Working as a CNA

[Donnie_1961]

One of the nice things about being a CNA, Certified Nursing Assistant, is taking care of societies most vulnerable population. The sick. The dying. And the elderly.

When I got out of the Army back in 1981 I didn't know what I was going to do. Part of me wanted to go to Art school and pursue a career in Cartooning.

My mother talked me into applying for a job at the nursing home that she worked at. So I did and became an Orderly. (That's what they used to call a male nurse's aide.)

I don't regret that decision. I love helping people. Over these many years I've had the pleasure of helping the lame walk and the blind see.

I've sat at the bedside of the dying and held their hand. Reassuring them that this life is not all there is.

I met my wife working there. She was also a CNA. We got married. Had children. Bought a house. Two cars. A dog and cat. Life was good.

Then the unspeakable happened. A patient got hurt on my watch. It wasn't my fault but I couldn't get over the guilt. Nobody ever tells you about how to handle the guilt.

I stopped working as a CNA. I simply couldn't do it anymore. I burst into tears when I told the administrator that I couldn't work there anymore.

 

I taught myself computer repair back in the mid 90's. We moved to Texas and I opened a Computer Repair shop in the Rio Grande Valley. After 15 yrs I got burned out.

I went back to school and got my CNA license back. Now I'm doing the job that I've love again.

 

 

[Lexi C]

some one ask me what I love to do...I could not answer her,,,,i still can't...but I am always happy and overwhelm one someone finds their calling congrats. Be safe, Be proud and Kick Ass  

[Trisha]

I can completely relate. I worked in EMS as an EMT for 10 years before I moved into the role of EDT working in the emergency room. I like the high pressure. I do worry about transitioning there(I am not out at work) and dealing with both my coworkers and the populations at large (we are a very busy trauma center). How do/did you deal with all that? Frankly I am very nervous about it and know it will eventually happen...

[Donnie_1961]

On 2/27/2020 at 11:02 PM, Trisha said:

I can completely relate. I worked in EMS as an EMT for 10 years before I moved into the role of EDT working in the emergency room. I like the high pressure. I do worry about transitioning there(I am not out at work) and dealing with both my coworkers and the populations at large (we are a very busy trauma center). How after a short while they do/did you deal with all that? Frankly I am very nervous about it and know it will eventually happen...

I transitioned at work. It seemed like trying to pass as male was like wearing a fake costume to work in everyday. So I just decided to hell with it I'll go as myself. My co-workers and patients were initially a little shocked but after a while they became more comfortable with me. Now everybody is very supportive. 

[Donnie_1961]

Just don't ever do this: Back in my spouse and I separated for a short while. I called my parents and asked if I could come home for a while. I neglected to tell them about my transitioning. I simply forgot. I got to the bust station in Waynesboro VA and called my Mom to pick me up. When she arrived she walked right by me. I called out "Mom." She turned around and her jaw dropped to the floor. She spent the whole drive to her house scolding me. She also cellphone my older sister, Sargent Major, and told her. Sarg immediately went online and googled "Transgender" for information to prepare my father for my upcoming arrival. It all worked out OK but in hindsight, which is always 20/20, I probably should have mentioned something.

[Kylie]

CNAs add such an integral part of the interdisciplinary team! I am an RN in a very large ICU at an urban hospital, now while we do not utilize CNAs in my unit as we utilize the Primary Nursing Care Model because of the acuity and complexity of care where we do 100% of the work of patient care. I’ve dealt with CNAs on other floors and love their attitudes and work ethic. I worked as a CNA prior to becoming a nurse, so I understand the day-to-day burden and struggle. Thank you for being a CNA! You guys deserve more recognition. 

[Heather Shay]

@Donnie_1961 bless you - it takes special people like you and @Trisha and Kylie  and I cannot express how important you are and how proud I am to at least know who you are and thank you personally.

THANK YOU ?