I'm a first year nursing student. I just got a job as a one on one caregiver for seniors. Some of the cases require CNA quality care, which, I've mostly been trained for, but I am in no way certified. Some cases also require basic care, which could basically be called a "companion" as well as monitoring medicine, eating and helping around the house.
I just interviewed with someone seeking daily care while she's battling Cirrhosis. I'm familiar with this, but she is also incontinent. If I go through with this I'd be transferring her, monitoring her, but also helping her with the incontinence (clean up, changing). I CAN do this, but I feel like it's crossing into CNA territory. I'm not paid very well, and I'm not saying it's about the money, but when I'm cleaning soiled items and making contact with patients, I feel it should be done by the appropriate person, who is trained and paid accordingly. I want this job, but I don't know if it's right that I'm doing it. I'm not sure why my boss suggested it when she's knows I'm not certified, but maybe she's hoping I'll do it anyway since it's less money. I really want this experience, but not if it's for a company that puts untrained/under paid people to work.
