Unsure???

nlitened · Jan 4, 2015

Idiosyncrasies?? And what are your doubts? What has changed your mind on becoming a nurse exactly? You didn't give us much to go on. But nurses and aides hold different roles. Have you thought about shadowing nurses in different roles within the healthcare system? Nurses don't have to do just bedside nursing.

RunBabyRN · Jan 5, 2015

I think we need more specifics to really help identify what it is that's unappealing for you. Being an RN is very different from being a CNA (though the CNA scope is within the RN scope, and you may be doing a lot of CNA-type work as a part of your job). Can you give us some more details?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jan 5, 2015

I am a CNA right now and I like that i get to help people, but not the idiosyncrasies that come with it.... In fact, I'm not sure I want to be a nurse anymore. If I'm already having second doubts should I try to find another career?

OP, I read your other posts, so I know that you are 18, newly a CNA, newly in an RN program, thinking about L&D, and recently asking about becoming a doula. That's a whole lotta 'new'!

While I have no idea what you mean by "idiosyncrasies that come with people", I do know that you probably haven't given enough time to the process of becoming a nurse (to know if you want to do it or not).

If you dislike CNA work, I can assure you that you will probably dislike doula work; after all, it is the care of a laboring mother-to-be, and they sure don't come without any 'issues'! And disliking CNA work doesn't necessarily mean you will dislike RN work, but if the problem with being a CNA is you don't like dealing with direct patient care.....then yes, you'll dislike nursing school and bedside nursing. And it's certainly true that an RN does not have to remain in a bedside position, but you can (and should) expect to start there, to gain experience and hone skills.

If you just like the "idea" of helping people, but not wanting the patient care experience, perhaps clinic work is a better match for you....in which case, perhaps LPN, not RN? Just thinking out loud.

Whatever you decide, good luck to you!

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · Jan 6, 2015

I think if you could be a little more clear on what you don't like, it might be easier for us to understand. I would never want to be a CNA. I don't think I'm above the work, I just want to do the nursing aspects. I want to collaborate with the physicians, educate the patients, collaborate with the patient on carrying out their care, stuff like that. I like doing assessments, being able to do a skin assessment, assessing whether or not certain meds should be given, those are things I really want to do. And while toileting and showering patients are great ways to connect with your patients and can also be times of teaching, it's not all I want to do which is why I am becoming a nurse.

But, if it's I just hate dealing with the patients with dementia, or I don't like dealing with the families, I hate cleaning up bodily fluids, well your going to have a problem because that all goes into nursing. So I hope that makes sense. You are very limited in the role of a CNA, where as a nurse you have a much broader scope of practice to work under. That may be where you need to make your decision.

patriotgal181 · Jan 7, 2015

I'm just having a hard time dealing with the administration, honestly. There's issues with pay and time and stuff there, plus the fact that we have ~20 vitals per night on 2-assist halls that don't have two CNAs on top of our normal duties. Day shift never gets done with their rounds so we are always behind when we start. I'm really frustrated and I've honestly about decided against staying in health care. I struggle to get everything done and I feel like I'm a really bad CNA..... Plus, I feel like I don't have time to spend with my family and that's really important to me.... I'm so sorry it took me a little while to respond. Just.... work happened.

Nienna Celebrindal · Jan 8, 2015

Follow your gut, if its saying no then see what other options are out there for you. Who knows with time and space (or a new job) you may find this is for you after all. There is nothing wrong with figuring out what is right for you. Best of luck!