I'm having doubts about nursing... :(

Published

Okay everyone, I am just starting my second semester of nursing school and I just had my first day at orientation on the med-surge floor that I will be at this semester. This is my first semester doing clinicals.. Long story short, I absolutely hated it. But there are several factors that may have affected my experience with it. Because it was orientation we were not set up with computer access so some of us were set up to shadow an RN, and others were set up to shadow a CNA. I got set up to shadow a CNA, I felt so unfulfilled.. We literally changed sheets, and cleaned poop the whole time. I was envious of my other classmates that got the opportunity to shadow nurses. The whole day I kept thinking to myself, am I really busting my a** in nursing school for this? It was extremely disheartening and discouraging. I went home almost in tears. Now let me back up and acknowledge the fact, that YES I WAS WITH A CNA, and I am sure it is much better actually shadowing a nurse. I was able to pop in and tag along with other classmates, but even then it was kind of boring. I know I should probably give it another chance but it was not a good first impression at all by any means.

I guess I just thought it would be more exciting... I would be able to use more of my nursing skills. I just don't know if I will ever like the med-surge floor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Geez. It was just ONE day. Put it behind you.

Oh...and now would be a very good time to get out your asbestos underwear.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I understand it was one day, but as a nursing student it is a day you dream of... I think many other nursing students can relate. They look forward to their first day of clinical. So when it doesn't live up to the "hype" its kind of a bummer. I am allowed to vent.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Please do society and yourself a favor and don't become a nurse. Nurses clean poop too ya know. Oh my mistake, in sure you will get a glamorous NP job and never see poop. Get over yourself !

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sorry... did I say anything in that post about not liking to clean up poop? Hm... I don't think so. I think you may have missed the point of what I was trying to say...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Okay everyone, I am just starting my second semester of nursing school and I just had my first day at orientation on the med-surge floor that I will be at this semester. This is my first semester doing clinicals.. Long story short, I absolutely hated it. But there are several factors that may have affected my experience with it. Because it was orientation we were not set up with computer access so some of us were set up to shadow an RN, and others were set up to shadow a CNA. I got set up to shadow a CNA, I felt so unfulfilled.. We literally changed sheets, and cleaned poop the whole time. I was envious of my other classmates that got the opportunity to shadow nurses. The whole day I kept thinking to myself, am I really busting my a** in nursing school for this? It was extremely disheartening and discouraging. I went home almost in tears. Now let me back up and acknowledge the fact, that YES I WAS WITH A CNA, and I am sure it is much better actually shadowing a nurse. I was able to pop in and tag along with other classmates, but even then it was kind of boring. I know I should probably give it another chance but it was not a good first impression at all by any means.

I guess I just thought it would be more exciting... I would be able to use more of my nursing skills. I just don't know if I will ever like the med-surge floor.

You might watch too much TV if you were expecting a riveting experience. In any case, wandering around with a CNA from time to time can actually teach you something. I think I learned many of my "people" skills from them in clinical ...making patients feel comfortable, gaining their cooperation, setting limits, etc. If nothing else, they're contacts in the nursing world whose opinions of you may count for something to the people who do the hiring.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Once again, you watch way too much TV.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just a crappy day... (bad dad joke I know).

Not a nurse yet myself, but all the best and hope you start feeling better about it!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Coming from someone who is in a profession where you should show empathy and compassion daily, I came here to vent as a frustrating student. Not every specialty of nursing is for everyone, and just because I didn't enjoy my first day of clinical doesn't mean I should get grilled for it either. I notice that a lot of people get shamed for the posts they make in this forum and I don't believe that is right. I never said I was too good to be with the CNA, that I hate poop or anything along those lines. It was humbling to see the CNA interact with the patient because he did such a good job. I have the upmost respect for him. So let me make that clear. I was just looking to learn more in the process, I saw the EKG boards on the wall and I had to go find a nurse to ask a question about a rhythm on the monitor. Everytime we went into a patient room the CNA, did not know why they were being hospitalized. It was those types of things that I felt I missed out on. I wasn't expecting someone to come in a stretcher while coding, and everyone running around like crazy.....

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you, thats just what i keep telling myself, lol :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you, thats just what i keep telling myself, lol :)

Just a heads up, if you're expecting empathy or inclusivity here, ain't going to happen on this forum. Ironically though, they'll be more than happy to tell you nurses need to be. lol

I can get what you're saying though. I was looking at my practicum services and most of them aren't where I'd imagine them to be. Kinda just have to put the work in is my thought process, and hope it pays off. I can imagine being disheartened though, hopefully you'll feel better next time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Coming from someone who is in a profession where you should show empathy and compassion daily, I came here to vent as a frustrating student. Not every specialty of nursing is for everyone, and just because I didn't enjoy my first day of clinical doesn't mean I should get grilled for it either. I notice that a lot of people get shamed for the posts they make in this forum and I don't believe that is right. I never said I was too good to be with the CNA, that I hate poop or anything along those lines. It was humbling to see the CNA interact with the patient because he did such a good job. I have the upmost respect for him. So let me make that clear. I was just looking to learn more in the process, I saw the EKG boards on the wall and I had to go find a nurse to ask a question about a rhythm on the monitor. Everytime we went into a patient room the CNA, did not know why they were being hospitalized. It was those types of things that I felt I missed out on. I wasn't expecting someone to come in a stretcher while coding, and everyone running around like crazy.....

Your post might be a better fit in the "Students" section. Maybe you'd get more of the types of responses that you're expecting there?

To me, it just sounds like a bunch of petty, dramatic whining followed by fake "outrage" at being misunderstood.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion