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What are the challenges of being a CNA?

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Chelsea’s Answer

I think Nija's answer above is very succinct in the responsibilities and the expectations that you can have from this job. Personally, I found being a CNA unfulfilling and exhausting. While there's always the great patients, I worked in a memory ward, so often the patients were combative, and more than a few times I came home with defense bruises. Being a CNA is good work experience if think you want to go further with a medical career, but I wouldn't consider this a lifelong career. It's low pay, and physically some of the most exhausting work I've ever performed.
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Nija’s Answer

Hi Teah,

If you are considering to become a CNA, it entails providing a great deal of hands on patient care to persons in a nursing home, hospital and the patient's home environment. It involves dressing, bathing, feeding and other basic activities of life. A day in the life of a CNA looks like this listed below:

  • Turning or repositioning bedridden patients. Transferring patients from bed to wheelchair or from wheelchair to bed.
  • Taking patients’ temperature, blood pressure and other vital signs.
  • Answering patient calls.
  • Documenting patients’ health issues and report to nurses on any concerns. Cleaning rooms and bed linens.
  • Feeding patients, measuring and recording their food and liquid intake.
  • Helping with medical procedures.
  • Assist nurses in dressing wounds.
  • Be respectful and kind to patients and families. Treat patients with dignity.

Usually, when the CNAs begin their shift, they conduct rounds to obtain an update and information about the patients from the staff that completed their shift. Then the charge nurse meets with all of the CNAs on the unit to provide their assignments on which patients you will be giving care to. A CNA can be assigned to anywhere from 8 to 10 patients or more if there is a shortage of CNAs on the unit. Sometimes, a CNA is selected to do 1:1 with a patient that has a history of wandering or behavioral concerns. CNAs work different shifts.

It can be physically demanding at times performing responsibilities of a CNA. Being a CNA builds strong relationships with patients and their families.

If you have the desire to become a CNA, you should not let anything stop you; just go for it. Being a CNA may help you to think about furthering your career in the medical field. Think about reasons why you want to become a CNA; and also consider the advantages and disadvantages of being a CNA. Every job is a challenge but you can do anything that you put your mind into. These recommendations and the information that is provided to you may help you to decide your career path.

I hope this answers your question. Good luck to you!

Nija recommends the following next steps:

Volunteer or do an internship where you can observe and get a sense of the day to day duties of a CNA.
Speak with CNAs about the nature of the job.
Continue to do your research about being a CNA.
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