Questions about nursing?

I am in my thirties and am looking to change my career path to nursing. I have taken the CNA class and recently started a Cna job. Unfortunately the experience was not that great. I was orientated for two days and then given 7 to 9 residents to care for the next couple of days on my own. I didn't feel comfortable with that, and the other girls were surprised that I wasn't orienating longer. So my question is whether or not I can handle nursing. I can do the CNA work no problem, I was having a problem with not having any direction. any advice?
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Nursing is a very professional field. Part of your schooling is hands on training and when you get a job they will orient you well. If you have no self directional skills now, you will when your done school. You will be clear on what your duties are.

been a nurse for 7 years, love it. Nothing like CNA work. But if you love people and feel the calling, please do so. Its very rewarding.

Nursing can be the best or worst thing you can choose to do. Being a CNA sucks (my opinion only). I have worked in both CNA and RN capacities (and EMS) and now am applying to medical school. If you think you can do it and feel the calling to do it, go for it as hard as you can. If not don't feel bad not everyone has what it takes to be a nurse, I don't that is why I am pursing an MD. You have to do some soul searching to find out what you want to do.

I know what you mean. I am taking my CNA and I find doing my clinical at the nursing home is not easy. I dont feel discourage cos I know in order for me to be a RN, I hv to be trained the basics of patient care.

Just dont get stuck with a CNA job. Go for LVN, then an RN course. The job is gratifying cos you will be making a difference in somebody's life. It takes alot of perserverance, determination and hard work to get you there.

Take your experience with pride and move on. Don't let this discourage you.

I became a CNA to get experience before starting my nursing classes. I was 38 years old at the time. CNA work is hard work. You cannot do all the wonderful things a person -- usually an elderly person -- would enjoy, at a casual pace. My orientation was two weeks covering every different shift. Still tough to catch on to the routines.

I worked as a CNA for four months until nursing classes started. I got my AS RN degree, worked for two years at a nursing home and a rehab hospital. Then I got my BA RN with a PHN, and worked in home care.

LVN - LPN - RN nursing work is demanding work too. You still cannot do all you would like to for the patient/resident.

Ah, that is health care today. I worked as an RN for five years, then by circumstances with family, and general burnout, I quit nursing and health care work totally.

RN = Responsibility, hard work (and many worries).
CNA = Hard work, responsibility (and half as many worries).