I am 2 weeks away from graduation from a CNA class at a skilled nursing facility. Personally, I love it. But I have talked to a lot of people that absolutely hate it. The facility that I am training at, the CNA's all start out at $10.70/hr for day and swing shifts and $11.10/hr for the NOC shift. So, it is not very much money.

As far as the type of work, it is very much like taking care of adult children. Some of them are not able to communicate at all and some of them can carry on a conversation just like you and me. Some are able to get up and walk around, and some are not even able to hold their heads up on their own. There is a lot of cleaning up of urine, feces, vomit, drool, spit out food. You have to make beds and change sheets, shower the residents, feed them, change their depends, wipe bottoms (and fronts), brush teeth, shave them, take vitals, document everything. Sometimes you get hit, kicked, bit, scratched, get your hair pulled, called names and accused of stealing their belongings. It is a very very physically and emotionally demanding job. But you have to remember that these people used to be just like you and me, they are someones, mother, father or grandparent, and they used to be someones baby.

I agree with the previous poster that you should see if you can "shadow" a CNA before deciding to take a course. It would give you an idea of what you would be doing before you commit to it. If you decide that you want to do it and you like it, it is an awesome job. I hope this helps.

For general career information: http://www.bls.gov/oco and can search 'nursing and psychiatric aides' or whatever other career that piques one's interest.

Just fyi that the nursing (and mental health/social work) field is supposed to have a high burn-out rate, and that includes all levels of the industry.

How about job shadowing a cna at a hospital and/or nursing home facility. Perhaps you can also volunteer at the local hospital which may give one a general sense of whether one feels at ease in that type of environment or not.

If still interested in training, please forgo those private overpriced for-profit tech schools and instead consider the more affordable **county vo-tech school or community college** as long as the program is accredited within the industry.

For US colleges (including community colleges): http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

I am not a CNA but I know a little about nursing.

A Certified Nursing Assistant is a six month long training program. They work in hospitals and nursing homes. They change the bedding, physically care for the patients. They may bathe patients, clean up if they have accidents, sometimes feed them, etc. It is like being a mother. Where I live, it pays about $1600 per month.

A Licensed Practical Nurse is about a two year training program They administer routine tests to patients, such as temperature, blood pressure, and others. They also teach patients to use breathing therapy and other things. They keep detailed medical records on the patients. Where I live, it pays about $2,400 per month.

A Registered Nurse can be a three year training program, or if you wish to get a degree in nursing it is a four year program. They are the people in charge of patient care. They may administer drugs under the direction of a physician. They supervise the CNA's and LPN's in the area. The starting pay in my area is about $3,200 per month. Under the three year program there are few opportunities for advancement. If you graduated from the degree program you can double your starting pay. With advanced degrees, the opportunities are unlimited.

Get your education from a state or local government school or a non-profit school. Do not use a for profit instituation. They are often a rip off.