"Just" a CNA?!

gotaquestion · Feb 6, 2014

i agree too. I am an RN in other planet lols but since I have migrated to another planet and became an alien, i have to start again. it is sad but then it hurts me more when people around me say " why JUST CNA? why not take NCLEX and be CA-RN? I always tell myself that it is not always the title that maters but the pride you take to the profession you have chosen.

Sam J. · Feb 6, 2014

It is not just the doctors or nurses but the CNAs and LPNs as well?

Interesting slip of the tongue about LPNs, considering the topic.

PharmGuy · Feb 7, 2014

I hope I don't sound *too* delusional if I say I *never* think of myself as "just a CNA" - even if other people think that of me. I'm proud of the role I play in trying to make what is often a really crappy period in a patient's life just a little bit better. Actual hands-on nursing may not be the most glamorous of professions but every day I'm reminded of its importance. An army can't function with all Generals and no Infantry (or a ship with all Captains and no sailors, for that matter).

HappyWife77, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2014

We are all special in our own right, :yes: each role really does matter! And let me tell you, I cherish a good CNA, they really make the difference in how my shift will go.

As far as an LPN working cardiac step down, that was my first job out of school, I then moved on to ICU after one year, that was in the early 90's...times have changed. I am currently back in school working towards my BSN. The depth of knowledge is definately deeper than what I knew as an LPN, but we all are needed as a team.

I appreciate housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, dietary, lab, etc...

Nurse2Banesthetist · Feb 7, 2014

Theirs always going to be lower and higher positions and somebody has to fill them. Nobody should be judged upon because people should just worry about what they can control.

runsalot · Feb 7, 2014

I am a nursing student who is currently a cna/tech and when I am at work I will say I am just the tech because we all wear scrubs patients will think I am the nurse and start asking me question that I should not answer. I know my role and I am proud of it. But I don't want patients confuse me with the nurse.

NewSN13 · Feb 7, 2014

I appreciate housekeeping, maintenance, laundry, dietary, lab, etc...

I was "just a tech" in the ER while I was in nursing school (you know, like 2 months ago!!). I always thought it was interesting when fellow techs got upset when they were treated like "just a tech," but had no problem looking down other staff members. A good environmental services person could definitely make my day easier. I never took those guys/girls for granted!!

tofu-tofu · Feb 7, 2014

I totally agree that CNAs are such an important part our team. I have learned a LOT from CNAs, and I really think that CNAs who become nurses will have a huge advantage because of their experience!

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Feb 8, 2014

I confess being a total rookie - I graduated with my BSN in December 2013. Already I am kinda annoyed, miffed, and confused over this rampant obsession over what role people are in the healthcare team.
The one that kills me the most is hearing "I am just a CNA". Well let me tell you something Just a CNA - I have learned a lot from you! CNAs have taught me how to be better, faster, and more efficient in basic aspects of care my schooling totally neglected to teach me. I have nothing but respect for CNAs and the help (and lets be real here, butt saving) you guys have given to me during school and during my first few terrifying weeks as a nurse!
Then you have the weird aggression over LPN vs ADN vs BSN etc. I just thought (clearly, naively) that we were all on the same team. Everyone is bringing something different to the table and isn't that supposed to be a good thing?
I am not one frequently attributed with being a starry-eyed idealist - but in the last few weeks this issue has really gotten under my skin as I have seen way too much time, energy, and effort wasted on debating over crap like "an ADN shouldn't be allowed to serve in leadership" or a "BSN shouldn't get more money than an ADN" or an "LPN has no right to work cardiac step down" - all of these comments I have heard in the last week alone. WHO CARES!? Go take care of your patient and stop bickering over this crap during shift! Appreciate your coworkers! Cooperate with each other! Sheesh!
Ok. End rant.

As an LPN, I can only hope that you, and more like you will endevour to become managers!! This is what the profession needs!! Best of luck!

lpimentel · May 8, 2015

I sometimes dislike it when people look down on me for being a CNA, but I remember that (where I work) most CNA's are the spine of the hospital. I have read some blogs on here from some RN's where they degrade CNA's. I know we all have our responsibilities, and some states and facilities have different rules and things that are done. I read a comment that just made my heart break a little from a user saying that CNAs are the bottom of the totem pole and hardly know anything. She also mentioned that CNAs cannot do assessments; some facilities do let CNAs do their own assessments (I have mine, because I work in Med/Surg, and I also had them when I worked in the Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center of the hospital, before I was moved up), along with the one the RN provides. Some people NEED TO USE THEIR COMMON SENSE and remember that all states and facilities have different rules, before they go around saying rude things such as 'CNA's are the bottom of the totem pole'. Everyone has a job and that is to take care of the patient or the resident, and to treat each that person and their co-workers equally and with respect, or they're just going to have a miserable time at that point in their life. Life is too short to be bitter. Oh and Happy Nurses' Week everybody! In Idaho, CNAs, and NAs are recognized also.

KJoRN81, RN · May 8, 2015

I sometimes dislike it when people look down on me for being a CNA, but I remember that (where I work) most CNA's are the spine of the hospital. I have read some blogs on here from some RN's where they degrade CNA's. I know we all have our responsibilities, and some states and facilities have different rules and things that are done. I read a comment that just made my heart break a little from a user saying that CNAs are the bottom of the totem pole and hardly know anything. She also mentioned that CNAs cannot do assessments; some facilities do let CNAs do their own assessments (I have mine, because I work in Med/Surg, and I also had them when I worked in the Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center of the hospital, before I was moved up), along with the one the RN provides. Some people NEED TO USE THEIR COMMON SENSE and remember that all states and facilities have different rules, before they go around saying rude things such as 'CNA's are the bottom of the totem pole'. Everyone has a job and that is to take care of the patient or the resident, and to treat each that person and their co-workers equally and with respect, or they're just going to have a miserable time at that point in their life. Life is too short to be bitter. Oh and Happy Nurses' Week everybody! In Idaho, CNAs, and NAs are recognized also.

CNAs can do assessments? Where I live, LPNs can't even do those, just RNs.

It never gets easier. You just get stronger.

lpimentel · May 8, 2015

KJDa81, ADN

CNAs can do assessments? Where I live, LPNs can't even do those, just RNs.

It never gets easier. You just get stronger.

Well it all depends on what program the facility uses, and the restrictions that are on your account every time you log into chart.

And thank you, for the motivation!