I just started the CNA class, hoping it will give me a better chance at getting in a nursing program soon. I also would like to work as a CNA while i go to school. Is there anyone who has experience working as a CNA? I love going to the nursing home & visiting with the residents, so working with elderly people isn't an issue with me. I'm just wondering if the job is a bad as everyone makes it out to be.. And also, are CNA's treated badly by "superior" people? Thank you in advance for you help!
2007-01-12 01:59:06 · 7 answers · asked by . 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
I have worked as a CNA, and there is good and bad homes. It's not the superior people that's the problem. More often or not it is the fact that the staff will be short and you will work alot. But when I first did my CNA we were expected to make our own beds, give baths or showers, shave all the men, and take everyone to the bathroom every 2 hours. Clean anyone who had an accident, treatments on the skin,and walking when necessary. We lifted without aid of any equipment except a belt. Now they have people who do nothing but make beds , some who give showers and therapy people to do the walking. It is not as hard as when I did it it in the 80's. And pay is better. IF you enjoy talking and visiting, perhaps you should check out classes to be an activities director, or physical therapist, these let you have a little more time. Good Luck in whatever you decide.
2007-01-12 02:09:52 · answer #1 · answered by Virginia C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It isn't a job for everyone.It is alot of work,most nursing homes are understaffed.You are on your feet almost all day.You have to clean up after someone who has an accident.
But,it can also be a very rewarding job.You are helping people who can't help themselves.
I have worked in nursing homes for many years.I started off as an aid while I was going to nursing school.I was a charge nurse and never treated any of the CNA's badly.They are the ones that are doing the majority of the work as far as taking care of the residents.My job was mainly doing all the paperwork,and it is a never ending job and handing out the medications.
If you enjoy working with elderly people,then you are probably going to be ok.Another thing to consider is if you work with Alzheimer's patients,they can become abusive.I've been thrown against the wall,punched in the face,pinched,scratched...etc.You just have to realize they don't really know they are hurting you.
I'm not trying to make it sound like a bad job,just some things to consider.I am disabled now so I no longer work,but my years at the nursing homes were very rewarding,I enjoyed it alot.
Working as a CNA before getting into a nursing career is a great idea.It will give you lots of experience.
2007-01-12 10:30:40 · answer #2 · answered by stellablue1959 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It does take a special person to be able to do this job without it stressing you out. Some people make excellent CNAs and some do not. Places of employment differ greatly. You might do better working in a hospital--that is up to you.
If you are interested in going into nursing as you stated, this is good experience and yes, it does help you to get into the Nursing program. I am a CNA and also went to nursing school for one year before dropping out, do to health reasons. Good luck.
2007-01-12 10:16:44 · answer #3 · answered by SuperCityRob 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been a CNA for 13 years, all of your answerer's are correct, it does take a certain person to do the job, it does depend on the nursing home you work at, I'm sure there are superiors out there that are rude to their aides but I have never worked with one. It's a good idea to do CNA work before nursing school, there have been many people come through our facility who have changed their major from nursing after realizing from CNA work that it wasn't something they wanted to do (Licensed nurses to dirty work to you know, it's not all paperwork and passing pills). Also many nursing universities will accept you application into their programs much faster if you've worked as a CNA, they feel your not walking into the program blindly.
2007-01-12 11:38:09 · answer #4 · answered by thelogicalferret 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I worked as a CNA for 20 years and I loved it.You will have good days and bad.If you are trained correctly, then you will be able to do all the hard lifting and helping without getting harmed or causing harm.Geriatrics is a wonderful field.If you just want to get your foot in the door as a CNA this is a good start.But don't let that be the end--let it be the beginning.Go all the way to RN.Nursing homes and hospitals need caring workers with compassion.Good luck in your career.......
2007-01-12 10:36:10 · answer #5 · answered by Maw-Maw 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It was hard for me to work in a nursing home but not because of the job, just because I got way attached to the patients and then they would die or move to another facility, It was hard. But rewarding. Good luck!
2007-01-12 10:03:30 · answer #6 · answered by Lil Sexy Biker Chic 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's a great job if you like cleaning up poop and pee.
2007-01-12 10:02:10 · answer #7 · answered by jonah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋