What To Do?

[Dixen81]

Had my first clinical experience today and loved it (I'm a diploma RN student). Worked in a hospital in Senior Care, taking care of a 94 y/o woman w/pneumonia. She and her family were precious. But was able to see just how hard you CNAs work! You all deserve way more pay!

My dilema: I've always wanted to do bedside nursing; not a bunch of paperwork. I know that being an RN requires a lot more paperwork while CNAs and LPNs do more of the ADLs, so what should I do? Is there anywhere that an RN does more bedside care than paperwork? I would have been a CNA in a LTC facility a long time ago if it weren't for the terrible pay.

Any advice experienced RNs?

[New CCU RN]

It all depends on the facility and also the unit you work in. Where I work we are lucky to have one CNA. There are only RN's (ICU) and we do all the patient care from ADL's to titrating pressors to lab draws and vent changes. We have many different hats :)

Anyhow, it really depends on the facility, if you are currently already in a diploma program to get your RN I would stick with it and then just choose a facility that utilizes their RNs at the bedside rather than in a more overseeing type role... there are many many many facilities out there like this. Also, keep in mind that this was one experience and it could have just been what you saw rather than what really goes on. Good luck.,