Published
Where I work, 80 bed LTC facility, I think there is only one CNA in a nursing program. We have our share of new CNAs that stay a few weeks to a couple of years; some have been there more than 5 years; the majority of the CNAs have been there more than 10 years; there are several that have worked there more than 20 years.
Off topic, but I want to say ... In 2003 I found this website, early 2004 I became a member (there was no separate forum for us, although there were many past posts either looking for a forum or requesting a forum.) Late 2004 I became a premium member to help support this site and hoping that a Nurse Aide/Nursing Assistant forum would be created (No area for us was created so I didn't renew my premium membership.). Don't remember when but I find that in July 2006 - Nursing Student Forums - CNA Nursing Assistant Discussions had been created.
I was disappointed to see this area for us under Nursing Student Forums. Upon completion of our NA training we are no longer a student. We are, depending on where we work, a nurse aide, nursing assistant, patient care attendant, patient care technician, etc. (My two cents: I think Nurse Aide/Nursing Assistant Discussions would have been better placed at the Various Nursing Topic Forums.)
PBAJS
There are a lot of people who work as a CNA while attending nursing school (I'm one of them), but there are also a lot of people who make being a CNA their career. I work with several CNAs who have made it their career and love it.
I am perfectly happy as a CNA, but for me, I don't want to stop here. My ultimate goal is to become an LPN, and I am starting LPN school in the fall. :)
I'm a career changer with no background in health care. I'm also planning on going the RN >> BSN route, but after all the encouragement/info I've found on this site and elsewhere, I've decided to take STNA classes in March. I figure I'll have a solid year to work and gain experience in a hospital or LTC setting and maybe find an employer to assist with nursing school tuition. If not, then hopefully I can still pull some part-time during nursing school. Now that I've finally overcome my fear of potential poverty for the next 3+ years, I can't wait to get started!
DesertRain
443 Posts
Kinda wish I had premium membership now that I want to start a poll. But since starting my training, our instructors always address as if we all are continuing further into nursing careers. They always say, "you'll do this when you become an LPN/RN later" I guess most people do continue further and by the fact that this thread is in the "nursing student" section I'm guess that even here that is the case. But I was wondering how many of you are actually continuing your education, are in school, and what you ultimately want to do or be and how many of you are perfectly happy as a CNA and would like to remain one for a while. Just curious! Thanks guys!