Anyone else offended by this radio commercial?

[T-Bird78]

There's a radio commercial for a certain school's BSN program. I get the point of the commercial, but they did it the wrong way. It's a lady talking about being a CNA, doing tasks that you don't want to think about and the best part of her day was stocking shelves. She goes on to say that she got her RN and was doing more complex tasks, like writing care plans, but that wasn't enough. Now that she's got her BSN from (insert school name), she's really doing what she loves.

I get the whole idea of the commercial, I really do, but I get so mad when I hear it. How dare the school belittle the importance of CNAs? The best part of their day isn't stocking shelves. And being an ADN isn't worthwhile? It just rubs me the wrong way and I was wondering if it bothered anyone else or if anyone has heard it.

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

And BSN nurses can go ont to bigger and better things, as can MSN nurses, doctoral degreed nurses, and on and on. Don't take offense where none is intended. If it has meaning to you that is all that counts.

[UnbrokenRN09, BSN]

When I hear CNA's/AUA's refer to themselves as "just" a tech, I correct them! There is no "just a tech", "just a nurse", "just a housekeeper", "just a food attendent", etc. Hospitals are complex places that require everyone to do their part in order for things to go smoothly. I consider myself to be a "strong" nurse, but I am never able to do my job to my full satisfaction when I don't have the help I need from a tech. It makes a huge difference. I can't believe an educational institution would have an ad like this....aren't we supposed to be trying to advance our field?? Seriously....anyone in the medical profession should be given a lot of respect! Not just anyone can do the things that we do!

[Overland1, RN]

I still recall the ad that was being aired by a nurse union in NY many years ago that featured a "conversation" between two people in which one advises the other to demand a RN... a "real nurse".

Offended? Heck no, but it just confirmed my opinion of that union, its motives, and its followers.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

I find it amusing that by obtaining a BSN one would be doing anything "different" than an ADN. Or in some facilities, an LVN. Unfortunetely, people will not know that until they spend a great deal of money on this-- I am guessing-- for profit school. The message is that a CNA can go to a BSN easily. Which for anyone, regardless of current position, nursing school is not easy.

Advertising is big business. It is much like commercials you see while watching some of the more "lively" talk shows. Phrases like "get off the couch and be a medical assistant" and then see a person in scrubs having what appears to be an in depth conversation over a chart with a doctor. They play on certain groups, they play on younger people who may be at odds as to where they would like to be, and they perpetuate the myth that somehow CNA's are no more than shelf stockers. Which we all know is not the least bit true.

I am an LPN and love being an LPN. There are CNA's who love being CNA's. (Thank goodness, cause I couldn't do what I do without them!! Bless you all!!) I am also an EMT. Don't have any earthly desire to be a paramedic. These type of ads are pointed at people who are not happy in the work that they do. If that makes sense. Plays on people's insecurities. And perceptions that are just not accurate.

But they will gladly take your tuition monies, then you are on your own.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

I'm not offended by it. They clearly have a target audience and it's CNAs who think nurses live the sweet life while CNAs do all the work. Don't fall for it, CNAs!!! :)

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

If stocking shelves is the "best part" of an CNA's job, then that CNA needs a new gig in my humble opinion.

I work as a nurse's aide, and I have to say that my favorite part of the job, besides helping those who cannot help themselves, is being able to take the new mothers to the NICU to see their little ones. Melts my heart to see those little babies every single time.

Second to that, I actually enjoy washing patients. There is something very intimate about the act of bathing someone, and I feel a sense of accomplishment when tucking a clean patient into a nice, freshly-made bed and the feeling of fulfillment when that helpless patient says "thank you."

[ComeTogether, LPN]

This is great.

http://www.spiritlakeconsulting.com/SLC/sharedfiles/library/books/onlyaCNA.pdf

[ComeTogether, LPN]

The best part of my day as a CNA was giving everyone a good wash-up, lotion and a good, smooth fresh bed to get into.

I also loved taking care of my bedridden folks and getting everything as perfect as possible so they were comfy--or at least looked as comfy as possible.

... Or how about when someone is covered head-to-toe in a nasty mess and you do a lot of hard work to wash 'em up so they feel better... no, no one likes cleaning feces or vomit, but to know you can step up to the plate and deal with it and maintain someone's comfort and dignity..

To me, that was rewarding.

Everything I did, I took pride in and I'm sorry some people think it's demeaning to be a CNA.

I understand some people can't handle it or they want to keep moving up that ladder-- that's fine...

But there's no reason to belittle those who want to and can.

It's a very important job that gets so very little respect.

Absolutely! Totally with ya. These people need help. I can't imagine not being able to go to the toilet on my own or having to have someone wash me from head to toe. I've never found it demeaning, and i've never even seen it as "one of those things no one wants to do". I do want to do it, I want to help. Obviously, I don't enjoy the actual act of cleaning up someone elses BM, but I do enjoy the fact that I am providing a service to them that they desperately need and I am doing it in a way so they feel as dignified as they possibly can. I have always said, I would be a CNA for the rest of my life if my body could handle it and if I got paid a livable wage. :-))

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

Just like long ago, the insulting commercial that was made that said,"Ask for a nurse, a real nurse, an rn."That commercial was made by an rn nursing organization. That is how my user name came about. I am a "RealNurseAlso/LPN.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

RNs with a BSN still have to do those "tasks you don't want to think about". Wiping butt has always been a part of nursing and always will be.

Not for non-clinical staff, not for dialysis nurses, not for those with bad backs, shoulders, other body parts who can find someone to do it for them.

OP: Since you are troubled by this ad, you need to get in touch with the radio station and the school mentioned in the ad. Let them know, very courteously and very maturely, no cursing or screaming, what you find wrong with the ad. Tell them about teamwork, tell them who suffers when the team doesn't work together or value each other. It is not ok for you to not speak up to those who can change or delete the offensive material.

You know the old joke about the body parts arguing over who was more important? Guess who won.

I read a few more posts, am troubled that those who are troubled/offended by ads make no mention of taking action. START LETTING THEM KNOW at both the station or channel or wherever you hear ads like this, and tell the outfits who paid for these ads, too. If you don't speak up, they won't know or care.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

I still recall the ad that was being aired by a nurse union in NY many years ago that featured a "conversation" between two people in which one advises the other to demand a RN... a "real nurse".

Offended? Heck no, but it just confirmed my opinion of that union, its motives, and its followers.

Devil's Advocate here: You know there really are times when we need an RN. And when I call my parents' or kids' doctors, I want the doctor, not the receptionist, the assistant, or the secretary. Sometimes only the right person, the best educated person will do. That is not a put-down of anyone. If I needed in someone else's area of expertise, I'd ask for that person.

[ORoxyO]

I've never seen a CNA with enough time to stock shelves! They are usually running around crazy busy with way too many patients. At least where I've been.