Nursing career question

[debbieN]

Hello, new to this forum and new to nursing.

I am 23 years old and very interested in starting a career in nursing. I have lots of questions but I'll keep my first post short by just asking one.

I don't mind dealing with blood and don't get grossed out by injuries, my only thing, and this might seem silly but I don't think I'll feel comfortable having to bath or wash patients. Especially male patients. I am not even sure if this is something that occurs often or something that I can avoid. But it is a pet peeve of mine, well is my career doomed before it even starts? ;(

Thanks
Debbie

[Kdog]

Well, most of the time CNA's bathe the pt. BUT, nurses still do it, just think of it as helping someone become clean. Don't make a big deal out of male/female.. Bathing is a very small portion of nursing.

[debbieN]

Sorry for my ignorance but whats the difference between a CNA and a nurse. I also heard of LPN (i think)? Is it possible to go from school straight into nursing?

[Kdog]

1. CNA is a certifed nurses aid- give baths, take vital signs and assist the RN
2.LPN or LVN is a license practical nurse which is a 1 year program, can take vitals, give meds, but can't push iv meds, and assist the RN
3. Yes, you can go straight into RN nursing program either a 2 year Associates program at a community college or 4 year Bachelors at a University. Schooling depends on your high school grades and money available for education.
You can always go for a 4 year degree after you get a 2 year RN Associates degree.
What kind of Nursing are you interested in? ER, ICU, Med Surg, etc.

[debbieN]

What kind of Nursing are you interested in? ER, ICU, Med Surg?


Not really sure. Whats the difference between them?

Right now Im close to getting an associates degree now in business administration, but I think helping people is my calling. I'm wondering what kind of move can I make as far as using my credits towards a RN. My husband is very supportive and is willing to pay for whatever school I need.

Deb

[cali510]

You need to start by researching the nursing programs available in your area. Start by going to their websites and going to the nursing department link. They will list the requirements to apply. Then you can list your questions that you haven't answered by reading on the website and make an appointment to see a nursing school advisor or you can call and speak to an advisor on the phone. Take any prerequisite courses you are missing at this point and do anything else you need to do and apply to the programs. Advise you to apply to all the programs as they are competitive and you want to increase your chances of getting admitted. That about covers it. And welcome to the site!

[calves8512]

Great question DebbieN!!! I myself am looking into a nursing career and have a few questions too. And I too agree with Debbie, I personally wouldn't like to wash patients, especially males. Any advice on how to avoid this? How to get started in the nursing field? I was also thinking about human services, and also teaching...so any help would be appreciated!

[Cymro]

Without being in any way offensive... if you're thinking about pursuing a career in nursing but don't want to get involved with washing patients, it may be best to have a good long think about why you're considering nursing as a career.
The so called 'basic' nursing tasks are where we get to know our patient, to understand their needs and fears. We also get to do a sneaky pressure area care assessment while we bathe bed bound patients...
Seriously, it's great to hear of people wishing to enter the profession but you have to understand that for every complex medication that you prepare or every trauma call you attend - you're going to wipe a few bums...