Like any other job, while becoming a CNA after taking a CNA training class and passing the certification exam may have it’s benefits, it also comes with its own set of disadvantages that you must consider carefully before seeking to pursue this profession. This profession will undoubtedly give you a great sense of fulfillment as you help those in need but there are negatives with the job.
You will have good days and bad days on this job and you need to develop the tools to help you deal effectively with the problems that you will experience as a CNA as you will be made aware of in a CNA training class, on the job and by talking to other nursing assistants.
The road to becoming a certified nursing assistant and entering the medical profession is probably the easiest you will find and only requires attending a CNA training class that lasts on average between four and six weeks. The cost to attend a CNA training class is also quite reasonable and you may be able to obtain financial assistance or be able to find free CNA training classes. A certification exam must then be passed on completion of the CNA training class.
While being a CNA for the right person will provide a great sense of fulfillment, even the best person will struggle at times with the demands of the job. The main duty of CNAs is to care for patients and fulfill their every need. Although there continues to be a great demand for nursing assistants which far surpasses the demand in most other professions, the demands of the job are the main reason that there is also a high turnover in this profession.
Disadvantages of being a CNA
1. One of the disadvantages if you are entering this profession mainly for the money is that you will be disappointed in the pay although it is still a great start. This healthcare profession is considered entry level which means that the pay is generally considered entry level as well although it is certainly above minimum wage. If you enter this profession, you need to make sure that you are entering it for more than the money e.g. if you have a great need to help others or if you are using this career as a stepping stone to other healthcare professions.
2. You may feel that the job demands of feeding, bathing, grooming, lifting, as well as many other duties that you will perform for patients, their families, nurses and doctors may be too great especially when compared to the pay you are receiving. You may feel that there are not enough hours in a day to complete all the tasks and may start to experience job burnout because you may not have time to take care of yourself in addition to taking care of everyone else.
3. With the low pay comes the other disadvantage in that there really are few to no opportunities for advancement with this job as you shall learn in a CNA training class and if you wish to move forward in your career, you may have to consider taking additional training to become a nurse, doctor or other healthcare professional.
4. While taking care of everyone else’s needs, you may wish to feel appreciated on the job for all that you do and you may find at times that your contributions are undervalued and you are not appreciated which can be demoralizing and lead to a lack of motivation to continue to perform your duties with the same enthusiasm you may have had at the beginning.
5. While patient abuse is common at many care facilities, the reverse is also quite common. You will deal with many different types of patients and while many may be appreciative of all that you do, there will be some that will not appreciate you and will make your life difficult and may abuse you both physically and verbally. How to deal with this abuse will be dealt with in a CNA training class as well as by your employer.
6. Another disadvantage is also that you may get attached to many patients who may spend months and even years at a care facility and you may have to deal with the inevitability of circumstances of patient death which can take an emotional toll.