Here are the good, bad and ugly truths about being a CNA:
Worst: You have to deal with poop. Nursing assistants help patients go poop, they clean up poop and they even help stop poop (as in the case of diarrhea). As a CNA you will assist patients who need to use the bathroom and other times, when patients aren’t able to walk, you will help them use bedpans.
Dealing with poop and pee are never fun and have a high ick factor when it comes to spillage, constipation, and old, angry dudes. (Note: Old, angry dudes can become angry from both spillage and constipation.)
Best: The bright side is, you are doing something that patients cannot do for themselves. Patients are vulnerable and ill, but with your help they can do basic tasks. And, thankfully, you’ll get used to the poop. It’s like living near a farm — eventually you don’t smell the cow dung and you appreciate the charm of the pasture.