Working in healthcare while still in high school can be a big challenge, but many students who become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) say it’s one of the most rewarding things they have ever done. Being a CNA helps them gain real-world experience, learn responsibility, and prepare for future careers in the medical field.
Many high school students hear about CNA programs from their health teachers or through health occupation classes. High school senior Synnovia Bozarth said that her teacher encouraged her to take the next step. “Miss Nelson encouraged me when I took health occupations to become a CNA,” she said. “I already had an interest in going into the healthcare field, but being a CNA is just the first step toward what I want to be.”
The job of a CNA includes a lot of hands-on care and emotional support. “I help take patients’ vitals, comfort their needs, wipe their butts, give them showers, and offer emotional and spiritual advice,” Synnovia said. “Just being there for them really is what it takes.”
Synnovia said that her favorite part of the job is helping others. “It really puts joy on your face when you see them go from anger to happiness,” she said. But being a CNA can also be hard emotionally. “It plays a whole role on your mental health, especially if you’re in school,” she explained. “It’s really hard to manage your job, mental health, and schoolwork, but the hardest part is getting to know them really well and then losing them.”
Balancing school and work can be tough for high school CNAs. “I usually go to school, then my work will keep me until around 11 o’clock,” Synnovia said. “I go home, talk to my friends, and then sleep. On my days off, I hang out with my friends.”
Even though it can be tiring, Synnovia said she plans to stay in healthcare after graduation. “I plan to stay in the healthcare field,” she said. “Even if it’s hard, I’ll follow where the wind takes me.” She also recommends other students try it. “It’s a great first job,” she said. “It looks good on a resume, and you make more money than fast food.”
