Career paths for EN's???

Thanks RC.

The emphasis on aged care work is mainly imposed by the students due to the fact that this is all they know. The lecturers reassure us there is plenty of other work out there. It is just goot to hear from those working within healthcare as div 2's, just what their roles are.

I know you are certainly right about the image of the aged care sector needing much attention. This is the problem with some of these current students. They work within the field but so much of what they discuss is negative.

Thanks again.

I actually tend to igore the negativity now RC. I know there are so many options out there and I just figure that I cant change their views. You are right, they are older and have held their jobs (pca's) for quite a long time. I think they are just caught in that rut you know. They are lovely women mind you. I am not saying otherwise...just have a bit of a jaded view.

Aged care would be very rewarding. As you say, the smile from a resident and knowing you have made them happy. My mum worked in admin at a nursing home for over 10 years and as I was growing up I used to voulunteer alot of my time and go and chat to patients, and feed them and help with the activities in their Day centre. It was really rewarding and I had quite a few that really appreciated the company. I remember one lady I saw just wanted me to sit with her. I would take her for walks around the nursing home in her wheelchair and brush her hair. I was all of 13 I think. I loved it.

But at the same time I guess I wasnt caught up in the red tape of being a staff member either.

Having said all of that, I still don't particularly want to move into that direction as a career....as I want to experience different things.

My first clinical placement is in August and it is a 2 week aged care placement. I am sure I will really enjoy it but I really look forward to other experiences as well.

I do wonder whether these placements will shed some light on things for the negative nancy's in my course hehe.

Hi there everybody,

Finally stopped thinking, and did some action. Actually put my name on a waiting list to be accepted to do Endorsed Enrolled Nursing course at TAFE. bit scared/excited if I get accepted.

Thanks Darren for your support and wishes. A couple of RN at my work are over the moon that I have finally decided to do it, especially our Nursing Home Supervisor. The only thing that is a little concern to me, is that my maths is not that crash hot.

Thanks RC

RC Way to go!!!!!!!!!!

Good on you for taking that step. I wish you all the best. How wonderful you have all that support too. Makes it alot easier.

I hear you on the maths. I am not sure how I will cope with the medication module if I choose to do it cos maths is my weak point. You will have to keep me updated on how you are finding it.

All the best with it.

Hi Keeshy

I have been reading with interest your posting along with RC. Just want you to know there is so much more out there other than Aged care, if you want to go for it. I started of in aged care but found you can easily lose what you learn so I wanted more. Went on to do an Acute care module which led me into Hospital work. Now after working number of years in a variety of wards I now co-ordinate a Specialist clinic which doenst have a lot of hands on nursing but all the same it is very challenging. Remenber keep looking til you find something you like, there is much to choose from.

Congrats to you RC you won't regret challenging yourself and I too am not very good at maths at all but I succeeded in the Medication module you wil get all the help you need with the suport you have. Good luck I will look forward to hearing about your career steps.

Angie

Hi Angie :-)

Thanks for your reply and your support. Its great to hear that you have found your niche. Thats wonderful. Gives me a great deal of inspiration to get out there and do something I really want to do.

Thanks so much for that.