Is floor nursing the best start? How much of nursing is bedpans?

jzkfel · Jul 28, 2008

Wow, what a question! I guess whether or not you change bedpans or sheets depends on where you work. I can guarantee you that you will do that in nursing school. Nursing is about taking care of people more than taking care of diseases. And that often includes bedpans, baths, and other manual jobs. On my floor we have nursing assistants, but we work together. We all change sheets, do bedpans, etc. Often that time you spend with a patient is when you get your assessments done, when you start working with them on mobility, evaluate their pain, etc. I don't look at it as something I "have" to do - it's part of the job.

I think floor nursing is a really good way to learn the profession, but I think you need to make sure you approach all parts of the job with a positive attitude.

HopingtobeNP · Jul 28, 2008

Jzkfel,

Thank you so much. That gives me a whole new perspective. I really like the way you describe this. thanks again!!

brunclex129 · Jul 29, 2008

jzkfel is right. You will certainly do all of these things in nursing school. I work in an ICU, and you have to move and turn patients that are sedated and can't help. You have to use wall suction to clean out the patient's mouth and the drool off of their faces and bed. You have to change soiled dressings as well as soiled bed linens. And don't forget giving the patient a bath and whiping their butt after they have a bowel movement. While there are assistants, it's best that as the RN you are doing the work because you need to see what the issues are with your patient.

MsBruiser · Aug 4, 2008

I'm applying to nursing school, and I wonder: Is nursing on a floor the best way to get experience when you are new?
Also, how much of nursing is changing sheets, emptying bedpans, etc? I hope I don't sound like I am insulting, but I am just curious if nurses still have to do this stuff?
Thanks so much!! ... Christine

"Floor Nursing" is a loaded term. That implies a "regular" medical surgical floor as opposed to the "unit" - which is an ICU. I personally would never (and I'm a new grad) work the floor, ever. So many nurses tell me floor nursing is wonderful and great experience - but none seem to work the floor anymore. For a reason. You are juggling 5-7 patients. It is sheer madness and an awful grind. The ICU is no piece of cake BUT you are limited in my state to a max of two patients. A lot more manageable. And the people we discharge to the "floor" are barely walking, feeding themselves, etc. I can't imagine having 5-7 of those patients. Go to an ICU. Yes, you do a lot more "patient care" - cleaning, bedpans, etc - but that is maybe 20% of your job. My hats go off to floor nurses - they have it very rough.