Anyone else offended by this radio commercial?

[T-Bird78]

There's a radio commercial for a certain school's BSN program. I get the point of the commercial, but they did it the wrong way. It's a lady talking about being a CNA, doing tasks that you don't want to think about and the best part of her day was stocking shelves. She goes on to say that she got her RN and was doing more complex tasks, like writing care plans, but that wasn't enough. Now that she's got her BSN from (insert school name), she's really doing what she loves.

I get the whole idea of the commercial, I really do, but I get so mad when I hear it. How dare the school belittle the importance of CNAs? The best part of their day isn't stocking shelves. And being an ADN isn't worthwhile? It just rubs me the wrong way and I was wondering if it bothered anyone else or if anyone has heard it.

[copeRN]

I haven't heard it, but I feel you. That seems pretty hurtful towards folks who do work as CNAs or with an ADN. No one is better than anyone. point, blank

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

No but that ad is demeaning. We need everyone is the medical field, everyone is important. There is no reason why they should've put an ad out like that. CNA, LVN/PN, RN-ADN or BSN. Regardless, they all do tasks that are important!

[ComeTogether, LPN]

I am offended by anyone thinking that there is anything "wrong" with being a CNA. Best part of the day is stocking shelves? What? Taking care of people is the best part of my day. When a patient tells me they love me or are genuinely thankful for what I've done for them it makes my day.

I have to say though, sadly, I'm used to the mentality that CNA's are "less than". I've heard so many comments throughout the years about the "menial" tasks CNA's have to do. I think sometimes its a power thing, like there is somehow something wrong with having a career that doesn't require a lot of education. What people fail to realize though, is it's not a job that everyone can do well. It takes a certain kind of person to do the kind of work a CNA has to do and its not for everyone. Sometimes I just think the people who think like that are just jealous they can't do it ;-)

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

RNs with a BSN still have to do those "tasks you don't want to think about". Wiping butt has always been a part of nursing and always will be.

[Hygiene Queen]

The best part of my day as a CNA was giving everyone a good wash-up, lotion and a good, smooth fresh bed to get into.

I also loved taking care of my bedridden folks and getting everything as perfect as possible so they were comfy--or at least looked as comfy as possible.

... Or how about when someone is covered head-to-toe in a nasty mess and you do a lot of hard work to wash 'em up so they feel better... no, no one likes cleaning feces or vomit, but to know you can step up to the plate and deal with it and maintain someone's comfort and dignity..

To me, that was rewarding.

Everything I did, I took pride in and I'm sorry some people think it's demeaning to be a CNA.

I understand some people can't handle it or they want to keep moving up that ladder-- that's fine...

But there's no reason to belittle those who want to and can.

It's a very important job that gets so very little respect.

[ellaballet]

I have to say though, sadly, I'm used to the mentality that CNA's are "less than". I've heard so many comments throughout the years about the "menial" tasks CNA's have to do. I think sometimes its a power thing, like there is somehow something wrong with having a career that doesn't require a lot of education.

I had a patient recently tell me to stop saying I was "just the tech" because I'm great at caring for people regardless of my title. THAT is the highlight of my day. I stock the shelves to pass the time!

As a CNA I'm used to feeling looked down upon, I'm used to being "just the tech". Its awful but true. I studied my butt off in college for a premed degree yet everyone who hears I'm a CNA assumes I'm dumb. I love what I do, I love taking care of people (and I can't wait to start nursing school in January!) but ugh it takes a toll on you. It stinks there are commercials like that just to reinforce these people's beliefs.

[LakeEmerald]

Haven't heard it, but it sounds like a lame commercial that appeals to the basest of human emotions and gives no credit to the intellect of its audience. Just like most of the other commercials that tell us that we're just not good enough so they can sell a product.

[SaoirseRN]

RNs with a BSN still have to do those "tasks you don't want to think about". Wiping butt has always been a part of nursing and always will be.

Exactly. Where I work we don't have CNAs in acute care, so yeah, I have a BSN because around here that is the requirement, but I still do total care for all my patients.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I never heard that commercial but it sounds despicable and perpetuates the worst misconceptions about health care. If you're too special to put your hands on anything, you shouldn't be in any type of health care field.

[JBudd, MSN]

Hmm, I have an MSN, and (gasp!!! I still stock the shelves in my rooms.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

I never heard that commercial but it sounds despicable and perpetuates the worst misconceptions about health care. If you're too special to put your hands on anything, you shouldn't be in any type of health care field.

I think it's okay for a nurse to want a job that doesn't involve direct care. Such jobs do exist. They're just not typically open to new grads. BSN or not.

Most of those types of jobs are either in consulting or education. Consulting for legal firms, telephone triage, nursing education, jobs like that. By definition, those jobs require the nurse to have had extensive hands on experience.

If this school is implying that a BSN degree is a magic key for it's graduates to bypass actual patient care, then they are misleading their students.