on the right path?

U.S.A. Ohio

Published

Hi there,

I am so glad to have found this site. I left the business world about a year ago, and am on a waiting list for the 2 year assoc. degree RN program at LCCC. I took a job as a unit secretary at a hospital, on a med/surg floor. I have been really unsure of going into nursing or radiography. I have been accepted into a radiography program at Tri-C, but my fear is that it won't end up being "enough" for me... I would want a bigger role in helping people. On the other hand, I have no problem with poop, or blood,...but I don't want to insert a catheter. I know how it feels and I wouldn't want to have to do that to someone and hurt them. sound stupid?

I figured becoming a STNA would be the best way to decide if nursing is the best choice. Has anyone been one--and know of any programs in the cleveland area? I know they are usually only a few weeks long-I would want to get into a program that is well recommended if possible.

thanks!

Specializes in Critical Care.

Hi Kim,

Welcome. I was a NA for 2 years. A lot of us were NA's before we became nurses. If you do decide to try NA work you will get a feel for nursing, I'd recommend that route for anyone.

Noney

Is the catheter thing the only thing holding you back from nursing?

No, the catheter is just one of those things that I really really would not want to do. I've had to have several already in my life and it's one of those things I hate more every time it gets done. Knowing how I feel about it, I would feel terrible having to do it to someone else.

Specializes in MS Home Health.

I guess I am thinking that the person who put in your catheter hurt you? I have had one three times and the nurses never hurt me. I am guessing you were tensed up or something. I guess my thoughts are that as a nurse you will do alot of things that hurt people. Not intentionally but you will. If you persue nursing the trick is to come to terms with that in your mind as in how can I understand that this will help the client in the long run. You work with the client to make it less painful by teaching them about not tensing muscles, pre medicating, positioning and things like that. I have done plenty of painful things to people but I always talk to them first if they are conscious.

At first it felt bad doing that but once I grew as a professional I was able to come to terms with that. Not to say I don't feel bad sometimes by doing painful things. I always felt bad assisting the docs with chest tubes or bone marrow biopsy procedures. Always held the clients hands in addition to assisting the docs.

Does any of our thoughts help you?

renerian

your replies are definitely helpful... and you're right, I will have to come to terms with doing things to people that they don't like.

Another "fear" I have is nursing school. I have 2 kids, and the last year I've been taking classes and studying at night when everyone is sleeping. Last two semesters I got a 4.0, and the classes were anatomy & physiology, med terminology, earth science etc... I have heard horror stories from people that say nursing school was so hard for them, and they think with me having kids at home--it won't be possible for me to concentrate and study as much as I need to. Was is this bad for everyone?? I am hoping my track record so far will continue.

Specializes in MS Home Health.

I went to school with small children and worked full time. When I went back for my BS/MS I did it with 5 kids and working full time so it can be done. Now you may not end up with a 4.0 LOL.

renerian

I wouldn't fear nursing school too much if you got a 4.0 in A&P, med term, etc. A&P is tough.

I'm going to school & working & I have a husband & daughter...it's tough, but doable. (I've got a 4.0 too...but only been in school for 2 quarters)

Kim, I am 46 years old, graduated from RN school in June, have a husband and raising a grandchild while also working part time. My daughter graduated last week from the same program, she worked full time, is married with two children ages 3 & 1. You can do it!!!!!!!!!! All it takes is determination and strength, and it sounds like you already have those two qualifications nailed. Good luck.

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