i'll probably get flamed to the moon and back for this but..

Nurses General Nursing

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does anyone else get tired of hearing (from other SNAs/hopefuls/vets) what we nurses are "suppose" to be like ?

i read through thread after thread of how if you're not "compassionate to the core" and "really into nursing" and all this other stuff, you won't do well in the program or as a nurse in general.

is it really that big of a deal that some use the profession as a fallback option, or as a way to get by while trying to pursue something they'd really wanna be doing, without having to work something that provides just above minimum wage to make ends meet ?

i often hear people being scolded because their "heart" isn't in nursing, and for taking a seat away from others who "really" want to be there. Are any of us less deserving because we went through the same prereqs as everyone else but were competitive enough to actually secure a seat ? Is this something i should apologize for ? Should we be barred from applying simply because we have different prospects for the horizon ? Say med school ? or a field outside of healthcare altogether ?

Is it wrong to consider this profession a job ? one in which i will do my best to do well as i would with any other endeavor ? I go in with an attitude to make sure all of my duties are done, everyone is accounted for, and everything is the way it should be from the time i arrive until the time i clock out. Does it make me a bad nurse that i don't cry with a patient when they're going through a hard time ? Please dont take this as an implication as me directing negative or rude comments towards the patient. I'm attentive, and consoling, but i'd rather not have my emotions tie me up in knots to the point where i start to make clinical errors, which in the end is truly the most important thing to me.

Don't mind me, just my Tuesday morning rant for the day. I'm curious to see who else feels like this. I know im the minority but i can't be the only one

Specializes in Telemetry.
https://m.ncsbn.org/4319.htm This page allows one to find their state's nurse practice act. Not a bad idea to download your state's NPA to your smartphone or other digital device, fellow nurses and nursing students. ☆ :)
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
https://m.ncsbn.org/4319.htm This page allows one to find their state's nurse practice act. Not a bad idea to download your state's NPA to your smartphone or other digital device fellow nurses and nursing students. ☆ :)[/quote']

And to check it every year or when it updates-my state recently expanded each nurse practice act-or as needed if any questions arise-look it up!

Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I honestly have never enjoyed nursing. That doesn't mean I am not good at what I do. I was wait listed for dental hygiene and didn't want to wait a year. I thought what can I do with these science classes? The rest is history as they say. I do not encourage my children to enter this field. In fact, I encourage anything in healthcare except nursing. Nurses are the people standing at the bottom of the hill and we all know what rolls down hill don't we? I have 4 semesters left in my DNP program before I will be trying something new. I may not like being an FNP either but in my area I will make considerably more than I ever did as a floor nurse while not liking it. Still doesn't mean that I won't be a good FNP. At the end of the day we all make choices that are best for our families. Nursing does have many options to better accommodate us when we burn out. Worst case scenario I go back to being a stay at home Mom with one hell of an education in case I ever do have to work and that is not so bad.

Specializes in diabetic wound care/podiatry.
Here's a great example of the problem with healthcare: On my unit people are asked to come up with WOW moments with patients and they are posted on a white board to share with staff. The other day the night nurse asked a patient what would really make him happy, he asked for one of those disgusting pancake egg sanwhiches from mickey ds which we have at our hospital. The nurse bought him 2 of the sandwiches so she would be extra special and of course he enjoyed both. The day nurse who is telling me this story explains that this pt is a IDDM and while the night nurse got mention for the deed she was left with the chore/ task of managing his BS which was 459 in addition to some patient education.

THIS!!!! I am part of the "non compassionate" group. I will take a "crusty old bat" that knows their stuff over the nurse that spends 25-30 mins appeasing the consumer, ouch, I mean patient, and facilitating their care and keeping them alive on my/our watch. Had this experience this week. Pt had several complex dx along with an elective sx. Standing orders for elective sx could have adversely hurt said pt. Elective doc which was admitting, overrode consulting that treats pt long term. BUT I was not the nurse on the case but pulled into room by consulting because I knew the pt from frequent fly visits and consulting knew this. You can only do what ya do. Share your knowledge, bring it to the attention of those in charge, and keep your fingers crossed!

Nursing is diverse and complex, and that is why I LOVE IT! Every day you leave and they all breathe is a GREAT DAY!

Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

Mom To 4---your "worst case scenario" became my reality. And, it was good. When I had to return to the field of nursing, I had more to take to the table, which really did help. I wasn't physically able (blown disc) to stay at the bedside, but I have been able to do some fun and challenging stuff with both my PhD and FNP....and, am expecting more! I salute you for staying with it, even though it hasn't been something you like. May FNP-hood be just your cup of tea!

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