Pediatrics? Med Surg? OB?

arpeggiated · Feb 8, 2007

I'm in the middle of orientation for a CNA on Med/Surg, but I have a list of the tasks I'll be expected to perform (ranging from using a thermometer to discontinuing a Foley cath). I'll usually have 8-10 patients each night.

I have a friend who works in OB (well, really Mother-Baby postpartum). She usually has 6 patients (3 mommies and 3 babies). She helps the moms with hygiene and go to the bathroom, changes diapers, holds the babies when the moms need a break, helps feed the babies, etc etc. She loves it.

lindz_010 · Feb 9, 2007

I currently work on a med/surg peds unit. Working with the babies and children is often rewarding, but has a few downfalls. The major downfall I have come across is the parents. It doesn't matter what you do sometimes you can not please the parents. They are always breathing down your back for some reason. Their child is there because they need medical attention and parents don't always understand that. They will get upset when you go into the room to take a set of vitals at 2am that the doctor has ordered and will definitely question everything you do. One important thing to remember with peds is you not only have to take care of the patient, but the family as well. Tasks that would take 10 minutes with a different patient can take up to a hour with a peds patient. You really have to learn how to manage your time and hope your co workers are team players. I have a geriatric background and always wanted to get into peds. I am glad I made the change because it is always rewarding to see a healthy child be discharged, but you will always have the heartbreakers where the child has been diagnosed with leukemia or some other major problem. Overall I feel the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to peds.

cacori2006 · Feb 9, 2007

I'm in the middle of orientation for a CNA on Med/Surg, but I have a list of the tasks I'll be expected to perform (ranging from using a thermometer to discontinuing a Foley cath). I'll usually have 8-10 patients each night.
I have a friend who works in OB (well, really Mother-Baby postpartum). She usually has 6 patients (3 mommies and 3 babies). She helps the moms with hygiene and go to the bathroom, changes diapers, holds the babies when the moms need a break, helps feed the babies, etc etc. She loves it.

Hey what hospital? Fresno is my hometown and i am currently in San Diego, but i might be interested in moving back!

and how hard did she say it was to get hired in OB?

arpeggiated · Feb 9, 2007

She works at Kaweah Delta in Visalia... and they hired her before we had even finished the CNA course.

shannonFNP, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 17, 2007

Well I started my job this past week, I've worked for 4 days now as a CNA on the medsurg floor. It was actually a lot different than I thought it would be. I love my patients! I didn't think I'd care to work with older population because I really wanted pediatrics. But my patients are great. It's awesome to see them get up and walk around and make progress. My favorite guy just got taken off NPO and can eat whatever he wants, he's walking around now too. One of my favorite ladies got up and got to walk with her daughter to the cafeteria and she was so excited! She got to go home the next day. My other favorite lady told me that I had made the difference in her stay. She said she wished I was her RN so I could help her understand her illness like I have taken care of every thing else for her. And most of them are assist patients, so bathing and toiletry isn't as time consuming. I handled about 12 patients last night. It got pretty crazy. I had 3 discharges, one admit who I was taking back and forth to imaging for a CT. Plus q4 vitals, etc etc, But I actually liked the fast paced work last night. I was just lost when to came to certain tasks because I havent learned everything that I need to document. I'm supposed to have someone to shadow before I get everyone by myself. But I know that I'll be able to handle everything shortly. I'm working midnight shift for pediatrics tomorrow night. I'm really excited about it all. It's been great so far. :)