Published Sep 7, 2010
tobeanRN
3 Posts
I have been a CNA for almost 3 long years and aside from the very icky stuff, I can truthfully say that I love it. I have become very attached and caring to the regular penitents that I have. I'm now 23 and within the past 3 years i have observed what the LVNS above me do and i believe I am capable of doing the same.
However, what scares me is having the responsibility of having to report insidents and giving orders to those under me. I know I can do the job, but having to give orders to people just makes me uncomfortable as I have never have to done that before and I am VERY SHY and not an ALPHA person AT ALL.
That said, I do not want to be a CNA forever. My father has said he'd help me, so should I go for it and later maybe take the LVN to RN program?
ADVICE?
agldragonRN
1,547 Posts
i have been a cna for almost 3 long years and aside from the very icky stuff, i can truthfully say that i love it. i have become very attached and caring to the regular penitents that i have. i'm now 23 and within the past 3 years i have observed what the lvns above me do and i believe i am capable of doing the same.however, what scares me is having the responsibility of having to report insidents and giving orders to those under me. i know i can do the job, but having to give orders to people just makes me uncomfortable as i have never have to done that before and i am very shy and not an alpha person at all.that said, i do not want to be a cna forever. my father has said he'd help me, so should i go for it and later maybe take the lvn to rn program?advice?
however, what scares me is having the responsibility of having to report insidents and giving orders to those under me. i know i can do the job, but having to give orders to people just makes me uncomfortable as i have never have to done that before and i am very shy and not an alpha person at all.
that said, i do not want to be a cna forever. my father has said he'd help me, so should i go for it and later maybe take the lvn to rn program?
advice?
try rn first if that is your ultimate goal. use lpn only as a back up. i am an lpn now waiting to take the boards for the rn. i never had to be "in charge" of anybody in my previous jobs either and i am the youngest employee on my floor now. but i learned to manage the subordinates on my floor a.k.a cnas. they all "tested" me in the beginning but eventually they learned who is in charge. there are still a couple of bad apples but we have those every where. you just have to be firm and set a good example like you watching tv and telling your cna not to watch tv while working or you taking like an hour break (yeah like i have the time! but lazy nurses seem to have the time) and telling the cna she cannot take an hour break.
oh don't forget about the bullies, such as the nurses before and after your shift. you have to learn how to handle them as well. well, good luck to you.
angel
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
There's room for all types of personalities in nursing. If every nurse had a classic type-A personality, then this would be such a boring field where everyone was alike. Even though you are very shy, be aware that clear communication is imperative in this field.
Personally, I have an introverted personality and I do not enjoy small talk, socializing, or passing the breeze just for the hell of it. My coworkers sometimes describe me as 'quiet' and 'snotty.' I do not intend to come across as snotty, but I simply cannot bring myself to engage in too much small talk. I gravitate toward night shift because there are too many people around on days.