Feeling unimportant in my new job.

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Well, as some of you know I started a new CNA position in the same day surgery unit. Today was day two and I'm having some problems. I don't have the same responsibilities as before. I take vitals, prepare iv's (tubing and shots) change over rooms (clean and make beds), assist pts. to the restroom and repositioning, etc. I'm used to having a bigger role in my patients care. I miss telemetry, giving bed baths, changing briefs, and just basic patient care. I miss that feeling you get after you spend 45 minutes in a room bathing, dressing, changing dressings, and the patient is all clean and comfortable and all my care is up to date. I feel like anyone could do my job. I don't feel very important. However, this new job pays me 9.40 an hour ($1 more than my last job) and it offers medical and dental insurance. Maybe I just haven't really gotten to know the staff. I just miss being a part of patient care, charting (as crazy as that sounds...), and the excitement of taking care of critical patients. Does anyone have any advice? :o

Keely

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I feel like anyone could do my job. I don't feel very important.

Of course you'e important. You've just changed venues if you will. Responsibilities vary as you know from position to position but your duties in each one are all important.

Suggestions? I'm sure you'll get to give plenty more bed baths and telemetry etc..in your career.

Z

Who would KILL to have your job right now ! :chuckle

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

You are so very important in the team. Do not let these feelings take hold and get you down. Nothing is more "important" or worth more than a good CNA or nurse ----they are worth their weight in pure platinum. You sound like an excellent care provider to me.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Oh and I agree w/Z's advice. Good luck and don't get down on yourself.

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Specializes in Telemetry, ICU, Resource Pool, Dialysis.

I think you will find something in this new job to take the place of some of your old duties. Aren't many of these patients anxious about surgery, or kind of scared when they wake up? Having someone kind, competent and efficient during these times really counts. Having surgery, even out-patient, is a pretty big thing for most people. I see opportunities for you to make the experience just a little more bearable for them! :chuckle

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Oh and I agree w/Z's advice. Good luck and don't get down on yourself.

....as I agree with Smilingbueyes....... :chuckle

Z

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

Sorry you feel out of place. At your previous employeer, was it the fact you felt like you had accomplished something after 45 minutes, or was it the 45 minutes you spent interacting with your client that you liked?

Same day surgery- do you see them before or after the surgery, or both? If before, you still have a chance to make a big impact- they're scared! -andrea

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Thanks z, smilingblueyes, pricklypear, and Aneroo for your advice. :p I am with patients before and after surgery (sometimes they detour to PACU). I just miss the patient interaction. But I know from my own experience that sometimes talking and reassuring is just what you need and just as important as any bedbath. I'll go in tomorrow with that in mind. Thanks guys. (hugs)

Keely

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Congratulations on your baby to be Aneroo! :balloons:

Keely

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Just as a chain is only as strong at it's weakest link, a team is only as strong as it's weakest member. Your job is very important. Take pride in what you do! Embrace the changes and challenges.

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Just as a chain is only as strong at it's weakest link, a team is only as strong as it's weakest member. Your job is very important. Take pride in what you do! Embrace the changes and challenges.

Thanks for your support (hug)

Keely

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Specializes in CNA/ ALF & Hospital.

I'm thinkin' of trying out for a CNA in a Same Day Surgery Dept. but, my scare is running IV'S. Do I really have that responsibility? I hope not!!!!!

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