At an early age, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. As I grew up, I began the motions and obtained my CNA license to work and gain experience in the health field. A CNA, certified nursing assistant, is a person who assists patients and residents with activities of daily living under the direct supervision of a nurse. It doesn’t sound that hard, but behind closed doors, CNAs actually do the dirty work. We do all the tedious jobs. We get patients and residents ready, assist them with their needs, and come back the next day to do it all over again. We see the patients more than anyone and know them best. Being so close and personal to them, it’s vital to develop a trusting relationship because we have to be sure to maintain privacy and dignity at all times.
Being a CNA is no walk in the park. As any person working in the health field, it is a fast-paced, stressful job. We have so much to do in such little time and nothing is ever planned. Every day is different and you never know what you’re going to expect walking in. There have been countless days where I just wanted to rip my hair out. Dealing with people and their emotions and behaviors is hard. Sure, I help take vitals, ambulate, transfer, and dress people. I also feed, toilet, and bathe people. I see people in their most vulnerable states. From a fall to explosive diarrhea, I see it all. It’s my duty to keep my patients safe and clean. It is my duty to see that their needs are met. In this job, I have learned so much in such a short amount of time. I learned it takes a special person to withstand all the crap this job entails. No pun intended. However, I have never been so confident to continue the road to my nursing career.
In the health field, nursing is a pyramid. CNAs are the base of the pyramid and without them, the pyramid would fall and crumble. CNAs are the support system that nurses thrive upon. Without CNAs, nurses can’t do their jobs. In this position, I never felt so rewarded because I am thanked both physically and mentally by all those who surround me. They are nothing without me and it feels really good to be appreciated. I am sure it will feel even better when I am a step closer to my dream career. They say that the best nurses begin as CNAs because they understand the pressures and hardships CNAs go through on a daily basis. I can’t wait to be the best nurse that I can be with the experiences that I have had over the few years that I have been working in the field.
I joke all the time that I wipe butts for a living. I complain all the time that I have to endure long hours, weird smells, and unpleasant people. I moan and groan about going to work on a daily basis. Through all of this, I wouldn’t change any of it. It actually helped me solidify my decision to become a nurse because even through all the “suffering,” I know I am a making my mark. I am making a difference in someone’s life.
