Pros and Cons of Being a CNA

Many individuals who want to pursue a career in the medical or nursing field opt to go in for the Certified Nursing Assistant programs. CNA is a rewarding career, but it is also very challenging. There are several pros and cons of being a CNA, which you need to know before taking the leap into the CNA profession.

Many a times, CNAs are the first point of contact between the patients and the other staff of the health care facility. The CNAs usually work under the guidance and supervision of senior nurses, usually the Registered Nurses (RNs). They need to take care of the patients and monitor their health condition on a regular basis and report the same to the senior nurses and doctors.

The CNAs are responsible to help the patients do their day-to-day tasks such as bathing, combing hair, dressing and feeding. The CNAs also need to measure and record the vitals of the patients such as their blood sugar levels, body temperature, heart rate and so on. They need to move the patients from the wheelchair to the bed and vice versa. The CNAs also need to provide mental and emotional support to the patients so that they can handle their situation in a better manner and recover fast.

Pros of being a CNA 

1. Most of the time, CNAs look at their career as a stepping stone for further career advancement options. CNAs can pursue higher education; gain the necessary experience to qualify as a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). There are several career opportunities present for a CNA.

The experience gained in the CNA profession helps in your further education. You gain the necessary theoretical as well as practical knowledge required in the nursing field. Many a times, if the CNAs are performing really well, then the hospitals, where they are working, provide financial support for their further education.

2. Another advantage of being a CNA is that the eligibility criterion to become a Certified Nursing Assistant is quite simple. You simply need to hold a high school diploma or GED or be a graduate in any stream. The CNA training programs are offered by several community colleges, universities as well as by many healthcare organizations and you can complete these courses after the college semester.

The CNA training programs cover a vast range of topics like basic anatomy as well as physiology, medical and nursing terminologies, basic procedures related to controlling infectious diseases as well as diet and nutrition subjects. Once you clear the CNA exam, you will obtain the certificate for CNA and then you can register with NAHC (National Association for Home Care) to start practicing as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

3. CNAs also earn handsome pay packages. CNAs earn anywhere between $23,000 and $30,000 as annual income, just when they start their career. With experience and personal growth, the salaries can also rise higher.

There is also a high demand for CNAs in various hospitals, clinics, adult and baby healthcare facilities, nursing homes as well as assisted living facilities. The healthcare industry is a growing industry providing great opportunities for CNAs to build a successful career. The employment outlook for CNAs also remains bright in the coming years.

4. Once you complete the CNA training programs, whether by way of attending regular classes or through online study, you become aware of the duties and responsibilities in this noble profession. You become familiar with the technical skills required in this profession. There is also the option available for CNAs to specialize in a particular subject for in-depth understanding and for gaining expertise in that particular field of study.

5. Your duties as a CNA can help you serve the patients and take good care of them. Hence, you are involved in a kind of social service that will bring you happiness, contentment and pride. Your career as a CNA helps you develop, both professionally and personally.

Cons of being a CNA

1. The tasks of a CNA are not only quite difficult but also at time very unpleasant. They need to handle bodily fluids, bedpans and other belongings of the patients which may not be very pleasant. They have to change the linen, bathe the patients in the bathroom or at times in the bed and change the catheter bags. The CNAs also have to change the soiled sheets as well as clothing and clean up the urine, vomit as well as feces.

2. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average wage of a CNA stands at $11.46 per hour (as in 2008). However, this wage for a CNA working in a home health care is only $9.46 per hour. These wages are much lower than the wages earned by customer service representatives who don’t even need to obtain any kind of certification.

3. The CNAs need to be with the patients most of the time. When patients are seriously ill, the CNAs may also have to stay up the entire night or work on weekends and holidays to be by their side. The CNAs need to work in different shifts and it may be quite taxing.

4. CNAs need to sometimes lift the patients while moving them. Back injuries are quite common in this kind of a career. The CNAs need to be physically fit or else they will experience pain while doing their tasks.

5. Other than being physically strong, the CNA career also demands a lot of emotional and mental stability. At times, the patients get violent and display inappropriate behavior. In such cases, the CNAs need to be at their professional best and handle these situations in a calm and composed manner which may not be really easy.

As in any profession, the career of a CNA also has its own pros and cons. But if you are ready to handle the difficult situations and are willing to give in your best for the medical and nursing profession, you should not think twice of becoming a CNA.