From Bedpans to Business Plans: A CNA's Journey to Entrepreneurship

Have you ever looked at your life and thought, "How in the world did I end up here?" Well, buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a wild ride from the world of bedpans to the realm of business plans. That's right, folks – this is the story of how I went from changing sheets to changing lives as a CNA school owner. And trust me, it's been quite the journey!

Back in 2005, I stepped into my first pair of scrubs, ready to take on the world as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Little did I know that those scrubs would eventually lead me to a suit and tie (though, between you and me, the scrubs were way more comfortable).

The CNA Life: More Than Just Bedpans

Now, I know what you're thinking. "CNA work? Isn't that just changing bedpans all day?" Oh, my sweet summer child, if only it were that simple! Being a CNA is like being a superhero, minus the cape (unless you count those stylish gowns we sometimes wear backwards).

As a CNA, I learned skills that would make even the most seasoned multitasker jealous. We're talking:

1. Patient care that would make Florence Nightingale proud
2. Time management that could put air traffic controllers to shame
3. Communication skills that could broker peace between warring nations
4. Empathy levels that would make therapists weep with joy

But the real kicker? The daily interactions with patients and colleagues. Let me tell you, nothing prepares you for life quite like trying to convince Mr. Johnson that, no, the Jell-O is not trying to communicate with him telepathically.

The Entrepreneurial Itch: When Bedside Care Isn't Enough

Fast forward a few years, and I started to feel this itch. No, not the kind you get from those scratchy uniforms – I'm talking about the entrepreneurial itch. I looked around and realized there was a real need for quality CNA training. And who better to train the next generation of CNAs than someone who'd been in the trenches, right?

But let me tell you, starting a business is no walk in the park. It's more like a sprint through a minefield while juggling flaming torches. There were financial challenges that made me miss the days when my biggest worry was whether the vending machine would eat my last dollar. There was the lack of support that had me talking to my houseplants for encouragement (don't judge, they're great listeners). And let's not forget trying to balance work and personal life – spoiler alert: sleep becomes a luxury item.

The Birth of a CNA Training Empire (Okay, Maybe Just a School)

In 2016, after what felt like 84 years (but was actually 11), I finally opened the doors to my very own CNA training school. Was it all sunshine and rainbows? Ha! More like thunderstorms and mudslides. But you know what? Every challenge was worth it.

There's something magical about seeing that light bulb moment when a student finally masters a skill. It's like watching a baby bird take flight, except instead of soaring through the air, they're expertly changing a bedpan without spilling a drop. Poetry in motion, I tell you!

Lessons for the CNA Masses (And Anyone Else Who's Listening)

Now, gather 'round, my CNA comrades and aspiring healthcare heroes. I've got some pearls of wisdom to share:

1. Take pride in your work. Yes, even when you're elbow-deep in... well, you know.
2. Never stop learning. The day you think you know it all is the day you should hang up your stethoscope.
3. Keep your eyes open for opportunities. They're everywhere, even in the most unexpected places (like that time I got a business idea while trying to untangle IV tubes).
4. Embrace challenges. They're not obstacles; they're character-building exercises in disguise.

Remember, your journey is as unique as Mr. Peterson's ability to hide his medication in places you'd never imagine. It might take you 11 years like me, or you might be an overnight success (in which case, can I borrow your magic wand?). The point is, keep pushing forward.

Life doesn't pause while you're chasing your dreams. Bills will keep coming, tragedies will strike, and support might be as rare as a patient who actually fasts before a procedure. But guess what? You're tougher than you think. If you can handle a 12-hour shift with five call lights going off simultaneously, you can handle anything life throws at you.

The Grand Finale (Or Is It Just the Beginning?)

So, here I am, living proof that you can go from wiping bottoms to signing bottom lines. It's been a wild ride, full of ups, downs, and more than a few sideways moments. But would I change it? Not for all the properly fitted gloves in the world.

To all you CNAs out there, whether you're just starting out or you've got more years under your belt than you care to admit, remember this: You're not just changing bedpans; you're changing lives. And who knows? Maybe one day you'll be changing the entire game.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a school to run. But don't worry, I keep a spare set of scrubs in my office. You know, just in case the entrepreneurial world gets a little messy. After all, once a CNA, always a CNA!