to do bank nursing to see if i like it

[AuntiePickleBottom]

i want to go to uni to do my nursing degree, but i am not sure if i can do the nursing. I think this is down to self confidence rather than the job.

the only thing that is putting me off is the thought of changing and washing patients, who imo desrve to be treated with dignity and i am not sure if i could change without gagging. that why i want to do bank nursing to see if i can do the job iygwim

i have worked in the nhs for 8 years now as a cleaner, so i know what ward life can be and how busy it can get

You have to be a nurse to do bank nursing shifts.

Clue's in the name.

not really, NA are also on the bank nursing and from what i found out from a sister of the ward they do training

You could work as a care assistant in a nursing home and still get the same sort of experience.

Bank nursing simply means agency work.

It is a good idea to be a health care assistant before applying for your nursing training.

but you could join the NHS bank as a nursing assistant surely (sorry I forget the correct name for the support staff BYKWIM)

I think its a good idea but I really wouldn't worry too much.

I remember being really worried about changing other peoples toddlers nappies* when I was pregnant and had bad morning sickness but when the time comes you just get on with it! (only retched into a nappy once!)

*sorry couldn't be bothered to work out the apostrophes before any smartarse comments

i don't even mind volunteering it's not about the pay, it about getting the experience.

Yes, I think that you should do it - and do it in a hospital. As a bank NA you will be doing a lot of the tasks that you fear you may not be able to stomach so, yes, it will help you to decide. Good luck and go for it!

do something along those lines - nursing assistant, work in a care home etc

a mate of mine was accepted onto a nursing degree without having any of that kind of experience

it transpired during his first placement that bodily fluids are not for him, and he quit. that's several months time and wages he won't get back.

Good idea working as an NA first. I wish more of the students coming through our ward had some of that sort of experience, they take to it so much easier and quicker. Plus as you say, they already know that they can do the job and stick it out.

3 years is a long time to train if you are not sure you are up to it.

Its a really good idea, especially as on bank you're not based in one area so you'll be able to gain experience of more types of nursing. You might also be able to fit the odd shift round your existing job.

I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to carry out personal care when I started out too, but for me now its one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Its probably a bit old fashioned but I love looking over my group of clean, comfy patients in nice fresh beds when the washes are finished. I'll bet the satisfaction you'll feel at a good job, well done will overcome any feelings of squemishness you might have.
I think the fact that you care about patients' dignity sets you up to be a good nurse and I wish you all the luck as you get started. Let us know how you get on :)

I worked in care homes and as a bank HCA before starting my Nursing Degree. I never found cleaning body fluids to be the most pleasant of tasks, however just got on with it.I agree with the above comment that its so satisfying to see someone nice and comfortable in clean clothes and bedding.

I decided early on in my nursing training that General Nursing was not for me, it had nothing to do with body fluids but more about not having any time to sit and talk to patients.

I am a nurse, but MH nurse.