Does this mean I'll hate Nursing?

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For the past 3 weeks, I have been in a Nursing Aid class to get some patient experience. I had less than a week to go before being certified and I quit this morning. The instructor said she was floored because I was very good at it. I was working in a nursing home and on a floor that required total patient care. Constant lifting, feeding, toileting etc.....I did my job when I was there, but I hated it. The pay was terrible and I just wanted out. I didn't mind being around the residents and helping, but this total care that had to be done for the amount of money that I was being paid was not sitting well with me. Do you think that this could mean I will not enjoy being an RN? I am starting clinicals in August and now have begun to second guess my decision. Thanks for your input!

Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I just finished the clinical portion of my CNA class today, and I know that aide work is NOT for me. By the end of the morning, I was thinking that if I had to shave another face or clean another stoma, I might scream.

However, from what I've seen of acute care, I know that that is something that would really interest me.

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Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.

I just finished the clinical portion of my CNA class today, and I know that aide work is NOT for me. By the end of the morning, I was thinking that if I had to shave another face or clean another stoma, I might scream.

However, from what I've seen of acute care, I know that that is something that would really interest me.

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As a critical care Nurse actively working in an ICU I can tell you that the stuff you speak of is an everyday occurance. I work in a teaching hospital so the docs are residents and interns at night when I work. So besides ensuring that the client gets the proper pain relief or pressor or what have you. I wash them, turn them, clean the poop, counsel them or family, take out the trash when full, et al. But it never occurs to me that this is hard work, or particularly distasteful. It is what it is. What it allows is autonomy. There are certainly many other types of jobs to be had that do not include these things. But it, as everything else, comes back to the self. What is it that will satisfy you?

Incidently we do not regularly have a tech or cna at night. And with twenty beds to cover even when we have one...well, you get the picture. I love doting over my pt.'s and being picky over their care. But I also am there for my fellow workers and enjoy helping when I can.

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As a critical care Nurse actively working in an ICU I can tell you that the stuff you speak of is an everyday occurance. I work in a teaching hospital so the docs are residents and interns at night when I work. So besides ensuring that the client gets the proper pain relief or pressor or what have you. I wash them, turn them, clean the poop, counsel them or family, take out the trash when full, et al. But it never occurs to me that this is hard work, or particularly distasteful. It is what it is. What it allows is autonomy. There are certainly many other types of jobs to be had that do not include these things. But it, as everything else, comes back to the self. What is it that will satisfy you?

Incidently we do not regularly have a tech or cna at night. And with twenty beds to cover even when we have one...well, you get the picture. I love doting over my pt.'s and being picky over their care. But I also am there for my fellow workers and enjoy helping when I can.

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so.....

do you think that cna's enjoy doing that icky stuff? i mean who wants to come home from work everyday and say: "YES! i wiped 30 butts today and got paid $8/hr minus taxes!!!!! let's go party!"? :balloons:

if an aide has a problem, guess who she calls? the nurse! someone may have fallen while takin a poo in the bathroom.... in any area of nursing.

i would say to continue the cna course if at all possible. that which does not kill you will only make you stronger!

the bottom line is that no one ENJOYS doing that stuff. it just comes with the job.

jmho.

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so.....

do you think that cna's enjoy doing that icky stuff? i mean who wants to come home from work everyday and say: "YES! i wiped 30 butts today and got paid $8/hr minus taxes!!!!! let's go party!"? :balloons:

if an aide has a problem, guess who she calls? the nurse! someone may have fallen while takin a poo in the bathroom.... in any area of nursing.

i would say to continue the cna course if at all possible. that which does not kill you will only make you stronger!

the bottom line is that no one ENJOYS doing that stuff. it just comes with the job.

jmho.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... I can tell you that the stuff you speak of is an everyday occurance...

Agree. This can happen in any hospital unit -- from med / surg to the ED.

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Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... I can tell you that the stuff you speak of is an everyday occurance...

Agree. This can happen in any hospital unit -- from med / surg to the ED.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Many, many, many people in my class are aids. As a matter of fact, some of the institutions that they work for are sending them. A couple whom I have been speaking with will tell you straight out that they DETEST being an aid. That's why they chose to continue. Being an aid, and being a nurse are different. I don't believe any nurse is above doing an aids job, but I don't think your total experience as an aid is indicative of your experience as a nurse. As others mentioned, you will have to find your niche, and most likely it isn't LTC. I think your question is totally subjective. If deep inside you think that working with sick people, sometimes doing the gross stuff is not something you can do for the next 10, 15, 20 years of your life, then get out now. But if your drive is nursing, don't let this experience deter you. Only you know what to do, so follow your heart. :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Many, many, many people in my class are aids. As a matter of fact, some of the institutions that they work for are sending them. A couple whom I have been speaking with will tell you straight out that they DETEST being an aid. That's why they chose to continue. Being an aid, and being a nurse are different. I don't believe any nurse is above doing an aids job, but I don't think your total experience as an aid is indicative of your experience as a nurse. As others mentioned, you will have to find your niche, and most likely it isn't LTC. I think your question is totally subjective. If deep inside you think that working with sick people, sometimes doing the gross stuff is not something you can do for the next 10, 15, 20 years of your life, then get out now. But if your drive is nursing, don't let this experience deter you. Only you know what to do, so follow your heart. :)

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Specializes in ICU.

While I agree with what everyone has said so far I will say.

Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse.

To decide you would like another path is no disgrace. We encourage so many many people with doubts to continue on only to see them leave later that I wonder............

Then you get the other stories of the doubters who are still here 20,30, 40 years later.

Only you know your heart. Only you can plot your own path.

Whatever that path be in life, be happy :kiss:

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Specializes in ICU.

While I agree with what everyone has said so far I will say.

Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse.

To decide you would like another path is no disgrace. We encourage so many many people with doubts to continue on only to see them leave later that I wonder............

Then you get the other stories of the doubters who are still here 20,30, 40 years later.

Only you know your heart. Only you can plot your own path.

Whatever that path be in life, be happy :kiss:

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