Too small for CNA?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Hi all!

(New to the forum, have been lurking for a bit.)

I'm starting my CNA class in July, the wait list was super long. So I've been spending my wait time learning as much as possible about the job I will (one day) be doing and I have a major concern. I'm afraid I'll be too small to perform the daily tasks a CNA does. I'm only 5'1 and very slight, and I'm worried I won't be able to do much of the lifting it seems to require, even though I'm in decent shape. I really want to get into this field, and after I get the cert I'm planning on moving on to LPN one day.

My question being, am I going to be able to do my job well, without breaking myself? :eek: Or should I look into something else?

Thanks in advance for replies!

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i am 5'3 & weigh 110 pounds. personally, if you learn the right techniques, it'll be fine. if you end up working in a facility, you can always go get someone to help you with a 2 person assist. i know plenty CNA's who are smaller than i am & do fine. good luck :)

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You can use a lift or get help from a co-worker if you have a problem lifting a patient.

I had two girls in my CNA class, who were under 5'0 and they did an excellent job.

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm also 5'3" 110 pounds, and I was probably the weakest person there when I started and now I'm definitely not. I can lift people heavier than myself and I have big arm and ab muscles now to show for it!

You'll probably feel like a weakling at first but before you know it you'll realize how much stronger you've gotten.

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if you have the money, join a woman's gym (so that the machines will be the right size) and work out......some pilates probably wouldn't hurt. Good luck

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Specializes in 6 yrs LTC, 1 yr MedSurg, Wound Care.

Your strength will build as you go, don't worry about that. Muffin was right, once you figure out the technique it isn't too bad.

You'll be fine. You'll see during your clinicals. :)

Dondie

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab.

I am currently 5 months pregnant, but when I began training, I was 5'8 and only 108 pounds. (quite scrawny) What helps me most in dealing with my residents months ago and today, is just proper technique. Position your body well, so that you won't be a hazard to yourself or the residents.

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Two words: body mechanics. I'm 5'2" and about, well, I'm small. As everyone else said, once you learn the proper techniques, you'll be fine. You'll also know when to ask for help. And with everything, practice will make you better. And if you're moving patients, they'll be depending on you, which will boost your confidence a bit.

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I wouldn't worry about it - if you're doing anything more than guiding/assisting a resident, the facility policy will require 2 (or more) cna's, or the use of a lift. If you're assisting a resident, and they start to fall, you are explicitly told not to try to stop them, no matter how big your biceps are. There are lots of VERY effective small cnas.

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No way. The nurse I worked with the other day was MAYBE 5'0" and 98 lbs. soaking wet, and she and I together pulled a great big man up in bed.

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm 5'3" and only 93 lbs, I used to weight more than this before. I guess I'm on diet too much and didnt concern about my weight til recently some people in clinical and a few classmates comment that I'm too small. Currently I'm doing volunteering at the facility and a few people here know that I'm a CNA and in the progress of looking for job. The activity coordinator and the other lady asked me a few times that can I lift the heavy patients and I told them yes b/c if I cannot then I can ask other CNA for help w/ the lifting or transferring. Now their comments and questions really bother me b/c I dont know employer would wanna hire a small CNA like me. I did saw a few small CNAs at this one facility where I'm volunteering now but I'm the smallest one. I really wanna get a CNA job in the future but worry that employer dont wanna hire me b/c I'm small.

QUESTIONS:

Can someone please honestly tell me what you think - Am I too small to get hire as a CNA? I am a hard-working, responsible, caring, and everything but one thing negative about me is that I'm small - so do you think employer would wanna hire me or not? Getting a CNA job is my dream for now b/c I wanna use my skills and really love to caring and helping ppl but dont know I even have a chance to working as a CNA or not. Aaaaahhh I'm really worrying about this issue now. Please someone answer my questions.

Oh one more question, have you ever seen CNA that is that small as I am? How did they doing w/ the lifting and transferring?

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

The toughest nurse I ever worked with was 4'11"!!! You shouldn't be "lifting" people anyways. To be safe use a lift or get 1 or more people to help.

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