Not Sure If Nursing Is For Me

[D.C.Guy]

Hello everybody,

I really need every helpful feedback on this issue. I'm so confused and troubled.

I've been dreaming and thinking about being an RN for a long time. I even got hired last month as a PCA. Yesterday was the first day I shadowed a PCA, and, it was a nightmare. Before I start working as a PCA, I was thinking that I'm going to learn many clinical skills like: EKG, IVs, Phlebotomy,...etc.. But what I saw yesterday was the most disgusting thing that ever happened to me. Bedbaths, wiping butts, basic care..etc..

I work in a Medical Renal unit, and almost all patients are very old, unable to move or speak, and severly obese and smelly. I was about to throw up many times, and I can't get rid of the smell even after 36 hours.

I don't want to sound selfish here, but guys, being a CNA is a very hard job and not everybody can do it.

I went to medical school in my home country for many years, and I was not disgusted by the dead bodies, by dealing with patients for taking medical histories, recording signs and symptoms, or even in the surgery room, where there was a lot of blood.

I was truly hoping to be a nurse anesthetist. But after what happened yesterday at my job, I'm starting to believe that I can't be a nurse ever. I don't think I mind doing basic personal care once in a while, but I can't imagine doing it for living.

I know many nurses in the outpatient clinics that don't have to do that kind of annoying stuff. Can't I just work in an outpatient facility where I don't have to deal with patients that are staying for a long time?

I now feel so sad that my dream of becoming a nurse is going away.

Please help me.

Thanks

[november17, ASN, RN]

You're probably right!

[ann945n, RN]

CNA work is hard! Very hard and is very hands on and 'dirty' at times. I worked as a CNA for several years before becoming an RN. My current job is in Ob/GYN so none of the type of stuff I was doing as a CNA. While you may not like certain parts of CNA job try to find some positives and keep in mind there are MANY jobs for nurses and Im sure one that you can become passionate about. I know for me suctioning vent patients makes my gag reflex kick in to high gear, so I dont work with vent patient. Nursing isnt for everyone but if its a big dream of yours I say give it a fighting chance and if not, no harm in walking away and finding your true path

good luck!

[D.C.Guy]

You're probably right!

Why would you think so?

I'm not sure if I'm right, and I still think I can be a great nurse without liking being a CNA.

[D.C.Guy]

My current job is in Ob/GYN so none of the type of stuff I was doing as a CNA

I'm glad to know that there are some nursing specialties that don't require a lot of the CNA type of work.

Can you plz tell me more about other nice nursing specialties, and workplaces for nurses?

I appreciate your help.

P.S. I noticed that CNAs tend to think that in order to be a nurse you have to be a CNA and/or like the CNA work. Whereas RNs think you don't need to be/ like being a CNA.

[mf622m]

I agree being a CNA is difficult. It took me some time to get use to cleaning stool and what not, but in time you might get use to it. I find myself talking about bodily fluids with fellow coworkers during dinner like it was nothing. There's more to nursing than cleaning patients up. I hope you figure things out!! Good luck!!

[carlasbizz]

I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I was hired about 8 months ago as a PCA. The work is so hard!!! I took on this job not really knowing what a CNA does. I am currently working towards my BSN in Nursing. I don't have second thoughts about becoming a Nurse. I have a heart for this field. I want to become a avocate for my patience. I love people and have a biggggggggggggggggg heart for Nurisng

[D.C.Guy]

I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I was hired about 8 months ago as a PCA. The work is so hard!!! I took on this job not really knowing what a CNA does

How did you get over your initial phase of disgust with being a PCA?

This was only my first day. I'm seriously thinking about talking to my manager to see if i can transfer into a different department/ job in the hospital, or even quit the job and look for something else.

Will I get used to wiping butts or not? I'm not sure, but i feel that i can't even do it.

Thanks

[november17, ASN, RN]

P.S. I noticed that CNAs tend to think that in order to be a nurse you have to be a CNA and/or like the CNA work.

The best nurses tend to have been CNAs first. Believe that.

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

I don't think one day is enough to know, but I do think if you can't overcome these feelings, nursing may not be the best choice for you. A lot of what nurses do isn't pretty, but it has to be done. It's true there are jobs other than bedside nursing, but none of them are likely to get you the experience you need if you're serious about becoming a nurse anesthetist. I believe most CRNA programs require critical care experience, and in an ICU you may be doing total care on your patients.

There are plenty of other decent, honorable ways to make a living. I would suggest giving your PCA job a reasonable chance to work out, and if it doesn't, consider a different path.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

While there are plenty of areas of nursing where hands on patient care is not done (wiping butts, etc). Many areas do demand these skills. Nursing school you spend a lot of time doing these skills (glorified CNA work really). If you want to be a CRNA you will have to have a lot of ICU experience, most ICU nurses do these skills. Try the job out, if you really are unable to provide the patients needs without being physically ill, or feeling as if it is below you, I suggest another field. Good luck.

[icyounurse, BSN, RN]

I think you should look into another field if you cannot get past this. Although I will point out that nearly everyone has a hard time with stool and body fluid at first, its only been one day, I would give it some time.

But if you cant get past it, I wouldnt consider CRNA since to be a CRNA you must complete generally 2 years of ICU nursing. And you think you see alot of poop and such now, you will be amazed at the body fluids that come out of ICU patients. And its a big part of the job in most hospital settings. Providing for the most most basic care, and doing it so that the patient can retain dignity and comfort, is an important part of nursing and caring in general.

And yes, you can work in doctors offices and other outpatient settings, but most of these jobs pay less and some want hospital experience before they will hire you. Also, no matter where you choose to work, you will wipe many a butt in nursing school. Its really not that big of a deal.