How is it like to be a CNA?

Question

I'm considering it, because I saw an advertisement on a newspaper, offering a free class to be a CNA.

How much do CNA's get paid in general?

Answer 1

Unfortuantely, it is very hard work for very little pay. But it can be rewarding ....... It is very hard for me to understand why such an important job is paid so poorly. Makes no sense....

Answer 2

It is very hard work, for little pay, some places do pay quite well though. You have to be ready to change dirty diapers of which there are many, many, lots of lifting involved. Many patients whom are demented, are combative, you have to have a very kind heart, and a strong backbone. I am a nurse, and used to tic me off to no end, how some of the other nurses treated the CNA's as if they were below them. The CNA many times is the eyes and ears for the nurses to alert them to problems with patients. I appreciated my CNA's immensely and I treated them well. I worked with them, so you have to decide if its something you want to do, but do not do it, unless you are willing to give it your all and to treat the patients with dignity and respect. You treat those patients like they are your mom or dad, cause someday your mom or dad, or even you, could be in that patients position, and you would wanted them treated kindly.
If you are going into it for the money........DON'T, its not about the money. Depends on where you work, different pays for different places. You can also do private duty.

Answer 3

Being a CNA is like being an extension of another person. You help do what they cannot do for themselves such as: feeding, bathing,grooming and changing linens. You also have to clean soiled persons up and not everyone can handle dealing with urine and stool.

Basically, you have to be a people person and enjoy taking care of people no matter what kind of mood they are in or whatever disease or condition they are. in. You have to take the good with the bad. You have people in pain who show their worst side, you have over-bearing family members who are not happy no matter what you do and you also have family members and residents/patients who are very sweet, loving and appreciative.

That is what it is like to be a CNA in a nut shell.

Answer 4

It is very hard emotionally at times to see people in the shape they are in especially the elderly.the pay is no where close to what it should be .But it also has it's rewards at times like when you see a change in someone and you know you had something to do with that.Iwas one for about 8 months but I would never want to do it again.