actually and is on disability (I don't think it had to do with work though). But she's hardcore into telling me I'll be making a mistake...because I'm too (her exact words) tiny. Gotta love it.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
Yeah, three are CNA's and one *was* an RN. She's my neighbor actually and is on disability (I don't think it had to do with work though). But she's hardcore into telling me I'll be making a mistake...because I'm too (her exact words) tiny. Gotta love it.

I saw a lot of thin CNA's while we were at the nursing home & they said they've been working for YEARS. If becoming a CNA is in your heart, than you'll do fine. Idk why they are telling you that you wont be a good CNA:angryfire. Its not like you won't be able to ask for assistance, or use mechanical lifts for heavier patients, etc. Ignore them!!

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You have to also remember. If the cna's are doing things right, they are not suppose to pick people up anyway. The facilities i have seen say to use the lifts. If they catch you lifting someone, they can fire you.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.
You have to also remember. If the cna's are doing things right, they are not suppose to pick people up anyway. The facilities i have seen say to use the lifts. If they catch you lifting someone, they can fire you.

Exactly!! A CNA told us that yesterday & btw she's 5'3'' too & she's been working for over 20 years.

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You have to also remember. If the cna's are doing things right, they are not suppose to pick people up anyway. The facilities i have seen say to use the lifts. If they catch you lifting someone, they can fire you.

This is exactly what I was coming back to say. You will probably encounter some aides who want to save time, so they lift a resident that should be a mechanical lift. DON'T pick up this habit, it can be very dangerous for you and for the resident. When an occasion arises where you cannot use a lift on someone that needs one (like if a lift isn't working and there isn't another around you can use), always use at least 2 people, and more if you have them (for hoyers). And, if you have to transfer a lift resident without a lift, make sure the nurse knows, just in case something happens.

I've had people I've worked with annoyed at me because I insist on using a lift when the person is supposed to have one. It can be intimidating to be the only one who does things the correct way, but I imagine it would also be intimidating to lose your job because of hurting someone.

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I'll definitely remember that! I wouldn't want to get fire and I DEFINITELY wouldn't want to see someone get hurt. Thanks for the advice.

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