Didn't like being a CNA, but 1st semester RN student.

[ShaynaSmart]

I got my CNA certificate back in 2008. I worked in several nursing homes, but I always ended up quiting. I was stressed out and sick to my stomach every day I had to go to work. I became a CNA while trying to get into nursing school. I'm finally in my first semester and I like it so far. We start clinicals next week and I'm really nervous, but the excitedness outweighs the nervousness. I'm just wondering if anyone else had a similar experience.

Also, today we were practicing our injections and my teacher asked us, "Are you ready for your clinicals?" We all kind of said yes, apprehensively and she said, "Well, you'll get to find out if this is what you want to do for the rest of your life." And a few weeks ago, she said some students make it through to their 3rd or 4th semester and decide it isn't what they wanted to do and drop out and experience the same dread I experienced on my way to work at the nursing homes, but she's never discussed the fact that if the hospital freaks us out, there's a hundred other nursing occupations we could go into. Has anyone else had a teacher that hasn't discussed this with them?

I know I want to be a nurse. I love medicine and helping people and the job security (although that's not so consistent nowadays) and the different career options being a nurse affords you. I guess I've just always thought that if I didn't want to work in a hospital, people would look down on me, or that I'd look down on myself. Or that somehow, I wouldn't get the "full" experience of being a nurse and I wouldn't learn to practice all my skills.

I guess it's the first time I've vented all this stuff and thought about it.

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

What didnt you like about being a CNA? Was it the work environment (Nursing home vs Acute care), or was it your coworkers/mgmt because thats a big factor also.

its true that there are a bunch of diff. areas to work in as a nurse, but you will still need some patient care experience before you can lead others or move to other spots, at least I would feel this way (whether its req. or not).

[ShaynaSmart]

I worked in nursing homes. I loved the residents and in most places, my coworkers were very helpful, especially when I told them I was new to this. I guess I felt I never had the time to get everything done, no matter how I tried to schedule my day. They really should teach time management in conjunction with CNA classes! And of course, the teachers never tell you that in some places you might have 15 residents a day. It just seemed that no matter how quick and efficient I tried to be, I was always stuck doing my charting 15-20 mins after my shift ended, which of course I never got paid for. I find myself missing it though, because no matter how crappy of a day I had, I knew I had made a difference.

[Rick68fl]

One thing to remember though. In your first semester of nursing school clinicals (or at least in mine) for the most part, all you will be doing will be CNA duties. So it will not be an indicator of what being a nurse is like.

Having said that, you won't have 15 patients or any of that other stuff to deal with.

[ShaynaSmart]

Well, that makes sense and makes me feel more confident.

[♑ Capricorn ♑]

Also, today we were practicing our injections and my teacher asked us, "Are you ready for your clinicals?" We all kind of said yes, apprehensively and she said, "Well, you'll get to find out if this is what you want to do for the rest of your life." And a few weeks ago, she said some students make it through to their 3rd or 4th semester and decide it isn't what they wanted to do and drop out and experience the same dread I experienced on my way to work at the nursing homes, but she's never discussed the fact that if the hospital freaks us out, there's a hundred other nursing occupations we could go into. Has anyone else had a teacher that hasn't discussed this with them?

LISTEN TO ME, please. :)

Only YOU will decide if nursing is right for you or not, it is not your instructors decision to decide that for you. To me it sounds like she was trying to intimidate some of the students and yourself. I personally wouldn't buy into this advice, as honest as it may be, it can crush one's self-esteem and self-confidence. You do what's right for you. You wanna be a nurse? Go be a nurse. Instructors will and often do "test" their students strength in character. And, trust me, they will test you. Some of them have a funny way in doing it, some better than others. Some see it as a way of weeding out the weaker students from the strong ones in the pack. It happens. You hang on to what you believe in and have faith in yourself. If need be, prove to your instructor that you are capable and willing to learn. Because, you are worth it. Your education is it worth it.

Yes, like the others have mentioned. First semester clinicals involve CNA-like duties. But, that is only one fraction of what needs to be learned in being a nurse. There is so much more to that. You are in your first semester of nursing school. To me, it is far to early to judge and summarize what a nurse does or not just from one semester of school.

I hope you feel better venting this out and I hope this helps.

By the way, I'm not bashing instructors.

Good luck. :hug:

[ShaynaSmart]

Thanks so much, guys! Your advice was really helpful!

[blacknightengale]

I really relate with your situation. I love nursing but sometimes being a CNA can take its toll on your true passion and love for the career. Keep pushing in school and get those grades. Your achievement will surpass your struggles.

[ShaynaSmart]

Very poetic!

[Rick68fl]

When will you actually start clinicals?

[ShaynaSmart]

We just did our double-orientation today to the hospital and the nursing home. Next week we start at the nursing home and actually start working.