I have tried for quite a while to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Needless to say I tried training to be a Certified Nursing Assistant, also known as CNA. Now I must say that I have profound respect for all CNA’s, because they require a lot of different traits in order to succeed. Also needless to say I didn’t have those traits, and I gave up after a month of training at the Hospitality House. As a CNA you will find work at many different medical facilities that require you to complete different tasks. I had tried working for the Hospitality House, which has a geriatric and pediatric unit.
The geriatric unit is where you will find the elderly. And let me tell you not all cases are the same, by far. You will see patients with everything ranging from Emphysema to Alzheimer’s. I had actually trained in the geriatric unit, which was a feat in itself. I had patients who were nice and sweet, and some that were spiteful and made me cry. Though I know it is not their fault I was horrified by the mean ones.
The pediatric unit is a misleading name for this unit, simply because it is mentally challenged patients ranging from child to adult. When I applied I had asked for pediatric because I was under the impression they were little sick children. When I was sent to the pediatric unit, I almost cried and walked out after two minutes. All I could hear was screaming and crying, not to mention I was sent to the behavioral unit.
Now I don’t want to scare anyone out of doing this job, I just want to prepare people for what they are about to commit to. I also want to help you understand that you need to consider a few things before trying. Because if you try and give up due to lack of knowledge, it doesn’t help the self esteem.
Here are a few tips and things to consider before going into the program.
1. Do you have the patience? For this line of work patience really is a virtue, and you need lots of it. The training is a slow process, and there is a lot to learn. You also need patience to deal with the tasks that are asked of, it is not easy dealing with a patient who is agitated, and sometimes abusive.
2. Can you physically handle this type of job? When you are a CNA you will be required to lift or roll patients that are sometimes twice your size. You need to be sure that you are physically ready to take on the task.
3. Can you avoid getting emotionally involved? That is the main reason I failed at this occupation, was because I got emotionally involved. In this line of work you form attachments with patients that can pass away, especially in the geriatric unit.
4. Is it for money or is it your calling? If you are wanting to do this for the money, you have a fifty-fifty chance of lasting. I believe this job requires a special type of person who is caring, but can be distant at the same time. In this line of work you don’t necessarily make a whole lot of money, and that is why you have to truly want to do this job.
5. Do you have a strong determination? What I basically mean is do you have a strong stomach, or do you scare easy? If you have a weak stomach, this is not the job for you. You will be required to provide daily living activities for your patients, including diaper changing, showers, etc. You may also run across bedsores which are hard to handle. If you scare easy, go back out the door. You need to be able to handle intense situations, and be able to stay calm at all times. This is why I ask if you are determined, because if you are you can get past these faults if they are there.
CNA’s are the glue that helps the nursing facilities run. It is an honor for a person to be able to do this type of job. I always encourage trying new things, but I also believe in being prepared and think before making a decision. I suggest shadowing a CAN for a day, and reading as much as you can before deciding to go into training. Good luck to all that try, and God Bless those who do it.
