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.
Nursing is not a glamorous job and your right not everyone can do it. If your having second thoughts about it maybe its time to find another major. Its ok to realise this and it shouldn't necessarily be a sad thing. There are millions of other things that may be of interest to you.
What are the things that made you want to go into nursing? The real world of nursing is a lot different then most of us imagine before we enter school. You may be able to find jobs like in the OR where you wont do this kind of work as much, but I work on a medical/surgical floor and do CNA type of work you described daily even though I am the nurse. Trust me, cleaning up poop is not the highlight of my day, but I wouldnt say it "disgusts me". I try to remember it could be my family member in that bed. You do get used to after awhile, but it was never that big of a deal to me.
The only problem is that to get to some of the jobs where you dont deal with poop are the ones where you need experience on the floor. However, with the nursing shortage this may not be the case for you...you may be able to find a job straight out of school where you want. Then you will just have to make it through nursing school where you will have to do physical care for patients.
My vote is that you keep the job and keep going with school.
Seriously, none of us look forward to the displeasurable parts but we all have to do it. CNA's/techs have it tough. I was one for only 3 months during nursing school and wow...I learned so much during that time. CNA's/techs have it WAY hard.
As a nurse I am just as likely to wipe a butt as I am to start an IV...its part of the job. Do I get the same thrill from cleaning someone as I do from seeing the flash in the IV cath? Not exactly. But I do know that its a great time for skin assessment.
Get some Halls cough drops to suck on when you have to deal with odors, and understand that it gets easier over time.
Thank you all for your feedback. It's greatly appreciated.
Today I spoke to my Patient Care Director about my concers that I may not be able to do the job duties, and that I would like her to help me get a different position in the hospital. She offered me a deal. She asked me to give my PCA job more time, like a month, to see if I like it. If not, she will help me get a different job at the hospital. I accepted the deal, and thanked her for that.
Bella_bambina
4 Posts
Nursing is not a glamorous job and your right not everyone can do it. If your having second thoughts about it maybe its time to find another major. Its ok to realise this and it shouldn't necessarily be a sad thing. There are millions of other things that may be of interest to you.