Just curious......

Chttynurs · Jul 18, 2003

Hi!! Welcome to the Board! I worked as a CNA for six years before I became and RN, and personally I suggest it to anyone who wants to become a nurse. (IF they can take the probable paycut!! :) ) Aside from the fact it'll expose you to the area that you want to be in, and from the fact that you'll probably learn so much just from what you see and from any friendly nurse who's willing to teach you what they're doing and allow you to see certain procedures, etc. (and it sounds like you have time for things like that!), you also learn how to interact with the patients and their families. That's what I feel the big advantage is. I think it's wonderful that you float within a hospital, you must see so much!! I only worked a nursing home and rehab, which gave me some great wounds to check out. LOL Anyway, I wouldn't take my CNA days back for anything, I loved 'em!! And, I truly understand how hard they work, I never push them for anything, understand if I want something done NOW, I may have to do it myself if they're really busy! I wish you the best of luck in school, and I'm sure you'll be a better nurse for your experience now!! Sorry, I get long winded!! :) LOL

P.S. I'll admit I can't find them sometimes, but usually one CNA will know where the other one is, and there's always someone covering the unit! :)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2003

I worked the last six months of nursing school as a tech. The experience was valuable. Don't feel for a second you are taking a step backwards. This will help you to become comfortable with different kinds of patients, see how the nurses react and perform in different situations, and get you past the basics. It will absolutely help you when you take the boards.

During your downtime why don't you study, turn and reposition, clean your unit, cleaning rooms, restocking, do things like oral care or back rubs. Don't worry what the other techs are doing. (I complain out our techs sometimes, but even though they may have their face down in a table napping they do stick closeby in the breakroom after vitals.)

Take advantage of this time. There is great honor and advantage in starting as a tech IMO. In a short while you'll be screaming you are so overwhelmed and busy and long for these days. LOL

Nurse Shark · Jul 18, 2003

Thank you both for responding... I don't mean to sound like I am sooo bored. Like I said I just feel that there could be more work for a NCT to do sometimes. I get all my work done including ambulating pt's and giving back rubs but, I feel like I am always asking the nurses if there is anything else I can do to help out, and I rarely leave the floor during my shift unless Im running to the Lab or Pharmacy for a nurse.. I will do anything they ask me to do with no hesitations....Maybe Im just bitter about some of the NCTs I've worked with. You get sick of hearing "It's not my job" and unfortunately I've heard that several times(even by my preceptor on the first night I oriented)

She told me I better learn to not let all of the nurses take advantage of me!!!

I love the nurses though as I've said, and I love seeing so many different floors.... I guess I'll just try to go in with a more positive attitude and maybe work some day shifts where it's busier..

DEE