I love being a certified nurses aid just as much as the next gal, but it's definitely an acquired taste. Here are five ways to know you're a CNA:
1. When you see an elderly person you automatically watch the way they walk just in case they fall.
This must just be a built-in skill at this point and probably makes me look like a creep but hey, you know how much of a hassle it is when someone falls and an incident report has to get filed?
2. You take your own respirations and pulse when bored.
Walking up a hill? Better check my pulse. Mom is sitting beside me? Better count her respirations.
3. You have at least 27 pieces of scrubs but for some reason, you keep buying more…??
Ummm yea I wear all 16 pairs of scrubs, mom, so no I cannot get rid of any. They’re all my favorites.
4. Absolutely nothing grosses you out anymore.
Your grandpa had open heart surgery? Show me a picture of his wound. Drunk friend pukes on the floor? No problemo.
5. You admire the RN’s and LPN’s that work with you.
Being a nurses aide is hard, but being a nurse is harder. Imagine having to do everything a doctor tells you to and then being responsible for the action and the consequences of another living person (scary).
In all seriousness, being a nurses aide has been the hardest but most rewarding job I’ve ever had. I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to get their certification and to try working in healthcare at least once in their life.