I never really had a lot of experience taking care of or even talking to old people, but I heard about becoming a CNA from my cousin and there was never a doubt that it’s what I wanted to do. I would hear stories about her residents and the things she would do, and it made me so excited to do the same, partly because I have wanted to be like her since before I could remember, but also because I wanted to make an impact on the lives of these residents. 

After getting accepted into the class and practicing skills in the classroom, we had our clinical rotation.

 It was nothing like I could’ve imagined. Our residents weren’t just plastic mannequins, they were real people that needed help with all of their daily activities. Things that I wouldn’t think twice about doing myself like getting dressed, brushing my teeth, and eating, they needed help with. My teacher told me before we even started that I had “one of the more difficult residents,” and I was terrified. While my friends were with their more independent and easier tempered residents, I had my very dependent emotional resident. Clinical rotation was nothing like I had ever experienced and it was definitely eye-opening to see how different residents can act. 

When I finished the class, and passed the state exams, I got hired and started my training shifts. 

Walking into a residents room, as a new, training CNA, is different every time. Some residents are patient and want to help you learn, others are tired and want someone who knows what they are doing to help them. I try to keep myself positive when meeting a resident for the first time because the facility is their home. I tell myself, big smile, be willing to help, they might be your tenth resident today, but you are their first CNA. 

One of the hardest parts about being a CNA in a long term care facility is that while some of the residents are always in great moods and constantly have visitors, others rarely get visitors, even on the holidays. Working with the residents and being their family when they don’t have their own can be difficult, but can also be one of the most rewarding experiences. 

As a CNA, you are the person that spends the most time and knows the most about your residents. As big of a responsibility as this is, it is also very rewarding and inspiring to see residents' health and wellness improve because of the help you are giving.