How long have you been working as a CNA?
I’m still new to the field; it’s been about a year and 7 months. I’ve loved learning so much about what nursing and patient care entails in that time.
What were you doing before becoming a CNA?
I previously trained as an EMT. It’s a closely related healthcare field, but the pacing is totally different. CNAs work in a more structured environment. Even though you’re still experiencing a lot of different situations working in an acute care setting, it’s really different than what I was doing as an EMT
What inspired you to pursue this career field?
Coming from my training as an EMT, I was curious about other aspects of the healthcare world and what it was like working within a single setting healthcare environment. I was interested in taking the next step and finding out what nursing was all about.
What training program did you go through?
I went through the program at Chemeketa Community College; [community colleges] offer nursing programs throughout Oregon. I really enjoyed my program; it was actually one of the best experiences because I knew almost nothing about nursing and the program was really well organized. The whole thing about nursing was foreign to me, but it was so interesting to learn the fundamentals and how healthcare and patient care work in other settings.
The clinical skills labs were really interesting. The program put a lot of emphasis on work as a team and we learned how to communicate effectively around patient care. You have to know what everyone is doing. Because success was heavily reliant on working as a team, it gave me good experience in what is needed from me in my job. There were so many things that were new and interesting, especially learning hands-on skills and patient etiquette, but I also really enjoyed the team aspect.
How was the certification process for you?
The certification process was smooth. The program trained us really well and we knew what to expect going into the certification exam. Passing the exam was part of the training program, but you do have to pay for the state exam. Everything you do in class is practice for the test; they really want to make sure everyone is prepared and ready to succeed.
How quickly did you start working as a CNA after earning your certification?
I started working within 2-3 weeks of getting my certification. I made the decision to jump in and go right into working in an Acute Care setting, so starting out was kind of rough because I was new. You hit the floor, and it was intense. It might have been a little easier if I started in Assisted Living and then moved into a higher level of care, but I don’t regret it because I learned a lot really quickly. I enjoy working in that fast-paced environment. I do wish I had been a little more open with the nurses about the challenges I was experiencing when I first started because I think I could have got more support if I had asked.
What is the most challenging part of being a CNA?
A combination of the people you work with and having to be good at time management. You have to be able to make your abilities clear to the nurses and other team members. There’s a lot of people that need your help and you need to prioritize and adapt to changing needs. You need to effectively communicate with your team and be patient with the people in your care when there’s multiple things that need your attention.
What is the most rewarding thing about being a CNA?
There are so many things that are rewarding about being a CNA. These people need 24-hour care, and they are very heavily reliant on the work we do. I get to be there for them and help in these vulnerable moments. This one lady I worked with was so grateful saying, “I’m so glad you’re here. This has been so stressful. Thank you for everything you are doing and for being here for me.”
You are taking care of people when they are coming out of a hospital stay or experiencing a serious illness like dementia. Their family members can’t care for them at that level or be there 24-hours, but we are there for them at a really challenging time. They have so much gratitude for what we do. I love being able to help people and show up for them when they need it most.
How do you get to make a difference in people’s lives?
It’s nice to know these people are affected by the work we do. I like the feedback I get that they are getting something out of it, and I know they truly appreciate what we do. The appreciation you receive from helping people really comes back around quickly once you get started.
Working in the medical field, you care for people who have dementia and gaining specialization to help these individuals is really cool. I love to be able to work with and help people wherever they are. They may forget they are suffering from a chronic disease, but we are still able to have good interactions.
That can be another hard part of the job, the emotional aspect of being there for people in these challenging times in their lives. Sometimes they can be aggressive, but it doesn’t bother me because of my mindset and understanding of the situation they are in. They can’t do it on their own and they need to be cared for.
Have you had any memorable experiences working as a CNA?
There’s been so many, but recently this lady had been very aggressive—that happens a lot with people experiencing dementia—but it was nice to see her in another moment of clarity, and she was just really appreciative of the support she was receiving. It’s those moments when you get glimpses of who this person really is that are so incredible.
With dementia, there can be some extreme behavior changes, even from moment to moment. As a CNA you have the skills to be patient and understanding and continue to see them as a person.
There’s a combination of ways to handle different situations, which I really like. We constantly report and document and share information about how things are going. We are always patient-focused; it’s a big part of dementia care. Asking, what do they need? How do they handle things? How do they like to do things? Sometimes, they don’t want to do something right away or don’t understand what you are asking of them. You have to take the time to slow down, go step by step, and be patient enough to help them through. It’s super rewarding.
How has working with seniors had an impact on you?
It’s had a huge one. The more that I see these people that I help and reflect on my own personal vulnerabilities, I’m realizing how important it is that there are people like me who are able to do this work.
This is one of the reasons I’m so happy to have the opportunity to share my experience. I love what I’m doing, and I want to encourage other people who are thinking about it to jump in. It not only makes a difference in other people’s lives, but it will have a huge impact on you.
I love what I’m doing, and I want to encourage other people who are thinking about it to jump in. It not only makes a difference in other people’s lives, but it will have a huge impact on you.
What is your advice to someone considering becoming a CNA?
I highly, highly recommend this filed. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s the fundamentals of nursing and it’s such an important part of healthcare. Nursing teams do so much of the work and communication that keeps healthcare services running smoothly. Becoming a CNA and working in long-term care will give you a ton of experience in patient care and being a part of a team.
Where do you see yourself in your career in 5-10 years?
Hopefully in medical school. I want to pursue something in a higher-level position in healthcare. I like listening to people’s feedback and being able to change things for the better. It would be fun to be at the top of that team. I might think about becoming a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or a director of health services where I would be able to support everyone involved.
Is there anything else you want to share about being a CNA?
Going off the back of what I was saying before, becoming a CNA, you can learn all the fundamental aspects about patient care and working on a team in a healthcare environment. It’s a great way to get started and gain experience.
Published January 22, 2025.
