Do I have to wipe butt?!?! LOL

[Newby2u]

Hello

I was a navy corpsmand for ten years and decided to get out after I got pregnant and my husband left me (in that order)http://icons.an-file.info/icon13.gif. I knew I could not fullfill my miltary duties and be a mother. Some can, I can't...moving on. I worked on an orthopediac ward, ER, family practice clinic, USMC unit, Iraq and Afgah before I got out. I loved it all except the ortho floor!! It was awful.

My patient were immobile and most of the times a little preverted or suffering from dementia or both. The first bedpan/ bath I gave the guy said "I can't move, you have to wash me". I said 'OK' got the towel and when I turned around he was naked!! Took the sheets, blanket, gown, t-shirt off in a matter of seconds. Then proceeded to ask me questions like "do you like washing people?" "is this what you came into the military for"? Then he asked me to wash his $alls. I was only 18 didn't know what to say so I just remained quiet and I got in trouble (for being rude) and had to apologize. Now, I am writing this out I just many need threaphy.http://img.an-file.info/smilies/biggrin.gif Moving on.. In a military hospital corpsman are CNA's+++ we do all the diret care, admission, nursing notes, discharges, give meds (except narcs) blood draws, and patient education.

So, this attracted (what I feel was) the worst of the worst in nursing. My nurses were fat, lazy, hated doctors, patients, corpsman and management. It was the worst time of my life and gave me alot of ill-will towards nurses. So, this combined with the inital bad experience made me think that this was the only aspect of nursing. So, I always said "I will never be a nurse". But, I have had a change of heart because I have meet some bright, energetic, outstanding nurses!! I realize that floor nursing is jut one aspect of nursing and doesn't have to be my career.

I really enjoyed the ER and my time with the marines. I enjoyed seeing patients, giving treatment and following up and educating my patients!! It was the best. The ER was great because it was always changing, challenging and alot of teamwork. Doctors, nursing, HM's working together (within the constraints of their job description) to take care of people. After saying forever that I would like to go to medical school I am seeing that being a doctor isn't about treating the patient it's about the diagnosis, not the person!! I like that nursing sees the whole person and helps them through medication, test as well as education, listening and caring.

So, I have been going to school. Doing well and have been looking into nursing programs. I have thought about becoming an NP, going into teaching or research and maybe management. I like the teaching aspect of nursing and admin work. These all require a master's degree or higher. But, I am finding a roadblock. Many programs require floor nursing as a pre-requiste!! Not the ER or family practice or any of the places I could see myself. It's not that I am grossed out by poop or that I am thin-skinned. It's just not for me. I am more mature now but I still don't want to wipe poo and empty bedpans on a regular basis.

Is there anyway around a pre-requisiste like this?

Can I use my clinical time as my pre-requisiste?

Are there any programs where you can fast track into a master program while working (has a way around pre-reqs)?

What other areas of the hospital will there be less butt-wiping but still count as floor nursing?mn

I feel like a baby saying it but it's the truth. I know no one likes it but I realize that floor work is not for me. I have been told that floor nursing is just one part of nursing and I hope that it true. Keep in mind I have only been exposed to military medicine and not civilian. A civilian hospital may be tottally different but the new HIPPAA laws make it very difficult to just "volunteer" on a floor.

Just so no one gets on a soapboxhttp://img.an-file.info/smilies/wink.gif. I realize that nursing is gross, I have no problem with gross. I like blood, scabs and protruding bones. I realize patient/management/ etc will treat you bad because your a nurse, I have no problem with this. I realize that you have to do things you don't want to do. I am ok with this and I will eat it with a smile when I have to. But if I don't have to I'd like to find another way. Or should I just aim for medical school and skip baths and bedpans completely.

Thanks in advance for all your help http://img.an-file.info/smilies/biggrin.gif.