What does it take to be a CNA?

Kyla.ann · Apr 7, 2010

You are probably going to get mixed reviews on this one.

FWIW here's mine:

I am not a CNA yet but do plan on getting my certification in July. From everything I have read/heard, CNA work is tough. It is grunt work, bottom of the barrel, unappreciating, and downright nasty. To top it all off you are doing this for a measly $8-12 an hour (depending where you work/live)

Now knowing all this, why in the world would someone want to do this kind of work? For me, it is getting experience in the field. It is the opportunity to network. It is the chance to give myself a little practice in patient contact (which I have a feeling will probably be the most difficult thing for my introverted self to overcome) before starting nursing school. It is also something I can possibly continue to do while in NS, which will give us a little financial cushion.

If you aren't going to be up for the grueling challenge, then no, it isn't worth it. $500-1000 for the 5-6 week course to get certified won't be worth it. If you are up for it though, it could possibly be a great opportunity for you.

SingDanceRunLife · Apr 7, 2010

Look for free training...I would never pay for a CNA class!

LTC facilities are great for free training. One near me even has paid training, and that's not the only one I know of.

maddismom · Apr 7, 2010

There are some hospitals that will hire someone as a nurses aide and train and certify you while you are working there. They might even help you pay for nursing school if you are working there and possibly sign a contract! Good Luck! :)

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · Apr 11, 2010

It takes a massive amount of energy, patience, and compassion, as well as a good pair of shoes. If you are in it for the money, forget it- the pay stinks. If you are in it for the experience, definitely find an employer that is willing to train you on their tab. I got paid to go to school and then start my job, plus I got a signing/retention bonus.

I think working in a nursing home is harder than what I did, which was working in sub-acute care. (In my state, a CNA certification is required for this since it is still considered long-term care.) At least where I was, if a patient was exceedingly difficult, you could always remind yourself they would probably only be around for a little while before they went home or were moved to a true long-term care facility. For that reason, working in physical rehab is a bit less mentally taxing than a regular nursing home.

I was a CNA about ten years ago, and I only got paid about $7 an hour, IIRC. The work was extremely physically and mentally challenging, but it is great practice for becoming a nurse, because as a nurse (if you work in a hospital, nursing home, rehab, etc,) you will do similar work some of the time, with the added responsibilities of meds, treatments, and more.

If you have the time to do it, I think it is definitely a bonus. Additionally, when you are a nurse, you will have walked a mile in the shoes of the CNAs and will likely treat them better than most of the nurses treated us when I was a CNA.

Melanie19877 · Apr 15, 2010

Like some others said there are some places you have to pay up to 1000 dollars and others that will train you or pay for you to be trained.

I did my CNA classes in highschool. My license has expired. I regret everyday not renewing it.

Yes it is the grunt work but you get a great experience. There are some nurses and LPN's that will let you assist depending on facility rules. Working with these type of patients is hard and rewarding at the same time. There are some that would be extremely mean, but when you had a patient that just wanted someone to spend time with and talk to it made up for all the bad (with me anyway) You learn so much from these patients. Medically, life wise, etc. You learn to have compassion, if you already have it, it makes it that much better. I worked in a nursing home on morning shifts. I loved going into work and seeing my favorite residents. It would definetly put a smile on my face.