Gn skills level equivalent only to NA level 2?

aruray · Dec 17, 2004

Im finishing as an ADN and came across this skills checklist in many nursing positions. Quite surprised to find out my skills only measured up to a nursing assistant level 2. Its depressing to know that. I dont even know how to interpret a 10 lead data. Shoot, I was happy I knew how to apply the leads! (only to find out its a nursing assistant skill :stone *gasp*) The only difference that I see from a NA and myself are my basic wound care skills and my lousy assessment skills (need to practice here so bad) My skills are no where near what a med-surg nurse is expected to do. Never was taught/ trained to do any procedure or handle any equipment in school or in the clinical. This is causing me quite a panic attack.

Is it normal to have skills in this level only? or is it I just got some really really bad education. Two years in school is quite a long time to learn nursing assistant skills. Oh this really sucks!.

With that said, how is a new graduate nurse is able to work in ICU with only 8wk orientation? I dont get it.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

I bet if you think about it, you will (or do) have skills as a GN (unlicensed graduate--once you are licensed you are an RN, thank you)....

How about starting and stopping IV's?

PRN meds? (I'd say, any meds, but I learned that some aides give meds....)

IM's and SQ's.

Giving nasal O2 without an order.

Tube feedings.

Placement of NG tubes.

Assessment of prior placement of said NG tubes.

Calling the physician for clarification of orders or to suggest some.

Delegating.

Assessment, nursing diagnosis, care planning, charting.

Don't worry, you've got skills!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

I bet if you think about it, you will (or do) have skills as a GN (unlicensed graduate--once you are licensed you are an RN, thank you)....

How about starting and stopping IV's?

PRN meds? (I'd say, any meds, but I learned that some aides give meds....)

IM's and SQ's.

Giving nasal O2 without an order.

Tube feedings.

Placement of NG tubes.

Assessment of prior placement of said NG tubes.

Calling the physician for clarification of orders or to suggest some.

Delegating.

Assessment, nursing diagnosis, care planning, charting.

Don't worry, you've got skills!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

With that said, how is a new graduate nurse is able to work in ICU with only 8wk orientation? I dont get it.

One word:

Preceptor.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

With that said, how is a new graduate nurse is able to work in ICU with only 8wk orientation? I dont get it.

One word:

Preceptor.

aruray · Dec 17, 2004

One word:
Preceptor.

Ah yes I do have some skills, but still not enough required to take on a huge responsibility of having to take care of a patient. I felt really confident and competent to finally go out there and work as a nurse, until I saw the skills checklist. I feel so stupid and ignorant of even thinking I was ready to be an actual nurse. Theres no way I can effectively perform my duties with the skills that I have!

After the perceptor is gone, then what?

So it takes 8 wks to learn all these complicated procedures and treatments and two years in nursing school to qualify as a nurse's aide. The thought is making me crazy.

aruray · Dec 17, 2004

One word:
Preceptor.

Ah yes I do have some skills, but still not enough required to take on a huge responsibility of having to take care of a patient. I felt really confident and competent to finally go out there and work as a nurse, until I saw the skills checklist. I feel so stupid and ignorant of even thinking I was ready to be an actual nurse. Theres no way I can effectively perform my duties with the skills that I have!

After the perceptor is gone, then what?

So it takes 8 wks to learn all these complicated procedures and treatments and two years in nursing school to qualify as a nurse's aide. The thought is making me crazy.

ZootRN · Dec 17, 2004

Are you serious? Our textbook and clinical instructor said O2 is a drug and cannot be given without an order.

Giving nasal O2 without an order.

ZootRN · Dec 17, 2004

Are you serious? Our textbook and clinical instructor said O2 is a drug and cannot be given without an order.

Giving nasal O2 without an order.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

Are you serious? Our textbook and clinical instructor said O2 is a drug and cannot be given without an order.
Giving nasal O2 without an order.

Or per hospital protocol, which is in effect, a standing order. Under most conditions, hospital protocol gives nurses authority to use O2 therapy on a PRN basis. When your patient is crashing, or is in acute distress, we have to be able to act quickly. Hospital protocol is a beautiful thing.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2004

Are you serious? Our textbook and clinical instructor said O2 is a drug and cannot be given without an order.
Giving nasal O2 without an order.

Or per hospital protocol, which is in effect, a standing order. Under most conditions, hospital protocol gives nurses authority to use O2 therapy on a PRN basis. When your patient is crashing, or is in acute distress, we have to be able to act quickly. Hospital protocol is a beautiful thing.