I am a CNA and ER Tech. I need an advise

[Elizabeththa21]

Hi guys/girls!

I want to tell you guys about my situation. I really need to get it out and since there is a lot of RNs here, and people with experience I really felt that it was a good idea writing it here.

I am 24 yr old. I graduated from high school at 17 but haven't graduated college yet (part time student)

I've always known that I wanted to be in the healthcare field (at least that's what I thought).

I graduated as a CNA and EMT.

BUT....... I worked as a CNA and I liked it at first but after 6 months of being employed, I absolutely hated it.

I was tired of nurses eating their young, I was tired of the company overworking us (sometimes 15 patients heavy weight), I was tired of my lower back pain when I couldn't even get up..

I got tired of people farting in my face, cleaning diarrhea 4 times to the same person, or vomit. I got tired of nurses blaming on the CNA on everything.

Don't get me wrong, I always felt that I did a great job, I always treated my patients with 100%dignity and respect ,no matter what. I had co workers that would make faces and complain in front of the patients and I never fell into that. I always tried my best to keep it 100% professional.

But, I just got so overwhelmed. And I felt that if only working 1 year I already feel overwhelmed (already quit). Then this career isn't for me right?

I mean, I realize that CNA and RN are 2 different things. But also, seeing myself in a monotonous place, where routine and same thing happens every single day??

I got so bored, and no matter how many times I felt that I was doing a difference, it never mattered to the staff. This also applies for my coworkers.

I got tired of giving 100% but still get screams from family members that you are not doing it right. When the company puts you 12-15 patients, and 2 showers, and dining room and expecting to do it by yourself (or if you have someone to help you, if you have luck).

I got so tired of my employer to expect me to work a 16hr shift when they needed someone. But if you needed a day. Nop , sorry not possible.

One time I worked 17hrs and they expect me to work 5 hrs later. I told them : Don't you guys give the next day off if you work 16 hours the day before. and they said:

Oh sorry, we are understaffed. Not our problem.

ALL this for 10 bucks an hour.

That's absolutely ridiculous.

Now, I am an EMT. Thank god I quit CNA I felt so relieved. I realy admire and respect all CNAs that have to deal with so much ******** for so many years, because they have a necessity. Luckily I don't and I got out as soon as I got my EMT.

I really thought Nursing was for me, and I don't know if RN is anywhere close to this experience. But thanks to this experience, this is how I feel about it.

Yes, I have my EMT license now, but... now I don't even know if I want to do healthcare anymore.

I don't know what to do with my life, I am 24 and I am confused of what I want.

I was thinking lawyer, the complete opposite!!!

Is this normal? Is this a process?? Is nursing how I just described it.?

Gosh

I hope someone read the whole thing!! hahaha

Happy holidays Thank you!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Welcome to AN!

No, nursing is not for everyone. Like you, there are those who go into the healthcare field expecting one thing and find it is another. Only you can decide where to go with your future.

[brownbook]

I assume you were working in some type of skilled nursing home. That is one tough job (the toughest!!!!), harsh exposure to nursing, for any health care worker.

I've been working as a RN in acute care, then out patient surgery, for over 30 years and never came close to experiencing what you did in your one year working as a CNA in what I assume was a nursing home.

I know there are good, decent, (even fun), interesting, jobs, in well run facilities, for CNA's , RN's etc. A good thing about becoming a RN is you can, with a little job experience, transfer to different units, areas, find one you like.

[meg0620]

I'm actually feeling the exact same way. I was dead set on going to nursing school until about 8 months after becoming a cna at a hospital. They overwork us. 16 patients per CNA on the heaviest/busiest floor in the hospital. Very high acuity. It's burning me out already. I should have stayed in the float pool but this floor just made me hate being in the healthcare field period. I don't want to be a nurse at all anymore. But I really don't have any other options at this point I feel like.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

There IS no description for nursing. Each and everyone of us has their own story.

It appears you have become fried with the medical field. You need to consult a school counselor.

Discover what your real interests and passions are.

Best of luck, hope you find them.