Am I barking up the wrong tree?

[wildside50]

I recently completed a CNA class at my local community college as part of my Nursing curriculum. I'm not yet accepted into a nursing program; the CNA class is just a first step into acceptance. But here's something I learned. I hated being a CNA. The class was fine, and I was sorta excited about going to clinical for the class. For the most part, my clinical experience was horrible. I wanted to help people; I felt like I was a thorn in unhappy old people's side. I want to be a nurse because I want to help people. But wiping the perineum of someone who has no idea where they are or what I'm doing for them is almost too heart wrenching.

Am I barking up the wrong tree? Or is there a place in nursing for someone who maybe can't handle caring for the senile, but still wants to help people? I feel at once encouraged and lost. It's difficult. I just want to hear from those who've been in the business...

[hofamb]

There are so many different aspects to nursing, that I'm sure you'll find your nitch! I work as a CNA currently (graduate this week from nursing school!) and even though I appreciate the experience, I know it's not where I want to end up. Sometimes you have to figure out both what you want and what you don't!

[MommaTy]

There are so many different areas of nursing you can go into. There is LTC, the hospitals, school nurse, doctors office RN. As a nurse you will still have to clean people in LTC and in the hospital. Good luck.

[jennaroo]

Unless you want to work in something like LTC, which it seems you do not, these ladies are right, do not be scared off by what you have experienced as a CNA. There are so many options for nurses that DO NOT require that kind of care. Being a CNA is great experience for nursing school, but do not confuse it with the whole field of nursing as nursing is very broad.

FYI if the smells of LTC work are something that get to you, which it definitely does me....carry around a small container of vicks (I put mine in very small travel sized jar) and when you know you are facing something unpleasant just brush some under your nose or between 2 masks if you will be wearing a mask.

[AccelCNL, MSN, RN]

I am getting m CNA license next month. However, I know I will not like working in a LTC. I am just using this as a way to work in nursing school. I am actually hoping to use my experience in a LTC to find a position in a hospital in my area. In my area jobs are very competitive and usually successfully hired new grads have some type of healthcare work experience. Don't feel discouraged. I already know I do not want to be a CNA however it is an means to an end. Plus I also know it will not be forever.O