What to expect when taking a CNA class?

Hi LetLive,

I have taken a CNA course and there is a lot of hands-on practice with your fellow classmates. A fair amount of memorization of medical terminology and normal ranges for vital signs. Clinicals are usually in a nursing home and not an acute care hospital. Expect the job to be a lot more fast-paced, tiring and messy than the class itself. A lot. I could not hack it as a CNA and opted not to go through with certification. I tip my hat to all CNAs out there. I can't do what you do.

I'm finishing my CNA class in 4 weeks. I agree with the post above^^

It gets messy. It gets hard. There's a lot of turning, transferring, bathing, bedmaking, & changing. Hospitals dont normally hire CNAs without 6mos-1year exp in a LTC or some kind of acute care facility first. Normally, not always.

I voted that you have to have a heart for it. I know plenty of CNAs who do the bare minimum for the job. I always go the extra mile. If you just changed a Depends 5 minutes ago and the pt had a BM again, you change them right away. Don't wait 2 hours to change them. Always keep up with turning and transferring bc Bedsores and skin breakdown are nasty & you wouldnt want any of those! Always give the care you would like to receive in your old age.

The class is a lot of common sense, some memorization, knowing vital normal ranges, medical vocab & general/minimal human bio/anatomy. It's a great class, I cant wait to be employed and certified, it is just an emotional (and physical) toll on you. You will experience death, sickness, dementia, family emotions, etc. The nurse will blame you for everything. The family will blame you. You gotta be able to have thick skin. & also, if you dont use your body properly, YOU WILL GET HURT!!! Those pt's are dead weight & HEAVY!

lol now that I'm done scaring you away, (I didnt mean to be so rough!!) do the program. if you have a heart and believe you can really help care for these people, go for it!!! :)

I've been considering taking the course myself. Thanks, AaronsMommyxx, that is the most helpful info I've heard.

Thank you, that was very helpful information.

I didn't know that information about the hospitals wanting you to have a yr of experience, but that makes sense.

I think I'll still try and apply for a hospital position anyway.

Thank you, that was very helpful information.

I didn't know that information about the hospitals wanting you to have a yr of experience, but that makes sense.

I think I'll still try and apply for a hospital position anyway.

Yes, it's like I said- normally but not always. & it depends on the metro or the hospital, too. Fill out as many apps as you can and hopefully someone will want to hire u & train you if you do not hav much experience :)

Goodluck!

poop. expect lots of poop.