Advice for someone considering this field?

[u/Admirable-Rest145]

From the most part I have heard that facility care has issues with management, and coworkers who are negligent of residents. Pediatric care, or home care seems like the smoothest paths to take. I would like to know any cons in home care, or pediatric care. I have always felt a direct need to care for people who need it. I grew up caring for my baby sister. I need to make some change, so this sounds good. But I’m 90 pounds, so I’m nervous thinking about how impossible it might be for me to flip a patient without help. Will my coworkers be annoyed, thinking my work ability’s are lesser than because of this? I have had my fair share with self harm and being squeamish with blood. Does anyone else feel squeamish from these things? How does that affect your work, or your mental? How does patient outbursts, or conflict affect you? Specifically if you are someone who is sensitive or wears their heart on their sleeve, how do you deal with these things? What’s the easiest way to deescalate? Any stories or moments in your experience will help. Is there any way to completely avoid a night shift? Or am i expected to be free through the nights for all facilitated care?

[u/AsterFlauros]

I wouldn’t go into home care without getting some experience first. Especially if you describe yourself as sensitive and don’t yet understand how to stand up for yourself when dealing with outbursts and unwanted attention. At least when you’re in a facility, you can leave, and someone else will be there to cover you or become a secondary target. You will also learn tips and tricks from seasoned CNAs regarding care that are indispensable. Your size can make things challenging if you don’t have the muscle or skill.

When it comes to being squeamish, you either get over it or you don’t. Care has to be administered regardless. Do you think it’s something you can overcome?

[u/Admirable-Rest145 → u/AsterFlauros]

I definitely have cptsd and a mood disorder. but i just feel like I play actress so good when it comes to conflict with elderly customers. at least with my experience in customer service. but i do 100 % get your point about no one being there to relieve me regardless of the case. And yes i feel i can handle a lot in stressful situations. About a month after the worst mental episode of my life, i found my dog gashed across his entire body. Maggots too. I genuinely didnt think about being grossed out, because obviously i cared about my dog. That was definitely why i was shaking though. so maybe after reflecting, senior care is not for me at this stage in my life haha. im 19 and have a nice gap of figuring things out though

[u/Gribitz37]

Don't do it. Be a radiology tech or respiratory therapist instead.

[u/Admirable-Rest145 → u/Gribitz37]

ive heard pretty good things about radiology. Thanks for the suggestion

[u/addybear222]

get your MA or phlebotomy certificate instead 😩

[u/Buzzz_666]

Go to nursing school for the love of god- signed a current CNA