Okay, so, for those of you who don't know, I work at a nursing home now as a dietary aide. It's really nice, but I'm learning there are some things that I don't like. I have mentioned my lack of dish washing skills before, and I don't like doing them (in fact, I'm dreading them now) but my biggest thing is that I don't get to interact with the residents as much as I would like. I know that helping them get food is really helpful, but.... I really want to do more.

At first, I was going to apply to be a personal caregiver, or find out a way to do CNA training and do that. But then I thought I might not like it because of what you have to do.

However, thinking about it now... I think it's something I'd be really interested in doing. I'm going to be awkward at first, but I was talking to someone else who is one, and they said they were too. I know there are certain things you have to do with this, that can be hard and stressful, but I think I could handle it.

So, what I was thinking, is to build myself up as a dietary aide, to show my bosses that I'm capable of that, so they feel good about me, so when I do decide to try for something more, they will already like me and put in more consideration for me?

What I don't know is, however, when I should consider asking. I just started this job, so I know it wouldn't be good to switch so soon.

But also, how would you get over the awkwardness? Such as when you'd have to bathe them and help them go to the bathroom?

Also, does anyone know anything more about becoming a CNA? At this place, it sounds like there are two different types of care givers. There are the CNAs and then the personal care givers, who get paid less than the CNA and from the sounds of it, you get the training there. Does anyone know how much it would cost to get the training?

I know this doesn't exactly fit in with Bipolar, but it's affecting my anxiety, so I'd like to talk about it.

Thanks!