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.
The total care aspect of giving care is at the basis of being a nurse. You will always have to be willing to jump in there and clean a patient, feed them, bathe them, suction them, etc. You may have CNAs to delegate to, but if you don't help out you will find yourself in the targeted group of nurses that the CNAs won't go the extra mile for.
I personally was a CNA/PCT for 2 years during NS, and I felt that my job helped me retain the concepts of nursing school and learn how to care for patients. It really helps when I try to explain to patients what is going on, what we'll be doing through the night, etc....I can be professional, and know that I have an idea of what we're talking about.
It takes time to desensitize yourself to it, but the risk of becoming a rad tech is that you may find that you would rather stay in the rad field...not a bad thing. We all have places where we click...good luck on finding yours.
There is a very nice Physical Therapist Assistant program at my community college and I'm applying for it next week. I have done all the prerequisites. Also, I'm applying for the dental hygienist program at the same college. I like both of them, but I'm not sure which program is going to accept me.
Does anyone know what the hourly rate for the PTA and the dental hygienist are?
locolorenzo22, BSN, RN
2,396 Posts
Personally,
The total care aspect of giving care is at the basis of being a nurse. You will always have to be willing to jump in there and clean a patient, feed them, bathe them, suction them, etc. You may have CNAs to delegate to, but if you don't help out you will find yourself in the targeted group of nurses that the CNAs won't go the extra mile for.
I personally was a CNA/PCT for 2 years during NS, and I felt that my job helped me retain the concepts of nursing school and learn how to care for patients. It really helps when I try to explain to patients what is going on, what we'll be doing through the night, etc....I can be professional, and know that I have an idea of what we're talking about.
It takes time to desensitize yourself to it, but the risk of becoming a rad tech is that you may find that you would rather stay in the rad field...not a bad thing. We all have places where we click...good luck on finding yours.