New Nurses!

Nurses General Nursing

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I thought I would start a discussion with some of the veteran nurses, and even new nurse graduates.

I have noticed with the recession, and nursing being marketed as the "in demand career field", there have been an influx of individuals entering college attempting to go into nursing. I would never discourage anyone from nursing. But realistically, nursing is a lot more than financial gains. When individuals ask the question of "why did you become a nurse" or "is the money great in nursing"? I really don't know the response to these questions, and it's frustrating to acknowledge the "basis" behind entering the field. Although, I do know why I became a nurse. I feel more individuals are attempting to get validation of income possibilities, rather than having a passion for nursing.

The media definitely should paint a more accurate picture for the field. Also, the media should also encourage individuals to follow their passion, rather than aiming solely for financial gain. This is what has been the downfall of the nursing profession. Individuals enter the field without the passion for the career.

Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

Well, I'm not new to the hospital.

BUT...I thought I wanted to be an executive running around in my fancy suits schmoozing with big wigs.

I've grown disenchanted with the corporate, so I'm back where I belong.

The hospital is what I know and all that I want to know.

As I told my dean in my interview, 'I'd rather that my life's work be about more that contributing to my networth or some company's bottom line'.

That's not sap. That's me being honest.

I did CNA work...to gain experience. To see if I'd be a good fit and at the direction of my aunts who agreed that 'I shouldn't be a nurse if I couldn't make it as a cna'.

Luckily, I liked it. I loved my residents. Hated that nursing home, but the pts helped. A LOT! I love clinicals. The b/tchy nurses don't even bother me. My chipper little self just buzzes around the floor doing my accu-checks and vitals.

I've never worked on the nursing side of the hospital, though. I just hope this spirit lasts. I've been burned out. I never want to revisit. Either way - I feel like, no matter where you work in the medical field, your work has value. Frm management to the custodians and cooks. We're all contributing to something worthwhile, here --> Patient Care.

Of course, money is a no-brainer. I have a lifestyle to maintain...*laugh* I MUST earn a certain amt of money a year.

Money is a first. Job satisfaction is a close second.

I MUST earn a certain amt a year. I also MUST have the potential to earn more.

But...I gotta be happy doing what I do, as well.

Y'know? Hell, if I just wanted the money, I would've stayed in xray/ct...in my chair...doing the occasional stick...playing with my keyboard and giving directions through the mic in the 'bat cave' to the tune of $29/hr.

They don't do crap, really...and mammo? Thye don't do a thing but squish boobs and hang film all day.

No offense to my fellow radiology people out there...but, let's be honest.

You have to have a passion for what you do. Be it law, medicine, social work, dance, economics, actuarial sci, etc...or I can't see the point in doing it. I wanted to find something that caters to my natural strengths that I also don't mind doing...then, I'll have no issue doing exceptionally well at it.

I didn't want to go back to radiology, because it's boring.

I didn't want to be a doctor because I'm not interested in spending a decade in school. Besides, I could always be an NP or Certified Nurse Specialist...and that would suit me just fine.

I wanted to be a nurse because their hands are in everything. Full-on patient care. They save lives. They stand for the pts.

I love it.

I know of plenty who chase paychecks. Sure, they're progressing nicely up that ladder. Some like it, but they're never happy to do what they do, though.

I've found this to be a pretty challenging and technical profession. I've been thinking...maybe, I could try for the ER or something..

I'm not yet a nurse. ALMOST. I graduate in april, though.

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so i'm not saying nurses without the passion of being a nurse are inferior. but you can easily see, whether it's at the hospital or on this message board, which nurses really love what they're doing and which ones dont. so which one would you want taking care of YOU? (assuming they're both equally clinically competent)
Hmmmm, let's see...if both are clinically competent, I really wouldn't give hoot
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so i'm not saying nurses without the passion of being a nurse are inferior. but you can easily see, whether it's at the hospital or on this message board, which nurses really love what they're doing and which ones dont. so which one would you want taking care of YOU? (assuming they're both equally clinically competent)
Hmmmm, let's see...if both are clinically competent, I really wouldn't give a hoot!
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passion is what separates good nurses from great nurses.

i disagree with this.

i don't require a nurse to act like a cheerleader, to be convinced s/he is the better nurse.

enthusiasm for your job, is a plus...but it shouldn't be quantified for comparative purposes.

whether you like your job or not, there are many of us who still have a superior work ethic...

that no matter where we worked, we would aspire to do our absolute best.

i've always wanted to be a nurse...

and, i've always wanted to make a decent wage.

why there is shame in that, i will never know.

leslie

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.

i've always wanted to be a nurse...

and, i've always wanted to make a decent wage.

why there is shame in that, i will never know.

leslie

There isn't. Not a bit.

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I agree w/ many posters that a passion for the actual job is not neccessary. Everyone views jobs differently: some see it is a calling, others see it as a means to an end, some have the luxary to pursue their dreams, others have to risk everything to where they can't take that leap of faith --- all are understandable. Neither view is neccessarily right, it is just what is right for each person. Whatever your motivation, as long as you have a good work ethic and provide good care, you are good to go.

Maybe those with passion and great skills will advance nursing as one person said in great ways, but every nurse does not have to be chaging the systems to be making a difference. Not everyone can or should be a leader.

I know a lot of people don't like the hoards of individuals coming into nursing but ultimately it is for the better - more competition = better nurses in the field. And those who didn't do thorough research and come to realize that there aren't many jobs out there right now and feel screwed - well, you should have done your research. I knew well beforehand that it was going to be tough, and I took the risk knowing full well, too. Of course, maybe the younger folks don't think about those things, and I blame that on bad parenting.

Just my opinion.

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my *passion* is to live freely and selfsufficient from the land, but that doesnt' pay the bills for years down the road

That is also something I dream of doing. I'm hoping that if I live responsibly frugally as a nurse I can save some start-up money for a sustainable intentional community. That being said, aside from the financial possibilities/stability...the real reason I went to nursing school was to become a nurse midwife, and help women have the ability to choose their birth experiences. Since starting nursing school, I've wavered on what I want to do in the nursing field. Even though med/surg isn't my passion, I am passionate about helping people. I will be dedicated to providing the best care I can to the people in my care no matter what my job is while I continue my education.

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Specializes in Intermediate care.

i don't know about any of you, but i did it for the money and benefits. i want to make decent living, i want to provide for my family. I want to be able to pick my hours and how often im going to work. Take for example my fiance. His career is a monday-friday job, no questions asked. My job...i can pick part time, full time, PRN, clinic hours, nights, days, 12 hour, 8 hour. Basically whatever i want.

That is why i chose nursing. Name another career that has that.....there is none and if there is, it doesn't pay as well as nursing.

So yes, i do it for the money, benefits and the fact i can make a decent living with this career. Im just being honest and i know there are others who feel the same. Some of you have the passion and fuzziness and want to make a difference and that is GREAT for you! i applaud you, but it isn't me. I actually despise my job.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.
I find it very interesting that people do not question the compassion and/or motives of doctors when they enter into their profession, but they are oh-so-quick to pass judgement on nurses' reasons for entering nursing.

Look me straight in the eye and tell me that the income potential didn't play any part in someone deciding to go into medical school. Yet we don't tar and feather those doctors like we tend to do to our fellow nurses.

Doctors don't spend as much time at the bedside as we do. It has also long been a male dominated profession.

We all know how nurses were seen historically. It was female dominated, we wore dresses and hats. So the public doesn't view us the same as docs and we aren't.

That said, I get annoyed with the motivation, backstory question as well. Umm..I like science, I think starting IVs and dropping NG tubes are cool skills.

If I had a dollar for every person that said what a special person I am or calling me some sort of angel for being a nurse, I could quit and work PRN. Money is a top motivator as I haven't found a job in nursing I would do free of charge yet.

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I love my job...am I naive? I'm not new to the work force, work hx -RN grad May 2012; MedSurg RN for past 7 months; retired '06 USMC 20yrs active duty; psych-caseworker '06-'07. Would appreciate advice for a successful RN career.

I'm still confused at work asking so many questions :( Can't find a good mentor at work. Wish I could get immediate honest feedback instead of weeks (sometimes months) after an incident when details are fuzzy. I believe in finding solutions not pointing fingers. I have made mistakes which is why I have a hard time accepting praise for good work. More focused on patient care now that I've pulled knives. Not sure why some become nurses. Experienced people more invested in covering their a** than in preventing mistakes. Just hope to survive long enough to get a clue. Love being an RN; hate starting over in a new career.

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