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

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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.

I don't mind vents but I do mind when the vent includes insulting attitudes about other people, positions, etc. I was the very first to respond and I warned the OP because the first post did not come across as a vent, was dismissive of the work the CNA did and was a bit on the dramatic side. I knew what was going to happen and it did. There ARE diplomatic ways to discuss potentially sensitive topics. The OP needs to learn this because it's an extremely important skill when dealing with patients and families. She didn't like what I said but I never attacked her. I never said anything worse than mentioning her lack of diplomacy and even let her know how she could have avoided making the mistake in the first place. I was met with vulgar personal attacks and judgments about my ability to be a nurse. What does that say about the OP? This site isn't a support group. When you put something out there you need to understand that your words can be interpreted differently than you intended. It's not the reader's fault. If someone misunderstands you then calmly explain your point. No need for Internet yelling and insult-slinging. As a nurses we need to develop the skill of keeping our emotions in check and this is a good place to practice it.

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YES I AM AWARE I WILL BE DOING BED BATHS, TURNING PATIENTS, POOP CLEANING AND ALL THE SKILLS A CNA DOES... is that the highlight of everyone's nursing career?? Absolutely not! So why would it be the highlight of my day as a first day clinical student.

Because that is nursing fundamentals or Nursing 101 if you will. This is exactly the trajectory that nursing school clinicals have followed since the beginning. You start with the foundation. These are not CNA skills these are fundamentally nursing skills. There is a lot about nursing that is not exciting. In fact, most of it isn't. Even in the areas one would think would be 24-7 excitement (ED,ICU, flight nursing). Your "disappointing" experience on one day, of orientation no less, is no reason to chuck the whole thing. The things you did on your first day were absolutely appropriate for a student brand new to clinicals.

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I think one reason why the OP got these reactions is because the title "I'm having doubts about nursing...".

I agree - like she doesn't want to be a nurse anymore because she spent her day doing "menial" tasks. Perhaps not what she intended, but that my my impression nonetheless.

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Unfortunately, OP, clinical rotations in nursing school will most likely do little to prepare you to be an actual RN. I know I learned little about being a nurse from clinical rotations. I DID however, learn about the disease process.

I see myself and the CNA as a team. If I am in a position to help them, I will. Whether that is helping to empty trash in patient rooms, or passing out breakfast trays. But I also don't hesitate to ask for their help when I need it. We are a team, and we sink or swim together.

Hopefully you are understanding that this Web Site will prepare you for the nurses you will encounter once you start working. Some will be helpful and non-judgmental. Others will take every opportunity to stab you in the back. Some will be in the middle of the road. My favorite version of the "mean girls in scrubs" are the ones who appear to be friendly and helpful, while trashing you to co-workers as soon as your back is turned. Yes, folks like that are very real.

But never, never, lose your voice. If you lose that, you are doomed. Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right.

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Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.
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.....

AND there it is. We are supposed to "empathize" with you and give you only nice, compassionate answers?

You clearly don't understand nursing really is; that when I became a nurse, I did not sign up as martyr or angel sent from Heaven or agree with everyone cause "nurses are nice".

Give me a break.

Do what is asked of you in nursing school; your turn will come for "more exciting" things, but if you are looking for TV type stuff, quit while you're ahead.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
I don't mind vents but I do mind when the vent includes insulting attitudes about other people, positions, etc. I was the very first to respond and I warned the OP because the first post did not come across as a vent, was dismissive of the work the CNA did and was a bit on the dramatic side. I knew what was going to happen and it did. There ARE diplomatic ways to discuss potentially sensitive topics. The OP needs to learn this because it's an extremely important skill when dealing with patients and families. She didn't like what I said but I never attacked her. I never said anything worse than mentioning her lack of diplomacy and even let her know how she could have avoided making the mistake in the first place. I was met with vulgar personal attacks and judgments about my ability to be a nurse. What does that say about the OP? This site isn't a support group. When you put something out there you need to understand that your words can be interpreted differently than you intended. It's not the reader's fault. If someone misunderstands you then calmly explain your point. No need for Internet yelling and insult-slinging. As a nurses we need to develop the skill of keeping our emotions in check and this is a good place to practice it.

Exactly. The OP came across as melodramatic and entitled. Questioning if she should be a nurse because her first day of clinical was not more exciting. (If she's that easily discouraged, maybe she should question her career choice.) The feedback she got was the natural reaction to how she presented. It was definitely feedback she needed to heed if she wants any kind of success in life.

Nursing is not a profession for those who want a sheltered life. If your life has been sheltered thus far, expect a few unpleasant adjustments. No one here was "rude" to the OP. Many were blunt, which apparently triggered rage and insults. Not a good sign.

Advising her to complain to or about her instructors because she's not immediately thrilled with her clinical experience? Way to set someone up to torpedo herself. The open-door policy can quickly become an exit door.

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I didn't advise her to complain because she didn't like her immediate clinical experience. If the pattern continues, she SHOULD complain.

As I have already stated, I COMPLAINED loudly about instructors during my time in nursing school. Of course, the meek advised me against doing so. But I knew I was right, and as one instructor told me just before pinning ceremony: These people owe you a lot.

Colleges and universities need to understand that they are selling a PRODUCT. Nothing more. Students can choose to transfer to other institutions if they don't like the education they receive. I am not saying that is what the OP should do, but if the pattern continues she should definitely open her mouth.

I completely agree that nurses are no angels or saints. I ran out of empathy with a dementia med-surge patient last week when he asked for a fourth blanket. He didn't get that fourth blanket because it would quickly turn into a fifth and sixth and so on.

But I do have empathy for fellow nurses and students who are struggling with issues because I know how hard nursing, and nursing school are. So I am very open to the venting.

You all just keep patting yourselves on the back for giving the OP some "tough" love and advise to heed.

In my opinion, it would serve her well to take it with a grain of salt.

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In my opinion, it would serve her well to take it with a grain of salt.

Well of course, this IS the Internet after all.

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Lastly, it really bothers me when someone feels like a poster on here is rude or snarky to them and immediately snaps back with saying that that person must not be a good or compassionate nurse. Many of us are very kind and compassionate to our patients, it's the job. Doesn't mean we have to agree with and coddle every person who posts on the forum.

I've noticed that a lot, as well. It's silly. :banghead: But, on the other hand (and I'm just bringing this up because of the discussion that's been going on) I do see other users on here quick to tell people that they shouldn't be nurses over minor things, as well. One of the very first posts on here told OP to "do us all favor and not become a nurse". It goes both ways.

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I agree - like she doesn't want to be a nurse anymore because she spent her day doing "menial" tasks. Perhaps not what she intended, but that my my impression nonetheless.

I totally see where people are coming from in feeling insulted by the "menial tasks" that OP complained about, I just also thought it would be taken with a "grain of salt" by responders. I guess that I also neglected the fact that this is a public forum about nursing and is filled with people you don't know, so comments that you could make with your family or friends won't be taken the same way by people in the profession.

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Nursing is not a profession for those who want a sheltered life. If your life has been sheltered thus far, expect a few unpleasant adjustments. No one here was "rude" to the OP. Many were blunt, which apparently triggered rage and insults. Not a good sign.

Advising her to complain to or about her instructors because she's not immediately thrilled with her clinical experience? Way to set someone up to torpedo herself. The open-door policy can quickly become an exit door.

There were people on here who were rude before she began throwing attacks back. I know nursing isn't sheltered, but I do feel like sometimes people's remarks or tones can be unnecessary. And I'm not just talking about this particular thread. I've seen this happen many times in the 4 or so months I've been a member. I'm not saying to not criticize her attitude about the ordeal, but there's a difference between criticizing and insulting.

Your last paragraph- I don't think there's anything wrong with her complaining about her first day. Saying that if she complains about her first clinical day she'll torpedo herself is a bit over-dramatic, isn't it? I don't think it's any indication of what she'll be like as a nurse. I don't know how old OP is, but people develop maturity and wisdom as they get older. My mom will be quick to laugh and tell me about how much maturing she did between 20 and 30. If her attitude is problematic or unjust, we can talk about it without being nasty, is all I'm saying.

I guess I can just imagine myself coming home to complain to my husband about my job, as I did when I worked in retail. I'd vent a bit, and he'd talk to me and give me advice. It wasn't a big deal, I thought, and I'd change my attitude the next day because I knew I was being a baby, but it just felt good to vent because I'm human.

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This is your time in the trenches. Bedside nursing is about getting work done. Its not about musing on the pathophysiology, or the right drug regimen. Bedside nurses need to be smart and hard working. Aides and RNs do the medical labor, they physically take care of sick people.

Nursing school is designed to make you minimally qualified for entry level employment. Whatever goals you have in nursing beyond this level are aspirational. You need to learn how to follow orders before you give them.

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