need input related to summer job..help?

[pedsbee]

Was debating whether to put this on AN as this could potentially identify me but I could really use your input here. I am in the compressed nursing program entering the final year next year, so I figured its really important for me to get a summer job that could add to my resume and gain the RN job next yr. After interviewing and deciding, I got a job at a outdoor summer camp located within a well known peds hospital. The job itself is a combination of providing basic care (feeding, lifting, toileting etc) and facilitating the child in activities. When I signed on, I was told I will be in a support role where I will assist other counselors/PSW with the care (mainly two person transfer/feeding/toileting etc).

So orientation started last week, I found out that I will only be doing the toileting (no feeding or any other duties). I was under the impression that I could do g-tube feeding etc as well which isn't just toileting. They even gave me this crazy toileting schedule (9-5) where I will just be toileting kids. I don't mind doing dirty work but I can't imagine just working in the washroom all day. I had given up 2 other jobs that I had a genuine interest in and somewhat related to nursing in order to take this job. I mean, there are certain aspect that I liked about this job, I like being a support person which allows me to work on my time management skills. But again, I can imagine just toileting kids all day from 9-5 for the entire summer :banghead: I want to talk to my supervisors about getting other duties but I am not sure if it is gonna go anywhere since there are a lot of stuff nursing students can and can't do in the summer (even being able to do tube flushes will make me happy).

P.S to my surprise, I thought the other PSW/counselors I will be supporting will have experience in basic care. turned out half of them did not have certifications in PSW and have only worked as a camp counselor elsewhere, I got a sense that some of them are not willing to do the dirty work or know how to use the hoyer lift etc, which will makes my job even more interesting:unsure:

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Well, without RN supervision you would not be doing any nursing tasks. Also, remember due to the fear of lawsuits (in many of what used to be summer jobs or sort of internships for nursing students where one could expect real hands on involvement in nursing duties under the supervision of RNs), while some of these situations still exist, real learning situations for students are fewer and far between. Nursing fails without this kind of thing which was really common in the past.

I'd be none too pleased with your situation myself. I totally understand why you may be contemplating a quick exit. I do think that they may have duped you well-knowing you would feel pressure to stick with the job even so, thinking this might get you noticed for a job when you graduate. I just think employers are crap these days and advantage-taking is rampant. I actually hear snickering going on behind your back. Rotten thing for them to do.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I think they should rotate the schedule so everyone shares the onerous tasks. I would not stay since you are not getting out if it what you expected. I would also explain why to the hiring person

[pedsbee]

Thanks for your input. They do have a RPN on board and she, technically, could delegate tasks according to our province. I don't know if she is comfortable in delegating tasks tho. I figure, if the work does get too crazy, she might have to. Many of my peers in the programs did landed some sort of internship/externship where they will actually be able to do vitals, assessments under a nurse, which makes me even more anxious. Job market is pretty tight as we all know and I need a job next year. However, its so late in the summer that if i quit, i won't be able to find any jobs at all.

[chrisrn24]

There is really no reason you need a "nursing" type of job. Maybe it will help in the long run but I think if I was an employer I would want to see someone with a job where they did more than one skill. Example, I worked in a restaurant during nursing school where I served customers, dealt with irate customers, multitasked, etc. That multitasking experience has helped greatly in my nursing career!

If you want to do it, do it! But if you're hesitant there are other summer jobs where you can practice your people skills.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

You are right Chrisrn24. So right that something outside of nursing might be VERY SMART. After all, only about half of RNs ever work as RNs. So many unemployed. It's best really, to find something that you can keep doing after you graduate to give you some income while you hunt for an RN job. Something that you can fall back to even if you do have a chance at working as an RN but find you must quit a horrible situation.

Having just RN on your resume is bad news in a down economy. Nobody wants an RN or gives that any weight on a resume except for nursing employers. If you only do CNA work now, as soon as you get your license, in many areas, you will be forced to leave the CNA job. Remember a hospital/LTC whatever has limited NG positions available (if any), So best to have other options.

[Altra, BSN, RN]

After all, only about half of RNs ever work as RNs.

Source for this statistic? RNs over what time period?