The Tough Job of a Certified Nursing Assistant

Many women, and nowadays men, enter the nursing field with visions of helping others and making a difference in the world, then somewhere along the line, find themselves in a position of taking painful blows, cleaning messes so horrendous there are no words to describe, or grieving over patients they've come to love.

Upon becoming a certified nursing assistant, you realize your job is one of atrocious measures which can have you screaming in agony one minute, crying over a deceased stranger the next. A nursing assistant's work is a mixture of janitor, maid, entertainer, family member, and forklift.

Although, in past years, there have been complaints made by some family members that their loved one received abuse while being cared for in a nursing home, most health care workers are caring individuals who empathize with the patients and want only to help them through their last days, months or years.

Imagine showing up for your job only to find that the first order of business is to attend a resident who has not only had an accident but has unwittingly spread excrement all over the bed rails, in his or her hair, all over the clothing, and even on the floor. Imagine, too, that the resident weighs over 300 pounds and is unable to walk or sit up on his own. Now, throw in the fact that this particular resident is combative and you've got quite a challenge on your hands.

Nursing assistants are faced with just that type of challenge - repeatedly. Some patients never go to the bathroom on their own, some residents are stuck in an era from 40 years ago, some think you're there to harm them. Some think you're keeping them captive against their will, others whisper embarrassing things to you in hopes you will cooperate with some fantasy they've concocted since meeting you.

Then there are the sad patients that cry and simply can't be consoled, patients who ask where their spouse, children or grandchildren are, patients that beg you to take them home or kill them. The others scream out in pain, wander around and must be led back to their rooms, try to escape. It's an emotional and physical job beyond compare.