Before you had ANY type of nursing training/education, did you know anything?

NurseJessRN · May 3, 2011

If you are planning to further your education to one day advance to become a Registered Nurse or beyond. This will be a great opportunity for learning for you. I work as a Medical Assistant at an private urgent care now and I am starting nursing school in the fall. Tech work and let me gain so much knowledge. Being a privately owned facility, Ive been trained to start IV lines and give IVP injections, as well and inserting foley catheters. I have learned a great deal over the past 3 years as a Medical Assistant. When I first started I was very nervous, after a few months you get the hang of it and it becomes second nature. You will be great at what you do! Dont stress and try to learn as much as possible!

KaringOne · May 3, 2011

I am starting CNA training right at the hospital and I keep thinking, "What am I already supposed to know...I am so behind everyone else" ...it hasnt even started yet but I have watched many CNA "skills" videos online and tried to get an idea of what it's like but I can't help but feeling like everyone has this secret password that I don't have...so, how much about nursing did you know (especially if you started out as a CNA)?

I knew CPR. From being a female I knew the basics such as "You are supposed to wipe front-to-back". Don't laugh..

You have no idea how many people actually do not know this!

lulu67, LPN, LVN · May 3, 2011

I know that feeling! Hang in there...the shift experience and skills will come as they need to. Just let whoever does the scheduling know that you want to be experienced on the other shifts as well...they will try to work with you if they can. And as for the feeling of being an alien to all of what is going on around you...yeah, it will get better. Just hang in there. It is all a matter of time and experience..you have the passion and desire..that is the what matters, the rest will follow suit.

Hang in there and good luck~

Gold_SJ · May 3, 2011

*smiles* Don't put too much pressure on yourself, all of us start out at newbies somewhere and your facility or preceptor wouldn't expect otherwise. Sure there may be people with a little more experience or knowledge due to family in a similar occupation. (I was blessed having my mother and two aunts as nurses prior). But believe me just because I may of had some stories in my belt from childhood didn't help me whatsoever when making my first nursing bed or doing my first shower. I was so frustrated with the stupid sheets and so envious of the perfect corners of the experienced staff lol, and showers...yeah I was scared to even touch the patients in case they thought I was being rude. My preceptors couldn't help but laugh at me, I was a nervous wreck. It was like jumping into a cold river, a major culture shock.

In the end I turned out just fine and love my job in paediatrics and I'm sure you're going to do fantastic. As to a shift change? That'll be fine, takes a few days to get the hang of the different responsibilities and flow of the shift but after that you'll be right in the swing of it.

Just keep your chin up k?

^.~ Take care and well wishes.

dmnddivax2 · May 3, 2011

23 years ago, I too started my health care training in the hospital while I was in nursing school. I learned quickly not to compare myself to those that have been in the profession. I would have quit if I had let myself think that I could do the things the other seasoned staff was doing.

I encourage you to take one shift at a time. Learn the basics in body mechanics so you don't hurt yourself or the patient, and always think outside of the box!

We are critical thinkers and multitask at home on a daily basis. This is the same type of mind set you should keep on the job. Be prepared for the unexpected at all times, and ALWAYS think in terms of SAFETY first.

alphabetsoup · May 3, 2011

I was never a CNA before becoming a nurse. But it is all the same whether you are a nurse or a CNA- we all start somewhere and learn from there. I can only share my tips as a nurse. One, communication is key. Don't wait to tell the nurse if there is a problem. I wouldn't want to hear about someone's abnormal blood sugar 30 minutes after you checked it. Two, safety first. Always think about patient safety, whether that means you have put the siderails up and the bed to the lowest position and the call-light within reach or you have made sure that the patient has been turned and repositioned on a routine basis to prevent pressure ulcers. And last, treat the patients as you would have your own family treated. Everything else will come in time. Good luck :)

wishfulthinking21059 · May 4, 2011

*smiles* Don't put too much pressure on yourself, all of us start out at newbies somewhere and your facility or preceptor wouldn't expect otherwise. Sure there may be people with a little more experience or knowledge due to family in a similar occupation. (I was blessed having my mother and two aunts as nurses prior)..

My mom was a nurse but died way too young! How frusterating!! She was an LPN so I feel like I could have asked her SO many questions and would turn out a better nurse.

I don't know what I was thinking...how could I possibly know anything really? It just seems like so much information, guess I assumed I was absent the year they taught that in school :lol2: