Ch, ch, ch, ch... changes. What are your long term goals?

[Guttercat]

(thanks Mr. Bowie for the thread title).

Those of us in the nursing field for twenty or more years have seen many changes to our profession, not in knowledge or scope of practice per se, but in the actual process of delivering care. We have rolled with it and adapted.

Until now. Somehow, this time it is different.

There is a distant whiff of change in the air, an ominous yet unseen brewing storm on the horizon that we can smell, and we instinctually know this is not just another policy revision; not just another economic dip.

There is a growing sense that nursing is being redefined as cheap, blue-collar labor, yes-men, and trained monkeydom. Especially floor nurses on the front lines.

Even my latest issue of "The American Nurse" is greatly devoted to the future of nursing and nurses who have or are furthering their education in the (hinted- at undercurrent) context of Health Care Reform, ACO's and Bundling.

Is education advancement enough? I listened to a flustered and overwhelmed hospitalist vent to me a few days ago, that they'd taken away half of the PA's effectively doubling her workload.

I see MSN's working the floor.

I see BSN's unable to find employment as a floor RN.

I see my own department ripped to pieces and sold to the highest bidder.

So, how many of you are rethinking your career path? If I was an Appliance RN (RN married to a high-earner and only needs a little income to buy the latest Cuisinart or a gym membership) I probably wouldn't bother.

But as it is...I'm about to bother.

[nursel56]

--dang it-- :)

[2bEsqtoRN]

2besqtoRN So your plan is to jump into every thread and offer your august opinion loaded up with your particular distaste for who we are?

If so, you're going to be awfully busy. There is plenty to criticize and we know that. However your disruptive posts reflect a lot of misunderstandings despite your having done "research".

What have I disrupted and who are the "we" you reference in "who we are"? Are not all nurses - those on the front lines and those who are not - part of that "we"? Unless, of course, you are trying to be divisive and suggest there exists a dichotomy of "them v.s. us" or "we v.s everyone but" ?

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I like the bit about racial diversity. Looks like you have never been anywhere in healthcare to make such a statement. FYI, healthcare is one of THE MOST diverse areas you can work in. So, no sympathies for you to gain there. You might just be a bit surprised.

[Wishinonastar, BSN]

Gotta love when those who don't know can sit in judgment. This safe place to vent is not always so safe. Now we are a sample. Only the lonely, miserable cranky nurses come here I guess. Personally I love nursing, but I also hate it. Does that make sense? Oh God, time to retire. I want to be an appliance nurse.

What was this thread about? Oh yeah, now I remember. The profession is going down the tubes. Shhhh. Don't vent, you'll scare the future nurses!

[workingharder]

LOL, hello again.

I've done my research as a pre-nursing student and while I am aware of the pitfalls many are experiencing it will not prevent me (and others) from pursuing the many avenues that exist within the profession. The constant "woe is the profession that I abhor" rhetoric of members on Allnurses is a sample and shall be treated as such. Seldom do I hear the same complaints from advanced practitioners, nurse professors, et al, many of whom are thrilled and love waking up every day to do what they do. While I am tickled by the attempt of others to dissuade the pursuit of entering the profession, it won't stop me from going full speed with my plans, especially as a prospective nurse of color who wishes to obtain an MSN and/or Doctorate in the near future. More racial diversity are needed at these levels.

Those "many avenues" you refer to are being held onto with a vice like grip by seasoned nurses. If you are set on continuing with your nursing education you will find that new grads are not going to get into anything alternate from toiling at the bedside.

Good luck, but reality bites.

[2bEsqtoRN]

Those who are in these positions of high pay and high autonomy do feel differently because they are in a different world. I think we all wish to be in that world, but it is not always practical. Someone has to be on the front lines.

And understandably so, however, not all nurses on the front lines are complaining and for most APNs, they have to get past the trenches before they advanced themselves.

The majority of nurses on this board can continue to talk about how fearful/unhappy/disgruntled they are with their front line profession, however, to treat their experience and observation as the blueprint/rule of thumb of the entire profession is shortsighted. Though seldom expressed here, there are many nurses who are content and love what they do. It's a shame we can't hear from more of these nurses on this forum.

[2bEsqtoRN]

I like the bit about racial diversity. Looks like you have never been anywhere in healthcare to make such a statement. FYI, healthcare is one of THE MOST diverse areas you can work in. So, no sympathies for you to gain there. You might just be a bit surprised.

I never referenced the diversity of healthcare; I referenced the racial diversity of nursing. Please do not misquote me.

As for the figures of all RNs in this country, only 16% comprise of minorities. The RN population for the racial group I identify with comprise of 5.4% of all nurses. This is not an accurate reflection of the patient population.

That number depreciates the further the advanced degree in nursing. There are gaps that need to be addressed and with such, opportunities that will present itself for someone such as myself with intent to pursue the highest level of nursing education.

And FYI, no sympathy was required of you. I never sought such.

[nursel56]

What have I disrupted and who are the "we" you reference in "who we are"?

>Those of us in the nursing field for twenty or more years have seen many changes to our profession, not in knowledge or scope of practice per se, but in the actual process of delivering care. We have rolled with it and adapted.

Are not all nurses - those on the front lines and those who are not - part of that "we"? Unless, of course, you are trying to be divisive

No, I'm trying to formulate my thoughts with reference to guttercat's comments. Nobody is talking to you or about you in this thread.

and suggest there exists a dichotomy of "them v.s. us" or "we v.s everyone but" ?

You seem determined to find the a way to ascribe a negative characteristics and to me personally and that is offensive. You have no idea who we are in total.

However, I should have ignored your post instead of reacting to it so I apologize to the community and will now proceed to remove it.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

2bEsqtoRN...... Please Note

I AM an advanced practitioner / Educator, and I am complaining. So maybe this does not happen as 'seldom' as you think.

Colleagues - how many of us are actually doing something about the decline of nursing?? How many of you have contacted your congressional reps to let them know what you think about the Nurse Staffing bill currently under consideration??? (full disclosure - I am an unrepentant child of the '60's - AKA old hippie) We need to overcome our professional subservience & speak out.

Remember, the public loves us & our profession the most trusted in the US. It's easier than ever to communicate - all the reps have email addresses so you don't even have to buy a stamp. Send letters to your newspaper editor. Respond to media when they are just plain wrong. If we don't help the public understand the danger facing nursing..... who will?

Make sure that we are actually targeting the right 'enemy'. I am no fan of healthcare CEO's in general but they are not the source of the current woes.. Congressional decisions to slash healthcare reimbursement & benefit programs are at the root of it all.

Hey - if anyone is running for office, please let us know. I'll help you raise money.

[Wishinonastar, BSN]

I know of no nurses personally who would not give anything to not have to stay in nursing. Sorry, but I have had lots of jobs over many years- 27 as a nurse and 5 as an aide and I have never met a nurse who was happy in what she did. I am sure they are out there. I have had jobs I liked before, it is possible, but this is one profession that wears on you.

Part timers are happier. Jobs with good hours make for happier employees so those who work steady daylight shifts are more content. Some nurses are paid well. Some have good benefits. There are good things in nursing, but it is the constant stress that wears you down and wears you out. It exists in every area of nursing that I have seen, only in different forms. Pressure, pressure, pressure. Do everything with nothing and smile while you do it. Don't make a mistake or you get fired or sued or go to jail. Change shifts, work overtime, give up your life and your family, and do it gladly. Take call and go to unsafe areas alone in the middle of the night and still come in the next day ready and alert and rarin to go. Lunch break? Don't be silly. There is no one to cover.

We put up with what no one else would. Normal people would form unions and make demands but we just take it. I am going to stop now, don't want to scare you.

[2bEsqtoRN]

2bEsqtoRN...... Please Note

I AM an advanced practitioner / Educator, and I am complaining. So maybe this does not happen as 'seldom' as you think.

Which specialty, if you don't mind me asking? Also, do you hold a PhD? Why the complaining?

[2bEsqtoRN]

I know of no nurses personally who would not give anything to not have to stay in nursing. Sorry, but I have had lots of jobs over many years- 27 as a nurse and 5 as an aide and I have never met a nurse who was happy in what she did. I am sure they are out there. I have had jobs I liked before, it is possible, but this is one profession that wears on you.

Part timers are happier. Jobs with good hours make for happier employees so those who work steady daylight shifts are more content. Some nurses are paid well. Some have good benefits. There are good things in nursing, but it is the constant stress that wears you down and wears you out. It exists in every area of nursing that I have seen, only in different forms. Pressure, pressure, pressure. Do everything with nothing and smile while you do it. Don't make a mistake or you get fired or sued or go to jail. Change shifts, work overtime, give up your life and your family, and do it gladly. Take call and go to unsafe areas alone in the middle of the night and still come in the next day ready and alert and rarin to go. Lunch break? Don't be silly. There is no one to cover.

We put up with what no one else would. Normal people would form unions and make demands but we just take it. I am going to stop now, don't want to scare you.

I'm sorry to hear what you have/are going through and I do hope something works out for you. But 17 more years of dealing with this type of work environment? I hope the pay is worth it, really. Is there any possibility to return to school and open up more opportunities for you (hopefully less stressful) ?