Feeling inadequate (looongg vent)

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Specializes in Step down ICU, Medical-Surgical, Acute Rehab.

So I've been coming to allnurses, looking at the topics, seeing people vent, and I wanted to do some venting. So I started working as an CNA. Did orientation for 2 weeks, maybe longer. Failed my test the first time, right before I was suppose to start on my own. Took it again and passed and just completed my first shift with about 11 residents. Let's just say that I have discovered LTC is not for me! At all. I know experience will bring about a lot of changes, but first of all, I'm a perfectionist. Also I'm an extremely meticulous person, very slow in thinking (not dumb btw :laugh:) but the hustle and bustle of working at the nursing home has really pulled the rug from under my feet. I feel slow, stupid, inadequate, alone, and just miserable working as a CNA. Every time time I start having trouble though, I start to doubt whether I really truly am qualified to continue my ed as an RN. I'm thinking if my friends can do it, why am I feeling so dumb! I'm like an outcast with my co-workers since I'm so new. Can I make it as an RN if I can't even do a job as an CNA! Help!:cry: Don't want to quit (actually I do) but nothing but pride, wanting experience, God Himself (I'm a Christian) are keeping me going.

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I've been a CNA for a year now and I always told myself I could never work in a nursing home. Nursing homes are a work load and you need to be fast and efficient although most homes I've been to (not all) are very sloppy. I work for hospice as a CNA and I get to work on my own time and pace. I love it because I get to spend legitimate quality time with my patients w/o the thought of having 10 more patients to visit. Not all CNA jobs are the same. I'm just a week away from starting the nursing program too! ;-) don't doubt yourself, and focus on how fat you've come!

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Far***

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

With time, you will get the routine of the LTC down and build up your speed. Also, with time as you get to know people you will feel like less of an outsider. I say give it more time before you think about quitting

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Specializes in Step down ICU, Medical-Surgical, Acute Rehab.

I've about to say, I didn't think I was fat:o:cheeky:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Nursing is the ultimate in fast-paced jobs. It requires you to continuously juggle multiple competing priorities and deal with a constant barrage of new information - all the while making decisions that can have serious consequences for your patients. It would not be suitable if you are a person who requires a more organized and predictable environment.

This has nothing to do with intelligence, motivation or energy level.... it has to do with the way your brain is wired. You are smart to have already recognized the factors that are making you uncomfortable. There are other types of healthcare occupations that may be more suitable for your personality.

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Specializes in Step down ICU, Medical-Surgical, Acute Rehab.

I haven't given up nursing though because there are soooo many different areas of it that I don't want to quit everything because of one job:shy:

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Hun I know exactly how you feel. I have been working as CNA for a little over a year now and when I first started I wanted to quit, especially after I had got out of training and I was sent back for oneday over something so minor she could have just given me a warning. But trust the experience is good and will let you know if you want to really be an RN. As CNA we have the most contact with the patients and are the main ones they see and see them before, during, and after the nurse. You maybe feeling bad now but trust if you quit now you want know if nursing is really for you are not. Nursing is fast pace but what you will learn as an aid will help and make you a better nurse. Lets say it is training you for your future as a nurse. I have had my venting moments too and its always good to vent and have poeple who are or are going through the samething as you tell you thier exsperience. I still want to be a nurse even with all my obsticles. No matter what I will be in the healthcare field.

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I haven't given up nursing though because there are soooo many different areas of it that I don't want to quit everything because of one job:shy:

Ok. Lots of different areas. Name one that doesn't require experience in a fast-thinking area before you can get it.

Being more of a deliberate thinker isn't a bad thing. But it's not really compatible with nursing.

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