Please Help!...

Nurses General Nursing

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Hi Folks,

I've been really busy this semester so I've only been lurking the past couple of months or so...but I've got a question that's been plaguing me a bit lately.

I'm currently taking a CNA course which is a requirement to get into the nursing program at my local Jr. College. The problem is that I hate the class! First, I don't think my instructor should be teaching this class. Don't get me wrong, she's a nice person...I just feel she's not suited to teach this class. I'd explain but it would take way too long and that's not the main issue. The main issue is that I really dislike my clinical experience. I've always hated nursing homes and this one is no different. So far, I've had no problems with the smells and I haven't had too many problems carrying out any of my duties. I'm still not 100% comfortable with the transfers (my assigned pt. is a 2- person transfer with no pt. assistance.). I guess one of the main problems I have is that I can't communicate with my pt. very well...she's had a stroke and doesn't speak well and I think she got the onset of mild dementia. Furthermore, this is the only experience I'm getting...we're only working in the dementia unit and this will be my only pt.

I guess my problem is that I haven't figured out if I just hate the nursing home atmosphere (which I knew in advance I would) or if I hate the work too. As I said before, I don't mind the smell...and it's not the poop that gets to me...I think it's just the facility. Has anyone been a CNA in a hospital atmosphere? What was that like for you? I don't think this means I'll be a bad nurse...I just think that I will come away from this class with a better understanding and appreciation for what the CNA's do. I mean...what do you think? Do you think I'll be a bad nurse because I don't like being CNA? I thought I wanted to work as a CNA through school but I'm seriously considering getting my phlebotomy certification after this just so I don't have to work as a CNA after I quit my job and start my program full time. I'm just really frustrated right now! Thanks for letting me vent! Any advice or words of wisdom you have to offer are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

~Bean

Nursing is wonderfull in the sense that there is so much possibilities. You've got to find what you like. Don't stay on the impression that what you live right now is the "only thing". Keep your mind and eyes open. If I hadn't try working in ICU after a couple of months after I started working as a nurse, I don't think I'd still be one! This is my place. Hope you find yours. Good luck!

;)

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Originally posted by renerian

Summer since when I was taking my training we had no aides or lpns. The RNs did the entire care. We passed waters, trays, did all the transfers, beds everything. So I already knew that........I think they could learn the same thing in a nursing semester 1 course. I think they are trying to generate revenue for the college...

renerian

I went back and read this again, and I agree with you as far as that extra revenue thing and it being a semester 1 of RN!

I am doing it as part of my semester 1 course, and we didn't have to be a CNA as a pre-req. This whole first semester is CNA training except that we can do sterile techniques (I don't know if CNA's do foleys, NG's or wound care?) and we have to do careplans. The last 3 weeks we will be passing meds as well as doing all the other things you listed. In other words, like you used to do, the entire care. Thankfully it is only for one patient to start because I had to learn the CNA job as well as all the other techniques. Then it is bye-bye LTC!

Bean, do they make you do this all over again your first semester of the RN course as well??? They shouldn't if the pre-req is CNA!

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Specializes in MS Home Health.

Judy you are special to love LTC. Does not work for me......

renerian

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Specializes in home health.

Something to remember: unless you specialize in OB or Peds, you will be a geriatric nurse, at least some of the time. With the aging of the population and all that.. Any skills you pick up at a LTC facility you will be able to use wherever you go. Look for things to learn while you're there to keep it a positive experience.

I've worked as a CNA in LTC and in a hospital. There are good and bad points to each. As a nurse, I really like working LTC that i'm doing now.. being able to get to know the residents and what is "normal" for each one, and *knowing* when something is off. THe CNAs are my eyes are ears..I have 30 residents, they each have 10-12 and get to know the patients much better than I! I can't tell you how many times a CNA has come to me and said "someting's wrong here..you need to come right now" and they've been right..we've neded up 911ing some one out..

LTC is hard work, but we can laugh, cry and dance with our residents. Giving a hug to a person who has no family visiting..

means more than I can say..

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Specializes in Mostly LTC, some acute and some ER,.

I havn't the sligtest clue about hospitals. I know of quite a bit of emergancy medical situations and I enjoy them.

I stick to LTC. It is depressing and hard work, but the LTC that I am working at now, I feel, is the reason I was put on this earth. I think LTC is great, but its not for everyone.

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I just wanted to take a second and thank everyone for their responses. I appreciate them all! Thanks again! :D

~Bean

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