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I would say that the stress is different, not more or less. As a PCT, I was responsible for a lot of physical tasks for a lot of pts. That was stressful, and physically hard. As an RN, I am responsible for a lot of somewhat-less-physical tasks for fewer people. Med passes are not as physically hard as a bunch of baths, but I'm still on my feet all the time, and I still help bathe and clean incontinence on my pts.
There is an added level of responsibility when you are the nurse vs. the aid. When I was the aid, if there was a problem, I would defer to the nurse. When you are the nurse, the buck stops with you (although if you are in a supportive unit you can always find help/guidance from colleagues & people like your charge nurse or nurse supervisor).
I enjoy being a nurse so much more than being a PCT, although my PCT experience was invaluable. It's hard to put my finger on why. I like pt education, which I get to do more of now. I like problem-solving, which I get to do plenty of now. It's not a lot of repetitive stuff (vitals, baths, OOB, toileting), meaning I have the opportunity to learn more every day.
I'm not saying you must become a nurse, only you can decide what's right for you. But I'm glad I did. I don't dread going to work like I did when I was a PCT. And I know you specifically wanted to discount pay, but the paycheck's a lot better.
:paw:
I was a CNA for 15 years before I got my RN. I find it equally rewarding and challenging in a different way. There are times I long for the days that all I had to worry about were ADL's. I missed that when I became an LPN then RN but the rewards are just different. It is my experience that being a CNA prior to being a nurse gave me a boost in confidence and the skills I developed as a CNA have been invaluable in my practice as a nurse.
Good Luck with school.
I guess I would say, CNAs/PCTs spend much more time directly with the patients. Nurses do spend a lot of time on paperwork. also, nurses have the added responsiblity. But I would not go back even if I could. Nurses have a huge amount of variety to choose from. CNAs don't have very much. It's just ADLs whether in the hospital, nursing home or in a home care situation. It's up to you to decide what balance you can live with.
I did...was a CNA on the same floor that i work on now...did it for 3 years. It took some getting used to. I'm responsible for more with less patients...usually about 5-6 things. sometimes my nights are easy..sometimes they're rough. I'm not above changing someone, taking them to the bathroom, or doing whatever I can to help..
some nights I'm just swamped with extra things and admits coming, and can't help delegating the things I can't do at that moment.
I try to get my charting done asap, and then just as needed. Then I try to make sure I have everything I need to do something with a patient so I don't have to come back in again.
it depends...but if you have the confidence in yourself to give great care and meet your patient needs, you can do it!
emmasma
46 Posts
Money aside
Which job do you like better?
Which is harder?
I am a CNA preparing to enter nursing school. I want a better income, but am alittle nervous because I really enjoy my job. I can work hard and like to take care of my people, and I hate paperwork.
The nurses always seem even more under staffed and stressed than us. This scares me some because I work to my absolute limit sometimes and still end up having to cut corners. Even though I am capable, and efficient; I feel that I might not be able to do it.
Did anyone else feel this way?