kelkel

Hopefully you didn't get into nursing thinking that you wouldn't have to make a bed or change a diaper. LPN or RN, that is part of being a nurse. I too work as a CNA putting myself through nursing school. Yes, you will start out with CNA tasks, but remember, there maybe people in your class who have never done that type of work before so be patient, maybe they can learn from you. You will see that more detailed things come quickly and instructors expect you to be on the ball, so as tedious as these other things may seem, think of it as a break before the ball really starts rolling.

Hi, I am currently paid $20.53 at my full-time home care job and make $22.00/hr working prn at ltc facility in PA.

CNA's know it all because they feel they are with these patients everyday and know what they need. Sometimes, it's just a matter of finding the root of the problem, which means sitting there and letting them talk. However, my first thought would be making sure the agitation isn't due to pain, perhaps, ativan or Lorazepam. If that doesnt' fix it, perhaps it's chronic pain. However, I had a demented patient tell me this weekend over and over how one "caregiver" spit in her mouth and touched her. I kind of let it go, until she continually repeated it. However, again, I am a visiting nurse in a facility, and reported it to the charge nurse, who blew it off as dementia. This is really bothering me though.......what if????

ativan anyone?

unfortunately, there are some people who feel that "god" has nothing to do with nursing. however, my dear, i am sure you are a wonderful nurse and the only opinions that matter are those who you are caring for. white, black, or anyone for that matter, there will always be prejudice. you are a smart educated woman and you can rise above that! move on my friend, there are better circumstances out there for you, where you will be judged by your talent and not your race.

Well, maybe you need to rethink your profession. You can not be an effective nurse without having faith, empathy and sympathy. Maybe you have a good reason.....who knows.

I can relate to limited patience, but however, weren't we all new nurses at one time? Not to mention, I will never forget one of my instructors stating, "The day a nurse thinks she/he knows everything makes she/he dangerous." I am reading so many of these forums and it makes me very upset to see criticism. Everyone needs to sit down and think about why they are in nursing! Nursing is a calling from God, not because it pays well, where in, it really doesn't. I can honestly say, I love my patients and would move heaven and earth to make them feel better. However, I am a hospice nurse, and am not as cold hearted as i have seen other nurses being. Its all about they paycheck for some people I guess. Sorry for rambling, but I get so disgusted sometimes. You will be a great nurses and don't worry about your piers, you will learn from the right person and find your niche.

In no way shape or form is a CMA higher than an LPN. LPN's receive much more intensive education. We are to practically know just as much as an RN in a shorter period of educational time. LPN's ARE nurses, sometimes, especially recruiters tend to forget that.

What type of input are you seeking?

Yes, absolutely. I have just subscribed myself. I received a flyer in the mail, it's LPN 2005 by Lippencott and Williams, I would hit their website to subscribe.

I remember the first thing one of my instructors taught was "nurses eat their young" and how true that is. Maybe hospital nursing in an environment like that is not for you. There are so many others aspects of nursing. Consider homecare or hospice care where you work independently and not in a "shop" environment. You will be o.k. Sometimes you just have to shake it off.

The only true advice you can receive is...you will know. I am a hospice nurse and could not imagine doing anything else. As grim as it may sound, it is very rewarding. Ultimately, we are all going to die and it is a priveledge to be present in someones last step of life. Also, you are making sure they are comfortable taking that step. Hospice nursing isn't just about the patient either, it is about the entire family (friends). Personally, I love children, however, I could not do pediatrics or OB. Your will know what your calling is. I worked as a CNA on a cancer floor, and was thinking that I should just go back into sales and forget this whole "nursing" thing, when a dying patient told me "don't ever stop doing what your doing" and that's all she had to say. God spoke to me that day, and I continue on in hospice. Hospice care is definitely not for everyone, just as any other aspect of nursing, but you will know what is right for you.