Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

[Hillbeans]

I just officially signed up for CNA classes which begin in September. Just filled out my criminal background form, need to get fingerprinted, get a physical, etc.

The classes will go for 12 weeks, and I can sit for the exam in Mid-December

I know there are plenty of Nurses on the DIS, and i'm excited to be taking that first step towards a new career. I've been a caregiver to my MIL who has been battling Cancer for the last 8 months, and my dad who had a stroke last year - and I feel in some way this is the kind of work i've meant to be doing.

I was hoping to hear others who are CNA's or if anyone can give me some advice as to what to expect (the good, bad and ugly). I think i'm leaning toward working in a hospital setting rather than a long term care facility, but i'll be open to whatever opportunities are out there when I am certified.

 

[happygirl]

I have been a CNA in a nursing home. It's super hard work. Lots of lifting you give baths. Get them dressed up them to bed. Give showers. You might have to assist them to eat.

I have never worked in a hosptial

 

[imabrat]

I'm not a CNA yet, but I'm in the Health Occupations program at my vo-tech to become a CNA. I'll take the 2 year program half of the school year, and the other half will still be at my highschool. By the time I graduate high school in 2 years, I'll have my high school diploma and a CNA certificate.


There's a thread over here on the CB for Nurses/CNAs/LPNs/etc. I would also ask over there.

 

[SydSim]

Congrats! You seem to really enjoy caregiving. Working in the hospital may not be the best environment for you. CNA's in hospitals , many times are given some crappy things to do - with not a lot of respect for all of their hard work. With your new license, you may look into doing long term home care for one or two people. More and more elderly people are being cared for in their children's homes, as opposed to nursing homes.
Good luck in whatever you decide.