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I turned 40 and became a CNA last year. I recently obtained my Home Health Certification also. It's never too late to begin a new career, and what's nice us that CNA training is short enough that you can start something new in a relatively short amount if time. I agree that it is a physically demanding job, so I made sure that I was in excellent physical shape before I started. I started running and following a healthy eating and exercise plan. It definitely helped me to meet the physical demands of this job. Good luck! :)
I've worked with women who were well past retirement age. Yes, you can definitely do it at 40. If you're concerned about the physical toll it may take, I suggest, as one of the above posters suggested, that you go into Home Health. Home Health was my first job, and I loved it, though it is difficult to make a real salary in home health unless you work for 2 agencies or if there is a shortage of home health agencies and work for the only one in the area! Good luck to you!
I recently had a resident in my LTC facility who worked as a CNA (at different facility) until she was in her upper 70s. Also, where I did my clinicals there was a CNA who was well past retirement age, but yet the other, younger aides had a hard time keeping up with her! When I was on her unit she was always wearing a shirt that said 'Not A Resident.' So unless there is a physical/mental reason you would be unable to do the job, I think you'll do great at it!
I've been a teacher for 30 years and am enrolled in The Red Cross CNA program this summer. Instead of retiring from teaching I'm going to pick up a summer job as a CNA at our local Catholic hospital! I'm 59 years old.
I can't wait to do what I've always wanted to do and that is somehow in some capacity help patients get better!
I'm so excited.
All the best to you.
KimMullinsSturgill
1 Post
Hello everyone. My name is Kim. I am 40 years old and I think my kids are old enough now to where I want to go back to work. I will be starting CNA classes next month and I am just wondering am I really too old to be starting a career
Thank you :)