Does working as a cna before becoming an rn make you a better rn?

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SmilingBluEyes

20,964 Posts

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

you go, FLO! show em!!!!!! you are right; to be quick to judge is plain stupid and shows just how ignorant we can be!

Flo1216

428 Posts

Wanna know something that made me feel good?I am really into infectious disease and microbiology. All of the time, I see foley bags dragging on the floor , ESPECIALLY in the ICU. So I always lift them up so they don't drag. An ICU nurse yelled at me and said I will cause urinary reflux. I told her the bags had an anti-reflux chamber and that dragging the bags on the floor was an infection waiting to happen. She told me she has been a nurse for 30 years and that she knew what she was talking about. I am just a lowly CNA..what do I know? Say anyway, I would sneak around like a little goblin and pick up all the foley bags off of the dirty floor.Well one day there was an irate memo from the D.O.N who had gotten an irate memo from the head of infection control about foley bags dragging on the floor. I was so triumphant. It's the little things in life....

SmilingBluEyes

20,964 Posts

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

foley bags on the floor drive me over the edge, too, and always have. i see this ALL the time! YUCK! have you considered specializing in infection control nursing? you would be damn good at it! you go!

Flo1216

428 Posts

Actually, yes. I have a great micro professor and she has made me so aware of poor infection control that I am insane. When I was little I used to want to work for the CDC. I just have this bizare interest in infectious diseases, especially the weird ones like Ebola and bubonic plague. Germs are just so cool.

SmilingBluEyes

20,964 Posts

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

Micro was my fave subject when I was taking pre-req's to nursing school. I agree, microbes are amazing things. You really would do well as an infection control nurse. GO FOR IT!

Specializes in CVOR,CNOR,NEURO,TRAUMA,TRANSPLANTS.

:roll

I was a CNA before I was a LPN or RN, and to be honest that was my testing : to see if I could cut it or not. The job of a CNA is one of the most grueling and one of the most rewarding jobs one will ever have. You learn patient care from the bottom up Litterally!!!!

You also learn tricks of the trade and You are very comfortable during clinicals , you can tell who was what when you get into clinicals , because the cream always rises to the TOP!!!

Good Luck to you in your schooling and I do hope to see you in the trenches SOON!!! We need as many willing souls out there in the battlefield I call work place , and for you to take the time to ask a question such as that shows that you truly have it in you to be a GOOD NURSE that cares enough to do a background assessment.

mario_ragucci

1,041 Posts

naw anne/kcchick - i was just funning with you. Ultimately, I show my admiration of your post by responding the way I do, with arrogance and stuff. I loved your post and the can do additude that is so refr3eshing these days when most people are at work all doped up on assorted meds and cell phone tethers.

i'm sorry if I came across as a bafoon; I respond differentlyto people like you who make me smile. Sorry :-(

KC CHICK

458 Posts

Thanks Mario....you're sweet.

Anne:)

pscnurse

1 Post

I currently work in a hospital as a Telemetry Technician. This is also good experience as I have to interact with RN's, physicians, technicians and other hospital personnel. I do have some opportunity at patient interaction (although not much). I have to take off orders so that allows me the opportunity of trying to figure out what the heck the doctors want and read their writing. I work very closely with the ward secretary and the charge (resource) nurse for the shift. I am also in my first year of RN nursing school. This is making work and school a challenge but somehow I will get through all this and will be better for it. Best of Luck to you!!:nurse:

mlolsonny

123 Posts

Specializes in Geri, psych, TCU, neuro--AKA LTC.

I'm currently in LPN training and then will start RN.

I've been a CNA for 1 1/2 years and I can't imagine walking in to do my first bed bath in clinical, without having some patient contact previously.

After working as a CNA, it will be second nature to help anyone . You won't even be able to go shopping without finding something to do for someone. We talk about it at work (a LTCF) and even the young girls find themselves helping people.

True story, my SIL just graduated with her RN and has never worked as a CNA. While visiting her grandpa in the LTCF, remarked that feeding was not in her job description... Well, I hope she's gotten a good look at her job description in the LTCF where she's working, because where I work, even the DON passes trays and feeds residents.

Now, I understand that she's the exception to the rule and will learn a lot in practice, but that shows me a lot about her attitude.

I also work as a medication aide, which has given me tons on insight into what our nurses do during a shift. When I'm passing meds for a shift, I'm the "nurse" on that side of the NH. I do treatments, dressing changes, vitals, take and give report, etc. The only things I can't do are chart, give PRN meds, and narcs.

If the facility you work for knows that you're a nursing student, you'll get in on a lot of things that most CNAs don't see.

The experience as a CNA is invaluable!

shanaRN

10 Posts

I worked as a CNA in a nursinf home, asst'd living, and a hospital. In the hospital I worked flex (tele, ortho-neuro, cancer center, rehab, womens center, transitional care, step-down, ER). Then I became an ER nurse. When I worked as a CNA I could definately tell what nurses had been an aid from the ones who had not. As a nurse the aids I work with can tell that I was a tech. There are big differences betwen the two types. I don't think twice about making a bed or cleaning up a pt, or putting them on a bed pan. Other nurses I work with will search all over the dept. to find a tech to do one of the afore mentioned duties. I definately never had "New-Grad Syndrome".

If you do decide to become a CNA before becoming a nurse, just remember your roots when you get there. It'll keep you much happier and more grounded.

ajbabie

2 Posts

Well I just thought I'd tell you a little from my experience. I have worked with MRDD individuals for about 2 1/2 years now. I pass meds, bath, help them with goals,etc. Everyday living stuff. Well I am not a CNA or a CMA. I am underneath our facilities RN's liscence. (Alot for her to sacrifice.) I love the experience I have had. I entered the Nursing program last fall. It made alot of difference to me individaully. I knew stuff others didn't know or had to ask questions on. I think personally it helped my confidence. I was so scared going into the program, affraid of failure or that I might not know as much as others. When in fact I knew more than around half. I am glad I had the experience

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