please clarify

Momof,

I have no idea if this is true or not...but good luck getting into the nursing program of your choice!

Originally posted by momof38160

just curious, I'm waiting to get into nursing school. In the meantime, the school suggested to take a cna course and work after certification. I don't mind doing this, but someone mentioned that I would sometimes have to get dead bodies ready for the morgue. Is this accurate information?

When I was a CNA I helped the nurses with a woman who passed. These "dead bodies" are ppl and deserve the best treatment and respect we can give them.

It's called post-mortem care, and the nurses as well as the aides may be responsible for it, so you may be doing it in either capacity.

Sorry with the way I put it. Yes I know its post mortem I just didn't know if what I heard was accurate. It seems that since I started school this past monday I have met some other students who were happy to give me some negative insite to nursing. I have moved my seat a few times because this is what I truly want to do and I don't want to hear any negativity.

Also, I'm trying to get into 3 different schools. I don't really have a choice just looking for the shortest waiting list!

I wouldnt move again. The negative you hear will move with you. Anyone in healthcare has some negative feelings, some vent them and some arent as open with their issues. You have to keep your eye on what you want to do and let it go in one ear and out the other so to speak. Everyone has different experiences and just because some are negative, doesnt mean yours will be as negative. Maybe you are someone who can find the positive in the negative. Keep an open mind, there are NO jobs/careers that dont have some type of negative side to them.

Thanks for your input. You are so right. I guess I am anxious to get on with my career and I feel that things are starting to fall into place. So when I hear the negativity, at that moment I just want to leave it. I know that there will be things in nursing that might be unpleasant, but I also think that is in any career. I'm just so excited about entering the field!

Originally posted by cannoli

It's called post-mortem care, and the nurses as well as the aides may be responsible for it, so you may be doing it in either capacity.

Correct.

You'll do it but it won't bother you.

All of the dead folks I've met have been very well-mannered and polite; it's the living that get on your last nerve!

:roll

Thanks for making me laugh! That actually made me feel better!! The scary thing for me is the unknown. I've never done this before so I don't know what to expect! And I still don't know what the person meant when she said "get them ready for the morgue". Is it cleaning them up? Just curious.

Usually post mortem care is not done alone. Usually another CNA or nurse will assist you. The nurse will usually remove IV's, catheters etc. The deceased is then cleaned up and a clean gown is usually put on them. Sometimes the family will be coming in to see the person so you want them to not be further traumatized by leaving the deceased in a disheveled state. It often is a good thing to participate in to help you, the caregiver say goodbye too.

Thanks for clearing it up for me!! I'm going to sign up for that class hopefully in the summer. The college said that is a good way to expose yourself to nursing.

It is a very good way to expose yourself AND you will learn a lot of things and hear a lot of terms that you will again hear in nursing..gives you a leg up so to speak!! :) Good Luck Erin