Hired as a Nurse Extern being used in CNA capacity

[N51308]

Hi all,

I am looking for help/guidance in my situation. I have worked at a local hospital for 4 years as a unit secretary. Last year during my summer break between freshman and senior year I participated in a externship. It was extremely beneficial and I decided to stay on a Telemetry Unit with my current preceptor and continue learning in this capacity.

Recently my manager came to me and said they no longer wanted me to work with that preceptor and that I would be assigned to whichever nurse they felt like giving me to "gain further experience from more experienced nurses." I have noticed that since that decision I am not used as much in my role as a Nurse Extern instead I ambeing asked to help out more and more with CNA duties.

Now, I am not against helping the CNAs and most times help out willingly. But it seems that instead of shadowing a nurse and learning I am being asked to do the CNAs job especially when their short. I already did the majority of the CNA work for the patients I was assigned to with my preceptor but more and more all the nurses are pulling me to help them with vital signs, blood sugars, doing their database admisssions, discharging their patients in general anything they don't want to do or be bothered with.

Just the other day one nurse asked helped me to feed her patient who was blind, the charge nurse came in and instructed me to stop feeding him and go help with his admission and get vital signs and weight???!!!! Also there was a CNA already getting the patient's vital signs and weight. He just wanted me to do his admission! And Did I mention the patient I was feeding screams when he doesn't get his food right away. The charge nurse told me that this patient was "always hungry and just close the door it would be fine." Meanwhile the nurse who asked me to help was upset with both him and I.

I am all about helping out the floor but now I feel as many of my classmates felt that I am being taken advantaged of!! I really don't enjoy going in anymore because I am with my preceptor for maybe 20 minutes before I am pulled into working as a CNA. I hadn't planned on staying there after graduation; however, I am participating in their tuition reimbursement program and receive benefits. With just four months till graduation I would hate leave but I am beginning to despise my coworkers. I have considered an interdepartmental transfer to work as a sitter/CNA companion which would still involve helping the patient with basic bedside care but it would be one patient as opposed to the whole floor. This last semester has been extremely stressful already I don't need the hassel of dealing with department politics to add to my stress level!

Has anyone expereinced this and do you have any advice? Thanks for your time in advance.

[Kendra87]

Sounds pretty typical to me. Hospitals are short staffed and in return, they'll use any and everyone to get the job done. While I know it can't be easy, I definitely think you should tough it out. Besides the fact that they're paying for your education, it is a job and temporarily, it's paying the bills. Your a Nurse Extern, right? Welp, get used to the stress, the drama, and the bs. I'm sure you're stronger than you think. Stay strong! :redpinkhe

[N51308]

Thanks Kendra87. I agree that I am probably rushing my decision. Upon further insight I have decided to stick it out. I think my frustration lies in that my original preceptor did look out for me and provided multiple learning opportunities. Yes, I know we all most work as a team. And as I mentioned before I don't believe I'm above helping out with any duties. However, my main concern is lately I am not learning but filling in for the CNAs. I do have control of my schedule though and may alter that to work with the Nurses who I know will give me multiple opportunities to learn and participate. Again, thank you for all the advice.

[Jamie2887]

I've always been told that until I pass my NCLEX (still in NS at the moment) that we are nothing by "glorified CNA's" so what your explaining is very typical, it it what half our class does to make their living while in NS, so I too would just tough it out, 4 months will fly by!

[NoviceRN10]

Sounds like your duties are typical of a nurse aide/nurse tech/extern. I had my first hospital experience today and from what I could tell, the students that worked as nurses' aides had more confidence and skills than those that didn't. You are gaining invaluable knowledge in your current position!

[JBudd, MSN]

Glad you decided to stick it out, and it sounds like a good plan to schedule yourself to be with nurses that help you out.

Just keep reminding yourself that CNA work is still nursing duties, its just the part where we can have help. And you did learn something from the nurse who said just shut the door, you learned what NOT to do for good patient care!

Have you let your manager know that some of the nurses don't seem to be aware of what externing is as opposed to CNA? Do it in a noncomplaining voice, just bring up that you appreciate the chance to work with more than one nurse but not everyone understands that you are looking to them as preceptors for advancing your nursing (not aide) skills. Don't point fingers, or put down anyone, just ask if she will pass the word in general for you.

Good luck!