CrystalUTK

Hang in there, Yes, your sister was right, CNAs do clean up stool and stuff, but that is not all! I am currently going to nursing school as well...I am a junior working on my BSN...I also working in a hospital as a nursing student (but am referred to as an aid). There are times that you will be humiliated, but you have to remember, you are there for the patients and not yourself. About a month ago I ran into a situation that you might want to think about...A pt asked me a question, and the nurse replied back to the pt with the response "SHE doesnt know things like that, she is JUST THE BLOOD PRESSURE AND BEDPAN GIRL!" That flew all over me, but I went on with my job. Having prestige, you will never have...In my opinion that is. You just have to remember, whether you have an associates, diploma, bsn, etc...You are should be there for the pts and not for this so called prestige. The patients need someone who will listen and who will help them willingly. I will admit, cleaning incont. pts all day can get a little overwhelming and nasty at times, but it is worth it when you see the smile on the pts face...Especially when you let them no that it is ok and they are not a burden. Besides cleaning stool, where I work, I also: do EKGs, draw blood, give baths, backrubs...Basically anything I can do for the pts that is within the limits. I know I have rambled on, so one last word before I go...If you think that cleaning stool is degrading, then you might want to think again about being a nurse...Just because you are a nurse does not mean you run around giving meds all day and that you dont clean up stool or emesis. I dont mean to be harsh about that, but I know too many present nurses that think like that and that is not right! THE PATIENTS need you and that is why you should do this not because it is a job or you think it will bring in the money! If you dont want to clean up stool, then you better think about another career...Because as a nurse, you will do that to!!!!!!!

HI, I am currently a BSN student and I am having to do some research for a paper for one of my classes. I am to talk to nurses that are currently working in the field that I would like to pursue and get info such as: type of training that must be completed in order to practice in this role and the type of setting that this role requires. I have read several posts on here that disagree with Nsg students getting info, but if you could help me, it would be greatly appreciated. The role that I have chosen is Geriatrics. Currently I work in Med Surg as a nurses aid. Thank you for your time.