My junior year of high school I decided to take the certified nursing assistant program. It was two class periods, one was content and one was practical. Taking this class was very challenging for me, but I am so glad I did it. Finally getting my CNA license with 13 others in my class was such a good feeling.
I felt so accomplished when I finally had such a good job, even though it's such a gross job as well. My mom always told me "CNA's do the work the nurses don't do, you'll get used to it."
Well, she was right.
1. You're on call, all the time
I did all the work, whether it was giving bed baths, distributing meals and feeding, or changing residents clothes frequently. I can look at the most disgusting thing, and then just continue on like it's nothing, or go eat lunch.
2. There was a lot of work, and it was dirty
I honestly hated running around like a maniac, cleaning adult diapers and having the call light go on every second. We were always short staffed, and residents tried to keep me in their room as long as possible. Sometimes it would come to the point where they would split my floor in half and I would have about 15 residents to myself.
3. Self-care takes the back seat in this career
Yes, it gets hectic, but getting this certification has taught me so much. Not just about skills and how to care for residents, but all about indirect care, how to talk to them and make them the most comfortable they can be. I love working as a nurse's aid and I love growing a connection with my residents.
I know you're not supposed to pick favorites, but I totally do sometimes and I can't help it. I don't treat any other residents better than others but I totally have those couple that melt my heart whenever I see them. No matter how much I complain and just want to quit and sit on the floor sometimes, seeing my residents happy makes me happy.
4. Maid is in the job description
Tip to anyone out there thinking of exploring the medical field- if you're contemplating what you want to do, start off at the bottom and work your way up. If you think you might want to be a nurse, go get that CNA certification and see what happens. Yes, there are setbacks and yes, it might be stressful at times, but I totally say go for it and see what happens. Who knows, you might end up wanting to become something more. Wiping butts isn't forever, I promise.
