The value of a CNA

[honeyforasalteyfish]

Yes I know the stereotypes, and it filled me with a great deal of fear pursuing the job. I am so glad I did. I am endeavoring to become a RN.

When I started I didn't even know what a CNA was much less their value. I only became a CNA because one of my target ADN programs required the certification as a prerequisite. Well now I am going for a BSN. Not because I don't value an ADN degree, but because I had always intended to get my BSN after my ADN. I was hoping I could save a lot of money getting the ADN, and then the BSN. Plus I wanted to get to work quicker, and an ADN offered that.

The stereotypes if we are being honest are these. You are a poop cleaning bed maker, but it's so much more than that. Yes I clean poop, and yes I make beds. I do so much more than that though.

Firstly though poop needs to be cleaned. Preventative care in my opinion is the right way for healthcare to move, and it doesn't get much more preventative than basic hygiene. That means never leaving some one soiled. It can lead to terrible consequences such as rashes, and infections.

My biggest fear wasn't the poop. One of my fears was how patients who could not do it for themselves would react to me cleaning them. They all tend to be grateful, and apologetic about it. Which humbles me more than cleaning the poop itself ever could. It sucks they need me to do it. I know I would likely be toed about it. So many are apologizing to me like it's their fault I am cleaning their poop, and rubbing them with lotion. No that's my job.

My job isn't to clean poop. It's to contribute to the health of those I care for. That means hygiene. Which makes me glad to do it. Because I know it may prevent them from becoming ill on account of poor hygeine. I wish I could tell them you never need apologize to me for being in this state. In fact I have said don't apologize to me it's my job, and I am happy to do it. I am just glad you are letting me do it so you can feel better.

Having expressed all that it's a small part of of my job, albeit neccesary. So much of my job is preventative. One of the biggest aspects of my job is managing fall risks. To a healthy person this may seem trivial, but to a compromised person it might save their life if I am vigilant at the right moment. I don't want them getting hurt, and doing that takes a team. A team I am a part of. It means responding to anyone who might be in danger of this. Which means responding to alarms, and keeping your eyes open. It's about prevention first, and foremost.

I also need to report signs of deteriating health. I can't treat these, but I can make the people who can aware of it. The more eyes the better. So vitals are another huge part of my job. It may seem routine, and often it is. It would be at least in an ideal world. That isn't how it works. Catching a sudden fever at 99, or 100 before it goes higher can really help keeping people healthy when it comes to it.

My favorite part of the job though is the people. Both my co-workers, and the people I care for. It really does brighten my day to see them again, and anytime I can I wish to brighten theirs. It's what I am there for.

If you are considering becoming a CNA, it's crazy hard work don't think it isn't, but it's worth it. When you do the job right people are incredibly grateful to you.

Monetarily you won't be rich, but it's still a good job. It can lead to so many other roads. As healthcare offers some of the best benefits packages, and that includes CNAs. It can help you with achieving numerous other healthcare jobs. Also as a CNA you can take additional classes that further your skills. One of these is phlebotomy. These things will increase your compensation.

I wouldn't do it for the money, or benefits. Still they can be very attractive if you approach it right, and that doesn't hurt. It's a wonderful job for me because by helping others I am helping myself.

I couldn't love my job more. Well if they installed a coffee fountain yes I could love it more. I love coffee that is not an insinuation about the job. So free vanilla ice cream also would make me love it more. All that however us besides the point it's well worth it in my opinion.