frustrated

Trauma Columnist · Sep 12, 2006

Hi and welcome. CNA/PCT work is hard. When you are new, it is very overwhelming. Please don't be frustrated with yourself. As to school - go for it - it will only give you more options for the future. At 40, you are hardly old. Nursing is a second career for me too.

Good luck

jb2u, ASN, RN · Sep 12, 2006

Hello and welcome to allnurses.com and the CNA Forum.

First, yes CNA work can be grueling. Second, it is hard to compare being a CNA with being a Nurse. I believe that as long as you give your best then you should go home happy knowing that you gave your all. Third, keep in mind that there are several areas of nursing that you can go into with lower nurse to patient ratios. Some require experience, but you can get your experience and then move into these areas. Home health is a one on one nursing experience. ICU's typically are 1:2 ratio. Some L&D's are 1:1 or 1:2 ratios. Of course, all of these positions have their own unique set of challenges, but they also have their rewards! I'd suggest that if you love nursing then don't give up. Instead, find your place in the wonderful world of nursing.

Happy Hunting,

Jay

AuntieRN · Sep 13, 2006

First let me say I just graduated from an ADN program. I will be 42 in April. Yes it was probably harder for me at times as I had to study harder then the youngins seemed to but I did it and so can you. Secondly, yes being a CNA is tough. And you are right 12 hours never seems to be enough time...but what you have to always remember is...nursing is a 24/7 service, what you can not get done can be done on the next shift. Make sure your patients are safe and taken care of to the best of your ability.

coadestone · Sep 13, 2006

First let me say I just graduated from an ADN program. I will be 42 in April. Yes it was probably harder for me at times as I had to study harder then the youngins seemed to but I did it and so can you. Secondly, yes being a CNA is tough. And you are right 12 hours never seems to be enough time...but what you have to always remember is...nursing is a 24/7 service, what you can not get done can be done on the next shift. Make sure your patients are safe and taken care of to the best of your ability.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. What made you decide

after 20+ years as a CNA to go for an ADN? (Just curious)

I decided the LPN route would be better for me - Congratulations

to you on graduating!!!!! And again, thanks.

chadash · Sep 13, 2006

Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this site and glad to see that ALLNURSES added
a CNA board. I've read several threads about nurses getting
frustrated and discouraged with their jobs, what about CNA's?
I have applied to go to an LPN program in 07' but after working as
a PCT at a local hospital for a month now I'm starting to re-think the whole
nursing thing. It's something I've always wanted to do but didn't have
time while raising my child so I waited until now - I'm 40 years old
and this will be a second career for me but I'm so frustrated; Even as a "PCT" the responsibility is huge, too many patients to do the job well, and I'm getting no feedback from my supervisors as to how I'm doing, what I should improve upon, etc. and a different preceptor every weekend.
I think about things I should have done after I get home and wonder if
I'll ever feel good about the job I've done, it just seems like there's
not enough time in a 12 hour shift to do everything. Any advice????

It is really hard work, that is for sure.

40 is not too late! If you can, go forward, you will not regret it!