I love my clinicals so far...

[TurtleCat]

I started my clinicals yesterday, and it's been a great experience so far. The first day was a little nerve-wracking and stressful since everything was so new to me, and I felt so awkward and incompetent. However, today was already a little better since I was a little more accustomed to the routine. Both days so far have consisted of pairing up with an experienced aide and shadowing them as they go about their routine, with the occasional assisting and hands-on help here and there. I have helped make beds, lifted and turned residents, fed them, etc.

So far I love it and am really glad I decided to go into this line of work. I love taking care of people and being able to make a difference in their lives, helping people who can't take of themselves. I love all the cute old people and getting to know the more alert and oriented ones. I'm already starting to feel like I'm at home there, and like this is a calling. I plan to apply to this nursing home after I get certified and I hope to get hired. I'm trying not to get too ahead of myself tho, I realize things are going to be a lot harder once I'm actually working and handling all the patients myself. But I'm trying to stay optimistic. The only thing I'm really worried about is the high rate of burn-out with this field.

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

I love your post! From what I read you can be my nurse any day (well, after you graduate). It is such a breath of fresh air not to have a student complain about bed baths, turning ect. Many seem to want the "real" nursing skills and dont understand the art of caring as a nurse. To change a diaphoretc pts sheets, wash hair that hasn't been washed in weeks, mech lift someone to the br so they can regain some dignity, these are the moments our pts remember. All the best in your career, geriatrics is lucky to be getting you

[kpossible]

Wow, this sounds awesome that you love working as a CNA! You could always do an alternative to a nursing home if it gets too much for you like a home health care CNA? It's more driving but more one-on-one with clients!