Experienced Nurses Advice Needed

[ttpurtee]

If someone became a CNA and enjoyed that job of CNA, would they also enjoy being an Registered Nurse?

[heartflutter, ADN, BSN]

While both have nursing at their core, the two jobs can be very different. RNs don't shy away from bedbaths or cleaning up someone's waste, but they also have a lot of responsibilities that CNAs do not have (passing meds, care plans, etc. ). There's a significant amount of paperwork to being an RN (I love paperwork so, plus for me) compared to being a CNA.

I would suppose it really depends on the person asking. If you enjoy working as a CNA, I'm assuming you're at least mildly interested in being a nurse.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

That depends. Do you shy away from having to follow things through or delegating? Do you think quickly on your feet and have a thick skin? If so, this profession might be for you.

[pers]

Agree that it depends on the person. I've known several who preferred nursing and several who say they wish they'd stayed a CNA. Figure out the aspects of being a CNA that you enjoy and then see how much of that carries over to nursing.

Think of all the times you say "I'll go get the nurse" and then imagine having to be the one someone else is coming to get. And if you've ever worked with a CNA who simply doesn't do their job, it's on the nurse to pick up that slack. The pay is substantially better (how much better depends on the area and whether you are an RN or LPN) but there is a lot more responsibility as a nurse.

[OttawaRPN]

Seeing as there is considerable overlap between the two occupations, go for the nursing. More respect, money and opportunity.

[RevolutioN2013]

A friend of mine was licensed as a CNA and liked it but dropped out of nursing school. She was in her last semester and had to go before a board to explain why when charting the dispensation of an Ibuprofen to a patient who was being discharged, she forgot to notate it in one of five places required. Her nursing school was also like boot camp - the instructors basically try to break you down to teach you to take pressure. She had an instructor get her up in front of the class and repeat the word "corticosteroid" ten times because she had difficulty saying the work. Anyway, it was too much and she quit. She loved being a CNA, though, but she quit that because it was not enough money. She has her own house-cleaning business.

[mustlovepoodles, RN]

I started out as a CNA while I was in nursing school. I feel it was valuable experience. I got a chance to "try it on" and spend a lot of time with experienced nurses. I learned that I really did like taking care of people. I entered nursing with my eyes wide open.