niki_lynn

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think I'm just getting a little too far ahead of myself. I'll definitely check out that book, Dave. Thanks again :)

I'm currently in the middle of clinicals for my CNA class, and I'm starting to reconsider my career plans on becoming a nurse. One reason for this is that the only place we can do clinicals is at this terrible nursing home in town, and the bad conditions and complicated residents of that place makes me want to quit patient care all together. I know not every facility is that bad and I won't always be working with dementia patients, but patient care just doesn't feel right for me. My nursing instructor is always giving me credit for my good work and believes I would make an excellent nurse. I just don't see myself going any further. I've always loved the medical field and I want to stay in it; I just don't know what I should do. I'm only 17 so I have plenty of time to decide, but I want to know exactly what I want to do with my life as soon as possible so I don't waste any time. I've considered several different options: physician assisting, radiologic tech, medical technology, etc. The salary of a PA is very enticing, but again, not too fond of direct patient care. It's also a little more schooling than I want to do. Radiologic technology is a 2 year program at the college near me, plus I can get full financial aid through the hospital. I'm very computer savvy so it seemed like a good option. I know this sounds bad, but I don't care for the salary. Most teachers make more than that starting out. Medical technology sparked my interest the most. I love the nature of the work they do, but many people say it's gets boring and there's not much room for advancement. Cytotechnology was particularly interesting, but nowhere near here offers the training. Any advice you guys could give me would be great. I'm very indecisive and doubt my ability to do certain things, so that just makes it even harder! Also, have any of you had trouble deciding what career was right for you? I feel like everyone else in my nursing class knows what they want to do except for me :/ Thanks!

I'm a 17 year old senior in high school and I'm on my second year at the vo-tech center for health occupations (CNA class). I've been doing extremely well in the class, I passed it with a 100 the first year and i currently have a 100 now! All the medical knowledge and skills are second nature to me. We start clinicals in 2 weeks and I'm super nervous! The nursing home we will be doing our training at has the reputation for being the worst in the area. Former students have even said that the staff there just doesn't seem to care about their patients. Just a side note, I have a ton of respect for the elderly. My grandmother raised me and I never met either of my grandfathers, so I would treat the resident as if they were my own grandmother/grandfather. If I see ANYONE in that nursing home abuse any of the residents in the slightest way, I'm not going to just sit there and let it go on. I'll surely report it to MY NURSING INSTRUCTOR (not anyone working there) and I will see to it that it gets taken care of. My best friend's great grandfather is a resident there and he has been stolen from on several occasions. I will be sure to keep an eye on him as well. I was wondering if anybody has had a similar experience or had anything strange/funny/sad happen at clinicals? I'd love to hear your stories! Also, if any of you are currently in a different field after being a CNA, what did you decide to go into? I'm considering either physician assisting or medical technology. Perhaps my experiences at clinicals will help me decide whether I want to be a clinician or work in a lab. Thanks!!! :)