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.
