18 Year Old CNA? Should I do it?

anewsns · Jul 22, 2015

I was about 22 I think ? I liked the course and passed with flying colors . the first six months were awful as Im pretty sensitive emotionally.. But I did get the hang of things and was a CNA for three years and now a nurse for 5. I don't know how severe your asthma is but generally you can maintain infection control with some simple knowledge. you have some valid practical concerns but if you have a calling and you're not pulled in any other direction I think you should try it . Edit: I just read the part about radiology. I don't think CNA would necessarily help in that field, though the interaction you get with people would be invaluable anywhere in healthcare. Others may be able to suggest other entry level postions that would be helpful in that area?

dancediva234 · Jul 22, 2015

I was about 22 I think ? I liked the course and passed with flying colors . the first six months were awful as Im pretty sensitive emotionally.. But I did get the hang of things and was a CNA for three years and now a nurse for 5. I don't know how severe your asthma is but generally you can maintain infection control with some simple knowledge. you have some valid practical concerns but if you have a calling and you're not pulled in any other direction I think you should try it . Edit: I just read the part about radiology. I don't think CNA would necessarily help in that field, though the interaction you get with people would be invaluable anywhere in healthcare. Others may be able to suggest other entry level postions that would be helpful in that area?

Thank you! I really don't know any entry level area for Radiology but I will definitely look it up too see. I don't have crazy severe asthma like some of my family, but it is enough that if I am running too much, I need to take a break. Did it take you awhile to get a job or was it only within a matter of months you were able to obtain a position?

Missingyou, CNA · Jul 22, 2015

I think being a CNA would be very valuable experience for you, even if you decide not to go into healthcare!

I really don't think your asthma will be an issue for you.

If you feel you have a calling for it, then go for it!

There are different areas where you can work once you are a CNA. Nursing home, assistant living, home care, hospital, doctor's office.

You will have opportunities to see other areas of health care. You will get a close up of what some of these professionals do every day!

As far as being exposed to various illnesses, you will be "exposed" to them no matter what area you go into. There are ways to protect yourself and as long as you follow protocol and not take short cuts, the risks are not as high as you would think.

Being a CNA is actually the least expensive way of finding out if working in the healthcare field is for you. You may find that being a CNA is not for you, but you may discover another area that you DO want to work in. It would be better than spending money to train in Radiology only to discover that you don't like it for what ever reason...

I have been a CNA for more than 25 yrs and I LOVE my job. I thought of becoming an RN, but, turns out, being a CNA is my calling. :)

AJJKRN · Jul 22, 2015

You can always work as a CNA to learn the ropes of Pt and peer interaction and not to mention, get your foot in the door to increase your possibility of getting hired if you do chose another path in healthcare like radiology.

I would suggest trying out in places like the NICU, Peds, (I assume that the little ones are just as much work, if not more than adults, but will not be as physically heavy...I assume. It is America though and our childhood obesity rates are appalling!) or in the radiology department.

There are a ton of other avenues to take that don't require a CNA such as sterile processing tech, pharmacy tech, ECG tech, lab tech, etc. Look at the jobs being offered at your local hospitals and clinics to see all the variety you can choose from.

dancediva234 · Jul 22, 2015

Thank you! I feel better about making a choice. If I do not become a CNA working in a hospital I may go into working at a daycare which accepts CNA courses just as much from job listings I have seen.

danijohn · Aug 1, 2015

I was in CNA school my senior year of high school. Three days after I graduated I was working two jobs at a home health agency and pediatric long term care facility. I know from experience that some of THE BEST nurses where CNA's first. I say go for it!! You can always choose where you work. Home health care is less physically demanding, so maybe start there. I have learned so much over they years, the experience and confidence you gain from being a caregiver WILL pay off. Follow your dreams!

Kirbiea · Aug 5, 2015

I say go for it! I got my first CNA job 2 weeks after my 18th birthday! It is rare to find CNA's that are actually passionate about what they are doing. If you feel called to do it don't let age stop you :)