What is being a CNA like?

Pudding212 · Jul 31, 2017

It hard work. You're on your feet the entire shift. You have to be kind of fit as to not tire out too quickly and you will likely be permanent exhausted. But it also very rewarding work. You're personal helping our older generation and it's hard not to get attached. You will make mistakes at first but that's how everyone learns, don't be discouraged, power through!

kteuni · Jul 31, 2017

Thanks! I've been thinking about it a lot and I think I'm going to go for it

Missingyou, CNA · Aug 1, 2017

Listen to your mother. She knows you best.

You will probably be working in a nursing home at least at first.

You will be constantly changing diapers...adult diapers (or briefs as they call it) with adult size messes.

You will be transferring people who are unsteady. Many of the residents are confused and often they will be combative because they are confused.

By combative I mean, they will hit, punch, scratch, when you are trying to help. Some will berate you or insist on things that make no sense such as I'm going home now, my wife is cheating on me, my mom doesn't know where I am, etc and nothing you say or do will work.

You may or may not have co workers who will help when you need help. Some of the residents will require 2 CNA's for transfer or for care. Hopefully you will have helpful/ supportive co workers and a good nurse.

You will NEVER have enough time to do everything that you are required to do. NEVER. You have to prioritize your work. As a result, some of the more alert/orientated residents will get upset with you when you aren't there the instant the call light goes off. Often you will be frustrated because you feel like you haven't been able to provide "proper" care...care that meets YOUR standards.

You will be redirecting residents who are walking when they shouldn't be walking. You will be running to catch bed/chair alarms often and having to deal with the resident who WILL NOT sit back down...which means you have to stay with them until they do...no matter how far behind you are on other tasks.

Some families will make unrealistic demands on you and be thankless. Others will thank you with all their heart and call you an angel. (

Sometimes, you will connect with a resident and help them deal with their situation. You will be holding the hand of a resident who is dying and there is no family around to be with them.

Most days you will come home exhausted, sore all over and wondering why the heck you got into this mess.

I don't mean to be pointing out all the negatives of the job, but this is the honest truth of what it's like. It isn't really sunshine and unicorns.

Not everyone can do this job.

You have to be very realistic and able to not take ANYTHING personal in this job. If you get attached to your residents and they pass away, it will break your heart. If you are too impersonal you can't see the real rewards in the job.

The real reward is knowing you were able to help someone do what they cannot do for themselves. But, you have to be able to see past so many challenges.

You want to be sweet and caring for the residents but, honestly, it is a rare moment that you will have time for that.

Veronicax · Aug 6, 2017

I don't know about being fit because I know at least two CNA's who are not close to being physically fit and have been working for awhile.