nursing home environment is very hard and very sad-it is my last choice (but I have worked at one). I have also been a CNA before becomong a LPN. CNAs have the hardest jobs and get the least recognition for all they do. Don't be discouraged. It was your first day! With any job, you will have good days and bad days.and worse days. Working as a CNA will give you an idea whether or not you would like to go into nursing. Being a LPN or RN is not easy either. They take hard work, are stressful, and emotionally draining. It takes a certain type of person to be a nurse.But if you decide that's what you want to be-it's the most rewarding job you'll findl. Give it time. Don't make any decisions yet. Get the feel of being a CNA first and then decide if you want to go on into nursing. And remember,whether you're a CNA, LPN or RN we all have to work together to make it work for the patient. Hang in there!

I worked with a Dr. once, who had been a nurse first. He was wonderful with the patients-so kind and gentle. If they needed to ambulate-he'd walk them down the halls. I think all MDs should be nurses first to see what it feels like and what the job entails.!

I've been a CNA for a little over 2 1/2 years in a nursing home environment, and I can see where you're coming from. Give it time. When I first started, I was a hospitality aide, passing out ice water and making beds for a month before becoming a CNA and I know it's tough. It will get better though, trust me. Besides, it'll give you an idea as to whether or not you really want to become an LPN/RN. And if you DO decide to get your degree, you'll be a better nurse for the experiences you're going through now. I agree with the others when they say that every nurse needs to be a CNA first. It's a very demanding job, being a CNA ... but rewarding. I wish you the best of luck no matter what you decide. :)

Here in CA it is a pre-req that you're a CNA before you're in nursing school.... yeah!!!! Finally, I think this is the best thing ever. I think you learn good-great pt. care, that it;s really ok to get in there and get your hands "dirty".... I loved being a CNA, from there I went on to EMT and MA, I just graduated with my AS degree in medical assisting and plan to go back and become an LVN, then on to RN...on from there.... I'm 50 and I was lucky enough to speak at graduation and one of the things I really stressed, "IT'S NEVER TO LATE..YOU'RE GONNA BE 30,40,50,60.... WITH OR WITHOUT IT" read, read, study, study, ask for help..and keep going..... it gets easier because it becomes "second nature" to you. Good luck to you... you don't have to work where you don't want to, this is only training....hang tough!!!

I am a CNA and have been sense march 07 and my mother has been and RN for 20 years. I will tell you the truth that these other people are unfortunatly not bringing to the table.
1) the class: in the class they act like you are saving the world. you are not going to save the world, you are going to toilet people, clean their shit, lift them, and change their clothes. The other thing is there is the state way and the real way. you will soon realise that it is pretty damn impossible to do everything by the state. If a CNA tells you that she does...she is a liar.
2)the reality of dealing with the people you will have to work with: no matter where you go you will be put through what i call a hazing period. this is when you go into a new facility and when you are done with training the people you work with will treat you like shit and bitch about you every moment that they get. The people that say this is not true are the ones who will be doing it to you....they no longer have to worry about it being done to them. This has now happened to me twice and also has happened to my mother the RN. So its pretty much a non avoidable occurance. the first place i worked the girls would gossip, try to get new people kicked off the floor, and be sure to expect the same thing from the shift after you....they will prolly be the ones that will get or try to get you into trouble. And it will be about the stupidest shit you could imagine...i got bitched at for three days at my new facility for forgetting a pair of pants in the bathroom. I have seen girls go to an LPN, one would say there was somethin wrong with her patient and 5 seconds later another would do the same, then write and incidnet report for essentially not being able to be in 2 places at once.
3) coping with the job-if you every learn how to deal with most of the bitches that you work with and beleive me the majority will be...after about two years they will start treating you like a human being and you will be one of them. You will need to deal with the stress of other things like if you made sure you took all the garbage out, why the hell your back,knees,feet, and neck feel like they are put together backwards. I however have not found a way to deal with either, i just have panic attacks before i go into work and have to see and orthopedist on workmans comp because now my 5th nerve in my back doesnt send messages to my left foot.
4) a lot of times there will be people who are two assist and there will be no one around so you have to do them by yourself. you will have to do more shortcuts than you ever imagined because if you dont leave at your time to get out you will get written up (most facilities do this) and you cant take your breaks because you will be so behind it will make your head spin.

Good luck hun and as my mother says
i dont blame you for not wanting to be a nurse. I have now changed my major, i am 21 and already have serious back and neck problems.
Too bad the pay is the only decent thing about it