CNAs and RNs

I am an LPN. Money varies greatly depending on where you live. Here in Arkansas, the going rate for an LPN in a nursing home is $12 hr. I worked dialysis for $12.50. I worked in the largest hospital around on a Cardiac Telemetry step down unit for $13.75 hr. RN's at the hospital make $17.50. All of these jobs are sweat shops---back breaking, no eat, no drink, no pee, cry on the way to work and cry all the way home. I just found a job with a company that is the contractor for the medical services in prisons in 29 states. The pay is excellent. I make now what most RN's make in other places. It is a nice job and for the first time, I'm liking being a nurse.

I'm glad that with the labor market in the shape it is in that I became a nurse. In this market, you can always find a job. However, it is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and for what you have to put up with, you are certainly not compensated fairly. I would never recommend anyone become a nurse.

I should have been a Forest Ranger.At least its steady with a very good retirement,something I will never have.

BooBoo

For those who seem to be miserable with nursing, you should really think about looking for another job. It's probably the most versatile career out there, there are hundreds of different things you can do. If you look around you might find a job you love. I know nurses who change jobs every couple of years just because they like the change of pace.
Just recently one of the nurses I worked with for the last few years decided she couldn't take night shift anymore because she can't sleep in the daytime. She can't deal with families, so day shift in the same unit wasn't an option. First she took a job doing telephone education for diabetics. She didn't really like that so she went to endo. Wasn't thrilled with that so she went to PACU and she loves it. Another worked for Tennessee Donor Services, then came to our ICU for a couple of years because in the course of his work with Tn Donor he found he liked our unit. He then went to work for one of the Neuro groups, who sent him to school for his NP. I think he's still working for the group - don't see him anymore because the group split up and he went with the guys who are practicing at another hospital. Another one who I absolutely love just quit because she had neck surg. and moving pts. is too hard on her. She took a job at another facility in case management. Another is sort of a busybody type so she tends to get embroiled in the politics. Whenever things get too hairy for her she just switches facilities.
It can be done, sometimes it just takes a little effort.

Some folks in this thread are a bit confused.

At least about the medical laboratory...60% of medical technologists will retire within the next 5-7 years...Auto-V is ok, but depending on patient type, most systems still kick back about 15% of results. Lab rats are not paid for their ability to punch a button - I can train a retarded monkey to do that - they are paid for the ability to interpret, and paid for their ability to recognize trends and problems that fall under the radar.

Most lab schools are closing due to lack of interest(I'm talking MT, not MLT). Kids don't want to fight the curriculum for the amount of money they will make.

In our area, RTs are a dime a dozen, except in specialty areas such as dosimetry. RN and LPN jobs are many. Lab and Respiratory have continual openings.

Respiratory therapy is usually a 2 year AD...it could be an alternative....

I am an ICU RN, just like any job it has good days and bad. I would consider CNA a "stepping stone job". I would definitely go with the RN/ADN program if you can, very easy to diversify afterwards. ICU is where I belong, there is a place for everyone in nursing, just gotta find it. Yep, the poop rolls downhill and off the bed onto your nice clean pants and shoes at times. Been puked on, bled on, spat on, pooped and peed on, had urinal thrown at me.....but I'm not the person in the bed, I get to go home with a sense of accomplishment and pride. Nursing Rocks!!!

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Amanda

"Live and let Live!!!"

"Courage is being scared to death--and saddling up anyway" John Wayne

I have been an Lpn Rn Cnp Pac for 20 years, It is, in simple words, YOU Are A MAID.................Years ago you could give advice, now lawsuits on any thing you do or say can come into play, and MOST of the pts win. Or your boss is bringing up little nags about MAKE IT RIGHT, even though the pt is rude, insulting ect, one must never tell the pt the real truth, because it is that pt who will sue you, the doctor and the hospital. Remember hospital and nursing homes run 24 hr days and weekends, so forget your weekend with the family or holidays, rain or shine, your the maid who fluffs pillows, gives back rubs, does full baths, makes beds, passes meds, wipes someones behind, goes without breaks, has a big bladder from not going to the bathroom, because she had to many pts, charts, orders, or doctors to follow ect. Not a glamores job, but hey some ones got to do it. Money is not worth it,nor the time you will miss out on your family growing up. You can bet when you get sick and cant come in, guess who will be left go.....Take care of your family, in return maybe they will be there for you when you need them most. There is allways another nurse to hire to Take your job, but there is only 1 you. Cherish yourself, and your family,they come first. Lived it, been there...................

Okay I am glad this thread popped up. lol. I started college not sure exactly what I would do this time. I already have a Bus Mgt and Psychology degree and I just started going to get out of the house to begin with. Now I see myself wanting a new career. I have cared for my 15 year old for almost 12 years with juvenile diabetes. I found that I was really happy when I was helping other parents when they first found out they were in for the same ride I have already been on for so many years. So I am now going to be starting my RN Clinicals this spring semester. Im a little nervous. I am not too worried about the learning aspect. I have maintained a 3.0 and higher gpa in every college course I have ever taken. Im nervous because I dont know what to expect. Any pointers to make it an easier transition? Was there anything that you had not considered about clinicals that was a suprise or shock to you? Im hoping to get a job when I graduate at the Childrens Hospital in Birmingham. Are there any companion courses that would enrich my resume' that I should take as well?

Thanks all for your opinions.

Hmm, I am a CNA (Certified Novell Administrator) but had no desire to be a RN or LPN.

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Gary in Central Ohio

First,in 6 months you will HATE almost all parents and visitors,or at least the majority,so take off the rose colored glasses now.I love watching the idealistic new grads burn out in a year,its reality with a vengence.

You need NOTHING to enhance your resume beyond RN. They will hire people from the registry that were on a 'do not return' status,because it says RN after their name.

You will have a job,but consider what your coworker might and at some time will be,a total loser.And miracle of miracles,while you are cleaning up their messes,and doing their job (if YOU have a concious about your patients that is) the hospital could care less.It says RN,thats ALL they care about.

Really a screwed up system.Ive talked every relative but one out of nursing,took her a whopping 6 months to burn out in peds.But as we both admit,its a job,at least for now.

Should have been a park Ranger and dealt in stolen picanic baskets,'heeey BooBoo!'

PS,you will also learn quickly why a Union is needed,and not some outdated notion,if per chance you are one of those who feel that way.No union,low pay and treated like absolute dirt,instead of treated as respected dirt with a Union.

BooBoo

I have a cousin who was an RN (now retired), and she spent her last few years in the field as a home bound nurse. She loved it. The pay was great, and she basically set her on schedule. Good luck to you in whatever you choose.

Again, some of you are really encouraging, and some of you....I don't know
I know there are bad experiences in every job, but Id like to think I was going to school for a worthwhile profession, money secondary.

Some of you seem really jaded with it, I wish I would hear more from the people that enjoy it!

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Recognize the beauty in things, in creation, even when thats difficult to do.
Be loving, show compassion. Create while we're here.
Enjoy this life, be in this life but not be of it.

I'm neither hot or cold on the profession...but you do need to consider reality.

Very few....and I mean precious few, hospital nurses retire from the floor. Make it your goal to do whatever it takes to move up the ladder to a desk job. Your feet, ankles, back and neck will thank you for it.

Not to mention your family....

Shygal,just being honest,I would think you would want the truth.Wherever the chips may fall.

Ive been in direct patient care for 30 years now.Its no picnic.Sorry.

BooBoo

Please let me reiterate: If you are miserable in your job, it is your own fault. It's not fair for you to be a downer for others wanting to go into nursing because you've been too lazy to look for a job that suits you.
Some people just need to be unhappy I guess.

Sorry, tried to say it nicely the first time...

Booboo I do want the good with the bad...I would just like to hear a little more from the good side once in a while lol

I know its a backbreaking, tiring, feet killing, burnout job with bosses that can run you ragged and work weekends, nights and holidays.....so is working in the receiving department at Kmart. I did that for 2 years, and trust me...Id rather break my back and be tired and burn out at a job that is actually helping other people, rather than lining Kmarts pockets with gold.

Any job can be that way, Im not afraid of physical work, and I know there are good patients and there are bad patients. I hope I make a difference in someone's life by doing this, even if its one person out of thousands, thats enough.

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Recognize the beauty in things, in creation, even when thats difficult to do.
Be loving, show compassion. Create while we're here.
Enjoy this life, be in this life but not be of it.

Difference is you also have the emotional stress of sick dying people,and the mental stress of having lives in your hands,with no room for error.Add to this prima donna Drs.,unrealistic families,violent patients and families,needle sticks that can kill you,the highest back injury rates of any job listed,exposure to super bugs and the consequences of same,well,thats reality.Better come into it with eyes open.

Paula,that stress is a part of nursing.I live with it.And very few people actually can,thats a big part of why there is a nursing shortage.If thats a bummer for you that it stresses people,dont know what to tell you.If you think Im going to tell everyone its roses,I wont.We need realistic nurses who can deal with it,not idealists who have TV med shows as a reference,which many do.As for your love it or leave it attitude,unfortunately thats what many nurses do.Add to it an 'eat your young' workplace,its not heaven,sorry!

Finally,I have no desire to be miserable,but its a tough job,period.I have a dedication to my profession and my patients,thank you very much.Yes,I do like saving lives,few can do it,Im special,I can.Thats how it is.

But would I do it again,not a snowballs chance in Death Valley.

BooBoo

I've been an ICU nurse for almost 12 yrs., I know more than you can imagine about stress. But if I couldn't take it I wouldn't choose not to be a nurse, I would find a nursing desk job, or work in a drs office, or do home health, or do education or.... the possibilities are endless. I would not be miserable in a job.
Life is too short.

Ive been in ICU as a corpseman,LVN,and RN for 31 years.Yes,I do know about stress.

You can suck it up,and give your years of ICU experience to your pts.,or you can cut and run like a lot of nurses do.I choose to give what I give best,bedside care to the sickest of the sick,and my experience to saving their lives and my experience to the youngsters coming in.

Thats what I feel I owe to the pts. and the nurses.If nobody would work in the hospitals but new grads,I sure as heck wouldnt want to go to that hosp.
(BTW newbies,most management comes out of ICU/ER if you are considering management)

Job still sucks and always will. But at my age,my experience,a new career in todays market would be a very foolish move financially.I make very good money,top dollar,but that wasnt always the case.

Example,Mrs and I work one 12 hr shift,we make what a CNA does in 2 weeks.I work 2 days/week,as does Mrs,and you wouldnt believe what we clear in a month.Thats the upside realisticly(sp).

No nursing job outside of a hospital pays anything close where we live.Im even making more here than we did as travelers.

Yes,I like the pay,freedom and rewards,I dont like a heck of a lot else about it.

BUT,Im not the cut and run type either( No slam intended for nurses who went to different areas,I understand a need to do something different and better,all nurses have value in my book,but too many DO run and hide as a career),I will finish whats left of my career where I started,at the bedside,in ICU,doing the most/best I possibly can for both my benefit and the pts.

Thats my story,FWIW.

I still say,do it again? No way,not with the perfect 20/40, 20/50 hindsight I have now.

BooBoo

I think having stress and up and downs are the norm for any job/profession. I've been in health care for 25 years, started when I was in high school. Jobs for teenagers were extremely rare at that time and I was fortunate (yes, fortunate) to be accepted in to a CNA training program at a nursing home. The facility was relatively close to my house and it paid decent compared to working in a grocery store as a checker. (There was no McDonald's in town back then!!). I worked as a CNA throughout high school and college where I became an RN. When I graduated from nursing school jobs were scarce and I was lucky to get a position in the same nursing home that I was a CNA/Nurse Tech at. I stayed there for five years, working pm shift so I could save $$ on daycare as DH worked the day shift. I didn't care for the hours (I'm a morning person) but it was the best at the time for my family. Once the kids attended school fulltime I left the nursing home and went to home health. I was able to set my own hours and worked very few weekends and holidays with a minimal on-call schedule. After seven years I got tired of driving around on the icy roads and went back to a nursing home. I now work as a clinical manager of a 62 bed unit. I have an office and set my own hours (within reason). Yes, I have to deal with unruly staff, upset residents, unreasonable families, etc. but I also work with wonderful staff, happy residents and content families. I have learned over the years to pick battles that can be dealt with and to only worry about what needs to be worried about. My DS (17) also works at the same facility as I do. He works as an activity aide in an ambulatory dementia unit and just celebrated his first anniversary. He is planning to go to nursing school after he graduates high school and I'm all for it. We need a few more good nurses in this world. Good luck with your career.

The worst negative - you have to work weekends, nights, and holidays.

The best positive - you can work weekends, nights, and holidays.

In other words, you can generally work whatever hours work for your family. Yes, you will have to pay your dues on night shift, but hopefully you won't be on nights forever unless you really want to be. You can work straight weekends and be home all week with your kids if you want. You can find a job that is Mon-Fri, no weekends, no holidays if that's what you want. I work 12 hour shifts 3 days a week, which gives me a lot of days off and still counts as full time.

I think that a lot of the negative issues that have been brought up really depend on the philosophy of the place you're working. For instance, I work in the number 1 children's hospital in the midwest. In our unit (NICU) we work as a team. Nurses are definitely not glorified slaves! We are expected to help plan the baby's care, pick up on all the subtle things that might indicate a baby's condition is changing, titrate drips, calculate fluids, administer oxygen when appropriate (without an order) and instruct a clueless intern in the finer points of pathophysiology. That's on top of feeding, changing, giving meds, starting IVs in tiny veins, etc. On the other hand, I worked in another NICU where that definitely wasn't the case. In that unit, doctors were offended if you made suggestions, didn't trust nursing even to know when to bottle feed a baby without an order, and certainly didn't allow us to calculate anything. I hated that unit and didn't last a year.

Some nursing jobs are physically easier than others. I will never throw my back out lifting one of my patients! It's true that sometimes I barely have time to pee, but we work as a team, so if I don't get out, no one else does either, and those times are few and far between. We watch each other's backs and make sure everyone gets a break.

Having said all that, I will admit that after 22 years, I'm beginning to get tired of it. I think it's partially because I have done everything in nursing I really wanted to do - I went to school because I wanted to work NICU, and I have done everything there is to do except management, which I'm not interested in. I think the rest of it is because I'm just tired of working, period, and would love to have a big check drop out of the sky so I could just stay home. At some point I would like to cut back a day a week so that I'm only working two, but it's not happening now.

I think you do have to be realistic about what you're getting into. If you're a new grad, there is a certain amount of culture shock no matter what you do. I'd recommend asking to hang out in the unit you're applying to for a few hours before you decide to take a job. Talk to the nurses, see how they support each other, listen to what they complain about, find out how much nursing judgement they're allowed to exercise. Just like anything else, nursing can be a great job if you're in the right place for you, and hell on wheels if you're not.

Cindy