At 43, I'm a nursing student. Why am I doing this? It's because I have volunteered at a nursing home for two years, not including all the years as a child I visited a nursing home across the street from my house. It's because I love talking to people, love hearing their stories. Young, old, black, white or other, I love talking to them all.
And I stick out like a stone in my nursing class. I think they are all in it for the money. For the most part, the people in my class do not seem interested in talking to the patients when we are at clinicals. A few are condescending, and some are borderline rude; but most do not seem interested in the patients as people.
This worries me for several reasons. One: if I become involved with the patients as people, talk to them about their lives, etc., will I be comfortable doing intimate things for them, like giving bedbaths and/or enemas? Will they feel uncomfortable having someone they connect with, doing these things?
Does anyone reading this understand where I'm coming from? I shudder to think of some of my fellow nursing students being my nurse one day.
It could also be that she didn't realize what the work really entailed. We had a few drop out of our program by the end of the second semester because they didnt really (really) understand what it was all about -just as the vast majority of the public has no idea what we REALLY do -the nasty parts, I'm talking about. Makes me think of that guy on TV that has the show "dirty jobs" -yes, some of his jobs are pretty dirty, but they could totally do a show on some of what WE do -not just the dirty, but the thankless and miserable parts. Its what we do, and a part of who we are. Not just anyone CAN or would be willing to do it.
Once had a family member insist on staying while I did wound care on this guy who had a crater in his sacral region big enough to drive a small vehicle through (and it smelled bad and looked worse) -as a general rule, I insist they leave the room (for privacy matters as well as others) but this woman (mother to a 35yr old male) had been a pain to every nurse on the floor -and the charge nurse had let it be known that if the woman insisted, she was to be allowed to stay -so I told her that if she were going to be in there with me, she was going to help by holding the patient so I could do the job more effectively.
Thought she was gonna lose her lunch halfway through the wound care. She always left the room whenever I came to do his wound care after that.
Some of what we do as nurses is far less than glamorous. I do believe that those who work under our licenses, need guidance as to the processes that are taking place. No patient should be made to feel guilty or taxing just because of what is normal, even if medications (diuretics) are involved. Personally, if it were me, I'd have let the CNA get out the door and appologized for the rough treatment, and explained that the CNA would be talked to. Very early on I decided that every one of my patients would be treated as if it were me in that bed. How would this CNA have felt if it were her mom or grandmother in that bed under those circumstances? How would she have felt if it were her urinating all over herself and not able to control it? I think the younger nurses, and those that are in the medical field need to have guidance in this area, and taught tolerance and understanding by those of us that have been around it a bit more and have more life experience. I try and put myself in that bed with my patient, try to understand what they are going through. It's tough to do when you have a million things going on, and an unending amount of work to accomplish, but sometimes taking a few extra seconds to explain, "we're really busy and have far too much to get done, so we're going to do this quickly, but we applogize if it seems like we're rushing." Most patients will appreciate the fact that you even spoke to them, and especially that you explained what's going on. And remember guys, it only takes 2 seconds to make a patient feel special, valued and appreciated. A simple gesture of placing your hand on theirs after changing, and letting the patient know you'll be back in to check on them soon, and if they need anything in the mean time to use their call bell, goes a long long way.
Half of what we do is customer service. It may not seem like it, but it is, they are a customer, they come to us needing a service which we provide. Without them, and their "urination" problems, we would be out of a job. It is our job as licenses to correct problems when we see them. This CNA should have gotten a talking to about it. If nothing else, she should have been asked why she became a CNA. Most of us don't go into this line of work for the money, although it pays decent, it doesn't compensate us for what we do, it compensates us for the licenses we hold. Sometimes a few minutes to be made to reflect on why it was that you started yourself into this field, is enough rejuvenation to mark an inner conversation of "that nurse is right, I was a bit rough with that patient, I should appologize to him/her and remember why i'm here..."
Wayne.
I hope you are very young and that you spend many many years being what you appear to be. Nursing needs you desperately and needs you to influence as many others as you can through your presence.
If you truly believe what your words say then I pray the Gods give you the patience and tolerance to deal with many of those that you will work with that have quite a different idea of what nursing actually means.
I'm afraid I got too old and tired to continue to take it on any longer.
To all: there is much to be learned from this one, pay attention.
It could also be that she didn't realize what the work really entailed. ........................
Thought she was gonna lose her lunch halfway through the wound care. She always left the room whenever I came to do his wound care after that.
It is so funny you mention the wound care incident. I really think that (wound care) was the breaking point for my fellow student. She is finishing the program this spring with the rest of us. I do feel she is young and really did not understand the role of a nurse. She has 3 friends in the class that are already CNAs, so I think she was along for the ride not knowing what to expect.
well, if money were no issue, I certainly wouldn't be doing this for a hobby! I can experience 'personal growth' many other ways and would gladly get out of the hospital setting.
I can certainly understand that. I have no intention of working in a hospital setting. I will either work home care (I truly love it) or my companies occupational health nurse (as a paid hobby.)
I can truly understand quitting after clinicals. I just finished my second clinical day. I thought the classroom setting was boring and the constant testing taxing, and do prefer clinincals, but I don't think anyone appreciates bowel movements, vomit and wounds.
I had to hold the pail for a vomiting patient today, and assist with her 3rd stage pressure ulcer drainage system change. Lucky for me she didn't poop, or I might have had enough!
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
I can certainly understand that. I have no intention of working in a hospital setting. I will either work home care (I truly love it) or my companies occupational health nurse (as a paid hobby.)
Please share your home care experience. I have a pediatric case that I deal with on Saturdays. She is 4 years old and has a trach. Very active young lady! I am thinking of doing home care on a permanent basis, but am weighing my options, since I am a new nurse with not enough experience. I like home care better because I can put a great deal of time and effort into the client and also, I hate dealing with hospital politics...chasing narcotic keys and all of the BS that hospitals have to offer. At the moment, it is fine, simply because I have no real background, but I'd leave at the first given opportunity if I see a better outlook.
Please share your home care experience. I have a pediatric case that I deal with on Saturdays. She is 4 years old and has a trach. Very active young lady! I am thinking of doing home care on a permanent basis, but am weighing my options, since I am a new nurse with not enough experience. I like home care better because I can put a great deal of time and effort into the client and also, I hate dealing with hospital politics...chasing narcotic keys and all of the BS that hospitals have to offer. At the moment, it is fine, simply because I have no real background, but I'd leave at the first given opportunity if I see a better outlook.
I worked in home care as a CNA when I was in H.S & all through Beauty school & a bit after ( about 5-6 yrs.) I regularly had peds pt's :spinal bifida; MS; quadriplegic, & adult COPDers; alzheimer's & stroke victims. I am also a new nurse, LPN. (graduated 06) I haven't the nursing experience besides my 6 weeks of clinical rotation which I absolutely loved. My MSN neighbor owns the home health care agency that I used to work for , told me not to worry about not having the hosp. experience. She reassured me that I can call the office anytime ( no matter how trivial) if I'm unsure about anything. I also really like the idea of setting my own hours, working on my own and all that you stated above. For those that I know who have tried home-health care, I have not heard anything negative ever. Home-care is the best kept secret in my opinion!
When doing home care, what keeps you busy all day?
What is a typical day like?
Charting, driving and paper work keeps you busy. A typical day is kind of like this.....Arrive at office, get assignments, call pt's to confirm they will be home and tell them when you plan to arrive. Look over charts see what needs to be done..go to the home, do pt. & home assessment, vitals, give meds/treatments, call into pharmacy, clinic appointments , & answer questions / small talk, etc . Go to your next assignment. Drop off labs at hospital. Return to the office, fill out end of day paperwork. It is really a laid back environment, at your own pace . It's great if you like taking your time without being rushed. One thing that is not for everyone is that you deal with their pets too. (meaning greeting them at a gait, taking time to let kitty jump on your lap, giving puppy a treat). I love animals so this is a plus for me. You usually also have time to run through the motor bank, run quick errands between clients since you set your own working hours. You can schedule yourself to be as busy as you please generally.
I hope you are very young and that you spend many many years being what you appear to be. Nursing needs you desperately and needs you to influence as many others as you can through your presence.
If you truly believe what your words say then I pray the Gods give you the patience and tolerance to deal with many of those that you will work with that have quite a different idea of what nursing actually means.
I'm afraid I got too old and tired to continue to take it on any longer.
To all: there is much to be learned from this one, pay attention.
Well thank you rambisisking... compliment very well taken... I'm no spring chicken, but yet I do still have a few good years left in me... I'm 33 actually will be 34 next month. I just tend to believe there's more to this job than that.
Gromit
821 Posts
It could also be that she didn't realize what the work really entailed. We had a few drop out of our program by the end of the second semester because they didnt really (really) understand what it was all about -just as the vast majority of the public has no idea what we REALLY do -the nasty parts, I'm talking about. Makes me think of that guy on TV that has the show "dirty jobs" -yes, some of his jobs are pretty dirty, but they could totally do a show on some of what WE do -not just the dirty, but the thankless and miserable parts. Its what we do, and a part of who we are. Not just anyone CAN or would be willing to do it.
Once had a family member insist on staying while I did wound care on this guy who had a crater in his sacral region big enough to drive a small vehicle through (and it smelled bad and looked worse) -as a general rule, I insist they leave the room (for privacy matters as well as others) but this woman (mother to a 35yr old male) had been a pain to every nurse on the floor -and the charge nurse had let it be known that if the woman insisted, she was to be allowed to stay -so I told her that if she were going to be in there with me, she was going to help by holding the patient so I could do the job more effectively.
Thought she was gonna lose her lunch halfway through the wound care. She always left the room whenever I came to do his wound care after that.